Specific topics

Phonak shoots (photography and video)

Best practice for movies
Above: Current Phonak brand video
Below: Current Phonak vision movie

Whenever you are preparing a Phonak specific shoot of photography and/or video, please refer to the guidance on this page. For important launch shootings and further support, please contact the brand team.

Project relevant topics such as briefing, concept and storyboard are important topics, that should be clarified prior each shooting execution.

Execution: Both, media, images and videos, are strong brand assets, therefore, please refer to each guidelines for all relevant specifications of execution:

Briefing: Includes topics such as target group, project details, references, key messages, expected outcome (mandatory vs. optionally), timing and budget.

Concept: The final version should include all relevant details and represent a common understanding among all involved parties (you, agency, production team). Make sure the following topics are covered:

Mood board defining the look and feel
Visual overview of actors, locations and props including descriptions
Overview of all parties involved
Relevant briefing details

Storyboard: This is specifically important for video productions. The storyboard explains the story and usually contains images and text of the single steps and/or scenes. If the video has a voice over, the respective text script is crucial part of the final storyboard.

Shooting plan: The production office needs to deliver a detailed plan of the shooting schedule.

GenAI videos

Before using images generated or edited with AI in tools, it is essential that you first familiarize yourself with the topic and the legal pitfalls of generative AI images.

Please consult the relevant chapter Generative AI (GenAI) here

Stage setting

Actors
Choose talents according to the target audience.

Note: If you are filming without a Make-Up artist, please have some neutral powder ready to avoid shiny facial skin.

Clothes
Prefer uni color garment – or light patterns. Avoid nervous patterns, flowers and other organic shapes, and fancy colors. Other actors as well as testimonials are dressed in plain and subtle colors, rather de-saturated. No expressive, intense colors or bright patterns (stripes and dots aren’t appropriate due to visual distraction).

No need to have the hero wearing any green clothing anymore.

Note: It is strongly recommended to approve prior the shooting on the clothes. Challenge the agency to provide a good selection.

Props
Props shall appear discreet and natural in their environment. Rather use white, transparent or subtle colors than colorful pieces.

Light/color grading
White and light in terms of enhancing the key message and focus on the main actors. The better the shooting conditions are, the less processing work in post production will be necessary.

Night scenes
Please only show night scenes if they are related to the message.
Example: Fireworks are noisy, which our technology reduces and sustainably improves hearing in a noisy environment.

Use of colors for styling
Color accents can help give a set a friendly or professional look.

Although we have not been following the “Green Hero” concept for some time, color can still be used in styling accessories and props.

Color exclusions!

The following two colors may not be used (neither in clothing, accessories nor props) because they are primary colors of our competitors:
– Never use pink and magenta

– Never use yellow

Locations/backgrounds

The overall approach of choosing backgrounds and locations is to have a light and bright color tints well as depth of focus. The present mood boards provide an idea of how such locations can look like.

Indoors
White, grey and natural furniture or light wooden surfaces.

Outdoor
Bright and clean environment, if possible blue sky.
Only shoot during sun-sets or nights if the messaging is requesting it.

Home/apartment locations

Office locations

Actors/Models

Phonak is a globally present company and represents a diversity of cultures, mentalities and ethnicity. It’s important to represent these aspects by hiring actors of different nationalities.

Make sure through your agency, that the actors/models haven’t been representing competitors recently and that the usage rights (full buy out) have been agreed accordingly.

Fingernails/Hands
Fingernails should be cut back and polished (if necessary) in order to appear as natural and neutral as possible. Nailcolors and/or decorations should be avoided.

Tattoos

Make-Up

Although tattoos are accepted in many parts of the world, we respect those regions where tattoos have social meaning or are not part of the popular culture. Therefore, no tattoos should be visible or they should be covered prior the shoot.

Our business environment is medical in nature. This should also be reflected in our shoots.
Therefore, make-up must be used with restraint. The actors/models should have as natural an appearance as possible.

Note: If you are filming without a Make-Up artist, please have some neutral powder ready to avoid shiny facial skin.

Testimonials

Checkpoints for interviews or documentations with and about hearing aid wearers and/or their family members and other actors:

signed artist agreement and/or NDA’s as well as picture release agreements prior the shoot starts.
ask them to wear not too bright nor too colorful clothes (no stripes or strong patterns).
choose a calm, clean and light environment