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!

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.

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.

The last couple of years have been a brilliant time for us at Manto. For all of the huge challenges presented by the pandemic, it did seem to switch a lot of people on to the power and importance of online video content, and so the demand for our work has been growing steadily. We’ve won some exciting new clients and done some of the best work we’ve ever done. It’s been an exciting ride.

Coming into he start of this year we felt that our visual identity needed a bit of an update so that it did a better job of reflecting our personality as a company, and giving people a good way in to who we are and what we do. Up to now we’ve tended to keep our branding a little more in the background, allowing our work to take centre stage. While our work will always be what we most want to be recognised for, one of the keys to the way we work is building strong, collaborative relationships with our clients. We work hard to make the experience of working with us an enjoyable one and we wanted our branding to convey a bit more of that!

We’ve worked with some fantastic designers over the years but for this project we really wanted a fresh set of eyes and ideas. After asking around for recommendations we decided to work with the super talented duo Pat and Nat who make up Foundry (not least because it’s really fun to say ‘Pat and Nat’). We loved the work that they’ve done in the past and felt that they really quickly grasped who we are and what we’re about. We have absolutely loved working with Pat and Nat (see, so much fun!). As well as being mega talented and creative, they really took time to dig down into what we were wanting to achieve, and provided us with great insight all through the process.

I asked them to talk a little bit about how they approached the project:

How would you summarise the brief you were given for this project?

We were tasked to evolve the Manto brand, with a goal to make the brand effortlessly ‘work harder’, express more of Manto’s personality from a brand perspective, and importantly; to create a more engaging brand which really connects with audiences.

Can you briefly describe how you approached developing the concepts you presented

We first absorbed Manto’s existing brand, their case studies, client testimonials and more. We asked key questions to define more concisely Manto’s brand purpose, position and personality. This informed our creative direction, which through collaboration with the Manto team, set out how the brand should evolve visually and emotionally to achieve the goals of the brief.

From here, we developed the brand identity and overarching message – ‘Boundless video for bold brands’ – which champions Manto’s creativity, confidence and purpose. The visual identity really embraces these qualities, whilst adding an element of playfulness to ensure the brand experience is full of energy, feels human, and encourages engagement.

Can you briefly explain how you think the new brand identity you developed represents Manto’s work and culture

Throughout the project we quickly learnt how Manto have huge passion for their work, an ability to embrace a new challenge and push boundaries. These qualities resonated with us, and are weaved throughout not only Manto’s work and culture, but also the fabric of the evolved brand.

And so here it is, the new Manto branding. We feel it captures all of the things that we hope our clients will recognise in us and how we work: creativity, playfulness, partnership, energy, ambition. We’re really grateful to Pat and Nat (never gets old) for their amazing work and are really looking forward to working with them over the years to come.

For years, advertising your brand on TV would only be a pipedream with the amount of spend required. As platforms evolve, so do opportunities, and the AdSmart platform by Sky is a really great way for smaller brands to get targeted reach through TV adverts for a fraction of the cost. 

While the demand for online video content is growing by the day, TV still has a place as TV is still regarded as one of the best mediums to advertise on with a huge reach and is effective in both the short and long term. The TV Advertising website has a great collection of stats that proves why TV remains one of the most effective platforms for brands to invest in. 

Generally speaking, there are two general types of TV advert, which are commonly referred to as DRTV (Direct Response TV) and brand. DRTV is intended for a call to action, whether that be calling a number, visiting a website or texting a number. On the other hand, brand adverts are more about raising the profile of a brand and bringing it to people’s attention. 

Manto is a video production company based in Leeds, working nationally for well-known brands, charities and organisations. With seven full-time team members, we are versatile in the types of projects we can take on, from small two-man shoots to larger 10+ crews, with actors and locations. Having produced a number of TV adverts in the last year and a half, we know how to take your message and make it a reality, and create the impact you need.

“AdSmart is accessible, at a £3K minimum media budget and scales from, depending on budgets, we have access to over 1500 attributes from 1st party and 3rd party data providers (Experian, Dunnhumby, Nectar, Twentyci, Game, Mastercard, Acorn). We can run campaigns on a really hyper-local, local authority, postcode and regional basis as well as National too. With the changing landscape and more advertisers being focused on results, it is our aim to drive better outcomes for our customers and provide tracking solutions to prove the value of campaigns through our evaluation processes.”

Rosie Fyfe, Adsmart Regional Sales Manager-Yorkshire

TV Ad budgets

Despite Adsmart being more achievable, it is worth considering all the costs. Generally speaking, you have two costs: production cost and media spend. If you are thinking about spending £80k on media spend for national coverage, then you need to make sure that the advert you’re putting out is good enough to justify that spend. If you use all your budget on the media spend and then only leave £2k for production you’re liable to struggle to get the return you’re looking for.

That’s not to say you have to spend a huge amount on production. Costs can vary hugely depending on the creative, just make sure you’re getting the balance right so that the advert you end up with is one you’re proud of and one which makes the most of the money you’re putting into the media buy.

The Process

Having produced a few TV adverts recently, we’re familiar with the process. Here’s a quick overview of the steps involved:

Creative: This includes scripting and storyboarding so that all parties involved have as clear an idea as possible of what the finished advert will look like from the outset.

ClearCast: This stage happens at pre-production by checking over the script. Any claims that are made are well substantiated before production begins. “This beer cures all your problems!” might struggle to make it through this stage.

Pre-production: Taking the script and turning it into reality. From sourcing actors to locations and a crew to make it happen.

Production: This is where all the pre-production work pays off, and actors; location; props; and scripts all come to life.

Post-production: Editing together the footage so that the message is communicated clearly, along with adding graphics, voiceover, music and colour grading.

ClearCast: Once the TV advert is signed off by the client, we take it through ClearCast for both technical and creative approval.

AdStream: Even after it’s been through one set of technical approval, there is a second stage which when approved is sent directly to the channel ready for play out.

TV Advertising remains a powerful medium – take a look at the Ad we made for the  University of Essex Online.  If you think your brand could do with some TV exposure, get in touch. 

For years, advertising your brand on TV would only be a pipedream with the amount of spend required. As platforms evolve, so do opportunities, and the AdSmart platform by Sky is a really great way for smaller brands to get targeted reach through TV adverts for a fraction of the cost. 

While the demand for online video content is growing by the day, TV still has a place as TV is still regarded as one of the best mediums to advertise on with a huge reach and is effective in both the short and long term. The TV Advertising website has a great collection of stats that proves why TV remains one of the most effective platforms for brands to invest in. 

Generally speaking, there are two general types of TV advert, which are commonly referred to as DRTV (Direct Response TV) and brand. DRTV is intended for a call to action, whether that be calling a number, visiting a website or texting a number. On the other hand, brand adverts are more about raising the profile of a brand and bringing it to people’s attention. 

Manto is a video production company based in Leeds, working nationally for well-known brands, charities and organisations. With seven full-time team members, we are versatile in the types of projects we can take on, from small two-man shoots to larger 10+ crews, with actors and locations. Having produced a number of TV adverts in the last year and a half, we know how to take your message and make it a reality, and create the impact you need.

“AdSmart is accessible, at a £3K minimum media budget and scales from, depending on budgets, we have access to over 1500 attributes from 1st party and 3rd party data providers (Experian, Dunnhumby, Nectar, Twentyci, Game, Mastercard, Acorn). We can run campaigns on a really hyper-local, local authority, postcode and regional basis as well as National too. With the changing landscape and more advertisers being focused on results, it is our aim to drive better outcomes for our customers and provide tracking solutions to prove the value of campaigns through our evaluation processes.”

Rosie Fyfe, Adsmart Regional Sales Manager-Yorkshire

TV Ad budgets

Despite Adsmart being more achievable, it is worth considering all the costs. Generally speaking, you have two costs: production cost and media spend. If you are thinking about spending £80k on media spend for national coverage, then you need to make sure that the advert you’re putting out is good enough to justify that spend. If you use all your budget on the media spend and then only leave £2k for production you’re liable to struggle to get the return you’re looking for.

That’s not to say you have to spend a huge amount on production. Costs can vary hugely depending on the creative, just make sure you’re getting the balance right so that the advert you end up with is one you’re proud of and one which makes the most of the money you’re putting into the media buy.

The Process

Having produced a few TV adverts recently, we’re familiar with the process. Here’s a quick overview of the steps involved:

Creative: This includes scripting and storyboarding so that all parties involved have as clear an idea as possible of what the finished advert will look like from the outset.

ClearCast: This stage happens at pre-production by checking over the script. Any claims that are made are well substantiated before production begins. “This beer cures all your problems!” might struggle to make it through this stage.

Pre-production: Taking the script and turning it into reality. From sourcing actors to locations and a crew to make it happen.

Production: This is where all the pre-production work pays off, and actors; location; props; and scripts all come to life.

Post-production: Editing together the footage so that the message is communicated clearly, along with adding graphics, voiceover, music and colour grading.

ClearCast: Once the TV advert is signed off by the client, we take it through ClearCast for both technical and creative approval.

AdStream: Even after it’s been through one set of technical approval, there is a second stage which when approved is sent directly to the channel ready for play out.

TV Advertising remains a powerful medium – take a look at the Ad we made for the  University of Essex Online.  If you think your brand could do with some TV exposure, get in touch. 

As a team we are always looking for ways to improve the work that we’re doing; to deliver better experiences for our clients, to sharpen our technical skills and to try out new creative approaches to video. One of the key ways in which we do this is through what we refer to as ‘test projects’.

Over the past seven years, video test projects have become an increasingly important part of our work and our creative development. Every member of the team has the opportunity to come up with an idea for a video and pitch it and, if we think the idea works, as a team we’ll help them make it. It’s a chance to try out those new approaches and techniques. It’s a space for people to explore their own passions and interests, and it’s a safe way to experiment and not be afraid to fail. There are a number of test projects we’ve worked on which have never been released because they didn’t quite work, and those ones are just as valuable as the ‘successful’ ones because so often we learn more from our failures than our successes. Test project videos require taking time away from our paid work but we consider them to be a key part of our development. They help keep us creatively fresh and often end up inspiring the best of our client videos. 

In putting together proposals for projects (both for new and existing clients) we share videos which we think can be drawn on for inspiration. We regularly use our test projects as part of this process, and they have often provided a vital starting point. It’s much easier for a client to buy into a new and different idea when they can see an example of how it could work.

But even if there were no direct business upside to doing test projects, we would still do them. At heart, we are a team of filmmakers. We love the process of coming up with an idea, working out how we would go about bringing it to life and then having the chance to do exactly that. Test projects give us the freedom to scratch this creative itch and they keep us original, and always moving forward.

Here are some examples of our test projects from the past couple of years:

Outsider

Land Rover Spec Ad

CA Spaces

People Loving People

Manto is a video production company in Leeds. If you’d like to chat with us about your video project, get in touch.

We all know that the economy is a rough place right now and as a business owner you may be left with some tough choices. Already tempted to slash your marketing budget? Find out why video marketing is more important for your business than ever before. 

In a time where people – your clients and customers – are feeling disconnected and uncertain, videos can offer a sense of connection and stability. They also provide information and entertainment, which are two things that people are desperately seeking right now.

If you’re not already using video marketing, now is the time to start. It could be the key to helping your business survive and even thrive in these challenging times.

Why video marketing is more important than ever

With the rise of digital content, people’s attention span is getting shorter. Studies reveal that viewers retain 95% of a video message compared to 10% when reading the text. That’s why video is an effective way to build your brand and gain credibility with your customers, especially during times of uncertainty. 

Quick-win video marketing ideas for your business

 – Create videos for all of your products and services for your website

 – Post videos on your social media channels to attract, engage and retain

 – Use videos in your e-newsletters, promoting your offers and deals

 – Include videos in your paid ads (Google Ads and social media)

 – Shine a spotlight on your staff and your values

 – Host live events so your community can ask questions and feel included

 – Ask customers to leave you video reviews

Creating a successful video marketing campaign 

Take the time to really nail down what your goals for video marketing are before you start shooting. Define your target audience, consider how they are feeling at the moment and how your business can support them at this time. Remember, those feel-good stories reflect your commitment to your customers (especially in a time when your competitors may retreat).

Stick to your deadlines and keep to a realistic budget. 

You can also create evergreen videos which you can edit and use time and time again. 

So, there you have it – why we think that smart, video-first marketing is actually an opportunity in today’s economic climate. 

Manto Films is a video production agency based in Leeds. We make content that people remember. If you want to start a new video project, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

You know what they say: a picture is worth a thousand words. But what about a video? In this digital world, more and more businesses are using video to make their brand more visible, show their personality and win new customers. After all, there’s no better way to show off your products or services than in a short, snappy video that allows customers to get a taste of your brand personality.

With so many businesses striving for attention online, it’s important to make sure that your brand stands out from the rest. Here are Manto’s tips on how to make a brand video that will have your people clicking “play” again and again.

1. Keep it short and sweet. No one wants to watch a long, drawn-out commercial pretending to be a brand video. Keep your video succinct, and focus on delivering an engaging message that will leave people wanting more.
2. Be creative. How do you ensure that your business brand video is truly original? Get creative when it comes to both the content and the format of your video. You want viewers to remember your video—and your brand—long after they’ve finished watching.
3. Show, don’t tell. A good brand video should be visually stunning, with values that match the look and feel of your brand. This is your chance to show off your products or services in all their glory, so make sure that the visuals reflect that.
4. Highlight your USP (unique selling point). What makes your brand unique? Why should viewers care about what you have to offer? An effective brand video will answer these questions and more, giving viewers a reason to remember your business long after they’ve finished watching.

Focus on the CTA (call to action). What do you want viewers to do after watching your brand video? Whether it’s visiting your website, following you on social media, or signing up for your e-news, make sure that you include a clear call to action at the end of your video so that people are clear about how they can take advantage of what you’re offering.

Check out the brand video we made for OTE Sports.

As a team of passionate sports lovers, it was only natural that we put cyclists, swimmers and runners, at the forefront of their energetic brand video.

Keep it short and sweet, be creative, focus on the visuals, highlight what makes you unique, and include a call to action. If you follow Manto’s simple tips, you’ll create a brand video that will leave your audiences wanting more—and that’s exactly what you want!

Manto Films is a video production agency based in Leeds. We make content that people remember. If you want to start a new video project, get in touch.

In just a few weeks (19 – 30 September), the Leeds Digital Festival will be in full swing. Bringing the city’s brightest tech minds together in a big celebration of all things digital – with events in healthtech, data, startups, the metaverse, digital careers and of course, video. And we’re very proud to be part of it.

Shoot Video on Your Phone like a Pro
Wednesday 28 September
11am – 12noon
Get your FREE ticket 

If you’re itching to get in on the action and start making videos for your business with your phone, this event is for you. We will teach you our tips and tricks on how to shoot professional videos on your phone, including lighting and sound recording. So whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience but want to take your videos up a notch, come and join us. This event is aimed at people in marketing, branding and social media — the more the merrier, and everyone is welcome.

In a world where people spend more time on their phones than they do interacting with humans, video has become the quickest way to get somebody’s attention. Video makes us think, feel and do.  That’s why 92 per cent of marketers now say that video is at the heart of their marketing strategy. 

We are well aware that shooting videos can stretch your marketing budget, especially if you need to hire a professional crew, or need to buy or rent camera equipment, lighting gear, and sound equipment. So Manto is taking to this year’s Festival floor to show you how to shoot pro-quality videos on your phone without breaking the bank.

Did you know that Leeds has 8,600 digital and tech businesses, employing 53,000 people in the region? It is fast becoming one of the UK’s most exciting tech hubs and we’re proud to play our part in supporting your business with video marketing strategies.

We’re really looking forward to meeting you at Leeds Digital Festival. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask any questions you have about shooting videos, so please be quick and grab your free ticket today!

Manto Films is a video production agency based in Leeds. We make content that people remember.

Did you know that video marketing is incredibly effective to reach out to potential donors and get them interested in your charity?

In fact, studies have shown that 57% of people who watch nonprofit videos go on to make a donation. So if you’re looking for ways to boost your fundraising efforts and raise awareness of your cause, consider using video as part of your content strategy. 

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the power of video marketing for charities. Specifically, we’ll discuss how video can be used to increase donations and engage potential donors. We’ll also provide helpful tips on how you can get started with video marketing for your charity. 

How to become a better storyteller

Videos are a powerful and engaging way to share the story of your charity and most importantly your community​​— beneficiaries, donors and supporters. It’s an easy way to show how donations impact people’s lives and highlight work done by your charity and its impact. Through sharing user-generated video content you can celebrate all the wonderful supporters out there who are busy going the extra mile to raise funds for your cause. This not only makes for exciting and varied content, but it also presents an opportunity to build deeper relationships with your supporters. Authenticity is the key to a successful social media video campaign and could be just what your video needs to go viral.

Sharing your videos on social media

Videos can be shared on all social media platforms such as YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Twitter so that even more people see what your charity is doing. Each platform has different video sizes so plan from the start which channels you aim to post on before you start filming. You can check the specs out here.

Social media drives 57% of traffic to fundraising campaign pages and acts as a great communication tool to inform your supporters how much money has been raised so far. It’s been hugely successful for our clients for reach and engagement.

Boosting Leeds Hospitals Charity’s Appeal

We worked with Leeds Hospitals Charity to create a video for the ‘Rob Burrow MND Centre Appeal’ shown on regional TV and shared across the charity’s social media channels. Our video was viewed over 2k times and shared over 100 times, on Facebook alone. This boosted their fundraising and helped them to spread the word and increase engagement.

Choosing Manto as your charity’s video partner​​

The production quality of your videos should always be a top priority when creating an impactful charity campaign. Partnering with Manto will ensure that you have professional-looking content for all of your audiences and optimised across all of your channels. We’re experienced video professionals who understand how important it is not only to create compelling footage but to act as an extension of your marketing team.

By using video marketing, your charity can connect with potential donors in a more personal way and inspire them to get involved. If you want help with creating video content for your charity, get in touch info@mantofilms.com or phone 0113 2692 814.

Manto Films is a video production agency based in Leeds. We make content that people remember.

Our video production assistant, Laura, shares her personal experience on how Generation Zs can make it in the film industry (spoiler alert: it doesn’t involve making tea and coffee all day).

As a recent graduate myself, we all know finishing university can be tough, transitioning from the freedom of your own study routine into the world of work can be pretty terrifying. After graduating from the University of Leeds last summer (in the midst of a global pandemic!), I was faced with making my own way in the world when all you really want to do is have a big ol’ nap after 17 years of education! So, you end up comparing and putting a load of unnecessary pressure on yourself.

The creative industries are arguably more overwhelming with so many routes to choose from. If you’ve studied film and TV for the past three years and you’re squirming to use your breadth of knowledge on Scorcese’s filmmaking techniques and share your original, fresh ideas on cinema, you tend to push your way through endless ‘politely nagging’ emails to production companies usually in the busy hub of the capital in an attempt to be a runner or at least an assistant (hoping you don’t just make tea and coffee all day!).

Many tiring long hours and near-broken back later, you reflect on why you chose this route and wonder if poor old Martin had to scurry his way through a demanding production company in South West London just so yummy mummies can watch Loose Women on a Wednesday morning before yoga class? Well lucky for you, there are other options in this industry with jobs more attractive that still allow you to pay rent without breaking your back and actually let you hold a camera (say what!). Of course, working your way through a generic film/TV production company can be enjoyable for some but not everyone has the means and headspace to deal with Denise Welch on set (and that’s if you’re lucky!)

So let’s think about the content us Gen-Z soak up every day and the over-saturated visual stimulation the beautiful World Wide Web enlightens us with. The breadth of content is endless, we can pick and choose what and where to find our entertainment, from Netflix, to YouTube and every social media channel in between; we’ve grown up with these platforms and seen them flourish into effective marketing tools for brands. Now this makes for a great area for that buzz word ‘content creation’ – so who makes all that online video content in an attempt to stand out from the very busy crowd? With the rapid rise of video viewing which has almost doubled since 2018, it’s the fastest-growing part of our industry in the UK.

You don’t just have to be an ‘influencer’ or ‘YouTuber’ to promote and design visual content for brands. Production companies like Manto know how to use the techniques practised and taught in the film/TV industry and bring the best to online visual content.

The digital age is heavily ingrained into our lives and brands who are navigating their way in this space need guidance from visual storytellers, like ourselves. This creates an exciting space for creatives and Manto sees this opportunity for filmmakers to expand their careers into the digital realm. You don’t even have to work in London to flourish in your film career, there’s a variety of work in other hubs around the UK such as Leeds.

I was lucky enough to land a spot with Manto and see first hand this path can be equally – if not more – exciting than the usual graduate route into filmmaking – and less of the ‘you’re just a graduate with no experience’ trope! What attracted me to online video production was the huge variety of work; one week you’re assisting dogs on set for a pet food company, and the next you’ve got your head in an edit for a charity that works to rehabilitate young offenders and then you’re slowly pulling focus on a violin while witnessing a beautiful orchestra playing. This allows your creative energy to shine in all parts of the creation process, seeing how a project can go from start to finish, from planning to production to seeing it advertised on your Instagram algorithm. 

Oh, and if you’re dying to get your hands on a big boy camera after practising with industry-standard kit for three years and fed up with the false promises from producers ‘you can have a play with the Red when we have a chance’ – news flash, that time never comes! But don’t you worry, production companies like Manto know you have the capability to tell a story with a camera, why else would you have studied a degree in it and shouted about it in your LinkedIn skills section? Getting thrown in and being hands-on from the outset is such a confidence boost and allows you to really show off your filmmaking skills in a variety of projects.

If you are attracted to the fast-moving environment of the typical TV industry, no two days are the same at Manto. Every day is different as projects come and go with the ever-changing online trends. It’s compelling to learn how to engage audiences’ attention by experimenting with a vast amount of filmmaking techniques for an array of brands. Working in a multidisciplinary environment further hones in on your skills and allows you to dip your toes into all the processes from planning to production (actually using that camera!), to piece the story together in post.

Experience in being a creative all-rounder is vital in such a competitive industry and working in online video production gives you that opportunity. From those promotional videos, you did off your back for that charity when you were 16 because it looked good on your CV, to that bit of graphic design work you did for that society at university, to those photos you took of that band when their ‘official photographer’ dropped out last minute.

You can finally put those skills you’ve endlessly practised into a creative job in this industry (and get paid without breaking your back!). We can all dream of being Martin Scorsese one day, but for now, I’ll happily settle for filming dogs, making dreamy brand videos in the Peak District and using my voice to stand out and tell a story to the goggled-eyed internet.