What is a Creative Rating?

At Vidsy we've developed a content rating system based on 6 years of knowledge and tens of thousands of videos that we worked with clients on. We score all videos out of five on three categories;

• Creative idea - looking at the overall idea and creativity demonstrated in the video.

• Technical execution - reviewing the level of filmmaking skills, including framing, lighting, audio and cinematography

• Followed the brief - how appropriate the video is compared to what was required in the brief, looking with the client in mind, does this video encapsulate the brand and its values?

Below we delve deeper into these categories and show some examples of how to achieve top ratings. Bear in mind that the video examples below are shown as raw rushes submitted that would have Vidsy overlays applied afterwards 👍

Creative Idea Rating

The uniqueness of how you’ve approached the brief. This rating looks at how you’ve communicated your idea through narrative and direction. To receive the highest score, your video should visually draw your audience in, communicate the proposition in a novel and unique way, all while hammering home that key message.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A strong, unique idea that delivers something unexpected

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A very good idea, clearly executed

⭐️⭐️⭐️
A good idea, but not particularly original

⭐️⭐️
There’s an idea in place, but it hasn’t come together well

⭐️
No clear idea, it’s difficult to make sense of the video

Example

In this brief for Fairy, the aim was the demonstrate how quickly Fairy power spray can deal with grease and speed up your washing up.

Although you can see the 2-star video does show the how Fairy power spray can speed up your washing up, when you compare it to the 5-star video, you can see the idea is much stronger. Conveying the message with a bit of creative exaggeration to get the point across of just how quick and easy this product makes things.

When thinking about your idea imagine what other creators might think of on the same brief and consider how you can create something that will grab that 5 ⭐️!

Technical Execution Rating

It’s all about finesse and style here. How have you framed your talent? Have you considered your lighting and audio? Have you spent time really planning your shots? To receive the highest score, your video should be a winning combination of slick pacing, highly polished cinematography and perfectly combined audio to boot.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lighting and audio are on point and justified, nice variety of shots, great pace, and great editing

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Technically very good with a handful of standout shots

⭐️⭐️⭐️
Well executed, but would require some reworking for the client

⭐️⭐️
Basic technical execution but lacking in style and finesse

⭐️
Major technical errors throwing off the whole video

Example

In this brief, creators had to show an actor demonstrating the power of vanish on a stained T-shirt.

See how the 2-star video has very simple shots, some of which are more exposed than others and the audio is a little echoey. Compare that to the seamless execution of the 5-star video where there are nice cutaway shots and different angles of the actor. Note the attention to detail with the audio too, including the sound of the water pouring to draw the audience into the action.

Followed the Brief Rating

Does your video include all the key elements outlined in the brief? Does it hit the objective? Did you follow the brand guidelines? To receive the highest score, you need to demonstrate a clear understanding of the brand and brief requirements and take them to the next level.

We work closely with our clients in order to ensure that the brief meets all of their requirements, be it technical, legal etc. so if there’s anything written in the brief that seems a little odd, always be sure to check with us first before disregarding it!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Video is the epitome of what the brand and brief is all about

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Followed the brief to a T

⭐️⭐️⭐️
Generally hit expectations but missing minor elements of the brief

⭐️⭐️
Missed a fundamental element of the brief requirements

⭐️
Missed all the key aspects laid out in the brief

Example

In this brief for Tiktok, creators were asked to show male focused how tos and tips. They had to be aspirational, educational, inspiring and entertaining.

In this 2-star video, the subject would not be considered aspirational and the brief clearly said not include any alcohol + drugs. Beyond that though, the video is also not that entertaining, compared to the 5-star video that shows an fun idea and relatable idea that would makes you want to watch more and engage, exactly what Tiktok were looking for.

More 5-star Inspo