At Video Summit 2024, Morten Vee from Storebrand and Sanni Linde from SPP offered a fascinating look into how they have transformed corporate communication using cutting-edge video production studios in Norway and Sweden. Their story is one of innovation, adaptability, and continuous improvement. Here’s how they’ve done it and what we can learn from their journey.
Building the foundation: A need for better communication
Storebrand, one of the largest financial institutions in the Nordics, serves over 2.2 million customers. Before the pandemic, their communication relied heavily on in-person meetings and events. When in-person interactions were no longer viable, they had to rethink their approach.
Initially, Storebrand leaned on video conferencing tools like Microsoft Teams. However, it quickly became clear that this was not enough to deliver the level of professionalism and engagement they were known for. Recognizing this, their leadership posed a challenge: “Storebrand needs its own TV studio.”
From vision to reality: building a studio
Storebrand’s journey started with the creation of their first TV studio, a space that quickly grew into two fully equipped production studios. They partnered with renowned designers and industry experts to ensure the studios aligned with their brand identity. The focus was not just on technology but on flexibility and professionalism, enabling everything from high-quality live broadcasts to smaller-scale productions.
One of the most significant achievements was the creation of what they call “The Glass Box”—a multi-purpose studio that allows for various production styles, from panel discussions to green-screen filming. As the team expanded, they onboarded media professionals and retrained internal staff, creating a talent pipeline that fostered collaboration and cross-functional expertise.
Sweden joins the game: scaling the vision
Inspired by the success in Norway, Storebrand extended the concept to its Swedish operations under the SPP brand. According to Sanni, the Swedish studio was built on the same principles of flexibility and multi-functionality but adapted to a smaller space. The team works as a resource pool, pulling talent from across the organization based on the needs of each production.
Notably, the Swedish team has also embraced hybrid events, utilizing spaces like their company library to host sessions with both physical and digital audiences. By leveraging advanced networking and production technology, they seamlessly produce broadcasts across different locations without compromising quality.
Success stories: Engaging audiences at scale
One of Storebrand’s most significant achievements has been the digitization of their customer seminars. Previously conducted in person across Norway, these events now reach over 6,000 participants digitally, with higher attendance rates and improved customer satisfaction scores.
Their quarterly earnings presentations have also been transformed. By pre-recording the main content and broadcasting it alongside live Q&A sessions, they’ve achieved record-breaking viewer numbers and created a more dynamic and engaging experience.
Another highlight is their participation in events like Arendalsuka (the Norwegian equivalent of Almedalsveckan), where they produce high-quality live debates directly from a boat studio. This innovative approach has allowed them to reach tens of thousands of viewers without the logistical challenges of hosting large physical events.
Lessons learned: The recipe for studio success
Here are the key takeaways from Storebrand’s and SPP’s experiences:
- Continuous improvement: They regularly evaluate their productions, using feedback and data to refine everything from event formats to technical setups.
- Flexibility in production: From high-end studios to makeshift setups, the ability to adapt to various environments has been critical.
- Internal talent development: By training employees across roles, they’ve built a resilient team capable of managing all aspects of production.
- Cross-studio collaboration: Seamlessly connecting studios in Norway and Sweden has reduced travel and enabled shared expertise.
- Iterative processes: Rehearsals, retrospectives, and ongoing tweaks ensure that every broadcast is better than the last.
The road ahead
As they look to the future, both Morten and Sanni emphasize the importance of scalability. Storebrand plans to integrate more offices into their video network, creating a multi-studio strategy that will bring their entire organization closer together. They’re also investing in their facilities, ensuring they remain at the cutting edge of corporate communication.
For anyone looking to start their own studio journey, Sanni’s advice is clear: “Don’t be afraid to experiment. Seek out internal talent, encourage learning, and build a culture of collaboration.”
Final thoughts
Storebrand and SPP have turned video production into a strategic advantage, not just for external communication but as a tool to unite their teams and engage audiences on a deeper level. Their journey proves that with the right mix of creativity, technology, and process, any organization can transform how it connects with its stakeholders.
Watch the full speaker slot (In Swedish & Norwegian)👇
Sanni Linde and Morten Vee on stage at Video Summit 2024 with Viktor Underwood
