A public works project is any project that involves the installation, construction, alteration or demolition of infrastructure using public funds. As you can imagine, it can be difficult to earn support for public works projects, even if they lead to community improvement. Anytime public funds are used for infrastructure projects, it’s important to do everything you can to gain public support and understanding of why the project is a good idea.
Typically, public works projects are used to improve local employment, recreational, or health and safety applications. If you have a project that you are in charge of garnering support for, there are a few approaches you can take. Here are some top suggestions for using a video presentation to earn the understanding and support of your community for your public works project.
Get to the Point Quickly
When creating a video presentation for your project, it’s best to get to the point quickly. Otherwise, it may seem like you are being secretive regarding the scope and details of the project. The more upfront you are about what the project is and what it involves, the easier it will be to earn your viewers’ trust and understanding.
Tell a Compelling Story
When garnering support for your public works project, use your video presentation to tell a story. Illustrate why the project is needed and how it will benefit the community. Remember, you are trying to portray your public works project in the most positive light possible. So you are essentially marketing your project to viewers.
Research shows that people are much more likely to remember the details of a video if it is associated with a story. If you can incorporate a story into your video script, your video will be more likely to make a lasting impression on your audience. Your viewers will be more likely to remember the details of your project, as well, if you tell a story with your video. Don’t forget to relate your project to the narrative so that it all makes sense and ties together seamlessly.
Focus On the Value of the Public Works Project
Though the main goal of your video presentation is to convince others that your public works project is a good idea, you don’t want that premise to be obvious. Focus your video on how the project can add value to the community. Why should the community choose to invest in the project rather than use the public funds for other things?
Let’s say you’re trying to garner public support for the implementation of an improved public transportation system in your city. While the costs of such a system might be off-putting to some in your community, there are many benefits such a system can provide. Such benefits include:
- Improved fuel efficiency since fewer people will be driving their own vehicles to and from work or school
- Reduced air pollution in your city and surrounding areas
- Improved mobility for community members who can’t drive and want to travel within their city and to other nearby cities
- Improved productivity for commuters (since they can spend their commute working or studying instead of focusing on driving)
- Reduced road congestion within the community
- Environmental benefits
- An equitable transportation system that gives everyone an equal opportunity to get where they need to go
As you can see, an improved public transportation system can be well worth the money involved in setting them up. Be sure to include these benefits in your video presentation so you have a better chance of garnering support for your project.
Create an Entertaining Video
Public works projects can be notoriously boring. If you want to generate interest in your project, you need to make it interesting. Creating an entertaining and visually dynamic video presentation can be an effective way to draw in your audience and earn both their interest and support.
One of the key components of an entertaining video is professional-quality visuals. You could create a low-budget video using a simple cell phone and an amateur video script, but doing so is not a great way to earn the interest of your viewers. At MatchPoint Studio, we specialize in bringing projects to life with visual storytelling and the masterful use of lighting. We’ll make sure your video matches your video script with exactness.
We have more than 30 years of experience in video production and advertising. Thanks to our background, we know how to create videos that naturally captivate audiences. We’ll portray your public works project in the most positive light possible.
Answer Questions Your Audience Is Likely To Have
Your audience will most likely have a variety of questions regarding your project. To help alleviate unspoken concerns, try to anticipate audience questions and answer them in your video presentation.
Some of the most frequently asked questions about public works projects include:
- How much will the project cost in public funds?
- How long will it take to complete the project?
- Where will the project be located? Will it displace any existing structures?
- Who is the awarding body for the public works contract?
- How will the project benefit the community?
If you want to get a good idea of what questions your community members may have regarding a public works project, you may want to publish a poll on a city website or social media platform before developing your video presentation. That way you can learn what concerns and questions people in your community have about the project and you can address those concerns and questions in your video.
Keep in mind that unanswered questions can be enough to shift public support away from your project. So if you think it isn’t worth the time and effort it takes to find out what concerns city residents have, you’re making a big mistake. Addressing concerns in a positive way can instantly garner community support for your project.
Order a Video for Your Public Works Project
If you need a little help painting your public works project in the most positive light possible, contact MatchPoint Studio today. We can create a stunning video presentation that will gain public interest and help you get the votes and support you need to earn approval for your project.
Sources:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20works
https://www.remix.com/blog/8-benefits-of-public-transportation
