Film as a marketing tool

A couple of years ago, I was invited by a Television Production Company to appear on a programme promoting the sale of overseas property.  I was dubious at first, as although I had appeared on television a couple of times in the USA promoting a book I had written which was totally unrelated to anything to do with the sale of property, I was not sure whether my appearance in a reality property show would do much to enhance my business.

However, I decided to give it a go and together with a couple who had previously purchased a property through my Company on the Costa del sol, Southern Spain and were now looking for a holiday home in Mallorca we embarked upon this unfamiliar journey into the world of television.  Luckily filming took place in March before the onset of the tourist season and so there were relatively few people around so we could work in privacy.

Mallorca is a lovely island and reminded me in some ways of Barbados, possibly because it had that island feel.  The film crew consisted of just three people who knew what they were about and were very helpful.  I chose four villas to be shown in the film which were on my listings at that time and the beauty of the island was captured in the film so the whole exercise was very worthwhile.

Returning to the UK and having seen the programme shown on television, I began to think about the advantages of a professional film for the promotion of overseas property.  I realised that it was essential to use the services of a company that had experience, qualifications and professionalism in filming as there are so many companies who make videos who do more harm than good and indeed I have seen some of the very top developers in overseas property making the most terrible mistake of going for the cheapest option with the result that the film they have spent money on has ruined their image.  I must admit that there are also some video companies who charge horrendous fees to their clients and still make a bad job of it.  It is very important, therefore, I feel to make sure the Company you deal with is a member of the main governing bodies in the filming industry and have a good track record.

I made sure that the Company I commissioned to film in Spain for me had all the essential criteria and I was subsequently delighted with the results.  The film ”Safe Buying” on my website is the product of a professional production company based in Dorset namely Raya Films who are twice award winners for best documentary and members of IOV and IVCA… and it didn’t break the bank either.

Would like to hear from others who have experience in filming.

all for now

Eugenie