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Showing posts with label video production toronto. Show all posts
Showing posts with label video production toronto. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
How to Make the Perfect Parody for Corporate Video
Tired of the same old company videos? You know, the ones with generic information that aren’t specific to your brand? What about the ones with an overload of information? Or videos that are just plain boring? Well, have no fear: parody is here.
Parody is a pretty efficient way to get your message across. One mistake that corporate companies make is underestimating their audiences. Potential clients are not as uptight or dim-lit as we might think. Sometimes it’s necessary to put as much as faith in your audience as well as your content. The perfect blend of information and fake self-mockery sets you apart from the competition and drives the point home. So before you decide to make that parody video, try to keep the following in mind:
Be Funny
This should probably go without saying, but here’s a reminder anyway. Potential clients might think your company is tacky if the video doesn’t serve its purpose. If you’re successful, companies might assume that your services are just as good as your humour. If you’re lucky.
Watch this I.T. company get it right:
Know Your Brand
This also comes with really knowing your brand. After you establish what your company actually does, it’s important to know how you can stand out. The more you know your brand, the better you’ll know your audience. Being specific is key.
Parody can be a train wreck when done incorrectly. The last thing you want to do is to make a self-deprecating video that exploits weak areas. Instead, you might want to play up your company’s strengths in an unconventional way. This can be done with funny animated words, short one-liners, or employees doing something…weird. You get the point.
In essence, don’t do this:
Be Mindful of Parody Laws
Not too long ago Canada made the switch from fair dealing to fair use in its copyright laws. In June of 2012, a copyright reform bill was passed and became law, making three additions: parody, satire, and education. Essentially, Canada then broadened their list of interpretations, making it difficult to determine what infringes on as trademark. Typically, criticism doesn’t infringe on copyright material when:
- the source
- the name of the source
- author (when applicable)
- performer (when applicable)
- maker (i.e. recording)
- broadcaster (when applicable)
A grey area appears when an audience doesn’t know the difference between a parody and the original material. In the past, Canadian companies owning trademarks could argue that a parody is depreciating the goodwill of their original trademark. But since Bill C-11, which was amended to include parody under non-infringement, it’s technically now an exception. In other countries like Britain and the U.S., parody is not clearly defined under fair use, and neither is it prohibited. Instead, it’s taken on case-by-case.
Don’t Go Overboard
Know the subtle difference between parody and satire without offending anyone. In our world of political correctness, it’s easy to step on toes. Satire is meant to poke fun at things we hold dear (e.g. race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation etc.). Parody exaggerates or imitates a piece of work for comedic purposes. If you’re not sure your parody is offensive, you might be better off not running it across that internet.
What are some other ways to make the perfect parody? Comment below!
The post How to Make the Perfect Parody for Corporate Video appeared first on Corporate Video Blog.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Website: New Content & Features
Our New Website is Finally Here! Check Out Some of The Great New Content & Things We Have to Offer
In April of this year we officially launched the website, just in time for Google’s new update. We not only re-branded much of the website, but also added in a lot more interesting content which will aid our viewers in deciding what style of video is right for them.
In this post I want to outline some of the key elements of our new website which will be helpful to both prospective and current clients. First we will go over some of the new items that deserve a mention, and then we will delve into the variety of services we offer.
WHAT’S NEW
Main Page – Check it Out!
The first thing you will notice on our new site is our demo reel. It has been updated to incorporate some of the work we have produced in the past year, including some of our award winning work.
About Page – Check it Out!
This is the first time we have had an employee bio page. We think it’s important for our potential clients to put a face to a name. Learn a bit about each of us and see who makes up the dynamic Key West Video team.
How to Make a Corporate Video Page – Check it Out!
Here is where we break down the different elements that go into making a corporate video. If it’s your first time getting a video produced this page will be very helpful in understanding the different stages involved in video production.
Corporate Video Portfolio Page – Check it Out!
Get a sense of all the different styles of work we produce on this page. From testimonials, to training videos, promotional spots and event videos, there’s something for everyone.
Specialty Packages – Check it Out!
Something brand new on our website is our specialty packages offering. Need a video that doesn’t fit in any of the normal boxes? Submit a form and find out what we have to offer.
SERVICES
Here are a list of services that you will find on our website. But don’t worry, just because it isn’t listed on our website doesn’t mean we don’t provide that service!
Video Production Crew – Check it Out!
Our professional crew arrives ready to roll! The Key West Video production crew has extensive experience to make you look and sound your best.
Training Videos – Check it Out!
Corporate training videos should inform, inspire, and motivate. Professionally executed training videos can set your company on the right path to success!
Event Videos – Check it Out!
Capture the highlights of your corporate event with an exciting video! We’ll make sure your corporate event video is one to be remembered!
Product & Service Videos – Check it Out!
Key West Video will capture the features and effectiveness of your product to help translate your viewing audience into customers.
Company Promotional Videos – Check it Out!
Promote your business with a company profile video that tells your corporate story and showcases what makes you the best in your field.
Commercials & Videos for Broadcast – Check it Out!
Commercial video production for broadcast can cost a small fortune. Key West Video will produce a highly polished video without breaking the bank.
Testimonials & Interviews – Check it Out!
Harness the power of interview videos to promote on your website and social media. Utilize that personal connection testimonials convey to draw in new clients.
Green Screen – Check it Out!
Don’t have a great location to shoot your video? Our green screen studio can provide a more dynamic backdrop, providing ultimate control and visually stunning graphics and animation.
Aerial Videography – Check it Out!
Create intrigue with eye-catching aerial drone videography. Showcase your facilities, signage, and locations with the creative flair of a different point of view.
Actor Services – Check it Out!
From actor self tape auditions, demo reel editing, acting classes, workshops, and private coaching, Key West Video offers professional actor services that make you the star!
Non-Local Video Production – Check it Out!
Need a video partner in Toronto or abroad? The Key West Video production crew works across Canada, the USA, and the rest of the world!
Industry Specific Videos – Check it Out!
Creating a video for a specific industry? No problem. We produce videos for all markets; from real estate to manufacturing – we’ve got you covered.
Contact us via email – info@keywestvideo.com
By Phone – 416-675-0751
Or go to our website and fill out one of our forms to get in touch and learn more today!
The post Website: New Content & Features appeared first on Corporate Video Blog.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
The Importance of B-Roll in Corporate Video
B-roll is the supplementary footage intercut with the main shots you want to capture, to add dimension to your project.
We’ve all seen Hollywood films that use footage to show flashbacks or simultaneous action within stories but this footage is also very important to telling your company story. Whether your company is looking to produce a promotional video, a company profile video, a product or service video, or an event video, B-roll is your best friend. This type of footage not only serves a purpose as a useful tool in the flexibility of editing your video, but it enriches your company story with colour, action and layers of meaning that gives the audience a better understanding of what you want them to know.
B-roll footage links what you’re speaking of or describing to the viewer. If your video is about a product, the audience doesn’t just want to see you or an actor talking about your product. They want to see a professionally lit shot of your product in all its glory, and possibly most important, they want to see it in action. After all, what is form without function? If your video is a company profile or promo video, your audience is going to want to know more about your company and what it actually does. You can tell them what you do through on-camera interviews but it is much more powerful when you actually show them. This is what B-roll is all about. B-roll is responsible for shaping the other information gathered by your audience to create a more complete picture and a better understanding of your company.
In the editing process, B-roll is an extremely useful tool used to make editing appear more seamless to the viewer and to ensure continuity of your story. B-roll can be used to tell another part of the story that the viewer wouldn’t otherwise see. If a manager describes machinery integral to the process of their business, no matter what the purpose of the video is, it makes the video more dynamic to include shots of the machines in action. If an executive is describing a successful fundraising event in an annual review video, the viewer will want to see footage of that event. For a company profile video, your audience is going to want to see who makes up your business and how it runs, which may include shots of the exterior or interior of your offices, employees at work, products in action, etc. Without B-roll shots in these cases, part of the story is missing.
Most people consider B-roll to be secondary footage as it is meant to support your story, but it in fact plays a huge role and takes up more screen time than you think. It is for this reason that it’s very important to discuss details of the vision you have for your company’s video when hiring a professional #VideoProduction company. The details you provide will help them form ideas of what to capture, and will aid in creating a shot list. Integral B-roll shots will help tell your story, not only through the content of your message, but also through engaging visual cues.
At Key West Video, our team will work with you throughout the process of producing your #CorporateVideo with support and consultation at every stage. However, it is the pre-production and production stages when B-roll is essential. During pre-production #KeyWestVideo will gather pertinent information that will help us develop ideas of what to include in B-roll footage to complete your vision, and include these necessary shots to the shot list we create for your project. During production, having a shot list that includes necessary B-roll footage creates a blueprint and a checklist for everything you want represented in your video, and it will also help to remain focused on your objective. B-roll is quite simply a big deal.
The Importance of B-Roll in Corporate Video
Monday, February 2, 2015
Meeting Your Future Producer
Meeting and deciding on the right production parter is just like being on a first date. You need to know what you want and figure out if they are the perfect fit.
DON’T Waste Time
The objective of a meeting is to understand who the company you potentially will hire is, what style they have, what experience, what they can bring to the table, and so on. So don’t bother wasting time telling them all about how you brought this company from the ground to the empire it is today. While the producer at the meeting should be asking specific questions to get to know you and your needs, let them take the reigns on deciding what they need to know. While you focus on listening, taking it all in, and deciding if you like how they conduct business, and themselves.
DO Make Sure They Are Asking the Right Questions
As stated above, let the company you are meeting with lead the discussion, and focus carefully on what type of questions they are asking you. Are they trying to understand your needs? Do they want to know what your ultimate goal of this video/campaign is? Have they asked who your target market is? A good production partner should be getting to the point in trying to figure out what your needs are. That way they can formulate a concept and technical requirements based upon them.
DO Ask Them the Right Questions
Once it is your turn to talk, and every producer you meet with should turn the tables on you at some point and ask if you have any questions about them, make sure to ask all the pressing questions on your mind. If budget is a big concern then ask them what they will do to ensure the budget will stay as it was quoted. Or better yet ask them what they can potentially do to reduce costs. If timelines are important then ask how they track projects. Ask who your point of contact on the project is, and whether the timelines you propose are realistic. Figure out what they will do, and how they will do it, to meet your needs.
DON’T Get Hung-Up on the Small Stuff
Not every producer you meet with will have everything you are looking for. For example, a company may have some great samples, but no samples of dogs filmed on green screen. That doesn’t mean that they aren’t able to film dogs on green screen for your promo video for a gourmet dog food company. So focus on the larger picture, do they have a good track record, do their references rave about them, did they provide me with great creative concepts, etc. Care about what matters to you, and forget about everything else.
DO Trust Your Gut
Ultimately, you might sit down with multiple production companies and they all have the right answers, and meet the right criteria. If this is the case, then it all comes down to personality and trusting your gut. Working with a producer you enjoy can be a big help. This is someone who you need to meet with, speak to over the phone, email, debate with, collaborate with, and trust.
Good luck, and we hope you fine The One.
If you are interested in meeting with one of our talented producers, contact us today!
Meeting Your Future Producer
Monday, January 19, 2015
Company Profile Video Production
A company profile video is an excellent way to showcase your business, facilities, and employees. It can be used as an effective tool for everything from promotion and marketing to human resources.
Instead of pushing your potential clients and employees to peruse your website’s text and photos for information about your company, why not show them what you’re all about by producing an upbeat, engaging, and informative company profile video?
The video montage above features some of our recent company profile videos. If you’d like to see more, you can always check out our YouTube channel. There you can find several examples of completed projects and much more.
A company profile video way can be an effective means of conveying your workplace atmosphere by showcasing employee and client interactions. You can display anything from customer satisfaction to workplace amenities, or any other aspects you’re interested in illustrating – the possibilities are endless.
Company profile videos that include interviews are beneficial since they provide the viewer with insight into the employees and their views. Consider snippets from different employees with varying responsibilities within your company – this can achieve produce a well-rounded image of your business and what exactly your staff have to offer.
Including “fun” shots, such as employees joking or having fun, as just as important to your company profile video when portraying a welcoming and light workplace environment. Consider including some candid interaction or footage of your employees during downtime.
Finding it difficult to succinctly explain exactly what it is you do and what your business has to offer? Consider an exciting and upbeat company profile video that not only conveys all of the necessary information, but also informs the viewer. Contact us here at Keywest for your future video production needs!
Company Profile Video Production
Monday, July 14, 2014
Team Members: What We Look For
Key West Video Inc. is a well established, and growing, source for corporate video production. We are always looking for new talented and creative minds to add to our team.
When it comes to new team members, be it full time employees, contract work, or #freelancers, there are several key factors that we look for when deciding on who to represent our company. The Key West brand is one that we have fostered over the years, and take pride in providing our clients with an exceptional service. That is why we only wish to work with individuals who are able to deliver our clients the service they have come to know and expect from us.
1) Customer Service
Above all else, we at Key West Video believe in exceptional customer service. Although most wouldn’t think of video production when they think of great service, we think that they should. A well run, and well organized company, no matter what the industry, should focus on customer service at their core. We understand that “your customers are what will keep you in business. If they’re not happy they’ll leave and go to your competition.” Course Park Therefore it is important to us that someone who is going to join our team understand and appreciates that customer service is and will always be a focus of the Key West team.
2) Creative Thinker
Having #creative team members goes beyond just the traditional uses in our industry, and we know and harness this information. Of course, when we hire a #videographer or motion graphics #editor, we want them to be creative. We want them to be able to think outside of the box when it comes to getting the best shot, or deciding on how to visually show a simply process. Beyond that though, we believe creative individuals work better. Joshua Turner reiterates this on his blog by stating, “Creative people think from different perspectives and ask questions that can be quite pertinent from a customer’s point of view.” That’s just some of the reasons why we look for creative thinkers for our team.
3) Personality
When it comes to finding quality team members that work well with the rest of our crew, personality makes all the difference. we can teach you new techniques, we can show you how we like things done, but we cannot however alter someones personality. That is why our interviews consist of a back and forth dynamic that allows us to see how individuals respond to our atmosphere here. We would never hire a team member or even freelancer without vetting them through this process.
It is integral to us that the Key West Video brand remains the strong name that many of our clients have come to know and love. That is why we pay special attention when looking for our new team members.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Outsourcing: 5 Q"s to Ask Yourself
When deciding if outsourcing your video production is right for you, think about these 5 questions.
As project visions get grander in scale, and budgets get tighter though — at some point, the time you invest in-house can begin to outweigh the money you saved by using the DIY approach. Saving money is great, but you wear a lot of hats already, and at some point you have to get back to actually doing your job, and not sweating the small stuff.
1. Will the video be longer than 60 seconds?
All videos under 60 seconds in length retain at least 60% of viewers by video’s end, according to Wistia. Shorter, tighter, and more direct videos are getting greater attention online. No longer is the day when videos need to tell the entire story. They simply need to capture the interest of the video, and pull them in to want to find out more. In addition to that production costs have decreased substantially in the past decade making it more affordable to hire professionals for a reasonable cost.
2. Is there a lot of editing involved?
When it comes to editing some people believe all you need is a software and youtube ‘how to’ videos. And while this may be useful for the production of straightforward edits, a polished and professional video requires so much more. The expertise and experience of a professional editor will bring to the table a wealth of knowledge, and numerous techniques which will bump of the production value of your video.
3. Is this a weekly project?
If for example you are shooting a weekly, simple video which will be distributed internally, then maybe doing it yourself is an option. That is if you have the time. But when it comes to a one off project, or something that needs to be put forward in he right way, then outsourcing the video is a must. Outsourcing the project means you don’t have to worry. You can leave it to the experts and know it will get done.
4. Are my video goals being reached?
You may have the skills to shoot, edit, and upload your video to the appropriate channels, but are your overall goals being reached? Are you converting viewers into purchasers? Is the video allowing consumers to get a sense of your company? Is the training video showing the best possible way to do something? If the answer is even a slight no, then you really need to consider outsourcing your production needs.
5. Do I need fresh ideas?
Lastly, when it comes to video production ideas can become stale fast. You can go from having great ideas to none in no time. Alternatively what you think may be a great idea may turn out to bite you in the end if it doesn’t help you meet your goals. Taking the time to search out different production companies and find the right one for your needs is a good idea. Outsourcing can be a great benefit, and once you find the right partners you will never know how you did it without them!
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Creative Vision: The Follow-Through
At Keywest we believe above all else, in excellent customer service, and killer creative concepts. One of the essential ways we ensure our clients are satisfied with the end result, is focusing on the overall creative vision and the follow-through.
In order to make sure this doesn’t happen, we assign a #producer to each client who oversees your project from initial conception to completion. They understand your creative vision and fill in any #creative gaps. They then ensure that the rest of the team is well aware of this vision and has the appropriate tools in order to execute.
Sometimes a project starts out with a great idea, but that initial concept can be lost if each stages does not work cohesively together to realize the overall creative direction of the project. For example, if the #script has been drafted and the shot lists prepared, but the director of photography has yet to have their say on how they plan to light each shot, this is a shortfall. In order to mitigate this, we take the necessary steps to ensure that each member of our team is involved in every projects process that they work on.
Similarly, when it comes to the editing stage, we don’t just hand our #editors footage. The designated producer will sit with that editor and explain what the creative vision or direction of the specific project is, what the desired style is, what occurred on-set which may be beneficial to know, and of course any client direction which was given. Once a first draft is formulated that same producer will then watch the first draft and make any final tweaks before it is even sent out for review by our clients.
Lastly, during the review process, we send our clients the video through an online streaming site, which gives them the chance to send to any necessary colleagues who may then provide feedback. In some cases, clients may even wish to see less cleaned up versions of the video to make sure the creative vision is staying on track. We respect our clients needs for control of their creative vision, and attempt to take any steps which makes the process from pre-production to review easier for them.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Keywest Video Blog: Professional Production
This week’s video blog discusses the benefits of professional production quality.
Technology has changed the landscape of video production. We are now at a point where it’s easy for a company to make their own corporate videos for social media use. Most portable devices such as an iPhone, have HD video cameras, and sites like YouTube and Vimeo make hosting and embedding easy. So you might wonder why anyone would hire a production company to produce corporate videos for their business.
For starters, HD is actually a very ambiguous term. While a $400 point and shoot camera and a $10,000 DSLR may both film in high definition, professional video cameras have superior image processing and color rendering capabilities. This becomes extremely evident under direct comparison with those consumer products.
And even though the type of camera used is extremely significant when it comes to image quality, possibly even more important than the camera itself, is professional lighting equipment. As well as the skills needed to use it effectively.
This level of production quality will impress, and impart a sense of professionalism to your potential clients.
Want to take it a step further? Multiple cameras really help when it comes to seamless dialogue edits… sorry can we take that line again? Multiple cameras really help when it comes to seamless dialogue edits and can be very useful when filming larger scripts.
No matter how simple or complex your project is, a professionally produced video leaves viewers focused on your message, and not distracted by quality issues.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Key West Video: Why Our Clients Love Us
Key West Video: A Trusted Source for all Your Corporate Video Production Needs
The Key West Video team has been producing videos which solve our client’s problems for over twenty-five years. From dramatic #training to event highlights, we have worked on any type or style of corporate video that you can imagine. The reason we have so many trusted clients, who keep coming back, is due to these factors;
Professional
Due to the lowered cost it takes to establish a production company these days, virtually anyone with a #DSLR and a website can set-up a business. However, a professional and experienced staff are not formulated overnight. It is exactly this professionalism, from arriving on-time, being overly-prepared, and able to tackle any circumstance, that sets Key West Video apart from the rest.
High Quality Equipment
When it comes to tools, it is important that you are working with a company that will provide you with the best equipment for your specific circumstances. #ProductionCraft states in their blog regarding the Top 5 Things to Look for When Hiring a Video Production Company, “If you are shopping video production rates find out what exactly is being included in your package so that that you can compare across the board”. Deciding on a company based upon the lowest rate isn’t the best solution. You need a partner that will provide you with fair rates for quality equipment. At Key West Video we don’t try to up-sell our clients, we simply provide them with a quote for what they need, and then tell them about other options if they wish to raise the production value of their video.
Experienced Staff
It is not only the equipment itself, but how you use it, that truly makes a difference. Nothing can compare to the value an experienced #videographer, #editor, or #producer, can bring to your project. Clients often like to throw things at us last minute, such as adding an additional scope to the project, or changing their needs. It is our knowledge of the industry, our experience on-set, as well as in the office, and dealing with similar situations, which allow us to think on our feet and always stay ahead of our clients needs.
Excellent Customer Service
Amazing #CustomerService is something that Key West Video prides itself on. One of the ways we do this is through being as flexible as possible for our clients. When a potential client calls us for a videographer for that day, we will do everything we can to book them in. When we have multiple clients who wish to book a shoot on the same day, we look to one of our trusted freelancers to help get the job done. And when a client has an extremely tight deadline and needs a quick editing turn around time, we work around the clock to get it done.
At Key West Video, We Solve Our Clients Problems With Amazing Video
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Personal Videos: We Do Them To!
Keywest is known for our corporate videos, because that is what we specialize in. However we also film a variety of other styles of videos, including personal videos.
During our time as a #leader in the corporate video market, we have received numerous requests from individuals with a need for video for their more personal matters. While some companies shy away from producing personal videos, Keywest has the attitude that every customer is a valuable one. We always try to work around our clients needs, and appreciate their trust and desire to work with us. We don’t think any project is too small, and look for ways to go beyond the traditional when it comes to the often straightforward personal videos.
Our team has been honored to be invited to shoot a wide variety of #PersonalVideos. Everything from joyous occasions such as weddings, monumental birthdays, baptisms, baby and bridal showers, and a variety of other special events. We have also been requested to document more somber events, like funerals for those who cannot attend. Some individuals even contact us in need of a video not to record a celebration, but for legal purposes, in order assist their official proceedings.
While some production companies have a distinct style that they like to mimic in all of their videos, Keywest is focused on providing each and every one of our clients with specific attention to their individual needs. With certain clients, for corporate or personal videos, they may wish to have a high production value, with a very stylized look, and lots of bells and whistles, that may not be wanted or even needed for another client with their own distinct visions and goals for their video. That is why we are focused on being a flexible team. We understand that each video we work on is different, just like our clients themselves, and we appreciate that.
Do you have any questions about getting your personal videos documented? Contact us today and speak to one of our producers to find out more!
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Location Consultation: Why Its Important
Whether you are producing a training video, company profile, event highlight, or a product promo, the location that you choose is a large part of the production. Having a location consultation ahead of time will allow for ample informative planning in order to save on time, money, and make your video the best it can be.
Choosing a location can sometimes be a daunting task, and other times you have minimal choice and have to decide upon whatever is most convenient, or most affordable. In either case, partnering with a #ProductionCompany that will take the time to come for a location consultation is key.
In the 25 years Keywest Video has been in business, we have done a location consultation with many of our clients. In certain scenarios we were not able to, due to time constraints or not being able to get into the space ahead of the shoot date. When these situations arise we deal with it like we deal with all elements of production, with flexibility and a keen background knowledge to guide us in each individual shoot.
The reason why we do suggest going on a #LocationConsultation whenever we can, is because we know it works. We understand it is helpful. And we believe that you can never be too prepared. No matter how many projects we have worked on, there seems to always be something unexpected when it comes to our line of work. That is why we prepare for the worst, and always #ExpectTheUnexpected.
Certain issues that we have been able to avoid by going on a location consultation include;
- lighting – for example, daylight mixed with florescent light
- sound – too noisy of a space to record audio
- distance – from one location to another
- space – too small of a space to perform what is necessary
- obstacles – for example, a desk in the room which cannot be moved
- background – to ensure the background is visually engaging
Those are just of a few issues which can be observed, discussed, and then sorted out through a location consultation.
Here are some tips for when scouting for locations. Once your location has been pinned down, ensure to speak with the production team you are working with, and let them know that you think a location consultation is important.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Kids On-Set: How to Deal
Be Prepared For Your Next Shoot: How to Deal with Kids On-Set
If you have ever produced a video using children as talent then you know the advantages and disadvantages. Kids can be great, and truly add a fun atmosphere to any set. However, with their limited attention spans and nack for getting into trouble, they can take you on a whirlwind, and cause a lot of unnecessary wasted time if you don’t deal with them well.
Here are some tips for dealing with kids on-set:
Shoot in short segment
As I said, and we all know, kids have short attention spans. And if you don’t have any children of your own, I mean really short attention spans. Which is why you want to try and break up each scene so you can shoot in as short of segments as possible. This way, when the camera is rolling and the director yells action you only need the child to be in character for as long as it is until the director yells cut. If this happens to be a 5 minute scene and you are filming it in one take, well good luck keeping that kid focused. But if you are able to break that scene up into 10-30 second shots, you are much more likely to be able to get the child to do what you need.
Make it a game
Kids love games. And being a kid on-set is exciting for them. They have it in their minds that it is going to be the most fun day of their life, until they realize the reality of what being on-set is really like. To keep it fun for them, and make sure they stay focused and engaged, try to make what you need them to do in the scene a game in some way. When I was recently dealing with children on a shoot, I would use what I needed them to do for me as a competition. “Whoever can stare at that screen the longest and smile wins”. Although to you and I this might seem like the most boring game alive, children love having your attention and feeling like a winner. Just make sure that you reward them after they have completed the task, and let them know how happy and proud of them you are. Wayne Parker in his article on Child Discipline 101 outlines this theory,
“Offering an easy reward or incentive can help the listening behavior improve.”
Save the sugar
Although using sweet treats might seem like a great plan to lure the child to do what you want, it will most likely backfire on you. Especially if this is a long shoot, you want the child to be alert, but not running around like a mad man. Providing the child with a healthy snack and ample drinks to stay hydrated is key. If you do think that the specific scene would benefit from a hyper child, and you cannot get them to act that way without sugar, then it may be a solution. But be careful, and make sure that scene is scheduled for the end of the shoot and not at the beginning, or else that child will crash and you will need to let them nap it off.
Hope that some of these tips are useful on your next shoot where you need to deal with a kid on-set.
Kids On-Set: How to Deal
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Canon 5D Mark III
The Canon 5D Mark III is one of our favourite cameras to use here at Keywest.
With supercharged EOS performance and stunning full frame, high-resolution image capture, the Canon 5D Mark III is designed to perform. Here are 3 main reasons why we love shooting with the Canon 5D Mark III:
1. Depth of Field
We just adore the Canon 5D’s shallow depth of field when shooting most of our footage. The camera allows us to really focus on a subject in the foreground, while maintaining a beautifully out of focus background. In many cases, it enables us to smoothly shift focus
between foreground and background, for a more aesthetically pleasing look.
2. Low Light Conditions
We sometimes encounter situations in which we aren’t able to create the ideal lighting setup, be it within an office, boardroom, etc. The Canon 5D is a remarkable asset in these conditions as its low light capabilities are absolutely out of this world.
3. Easy to Handle
Unlike many large, bulky video cameras, the Canon 5D is an excellent camera when you’re on the go. Since, it’s a DSLR, it’s significantly smaller than a video camera and has a great deal of user-friendly features that allow us to capture amazing video.
Did you know?
It recently came to our attention that the Canon 5D was even used to shoot an entire episode of the television series House.
The 5D allowed the production team to work in very tight spots in a collapsed parking garage with minimal lighting. They used Canon prime lenses along with the 24-70mm and
70-200mm zooms and they didn’t even use an image stabilization rig for any of the non-tripod shots. They even used 300mm lenses, only using the built-in image stabilizer feature, something Gale Tattersall (director of photography) referred to as “…a Steadicam in the palm of your hand.” Tattersall used the 5D Mark II to film the newborn baby scenes for “Lockdown” in Season 6. He eventually convinced the producers of the show to film the whole finale episode with them, and even brought back the Canon 5D Mark II for the entire Season 7 of House, making it the first network television season filmed entirely on an DSLR. http://canon5d.wonderhowto.com/inspiration/canons-5d-mark-ii-invades-hollywood-0129387/
Canon 5D Mark III
Monday, January 27, 2014
Old Spice Commercial: Behind the Scenes
Ever Wonder, How Do They Do That? Let’s Take a Look Behind The Scenes Footage From an Old Spice Commercial to Find Out!
Old Spice rocked back into the modern age, with their now infamous “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” commercials in 2010. The ad agency Wieden+Kennedy were the masterminds behind this devilishly clever advertisement. The ads targeted female purchasers, who were shown to be the decision makers when it came to buying hygiene products for their male counterparts.
The initial commercial was an instant success. As the title implies, the copy poked at the fact that anything is possible… just as long as your man smells like Old Spice. The concept was simple, clever, and reached into every woman’s fantasy. If you have been living under a rock and have yet to see it, check it out below.
Senior social media and marketing manager for Cisco Systems, Tim Washer once stated,
“Humor, when executed properly, helps cut through the noise and helps you stand out. If you can make someone laugh, there is an emotional connection with them. And anything you say beyond that is going to be more meaningful.”
There are many elements that made this commercial, and all the others made in a similar vein to come, as popular as they are. Arguably, in addition to the handsome actor who stars in all of the ad spots, the great direction provided by Tom Kuntz, and of course the concept itself which can make even the most cold-hearted grinch laugh, it is most importantly the way it was flawlessly executed, which make the advertisement such a masterpiece.
After the success of the original spot, and the subsequent ones to follow, the team who created these ads allowed us to go behind the scenes in one of their shoots. In another stroke of genius, they allowed viewers to really understand just how they were able to pull off their hilarious, and very technical commercial. In the video below you will be given a behind the scenes glimpse into the set, the crew, and the way that it was all pulled together.
http://www.wimp.com/behindscenes/
This was a great technique to allow viewers behind the scenes, to see how it was all created. It gives audiences a sense of importance and privilege in order to be allowed to view their secret formula for success. In addition, Old Spice went even further asking viewers to provide questions for the star of these commercials, in which he then responded with a series of youtube videos furthering the brands reach. Stan Schroeder from Mashable wrote,
“His answers were a key mix of coolness and the stuff Internet memes are made of. The actual brand — Old Spice — was never shoved down viewers’ throats. Most importantly, all of it was incredibly fun to watch.”
And that is the key to the success of these videos, and the brands overall marketing strategy.
Old Spice Commercial: Behind the Scenes
Monday, January 20, 2014
Voiceover or no voiceover?
Voiceover can be an incredibly important part of your corporate video if utilized properly. Find out whether or not to include a voiceover in your next video.
Some videos require a great deal of voiceover and some require none at all. This all depends upon the content being shown and the main purpose of incorporating the voiceover itself. For example, if you were to create a very minimalistic motion graphics animation to use as an explainer video, it may be crucial to use a voiceover so that your audience is able to understand exactly what it is they are seeing. However, if you were to conduct an interview between two parties (that were very knowledgeable on the subject matter), you may not require any voiceover at all. Incorporating a voiceover depends greatly upon how much third party explaining you’ll need to do, in addition to your existing content.
Whatever your voiceover needs may be, it is important to get the right voice! It’s always crucial to determine exactly what type of voiceover your video requires. Voices.com outlines a quick list of the 5 basic types of voiceover:
1. Instructor (formal, didactic voice over)
2. Real Person (informal voice over)
3. Spokesperson (advocate, authoritative voice over)
4. Narrator (omniscient storyteller)
5. Announcer (sets the stage and calls for action)
The type of voiceover your video requires is dependent upon your content, your script, and the message that you are trying to convey. Once you have established these elements, you will be able to distinguish between the different types of voiceover talent and find out which one works best for you.
Not sure of your voiceover needs? Contact Keywest today and we can help you determine what type of voiceover is right for your video, or if you even need one at all!
Voiceover or no voiceover?
Monday, December 16, 2013
Top 10 Q"s When Hiring a Production Company
Here are the Top 10 Q’s You Should Ask Yourself Before Hiring a Video Production Company
Once you are ready to embark on the creation of a corporate video for your company you need to ask yourself if you are prepared. The journey ahead is not always a short one, and you will be investing not only your time, but money and other resources on the endeavor as well. So you need to be informed, and ready to think about the serious questions that you need to ask yourself before you form a partnership with a video production company.
10) Are they a professional and reputable production company?
In today’s landscape it seems that everyone is a video content producer. And there are many production companies which students fresh out of college form, and do a great job creating innovative videos. But if there were ever something to go wrong, you want the assurance that a reputable, long standing production company can provide.
9) Do they have work samples to showcase?
Similarly, anyone off of the street can create a website and claim that they have been in business for thirty years. If you are able to take a look at some samples of the company’s work, then you can get a sense of their skill level, what types of videos they normally work on, and if you like their style.
8) Are they able to deliver a variety of styles and types of videos?
When looking at their samples, it is good to notice the range of productions they have worked on. Some companies specialize, such as in training videos, or commercials etc., and that is great if you are looking for that type of video. If you are looking for a video partner to produce a variety of videos, or help with some video concepts, then it is nice to work with a company which can provide you that range of services and styles.
7) Are they compatible with your company?
You want to ensure that the culture of both your company and the production company you are hiring fits. You are going to spend ample time corresponding with them through email, on the phone and probably in person as well. So you want to hire a team that you think meets your culture criteria and that would be pleasurable to deal with over the course of the project.
6) What other companies have they worked with?
A quick and easy way to analyze the status of any production company would be to check out who they have worked with in the past. If they have a variety of clients that they are proud to announce they have worked with, most likely the client was satisfied with the project and allowed for their name to be advertised. If there are some well known brands on the list then you know the company has been able to land big accounts in the past.
5) Do they provide good customer service?
Customer service is something that many people overlook when deciding on a production company. But everything from making sure someone is always available to answer the phone, to quick response times, and making sure all your needs are well taken care of without having to ask, are all things that lend themselves to the ease of the process, and will also be an indicator of how they handle other aspects of their business.
4) Do they care about your company?
You don’t want to work with a company that is just trying to get the job done as fast as possible. You want someone who is interested in what you do and wants to invest time in learning more. If they show up to the meeting with no idea of what your company does, or has not taken the time to come prepared with some ideas for your project, then they are not worth your time or money.
3) Do they provide good and creative ideas?
Sometimes you might know exactly what you want and have it already planned and mapped out in your mind. That is a producers dream and/or nightmare depending on how good the idea is. Whether you come prepared with a vision in mind or not, a good producer will always have feedback and often additional ideas or input that will help make the video better, the day run smoother, and the final product more effective.
2) Are they within your budget?
Often the most important deciding factor for some is budget. Although I believe it should be something to consider, it should not be the only reason for your choice. In order to get a successful and polished final product you will need to pay for quality work. On the same hand you don’t want to be ripped off, or paying for things that aren’t necessities. If the company can explain the price and reasoning for each item within their quote, then you can rest assured.
1) Can they deliver the quality of production that you are looking for?
As with any video the quality of the production will affect the way viewers see it. Everything from sound, to lighting, to framing, and the background can make a difference. An experienced, thoughtful and creative production company will be able to handle all of these elements and inform you well in advance what is needed in order to create a video with high production quality.
This list should give you a good starting point for thinking about what you should look for when researching a video production company. If you have any comments or things that you think should be on this list please let us know!
Top 10 Q"s When Hiring a Production Company
Monday, August 26, 2013
Teleprompter for Corporate Videos
Teleprompter for Corporate Videos
Is using a Teleprompter necessary when shooting a Corporate Video?
Maybe you are hesitant in using a teleprompter because you want your corporate video to seem unscripted and natural…and think using a teleprompter will make it look like your presenter is reading directly from the screen.
It will be an added expense on your budget, but let’s find out if using one will be beneficial for your corporate video.
Time Efficient
It saves time for everyone. Let’s say your presenter is a senior executive, and he will be delivering a long presentation. Senior executives are usually on a tight deadline, and just don’t have hours of time away from the office to be spent in a shoot. Using a teleprompter would save hours of his time. Even if you hired a professional actor, and they memorized their script beforehand -that doesn’t guarantee you a fluid read like a teleprompter would.
Professionalism
We are all human, and with that comes a natural stumble when we talk (ughs/umm’s). Reading from a teleprompter just brings a fluid read. You’re already investing thousands of dollars in this corporate video, so it wouldn’t make sense not using a teleprompter and having your presenter look unprofessional and unknowledgeable. Using a teleprompter will make your talent look and sound more professional.
Sounding Natural
If you think that using a teleprompter will make your presenter look like he is directly reading from the prompter -think again! Its all in your script. If you want a more natural speech, make sure its written out like that for your presenter. To avoid the “directly reading from the teleprompter look” make sure that your presenter goes through the script and practices his lines before the shoot. Even though there is a teleprompter there the presenter should always know the material.
The only CON with using a teleprompter is the added expense of it on your budget. Although when you use a teleprompter, in the end you will save money on the production cost because you wont need as many shooting days.
For corporate video, not using a teleprompter just makes the overall look unprofessionally done and sloppy.
Here at Keywest, you can use our teleprompter services for your corporate video for the low price of $250.
Keywest Video Inc -Corporate Video Blog -Teleprompter for Corporate Videos
Teleprompter for Corporate Videos
Monday, August 19, 2013
Voiceover for Corporate Video
Voiceover for your Corporate Video:
We have all seen that expertly produced video, perfectly executed down to the very last detail… But something was missing. There was no voiceover, making this high quality video seem kind of dull. But why is voiceover so important when it comes to corporate videos?
Here are 5 reasons why all corporate videos should include a V/O.
To help carry out your message: Adding voiceover in your corporate video sets the mood for your video, and adds a certain style your video might have been lacking (like an upbeat, smooth, or warm style). It can work really well if the voiceover actor not only has the vocal skills to carry it through, but also has the right type of voice for the piece. Voiceovers create the effect of a good story telling, which instantly connects the audience with the video.
Voiceover can also fill in the gaps in your video: If an interviewee wasn’t overly articulate or failed to use a noun that would have made the subject more comprehensible– there is a simple solution: Grab a half sound bite to put a face on the screen and give the piece credibility, and then explain the rest of the point in a narrative track. Using voiceover can really help to fill in the gaps in your video, and it allows you to hide the awkward moments that an edit can’t fix.
Better understanding for your audience: Voiceovers can be a great tool to use to provide your audience with a better understanding of what’s happening in your video. If your video isn’t so straightforward, your audience could get easily confused and thus lose interest fast.
Not interesting script: Sometimes with corporate video, the subject might not be that earthshaking, so your script might seem a little dull. Using a voiceover would definitely help with that because the sound and tone of the voice is greater than the actual content of the words used – 38% sound compared to 7% words. The audience’s attention would be more engaged with a good voiceover than just having to listen to the actual words.
Quality: Adding more elements to your corporate video will immediately up the quality of your production, and voiceover is a simple enough production technique that should not be over looked.
Now that you have read through all the reasons why using a voiceover for your corporate video is beneficial, here is another tip: when using voiceover, leave it to the professionals. You think, “Why pay all that money for a professional actor when you can get any person that can speak decently read over a script?” While most of us can speak pretty well, doing a VO (voiceover) is a very specific skill, best left to the professionals. (A microphone can be as scary as a camera).
Here at Keywest, we know that a voiceover can be an essential part in your corporate video, and will make the whole production process – including the voiceover process – as easy and efficient for you as possible. We will send you samples of voiceover actors, help you choose which one will bring the right style and set the right mood for your video, and then help piece your video together to produce a video that gets your message heard.
Keywest Video Inc-Corporate Video Blog- Voiceover for Corporate Video
Voiceover for Corporate Video
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