The game plan behind our benchmark SaaS explainer video- Pretaa

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Table of Contents

We teamed up with Pretaa to create a SaaS explainer video that could act as an impactful introduction to their platform and help them increase their conversion rate.

Pretaa is a sales intelligence app that empowers struggling reps with quick, smart, and actionable information.

Michael and his team wanted to create a video that could get prospects so fired up about Pretaa that they would want to hop on a call and talk about price.

And that’s where What a Story came into the picture.

Vicasso and Ruchi got on a call with Michael and his team to understand the platform.

Platform walkthrough from the client plays a huge role in creating a clear vision for a UI-centric video.

After this, Michael and Tim filled out the “Creative Brief” Questionnaire.

SaaS explainer video Creative brief doc used during the video production process.

The Game Plan

Right from the start, Pretaa’s team was very sure of what they wanted (Yes, we were surprised too)- High quality with clear messaging and minimalist designs.

So the first thing we did was prioritize the UIs. It ensures all the key features are being communicated throughout the video and viewers have time to focus on each one. So Ruchi and her team shortlisted all the UI screens they needed for this project.

Accelerating feedback cycles is essential while working in different time zones. When our team was working, Pretaa’s team was sleeping, and vice versa. We used this difference to our advantage for round-the-clock feedback and revisions.

We’ve developed a flexible process where our Creative Directors and Project Managers easily adjust as per the client’s time zones for seamless communication and a smooth-flowing production process.

It took us 3-4 business days to review all their marketing collateral, understand their vision, and do our research on the approach of the video.

Ruchi shared the estimated timeline for each stage of the project with the client and the production process picked its speed thereafter.

The Storyline (Script Stage)

Scripting is a crucial stage for any video.

We had to get the story straight to accommodate all the benefits of the platform without actually mentioning any of the features in the voiceover.

Client loved the approach and both our teams put our heads together on this.

And voila! A crisp, peppy, and engaging script was ready in 1 week's time.

Explainer video script crafted during script stage

Bringing The Story To Life (Storyboard Stage)

The major challenge here was to keep the visuals consistent with the design identity of Pretaa’s sales deck to maintain brand consistency. And that had to be followed right from envisioning the storyboard.

Our creative directors and illustrators are well-versed in ideating concepts within the realm of client’s complete marketing framework.

A storyboard was created to establish the visuals for each scene using minimal elements.

Still frame from the storyboard created during storyboarding stage for clear visual understanding Rough frame from the storyboard created during storyboarding stage for clear visual understanding taking a minimalistic visual approach

Rough frame from the storyboard created during storyboarding stage for clear visual understanding taking a minimalistic visual approach Rough frame from the storyboard created during storyboarding stage for clear visual understanding taking a minimalistic visual approach and using stock image

Click here to view the rest of the storyboard.

 

 

Minimalistic Designs & Clean UI (Design Stage)

With Pretaa's sales deck as the anchor, we created two visual styles.

Option 1

Visual style option 1 created using solid background with grid and elements with gradient Visual style option 1 created using solid background with grid and elements with gradient

Option 2

Visual style option 2 created using solid background with brand elements

But the Pretaa team wanted something more.

And our designers took a creative leap to give them something unique.

So we added visual lightness to the theme and created a minimalistic, clean, and sophisticated visual style.

Option 3

Visual style option 3 created using light background with brand color gradient and minimalistic secondary elements Visual style option 3 created using dark background with brand color gradient and minimalistic secondary elements

And they just loved it. I mean who wouldn’t?

This is when the entire designboard started to take shape.

Designboard

Design frame with minimalistic design approach and light background Design frame with UI mockups and dark background

Design frame with UI mockups and dark background Design frame with minimalistic design approach, clean UI mockup and light background

Design frame with minimalistic design approach, stock image and light background Design frame with minimalistic design approach, clean UI mockup and dark background

 

 

Keeping it Conversational (Voiceover Stage)

Voiceover plays a major role in setting the overall tone of the video.

For this video, we carefully curated the VO auditions of artists that had the perfect sound quality we were looking for.

Client liked Kasey’s voice the best from the list.

We made the voiceover sound like a conversation, not a pitch, and Michael approved it in the first take itself.

Getting the VO recorded while our team is working on designs saves us many hours and assures faster delivery for every project.

 

The Final Lap (Animation Stage)

After experimenting with dozens of projects, our team has landed on the sweet spot of maintaining the perfect pace of any video.

18-20 scenes for a 60 seconds video generally works best in driving engagement, creating understanding, and improving audience satisfaction.

With some minor feedback from the client, we got the final animation ready in 12 business days.

Minimalistic design animation Logo and UI animation

Design and animation using brand elements minimalitic design animation for saas explainer video with stock images

 

Now it was time to add that extra flare to the video: Music and SFX

Sticking to the clean and minimalistic approach of the designs, we added some subtle sound effects to create an impact without overtaking the clean theme of the video.

 

The Finish Line

Client's feedback for Ruchi and team after receiving the final video

 

 

And this is how we crafted a timely yet timeless explainer video for Pretaa that was a perfect blend of modern design systems, clean UI, and clear messaging which turned into 61 memorable seconds.

Want to get ahead in the race with an outstanding video? Get in touch with our team.

Brains Behind The Scene

  • Ruchi- Creative Director
  • Vikas Tiwari- Video Producer
  • Yogendra- Designer
  • Tushar- Designer
  • Vikas Dubey- Animator
  • Hritul- Animator
  • Murali- Sound Designer
  • Kasey- Voiceover Artist

We’re giving away FREE Source Files of this product explainer video to share our discoveries and learnings with all creators. If you’ve ever wondered why our videos have a unique flair, this could be your chance to uncover the secret sauce!

Ruchi Chilamwar
She's a master at simplifying complex ideas and making them relatable and fun. Ruchi is one of our most gifted. With her sharp wit and clever design skills, she'll make sure your message is both understood and enjoyed. She's been known to turn dry subjects into must-see content.

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