Frequently Asked
Questions
Why? What? Who? How? When?
We've tried
to cover as much as we can on this website,
but if you need to know more, here are some questions and answers that should be useful.
but if you need to know more, here are some questions and answers that should be useful.
50 Pictures FAQs
Why is storytelling more effective than
traditional marketing?
Our brains are wired for stories. Unlike ads that push messages at us, stories pull us in, making us feel, engage, and remember. Stories are proven to build emotional connections and drive actions way more effectively than facts or figures alone.
What makes a brand story compelling and memorable?
A great story:
Our brains are wired for stories. Unlike ads that push messages at us, stories pull us in, making us feel, engage, and remember. Stories are proven to build emotional connections and drive actions way more effectively than facts or figures alone.
What makes a brand story compelling and memorable?
A great story:
- is character-driven - people connect with people
- creates tension and resolution - something changes
- feels authentic and original - no one else can tell your story the way you can
Isn't storytelling about creativity
rather than a structured process?
The most creative people often stick to rigorous structures and regimes. They eat the same food at the same time every day, don't have too many options in their wardrobe, and don't overcomplicate their daily lives with too many choices. This leaves plenty of brain space for creativity.
That's what our StoryFINDING-to-StoryTELLING Process does. It creates a structure that enables creativity to thrive. It frees up creative time and energy. The less brain power and effort you spend wondering what to do, when to do it, and in what order, the more space and momentum you have to create something remarkable.
What if no great story emerges? Honestly, I don't know that there's much of a story there.
Don't be so hard on yourself! Most of our clients start with no idea of the story they could tell, and almost all underestimate the powerful stories hiding right under their noses. There are always multiple stories to tell. Yours already exist, and new ones are being created all the time. We just need to bait the hook and reel the best ones in.
Going through our StoryFINDING process together, we'll find the best stories hidden within your brand or organisation - stories that will resonate with your audience and align with your business goals. You just have to trust the process.
The most creative people often stick to rigorous structures and regimes. They eat the same food at the same time every day, don't have too many options in their wardrobe, and don't overcomplicate their daily lives with too many choices. This leaves plenty of brain space for creativity.
That's what our StoryFINDING-to-StoryTELLING Process does. It creates a structure that enables creativity to thrive. It frees up creative time and energy. The less brain power and effort you spend wondering what to do, when to do it, and in what order, the more space and momentum you have to create something remarkable.
What if no great story emerges? Honestly, I don't know that there's much of a story there.
Don't be so hard on yourself! Most of our clients start with no idea of the story they could tell, and almost all underestimate the powerful stories hiding right under their noses. There are always multiple stories to tell. Yours already exist, and new ones are being created all the time. We just need to bait the hook and reel the best ones in.
Going through our StoryFINDING process together, we'll find the best stories hidden within your brand or organisation - stories that will resonate with your audience and align with your business goals. You just have to trust the process.
What's with the name 50
Pictures?
Our name reflects what we stand for - authentic, human-centred storytelling.
Our name reflects what we stand for - authentic, human-centred storytelling.
- The 50mm Lens – The 50mm lens on a full-frame camera creates a "human eye" perspective, mirroring how we all naturally see the world. Thus, the number 50 symbolises our commitment to genuine, relatable, and emotionally resonant stories.
- 50 Frames Per Second – 50fps is a standard for slow motion in filmmaking, often used to heighten emotion. That's what great storytelling does. It slows things down, draws you in, and makes moments more powerful.
- Beyond Film – "Pictures" isn't just about images on a screen - it represents stories in all forms, whether in film, marketing, podcasts, or even the images we create in our minds.
- 50 Minutes – We confine our Discovery and Character Calls to 50 minutes because this unusual meeting length keeps conversations focused and story-driven. It also allows a 10-minute buffer in every office hour for reflection and preparation.
What makes 50 Pictures different from
other video production companies?
We're storytelling specialists first and video producers second. We don't just shoot and edit. We craft stories using a repeatable, proven process designed to attract the right audience, connect with them, and drive a reaction.
While other video production businesses rush to the shoot and edit as quickly as possible, we take the time to listen, fully understand who you are and what you're about, and clearly define your story objectives. Our motto is, "Shoot later, ask questions first."
How do I start working with 50 Pictures?
We begin with a free 50-minute Discovery Call, where we:
Do I need to be on camera?
Not if you don't want to. And, even if you do, you might not be the best person for the story. We craft stories around what works best for your brand or organisation - whether featuring you, your team, or your customers, or using more dramatic cinematic storytelling techniques featuring other contributors or characters.
How involved should my team be?
While we handle all technical aspects, your team's input is essential for:
StoryFINDING: Helping uncover key insights.
StoryTELLING: Providing creative input and feedback.
Don't worry. We make the process efficient and collaborative to fit your schedule.
Can you work with our existing brand and marketing strategy?
Yes! We integrate with your brand guidelines and marketing efforts to ensure consistency while enhancing your existing content.
We're storytelling specialists first and video producers second. We don't just shoot and edit. We craft stories using a repeatable, proven process designed to attract the right audience, connect with them, and drive a reaction.
While other video production businesses rush to the shoot and edit as quickly as possible, we take the time to listen, fully understand who you are and what you're about, and clearly define your story objectives. Our motto is, "Shoot later, ask questions first."
How do I start working with 50 Pictures?
We begin with a free 50-minute Discovery Call, where we:
- understand you and what you do
- clarify your objectives
- identify what’s not working - and where a Damn Good Story might make the biggest difference
- explore what success looks like for you
Do I need to be on camera?
Not if you don't want to. And, even if you do, you might not be the best person for the story. We craft stories around what works best for your brand or organisation - whether featuring you, your team, or your customers, or using more dramatic cinematic storytelling techniques featuring other contributors or characters.
How involved should my team be?
While we handle all technical aspects, your team's input is essential for:
StoryFINDING: Helping uncover key insights.
StoryTELLING: Providing creative input and feedback.
Don't worry. We make the process efficient and collaborative to fit your schedule.
Can you work with our existing brand and marketing strategy?
Yes! We integrate with your brand guidelines and marketing efforts to ensure consistency while enhancing your existing content.
What kinds of businesses do you work
with?
We partner with ambitious brands and organisations - those with big ideas, clear goals, and a desire to connect with their audience through the power of storytelling. Our process works best for teams who see video as a long-term investment in building trust, engaging customers, and growing their brand or organisation.
What industries have you worked with in the past?
Our process is designed to work across industries where human connection and emotional engagement matter most. We've worked with:
We partner with ambitious brands and organisations - those with big ideas, clear goals, and a desire to connect with their audience through the power of storytelling. Our process works best for teams who see video as a long-term investment in building trust, engaging customers, and growing their brand or organisation.
What industries have you worked with in the past?
Our process is designed to work across industries where human connection and emotional engagement matter most. We've worked with:
- Professional Services - Client journey documentaries and thought-leadership content.
- Technology & Innovation - Product showcases and explainer videos.
- Charities & Non-Profits - Emotional, impact-driven stories to inspire donations and engagement.
- Government & Public Sector - Community initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and impact-driven stories that engage local audiences.
- Sports Teams & Brands - Content that drives fan engagement, showcases team culture, and promotes connections.
- Healthcare & Education - Case studies, recruitment videos, and research stories.
- Manufacturing & Craft - Behind-the-scenes processes and transformation stories.
How do you price your
work?
At 50 Pictures, we use a Hybrid Pricing Model that combines an initial Kickstart Fee with optional Performance-Based Commissioning. This means we align the cost of our services with both the strategic ambition of your video and the results it's designed to deliver. The Kickstart Fee covers the end-to-end creation of your content - from StorySTRATEGY to StoryFINDING to StoryTELLING - including planning, scripting, filming, editing, and publishing.
If your project is geared toward measurable business outcomes (like increased conversions or lead generation), we also offer a results-based commission model where we share in the upside of success. This structure ensures we're just as invested in your results as you are.
Why don't you list fixed prices?
Because we don't offer off-the-shelf videos.
Every project we take on is custom-built to solve a specific problem or seize a particular opportunity - whether it's generating leads, driving brand awareness, or attracting talent. A social campaign video with conversion tracking will be priced differently from a long-form internal story or a culture-driven training film.
Our hybrid model allows us to tailor the approach - and the investment - to your business goals, audience, and ambitions.
At 50 Pictures, we use a Hybrid Pricing Model that combines an initial Kickstart Fee with optional Performance-Based Commissioning. This means we align the cost of our services with both the strategic ambition of your video and the results it's designed to deliver. The Kickstart Fee covers the end-to-end creation of your content - from StorySTRATEGY to StoryFINDING to StoryTELLING - including planning, scripting, filming, editing, and publishing.
If your project is geared toward measurable business outcomes (like increased conversions or lead generation), we also offer a results-based commission model where we share in the upside of success. This structure ensures we're just as invested in your results as you are.
Why don't you list fixed prices?
Because we don't offer off-the-shelf videos.
Every project we take on is custom-built to solve a specific problem or seize a particular opportunity - whether it's generating leads, driving brand awareness, or attracting talent. A social campaign video with conversion tracking will be priced differently from a long-form internal story or a culture-driven training film.
Our hybrid model allows us to tailor the approach - and the investment - to your business goals, audience, and ambitions.
How long does a project
take?
At 50 Pictures, we're not in the business of quick-turnaround content. We're in the business of crafting stories that generate measurable results.
While we work efficiently, our focus is on getting the story right - not just getting something out quickly. That's why we're rarely the right partner for last-minute videos from scratch.
At the start of every project, we'll agree on a clear timeline that balances creative ambition, business goals, and practical deadlines. Depending on complexity and scope, most projects take between three weeks and three months. Here's how it breaks down:
StorySTRATEGY – We begin by clarifying your goals, audience, and what success looks like. This phase aligns the business case with the creative direction and usually takes place over a series of Discovery Calls and face-to-face planning sessions.
StoryFINDING (typically 1 to 4 weeks) – This is the research and development phase. We uncover the real human story behind your message - gathering source material, interviewing stakeholders, and shaping the narrative structure and developing the W.O.R.K.S. Focus Words.
StoryTELLING (typically 2 to 6 weeks) – This is where the scripting, production, editing and delivery takes place. Timelines vary depending on the number of deliverables, formats, and approval stages.
Note: If your project includes additional platform-specific edits, multi-video series, or commissioned results-based elements, the schedule will reflect that complexity - and we'll map it out together at the start.
What do I get at the end of the project?
We tailor every project to your needs, but typical deliverables include:
How do you measure the success of a video?
Success isn't just about views. It's about whether the video did its job. We measure performance through the following lenses:
At 50 Pictures, we're not in the business of quick-turnaround content. We're in the business of crafting stories that generate measurable results.
While we work efficiently, our focus is on getting the story right - not just getting something out quickly. That's why we're rarely the right partner for last-minute videos from scratch.
At the start of every project, we'll agree on a clear timeline that balances creative ambition, business goals, and practical deadlines. Depending on complexity and scope, most projects take between three weeks and three months. Here's how it breaks down:
StorySTRATEGY – We begin by clarifying your goals, audience, and what success looks like. This phase aligns the business case with the creative direction and usually takes place over a series of Discovery Calls and face-to-face planning sessions.
StoryFINDING (typically 1 to 4 weeks) – This is the research and development phase. We uncover the real human story behind your message - gathering source material, interviewing stakeholders, and shaping the narrative structure and developing the W.O.R.K.S. Focus Words.
StoryTELLING (typically 2 to 6 weeks) – This is where the scripting, production, editing and delivery takes place. Timelines vary depending on the number of deliverables, formats, and approval stages.
Note: If your project includes additional platform-specific edits, multi-video series, or commissioned results-based elements, the schedule will reflect that complexity - and we'll map it out together at the start.
What do I get at the end of the project?
We tailor every project to your needs, but typical deliverables include:
- The Core Video(s) – Professionally scripted, filmed, and edited to deliver emotional impact and strategic clarity.
- Platform-Optimised Versions – Cutdowns for social media, mobile, website, and other brand touch-points - each edit shaped with the audience and platform in mind.
- Supporting Assets – Captions, stills, transcripts, metadata, and cut-downs for campaigns or specific CTAs.
- Ownership & Archiving – Full access to final files, with optional storage of raw footage and source materials for future use or repurposing.
How do you measure the success of a video?
Success isn't just about views. It's about whether the video did its job. We measure performance through the following lenses:
- Engagement Metrics – Watch time, retention, shares, saves, and interaction rates.
- Conversions & Action – Leads generated, sign-ups, product clicks, or other meaningful next steps.
- Brand Impact – Did the video build trust? Improve sentiment? Shift perception or drive conversation?
- Strategic Fit – Did the content play its role effectively in a wider campaign, funnel, or launch?
What if I still have
questions?
Let's have a chat.
Book a free 50-minute Discovery Call, and we'll walk you through our process and discover how finding and telling better stories could help you achieve your objectives.
Let's have a chat.
Book a free 50-minute Discovery Call, and we'll walk you through our process and discover how finding and telling better stories could help you achieve your objectives.
"A
year from now, you'll wish you had started today."
Karen Lamb