Earlier this week, I spoke with Colin Hanna, president of Let Freedom Ring about his organization's latest online project: Not So Sure.
In case you missed it, check out this latest video of a 6-part series set to address the gradual disillusionment that the political middle has over President Obama's White House agenda.
Lately, I'm pleased to see the fresh & innovative video ideas that are blossoming from right-of-center organizations. Here's a look at the very candid discussion I had with Colin regarding the future of online video and his organization's message strategy going forward:
When was the idea for Not So Sure born?
The project began about 6 months ago when I met with Veritas Productions in Phoenix.
I think most conservatives and other people in general are tired of the same old, same old political video -- you know, the videos that portray a hero and a villain, with grainy photos and high-pitched announcers screaming over stills.
These videos [Not So Sure] are creative, humorous and fresh, which is why I like working with Veritas. So far, these videos have been online for about 2 weeks and we're already getting a great response.
I recall Let Freedom Ring's Never Find Out campaign, which I was drawn to during the 2008 election. I remember that series as being particularly effective.
Veritas did work with us to produce that series as well. In fact, Never Find Out won a Polly Award for that ad campaign.
For Not So Sure, are your actors, actors, or real-life individuals?
Our actors are professional actors, but a lot of thought was put into the selection process. We were careful to find people whose views aligned with those of the people they portray in the video -- people who supported Obama in the general election -- people who were infatuated with the symbolism that represented Hope and Change, but who are now realizing the consequences of Obama's policies.
What is your target market for these videos? Seems to me you are trying to reach an audience that is similar, if not identical to, the age and mindset of your actors and/or main characters.
Yes, we are targeting a slightly younger demographic that falls in the political middle -- mainly 18-49 year olds who were positively inclined to favor Barack Obama in the 2008 election, and who at the time were not aware of the policies that would come forth in his White House.
The first 3 videos are on health care -- will you continue that conversation in the final 3 or will you address other issues?
To be honest with you, I am not sure.
In fact, my original idea was to do a series on Obama's economic policies and rampant deficit spending, but what evolved was a response to the debate over health care that is now transpiring in the White House and in Congress.
Let's talk about the technical aspects of the video -- one video is as much as 4 minutes long. Was that intentional?
I have a background in advertising and broadcast media. The rule of thumb there is 30-60 second spots are most effective for commercial appeals.
I want to pioneer a new communication forum for conservative ideas and use the Internet, not as a secondary mode of communication, but as the primary vehicle for conversation.
I'm experimenting with the longer, 4-minute version, and will experiment with other lengths to see what resonates. That's the great thing about the web -- is that sometimes the normal rules don't apply and you always have room to experiment.
How are you getting the word out about this series?
We are placing a huge emphasis on viral marketing both offline and online -- notifying our membership lists, mailing lists and also working with the blogosphere. We may dive into paid online advertising through banner ads and the like, but we haven't gotten to that point yet.
We are also making an effort to branch out from our typical conservative audiences. I think we have a message that can appeal to the political middle and that is the demographic we are ultimately trying to reach.
I look forward to seeing the remaining videos in this series and I encourage you to follow along and share these videos with your friends and colleagues.
The founder of TechRepublican has a business relationship with Let Freedom Ring that in no way influenced the editorial content of this post.

