Research other media advertisements. Observe how content is used and how much product information is given. Notice how some ads are very basic, while others are expensive animations. Also note what makes one ad more successful than another, particularly with reference to computer and technology advertising.
Budget your project. Know how much money you have available to be able to assess the type of ad you can afford to produce.
Create the concept for the ad. Think of an intriguing angle. For instance, a comical animated scenario of a humanized computer going into surgery for a brain operation to have a new programmable chip implanted would be quite apt. Or bring the programmable chip to life in an animated character to do the sales talk in the ad. The more visual and quirky an ad is, the more eye-catching it is.
Script the ad. Write a short sketch with scene directions and dialogue ready for production. Get the marketing message across within the script about what makes the programmable chip so special, so accessible and a must-have even for an every day technophobe. Print off on typing paper.
Create a storyboard. A storyboard is a series of illustrations of the visual shots to be used to make up your ad. It serves the production process, as well as providing a visual sample of your TV ad concept. Make this by drawing six boxes (or as many boxes as required) onto a piece of cartridge paper, using a pencil and ruler. Draw a scene as scripted in your ad script. Make the programmable chip the star of the ad. Make it appear larger than life in a very imaginative way. Apply color using art marker pens or colored pencils. Number each frame in order.
Find a location for the shoot. Rent premises like an office full of computer terminals, or if organizing an exterior location with someone sitting on the grass with their net-books, seek permission to shoot from the owner or the local council.
Apply for combined employer's and public liability insurance, if needed. This is required by law when employing the services of others and working in a public capacity.
Contact the police department to inform them of the shoot to avoid causing a public disturbance. Proof of public liability insurance will be required. Look in the telephone directory to obtain a non-emergency number.
Hire actors and animators, if applicable. Find actors via casting agencies websites. Hold castings to find suitable actors for the ad, perhaps someone who looks like a computer whizz or a complete technophobe. Advertise for animators in the arts section of newspapers, if necessary.
Plan your shooting schedule. Issue your shooting schedule to your cast in advance to ensure your cast makes the shoot at the right time and location.
Gather set and props, and make sure the programmable is chip ready for the shoot.
Shoot your ad. Make sure that your video recording equipment has an external mic jack to be able to attach an external microphone to improve audio quality. Have your shoot well-lit with halogen or clip lamps. A headphone jack is also helpful, together with being able to adjust the focus manually. If making a very basic ad, you may not even require an expensive camcorder, as it has been recently reported that an ad has been produced on an iPhone in Reno, Nevada.
Create an animation of a programmable chip, alternatively. Hire an animator to make the ad. Make voice recordings in a recording studio.
Edit your ad. Upload your footage to your computer via a FireWire or USB cable. Save your footage files. Open your editing program like Movie Maker or iMovie. Upload your files. Click and drag on each frame and place them in the editing bar. Splice out unwanted footage. Add transitions, if applicable. Add music to complete your ad for a programmable chip.