Generated by Rank Math SEO, this is an llms.txt file designed to help LLMs better understand and index this website. # Blue Key Media: Blue Key Media ## Sitemaps [XML Sitemap](https://bluekeymedia.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages. ## Posts - [How AHA Minnesota Raised a Record-Breaking $190k Through Impactful Video Storytelling](https://bluekeymedia.com/aha-fundraising-video-production-minneapolis/): Nonprofit - [The Story-Driven Giving Level Strategy That Raised $100K](https://bluekeymedia.com/nonprofit-fundraising-video-story-driven-giving-level/): You know that moment right after a fundraising film plays at a gala—the lights come up, donors are wiping tears, and the room is electric with emotion? - [Create Stronger Fundraising Videos by Focusing on One Story](https://bluekeymedia.com/create-stronger-fundraising-videos-by-focusing-on-one-story/): Why one powerful story outperforms many in nonprofit fundraising videos—and how Minneapolis & St. Paul nonprofits can drive stronger donor engagement. - [Hawkins Used a Recruiting Video to Reduce Turn Over by 50%](https://bluekeymedia.com/hawkins-used-a-recruiting-video-to-reduce-turn-over-by-50/): Chemical Manufacturing - [Ethical storytelling principles for nonprofit fundraising video production](https://bluekeymedia.com/ethical-storytelling-principles-for-nonprofit-fundraising-video-production/): 5 principles of ethical storytelling for nonprofit fundraising videos from a Minneapolis video producer. Honor dignity while driving results. - [5 Tips for Maximizing the Impact of Your Gala Video](https://bluekeymedia.com/5-tips-for-maximizing-the-impact-of-your-gala-video/): Your event is finally here. The lights dim, the crowd quiets down, and your beautifully produced video starts to roll. But here’s the thing—a great video isn’t enough. It needs the right setup, the right timing, and the right conditions to actually land. - [How long should your fundraising video actually be?](https://bluekeymedia.com/how-long-should-your-fundraising-video-actually-be/): If you’re in the thick of gala prep right now, chances are you’re reviewing a fundraising video or two and asking yourself: How long should this be? - [How to Improve the Performance of Video in Your Donor Newsletters](https://bluekeymedia.com/how-to-improve-the-performance-of-video-in-your-donor-newsletters/): I need to call out a common mistake I see all the time—how you’re using video in your donor emails and newsletters. - [10 Video Ideas for Fundraising in 2025 Beyond the Gala](https://bluekeymedia.com/10-video-ideas-for-fundraising-in-2025-beyond-the-gala/): Most nonprofits use video at major events and galas, but there are so many opportunities to integrate video into your efforts throughout the year. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of video in 2025: - [How To Attract More People To Your Booth At A Trade Show](https://bluekeymedia.com/attract-more-people-to-your-booth-at-a-trade-show/): At a Trade Show, getting the attention of passing foot traffic is key so you want to make sure that your booth is as engaging as possible. It needs to grab people’s attention and tell them about your company or products in an interesting way. Video is a powerful tool to stand out from the sea of free pens and stale candy. Don’t know what content to bring with you? Keep reading for a brief guide on the best videos to present at your next event. - [Producing High Level Video Content](https://bluekeymedia.com/unlocked-heather-bonneson/): In this episode we sit down with Heather Bonneson, a Senior Producer with the creative marketing agency Broadhead. Heather shares her background in the creative world, gives insight into the role of a producer when creating commercial video content, and explains what she has been able to learn from working with large and small clients who want to create amazing marketing content. - [Six Tips To Make Employees Comfortable On Camera](https://bluekeymedia.com/six-tips-to-make-employees-comfortable-on-camera/): Seek out the big personalities at your company. They’re more likely to be comfortable on camera than your more introverted or shy coworkers. If you have someone who’s really outgoing and funny, put them in front of the camera. Their energy will rub off on everyone else and read well on screen. Leaning on your more charismatic employees could be the easiest casting decision you make. - [Visual Storytelling For Your Brand](https://bluekeymedia.com/visual-storytelling-for-your-brand/): Andrew Vick is an award winning photographer who has spent a nearly 2 decade career traveling the world helping people bring their story to life using imagery. In this episode, Andrew shares his knowledge on the changing industry trends in photo and video marketing, the power of capturing perspective to tell a story, finding inspiration in all things, and so much more. - [Understanding Post-Production for Commercial Video](https://bluekeymedia.com/understanding-post-production-for-commercial-video/): Blue Key Media’s Post Production Manager, Jared Myers, is on the show this week to offer his knowledge on the technical side of post production. Dan and Jared discuss the process the edit will go through internally and with the client, how to collaborate effectively with your video team, being direct with your feedback, and the behind the scenes parts of video that would surprise people! - [Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Making Video](https://bluekeymedia.com/common-pitfalls-to-avoid-when-making-video/): In this episode, Dan and Sophia from Blue Key Media have a conversation about the common pitfalls or issues that can occur during video creation. While many of these pitfalls start in a very sensible place, they can overwhelm a project and cause the process to become challenging, deadlines to be missed, or sometimes create a video that falls flat of your company goals. From deciding on a tone to knowing where the video will be distributed, this conversation aims to help you feel prepared to get the most out of your video creation process. - [The Minnesota Zoo Exceeds Emotional and Financial Impact at Fundraising Event](https://bluekeymedia.com/the-minnesota-zoo-exceeds-emotional-impact-at-their-fundraising-event/): Nonprofit - [Alternatives To Filming a Video](https://bluekeymedia.com/alternatives-to-filming-a-video/): The blueprints for a video aren’t black and white and the final product should be as unique as the company it’s for. Some of those plans don’t involve filming anything at all! There’s many reasons why you could want an alternative to film crews when making a video – whether you’re working around a tight budget, have scheduling complications, covid protocols, or closed worksites. Below are four alternatives to enhancing your project when a film crew isn’t an option. - [Maximizing Pre-Production for Video Projects](https://bluekeymedia.com/maximizing-pre-production-for-video-projects/): Pre-Production is one of the most important aspects of creating video. In this episode, Blue Key Media’s Creative Producer Sophia Reed (formerly with The CW and WCCO) breaks down what pre-production is, how you can collaborate with your video team to get the most out of it, and what you should accomplish during pre-production to ensure the rest of the project runs as smoothly as possible. - [How To Add Video To Your 2023 Marketing Strategy](https://bluekeymedia.com/add-video-to-your-2023-marketing-strategy/): Marketing is ever evolving, and one of the biggest tools making an impact in the industry is online video content. However, many may not know the best way to plan for video in the upcoming year. Keep reading for 4 tips from a video producer about how to plan and budget for video in your 2023 marketing strategy. - [Making Internal Company Videos More Engaging](https://bluekeymedia.com/making-internal-company-videos-more-engaging/): In this episode, Dan and Tory talk about the different ways to create and present more engaging internal company content. These are videos such as onboarding, safety and quality training, and corporate updates. Crafting better internal content can free up resources during new employee orientation, help to standardize safety regulations across locations, keep employees in the loop on company changes, and so much more. Even if they aren’t customer facing videos, putting effort into internal content can help guide the processes and culture of companies big or small! - [Recruiting with Video in 2023](https://bluekeymedia.com/recruiting-with-video-in-2023/): In this episode, Dan and Tory talk about the powerful role video can play in recruiting for your company. Whether it’s a “job preview” video or a company culture highlight, these are some of the best do’s and don’ts when it comes to creating video that connects your business with good-fit candidates. - [Create Testimonial Videos That Stand Out](https://bluekeymedia.com/create-testimonial-videos-that-stand-out/): Testimonial videos are a time tested classic that allow you to make your client the hero, and show how your company made their lives easier. Dan and Tory from Blue Key Media share their thoughts on ideal video length, dos and don’ts, and how this video type fits into the buyer’s journey. - [Create Effective Service Offering Videos for Your Business](https://bluekeymedia.com/create-effective-service-offering-videos-for-your-business/): In this episode, Dan and Tory from Blue Key Media discuss how to create a service offering video that stands out, what type of information should be included, how it fits into your larger marketing efforts, and much more! - [How to Make a Better Company Overview Video in 2023](https://bluekeymedia.com/how-to-make-a-better-company-overview-video-in-2023/): Dan and Tory from Blue Key Media sit down to chat about the top 5 videos that industrial and manufacturing companies should be making in 2023. In this first episode they tackle the overview video. - [Lubricant manufacturer used video to increase sales, build brand confidence, and stand out](https://bluekeymedia.com/how-a-lubricant-manufacturer-used-video-to-increase-sales-build-brand-confidence-and-stand-out-from-the-competition/): Industrial, Manufacturing - [Adapting to Virtual Events and Conferences](https://bluekeymedia.com/adapting-to-virtual-events-and-conferences/): 2020’s global push for virtual events, meetings, and gatherings feels like it happened overnight. Some companies were left scrambling to not only transition online, but to do so in a professional and presentable manner. An increasingly virtual workplace doesn’t have to be difficult. Prep yourself with helpful tips, and find the missing keys to a smoother digital transition for your future events and conferences. - [Focus on the Story with Wallin Education Partners’ Jean Carlos Diaz](https://bluekeymedia.com/focus-on-the-story-with-wallin-education-partners-jean-carlos-diaz/): “Wow. I have to be part of that!” Those are the words Jean Carlos Diaz aims to make the audience say when he shares the story of Wallin Education Partners. Jean Carlos joined Dan West on a fascinating episode of our podcast, and he shared his insight into telling a compelling story that remains completely authentic, while motivating the community to financially support the organization. Some of the topics Dan and Jean Carlos cover are focusing on honoring your subject and making them the hero, simplifying a complex message, and packing an emotional punch with your video. - [5 Videos Every Industrial Company Needs](https://bluekeymedia.com/5-videos-every-industrial-company-needs/): So, your company is ready to invest in video. Great, now comes the big question: what type of video do you put your money towards? In this article, I’m going to walk you through 5 types of video content that every industrial and manufacturing company should be investing in. - [Engaging Your Core Audience with the Minnesota Zoo’s Mike Stephenson](https://bluekeymedia.com/engaging-your-core-audience-with-the-minnesota-zoos-mike-stephenson/): In a fun episode of our podcast, we were lucky enough to chat with the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Minnesota Zoo, Mike Stephenson. Mike was able to give a unique perspective on how anyone with a smartphone can share a story using video, video leading to powerful social media engagement, when to use polished and professional video content instead of homemade video, and finding a unique emotional perspective. - [Finding Your Company’s Story with YouBetcha’s Eric Johnson](https://bluekeymedia.com/finding-your-companys-story-with-youbetchas-eric-johnson/): We had the pleasure to chat with Eric Johnson about the creative strategy behind successful video in an episode of our podcast. Eric is the founder and creative head of YouBetcha Creative Agency in Minneapolis. In the course of this insightful conversation, Dan and Eric dive into the importance of having a solid video strategy, creating with an intended audience in mind, looking at the best distribution platform for your content, and how to find and focus on your company’s story. - [Use “Job Preview Videos” to Hire Better Candidates](https://bluekeymedia.com/use-job-preview-videos-to-hire-better-candidates/): We all know about the labor shortage that is affecting the US, notably in the industrial and manufacturing space. The combination of very specific types of job positions and demanding physical labor can make recruiting for these types of businesses especially tough. However, there is a recruiting tactic that industrial and manufacturing companies could be leveraging: Job Preview Videos. - [Importance of Purpose in Your Marketing Videos](https://bluekeymedia.com/importance-of-purpose-in-your-marketing-videos/): When investing time and money into a marketing video, you’d take every step possible to make the most out of your investment, right? Unfortunately, many companies miss out on a key aspect during the early stages of the video creation process – defining a clear purpose for their video. In other words, what’s the goal? - [Recruit During a Labor Shortage with Hawkins Inc’s Minde Frederick](https://bluekeymedia.com/recruit-during-a-labor-shortage-with-hawkins-incs-minde-frederick/): In this episode we chat with Minde Frederick, a talented recruiting manager currently working at Hawkins Inc. Minde was looking to showcase Hawkins Inc to potential employees in an authentic way, and in a manner that could clear up confusion and answer questions all in a neat package. Dan and Minde discuss creating a video that served as a preview for a job position that is tough to describe, the benefits gained when Hawkins Inc started investing in video, harnessing video for training consistency, and saving money on turn-over by attracting right-fit hires! - [Lube-Tech’s JT Bernier Explains the Cost of NOT Using Video](https://bluekeymedia.com/lube-techs-jt-bernier-explains-the-cost-of-not-using-video/): In an episode of our podcast, Unlocked: Grow Your Business with Video, we chatted with JT Bernier. JT is a successful marketing professional whose career spans high level positions with companies like Best Buy, Northwest Airlines, and currently Lube-Tech. He shared with us years of experience working with video from national commercial campaigns, down to internal company update videos, so let’s get into it! - [Tricks to Make Your Office Look Great on Camera!](https://bluekeymedia.com/making-a-boring-office-or-warehouse-look-great-on-camera/): So you’ve decided that your brand needs video. You have the idea, you’ve got the budget approved, and you’ve found the right production company. Now your only issue is that your office is… kinda dated. Maybe the building is a bit old, the paint needs touching up, or it just doesn’t fit the clean and modern look you want to portray in your commercial. You could film your interviews and testimonials in a rental space that does fit the look, but that adds more to your budget. So what do you do? You get creative! … or, I should say,  the video team you’ve hired gets creative! By properly using some basic techniques, creatively using the space to our benefit, and adding a few twists of our own, we can help you make your less-than-ideal office look great on camera! - [Create More Engagement by Captioning Every Video You Post](https://bluekeymedia.com/create-more-engagement-by-captioning-every-video-you-post/): Video is huge – it will make up more than 82% of Internet traffic this year, according to a forecast study done by CISCO. Instagram, one of the largest used social media platforms, announced last year that it is no longer a “Photo Sharing App”, and has since shifted focus to video and entertainment. Businesses are able to organically increase followers exponentially by sharing video content suited to Instagram’s algorithm. - [Blue Key Media Wins Ad Fed Minnesota Award](https://bluekeymedia.com/blue-key-media-wins-ad-fed-minnesota-award/): Did you hear the news? Blue Key Media won a bronze pin at The Show 2022 for Internet Commercial! - [5 Questions Every Company Needs to Ask Itself Before Creating Video](https://bluekeymedia.com/5-questions-every-company-needs-to-ask-itself-before-creating-video/): Whether you’re creating a recruitment video, an explainer video, or a new brand video, one of the core components to an effective video is strategy. Without a solid foundation, your video will lack the direction it needs to resonate with its intended audience and achieve meaningful results. - [How Manufacturers Can Use Video to Recruit Great Workers During a Labor Shortage](https://bluekeymedia.com/how-manufacturers-can-use-video-to-recruit-talent-during-a-labor-shortage/): The Approach: Using a mix of scripted and interview, this manufacturing recruitment video uses a diverse cast of real Lube-Tech employees from different parts of the company to share their experiences. - [5 Tips for Being Interviewed on Camera](https://bluekeymedia.com/5-tips-for-being-interviewed-on-camera/): When creating video content for your company, interviews with employees can be a great way to bring authenticity, diversity, and life to the final product. However, being interviewed is not typically where people feel most comfortable. Now throw in a couple cameras, microphones, and lights… It’s a recipe for nerves! So let’s run through our 5 best tips for preparing for, and NAILING, your video interview. - [Our Video Aired During Super Bowl LVI](https://bluekeymedia.com/our-video-aired-during-super-bowl-lvi/): How about that game this weekend? And how about those commercials?! If you were in the Chicago area tuning into the game on Telemundo, you might have seen one of our videos aired during Super Bowl LVI for Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago! - [Minnesota Nonprofit Cookie Cart Increases Gala Donations by 15% Using Video](https://bluekeymedia.com/minnesota-nonprofit-cookie-cart-increased-gala-donations-by-15-using-video/): Nonprofit - [How Harris Used Explainer Video to Generate 800+ Sales Qualified Leads in 2 Weeks](https://bluekeymedia.com/how-harris-used-explainer-video-to-generate-800-sales-qualified-leads-in-2-weeks/): Mechanical Engineering - [How Plyo App Doubled Its User Base For Less Using Video](https://bluekeymedia.com/how-plyo-app-doubled-its-user-base-for-less-using-video/): Fitness - [How Video Helped Nonprofit WineFest Exceed Live Appeal Goal by 250%](https://bluekeymedia.com/how-video-helped-nonprofit-winefest-exceed-live-appeal-goal-by-250/): Development Officer | University of Minnesota Foundation - [Fireside Chat | Making Your Virtual Event Memorable](https://bluekeymedia.com/fireside-chat-episode-7-making-your-virtual-event-memorable/): On top of logistical complications, taking your event digital brings the challenge of keeping people engaged from afar. - [Fireside Chat | Transitioning to Virtual Events](https://bluekeymedia.com/fireside-chat-episode-6-transitioning-to-virtual-events/): Should you cancel, postpone, or digitize your upcoming event? Amid COVID-19 restrictions, many are choosing to host their events online. - [Resources to Enhance Your Videos](https://bluekeymedia.com/resources-to-enhance-your-videos/): During this social isolation experiment, you may be wondering what options there are for your marketing content. Video is still king, even more so now. So what resources should you be taking advantage of to communicate your message effectively using video? - [7 Simple but Effective Ways Your Business Can Leverage Video During Quarantine](https://bluekeymedia.com/7-simple-but-effective-ways-your-business-can-leverage-video-during-quarantine/): During these strange and challenging times, video content is as useful a tool as ever. - [Meet Jared, The Newest Member of Blue Key Media!](https://bluekeymedia.com/meet-jared-the-newest-member-of-blue-key-media/): These are exciting times at Blue Key Media. We’re growing! And we’d like to introduce you to our new editor, Jared Myers. ## Pages - [Studio Rental](https://bluekeymedia.com/studio-rental/): Create and collaborate in our large Minneapolis metro studio rental space! We can accommodate photoshoots, video shoots, podcasting, virtual event hosting, and more. Starting as low as $106 per hour. - [Resources](https://bluekeymedia.com/resources/): Ideas, tips, and real-world examples to help your videos work harder and smarter.
Currently, we are not hiring for any full-time or part-time positions. Check back soon!
- [Career](https://bluekeymedia.com/career/): We’d love to meet you. If you're looking for a career or just want to know more about potential opportunities, get in touch and say hello. - [Recruitment Videos](https://bluekeymedia.com/services/recruitment-videos/): We create recruitment videos that help organizations hire top talent. These videos showcase your mission, your people, and what makes your workplace culture worth joining. It's easier to stand out and find candidates who are a good fit when they can see what it's really like to work with you. - [Testimonial Videos](https://bluekeymedia.com/services/testimonial-videos/): A testimonial video does more than just check a box; it gives your audience something real to relate to. It's a story told by someone who has been through it, with feelings and facts to back it up. A testimonial video makes it feel personal, whether you’re trying to build trust with customers or show how your work has made a difference. - [Fundraising Videos](https://bluekeymedia.com/services/fundraising-videos/): We create cinematic fundraising videos for nonprofits and mission-driven organizations across Minnesota. Our videos help donors feel connected, inspired, and ready to make a difference. - [Brand Videos](https://bluekeymedia.com/services/brand-videos/): We make cinematic, story-driven brand videos that help Minnesota businesses stand out, connect with the right people, and grow with confidence. - [Manufacturing](https://bluekeymedia.com/industries/manufacturing/): You create durable products. We provide strategic, narrative-driven videos that showcase your people, your process, and your value in a way that will strengthen your brand. We create manufacturing videos in Minnesota and beyond. - [Healthcare](https://bluekeymedia.com/industries/healthcare/): We help healthcare providers tell the stories that are most important to them. These are things like patient journeys and provider spotlights. We make emotionally grounded healthcare videos in Minnesota that build trust, attract talent, and strengthen community ties. - [Services](https://bluekeymedia.com/services/): We craft videos that do more than look good, they support your mission. - [Contact](https://bluekeymedia.com/contact/): You have an idea for video content. You may even have all the details figured out. Or maybe you haven’t planned anything yet. Wherever you’re at, we can start there. - [About Us](https://bluekeymedia.com/about/): https://vimeo.com/1099641134?fl=pl&fe=sh - [Our Work](https://bluekeymedia.com/work/): We partner with mission-driven brands and organizations to create videos that connect, inspire, and make a measurable impact. - [Nonprofits](https://bluekeymedia.com/industries/nonprofits/): Your nonprofit is making an incredible impact. We help you share that impact through nonprofit video production in Minnesota that inspires giving, connects people to your mission and grows donor engagement. - [Industries](https://bluekeymedia.com/industries/): Purposeful storytelling tailored for the sectors that shape our communities. - [Home](https://bluekeymedia.com/): We help nonprofits and purpose-driven organizations unlock the power of video through emotional stories that inspire action and create lasting impact. ## - [Default](https://bluekeymedia.com/?p=118170) ## Videos ## Categories - [Blog Articles](https://bluekeymedia.com/category/blog/) - [Case Studies](https://bluekeymedia.com/category/case-studies/) - [Company News](https://bluekeymedia.com/category/company-news/) - [Manufacturing](https://bluekeymedia.com/category/case-studies/manufacturing/) - [Nonprofit](https://bluekeymedia.com/category/case-studies/nonprofit/) - [Podcast](https://bluekeymedia.com/category/webinars/)