Behind the Scenes

The Making of People Loving People

Watch the People Loving People film I forget that People Loving People was a project dancing around in my mind before I even started working at Manto, but it initially started as a photography project back in 2021. I loved the idea of just capturing queer couple portraits around Leeds and seeing what that representation…

Watch the People Loving People film

I forget that People Loving People was a project dancing around in my mind before I even started working at Manto, but it initially started as a photography project back in 2021. I loved the idea of just capturing queer couple portraits around Leeds and seeing what that representation looked like at the time. I was beginning to realise how much stories represent us and how people can feel invisible when they are not seen in stories. Capturing folk in their most comfortable environment with their loved one, through a queer lens, would normalise the love as the same as any other love story.

Background Research

When the opportunity came up to make a test project with Manto, I felt this idea would translate perfectly into film. Queerness is still hugely underrepresented in film and I remember finding a stat when I started the research that just 2% of films have explicit queer representation (Observer, 2020). I was adamant I didn’t want the focus to be on LGBTQ+ discrimination, or the trauma some folk in the community go through. I felt some of the films released in the 2010’s such as Boy Erased, Moonlight and The Miseducation of Cameron Post (all great films BTW!) focused on the hardships of the community, rather than the beauty of being queer. Yes, it is vitally important to nod to that when relevant, but I wanted my film to focus on normalising the connection and love between queer couples.

The Concept

My main aim throughout this project was to focus on small intimate moments between a couple, nodding to the mainstream hetero/cis typical ‘fairytale’ romance trope to illustrate this. Especially those ‘honeymoon’ feelings everyone can experience at the early stages of a relationship, whether you’re gay or not, felt important to capture. I discovered a web-series that inspired the look and feel of what I was trying to illustrate called Love Language – a beautiful alphabetical anthology series of queer short films. At this point, I had my friends, Andy and Henry, who were happy to be vulnerable on camera and share their unique love story. (Side note – Andy has now transitioned and now goes by Eden which is the name I’ll be using for the rest of this blog!)

So I came up with this logline to always come back to throughout the project:

People Loving People is a short meditation on the small, tender moments of falling in love, through a queer lens. Andy and Henry star in this episode, a couple who fell in love in Leeds. They openly discuss their love in hopes to normalise queer relationships.

Now that I had my concept, a reference and my starring cast (!), I started to brainstorm how these intimate moments would look; close-ups of the couple, soft and warm lighting, handheld/naturalist shots with lots of ambient sounds and conversational dialogue, all felt like key elements. I also knew I wanted to experiment with mixed media, pulling in some 35mm stills, collage-like stop motion and doodle-esque animation inspired by a graphic novel turned TV Series Heartstopper. All these elements were visual storytelling cues to initiate the different emotions felt by the couple.

The Filming Process

Natural-sounding dialogue from the couple was important. So rather than the traditional interview style with a huge set-up (that can sometimes feel intimidating), I decided to start with a casual interview. We were in a space that felt safe to Eden and Henry, with only a microphone and we just had a conversation. I think Eden and Henry felt the conversation was quite cathartic for their relationship, openly reminiscing on their queerness and how their relationship came to be, which was a joy to witness.

This interview was then the foundation for the visuals. I created a list of shot ideas, props and a kit list. I was going to be filming solo so wanted to make sure I had everything (and accounted for everything after the filming!) The shoot was over 2 days, with the first day shooting inside Eden’s living room. Then the second day was just over an evening, filming along Leeds Dock, near where Eden and Henry first met.

Post Production and Editing

As post-production got underway, I wasn’t quite sure how to stitch all my planned elements together. I also wanted to include a short stop motion sequence for a certain scene picked out in the dialogue. The scene could’ve felt quite serious, but I wanted the animation style to feel playful, as Eden emphasised the situation felt quite blasé to her. I was inspired by the characters in the children’s show Charlie and Lola which focuses on colour and texture. Matt’s wife kindly drew the illustrations of the characters (with different expressions!) while I worked on creating the set out of tissue paper and coloured card. Interspersing the edit with footage from the shoot, stills, sourcing images of Eden and Henry from when they were younger, and the animation elements, brought this mixed-media piece together that I felt proud of.

Since The Film’s Release

Eden and Henry loved the film when I screened it to them. It was wonderful to create something for them at an important milestone in their relationship. It was then screened last summer during Pride Month at a local film screening ‘North by North East’ which was great to see it on the big screen in front of an audience. It was such a pleasure creating this project from start to finish and shining a light on the beautiful parts of queerness and what a healthy, supportive queer relationship looks like. I’ve considered making it into a series with other couples in Leeds who want to share their love story; so if you’re queer and in love, let me know!

If you’d like to see more of Team Manto’s test projects, visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel, Manto Collective.

Featured

Predicting Video Trends in 2024

As the founder of Manto, I’ve come to understand that in the fast-paced realm of video production, staying ahead of the game is absolutely essential. I’ve put together a few thoughts on the major factors which are going to impact our industry in 2024, trends that are shaping the landscape of video production. A Place…

As the founder of Manto, I’ve come to understand that in the fast-paced realm of video production, staying ahead of the game is absolutely essential. I’ve put together a few thoughts on the major factors which are going to impact our industry in 2024, trends that are shaping the landscape of video production.

A Place for Short-Form and Long-Form Content

In an era where attention spans are shrinking, short-form content has emerged as a dominant force. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels have had a huge impact on how audiences consume videos. At Manto, we’re experts in crafting concise and impactful videos that capture attention in a matter of seconds. It’s not about saying less; it’s about saying more with less.

However it’s important to understand that not all videos have to be super short, it’s all down to your audience and platform. If your audience is engaged and wanting to take a deeper dive into the subject, you have the freedom to stretch your running times and create powerful long-form video content. We love having the chance to get stuck in and take the time to go really in depth on a story or subject; it’s something that video does better than any other format.

The Impact of AI on Video Production

By now, many of you have likely experienced Artificial Intelligence (AI) through pioneering tools such such as Chat GPT or Dall-E, and AI is set to play a transformative role in video production. From automated editing processes to sophisticated algorithms that analyse audience preferences, AI is streamlining workflows and enhancing the efficiency of content creation. At Manto, we’re already implementing AI-powered editing tools to enhance our creative process, allowing us to focus more on storytelling. In spite of the rise of tools such as Pixa, my take is that truly convincing AI based generative video content is still some way. It’s one to keep an eye on though, it could bring a real seismic industry shift.

Sustainability in Video Production

With environmental consciousness on the rise sustainability has become a focal point in the video production industry, and we’ve set it as one of our key focuses for 2023. From eco-friendly production practices to promoting social responsibility, there’s a growing emphasis on minimising the environmental impact of our work. At Manto, we’re committed to exploring sustainable options in every phase of our projects, ensuring that creativity aligns with responsibility.

Virtual and Augmented Reality Integration

The lines between reality and the virtual world are blurring, and video production is at the forefront of this technological convergence. Virtual and augmented reality are no longer futuristic concepts but tangible tools enhancing storytelling.

Personalised and Interactive Content

Audiences crave personalised experiences, and the video production landscape is adapting accordingly. Interactive content, such as choose-your-own-adventure videos and personalised messages, is gaining traction.

The Proliferation of Live Video

Live video continues to dominate as a powerful engagement tool. Whether it’s live streaming events, Q&A sessions, or behind-the-scenes glimpses, the immediacy and authenticity of live content resonate with audiences.

 

Featured

Video Toolkit Series Launches

No matter what business you’re in, video content is an invaluable tool in telling your story and getting your messages out there. Whether you’re a hard-working business owner or a seasoned professional in brand, digital marketing, communications or PR, the Manto Video Toolkit series is the perfect starting point on your journey to creating powerful…

No matter what business you’re in, video content is an invaluable tool in telling your story and getting your messages out there. Whether you’re a hard-working business owner or a seasoned professional in brand, digital marketing, communications or PR, the Manto Video Toolkit series is the perfect starting point on your journey to creating powerful video content.

Due to the ever advancing quality of phone cameras we’ve seen a huge rise in user generated content (UGC) for social media, and marketing professionals making their own video content. We know how daunting it can seem getting started, and how frustrating it can be when your videos just aren’t as good as you want, so we’ve created this series to help you make better videos.

Across the series, members of the Manto team will offer their expertise and invaluable tips and techniques to help elevate the quality of your videos.  Drawing on over 30 years’ combined video production experience we’ll share a few of our industry insider secrets along the way.

Headed up by our Head of Post Production, Steve, each bite-sized episode will dive into a different stage of video production from coming up with an idea, right the way through to getting it online, breaking down the essentials for what makes good video content. 

From choosing the right video platform and video format to delivering a seamlessly stitched edit, we’ve got you covered. Struggling to get that perfect shot or torn between video editing software options? We’ve got your back. Our goal is simple: we want to empower you to create great video content. 

Stay tuned to our YouTube channel: Manto Collective for exciting Video Toolkit updates. If you have any burning video questions, give us a shout! We’re always here to help.

Manto is a video production agency in Leeds making boundless video for bold brands.

Inspiration

Manto Team’s Favourites – Episode 2

The Manto Team have slowly been sharing some of our ‘Visual Media Favourites’ and next up, is our Head of Production, Matt. (Just don’t quote these answers as gospel as we’ll probably change our minds again by next year!) What is your favourite film and why? Up in the Air. I really love the slickness…

The Manto Team have slowly been sharing some of our ‘Visual Media Favourites’ and next up, is our Head of Production, Matt.

(Just don’t quote these answers as gospel as we’ll probably change our minds again by next year!)

What is your favourite film and why?

Up in the Air. I really love the slickness of travel, and Clooney’s character that’s got quite a shallow depth of emotion. Sure, I wish the ending was a happy one, but it hits you right in the feels!

What is your favourite ad and why?

Canoe Canada. I just love how this ad captures the passion of paddling. It makes it feel dramatic, and ultimately, I want to get out on the water and go paddling….ideally in Canada. The quality of the footage, and the voiceover is pretty great.

What was the film/video that first got you interested in filmmaking?

For me, there wasn’t something that I was watching that inspired me. It was just about the creation, and making something from nothing and seeing if it could be done. I remember when I was about 8 or 9, attempting stop motion with my toy cars, and was proud of myself that I’d figured out how to do it with limited tools!

Which filmmaker are you most inspired by and why?

A bit cliche, but Edgar Wright. I thought his attention to detail with the easter eggs was mazing, along with quick witty dialogue with a visual way of doing comedy that everyone has always admired. Nowadays, I really like the YouTuber Danny Gervitz, as the quality of his filmmaking is truly amazing, from the scriptwriting, camera, directing and editing. He has a feature film out later this year which I’m excited to watch!

What ad made you laugh the most?

I mean, Mr Bean Snickers is pretty great

What is the film or ad that you would most love to have made yourself and why?

Canoe Canada would be pretty great. Combining travel, outdoors, and canoeing!

Brand Film

Taylors of Harrogate: Out of Home

Watch the advert. Taylors Out of Home Coffee Bags advert was tons of fun to make and the client really loved our idea and execution. This article helps explain our thought process, and how we achieved the end result.  The primary focus of the video was capturing the attention of B2B and hospitality owners to…

Watch the advert.

Taylors Out of Home Coffee Bags advert was tons of fun to make and the client really loved our idea and execution. This article helps explain our thought process, and how we achieved the end result. 

The primary focus of the video was capturing the attention of B2B and hospitality owners to increase awareness of the product, explain the process and therefore increase sales. Our aim was to showcase Taylors’ Coffee Bags in a hotel setting, emphasising their usage and underscoring the exceptional quality of the coffee they offer.

We came up with a few ideas, which, with some helpful feedback from the client strayed away from mocking other brands, and simply focusing on the quality product that Taylors has to offer. 

Our concept showed how many different people in a hotel room might enjoy a coffee bag and wrote a script that helped talk about the benefits, choosing a business person, a family and a couple as our actors. To avoid a hard-sell approach, we employed a diverse cast of actors and a jump-cut style finishing each other’s sentences, enhancing engagement and entertainment value.

The filming day presented unique challenges, especially as we worked in a real hotel room during scorching weather. The trickiest bit we found was creating a tabletop for the coffee bags to sit on. If there was a coffee table already there at the right height, this would have been easy! This called for us to buy some laminate flooring and attach it to a workbench so we could get the height exactly right for our needs.

We had three crew members on the day. Steve took the role of director, keeping a close eye on the script and directing our actors. Matt took the role of producer in the pre-production phase, and DP on the day, and Josh was a very useful runner helping us with five actors, make-up artists, props, location and client. 

 

Doing this style of jump cut match frame is very tricky, especially in a small hotel room with so many of us plus lighting and camera. As much as we avoided it, the camera did move, which meant we spent a while matching the frame of the coffee mug in post-production so that it was seamless. 

Although the video looks effortless, it took three of the Manto team, two carloads, and one long filming day in a hotel room to get the video right. We’re really happy with the results, and more importantly, so is the client!

Manto is a video production company in Leeds. We make boundless videos for bold brands. If you would like to talk video for your business, get in touch!

Featured

Yorkshire Magic: Our Tourism Showreel Spill

Watch our Yorkshire Tourism Showreel. Manto’s about to spill the tea on our latest gig – a tourism showreel and our tribute to Yorkshire. Why?  To celebrate our region, its rich heritage, and the extraordinary people in it.  Let’s kick things off with the obvious – Yorkshire is stunning, iconic, and impossible to ignore. We…

Watch our Yorkshire Tourism Showreel.

Manto’s about to spill the tea on our latest gig – a tourism showreel and our tribute to Yorkshire. Why?  To celebrate our region, its rich heritage, and the extraordinary people in it. 

Let’s kick things off with the obvious – Yorkshire is stunning, iconic, and impossible to ignore. We wanted our video to capture every inch of its breathtaking landscapes, from the rolling hills to the seaside cliffs and more Insta-worthy spots than you can shake a selfie stick at. We’re proud of our region and we want to shout about it.

In our latest tourism showreel, we’re shining a spotlight on the real people; the families, thrill-seekers, and all-around down-to-earth locals who bring the place to life. It’s a melting pot of diversity, and we’re here for it.

But it’s not just about showing off; it’s about keeping Yorkshire awesome for generations to come. Our video is a call to arms for responsible tourism – keep the environment happy and support the incredible local communities that make Yorkshire the cool spot it is.

Diving into the historical roots, we’re exploring the tapestry of Yorkshire’s past, featuring iconic landmarks like the Yorkshire Dales, Scarborough, and the awe-inspiring How Stean Gorge. It’s not just about where we are now; it’s about where we came from.

We’ve formed long-term partnerships with Yorkshire Tea, Bettys and Taylors, Bike & Boot, and Conker to name a few. We can’t get enough of this stuff and if you’re a Yorkshire brand looking to create a promotional video, we’d love to collaborate with more outdoor and tourism brands,

Manto makes boundless videos for bold brands. Get in touch if you’re looking for video for your organisation.

For the LOLs

Manto’s Mince Pie Chart

It’s the most wonderful time of year again – no not Christmas, Mince Pie season! For us at Manto, this started as soon as they hit the shelves in early November. Since then we’ve been scoffing them on a near daily basis and are proud to bring you our top 11 Mince Pies (we chose an…

It’s the most wonderful time of year again – no not Christmas, Mince Pie season! For us at Manto, this started as soon as they hit the shelves in early November. Since then we’ve been scoffing them on a near daily basis and are proud to bring you our top 11 Mince Pies (we chose an odd number just to annoy Director Paul).

11. Co-Op (Fresh Baked) – Based near our office is a Co-Op supermarket and this proved a good start for various pies that appear on our list. However, the Co-Op freshly baked range did not go down well. A mix of dubious crunchy filling and subpar pastry left us struggling to finish this pie and the whole ordeal was quite an upsetting experience. If you want to see a grown man/woman crying whilst eating a mince pie then go for these and look in the mirror.

10. Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference, All Butter Pastry – Let me tell you, from appearances these bad boys look decent. A fancy star pattern on top and the idea of a deep fill buttery crust got us drooling but problems soon start to arise about halfway through the pie. Matt experienced an unusual crunchiness midway through and was left wondering if he’d lost a tooth. Random crunchiness = disappointing pie.

9. Tesco (packeted)  – Mince pies can vary so much depending on occasion and the overall consensus here is that this is a good everyday pie. Nothing to shout about but not much to complain about really. The Ford Escort of pies.

8. Co-Op (packeted) – Where Co-Op lets itself down with fresh pies it makes up in packeted ones. Another good every day pie but with a little extra taste in the filling than Tesco.

7. Aldi Speciality – Amongst the random array of unbranded goods and home appliances you’ll find Aldi’s take on the classic mince pie. Again, another good standard of pie but they also offered some new and exciting flavours such as salted caramel. After trying these we had mixed feelings and decided that they were too different to be considered for our humble chart. Lizzy particularly enjoyed them because they didn’t really taste of mince pie.

6. Mr Kipling – Ah Mr Kipling. The purveyor of sugary treats. These were eaten early on in our research and held a high position for quite some time. Like most of the Mr Kipling range they are delicious and go down nicely with a cup of Yorkshire Tea.

5. Greggs – Greggs offers the best fresh chain shop mince pies you can get and have the added bonus of also offering pasties. A Festive Bake and a sausage roll followed by a mince pie? That’s lunch sorted! (mmm heartburn).

4. Rolfey’s (actually Anna’s) – Matt likes to take credit for puns and jokes he has actually found on Google. The sneaky bugger also takes credit for mince pies that he didn’t actually make! Anna’s (Matt’s wife) mince pies have a crumbly thick layer of pastry and a deliciously subtle taste to the filling. This got top marks from Lizzy as she hates the ‘middle bit’ and we all agreed that these easily trumped many of the supermarket ones.

3. Tesco Finest (with a hint of cognac) – As we reach what we call the ‘Podium of Pies’ we really begin to distinguish the difference between a good pie and a great pie. Tesco Finest Mince Pies have the added bonus of cognac which means if you eat enough you will certainly have a merry Christmas (or be violently ill). These pies got approving noises from all of us whilst we had our mouths full and it was agreed the flavour was top of the line whilst the pastry was light and crumbly. Simply lovely.

2. M&S – Marks and Sparks proving here that you get what you pay for with mince pies. Paying a more premium price (I think they we’re around £1.80 for 6) gets you a truly delicious pie that is tough to rival. If you have guests round this Christmas then these puppies are definitely worth pushing the boat out for. Quality soft pastry with a filling that leaves you craving more.

1. Crust & Crumb – The King of Pies. Now, we are biased here because Crust & Crumb are a short walk from our office in Chapel Allerton. However, these pies are worth travelling for let me tell you. With great power comes great cost though and these will certainly leave you out of pocket this Christmas if you buy too many. At £1.75 a pie these were easily our priciest pie and, to put that in perspective, the cost of 4 pies from here would have gotten us almost 42 Greggs mince pies (mmm 42 mince pies). But everything about these mince pies was just sensational and Crust & Crumb are worthy winners of our coveted Manto Pie Chart. Well done – please can we have freebies for further research?

So there we have it. We hope you enjoyed reading our painstaking research. Eating so many pies has been tough on our waistlines and with Christmas looming there are no signs of it easing up. Let us know if there’s any you think we missed out and if there’s any people we should avoid.

Until next Christmas my fellow mince pie connoisseurs!

Uncategorized

We’re Hiring! Editor/Motion Designer

Editor/Motion Designer (Min 3 years experience) Please carefully read the application requirements listed at the end of this post. — What we’re looking for — This is an exciting opportunity for a creative and enthusiastic individual with a real passion for the filmmaking process, to come in and help the company continue to grow. The…

Editor/Motion Designer (Min 3 years experience)

Please carefully read the application requirements listed at the end of this post.

— What we’re looking for —

This is an exciting opportunity for a creative and enthusiastic individual with a real passion for the filmmaking process, to come in and help the company continue to grow. The role will primarily be focused on post ­production (editing, motion graphics, grading) and requires someone with at least 3 years’ experience working professionally with Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe After Effects. There may also be scope for some involvement in production (camera operating, camera assisting, sound recording) depending on experience. Beyond that we want someone who can contribute creatively to our projects from concepts to storyboards; who can work closely with our clients and with other members of the team; who is open to experimenting, learning and challenging themself.  We work as a team and everyone is given the opportunity to contribute ideas, and to bring their ideas to fruition. For us ability wins out over qualifications every time so if you have the experience we’re looking for and can demonstrate a high level of skill and creativity then don’t worry about not having the right qualifications. We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community. 

— About Manto Films —

We’re a team of experienced filmmakers who  harness the power of video to create compelling content for bold brands. We build on the foundations of strong relationships and boundless creativity to produce work which connects with audiences and tells important stories. Our work is hugely varied; we work with organisations ranging from Yorkshire Tea to Yorkshire Cancer Research, from Visit Harrogate to Leeds City Council, from major international organisations to local manufacturers. We produce short, punchy social media ads, TV commercials, training films, documentaries and much more. 

— Values —

Everything we do is based around our values. They are:

*Kindness*

Building strong relationships with our clients and within our team is key. To do this we strive to be trustworthy, to act with integrity, to display professionalism, to ask for and offer help, and to create a great experience for our clients.

*Courage*

We are driven by creativity and a genuine love for what we do. We are risk-takers; we produce work that is innovative and daring. We have the courage to try new things and are not afraid to make mistakes.

*Humility*

We have confidence that we produce fantastic work but we have the humility to recognise our imperfections, and so are always striving to learn and improve. We are inspired by other companies and their work, not driven by negative or competitive comparison.

— What the right person will have —

  • 3 years professional experience
  • Advanced knowledge of Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe After Effects
  • Familiarity with working on Macs
  • Good understanding of the online film and video market
  • Excellent organisational skills
  • A collaborative approach to work

— What you’ll be doing —

  • Editing a wide range of video content in Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Producing motion graphics animations in Adobe After Effects
  • Producing a range of supplementary graphics for projects including overlay graphics, title screens, lower third name captions, logo animations and much more
  • Grading videos to a high standard
  • Managing a varied slate of work and organising your time to ensure deadlines are met
  • Working from our office in Chapel Allerton, Leeds
  • Working closely with other members of the team
  • Contributing ideas and concepts for new projects

— Salary —

Basic Salary £25k -­ £30k (depending on skills and experience)

*** How do I apply ***

Drop us an email to info@mantofilms.com, which must include the following:

  • Full CV
  • Showreel link (video files not accepted so please upload to YouTube/Vimeo)­
  • An example of a motion graphics project with an explanation of how you executed it
  • The following information: Driving Licence Y/N, Own Car Y/N, Availability to start ­
  • A video of yourself answering the following questions:
    • Why are you suitable for the role?
    • Why do you want the job?
    • What is your dream project to work on and why?­

PLEASE NOTE, APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT THIS VIDEO

Closing date for applications is Friday 20th October at 5pm

Featured

Manto at Leeds Digital Festival 2023

Leeds Digital Festival is about to light up the city with a spectacular showcase of all things tech and digital. The Festival runs from 18 – 29 September and Manto is proud to be back hosting an online event as part of this dynamic celebration. Come and join us! Harnessing the Full Power of Your…

Leeds Digital Festival is about to light up the city with a spectacular showcase of all things tech and digital. The Festival runs from 18 – 29 September and Manto is proud to be back hosting an online event as part of this dynamic celebration. Come and join us!

Harnessing the Full Power of Your Video Content:
Essential insights from a panel of industry experts

Online event
Thursday 21 September
11am – 12 noon
Aimed at: people who work in brand, marketing, digital marketing, social media, and communications
Get your free ticket

In today’s digital landscape, video content is key. Our panel of marketing experts will help you to understand the best type of video content to speak to your audience (from user-generated content to TV Ad campaigns). The question is, which video is right for your audience and business needs? 

We’ll help you find the perfect type of video content for your audience, purpose, and budget. 

Introducing our all-star panellists (drumroll, please):

Host – Paul Broadie, MD of Manto Films 

Paul has been working in production for 20 years and since setting up Manto in 2009 has worked on thousands of digital video campaigns with a range of organisations including the United Nations, NHS Leeds, Leeds City Council, Yorkshire Tea, G4S and many more. 

Ollie Ratcliffe – Head of Marketing at SALT Brewing & Taps, formerly Digital Marketing Specialist for Yorkshire Tea 

Ollie is a digital marketing expert with experience both agency-side and client-side, working on major national digital strategies. He has experience in implementing a wide range of video content in particular during his years as Digital Marketing Specialist at Taylors of Harrogate (home of Yorkshire Tea and Taylors of Harrogate).

Katie Mallinson – Founder, former MD and now Director of Comms of Scriba PR 

Katie established Scriba PR and built it up to be one of the most successful B2B comms agencies in the region. Over many years Katie has used video as a key tool for a range of her B2B clients, implementing video for case studies and testimonials, events coverage, animations and as one of the cornerstones of a major client’s social content strategy.

See you all on the floor at Leeds Digital Festival.

Manto is a video production agency in Leeds. We make boundless video for bold brands.

Featured

Why You Can’t Ignore Video in Your Paid Ads Strategy

The digital landscape is always buzzing with new trends and innovations, and let’s face it, staying ahead is like the secret sauce for sweet success, right? In a world dominated by scrolling thumbs and fleeting attention spans, only the most engaging content cuts through the competition. That’s why using videos in your paid ads on…

The digital landscape is always buzzing with new trends and innovations, and let’s face it, staying ahead is like the secret sauce for sweet success, right?

In a world dominated by scrolling thumbs and fleeting attention spans, only the most engaging content cuts through the competition. That’s why using videos in your paid ads on platforms like Meta and TikTok becomes a game-changer. You will  capture your audience’s attention quickly and evoke emotion within the first few seconds.

Whether you’re an agency, a freelancer or the resident digital marketing bod, when ad spend constraints start to squeeze, remember: your ad’s creative can be your trump card—time to roll out the video.

7 Reasons to Embrace Video in Your Paid Advertising

1.Grab Attention with Exciting Videos

Picture this – vibrant visuals, catchy tunes, and a story that draws people in from the get-go. That’s what videos can do! They are super engaging, and within seconds, they’ll have your audience hooked and eager to know more about your brand.

2.Get Clicks Like Never Before

Video ads are click magnets! With a well-made video creative, you can motivate your viewers to take action and explore what you have to offer, whether it’s your awesome website, a new product or your latest exciting offer.

3.Boost Your Return on Investment (ROI)

Cha-ching! Adding videos to your ads can bring some serious returns. Videos simplify complex info, making it easy for people to understand what you’re all about. This clarity means more engagement, more clicks, and more conversions – it’s a win-win.

4.Win Hearts and Build Trust

People love brands they can trust. With videos (especially user generated content), you can show off brand-specific content created by customers themselves.  Skyrocketing your trust and credibility

5.Rule Social Media with Videos

Videos on your social media platforms can do wonders for your reach and engagement. Plus, with smart targeting, clever ad copy and an attention-grabbing video, you can hit the bullseye with your ads and reach the right crowd

6.Go Mobile or Go Home

It’s a mobile world, and videos are the rulers here. People love watching videos on their phones while they’re out and about. So, if you want to reach them on the go, videos are your way to do this.

7.Be the Trendsetter

We make boundless videos for bold brands. Be a trendsetter, not a follower. Embrace video.

Manto Films is a video production company in Leeds. We’re creative, responsive and genuinely in love with film. Get in touch.

Brand Film

New Brand Video for Conker Furniture

Having recently completed the brand video project for Conker Furniture – and with outstanding results – our team is extremely proud of the final product, as we were granted the creative freedom to push the limits of what was possible. The success of the project was a testament to the strong relationship established between our…

Having recently completed the brand video project for Conker Furniture – and with outstanding results – our team is extremely proud of the final product, as we were granted the creative freedom to push the limits of what was possible. The success of the project was a testament to the strong relationship established between our team, the brand consultant, and the client. 

In this brief interview, Rachael Fox, Brand Manager at Lead Talent Management Consultancy shares her experience working with us in her role as the project lead for Conker Furniture.

  • Racheal, tell us a bit about you

With a background in Broadcasting and 11 years in Education, I now work for Lead Talent Management Consultancy as a member of the Brand Team. My role involves helping businesses bring their brands to life and providing support in executing long-term brand strategy.

What is Lead Talent Management Consultancy speciality, and how did Manto help with this project?

Lead Talent Management Consultancy provides SMEs integrated support through strategy, talent and brand. Our expertise lies in coordinating the best and most relevant resource to deliver our vision.

  • Give us an overview of the Conker Furniture video project

The Conker Furniture video was just a piece of a larger puzzle. Lead Talent Management Consultancy had been working with the company for months prior to its creation, providing support in building the business strategy, managing recruitment, revamping the brand proposition, and updating the visual identity.

  • What was the creative process like between Lead Talent Management Consultancy and Manto?

Starting with a defined set of brand guidelines and narrative to shape the brand proposition, Manto collaborated with us to bring our vision for Conker Furniture to reality. Manto provided clear direction in their proposal to bring a creative touch to the brief and spent time on set getting to know the brand, its story, and the people behind it. Manto quickly grasped the essence of the brand and was willing to take creative risks to produce a captivating and thought-provoking film. The result was a brand video that put the people at the heart of Conker Furniture at the forefront, as the true heroes of the story.

As well as Manto’s creative input and exceeding expectations in the edit, the close working relationship served to really understand the brand story, and execute it on point.

  • What benefits could Manto bring to other agencies?

Manto has a unique talent for creating content that elicits powerful emotions, combining a corporate message with a captivating and moving story. This approach brings a raw and authentic quality to the final video product, elevating it to a level of high quality and impact.

Manto is a video production company in Leeds. Creating boundless video for bold brands. If your business needs a brand video, get in touch!

How To

How Video Can Transform Your Marketing

It’s no secret that video has become an absolute game-changer when it comes to connecting with your audience and delivering your brand’s message. Whether you’re a small startup or a well-established company in Leeds, using video production in your marketing strategy can truly set you apart from the competition. Let’s delve into the brilliant benefits…

It’s no secret that video has become an absolute game-changer when it comes to connecting with your audience and delivering your brand’s message. Whether you’re a small startup or a well-established company in Leeds, using video production in your marketing strategy can truly set you apart from the competition. Let’s delve into the brilliant benefits of professional video production for businesses in Leeds and why it’s a smart investment.

We all want to grab our audience’s attention and leave a lasting impact, right? Well, that’s where video production comes in. By combining captivating visuals, engaging audio, and the power of motion, you can create a truly immersive experience that your viewers won’t forget. From showcasing your brand and products to recruiting team members, videos allow you to build an emotional connection with your audience and make your mark.

Increasing Online Visibility

Did you know that putting video into the centre of your marketing efforts can significantly boost your online visibility? With the explosion of social media and video-sharing platforms, videos have become a go-to form of content consumption. And guess what? People love sharing eye-catching videos. Through the power of video, you can expand your reach, increase brand awareness, and attract new customers right here in Leeds – and beyond.

Enhancing Website Engagement

Now, let’s talk about your website. You want visitors to stay and explore, right? Well, videos are an excellent way to achieve that. Adding engaging videos to your website can significantly enhance user engagement and keep people hooked. Imagine having a captivating video on your homepage or informative product demos that bring your offerings to life. That interactive experience will not only capture your visitors’ attention but also drive them to take action, whether it’s making a purchase or reaching out to you.

Climbing Search Engine Rankings

Here’s the icing on the cake: videos can also do wonders for your SEO rankings. Search engines love diverse and engaging content, and videos fit the bill. By optimising your videos with relevant keywords, tags, and descriptions, you can improve your chances of appearing in search results. That means more organic traffic to your website and more potential customers discovering your business right here in Leeds.

Building Trust

Oh, and let’s not forget about trust and credibility. Building confidence with your audience is crucial in today’s competitive market. With professional video production, you can showcase your expertise, highlight your talented team, and share authentic customer testimonials. By doing so, you establish your brand as a credible and trustworthy choice for customers in Leeds, giving you an edge over your competitors.

Don’t miss out on the incredible opportunities that video production can bring to your business. It’s time to take your marketing strategy to new levels and make an impact in the vibrant digital landscape of Leeds. 

Start planning your video content strategy with Manto today, get in touch.

Inspiration

Manto Team’s Favourites – Episode 1

Why is picking your absolute favourite film so tricky, it almost feels like a life or death question. You deliberate back and forth between answers, would this film make me seem like a try hard? Would this answer feel more authentic? Or would this one just make me seem like a total nostalgic film buff…

Why is picking your absolute favourite film so tricky, it almost feels like a life or death question. You deliberate back and forth between answers, would this film make me seem like a try hard? Would this answer feel more authentic? Or would this one just make me seem like a total nostalgic film buff still stuck giving the 16-year-old me answer I’d give someone at a party 10 years ago because I haven’t had the time to come up with a better answer since I was a teenager.

Well we gave the team at Manto a few of those life or death questions, we’re so indecisive some were still stuck on sending me the Google Forms over a month later… I’m looking at you Josh! After finally coming to some conclusions, we’re sharing some of our ‘Visual Media Favourites’ – just don’t quote these answers as gospel as we’ll probably change our minds again by next year!

First up, is the original Manto man, our MD Paul who actually wrote the questionnaire, therefore was expectedly the quickest to answer it!

What is your favourite film and why?

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. I just love it so much. I love the friendship between Butch and Sundance, I love the fact that it’s messy and jumps around, I love the humour, I love the action, I love William Goldman’s writing, I love how it looks and (not gonna lie) I have a pretty serious man crush on Paul Newman. He’s my hero.

What is your favourite ad and why?

It’s an obvious choice but the Guinness surfers ad. I remember seeing this on TV for the first time as a teenager and being transfixed. So much so that I wrote to Guinness (an actual letter!) and asked them to send me a copy, which they did on VHS!  It’s a captivating piece of filmmaking; beautiful, visceral, thrilling. I’m not sure whether it will ever be topped.

What was the film/video that first got you interested in filmmaking?

The key one that springs to mind is Grosse Pointe Blank. My school started a film club and this was the first film they played. I’d liked films before then but the writing was so sharp and funny and the action so exciting and enjoyable that it really made me stop and wonder how they’d done it. I think that was the first spark of wanting to know more about filmmaking.

Which filmmaker are you most inspired by and why?

Having gone back and forth at the last minute I have decided to go with the uber-talented Kim Gehrig. She is behind many of the best and most influential TV ads of the past decade (Nike – Dream Crazier, Libresse – Viva La Vulva, This Girl Can). Through her work she has been a powerful voice for social progression and inclusion. She is taking the art of filmmaking to where people are at and using its power and influence in amazing ways. Big fan. 

What ad made you laugh the most?

I think the winner is the John West fighting bear. It’s a simple idea but so well executed and I remember laughing really hard when the bear did his little foot shuffle  and roundhouse kick. Just brilliant.

What is the film or ad that you would most love to have made yourself and why?

The Guardian’s incredible ‘Three Little Pigs‘ ad from 2012. It’s a brilliant concept and a virtuoso piece of filmmaking. I dream of having that kind of talent.

 

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