Video
The Purpose of this Section
This section outlines the 5 keys to producing great videos.
This is Important
Video has become the most desired way that people like to consume content online, so it’s important that we understand the basics and a few keys to producing quality videos.
With the wild popularity of YouTube, Flip video cameras and the iPhone, it seems that almost everyone is a videographer and producer these days. The technology is so user friendly – shoot, edit, share – anyone can produce a video, right?
It all depends on your definition of quality. Granted, most of us aren’t ready for Hollywood, nor do we need to be; but for businesses – especially technology companies looking to video as one more way to evangelize stories in a professional manner – you may want to think twice about “Joe iPhone dude” shooting, editing and producing your new product launch demonstration or customer testimonial video. As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for.”
Here are five tips to consider when shooting and producing a high-quality video for your business:
1. Less is more and “make it move.” Research shows the most widely watched videos are less than 60 seconds. That’s not to say longer videos aren’t also successful, but you need to know how to make a video “move” and stay engaging for its entire duration.
2. Beware of rookie shooting mistakes. Everyone’s first inclination when using a video camera is to pan and zoom. Such camera moves are inherently slow moving, which is the last thing you want when you are trying to produce a fast-paced, tight video.
3. Short and sweet sound bites. The best sound bites are only 3-5 seconds long. Look for a producer with a television background who both knows how to ask questions like a reporter to illicit conversational, succinct sound bites, and who can “hear” a sound bite – this is an art.
4. It’s not what you say; it’s how you say it. The most brilliant people in the world can deliver the worst sound bites on camera. A monotone voice and stiff body language will ensure a video flop. Tap a former reporter to conduct the interview so your spokesperson loosens up and becomes as smooth an orator as someone in the Oval Office.
5. Tell a story. Everyone loves to listen to a good story, so plan your story in your shoot. The best videos are ones that weave a story-telling element along the way. This is a lot easier said than done – again, consult a professional who can capture the right pictures and voices to tell a story to keep the viewer engaged and tally up thousands of YouTube views.
Indeed, in the digital age, video production has become commoditized, and because it’s so popular and “everybody’s doing video,” quality standards are often compromised.
Other important tidbits about Trainer’s video practice:
How do I go about shooting the video?
Trainer has its own HD camera, microphone, tripod, and lights. For lower budget projects, Trainer personnel can shoot all of their own footage and provide turnkey production of the videos. Consult Ross before proceeding on video projects.
Do we work with outside video photographers and production companies?
Yes, for higher budget projects that require more of a “broadcast quality” look and feel, Trainer works with partners like Friday’s Films. Consult Ross before proceeding on video projects.
How much do I charge for upselling a video project?
Pricing can vary based on several factors. Consult Ross before proceeding on video projects.
This section outlines the 5 keys to producing great videos.
This is Important
Video has become the most desired way that people like to consume content online, so it’s important that we understand the basics and a few keys to producing quality videos.
With the wild popularity of YouTube, Flip video cameras and the iPhone, it seems that almost everyone is a videographer and producer these days. The technology is so user friendly – shoot, edit, share – anyone can produce a video, right?
It all depends on your definition of quality. Granted, most of us aren’t ready for Hollywood, nor do we need to be; but for businesses – especially technology companies looking to video as one more way to evangelize stories in a professional manner – you may want to think twice about “Joe iPhone dude” shooting, editing and producing your new product launch demonstration or customer testimonial video. As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for.”
Here are five tips to consider when shooting and producing a high-quality video for your business:
1. Less is more and “make it move.” Research shows the most widely watched videos are less than 60 seconds. That’s not to say longer videos aren’t also successful, but you need to know how to make a video “move” and stay engaging for its entire duration.
2. Beware of rookie shooting mistakes. Everyone’s first inclination when using a video camera is to pan and zoom. Such camera moves are inherently slow moving, which is the last thing you want when you are trying to produce a fast-paced, tight video.
3. Short and sweet sound bites. The best sound bites are only 3-5 seconds long. Look for a producer with a television background who both knows how to ask questions like a reporter to illicit conversational, succinct sound bites, and who can “hear” a sound bite – this is an art.
4. It’s not what you say; it’s how you say it. The most brilliant people in the world can deliver the worst sound bites on camera. A monotone voice and stiff body language will ensure a video flop. Tap a former reporter to conduct the interview so your spokesperson loosens up and becomes as smooth an orator as someone in the Oval Office.
5. Tell a story. Everyone loves to listen to a good story, so plan your story in your shoot. The best videos are ones that weave a story-telling element along the way. This is a lot easier said than done – again, consult a professional who can capture the right pictures and voices to tell a story to keep the viewer engaged and tally up thousands of YouTube views.
Indeed, in the digital age, video production has become commoditized, and because it’s so popular and “everybody’s doing video,” quality standards are often compromised.
Other important tidbits about Trainer’s video practice:
How do I go about shooting the video?
Trainer has its own HD camera, microphone, tripod, and lights. For lower budget projects, Trainer personnel can shoot all of their own footage and provide turnkey production of the videos. Consult Ross before proceeding on video projects.
Do we work with outside video photographers and production companies?
Yes, for higher budget projects that require more of a “broadcast quality” look and feel, Trainer works with partners like Friday’s Films. Consult Ross before proceeding on video projects.
How much do I charge for upselling a video project?
Pricing can vary based on several factors. Consult Ross before proceeding on video projects.