Producing the Video

Our goal is to showcase you and your company in the best light possible. The video-enhanced story is your way of telling your story directly – to a global audience of eager viewers.

Where will the interview take place?
If you're visiting SAS headquarters, we'll conduct the interview in our state-of-the-art studio. If you're visiting a SAS regional office or if we travel to your work site, we'll need a large conference room or similar space. And we often tape interviews at our own events that you may be attending, such as SAS executive conferences.

How long does the interview last?
The interview usually takes about an hour.

What kind of questions will the interviewer ask?
Whether for written stories or video-enhanced pieces, we focus on your industry expertise, thought leadership and unique use of SAS as well as the benefits you've gained from using SAS solutions and technologies.

• What unique business challenges do you face in your industry and how has SAS helped you overcome them?
• Can you describe specific examples of how you used SAS to address those challenges?
• How would you have addressed these challenges without SAS?
• Why did you choose SAS?
• What business benefits have you gained as a result of using SAS? Metrics might include: increases in revenue, productivity, shareholder value and time to market; decreased cost in implementation and maintenance; reduced employee turnover; and enhanced security.
• How has SAS helped you achieve a competitive edge?

Can I receive a full copy of the questions in advance?
If you'd like, we can send you sample questions in advance. But please don't memorize your answers. You'll come across as more confident and relaxed if your responses are spontaneous and unrehearsed.

How can we ensure that I come across as relaxed, confident and professional?
You should always look at the interviewer when answering a question. Speak in your normal voice and relax – smiles and gestures will make you look even more confident and comfortable. Brief, concise answers are best. And don't worry: If you don't like your answer or make a mistake, we can always start over.

What should I wear?
Business casual or a suit is fine; a conservative look works best. Avoid wearing tight patterns such as stripes or herringbone and avoid solid white or black tops. Also, don't wear green, because we use a green background and key in a different image for the final project. So whatever's green will disappear.

Also we might need to apply a light dusting of translucent powder because television lights can make both men and women look pale.

What should I expect if you conduct the interview at my organization's facilities?
It usually takes our crew 90 minutes to set up, and the interview lasts about an hour. Because our microphones are sensitive, we'll need a quiet, out-of-the-way spot. We prefer a room without windows, or at least one with blinds that we can close. Moveable furniture, controllable lights and nearby access to a freight entrance are all pluses. Once the interview is complete, we'll need about an hour to pack up.

What happens after the interview?
After the interview, we will transcribe the videotape and pick sound bites to use in the script. Then, we'll send you the script for review and approval by you and your legal, PR and/or corporate communications teams. Once we've received your approval, we'll hire a professional narrator, assemble the graphics and needed footage, or B-roll, edit the video and post it on the Web.

What is B-roll?
B-roll is raw, unedited video footage of your business, products and operations. It allows us to build a fast-paced, visually interesting video. When possible, we'll shoot our own B-roll footage at your facility. If your company can provide approved B-roll, we'd prefer a copy on Digital Beta or BetaSP format.

May I see a sample of a finished video-enhanced success story?
Sure. Check out our list of customer success stories and click on those whose listings carry the video camera icon.

Review our processes for producing a written customer success story     Contact a SAS Customer Reference Program representative

"The SAS Customer Referencing program delights and shines. By attending, I have been able to network with thought leaders in Customer Value and Customer Insight; further enable Wachovia's customer insights via great partnerships with SAS R&D and cutting edge research. My SAS Customer Knowledge Center Representative keeps me conversant with cutting edge seminars and series that have allowed me to push the edge in development. Her connections through SAS are invaluable. Any ROI estimate I would roll up on the components of our partnership would undoubtedly be understated as I cannot quantify all the latent advantages, let alone the obvious. And I do this for a living! " Dan Thorpe Senior Vice President, Wachovia

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