Let’s zoom in and meet our in-house director, the man behind the camera, MR Video himself, Quentin Beyondtino… and ask him a few questions to better understand this invaluable video department! Quiet on set… rolling… action!
Tell us, what’s your role in the department?
I’m the director and head of the department, in charge of concepts, pitches, management and organisation.
And what exactly does the department do?
Our role is to handle the agency’s photography and video side, mainly for advertising and corporate content.
These days, everyone creates content… how do we stand out at Beyond?
It’s true, it’s very competitive, but I like to think we stand out through our authentic approach. We also come up with strong ideas that rise above the rest.
Why should a client step in front of our lens rather than film themselves?
Because it’s a craft that takes time to master. Filming and understanding visual language is a real profession, and having a professional behind the camera always makes a difference.
Let’s refocus a bit—what are the most common challenges in your job?
I’d say finding the right idea, and above all, the right idea that fits within a defined budget.
How do you adapt your content for different platforms?
I adapt by creating cutdowns (shorter versions) or special edits for social media. The editing can also be more dynamic or tailored depending on the distribution channel.
Is there something clients often underestimate in content creation?
The human approach required, and the fact that younger generations can instantly spot anything that feels fake or poorly done. They’ve grown up with high-quality content, so they expect the same.
On set, are you more “let’s improvise” or “every shot is meticulously planned”?
A bit of both! Every shot is planned to allow for better improvisation. When you’re organised, you can then let your imagination run free during filming.
How do you work from a vague client idea to something you’re proud of?
By doing research and benchmarking on the client, their product and their industry. I draw inspiration from everything I know and try to see what fits the project. It’s also crucial to identify the right visual language for each project.
So, what’s the creative process from brief to final delivery?
We start with brainstorming and benchmarking: still references and film references. Then we create a mood board, write the script and develop the storyboard. If possible, we run tests, then build the shot list; followed by pre-production, casting and, of course, the shoot itself. Finally comes post-production with editing, VFX if needed, grading, sound design, and ultimately delivery. It’s no small feat.
One last question. Is there a trend you’d like to see disappear in the future?
Honestly, short-form social media formats. I’d love for people to regain attention spans and take the time to watch, think and immerse themselves in a creative universe. Consuming everything instantly strips away the substance of what surrounds us.
And… cut! That’s a wrap. Thanks for letting us into your world. Fancy stepping in front of our lens too?
Let’s bring your next video project to life 🎬