Barking Squirrel Media

01/09/2026

Why Brand Storytelling Starts With the Problem
In effective brand storytelling, the most important step is often the one marketers tend to overlook — starting with the problem. At first glance, this might seem counterintuitive. Shouldn’t a brand lead with its strengths, capabilities, and value? Not necessarily.

Every memorable story — whether on the silver screen or in a corporate brand video — begins with tension. In the classic story arc, that tension comes from a problem or obstacle. Without a problem, there’s no reason for your audience to keep watching. The problem is what engages us, gives us context, and creates the emotional pull that keeps us invested in the journey ahead.

When Barking Squirrel Media partnered with the Hamilton County Court of Addiction and Recovery (Drug Court), we began with the problem: the inability of the traditional Court of Common Pleas to effectively address addiction, which often resulted in repeat offenses. By starting here, we set the emotional and narrative foundation for the story.

The Classic Story Arc in Brand Storytelling
The classic story arc — also known as the narrative arc — is built on three essential components:

A hero with a clear desire
An obstacle blocking the way
A guide who empowers the hero to overcome it
This structure has worked for thousands of years because it mirrors the human experience.

Click for more..
The same principles that make Hollywood blockbusters compelling can make your brand videos resonate on a deeper level.

1. The Hero
In brand storytelling, the hero is not the brand — it’s the customer. The Hamilton County Drug Court’s “heroes” are individuals struggling with addiction who want to reclaim their lives, reunite with their families, and reintegrate into their communities.

The hero’s want must be powerful enough to drive the story. In fiction, Luke Skywalker wanted to become a Jedi and learn the ways of the Force. In marketing, your customer might want to run a more efficient business, live a healthier life, or create a safer community.

2. The Obstacle
The obstacle creates conflict, the heartbeat of any good story. Without conflict, there’s no transformation. In the Drug Court’s case, the obstacle was a judicial system not designed to address addiction recovery — resulting in cycles of incarceration without rehabilitation.

For your brand, the obstacle could be time constraints, limited resources, outdated technology, or lack of knowledge. The key is to name the obstacle clearly so your audience feels the tension and urgency.

3. The Guide
Here’s where brands often make a critical shift — and where brand storytelling becomes powerful. You’re not the hero; you’re the guide.

https://barkingsquirrelmedia.com/portfolio/brand-storytelling-how-the-classic-story-arc-transforms-marketing/

01/09/2026

This manufacturing video features all aspects of the manufacturing line installed at Steel Dynamics Inc by Fives Group. This film combines filming techniques done with cameras in Gimble systems, DJI drones, informative animated texts, voice over, testimonials, engaging music and weeks of editing to create an informative and entertaining video for manufacturing trade shows around the world.

https://barkingsquirrelmedia.com/portfolio/manufacturing-video-for-fives-group/

01/08/2026

In today’s fast-paced marketplace, both Chicago and Cincinnati companies are seeking new ways to rise above the noise, build brand loyalty, and authentically connect with their audiences. One of the most powerful tools at their disposal? A Chicago corporate brand film that doesn't just explain what the company does—but tells a story that inspires action.

At Barking Squirrel Media, with offices in both Chicago and Cincinnati, we specialize in creating emotionally powerful, strategy-driven brand films that speak to the heart of a company’s mission. But after years of producing films for global manufacturers, nonprofits, tech startups, and service organizations, we’ve noticed that many organizations are still overlooking three essential ingredients.

If you’re planning a Chicago corporate brand film or a Cincinnati corporate brand film, here are the three things you might be missing—and how to fix them to ensure your investment drives real business value.

1. Chicago Corporate Brand Films Must Prioritize Emotion Over Information

(And Cincinnati Corporate Brand Films Should Too)

Too many brand videos focus on “what” a company does rather than “why” it matters.

In Chicago, where global corporations and startups compete side by side, and in Cincinnati, where community-driven innovation thrives, standing out requires more than listing services or showcasing office shots. It requires storytelling that evokes emotion.

🎬 Why Emotion Matters in a Corporate Brand Film

Emotion makes people care. Emotion drives decisions. It’s what makes your audience hit “share,” remember your brand, or apply for that open position.

Whether we’re producing a Chicago corporate brand film for a logistics company or a Cincinnati corporate brand film for a non-profit, our goal is the same: uncover a human story that reveals the company’s soul.

At Barking Squirrel Media, we use a Discovery Process to find these stories. We ask:

Why was your company founded?

Who are the people behind the mission?

What challenge are you trying to solve in the world?

By exploring these questions, we unearth the emotional core of your brand—and that’s what drives powerful storytelling.

✅ How to Make Your Brand Film More Emotional

Show, Don’t Tell: Capture real people, not scripted actors. Let them speak in their own words.

Use a Mini-Documentary Format: This style builds empathy and authenticity, perfect for both Cincinnati’s community-based culture and Chicago’s human-centered innovation.

Tell a Transformation Story: What changed because of your work? That’s the emotional hook.

Client Example: A Chicago-based B2B tech company hired us to create a brand film. Instead of focusing on features, we followed a client who used their platform to transform their business. The emotional payoff? Trust, growth, and leads. Click for more..

Discover the top 3 things companies overlook in a Chicago corporate brand film —and how Barking Squirrel Media helps you fix them to drive ROI.

01/07/2026

Inspiring video storytelling moves audiences through every stage of the marketing funnel—boosting awareness, trust, conversions, and loyalty.

01/07/2026

An Employee Recruitment Video has become one of the most powerful tools for attracting top talent in today’s competitive hiring landscape. With the modern workforce looking beyond job descriptions and salaries, companies need a way to showcase not only what they do, but also who they are. A well-produced recruitment video helps job seekers envision themselves at your company, understand your culture, and feel inspired to apply.

In this article, we’ll explore why recruitment videos work, the core topics they should cover, and how they can directly help your company bring in high-quality candidates.

Why an Employee Recruitment Video Matters More Than Ever
Job seekers are no longer relying solely on written job postings. Instead, they look for authentic glimpses of workplace culture, leadership style, growth opportunities, and employee satisfaction. Studies show that:

Job postings that include video receive 34% more applications than those without.¹
Embedding video into job ads can yield up to 800% more engagement compared to text-only ads.²
Job postings with video icons (thumbnails) are viewed 12% more often than plain postings.³
78% of recruiters say video has helped improve the quality of applicants.⁴
88% of recruiters report that video produces more responses from passive candidates.⁴
These metrics underscore that an Employee Recruitment Video is not simply a branding play — it’s a performance play. It helps you reach more people, filter better candidates, and inspire action.



Showcase Company Mission and Purpose
Every great recruitment story starts with purpose. Candidates want to work somewhere that aligns with their values. Your video should clearly communicate your company’s mission—why you exist, who you serve, and what impact you make in the world.

By highlighting purpose in your Employee Recruitment Video, you give viewers a reason to feel emotionally connected. For example, if you’re a healthcare company, show how your team’s efforts improve patients’ lives. If you’re in manufacturing, demonstrate how your products contribute to safety, sustainability, or innovation. Purpose creates pride, and pride attracts committed employees.

Purpose is increasingly non-negotiable for job seekers. When people see how their role aligns with a mission they believe in, they’re more motivated, loyal, and likely to refer others.



Culture and Core Values
Your culture defines the everyday experience of employees. A recruitment video that authentically reflects your culture is a magnet for like-minded talent.

Show how your team collaborates, how leaders engage with staff, and how values guide behavior. Capture moments that reflect your unique identity—whether that’s celebrating wins together, volunteering in the community, or innovating in fast-paced environments.

Click to learn more...

01/07/2026

Inspiring video storytelling is more than just a buzzword—it’s a transformative tool that empowers marketing leaders to capture attention, build trust, and guide potential customers through every stage of the marketing funnel. From awareness to advocacy, cinematic, emotionally compelling videos don’t just tell stories; they create experiences that leave lasting impressions.

At Barking Squirrel Media—with offices in Cincinnati and Chicago—we specialize in crafting these unforgettable narratives. This article will guide marketing executives through how inspiring video storytelling can be effectively used at each stage of the funnel to move audiences to action.

What Is a Marketing Funnel & Why Video Matters at Every Stage

The marketing funnel is the framework marketers use to map out the customer journey—from initial brand awareness to long-term loyalty and advocacy. The stages typically include:

Awareness

Consideration

Decision

Post-Purchase (Loyalty & Advocacy)

While marketers often invest heavily in top-of-funnel tactics, many overlook the power of emotionally resonant video throughout the entire funnel. That’s where inspiring video storytelling becomes essential. According to HubSpot, 72% of customers would rather learn about a product or service through video, and videos increase landing page conversions by up to 80%.

Inspiring Video Storytelling at the Awareness Stage

At the top of the funnel, the goal is simple: get noticed. But in a digital landscape cluttered with ads, pop-ups, and forgettable content, how do you stand out?

Brand Films & Mini-Documentaries that Captivate

This is where cinematic brand films and mini-documentaries shine. They emotionally connect with your audience, often without ever mentioning a product. These films are story-first, allowing viewers to connect with your brand's values and purpose.

For instance, our work with CSX tells the story of how rail workers and logistics experts make the invisible world of freight both visible and emotionally compelling. Viewers walk away not just informed, but inspired.

Real-World Case: Cincinnati Children's Hospital

In our collaboration with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, we used inspiring video storytelling to spotlight the Critical Care Building. Rather than explaining specs and features, we told the human story—why this facility matters to children, families, and medical professionals. The result? A powerful tool for both awareness and fundraising.

Using Inspiring Video Storytelling in the Consideration Stage

Once your audience is aware of your brand, they begin to evaluate their options. This is where trust, credibility, and relatability matter most.

Testimonial Videos That Build Trust

Click for More

Inspiring video storytelling moves audiences through every stage of the marketing funnel—boosting awareness, trust, conversions, and loyalty.

01/06/2026

Educational Video Production for Early Childhood and Beyond

At Barking Squirrel Media, we believe educational video production is one of the most powerful tools for inspiring minds, shaping communities, and making complex ideas accessible and memorable. One of our recent projects—producing 13 bilingual educational videos for 4C for Children—has positioned us as a trusted authority in creating impactful learning content. These videos were designed to help parents foster brain development in children five years and younger, but their effectiveness extends far beyond early childhood. The same storytelling and production values apply equally well to public schools and universities.

In this article, we explore how our work with 4C exemplifies our commitment to educational video production across learning levels and diverse communities.

Multilingual Educational Video Production That Expands Reach
One of the defining strengths of our work with 4C for Children is the production of every video in both English and Spanish. This bilingual strategy wasn’t an afterthought—it was an intentional decision that reflects our mission to reach every family, regardless of language.

Educational video production that includes multilingual versions dramatically increases accessibility and cultural inclusion. Schools and universities increasingly serve diverse populations, and institutions need content that reflects the lived experiences of their communities. By delivering the same high production value in multiple languages, Barking Squirrel Media ensures that no viewer is left behind.

Educational Video Content Aligned with Early Childhood Development
Our series for 4C tackled topics that matter most to parents and educators of young children. These short films covered:

Talking during daily routines

Introducing numbers and patterns through play

Identifying and naming feelings

Supporting routines around meals and bedtime

Encouraging child-led exploration

Each topic was carefully chosen in collaboration with 4C’s early learning experts and aligned with brain science and early education frameworks. When it comes to educational video production, our approach is both cinematic and curriculum-conscious. That means the final product is not only visually engaging but educationally sound.

This model of creating age-appropriate, research-based content is easily adapted to K–12 classrooms and college-level learning environments. Whether we’re helping preschoolers regulate emotions or guiding college students through pedagogical theory, we know how to tailor storytelling to cognitive and developmental stages.

Cinematic Storytelling Meets Educational Purpose
What sets Barking Squirrel Media apart in educational video production is our commitment to cinematic storytelling. These are not dry explainer videos or lecture-style recordings.

https://barkingsquirrelmedia.com/portfolio/educational-video-production-for-early-childhood-and-beyond/

01/05/2026

Manufacturing Video Production: Fives Group Robotic Trade Show Reel
Manufacturing video production is one of the most powerful tools industrial companies can use to clarify complex systems, differentiate from competitors, and captivate prospects in high-noise environments like trade shows. Barking Squirrel Media recently partnered with Fives Group in Hebron, Kentucky to produce a dynamic robotic manufacturing trade show reel showcasing their Robotic Viper and SuperCharger technologies. Designed for convention center display, this high-energy video delivers immediate impact — distilling advanced automation into a visually compelling, digestible story that engages passersby in seconds.

Rather than functioning as a traditional commercial, this manufacturing video was created to work as a visual magnet — stopping attendees in their tracks, communicating value instantly, and positioning the Fives Group as a technological leader in automation and robotics.

Manufacturing Video Production That Works on the Trade Show Floor
Manufacturing Video Production Is About Impact, Not Just Aesthetics
At trade shows, decision-makers do not have time to read brochures or sit through lengthy presentations. They are experiencing visual overload from every direction. This is exactly where manufacturing video production becomes a strategic advantage.

Smartly produced industrial video:

Communicates complex processes instantly

Builds credibility without words

Establishes authority through motion and clarity

Differentiates from competitors visually

When executed correctly, a trade show reel becomes your best silent salesperson.

The Fives Group reel was engineered specifically for this environment — designed to communicate scale, sophistication, speed, and precision without requiring explanation.

Manufacturing Video Production in Action: The Fives Group Reel
What We Showcased in This Manufacturing Video Production Project
The Fives Group manufactures highly advanced robotics systems used across automotive, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing. Their Robotic Viper and SuperCharger systems are fast, powerful, and technologically dense — perfect candidates for video storytelling.

In this project, Barking Squirrel Media focused on:

Robotic automation

Throughput speed

Mechanical precision

Smart conveyor integration

Industrial design excellence

We did not rely on interviews or narration. Instead, the story is told through movement, rhythm, light, motion design, and visual contrast — allowing viewers to instantly understand capability without explanation.

Fast-paced editing combined with motion graphics and impactful music created a hypnotic loop that works on repeat in a trade show environment.

Click for full article...

https://barkingsquirrelmedia.com/portfolio/manufacturing-video-production-fives-group-robotic-reel/

01/03/2026

An Employee Recruitment Video has become one of the most powerful tools for attracting top talent in today’s competitive hiring landscape. With the modern workforce looking beyond job descriptions and salaries, companies need a way to showcase not only what they do, but also who they are. A well-produced recruitment video helps job seekers envision themselves at your company, understand your culture, and feel inspired to apply.

In this article, we’ll explore why recruitment videos work, the core topics they should cover, and how they can directly help your company bring in high-quality candidates.

Why an Employee Recruitment Video Matters More Than Ever
Job seekers are no longer relying solely on written job postings. Instead, they look for authentic glimpses of workplace culture, leadership style, growth opportunities, and employee satisfaction. Studies show that:

Job postings that include video receive 34% more applications than those without.¹
Embedding video into job ads can yield up to 800% more engagement compared to text-only ads.²
Job postings with video icons (thumbnails) are viewed 12% more often than plain postings.³
78% of recruiters say video has helped improve the quality of applicants.⁴
88% of recruiters report that video produces more responses from passive candidates.⁴
These metrics underscore that an Employee Recruitment Video is not simply a branding play — it’s a performance play. It helps you reach more people, filter better candidates, and inspire action.



Showcase Company Mission and Purpose
Every great recruitment story starts with purpose. Candidates want to work somewhere that aligns with their values. Your video should clearly communicate your company’s mission—why you exist, who you serve, and what impact you make in the world.

By highlighting purpose in your Employee Recruitment Video, you give viewers a reason to feel emotionally connected. For example, if you’re a healthcare company, show how your team’s efforts improve patients’ lives. If you’re in manufacturing, demonstrate how your products contribute to safety, sustainability, or innovation. Purpose creates pride, and pride attracts committed employees.

Purpose is increasingly non-negotiable for job seekers. When people see how their role aligns with a mission they believe in, they’re more motivated, loyal, and likely to refer others.



Culture and Core Values
Your culture defines the everyday experience of employees. A recruitment video that authentically reflects your culture is a magnet for like-minded talent.

Show how your team collaborates, how leaders engage with staff, and how values guide behavior. Capture moments that reflect your unique identity—whether that’s celebrating wins together, volunteering in the community, or innovating in fast-paced environments.

Click to learn more...

Create an Employee Recruitment Video that showcases culture, growth, and purpose to attract top talent and boost applications effectively.

01/02/2026

Introduction to Brand Videos with Barking Squirrel Media
Barking Squirrel Media is a video production company that specializes in storytelling through mini-documentaries and brand videos. We have as our mission to tell the stories of organizations that are making a positive impact in real people’s lives, the community and the world. We believe that we can play a small part of changing the world for good by elevating the stories of companies that are going above and beyond in taking excellent care of their employees, vendors, customers and the members of the communities in which they reside. Most of our customers at Barking Squirrel Media also care deeply about sustainability and are finding new ways to make products without damaging the air, land and water. Additionally, many companies come to us for video production and storytelling because their core services and products are designed to help those that no one helps.

Our Approach to Mini-Documentaries & Brand Videos
Photography
Our approach to storytelling is accomplished in three different ways. We begin with our discovery process. Here we do a number of interviews with people from various parts of a company to discover who they are, why they do what they do and how they make a positive impact in the world. From these series of meetings, we find not only voice and emotion, we obtain the crucial information that sets our clients apart from their competitors.

How We Design a Brand Video Story
We design video stories that engage hearts, change minds and inspire action. In the first few seconds of our videos, we seek to capture the emotional core of the client’s audience. How do we make them empathize with the hero’s desires and problems? Ever story, whether a movie, a book or a corporate video, has a person (a client) who wants something. However, they can’t get it because of challenges and obstacles they cannot overcome by themselves. They need someone to be their mentor or their guide. Think of Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi/Yoda. This is where your company comes in. You as an organization become the guide that helps your clients make crucial decisions to create change. This change enables the hero/client to accomplish their goals.

A corporate brand film is a way to let people know who you are and what you do. This “Who We Are” video provides a powerful introduction to your organization for visitors and potential customers. We take the time to truly understand the depths of your values and unique story. With this knowledge, we craft a script that features your brand in an authentic and compelling manner. Our skilled team then transforms this vision into reality, capturing breathtaking visuals that expertly highlight your organization’s essence, ultimately propelling you toward the achievement of your goals and strategies.

Our mini-documentaries and brand videos tell the stories of organizations that are making a positive impact in real people’s lives, the community & the world.

12/31/2025

Mid-cap brands win hearts through Video Storytelling. Discover how to turn features into feelings and boost ROI with authentic, cinematic stories.