Recology, (previously NorCal Waste Systems), Northern California’s largest waste management system found the answer by partnering with Studio B Films to produce a series of instructional videos for the web and DVD. With their recent addition of single stream recycling and compost services in San Mateo County, Recology recognized these programs would not succeed without the cooperation of their clients. In order to help their customers become better recyclers and composters, Recology hired Berkeley-based Studio B Films to generate unique and stylized instructional videos “that would effectively “train” viewers on the ins-and-outs of waste management.

“When Recology approached us we knew this was going to be an interesting challenge,” says Aaron Berry, Techinical Director of Studio B Films. “We needed to make an instructional video that would be an extremely effective educational tool, but entertaining and engaging at the same time. And, if we didn’t make the message clear to people, it wouldn’t only mean thousands of dollars lost, but energy and fuel as well, something neither California nor the environment can afford.”

What do the numbers in the recycling symbol mean? Can I recycle plastic bags? Are shellfish compostable? Where do I put those greasy pizza boxes? In order to answer all these questions and more, Studio B Films implemented an innovative style in training videos. “Rather than dazzling viewers with streamlined motion graphics, we decided to keep everything very real and use a more tactical approach with an arts and crafts feel,” says David Collier, director and founder of Studio B Films. “We knew we didn’t want a host so we decided to shoot everything from first person POV. It’s a DIY demo.”

With a pair of hands entering from off-camera as if they were the viewers’ own and a light, conversational narrator guiding each step, the Recology instructional videos give the illusion of an actual demonstration as the hands manipulate various paper cutouts to explain each concept. “Initially, Recology had envisioned an announcer, but we wanted to take away any distractions to keep the video clean, clear and easy to understand,” says Berry. “The first person POV serves as a playful yet educational way in which to demonstrate simple and complex concepts.”

This new approach could garner popularity in the instructional video market. With so many digital and web-based products now requiring user training, there is a need for cleanly designed instructional videos to convey conceptually complicated subjects. http://www.studiobfilms.com/content/recology?category=25 

About Studio B Films

Studio B Films is a full-service video production company based in the San Francisco Bay Area wowing their clients with exceptional creative messaging and for over 17 years. Our staff has experience with the creation and execution of web and advertising campaigns, event sizzle videos, customer testimonial videos, documentaries and educational videos. We are client focused and we work fast and efficiently to achieve their goals. www.studiobfilms.com