The Strategy of Story: Why a Video Retainer is Your Winning Formula for 2026
As we kick off January, I know many of you are looking at your marketing budgets and wondering how to stay consistent without burning out. In my years working as a cameraman, and now leading Scéal Video, I have seen many businesses struggle with the "one-off" video trap. You invest in one great film, but then your social media goes quiet for three months.
In 2026, the Irish market has moved toward a "social-first" high-end content model. Audiences don't just want to see you once a year; they want a narrative they can follow. This is why the retainer model is becoming the preferred choice for the brands I partner with.
Moving From Projects to Partnership
A retainer isn't just a service; it is a structural response to the demand for cinematic content. Instead of starting from scratch every time you need a video, we build a long-term relationship that allows for technical precision and emotional resonance.
Consistent Brand Voice: Because we work together regularly, I can unearth the narrative at the heart of your brand and keep it consistent across every clip.
High-End Quality, Boutique Agility: You get the cinematic quality of a large production house but with the agility of a dedicated creative partner.
Professional Stewardship: We handle everything from concept development and storyboarding to post-production mastery.
Social Proof on Autopilot: We can regularly transform your client successes into cinematic stories, providing undeniable social proof for your business.
Why Scéal Video is Your Best Ally
When you partner with Scéal Video, you aren't just getting a vendor; you are getting over a decade of experience in the Irish creative industry. My goal is to move away from rigid production structures to offer a more personal, high-impact partnership.
We use cinema-grade equipment, like our Blackmagic cameras, to ensure that even your "simple" monthly updates have a depth of field and dynamic range that signal authority. We also leverage a network of specialists, like Flymedia for aerial work, to add that big-budget production value to your regular content.
What a Scéal Retainer Looks Like
| Service Pillar | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Production Days | Typically two dedicated days a month to capture interviews and B-Roll. |
| Post-Production | Five days of editing, sound design, and optimization for digital platforms. |
| Asset Library | A steady stream of video and photography for social media and internal use. |
| Compliance | Full integration with Irish corporate and charity supplier requirements. |
If you want to move away from "good enough" video and start telling stories that get felt, get in touch today and we will send over a sample retainer agreement so you can see how we structure a year of content?
FAQ
1. What exactly is "B-Roll" and why is it in my retainer?
B-Roll is the supplemental footage that illustrates your story, like shots of your team working or close-ups of your product. It is the "secret sauce" that proves your claims and keeps the viewer engaged.
2. Do we need to write scripts for these regular videos?
No, and I actually recommend against it. We use professional, empathetic interviewing techniques to get genuine, "gold dust" responses from you and your team.
3. Can one shoot day really provide enough content for a month?
Yes, we use a "content pyramid" approach. A single high-quality shoot can be edited into a main "hero" video and several shorter clips for LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok.
4. Will my office look good enough for cinematic video?
Absolutely. We use professional lighting and shallow depth of field to make even a standard meeting room look moody, warm, or sleek.
