Simplify Your Destination’s Media Production into Two Key Types

When it comes to creating a compelling visual narrative for your destination, it can feel overwhelming to manage the variety of assets you need. By simplifying your production strategy into two main types, you can maintain a clear focus while building a dynamic, versatile asset library. Here’s how to approach it:

Working with paid talent can give your impromptu style shots licensed subjects to feature.

1. Develop a 365-Day Outlook for Planning, Creative, and Production

Your destination is alive year-round, and its vibrancy and charm change with the seasons. Capturing these moments throughout the year will help you create an authentic, full-bodied archive that truly reflects its essence.

• Plan for the Full Year: You don’t need to shoot every day, but you should aim to capture events, seasonal highlights, and unique elements that showcase the “life” of your destination. Think festivals, changing landscapes, and community traditions.

• Focus on Quality: Work with professionals to ensure your assets meet a high standard, especially for key events or subjects. However, don’t shy away from supplementing with more spontaneous, authentic footage when needed.

• Be There: Make a concerted effort to capture those fleeting, magical moments unique to your location. Film and photograph—preferably both—to provide versatility in your library.

• Show It with Love: Approach your production with care and attention. Avoid copying trendy styles or others’ approaches. Your destination deserves to be seen through your unique lens. Trendy edits can always be added later in post-production, but authenticity will make your assets timeless.

• Embrace Technology: Use all the tools at your disposal, from drones and professional cameras to smartphones and even 360-degree cameras. Each tool offers a different perspective, enhancing your storytelling.

Remember, the goal is to build a long-lasting archive. With these assets, you’ll have the flexibility to create pieces that resonate with your audience any day of the year.

2. High-Quality Evergreen Productions

Hiring professionals is like insurance for getting the best results.

Every destination benefits from a well-planned evergreen production. These assets are timeless and designed to deliver value for years to come.

• Pick the Right Time: Schedule these shoots when your location is at its best. Whether it’s peak foliage, golden hour, or a specific season, ensure the conditions highlight your destination’s natural beauty.

• Produce with Purpose: Plan to create assets with a specific goal, such as a welcome video, a hype reel, or a series of top-tier stock shots. These evergreen pieces should encapsulate the spirit of your destination.

• Leverage Partnerships: Collaborate with local partners and stakeholders. From hotels and attractions to event organizers, many share your pride in the destination and will support your efforts.

• Maximize ROI: High-quality content is an investment that pays off over time. We’ve produced content for destination marketing organizations (DMOs) that has been viewed by millions and remained relevant for years.

• Curate for Success: As your library grows, certain shots will stand out. These golden shots—the ones that tell a thousand words in an instant—will become the cornerstone of your library, driving engagement and showcasing your destination at its best.

The Journey to Capturing
the “Golden Shot”

Creating unforgettable visuals requires patience, persistence, and a passion for storytelling. The process isn’t always easy, but the rewards—both in the final product and the experiences along the way—make it all worthwhile.

Sometimes, success comes down to the smallest details: waking up before sunrise to catch the perfect light, selecting the right wardrobe and props to enhance the scene, or making quick creative decisions on set. Even with the best plans, things don’t always go as expected. In those moments, adaptability and a keen eye for opportunity can make all the difference.

Much like mining for gold, you may strike valuable content early, but true success comes with perseverance. Avoid the trap of comparing your work to others—what you see is often the result of years of refinement, selected from countless hours of production. Plus, without context, it’s impossible to know the full story behind their assets. Stay focused on your vision, plan with intention, and produce to the best of your ability.

Your content should tell your story with authenticity, warmth, and care. If you need guidance, Green Media Works is here to help. With decades of experience and a deep love for destinations, we’re just a call or message away.

There’s much more to explore on this topic than we can cover here. Stay tuned as we continue sharing insights from our years in the ever-evolving world of high-quality, enduring visual content.

Let’s capture your destination the way it deserves to be seen—with creativity, professionalism, and heart.