Using a Teleprompter

One of the most useful tools for live presenters and filmmakers is the teleprompter. 

From a video production standpoint, a teleprompter brings a level of confidence to a person who does not feel comfortable memorizing lines or speaking extemporaneously on camera.  It’s also a way for video producers to change a script on the spot and save actors the need to memorize a new set of lines.

I could go on and on, but I defer to Greg Stephenson, a professional teleprompter operator in Dallas.  He can speak on the subject with far more depth and clarity than I can.  Take a peek at his website to find out more about this powerful tool: http://dallasprompter.com/prompter_tips.html#why

David and Kathryn Seay are video producers in the Dallas Fort Worth area.

davidseayproductions.com

Corporate Video - Quality Counts, AGAIN

                      

Hands down, YouTube is one of the most important marketing tools ever invented. 

It’s so easy to quickly publish videos to your YouTube channel that anyone can do it.  That’s also its biggest pitfall.  Let me explain.  Almost every computer built in the last 10 years has come with a video editing program.  HD cameras are inexpensive and readily available, so put 2 and 2 together and you get a huge group of people making their own videos.  If you are doing your kid’s soccer game, a birthday party, or an artistic endeavor of your own, I say “GO FOR IT!”  Have fun with it, experiment, play, and express yourself with this wonderful and powerful set of tools. 

If, however, you decide to produce a video for your company - I strongly recommend that you give that job to a professional.  An experimental, homemade video can actually hurt you more than help you.  A video is the single most powerful way to showcase your company’s brand.  A quality video projects a quality brand; an amateur video projects an amateur brand.  Always remember: Quality counts!!!!

We are happy to say that finally companies are starting to realize this. Calls are coming in from customers who want videos that are better than “something we'd do in house.” The DIY nature of producing videos is slipping, and people are realizing that a quality video does pays off. 

Let me say it again “Quality Counts”.

David and Kathryn Seay are video producers in the Dallas Fort Worth area.

davidseayproductions.com

Video: 

It is more important 

for business than ever.

The use of video, particularly mobile video is increasing at an astonishing rate.  What does this mean for businesses?  For one thing, using video in a corporate marketing effort is becoming even more critical to communicate with the mobile client base.  The stats have implications for both retail and b2b businesses.

Here are some interesting statistics as they relate to video in business:

Source: Cisco

• Mobile video traffic will exceed 50 percent for the first time in 2011. Mobile video traffic was 49.8 percent of total mobile data traffic at the end of 2010, and will account for 52.8 percent of traffic by the end of 2011.

• Two-thirds of the world's mobile data traffic will be video by 2015. Mobile video will more than double every year between 2010 and 2015. Mobile video has the highest growth rate of any application category measured within the Cisco VNI forecast at this time.

• Global mobile data traffic grew 2.6-fold in 2010, nearly tripling for the third year in a row. The 2010 mobile data traffic growth rate was higher than anticipated. Last year's forecast projected that the growth rate would be 149 percent. This year's estimate is that global mobile data traffic grew 159 percent in 2010.

• Mobile-connected tablets will generate as much traffic in 2015 as the entire global mobile network in 2010. The amount of mobile data traffic generated by tablets in 2015 (248 petabytes per month) will be approximately equal to the total amount of global mobile data traffic in 2010 (242 petabytes per month). The same will be true of M2M traffic, which will reach 295 petabytes per month in 2015.

SOURCE: RealSEO 

• Search engine websites are the most visited websites with 77% of smartphone users citing this, followed by social networking, retail and video sharing websites

• Nine out of ten smartphone searches results in an action (purchasing, visiting a business, etc.)

• 95% of smartphone users have looked for local information

• 88% of these users take action within a day, indicating these are immediate information needs

SOURCE: Various

• There were nearly 25 million mobile video viewers at the end of 2010, an increase of 40% over the previous year.77% of mobile video viewers report watching more mobile video than they did one year ago. (eMarketer, 2010)

• With proper optimization, video increases the chance of a front-page Google result by 53x. (Forrester, January 2010)

• Consumer packaged goods firm Reckitt Benckiser found that online video delivered a 6% increase in in-store sales. (Reckitt Benckiser / Nielsen, May 2010)

• Dell credits video with reducing service call volumes by 5%. Virgin Mobile expects video to reduce call volumes by 14% in 2011. (The Australian, December 2010)

• Discovery Channel increased video streams 123% by properly implementing video sitemaps. (Discovery Digital Media, 2010)

• Ice.com found that viewers who chose to view video converted at a 400% increase over those who did not. Ice.com also credits video with decreasing returns by 25%. (Internet Retailer, December 2009)

• Rich media ads containing video increase purchase intent by 1.16% and drive success more than four times that of Flash animation. In addition to the increase in purchase intent, video ads appear to increase consumer brand loyalty. Viewers favored a brand 2.30% more when exposed to rich media with a video ad opposed the tiny 0.15% increase simple Flash animation experienced. (DoubleClick, The Brand Value of Rich Media Ads, June 2009)

• Consumer packaged goods firm Reckitt Benckiser found that online video delivered a 6% increase in in-store sales. (Reckitt Benckiser / Nielsen, May 2010)

FACT:

Mobile video and social media are increasing at a dramatic pace. 

Companies are increasing their use of video to:

• Build and define image
• Control messaging
• Search Engine Optimization
• Increase sales
• Decrease customer issues

Want to learn more?  Talk to a real live human being, call us at David Seay Productions.  972 516 8868.  We’re here to help.

David and Kathryn Seay are video producers in the Dallas/Fort Worth area

Davidseayproductions.com 

Trade Show Video

A tradeshow floor is a noisy and chaotic place because everyone is trying to do all they can to attract people to their booth. 

As video producers, we have produced countless videos for trade shows and have come up with 3 basic approaches that work best in this environment:

Attractor:
This video is designed to be a visual stunner with lots of cool motion graphics, footage, quick cuts, and high-impact company visuals. Its purpose is to get people’s attention and bring them into your booth to see what you have to offer

Perfect Pitch:
In this approach, a video plays in a continuous loop and serves as a background while you discuss what is on the screen. This way the presentation stays on course every time.

Message:
Since people tend to wander about in a trade show, it’s not uncommon for them to pass your booth multiple times during the show. This video plays short 20 second clips so that when people walk by they are exposed to multiple message
s about your company or product.

Here is a link where you can see examples of these three approaches: http://www.davidseayproductions.com/trade-show-videos.htm

David and Kathryn Seay are video producers in Dallas, Tx.

www.davidseayproductions.com

Video Testimonial

The single best way to sway prospects to your company, or to your way of thinking is this:

TESTIMONIAL  me say it again,  LOUDER: 

                 TESTIMONIALS

We were in a meeting recently about producing a new product video.  The option of having corporate executives make the presentation on camera was being debated.  The point was finally made that anyone watching that video would expect a company spokesperson to talk about how great their product was - what else would they say? 

If however, you interview a customer who has benefitted from using the product and they extol the virtues of it, then the viewer has a satisfied customer with whom they can identify.  Now that’s powerful.

Never underestimate the power of the video testimonial.  It’s the next best thing to word of mouth.

David and Kathryn Seay produce corporate and broadcast video projects.  The live and work in the Dallas area.

davidseayproductions.com

Re-invent Yourself

BRAVE NEW WORLD   

How it happened or exactly when it happened I am not certain, but the business landscape shifted beneath our feet.  Way back in 2007, Facebook was a novelty website connecting college kids and young adults.  Now?  Well you know.  LinkedIn, Twitter, Tumbler, Vimeo, YouTube were terms not yet invented. Smart Phone?  The closest thing we knew of was a Star Trek tri-corder (except the current smart phone is probably more powerful.)  Now all these things are essential, everyday business and personal productivity tools. 

It’s all very exciting and it’s a wonderful time to be alive to witness this massive influx of technological innovation.

I’m 53 years old and came up through the ranks doing business in a completely different way.  No Internet.  No social media. For a long time, no cell phone. Collectively these things have reached critical mass and I am now face to face with the sobering fact that we have to reinvent our business to stay relevant in this brave new world.   How do we do that?  How do we leverage 30 years of business experience in a world that works so drastically different from the one in which we learned?

Normally this is where I would proudly declare “Here’s how I did it!.”  Well, I’m still working on that, and I think most everyone else is too.  I even think people who know enough to give seminars aren’t one hundred percent sure either.  It is simply changing too fast.

As a video producer, I am completely up to speed on the current-day production process and how it dovetails with web video, social media and technology’s ability to push a clients’ brand forward.  So there at least, I have good confidence. 

SOME THINGS REMAIN THE SAME 

• Quality still counts - A good product is key.  It used to be a brochure or direct mail piece, or a DVD.  Now it’s a video, a website, e-mail blast, newsletter, YouTube channel, Linked In Profile, and Facebook page.  It all projects an image about you.  If it doesn’t look good, neither do you.

• It’s about people - People like to do business with people, not an on-line account.  Get to know your customers and find out what drives them and how you can make their lives better.

• Experience - There is no substitute.  After years and years of producing videos an instinct develops - a subtle nuance - little things done well that make all the difference.  Time, and time alone, will teach you this lesson.

• Good manners are always in style - Be polite, say thank you, smile, get to know the people, ask about their kids, send them a card for a free coffee, follow up, and do something nice for them … and MEAN it. 

So take up these new tools and use them, but don't think they are now the ONLY things that will help you move your business ahead.  Good old fashioned hard work and quality still count for ALOT!  Boy, do I sound like my Dad or what?

David and Kathryn Seay produce marketing videos and documentaries.  They work in the Dallas area.

720p versus 1080p

720p versus 1080p - Size Matters

You hear about 720p vs. 1080p, but which one is better?  Does it even matter?  In most cases watching a video at your home or office in 720p will be great.  If however, you are using a video projector to watch video, 1080p will give you more picture detail.  When it comes to monitors, a bigger monitor will look better in 1080p rather than 720p.

In short:

If you are using a huge monitor  - 60 inches or greater - 1080p will be slightly better.  If you are using a projector, 1080p definitely will be better.  Otherwise, 720p will look great.

Note: it can take more time to edit video in 1080p because of long render times.  You will need to weigh the options to determine if the extra resolution will offset the cost of production.

Learn more:

http://carltonbale.com/1080p-does-matter

http://www.projectorcentral.com/1080p_720p.htm

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/berlind/before-buying-an-hd-display-read-this-lowdown-on-720p-vs-1080i-vs-1080p/934

David and Kathryn Seay are video producers in the Dallas area.

www.davidseayproductions.com

A Client's Guide for Producing Videos

Producing a marketing, sales, or training video for your company may seem overwhelming, but it can be an easy process.  Here are a few things to keep you on track.

Step 1- The Basics

There are a few things you need to know ahead of time so the video production company can produce your video efficiently:

• A clear understanding of the message you wish to communicate.
• Who your audience is and where will they be viewing the video? (web, dvd, live event etc.)
• Quality: what level of production value do you need? 
• What is your budget?
• Create a content outline.
• Coordinate with company personnel about on camera interviews, supplying scripting information, photographs, logos, graphics, products, legal clearances, accounting, etc.
• If shooting will take place at your office, identify a few location options.
• Determine how much, if any, travel is needed.
• Know when you need the video to be completed.

Step 2- Hire a production company

Make sure you hire an experienced production company.  Get a referral from colleagues.  Search on line, but be selective when doing a Google search for production companies. You’re likely to find people who specialize in weddings and small live events. They may be good at that those things, but corporate producers will know more about business, branding, social media, and how video fits into that equation. Once you narrow it down, evaluate their websites, look at their videos, and talk with them about their approach to business. Then make your decision.

I would suggest these search terms:

• Corporate video producer
• Video producer
• Marketing videos
• Branding videos
• Video production
• Video production company in (your city)

WARNING - inexpensive HD cameras and editing equipment have flooded the market and are being used by inexperienced filmmakers.  Many offer extremely low prices.  Don’t be fooled.  That low price might be the most expensive mistake you ever make.  A bad video can do terrible damage to your image.  It’s a business video so hire someone who knows the world of business.

The production company will then draw up a comprehensive bid that covers all aspects of production.  Once both parties agree, a production schedule is created. This will define a timeframe for the major phases of production (pre-production, scripting, location shooting, video editing, sound sweetening, DVD authoring, duplication, delivery.)

Note:

• It’s normal for a company to collect a portion of the budget at the beginning - usually a half to a third depending on the size of the budget. This covers some of the hard costs such as equipment rental, crew, voice-over talent, music, etc.

• Prices can vary depending on the type of video you need.  If it’s a video for a 2500 person conference where major prospects are in attendance, spend more.  If it’s for an internal communication, spend less.  See this link for more about video pricing.

• Travel costs are almost always billed separately.  Some clients will arrange travel and accommodations.

Step 3- Lights, Camera, Action

At this point, you can take it easy, watch the whole process take place and be there to answer any on-set questions or issues that arise.  It’s a great way to get out of the office for a few days.

Step 4. Post Production

The video editor assembles the video, audio, and graphics to create a rough cut.  This video is then uploaded via the web and a link is sent to the client for review.  It’s important to identify any changes in a timely manner to avoid missing deadlines. If possible, limit the number of colleagues’ input as you run the risk of getting too many opinions and not being able to satisfy them all.  After you approve the video, the production company will put the finishing touches on it and get the video exported and processed to create web compressions, DVDs, or whatever final format you’ve requested.

And voila - the process is complete!

David and Kathryn are video producers in the Dallas area.

www.davidseayproductions.com

Preparing to give a television interview

How to do a good video interview:

So the odious task of being spokesperson in your company video falls to you.  Can you imagine any place further from your comfort zone?  We have coached nervous nellies through this hundreds of times and we’ve never lost anyone yet.  And we’ve gotten some pretty darn good interviews too.

• First and foremost - relax.  From years of coaching panicky people through the interview process we can tell you that you will be ok, no matter how uneasy you are right now.  When it’s over, nine times out of ten, the person says, “Wow, that was actually kinda fun," or  “I was so nervous but you made it easy." 

• Remember that the interview will probably be taped and edited so no matter how badly you screw it up, they will only use the good parts.  So relax and just think about the question and then answer it. 

• Try to be conversational and finish a complete thought before you move to another.  So many times people will try to say everything in one sentence.  Of course you can guess how THAT turns out.  The interviewer will be asking you questions about the things you need to talk about.  Follow that lead and don’t stray unless the question is incorrect and needs clarification.  In fact, a good interviewer might even feed you an incorrect question to elicit your response.  In doing so, you might just give a perfectly clear spontaneous answer.  (Oh, we’re sneaky little shits, aren’t we?)

• Do not … I repeat DO NOT write out a bunch of pages to refer to during the interview.  You will look shifty and dishonest if you keep looking around trying to find your words.  Chances are, no one is going to be asking you anything you don’t already know, so just answer the questions like you are having a conversation.

• It’s OK to smile.  It’s OK to laugh.  It’s OK to use your hands.  In fact all of those things are good.  So act normally and just have a conversation (how many times have you heard the term “conversation” in this essay???  Hint hint.)

• Speak in full thoughts.  If, for instance, someone says, “How do you see the outlook for your industry,” don’t say “It’s great, couldn’t be better."  Say something like, “Our industry is in position for continued growth….”  The interviewer’s questions may not be heard in the final video, so what you say needs to stand on its own without any setup.

So go do your interview and don’t worry about it.  You're going to be talking about your company - share your passion.  You know all the answers.  And you might just find it to be a very rewarding experience.  Call us if you need more encouragement.

David and Kathryn Seay are video producers in the Dallas area.

www.davidseayproductions.com

Corporate Video Demo Reel for David Seay Productions.

Tell Me A Story

All of us tell stories every day.  In fact it’s how human beings communicate - we tell stories to each other.  The only thing we like better than telling stories is listening to others tell their stories.  That’s why we love TV shows and movies so much.

If you get really good at telling interesting stories, you can do incredible things: make people listen to your advice, convince customers to buy your products, and persuade people to your way of thinking.  If I were a super hero, I’d want my superpower to be storytelling.

Producing videos for business is also storytelling.  It could be the story of a new product, or the story of how you care about your customers, or the story of how others have benefited by doing business with you.  Believe me, you DO have a story to tell, and a good video producer will help you tell it.

So tell the world your story.  People will listen.

David and Kathryn Seay are video producers in the Dallas, Texas area.

http://www.davidseayproductions.com

Cheap Corporate Videos – Beware! Dangers lurk

The success of your business is based on perception and branding.  Whether you have a one-person consulting practice or a large company with hundreds or thousands of employees, it all comes down to how people perceive you.  BRANDING IS EVERYTHING!

It’s no secret that video is the most persuasive medium in defining your corporate brand.  A well-crafted video presents the right message every time it is viewed and that shapes public perception better than any other medium.  It is after all why Kennedy beat Nixon.

                                          So where is the danger? 

Those cool Macs with editing software built in and affordable HD cameras have made high-end video production tools readily available to the general public.  As a result, the video production market has been flooded with wannabee filmmakers.  Most are inexperienced and extremely low-cost providers who lack proficiency with the tools.  Many companies hire these people with the excitement of getting a “screaming cheap deal.”  For the filmmakers, it’s on-the-job-training; for you it’s someone with a questionable skill set who is tinkering with your public image. There’s the danger, and it’s a big one.

Experience and quality count.  They always have, and they always will. 

Video is an incredibly important branding tool for your business when made by people with experience in business, a mastery of the tools, and a discerning sense of style and taste.  A professionally produced video may cost you a little more, but it’s damn well worth it.

David and Kathryn Seay are video producers based in the Dallas area.

www.davidseayproductions.com

How Much does a Corporate Video Cost?

The single most common question we hear in our video production practice is “How much does a video cost?”  The answer?  “It depends.”

That sounds evasive I know, but it’s the truth.  Really.  Our financial advisor and I were talking about this several years ago and he was trying to pin me down to an average price.  He made the point that the average cost of a home in Dallas (at the time) was $135,000, couldn’t I do that with videos?  To which I said, “Great, I’d like a 5 thousand square foot home in Highland Park on 8 acres.”  “No no no no,” he said. “It doesn’t work that way. That’s different.”  “Ahhhhhhhhhhh,” I said. “Now you understand.”  No two homes are exactly alike.  No two videos are exactly alike either.

You were interested enough to check this out, so I’ll give you some general pricing guidelines.

For a 3 - 5 minute corporate video we have charged as little as $3500 and as much as $70,000, and everything in between.  It all depends on what goes into it: a 2^nd camera unit; dolly and crane; location sound man; 3d computer modeling; aerial video shooting; Godzilla tramping through New York City, All that stuff costs money.

Another way to relate to the price/performance of a video is to compare it to the cost of an automobile; it’s roughly the same: 

TOYOTA COROLLA-                                                                   13k

(used) You want something inexpensive, reliable and basic.

HONDA ACCORD-                                                                       25k      

(new) You like a little more refinement in your life.

LEXUS ES-                                                                                    40k

Quality and image are important to you.

ROLLS ROYCE-                                                                            245k +

Quality is paramount.  Whatever it costs to have the best.

Of course this is meant to be use as a guideline.  For some projects it will make sense to be basic, for others you benefit more by putting in more.  See?  It depends.

WARNING:  There are providers out there who will do a video for whatever you want to spend … $2000, $1000, even less.  The old saying holds true:  YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

David and Kathryn Seay produce corporate videos and documentaries.  They are based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
www.davidseayproductions.com

Corporate Video: Important Information to Know

WEBSITE VIDEOS: 


Dos and Don’ts

Despite the laundry-list appearance, this is all information you need to know.  And you might even be surprised by some of it.

• A website with a video scores 50 times better in a Google search than a website without video.

• Social media is a worldwide force where video plays a significant role.  Every business needs to have an organized social media strategy, and video helps you control your messaging.

• Video shapes perception better than any other media. 

• Every time your video plays you have a well-crafted, perfect pitch message -- no misspeaks or wrong information.

• Testimonials are powerful.  Testimonials on video are even MORE powerful.  People relate to seeing real human beings talking about real experiences.

• Quality counts - always has, always will.  Using video effectively is the reason Kennedy beat Nixon.  So get someone who knows how to make videos.  This is not a job for your brother-in-law or the receptionist’s son.

• Videos do not have to be expensive to be good.  If cost is an issue (and it usually is) there are ways to make a video simple, clean, and effective while keeping costs down.

• The tools to produce videos are readily available and there are some extremely cheap video options because of it.  Beware.  Think of it in terms of someone selling the same thing you do, but for a 10^th of what you charge.  What red flags would go up?  What compromises would they have to make to have such a low price?      

• Video builds image like no other media.  Trust your company image to someone with experience, and know how.

David and Kathryn Seay are video producers based in the Dallas area.
www.davidseayproductions.com

The Era of Bad Video

YouTube, Vimeo, Google Video, FaceBook, and the list goes on and on of venues where you can watch video on line.  Some of these videos are good.  I mean REALLY good.  Dr. Horrible for instance was one of the best web-based videos I’ve ever seen and if you haven’t watched it, do yourself a favor and check it out (right after you finish reading this of course). 

On the other hand, there is some real crap out there too.  I think most of the consumer-generated material on YouTube is some pretty bad stuff.  What’s even worse is that flip phone videos and the like have “dumbed down” the perception of quality.  In fact, through this crush of homemade video, a new style has emerged: Guerilla video.  This ultra-basic type of production has come to the forefront and clients are actually asking for it.  Can you believe that?  Years ago, it happened with a technique called cinema verita’, where the camera has a wobbly, shaky kind of look.  It started as bad shooting but evolved into its own artistic style…just like guerilla video is doing. 

So it seems to me that the best course is to take this new style and develop it. It’s interesting though, to produce a video and make it look edgy and immediate, and with good production value is actually quite challenging, so don’t try this at home….how ironic.

David and Kathryn Seay are video producers based in the Dallas, Texas area

www.davidseayproductions.com

Video Branding

If you could sum up in one word the most important marketing element today, that word would be: BRANDING.  It's critical for businesses and individuals to establish and maintain their own brands.

Here are 3 good ways to define your brand using video:

1. Produce a decent video of yourself to publish to your own website, YouTube, and Vimeo.  Don't get your cousin or your son to do it either, especially if it's for your business.  If you end up with a crummy video you will brand yourself as cheap, despite the great things you might have to say.

2.  Put a link to your video on all of your e-mails.  Periodically publish the link on FaceBook, LinkedIn, and Google

3.  When great things happen to you or your business, update the video.  Then repeat steps 1 and 2.

Now get out there and brand yourself...before your competition does it for you.

Take care,
Dave

David Seay is a video producer based in Plano, Tx.

www.davidseayproductions.com

Hello World

OK, we'll just pick up from here.

Dave Seay here, I am a Texas-based video producer and do tons of work on corporate videos, broadcast television, social media, and every stripe of digital content.

Just finished a documentary about contemporary bluegrass music:  http://www.fanningthefire.com  you can click here to see a short and learn a bit more about it.

Fun project and a real labor of love, now- on to some other work.

www.davidseayproductions.com