What & Why - Product Media
What is product media?
Product Media can be any form of media that helps showcase the collection. Examples of product media include: VFX Shots, Video Walkthroughs, Still Image Comps, Highlighted Features Images, etc.
Why do we require product media?
Simply put, when a potential customer is shown a well-executed VFX shot, still image comp, etc. they are more likely to get the product.
How many pieces of product media are required?
For 2D collections, contributors are required to deliver 2 pieces of product media to go on each product page. We require 2 pieces because we believe in quality over quantity. 2 professional, entertaining, and attention-grabbing pieces of media will always be better than 5 to 10 pieces of mediocre work.
What to ask yourself when creating product media:
Would this excite myself and others?
Is the hook and call to action strong enough?
Does this showcase my product well?
What should I create?
Here are some examples of product media that we accept, Other types of media are accepted but please discuss the idea with an ActionVFX team member first to get approval.
VFX Shots and Breakdowns (Accepted for 2D and 3D products)
A well-composited VFX shot that highlights the product. This communicates to the viewer the practical use case of the product. It should include a breakdown of the shot, highlighting the product so the viewer is aware of how the product was used.
File format: .MOV, .MP4,
Resolution: 1920x1080 (16:9)
Time length: 60-90 seconds
Recommended but not required: recut 9:16 format for social posts
Video Walkthroughs (Accepted for 2D and 3D products)
A well-edited walkthrough showcasing the product as well as its features and selling points. A walkthrough video should have a clear voiceover in English and can also contain other elements like VFX shots, how to alter the assets to get new variations, and a timelapse of working with the product in something like a VFX shot.
File formats: .MOV, .MP4,
Time length: 2:30 max.
Recommended but not required: recut 9:16 format for social posts
Tutorials (Accepted for 2D and 3D products)
A well-edited tutorial that includes a clear and concise voiceover that demonstrates how to best use the product.
File format: .MOV, .MP4
Resolution: 1920x1080 (16:9)
Still Image VFX Shots (Accepted for 2D and 3D products)
A well-composited still image that highlights the product.
File format: .JPG, .PNG
Resolution: 1920x1080 (16:9)
“Special Features” Images (Accepted for 2D and 3D products)
Images that highlight the special features of the product.
NOTE: We ask that you do not include text accompanied with your special feature image. We will add fonts as we see fit, due to keeping a consistent brand.
Product Videos
A well edited video that highlights special features/variations of the product.
File format: .MOV, .MP4
Resolution: 1920x1080 (16:9)
Recommended but not required: recut 9:16 format for social posts
3D Product Renders Required for 3D models)
Free Cam and Wire Frame renders that showcase the asset at different angles that are useful for the viewer to see.
File Format: .JPG
Resolution: 3840x2160
Turntables (Accepted for 3D products)
A smooth, looping 360 turntable of a 3D model or VDB.
Instructions of how to create a turntable HERE.
Pick 2 pieces from the list above, or chat with us if you have a custom idea! The idea is that this is supposed to be a fun way for you, the artist, to engage people in your collection. With that being said, please pick 2 pieces of media that play to your strengths. If compositing a shot isn’t your strong suit, try compositing a still image, or highlighting a feature of the product through an animation. OR if you’re not confident in creating a voiceover for a tutorial, try compositing a VFX shot. It is really up to you to decide, you know your strengths and weaknesses better than we do.
Where do I find resources to help me?
We encourage you to shoot your own plates, images, audio, etc., if you have experience doing so! Shooting your own content ensures you have original media that will help your product stand out. However, we know this can be difficult to achieve if you do not have the time or equipment. So, we also encourage you to use free resources to help you create your product media. Here are some examples to help get you started:
Good vs. Bad Product Media
Good:
Composited Well
Professional end results that impress
Good, seamless compositing
Accurate Representation of Product
Showcases the collection in a way that is honest and accurate to what can be done with the final files users will download.
The Media Makes a Customer Want the Product
Ultimately, the media should make people want to purchase the product.
Viewers should believe they can get pro-level results with the product.
The media should show how easy the product is to use.
High Resolution
Clear visuals
Minimum Resolution of 1920x1080.
Consistent Look
Have a uniform style & quality across all product media.
Title cards, fonts, etc. are consistent
Examples:
The following examples are meant to provide extra clarity in the type of product media we are looking for.
VFX Shot:
VFX Shot:
Special Features Images:
Timelapse of Compositing a Shot:
Still Image Comp:
Product Videos:
3D Renders:
Tutorial:
Turntables:
Bad:
The product looks hard to use or complicated
Viewers should be confident they will also get great results. If the media makes the product appear hard to use or complicated viewers will not be confident.
Low quality
Blurry, unrecognizable media
Bad compositing
Poor edge integration
Poor lighting
Incorrect scaling and positioning
Not tracked
Inconsistent color grading
Lack of environmental interaction
Overall visible errors
Overly edited
Distracting overall or detailed look
Examples:
VFX Shots:
The glass and bullet holes are not composited well in this shot. The highlights are super hot in the glass. The shadows of the glass falling do not match up. The bullet hole textures look to be pasted in there with no additional compositing to match the scene.
The fire does not fit this scene. The fire looks to be better suited for a nighttime shot. It’s too orange and detailed. There’s no glow or blur to add to the realism.
Special Features Image:
Simple, non-professional graphic.
Still Image Comp:
The fire is not composited well in the shot. The environment around the car gives no indication that a fire is actually burning on the hood of the car.
Where/When Do I submit my Product Media?
We require that you submit your product media with your final file submission for your collection. This should mean that the media is polished and finalized, and ready to be uploaded to your collection’s page on the website. The steps for this process are included in this article: Creating Your First Product.
After you submit your product media, you will be contacted by a team member within 5 business days of the submission date, notifying you it is approved or needs revisions.