I just wanted to take a moment and wish everyone a very happy 2012. I especially want to thank our clients for a wonderful 2011. You are the reason we get to play in the video "sandbox" every day. Here's to a great new year for everyone!
The holidays are fast approaching, and for many people, that means it's time to dig out the video camera. For a growing number of people, it seems the video camera only comes out in December, so let's review how to shoot great and memorable video this holiday season.
1. Don't forget the adults. Often the gut feeling is to aim the camera at the kids, and lock on to them for the day. Don't forget grandma and grandpa though. A good general rule is to split the taping time 50/50 between new and old generations. Chances are you already have far more photos and video of your kids than your parents. Don't wait until its too late to capture the special moments of the whole family.
2. Get at the kids' level. Taking in mind the advice in the first point, you will still shoot a lot of footage of the kids. Make that video better by simply getting the camera to their eye level, rather than having them look up. You'll get more interesting, natural shots, and you'll have a better perception of how they are experiencing the day.
3. Let the camera roll. Recording media is super cheap these days. After you get all of those shots of people opening presents and being silly, why not put the camera on a tripod in the corner, and just let it run. This will give you a more realistic/documentary feel of what happened at your party/shindig. Years later it will be this footage that will best take you right back to those special events.
4. Let others shoot video too. Go ahead, take a deep breath, and let the kids carefully shoot video too. You might find the normally quiet uncle will open up, and be the zaniest person in the room when a child is running the camera.
5. Edit across years and keep it short. While letting the camera run is a great way to record the event, its also a way to completely bore those who weren't there. When you want to create a video for others to watch, keep it short, and try to create montages of footage from several different years. If editing seems too daunting, contact a video production company that can help you, and incorporate photos into your video as well.
If you're client of ours, then you probably already know that we're always working on additional "side projects" when not working with our clients. I think this is really important because it gives us a chance to try new things, experiment, and then take what we learn and apply it to work for our clients.
The current project is an full-length documentary on the 1964-65 World's Fair. The film, titled After The Fair, will focus on the legacy of the fair: the ideas and technologies that were born at the fair along with the cultural influences, and even the whereabouts of the physical structures from the fair. We will be shooting in at least 18 different locations around the country, and already it has been a great project.
You can follow along at www.WorldsFairMovie.com.
documentary We love helping non-profit organizations meet their goals through video. Here are a few ideas that go beyond the traditional (but quite effective) fundraising videos and YouTube posts:
1. Cable On-Demand: Work with your local cable company to add a section of videos about your organization, or non-profits, in general. Cable companies are given area franchise licenses by local municipalities. This is a great way for them to show commitment to your area, and a chance for you to reach a new audience.
2. Monthly Video Newsletter: Sure you can use sites like YouTube to spread your message to a wider audience, but you can also use online video to have an ongoing dialog. Consider a monthly video recap of your group's events, challenges, and upcoming calendar.
3. Participation By Supporters: Why not let those who support your group tell others why they think your cause is important. Their testimonial can be key in getting others to "buy in" to your mission.
4. Interactive exhibits: If you have a physical location like a historic site, museum, etc., consider an interactive video display. Video displays aren't just for the best-funded groups. Often you have more information than you can ever share in a quick visit. If you run a nature preserve for instance, use video to show the different seasons at the preserve: let visitors know there's more to your park than just what they can see in one day.
5. Video contests: Don't have the money for a great commercial? Offer a small prize, and invite others to create messages about/for your group. Not only do you potentially get an ad at a fraction of the usual cost, but all of those involved in the process will encourage their friends and family to watch their videos, gaining your group additional exposure.
Video has been embraced by many non-profit groups as it gives a distinctive "image/brand" to the cause/group. If you've been on the fence about the time/money/effort of video production, now is the best time to get started.
non-profit 
By far, this felt like the fastest summer yet. I'm blaming it on the stifling heat we had for most of the last month. Now, here we are in August, when it felt like Memorial Day just passed by. For video and photography, this also means the last month for many sports teams, parties, gatherings etc. So if you are involved with any kind of festival, athletics, or other summer program, time is running out for video or photography of your group.
The fact that the "end" of summer is just weeks away is the bad news. The good news is, there's still time to reserve us for video and photo work. Enjoy a lemonade, then give us a call!
end of summer