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Showing posts with label corporate video production toronto. Show all posts
Showing posts with label corporate video production toronto. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Key West Video Studio
At Key West Video, we have an amazing onsite studio in our office that is utilized for a variety of different services that we provide to our clients.
Whether you need to hold a casting session or table read, shoot a self tape or agent demo, or even book a rehearsal space, our studio is perfect for your project!
Video Production Studio Rental
Shoot your project at our professional studio today! The Key West Video studio is equipped with a green screen cyclorama, house lights, plenty of electrical power, and of course, soundproofing. Our space also boasts free WiFi or wired internet access, along with loads of free parking. Contact a producer today to find out our studio rental rates!
Look no further! Our studio is fully equipped to hold casting sessions for your next project. Whether you just need the space or you would like your session to be fully recorded with professional video, sound and lighting, our studio has what is takes to make sure you get what you need, and more!
Break down the door with an amazing self tape or agent demo with the help of the Key West Video team! We provide a studio with professional lighting, audio and video to make your video stand out. We even have optional extras if you wish, and can give you tips during your taping.
Equipped with a professional green screen cyclorama, our studio can provide the environment to elevate your project’s creative aspects. Green screen is an amazing tool to catapult the viewer to a different world by increasing the possibilities that might otherwise be expensive or even impossible to capture. Insert a different background later, or even combine live actors with animated elements!
Our professional studio has a variety of backdrops and lighting for all your photography needs. From green screen photography, to corporate headshots and portraits, the Key West Video team is here to capture your moment!
Whether you’re looking to start out in the biz or hone your craft, workshops and acting classes are a must for every performer! This is the environment to pick up performance tips, work on audition material, discover key details or methods in becoming a character, and what to expect in the audition room. Contact us if you want to participate in one at our studio today! If you would like to book our studio space to hold a class or workshop, drop us a line!
Coaching sessions are also available at the Key West Video studio! Work one on one with a private coach with the experience and wisdom to guide you in how to land the role and perform on set. Call today to book a session with one of our current coaches! Need a space to coach a performer? We are here for you too! Call today!
If you have pre-production or production needs that require a studio space, call Key West Video today to book our studio!
The post Key West Video Studio appeared first on Corporate Video Blog.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Stock Footage Clips: Corporate Video
Stock footage clips are archival footage that can be used in more than one video production.
The benefits of stock footage can be tremendous as it can save filmmakers from having to shoot material that could sometimes be challenging to capture.
Macro image of a flower from our stock footage library.
A rich resource of material, using stock footage clips enables you to access shots that you may not otherwise be able to record. Not only can it save time, it can save big bucks. Corporate video productions often incorporate the use of stock footage to achieve the look or feel that represents the company or the company’s message. But is it for you and your project?
Most commonly, stock footage clips captures settings and objects. There is no specific branding included so that the shots can be used again and again in various contexts. Footage of landscapes and macro imagery of nature are some of the most popular clips found in any stock footage library, but many other kinds of shots can be found.
Stock footage is beneficial because it can save resources required to capture certain shots. For example, the costs involved in filming an aerial shot of a famous landmark in Toronto or somewhere else across the world could be substantial. There are more possibilities for your corporate video because stock footage makes more shots attainable and affordable. As most stock footage involves static frames or close-ups that separate the subject from its environment, these clips can flow together seamlessly with your content if your project is edited well.
Landscape shot of office buildings from our stock image library.
Every now and again here at Key West Video, we send out one of our videographers on a mission to shoot a variety of stock footage clips in and around public areas of Toronto and the GTA. This way when the need for stock footage clips comes up for a current project, we have a visual library at our disposal, and at a very limited cost to our clients.
There are several popular websites that provide licensing services for stock images, video and music. There’s a wealth of digital media available that can be licensed for all kinds of commercial use. Among the most popular are: iStockPhoto, Pond5, and Getty Images.
Check out our portfolio of stock footage clips available for purchase at Key West Video’s Pond5 account.
The post Stock Footage Clips: Corporate Video appeared first on Corporate Video Blog.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
How To Be A Good Boss
Being the boss of a company has great rewards, but also can be very difficult. How to be a good boss is about being a team player and being human.
You might be the owner of a company and are asking yourself how to be a good boss. In the last couple of years Keywest has gone through many great changes. We are busier and bigger than ever, and we keep striving to reach new heights. A lot of the things we have been able to achieve is because of the great team we have. Each member of the Keywest team have their specific role and skill set, and are always trying to find ways to improve and do more to make what we do the best it can be.
How I run my business
I tend to run Keywest in a way where I have certain criteria to be followed, and lists upon lists of things to do that I give to each member of the team to implement. Once a given task is in their court, I expect my team to be able to do their job and they usually have free reign. I trust them, and that is what is key to getting an employee to enjoy their job, and to want to do their best. Knowing they are free to make decisions based on their skill set and experience without someone always hounding them allows for them to feel sure about themselves and the work they do. How to be a good boss isn’t about actually bossing someone around. It’s about letting your team roll with what you give them and creating something great.
Open Dialogue and Performance Reviews
I speak open and honestly with my employees. I find it’s a very important ability to have when wanting to know how to be a good boss. If an employee is outstanding, they know how I feel. They know that I think they’re great. If there are issues with an employee; whether big or small, I have semi-regular performance reviews to bring up those issues, and to discuss why these issues are happening, or to try to figure out ways to curb these issues. I’m all about making Keywest run smoothly and efficiently, and anything we can improve for each employee goes a long way. My team knows that they can speak to me about anything whatsoever regarding their job or their personal life, and that I will always listen to them, and take their needs into account as best I can.
My Performance
The performance reviews I hold for my team, are not one sided. I ask each employee to measure my performance as well. I want to know if they think I’m doing a good job running the company, handling certain situations, and talking to them about any issues that come up. I want to know if they think what I discuss with them is crazy and that I’m out of my mind, or if they agree with me, and we see eye to eye. They know that they can speak freely, and that I listen. I want to know if I’m the only one who thinks something, or if there is consensus. I want this feedback because certain decisions that need to be made can’t just be made with only my opinion. I need to know what various members of my team are thinking. Even if I think my way is the right way, I want them to have the ability to convince me it’s not, and sometimes they do convince me. I am always learning how to be a good boss, it’s not something that you are; it’s an evolving process. Just like the company I need to grow and adapt in the way I do things as well.
The Burden
I love my job and my business. I love working with my team to try to make something great, and I love brainstorming to keep making things better. The one thing I’ve learned about myself and the duties that come with owning your own business is that there are two aspects of my job I don’t enjoy.
The first aspect: The hardest realization for me when I became owner of Keywest is that if things get tough and I’ve exhausted every avenue to cut costs and save money, that I know it has to come down to possibly letting someone go. There are always ups and downs, and I don’t like or want this aspect of my job. I have no joy in having a hand in someones life to this degree. I love being able to hire someone and to be able to give someone money, but taking it away from someone and knowing that I’ve just made someones life more difficult is a burden that haunts me. I try to avoid this aspect of my job as best I can. I work very hard to make sure my team is working very hard, and that they become indispensable to me so that I need them no matter the cost, and I will move mountains to make things work; whether they know it or not.
The second aspect: each of my employees is different. I handle each differently. They all have their personal lives that dictate their needs and wants, and that can affect their work, or vice versa. I believe my team knows that no matter what happens day to day at work, that they can count on my personally to be there for them as a friend. I’m not insensitive to the needs of a member of my team needing a raise to support a family. I might not be able to do what they want, but they know that I will try to get there for them.
I know an owner of another company that had their number one employee come down with medical issues, and instead of treating this employee with respect and showing that he valued them, he instead tried to find ways not to pay this employee. This employee is someone who put many many hours into their job because they wanted it to succeed. But the new owner has no clue what he’s doing, and he lost this employee because of the sneaky deeds he tried to do.
In my case, I have an employee with medical issues, and we have worked together in finding the best solutions to accommodate her needs, and that of Keywest’s. Not once have I ever tried to figure out a way not to pay her. Instead I gave her a raise because when she does the work required of her, it’s done right and it also helps her to be able to pay for her medication. I’m not trying to toot my own horn and say how great I am by stating this, I’m just wanting to point out the difference between a good boss, and a bad boss. If you show your team you care, and are willing to do what it takes for them, then they will do what it takes for you.
The Reward
We all work very hard at Keywest. We don’t stop. I try to make our work environment a fun place to be. Sometimes things get very serious, but most of the time everyone enjoys coming into work every day and doing what we do. I want all of us to succeed because I want to be able to take care of my team as best I can. I don’t look at everyone just as my employees or even friends, I look at them as if they are my own children, and I want the best for them, and I want them to achieve great things. Even if they decide to up and flee the coop and try their hand at something else, I want them to succeed wherever it is they end up, and most of my employees know that just because they leave for whatever reason, they know there is always a job waiting for them if they wish to return.
The Future
I hope I’ve been able to give some sort of useful information in how to be a good boss. I tend to ramble when I’ve got things on my mind, and that tends to happen when things are really busy. Keywest is really busy. Busy is good. With new adventures happening soon, and for those surprises that have yet to arrive, I will continue to be the best boss I can be by listening to my team, and by being there for them. The company is prosperous when everyone knows their voice is heard, they are trusted and taken care of. This is how to be a good boss.
I feel like I’m back in school and just wrote an essay. This is why I get my team to usually write the blog posts. I feel like I need a nap now. If you want to learn more about me, and would like to contact me with any questions, please feel free to add me on LinkedIn. If you have any tips or questions on how to be a good boss I’d love to hear from you.
Friday, December 20, 2013
Happy Holidays from Keywest Video!
Happy Holidays from Keywest Video!
Keywest Video wants to wish you happy holidays and a joyous festive season!
We look forward to working with you in the new year
Happy Holidays from Keywest Video!
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Corporate Video Production: The Stages
Corporate video production is a specialized profession, and here at Keywest, it is our only focus.
We know that you need the control, expertise, and knowledge to create and promote outstanding videos; that is why we strive to solve your biggest challenges with amazing video. There are four main stages associated with corporate video production: pre-production, production, post-production, and deliveries.
Stage 1: Pre-production
Firstly, when embarking on a corporate video production, you need to figure out what exactly it is that you need. It’s critical to assess your needs, plan a timeline, identify your audience, and define the scope of your project. Once your needs have been determined, it is time to embark on the creative process. This is the part where concepts are refined and the entire production is planned – everything from location consultations to casting talent and script writing/editing takes place during this stage of your corporate video production. Keywest’s experienced producers can assist with brainstorming ideas and methods that will make your video stand out against its competitors.
Before going ahead with your corporate video production, it is crucial to understand how video can help your business. Keywest will work together with you and your team to assess the purpose, target, and effect of your video. By refining all of these details in the pre-production stage, we are able to guarantee a focused finished product that not only exceeds your expectations, but also saves you money.
When it comes to corporate video production, it is crucial to ensure that your video is informative, but also entertaining and captivating to your audience. Many viewers associate terms such as “dull” and “boring: with corporate video production, but it’s important that your project is unique and interesting to the viewer. Luckily, Keywest has a roster of creative professionals who understand the corporate video format. If your annual video needs something more, or if you just need to capture your audience’s attention, let us present an idea that just might transform the way you think about corporate video.
Stage 2: Production
Now that all the planning has taken place, it’s time to get this show on the road. The production stage is all about performance and this is where all of your ideas come to life. During the production stage, it is important to be extremely prepared, well informed, and equipped for shooting. At Keywest, it is our job to make sure that everything runs smoothly, especially during this stage as any mishaps could end up costing unnecessary time and money.
It is important to be alert during the production stage, as there is a great deal at stake during this phase of corporate video production. Locations have been confirmed, talent has been prepped, and the crew is booked. Since there are so many people involved in a single production, it is important that all of the groundwork was laid during the pre-production stages so as to ensure the project goes off without a hitch. It is important to have a knowledgeable producer on hand as they are the ones you will need to go to in the event of any unforeseen issues. Keywest’s organized and dedicated producers will ensure that the production stage is executed properly and according to schedule.
Stage 3: Post-Production
The post-production stage is literally “where all the magic happens”. This is the stage where everything finally comes together. For live action corporate video production, the editor will sift through the captured footage to create the final video, adding elements such as voice overs, music, titles, colour-correction, audio cleaning, etc. In other cases, motion graphics artists or animators will create the final product during this stage, combining production and post-production, as there is no live action involved.
It is during this post-production stage that Keywest’s clients are able to see the final product come together and provide the editors with their input. Our online file sharing
website helps avoid lengthy approval processes. Once we have cut together something for you to look at, we send you a link to your video, and you simply click, watch, send to others for comments or approval, and then send us your feedback. We then continue this process until you are fully satisfied with the finished product.
Stage 4: Deliveries
The final stage in your corporate video production journey is the delivery stage. Here at Keywest, we are able to accommodate various kinds of deliveries… and best of all, we even backup your entire project on our servers. Some popular formats include:
- MP4
- Blu-Ray
- YouTube
- Vimeo
- Embedded Link
- DVD
- Quick Time
- WMV
- Flash Video
- Mini-DV
- Betacam
As you can see, there’s more to corporate video production than what meets the eye. It is important to have a professionally produced video for your business, as its quality is a reflection of your company. Keywest is here to help and our professional producers will make your job easy.
Corporate Video Production: The Stages
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
From VHS to MP4: A Timeline of Video Formats
Video formats have come an incredibly long way in the past few decades.
Technology is ever-advancing; it is constantly changing and being improved upon, a trait that directly impacts and affects the video industry, who in turn are continually having to vary the format of their videos in order to keep up to date with modern technology. The video formats that you have used in the past are greatly dependent upon how old you are. Let’s take a look at the various video formats in more detail:
1975, Betamax: Betamax is considered to have started the home video revolution. Created by Sony, the Betamax system allowed users to record television broadcasts and view movies at home, something that they were unable to do until this point. By the late 1980’s Betamax became obsolete, losing the video format war to its rival VHS.
1976, VHS: VHS is an abbreviation for Video Home System. It was launched in 1976 after being created in Japan by the Victor Company. VHS is an analogue recording videotape cassette, encoded in FM on a magnetic tape. The magnetic oxide particles are rearranged to encode video and audio signals. VHS finally fizzled out in 2007/2008 after a steep decline in sales of both VHS players and individual videos.
1978, LaserDisc: The LaserDisc was created in North America by Phillips, MCA and Pioneer, which is where it was initially licensed and sold before being released globally. This was the first time optical discs had been used for storage, offering higher quality video and audio than VHS was able to provide and using NTSC/PAL encoding. Though these discs offered many benefits over VHS, they did not gain in popularity due in part to the high costs involved in purchasing the player and the discs, and also because they could playback but not record, and the discs were too large only holding approximately an hour of video content.
1980’s, Video8: Video8 was released as a new format to filming videos, with the audio being of a much higher quality due to Video8 device using audio frequency modulation to record the audio along the same path as the video. In the late 80’s, Video8 was developed into Hi8, which increased the recorded bandwidth of the signal improving the resolution to laserdisc quality. In 1999 Digital8 was introduced, and it is this that rivals MiniDV in our current video format market.
1996, DV Video: DV Video is the ideal format for anyone wanting to edit his or her videos. DV stands for Digital Video. It compresses within every frame rather than between consecutive frames allowing it be edited easier and it uses a Firewire (IEEE 1394) interface to allow the video to be transferred between camera, desktop, editing equipment etc. HD DV is now also available, as are MiniDV’s.
1997, DVD: Launched in 1997, the DVD was set to replace all earlier video formats, including the VHS and Betamax. Due to the advantages DVD had over previous video formats, it quickly became the leading format for the distribution of pre-recorded material, as well as being able to store computer information and data. One DVD can hold up to 4.7GB of data, i.e. 2-3 hours of standard video.
2001, MP4: MP4 (or MPEG-4) was released in 2001, offering a new level of flexibility for video formatting. MP4 format has been backed strongly by Apple, and it is the format used in QuickTime players. MP4 is applied in a number of other formats, for example, 3GP and 3G2 both use P4 as a video container.
2006, Blu-Ray: Blu-ray is an improvement over DVD’s, allowing much higher storage of up to 25GB for standard Blu-ray discs and up to 50GB for double layered Blu-ray discs, which is equivalent to approximately 4.5 of HD video or 20 hours of standard video. Blu-ray is supportive of 1080p resolution, which is considered to be the best high definition format, compressions MPEG-2, AVC MPEG-4, VC-1.
2006, HD DVD: HD DVD was launched at a similar time as Blu-ray, and competed with Blu-ray up until 2008, where it finally lost the battle after Toshiba announced it would stop manufacturing and developing HD DVD players.
About the author: Tom Black, Indie film producer and video marketing expert from Slinky Production in Birmingham, UK.
From VHS to MP4: A Timeline of Video Formats
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Event Video: Huawei 5-Year Anniversary
Case Study: Huawei: 5 Year Anniversary Video
The Challenge:
Keywest is proud to say that we have worked with Huawei Canada on several projects in the past. This time, Huawei Canada required an informative and engaging video to commemorate their 5-year anniversary and showcase at their event. They were looking to create a video that documented their journey within the past 5 years, as well as illustrate their success and progress within the Canadian market. The video was to be shown at their 5-year anniversary event to remind staff (and everyone else) just how far the company has come in such a short period of time… and to thank everyone for their patience and dedication during the transition.
The Solution:
The final product was not only engaging, but succinct and a reflection of Huawei Canada as a company. Keywest chose to juxtapose short interviews with staff alongside images from previous events, many of which were significant to Huawei Canada’s development. The staff interviews illustrated the company’s progression, as each interviewee had been present from the very beginning – when Huawei had made their transition to Canada back in 2008. The interviews showcase their dedicated staff, depict their incredible work ethic, and highlight the variety of skill sets that the employees possess. Interviewees are from various departments within the company, such as delivery and service, TAC support, billing/revenue, engineering, tax, operations, and finally the president. The interviews touch upon the future of Huawei, pivotal moments within the past five years, their approach to customer service, their views on teamwork, and their strategies for continuous improvement, etc. The final video provides the viewer with an informative look at Huawei Canada’s development from fruition to present day, celebrating their 5th year in Canada.
Event Video: Huawei 5-Year Anniversary
Friday, December 6, 2013
Event/Highlight Video: artsScene
Case Study: artsScene Event/Highlight Video
The Challenge
Business for the Arts came to Keywest looking for a highlight video for their latest artsScene event. artsScene is a network of leading young business professionals who support the arts through volunteerism and patronage.
artsScene‘s mission is to:
- Inspire interest in the arts.
artsScene offers unique and meaningful encounters with the arts. Attend a different arts venue on a quarterly basis, from theatre and opera, to ballet and film, preceded by a “Behind the Scenes” encounter with the artists, directors and designers. - Deepen engagement in the arts.
artsScene connects young business professionals to volunteer board and committee positions in the arts with BoardLink. - Unite & Strengthen the Next Generation of Business Leaders:
Employee engagement and building of creative leadership skills is aimed to enhance performance, as well as mentor opportunities with senior business leaders who support the arts. - Recognize YP volunteers in the arts.
artsScene celebrates young business professionals who demonstrate leadership as volunteers in the arts with the Arnold Edinborough Award.
The Solution
Keywest captured artsScene’s latest event at the trendy holt’s café. The final video includes dynamic shots of members mingling and brief snippets of speakers, thereby capturing the true atmosphere of the event. Keywest wanted to ensure that the artsScene event was enticing and interesting – by using candid footage of the actual artsScene members and their conversations, viewers are able to experience a small portion of the event for themselves. The final video depicts artsScene as a great resource for young business professionals. It is a useful and empowering tool for those wanting to support the arts.
Check out Business for the Arts.
Event/Highlight Video: artsScene
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Product Video: Touch Film by Ryan Design
Case Study: Touch Film by Ryan Design
Challenge:
Keywest Video was contacted by Ryan Design to create an informative and promotional video for their latest innovative product “Touch Film”. The goal of this video was to not only promote the product, but also showcase its functionality and usability in the appropriate setting.
Solution:
The final video was not only an excellent illustration of the product’s capabilities and functionality, but also its ease-of-use and sleek design.
The video begins with an informative, professional voiceover along with dynamic b-roll of the actual product. By shooting at night, we were able to show Touch Film’s high-resolution screen and how it’s eye-catching placement is able to easily draw in consumers.
Keywest hired two actors to “use” the device and demonstrate its functions. In doing so, we were able to depict the various features of the device, along with its user-friendly interface. The actors, along with the informative voiceover, depict the device’s multi-purpose nature making mention of “interactive marketing tools”, “interactive storefront presentations”, etc.
Ryan Design wanted Touch Film to be marketed as a high-end interactive tool for real estate professionals. The dynamic product shots captured in the storefront of Bernice Whelan Realty Inc. added to the device’s sleekness and sophistication.
Touch Film also features interactive elements such as QR codes, which are targeted towards the consumer on the go. Since many may not have the time to view listings on the device, the QR codes allow them to revisit the properties at a later date, and at their own leisure. In order to illustrate this fast-paced lifestyle, we incorporated b-roll of Toronto city scapes at night, which added to the metropolitan feel of the video and targeted it towards city-dwelling consumers.
Product Video: Touch Film by Ryan Design
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Mistakes To Avoid: Corporate Video NoNo"s
Mistakes to Avoid When Producing Your Corporate Video
http://youtu.be/h5qaX5FsKs8
Contact Keywest Video today if you are interested in getting a professional corporate video.
Info@keywestvideo.com 416-675-0751
Mistakes To Avoid: Corporate Video NoNo"s
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