What Makes A Successful Demo Editing Reel?

Here at Key West Video, we know the value of having a successful demo reel all too well. A good demo is the difference between getting picked up or passed over.

But what does a good demo reel even look like?

Here, we’ve outlined some key tips to create an attention-grabbing reel that will showcase your work and bring you optimal business:

1. Brevity is Key

Make it short and sweet. As a video editor you should showcase the main highlights of your work as quickly and succinctly as possible. You’ve only got a certain amount of time before a viewer loses interest. Most editors would agree that a 1-2 minute video is ideal for potential employers looking to view your best work. Make it count. Which leads us to our next point…

2. Use Your Best, Most Relevant Work

You’d think it’d be a no-brainer, right? You’d be surprised at just how many editors think an employer is interested in seeing every little thing they’ve done. Think of your demo reel as a tailored video resume: you wouldn’t include that McDonald’s cashier job over a volunteer art camp position if you were applying for tour-guide at a museum. Why? Well, some things just aren’t always relevant.

3. Self-Promote

…and do it shamelessly. Were you head lead editor on a project? Caption it! Include the software/programs you used to show you know your stuff. Don’t be afraid to be honest about the work you’ve done or the role you’ve played.

4. Be Available

Another no-brainer, right? It should go without saying that your demo reel should be easy to find, easy to access, and easy to revisit. You’d be surprised at how many editors – both freelance and full-time – get so caught up in everyday work that they neglect their demo reels. Domain subscriptions, at some point, do come to an end. Make sure your link is working and your reel is up-to-date.

5. Stay Updated

There is nothing worse than an outdated demo reel. In our fast-paced society, a demo with anything older than 3 years old becomes almost obsolete. Employers would like to know if you’re able to adapt with new technologies and softwares. They want to see how receptive you are to change and how well you are able to keep up with the changes in the editing world.

6. Show You

A bit of a cliché, but your demo reel should not only reflect your best work, it should also reflect you. After all, you are an editor with a specific take on video and audio. While other editors may be able to do similar work, potential clients will be looking for the quality you bring to their brand.

Here at Key West Video, we provide the best in video pre- and post-production. For more on our services, visit our portfolio.

 

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Should Facebook Give Up on Camera Apps?

For the past four years, Facebook has desperately tried to stay ahead of the game with new camera apps for its users. Time and time again, they’ve proven to be not so successful.

In a recent article by the Wall Street Journal, Facebook is reportedly rolling out a new camera app specific to its almost 2 billion users. The camera app will run similarly to Snapchat’s format. When users open the app, it will automatically load to a camera setting. One suggested feature is to allow users to live stream through their cameras.

But why?

Well, one reason may be that Facebook users are becoming increasingly passive on Facebook. According to the report, users may check in to the app multiple times a day, but are posting less and less about their personal lives through status updates, photos or videos.

This isn’t the first time that Facebook has attempted to create a camera-like app for its users. In 2012, Facebook released ‘Facebook Camera‘, an app similar to Instagram that allowed users to share photos.

Later that year, it introduced Poke, an app that “poked” users by sending them photos, videos or messages. Extremely similar to Snapchat, “pokes” lasted for 1, 3, 5 or 10 seconds. Needless to say, the app didn’t last long.

In 2014, Facebook accidentally pre-launched Slingshot, yet another attempt to oust Snapchat. Slingshot was meant to promote interaction among its users. Users could send messages to each other of up to 15 seconds.  The catch? Well, in order for the recipient to open another user’s message, he or she would be required to respond with an image or video of their own to unlock the message. Users didn’t need a Facebook account to actually use the app. Facebook got rid of the app sometime in 2015.

Facebook’s last video attempt came in 2015 with Riff, an app that let users add their own video on top of friends’ original videos. There was no limit to the amount of videos that could be tacked onto an existing video, making the video entries almost endless.

You’d think that after four attempts, Facebook would call it quits. But who knows? Maybe fifth time’s a charm.

We at Key West Video believe in staying up to date with new social media trends, video production practises and innovative technology. Visit our website and contact us for a quote today!

 

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Should Facebook Give Up on Camera Apps?

For the past four years, Facebook has desperately tried to stay ahead of the game with new camera apps for its users. Time and time again, they’ve proven to be not so successful.

In a recent article by the Wall Street Journal, Facebook is reportedly rolling out a new camera app specific to its almost 2 billion users. The camera app will run similarly to Snapchat’s format. When users open the app, it will automatically load to a camera setting. One suggested feature is to allow users to live stream through their cameras.

But why?

Well, one reason may be that Facebook users are becoming increasingly passive on Facebook. According to the report, users may check in to the app multiple times a day, but are posting less and less about their personal lives through status updates, photos or videos.

This isn’t the first time that Facebook has attempted to create a camera-like app for its users. In 2012, Facebook released ‘Facebook Camera‘, an app similar to Instagram that allowed users to share photos.

Later that year, it introduced Poke, an app that “poked” users by sending them photos, videos or messages. Extremely similar to Snapchat, “pokes” lasted for 1, 3, 5 or 10 seconds. Needless to say, the app didn’t last long.

In 2014, Facebook accidentally pre-launched Slingshot, yet another attempt to oust Snapchat. Slingshot was meant to promote interaction among its users. Users could send messages to each other of up to 15 seconds.  The catch? Well, in order for the recipient to open another user’s message, he or she would be required to respond with an image or video of their own to unlock the message. Users didn’t need a Facebook account to actually use the app. Facebook got rid of the app sometime in 2015.

Facebook’s last video attempt came in 2015 with Riff, an app that let users add their own video on top of friends’ original videos. There was no limit to the amount of videos that could be tacked onto an existing video, making the video entries almost endless.

You’d think that after four attempts, Facebook would call it quits. But who knows? Maybe fifth time’s a charm.

We at Key West Video believe in staying up to date with new social media trends, video production practises and innovative technology. Visit our website and contact us for a quote today!

 

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Are Holograms The Best Idea For Your Company?

Since the late 2000s, we’ve seen a spike in the use of holograms. Who would’ve guessed that kids’ movies like Spy Kids and Agent Cody Banks would predict the future with holograms of some our most revered public figures.

Holography – the process used to create holograms – involves diffracting lights into an image. This concept has been around since the 1800s when John Pepper terrorized audiences with “Pepper’s Ghost” – a light illusion trick he used to scare audiences.

We’ve been able to recreate some pretty stellar images. However, we often confuse animated projections with real holograms.

The Japanese were the first to really popularize the idea of what a projected image could mean for our culture when they created Hatsune Miku, a human-like persona voiced by a synthesizer that held its first concert in 2010.

However, let it be known that this was a hologram only in the most basic sense. At its core, holograms are a photographic technique that display images 3-dimensionally.

They’ve become increasingly present in the corporate world. One of the more popular uses is for holographically-streamed meetings (or telepresence).

 

In corporate marketing, 3D holograms can be considered an asset. They add an extra dimension (see what we did there?) to your marketing strategy and a nice edge over your competitors.

They are relatively cost-efficient. For example, for companies who cross-market products at events in multiple countries, 3D holograms make it easier to showcase the “how-tos” of that product. It allows companies to showcase products without actually having to spend the money to create them.

They are also an incredible attention-grabber. It’s easy to get an audience’s attention – the difficulty is to get them to stay there. 3D holograms are an excellent way to increase human retention. This is as effective for your customers at a display show as it would be for your employees at a company seminar or meeting.

Here at Key West Video we serve forward-thinking companies looking to push the envelope through corporate video production. Contact us for a quote today!

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Popular Myths About Corporate Video

Every industry comes with its own set of myths and truths.

With corporate video production, this is no exception. For some reason unbeknownst to the corporate video world, there are certain myths and misconceptions revolving around corporate video that we at Key West Video simply could not ignore.

We’ve touched on it before, but here’s to refresh your memory. According to some, corporate videos are:

1. Costly

People often assume that video production will cost way more than they can afford. This simply isn’t true. Depending on your corporate needs, any video production company will quote you based on industry standards. What’s most important is getting value for your return. Think of corporate video as an investment into your company’s brand.

2. Boring

Not only are we living in an evolving age with innovative technology, we are constantly looking for new ways to tell stories. We are using linear and non-linear storylines. We are reshaping the way we do comedy. We are abandoning HD for 4K resolution. There is now a multitude of ways to grab an audience’s attention. There’s really no reason corporate videos cannot reflect as such.

3. Inauthentic

Nothing is worse than a CEO talking-head with an obvious emotional disconnect with his or her audience. Corporate videos with dialogue should speak to, not talk at. This is not to say that corporate companies should not use management or executives in their videos, but rather create an engaging way for someone to relay a message. This, of course, is at the discretion of our clients, but we recommend creating fresh ways to spark your audience’s interests.

4. Not In Need a Script

People often underestimate the importance of having a script in a corporate video. Not only does it supplement any speaking gaps in the video, but it also adds a sense of direction. While you’re not exactly shooting a Hollywood blockbuster film, you will still need certain important information relayed to your audience. A script eliminates any chance of missing or inaccurate information.

5. Able to Be Done Without Actual Production Company

This is one of our favourite myths. There really isn’t a reason a corporate company shouldn’t invest into an actual video production company – especially if they want high-quality production quality. A full-service production company will not only help you map out video concepts, but also help you create a solid production schedule, use its professional videographers and equipment, and often include post-production editing services. Video production takes well-seasoned and skilled producers, videographers, editors, professional equipment, and much more. With their expertise, you will have a polished product you can be proud of.

Here at Key West Video, we offer the best in corporate video production. Check out our portfolio for some of the services we offer and contact us for a quote today!

 

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Viral Corporate Video: Pros and Cons

The viral dilemma: you’re a major corporate company looking to increase your online visibility but still cater to a specific audience – what do you do? One obvious choice is to create popular online videos, but sometimes viral videos aren’t always the best option.

Before your company chooses to invest in a top-notch video production company (read: us), there are some things worth considering. While subject is always important, there are other things to consider. What is your overall social media goal? And how far are you willing to go for your online reach?

Here we’ve outlined some of the main advantages of viral marketing:

1. Cost-efficiency (most of the time)

Viral videos tend to have low-end budgets most of the time. Because they are so content-driven, they rely heavily on the creative idea behind the project. It doesn’t cost much to create a heartfelt moment on camera. It’s incredibly easy to share a YouTube video to a Facebook, Twitter or Instagram account as opposed to buying a spot for television or radio.

2. Huge Outreach

Viral videos undoubtedly have a large outreach. They often include an international audience, garnering viewers worldwide. This type of unprecedented exposure in our current technological age is incredible. It’s almost overwhelming to think that we can create content that can reach the far corners of the world.

3. Awareness

Viral videos are created for a specific use. Whether it’s for a special cause, campaign, event, or a new product, almost all videos that go viral have some sort of message. Most are often public service announcements (PSAs). With messages come awareness.

4. Entertaining

We human beings are simple. We’ve proven throughout the centuries that we like to be entertained. From old Shakespearean-era theatre to the consumerism age of the 50’s (when TV was first invented), we’ve always had a deep desire to experience things that are outside of our daily life. They are the things that make us feel something – sadness, joy, anger etc. It only makes sense that something with the power to grip us emotionally would be shared across the world.

5. Speed

Viral marketing campaigns are just that – viral. This means that they reach the masses in a very small amount of time. In less than a few days, most viral videos will have reached in the hundreds of thousands. Over the span of a week, a viral video should have (at the very least) 1 million views.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the downsides to viral marketing include the following:

1. Huge Outreach

Again, you might ask? Well, while it is great to have your content reach the far corners of the earth, it also takes away from reaching a targeted audience. You might be enticing an audience who can’t become potential customers. Which leads us to our next point…

2. Doesn’t guarantee the next step

In essence, just because people see your brand, doesn’t necessarily mean that they will engage with it they way you want them to. Visibility doesn’t always equal an investment into your brand, though it does help get the conversation started.

3. Not a sustainable marketing strategy

At some point, your company won’t be able to afford to continue trying to make viral videos.

“But what about it being cost-efficient?” you might ask.

What we mean is, at some point, you will need to invest in real content specifically catered to your brand. It will be something that directly influences your audience to invest in you. Your aim should be to increase your buying power.

4. Risky

With viral video, you always run the risk of your video campaign flopping. Some companies looking to market this way simply just don’t “get it”. Unfortunately, this sometimes creates negative controversy and not translating to sales.

5. Everyone is doing it now

Viral videos (or at least the attempt to make one) have become somewhat of a norm. It’s shaped our culture to the point where we rarely pay attention to online campaigns that haven’t been shared or viewed hundreds of thousands of times. While it isn’t horrible to follow the bandwagon, it sure isn’t trendsetting to follow the mould. A viral video doesn’t necessarily mean that it is top-notch quality, nor does it mean that your video won’t be beneficial if it doesn’t go viral.

 

Here at Key West Video, we specialize in creating top-notch corporate video for client consumption. Contact us for a quote today!

 

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Why Location Scouting Is So Important

People often underestimate the importance of location scouting. Finding the right location for a shoot is as imperative to the pre-production as it is to the final product.

When it comes to any sort of video – be it for corporate or creative purposes – one thing that must be solidified before shooting is location.

Location is where the overall aesthetic of your video will come from. It’s what will set the tone for your video and provide depth in your shots.

In the past, we’ve talked about the benefits one of the services we provide: location consultation. One obvious upside to location scouting is preparation. Clearing a location prior to shooting not only gives you an idea for how you can frame specific shots, but also prepares you when you’ll need to bring along equipment.

For example, if it’s an outdoor shoot, you’ll be able to decide what lighting you’ll need based on where you’d be shooting and what time of day. This saves time, effort and possibly even money when you’re able to plan.

Another benefit of location scouting is sound. If the shoot is heavily reliant on sound, it’s important to decide what the noise levels will be at the time of the shoot. If it’s in a loud industrial area, a mid-day shoot is not ideal. On the flip-side, if a corporate company requires a recording of ambiance, then that could work. Production and corporate companies need to work together to decide the specific sound needed before shooting.

One last – but major – thing to consider is your location perimeters. Both distance and space are incredibly important when determining a location. After all, you’ll need a lot of “wiggle room” to set up your camera, audio and lighting equipment. You’ll still need adequate room to get your shot without any interferences. Distance is also another thing to consider when location setting – especially when there are multiple locations involved. It’s a no-brainer that distance and time should be accounted for in a multi-day shoot.

This article displays Game of Thrones’ on-set location in the beautiful country of Croatia. We can only imagine how long it took to find the perfect King’s Landing.

Here at Key West Video, we have done a location consultation with many of our clients. For more on what services we offer, check out our website.

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Key West Video Is Now Offering Workshops!

Here at Key West Video Inc., we offer a myriad of services to our corporate clients. From post-production to speciality services like voice dubbing, our goal is to give our clients the best in corporate video production.

But now we’ve expanded our services to better accommodate you. How, you might ask?

Workshops.

We now offer two different types of workshops for our clients and customers: acting and production.

Acting Workshops

We’ve broken our acting workshops into multiple parts:

Part I: The Fundamentals of Auditioning for Camera:

With roughly 8-10 class participants, Marvin Karon is an acting coach who brings almost 20 years of experience to the table. This acting class is for upcoming actors who are already on the road to a professional acting career and looking to move up from the actor level or small principal roles to larger parts.

Through this class, participants learn how to understand the technicalities behind acting. Participants are also taught how to make emotional adjustments and develop intimacy with the camera.

Part II: Advanced Audition Technique

In the second part of the class, we offer participants in the workshops a more in-depth learning session. Through this class, we offer insight into some of the following:

• Finding A Character
• How to Score A Scene
• Finding the Tempo and Rhythm in a Scene
• How to Find the Connectives Between the Beats in a Scene
• Establishing relationships
• Exploring the idea of “losing yourself” in the scene
• How to respond more quickly and fully to direction
• Call backs: What you want to do differently; what you don’t want to do differently

and much, much more!

Scene Study Fundamentals

Never underestimate the importance of an individual scene. A single scene can be pivotal in a film or television show, and for actors, it is especially important to know how they can bring value to the big screen. Our class also offers scene analysis; this means identifying key factors in what makes a scene “work” based on the direction and emotional intelligence of the actor. It will also teach aspiring professionals how to make interesting, compelling choices to enhance the effectiveness of their work.

Advanced Scene Study

For the intermediate actor, this workshop is designed for the more experienced actor with at least some professional credits to their name. This class incorporates compelling and challenging content from feature films and TV shows as source material to reference from. By this, students will learn what works in a particular scene and how to enrich their acting through the use of dialogue, body language and emotion.

Master Class

This class is geared for those who have worked with instructor Marvin Karon in the past. With less of an emphasis on the craft of acting, it focuses on the pressures of performing on a professional set.

Production Services

Key West Video is also providing production services for those interested in video production. We offer a variety of classes including:

Lighting and Camera Techniques: Interviews and Green Screen

A relatively small class of 5 participants, eager learners learn how to set up documentary and corporate video interview in a 6-hour session. Participants will gain knowledge and experience in professional lighting, audio equipment and camera operation. They will also learn the difference between practical and green screen backgrounds, and how to properly equip for both.

DJI Ronin 3 Axis Gimbal: Basic Setup and Operation

This class is all about the technical. After setting up the system with two different camera configurations, participants will rotate crew positions, (Camera Operator, Remote Operator, Spotter, Talent) having a chance to operate the Ronin with a walking subject.

Photography Basics

This class focuses on the most basic elements of photography: aperture, shutter speed, focal length, format (sensor size), and colour temperature. In a 6-hour session, participants will exercise their newfound knowledge in a controlled studio setting with an industry-standard DSLR.

Photoshop Essentials

This 6-hour workshop will begin by discussing differences between raw camera files such as .CR2 versus more compressed files like .jpg and how they compare during the post production workflow.

For more information on our other services, visit our website today!

 

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Trading Faces: Video Changes in Real Time

Wouldn’t it be cool if you could live out your impressionist dreams? This new technology allows you to do just that by altering your appearance in real-time.

CBS recently covered a story revealing a new video technology that is able to manipulate YouTube videos in real time. Researchers at Stanford University were able to work with a webcam to take three-dimensional scans of a person’s facial expressions. From former President George W. Bush to Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, this computer software (along a camera) then animates it on to another person’s face and is able to virtually recreate these expressions.

The idea of manipulating facial expressions isn’t a phenomenon we haven’t seen before. Even Yoplait did it in  their 2008 ‘Yop’ commercial:

What stands out about this technology is how closely it is able to manipulate our visual experience. Anchor Anthony Mason warns that in an increasingly rapid Internet era, not everything on the Internet is as real as it seems.

Another thing worth noting is that this video manipulation is done in real time. While a lot of video augments occur after the fact (e.g. in post-production), this technology allows “face actors” to make the swap while we watch.

Now, with the rise of fast-growing social media apps and new tech features, we’re seeing trickles of “augmented reality” more than ever. Apple’s Photo-booth feature on MacBook Pro has allowed us to augment our facial expressions for some time now. Even Snapchat’s latest upgrade has introduced filters allowing us to alter our video snaps.

Here at Key West Video, we specialize in providing the best in video production services. While we’re not quite sure what this new software will mean for the state of augmented reality in real time, rest assured we are equipped to accommodate videography changes in the industry.

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5 Things We Can Learn from Video Games

We’ve all come in contact with video games at some point in our lives. Whether EB Games was your second home or you spent your lunch breaks streaming games on Twitch,  it’s safe to say that we’ve all at least seen a game in action.

One might ask what the carefully – yet wonderfully – created worlds in role-playing (RPGs) and first-person shooter games have to do with corporate video. One might even go so far as to ask what it could have to do with anything marketing-related, either.

Well, fear not friends. We’ve finally connected the dots.

Believe it or not, video games say a lot about the way we communicate and interact with others. From a marketing standpoint, video games can provide the framework for a lot of company campaigns.

Here are some of the top takeaways from video gaming to corporate video marketing:

1. Immersive Storytelling

One of the most important things when delving into the world of video games is how immersive the storytelling must be. Video games often act as an escape from reality – an alternate way to experience things. Therefore, the storytelling must take its users to another place.

This is not to say that your company needs to engulf its audience in a completely immersive experience, but it definitely does help create for optimal audience engagement.

2. Character Development

Good video games show character progression. The higher the level, the more the character must evolve. The stakes become higher. The challenge gets greater. There is now a bigger risk involved. It’s not absolutely necessary to feature a particular per se, however it does add extra amiability to your marketing.

If taking the character approach, it’s equally important to note how there are people behind your brand. Making a personable appeal by showing your team is made up of a collective of individuals goes a long way to establish a relationship between your product and your users.

3. Strong Storyline

We’ve mentioned before how important storytelling is. Any good video – from commercials, to feature film, to corporate infomercials, must have some sort of narrative framework. We’ve seen it in nerd culture. We’ve experienced it on paper. Now, as our culture leans more and more towards technology, we’re seeing it more in the way we reach others.

This can be translated in the stories we tell through marketing. Who is your target audience? What is the best way to get them to identify with your brand/product/service? Will a storyline help tug on their emotional strings?

4. Educational

Ever feel slightly enlightened after playing a video game? When it comes to virtual realities, seldom do artificial worlds lack context. These worlds often have their own set of rules, traditions, taboos and values. Even if they technically don’t exist, they still serve as a strong reflection of the society (or societies) we live in.

Video games are an enticing, sometimes fantastical way of educating us on how our own world works. Video marketers can take note of how we can get alternate, fictional arenas to send a message.

5. Graphics

Last but not least, this leaves us with graphics. It goes without saying that graphics have undoubtedly progressed in the last 10 years with all areas of video production. From Lara Croft to NBA 2K, we’ve seen how video games specifically have moved with the times to create some of the most stunning graphics we’ve ever seen.

Our advice? When creating video for marketing purposes, use the best, most stunning video quality you possibly can. Because in a few years, it might just be outdated.

Here at Key West Video, we offer the best in corporate video production services. Visit our website to contact us for a quote today!

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A #VideoStill from an #Interview #Shoot for @interiordesignersofcanada #VideoProduction #InteriorDesign #Design #Creative #Agency #InstaPic #Production #VideoMarketing #Toronto

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It’s a #FullHouse in the #EditSuite #Today. #VideoProduction #PostProduction #VideoEditing #CorporateVideo #Work #Business #Production #Agency #InstaPic #Creative #InstaWork #toronto

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#TimeLapse from a #VideoShoot for @bialikhds with the #Artist @danicooperman #Art #Painting #School #Event #VideoProduction #InstaVideo #Creative #Bialik #Vaughan #Toronto #GoPro

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Skype and the Future Of Video Bots

When Skype first rolled out in 2003, it changed the way we communicated with others. Now with the introduction of video bots, Skype has set the bar for yet another phenomenon.

“Skype bots” allow their users to interact with characters in live video chat. These bots are created by a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D rendering, making for a more interactive experience in which users can speak directly to “bot” characters.

Much like Siri, the bot uses AI to comprehend the requests from its video callers. Skype announced that bots eventually will be created and customized to a user’s choosing.

Microsoft, who owns Skype, also recently announced its decision to roll out bots to different areas of its software.

So how do Skype bots differ from other AI systems like Siri, you say?

Well, one obvious difference is that Skype bots are visual and audible, unlike Siri who is restricted to a voice operating system. The bots operate responsively and are able to make changes based on users’ requests. Siri tends to operate as a “search” function to answer questions, whereas Skype bots can fulfill demands and hold conversations.

Since its inception, Skype users have spread to hundreds of millions of users worldwide. The video sensation has taken the Skype world by storm. Bots will be able to virtually do anything once in live chat from building online worlds to acting out commands to doing your online shopping.

For Skype business, this is especially helpful. It gives users options on how they might be able to try out a service or product. Moving vice versa, Skype bots can also be used practically by companies. The new feature makes it easier to get day-to-day regular activities completed, such as making online orders, booking vacation times or scheduling meetings, for example.

Here at Key West Video, we like to stay on top of companies looking for the newest and most technological advanced products or services. While we can’t say if we’ll ever be recreating bots for live video chat, we do offer services aligned with forward-thinking corporate companies. For more, check us out and contact us for a quote today!

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The Truth About Video Stream Apps

Periscope, Meerkat and now Blab – these apps are changing the way we broadcast and live stream video content.

We’re in an age where we’re witnessing the rise of live stream content. Periscope. Meerkat. Blab. What do these all share in common?

Well, for one, they bring high-profile, previously exclusive content in real-time to everyday users. We as consumers, viewers, and humans with a need for connection are constantly looking for ways to see what is happening in other parts of the world. We crave information and entertainment, while remaining perpetually curious about how things work. With new video stream technology, we’re able to quench that thirst by getting quick, in-your-face content when we want, how we want it.

Periscope is Twitter’s latest, most successful video streaming application. The app lets users to stream activities in real-time, gives viewers access to live, behind-the-scenes events, and allows users to chime in and comment.

Meerkat, previously linked to Twitter’s social graph, recently turned its attention to Facebook in an attempt to appeal to users’ friends list and curated interests.

Blab, one of the newest rising video streaming apps on the block, made its debut sometime in 2015. Though similar in concept to Periscope, the app is unique in that it allows for users to do “group chats” with roughly 2-4 people.

It’s interesting to note how connected video streaming has become with popular social media apps. Though blab seems to act on its own, the very nature of the apps acts as a visual social media community.

We at Key West Video like to stay on top of popular video streaming trends. When it comes to live footage, streams or events we specialize in creating content that will last beyond just the online social media realm. For more information on the services we provide, visit our website today!

 

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A Look Ahead At Video Advertising in 2016

Sometimes it can be overwhelming for corporate companies to roll out new advertising strategies. Last year, we saw the rise in a variety of video marketing strategies. With so many progressive companies setting the bar high, where do we go from here?

The year is 2016 and it feels like we’ve seen it all. Emotional beauty campaigns. Fast cars. Scantily clad women. Superheroes. Cool CGI. The list goes on.

In a recent article by the Huffington Post, over 4 billion videos were being played daily on Facebook alone by last April.

By October, this number had doubled in its daily views.

It’s no wonder why, in such a demanding industry, it can be tough to stay on top of new trends, much less set yourself apart from the rest of the world.

And if you can create something that hasn’t been done before, even better.

Companies like Samsung Mobile teamed up with popular film franchises to push new product. Check out this video:

In 2016, we’ve also expanded our use of technology. Few companies have started taking advantage of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), but now with companies like Oculus Rift garnering so much attention, this may become more popular in the near future.

Video marketing quickly became the norm in 2015, with more and more companies investing time, money, and corporate efforts into building and training social media teams. An influx of fresh sets of eyes proved beneficial for major corporate companies looking to reach younger, more diverse audiences. When it comes to video, marketers have found that distributing videos through multiple social media channels – be it YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn etc. – have been some of the strongest ways to infiltrate targeted audience and make a statement.

Here at Key West Video, we work with dynamic clients looking to expand their digital outreach through corporate video. For more information on our services, visit our website today!

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