Getting your video approved by your financial promotions team doesn’t need to be difficult.
We’ve had hundreds of videos approved by compliance and fin proms, so here are a few principles we follow.
1
Let’s not forget that Fin Proms are the experts. We’ve all read the FCA handbook but I don’t know a single marketer who knows the ins and outs like a fin proms manager. Whatever they say, goes. Don’t fight it, go with the flow of their feedback.
2
Provide fin proms with concepts first. Take a few minutes to run your initial ideas by them and ask if they’re happy with the general gist or if they have any concerns. This’ll save you tearing your hair out down the line when you’ve done lots of work, and then fin proms rips it to shreds.
3
When you get the green light, it’s script time. It’s best to include ideas for imagery in the script. Don’t suddenly blindside them with a dingy magically transforming to a super yacht while your voiceover talks about your pension scheme. If you do want to present these visuals, then take some time up front to provide style frames, or written stage directions to let them know what you’re planning.
4
If you’re after extra credit – and who isn’t – take the time to provide sources with the script. Citation, citation, citation – as they say. Well, maybe they don’t say that, but seriously – cite your sources.
5
And finally, tip number 5 – risk warnings. There’s no getting away from them and please don’t try to just pop them up for a millisecond. They must be clear, in the same style and prominence as the rest of the film and on-screen long enough for them to be read out slowly.
Here’s a bonus one for you – Once you’ve got your approved script… stick with it! I’ve never met a compliance manager who liked surprises. It drags your timeline out if you make changes and then have to go back to the drawing board just because you’ve thrown in a last minute piece of data. Save yourself the pain and just stick to the script!
