This Video Made Someone Cry (In a Good Way)
Let’s talk about personal branding. Not in a buzzwordy, jargon-filled way, in a real “here’s how we made something brilliant” kind of way.
The brief: More than a talking head.
A few weeks ago, I worked with the brilliant Andi Jarvis ahead of a Mailchimp panel he was speaking on in London.
He wanted something more than just a “here I am on stage” post. He wanted something that showed his personality, captured the energy of the day, and didn’t feel too polished or out of reach.
Part One: The promo video
We started with a short promo video (filmed together in person) to build buzz.
Andi nailed the delivery, I added captions and some overlay magic, and boom: one attention-grabbing pre-event piece (and I only nearly fell into Belfast Lough once). As well as the longer form video, we also created two punchier versions for Instagram stories, with a CTA to keep an eye out for all the behind-the-scenes from the event.
Part Two: A DIY Vlog That Landed
While Andi was in London, we took a different approach.
Before the event, we mapped out the tone and style he wanted, something relaxed and engaging, more vlog than highlight reel.
I suggested a few content styles he could lean into, and we agreed on a script outline that would guide the voiceover later. It wasn’t overly polished, just enough structure to make it feel intentional, with space for Andi to add his take after hearing from the other speakers and soaking in the event (and the complimentary bar!).
The Process: A Phone, A Plan, and a Hotel Room Voiceover
- I gave him a detailed shot list, tailored to that vlog feel.
- He recorded everything on his phone while he was there (roping in strangers on the Tube and people he networked with to film him in action).
- That night, from his hotel room, he recorded the voiceover, adding reflections, speaker shoutouts, and what stood out most.
The Result: A Roundup That Actually Resonated
When he sent it all back to me, I turned it into a snappy roundup video that told the full story, from travel to panel to post-event buzz.
Captions? Sorted.
Structure? Nailed.
Feedback? Let’s just say the Mailchimp team were very impressed.
Why This Works
The point?
You don’t need a film crew. You need a plan, a bit of direction, and someone who can turn your scraps into scroll-stopping gold.
Whether you want help planning the shots, filming it yourself, or just someone to bring it all together into something brilliant, that’s what I do. Don’t just take it from me, let’s hear Andi’s testimonial.
“It was probably the best roundup video from everyone who spoke at the event, that was all down to Lyn” – Andi Jarvis
A Note on In-Person vs Remote
I love working at in-person events, capturing the buzz, the backstage energy, and the in-the-moment magic that most people forget to film.
But if you’re heading to something big and I can’t be there in person, this kind of remote setup is the next best thing.
All it takes is a solid shot list, a bit of voiceover, and someone (hi, it’s me) to stitch it together in a way that reflects who you are.
Please, No More “Delighted to Be Speaking at…”
Let’s be honest (and I mean this with the utmost respect): the world doesn’t need another blurry pic of you mid-sentence on stage with a caption that starts with “Delighted to have been on the panel at…”
You’re better than that. Your personal brand deserves more than a cliché.
Let’s create something that feels like you.
Drop me a message if you want your next event to live beyond the day itself.
