History of Vidteams

The History of VidTeams is recent - mid 2008.

VidTeams originated as a project, suggested to Communication2020 by a client. The client wanted an engaging evening video-making activity for people attending conferences in a hotel near Seattle's airport. They wanted to offer their people a fun experience making videos, and maybe learn some things about how to work together as a team. The number one priority was it would be fun. We offered them some design ideas for such an activity. We included furnishing props and costumes as needed, to add more fun and creativity. We told them we couldn't guarantee that useful or even watchable videos would result. But we were game to give it a try.

One of the elements we built in was a role for, essentially the "Studio Industrial Psychologist." This person volunteered to be the mediator, cheerleader. They would be enthusiastic, generous with praise and encouraging to everyone. Along with this role we created roles for Scriptwriter, Storyboarder, Director, Talent, Production. The teams came up with their own scripts and acted-in and shot their own video content. We helped them a bit to assure good sound and lighting.

We ran eight teams simultaneously. These "beta" groups seemed to enjoy roaming all over the hotel's lobbies and common areas, shooting by the pool, in their rooms. We edited-out 8 videos within 48 hours.

After running our first "VidTeams" activity for 100 people, we were pleasantly surprised that all 8 teams did create some pretty engaging videos. We showed them their videos at a wrap-up lunch to roars of laughter and applause. They were delighted at what they had created. They had essentially created watchable vids about what they were learning in the conference, and they reflected the company culture, and put in some elements that spoofed that culture and had fun with it.

Some of their acting reflected great talent. Some of the writing reflected genius.

In order to produce an event for 100 we recruited experienced video instructors from local tradeschool and community college programs. They completed the editing using Mac and PC software applications. We used ordinary prosumer camcorders. We wanted the teams to understand that this could be done with gear no more complacated than most of them already had at home. We struggled with their wanting to use copyrighted music, and dialogue that went far beyond the borderline of tastelessness. That was part of the fun of that first VidTeam program.

We subsequently ran 3 more conference sessions - a total of nearly 400 people in 32 VidTeams. All 32 of the teams completed their projects, and we would certainly grade most of them as an "A" in a video creation class.

We were astonished. Sure, these people were smart, but all 32? It dawned on us that probably just about any motivated team could do this. How about a bunch of Nature Conservancy volunteers restoring a wetland? Or people building a Habitat for Humanity house? How about a wine-tasting? How about contstruction crews illustrating job-site safety? How about the trade show staff for a company? How about the HR department making a new-hire orientation?

The great result, ultimately, is that people could download their video and review it, and take pride in it later. They could forward a link to it. The video could energize others, entertain, inform.

We know we still have a lot to learn, and we're looking forward to the challenge. This is fun!