Yakup Törk, Darıca 2019
Full campaign management, 29 videos
Darıca local elections, 2019 · 9 January 2024 · 6 min 1 s
Candidate film and campaign video
The candidate film is where voters see the candidate for the first time. We handle script, filming and editing in one team; alongside the main film we prepare a campaign video, project explainer videos and vertical short versions for social media. The 6-minute-1-second campaign film from the Darıca 2019 campaign is on our channel.
What does a candidate film tell?
A good candidate film answers three questions: who is the candidate, why are they running for this city or organisation, and what will they do differently? The film answers these questions in the candidate’s own voice, at their workplaces and with people they know. Instead of a memorised speech, we use an interview technique: the candidate speaks in their own words, and long answers are shortened in the edit.
Which films do we make?
- Main introduction film: a 2–4 minute film used on the campaign website, on YouTube and at events
- Campaign video: a film with music that conveys the campaign’s atmosphere; for the Darıca 2019 campaign we made a 6-minute-1-second video and a 1-minute-4-second short version
- Project explainer videos: short videos presenting each project through problem, solution and location
- Short vertical versions: 15–60 second cuts for Reels, Shorts and TikTok
- Invitation and information videos: event invitations and a voting guide
- Manifesto and list films: films presenting a list’s priorities in chamber and organisation elections
Script
The script starts with a long preliminary conversation with the candidate: their life, profession, observations about the city or organisation and their priorities. From these notes come the film’s structure, the interview questions and the list of locations. The script is submitted for your approval; filming follows the approved text.
Shoot
Filming usually takes one or two days. The interview is shot in a quiet location with lighting; then the candidate is filmed at their workplaces, in the neighbourhood and with people. Drone footage can show the scale of the city and the project sites; flights are planned according to the rules of SHGM (Turkey’s civil aviation authority) and the area’s airspace status. Portrait photos are taken on the same days.
Editing, sound and music
The pace of the edit depends on where it will be used: the main film is calm and clear, the clip rhythmic, and vertical versions get to the point in the first second. Sound is cleaned up, music comes from sources with usage rights, and subtitles are added. The first cut is submitted for your approval; the rounds of revisions are set out in the quote.
What to watch for during the election period
Use of the Turkish flag, religious expressions and images of official institutions in the film is subject to election rules; in recent elections, Supreme Election Council decisions asked that flags and religious expressions not be used in campaign material. Permission is needed from people who appear in the footage, and parental consent in particular when children are filmed. Content should be checked with your legal adviser before publication. Details and sources: election bans and social media.
Where the film is used
The main film is used on the campaign website and YouTube, the short versions on social media, the campaign video at events and rallies, and the project videos both on social media and on the relevant project page of the website. When these uses are known from the start, every version comes out of the same shoot complete.
Who is it for?
Mayoral, municipal council and muhtar candidates; lists in chamber of commerce, chamber of industry and commodity exchange elections; parliamentary nominees; candidates in association, union and bar association elections. We work on site in Gebze and Kocaeli, and with planned shoot days in Istanbul and other cities across Turkey. Overview: election campaign management. For all our film work, see the corporate film page.
Candidate film: five steps
- Initial meetingWe discuss the candidate’s story, priorities and where the film will be used.
- ScriptThe running order, interview questions and locations are prepared and submitted for your approval.
- FilmingInterview, field and, if needed, drone filming; portrait photos on the same days.
- EditingThe main film, campaign video and short versions are edited; the first cut is submitted for your approval.
- DeliverySeparate files for each channel and subtitled versions are delivered.
Our election projects
Campaigns we have run that relate to this topic. Each card opens the project’s own page; the videos come from the campaign playlists on the JASSİR YouTube channel.
Gebze Chamber of Commerce election: campaign series
You will find more detail on this topic in our guide: 10 things to do before you run for office
Frequently asked questions about candidate films
How long does it take to make a candidate film?
It depends on the initial meeting, script approval, one or two filming days and the editing rounds. The timetable is worked back from the election date and set out in the quote.
How long should the film be?
The main film is usually 2–4 minutes; 15–60 second versions for social media are cut from the same shoot.
Can drone footage be included?
Yes; it is planned according to the flight zone and SHGM rules. Where flying is not suitable, we work with ground footage.
Who holds the rights to the music and footage?
The delivered films are for the candidate’s or organisation’s use. Music is chosen from sources with usage rights; delivery of raw footage is specified in the quote.
Let’s plan your candidate film together.
Tell us the type of election, the date and where you will use the film; we will come back with a script and filming proposal.