View from Above Blog

Video is a Vehicle

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:00:00 +0000

My new car! A 2008 Honda Fit (Photo credit: annstheclaf)

It is widely accepted the video is the "new, most powerful, engaging ...etc."( blah blah blah) medium to "build your brand, connect with your clients, educate your employees" ( yada yada yada). It isn't really that surprising. We have a long establish affinity for the audio visual experience. Whether it's tv, movies, or commercials, we're no strangers to the moving pictures.

Every new client I meet asks the same question, "How much does it cost to do a video?". Not an unreasonable question and I wish there was a simple answer. Video production is not like putting a hammer to a nail. There are a number of elements to consider. How long do you want it to be? What's the source material? Do you want animations or is it live event? What is the ultimate goal of this video? I like to use a travel analogy. If you ask me, "How much does it cost to make a video for XYZ?"; I'm going to ask you " How much does it cost to get from LA to New York?". The answer depends on how do you want to get there. Plane, train or automobile. Do you want to fly first class? Do you want the all leather interior? ( Heated seats are optional).

BC 251 - Video Production 2012 (Photo credit: wcn247)

The goal of a integrating video into your branding and marketing strategy is to connect and build an audience. Online video is a storytelling tool for audience building and engagement. Actively keeping that in mind is the first most fundamental fact when you've decided to start down the path of Like the travel analogy; you have to know and have the intention to get to WHERE your going before you dive into how your going to get there.

Crappy Content is the Road to Success

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 16:30:00 +0000

There are countless articles and tips that talk about how the real key to marketing success is creating "great content". But the truth is that before you can create great content, you have to create crappy content. Great content doesn't happen over night. It takes time to develop your voice.
If you are the perfectionist type, like myself, all the talk about creating killer/ epic / great content can be pretty intimidating. There is the part of you that wants to get it absolutely perfect the first time. But the fact is, if you aren't already in the habit of creating, you can't you jump straight to "creating great stuff". While developing your content strategy you need to go through the learning curve of creation.
Get into the habit of creating. Iterate and improve as you go.
I believe that you have to get into the habit of creating first. Create an a regular schedule. Even if you don't share it at first. Challenge yourself. Find your routine and improve as you go along. This isn't a new idea, but I don't think that it is an idea that gets talked about nearly enough. You have to start where you are and put yourself out there. Give yourself permission to create crap. You are going to learn and improve along the way.

This is a great video by Marie Forleo of Marie TV. In it Marie shares the evolution of her video content. It starts out very rough. With a just webcam and the willingness to start where she was, she began creating videos. I love how you can see the progression. Marie explains how the show matured and production value increased as she brought in more people. It didn't happen over night. Marie's video is a great real world demonstration that the key is in the starting. That's the path to great content.

Video is Digital Storytelling

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 02:26:00 +0000

Graphic Storytelling and Visual Narrative (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Why Video is on the Rise

The conversation about online video has been on a steady rise for the last few years. Really it shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. Our culture has had a fascination with moving pictures for over a century. Who doesn't remember watching cartoons as a kid? Movie, television...video is just the latest in a long line of visual media. What make video different today, compared to just a few years ago, is that video is a medium that is available to everyone. The barriers to entry are rapidly disappearing. Now, more than any other time in history, anyone can share their story. And stories are what the people want.

Online Video is simply a form of digital storytelling. People want to hear stories that inspire them, that move them. As a business owner or community organizer you are a storyteller; and, people want to know what you are about. The question you have to ask yourself is, how do you want to move them. Maybe you want to move them to take action. Move them to buy your product or service. Maybe you just want to make them laugh. Today, it's possible, with a camera and a laptop, to do just that.

You think you don't have a story to share. I assure you that you do. You are a storyteller. It doesn't need to be this polished, scripted infomercial. People what to know the real, raw story of you. Your video isn't about the this highly polished piece of marketing material. It is about you and the reality that YOU bring to your story. I'll spare you the comparisons to "reality TV". Instead, think about the Discovery Channel. People tune in to see crab fishermen, and coal miners, and a litany of dirty job. These aren't meticulously scripted pieces of entertainment. They are real stories and they are interesting because the are authentic.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 03:44:00 +0000

View the story "The Heart of the Matter: Storytelling" on Storify The Heart of the Matter: Storytelling Storified by Ita Udo-Ema· Tue, Jan 29 2013 18:56:05 I spend a lot of time surfing the web, absorbing as much as I can about video production. After all, it's what I do. A few moths ago I came to the realization that while I create videos, "videographer" does not really suit me. When I think if a videographer, I think of a guy shooting a wedding or a soccer game. That's not to knock those videographers out there, but that isnt how I see myself. I see myself more as a storyteller. And just as a canvas is the backdrop for a painter; video is the medium that I work in.

There is a lot of chatter about the benifits of video, but there isn't a lot of focus placed on the importance of the story. That is why I was excited to stumble across this article in Forbes entitled: Startups and the Importance of Storytelling.

.Without storytelling, content is nondescript, uninspiring and, frankly, a waste of time and energy.forbes.com I don't think that i could have said it any better myself. When you get past the HD, and the SEO, and all the other acronyms, it really comes down to telling a good story. No matter what field you are in, it is the story that is going to win hearts and minds...and ultimately customers.

When working with clients, one of the things that I try to empress upon them is the importance of there story. Not only that; but, with online video being a distinctive medium, the importance of being able to tell that story in 3 minutes.

YouTube Creator Playbook, Google Plus & The First ... - Justin TeohNov 9, 2011 ... In this video you will learn why the first fifteen seconds of your video are the most important and how to use this to ... When your story is really working, people will happily go through many “chapters” without even realizing it.forbes.com So what do you think? Do you know your story?

I'd love to hear your comments.

DVD on Demand

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 04:56:00 +0000

Lets begin with the end in mind, distribution. You've finished your feature and sadly distributors aren't beating down your door. You can shelve it, cut your losses and move on. Option 2...self-distribution. A great tools for this is CreateSpace. CreateSpace, formerly know as Customflix, is and Amazon owned company ( thats important, but I'll get to that in a bit).

CreateSpace provides a "DVD on Demand" service. Basically, you send in your master DVD, cover, and disc art; then, CreateSpace creates an e-Store. You set the price and your movie is available for sale online. You also have the option to make you film available on Amazon and Amazon Video on Demand for digital download. All of this is free. So whats the catch? For each sale, CreateSpace retains a base price of $4.95 plus 15% of thee-Store sales price ( from Amazon sales its 45$) Heres how it breaks down according to their site:

For example...

If you sold a DVD with a list price of $25.00 through a CreateSpace eStore, you would earn a royalty of $16.30. The calculation is as follows:

List Price	$25.00
Our Share	$8.70 (see details below)
Your Royalty	$16.30 (list price minus our share)

% Share for eStore	$3.75 (15% of $25)
Fixed Charge	$4.95 (one DVD-R in amaray-style case)
Our Share Total	$8.70

It seems a little steep I'll grant you. Only getting $16 out of $25 doest seem like a jip. Not quite like hitting the lottery. I'll ask you to consider the hidden costs.

The Hidden Cost

I was telling a fellow movie maker about CreateSpace, CustomFlix at the time. His father chimed in saying that they would be better off doing bulk duplication and selling them themselves. That would bring the cost down to about $3 bucks a piece. Spending the $3 is better than "losing" $8.50 right ? Well I'll ask you to consider the following. Unless you have your own DVD replication system, you're going to have to use a service. There are plenty of them out there. Lets use Disc Mkers. To doa run of 100 DVDs, with case and art you're looking at an inital investment on about $300. Not too bad. Now you've sold a DVD. You need to collect the payment. Selling noline, you're looking at a credit card transaction. You need to package it. You can't just slap a shipping label in the outside cover. You still have to pay for shipping. Not to mention the costs involved with setting up your online store and the opportunity cost of running to the post office. Whats the cost involved with doing a return of a defective disc? If you do the math and you're looking at a break even point of about 15 units. That is to say, if you know, I mean KNOW, you can sale 15 copies of your flick, mass duplication is the way to go. (By the way, you can bulk order from CreateSpace for the $4.95 base price.) Remember, we're talking about a movie your were reach to resign to the closet. Here's the beauty... theres nothing saying you a can do both. There is an added bonus to using CreateSpace.

An Amazon Company

Image via CrunchBase

As I mentioned CreateSpace is an Amazon owned company. Getting you project listed for sale on Amazon via CreateSpace is just a few simple clicks. Why is this useful? Amazon also owns IMDB! In order for your project to be eligible to be listed on IMDB it must meet certain criteria, including:

Released on video or prints have been made available to the public (See exceptions below on limited distribution titles).
Listed in the catalog of an established video retailer.

Listing in on Amazon easily fits this requirement.

Image via Wikipedia

Conclusion

So there you have it. Easy to setup. No backlog of inventory. Logistics, packaging, and customer service are taken care of. Increased credibility with the backdoor onto IMDB. And is free. CreateSpace provides a compelling all-inclusive, non-exclusive option for distribution.

That said, CreateSpace isn't a magic bullet. There is no "one" best option. It is simply a one of the many tools at our disposal to expand our reach. If it isn't already, Createspace should definitely be a part of your distribution matrix. When venturing down the road of self-distribution its in our best interests to take advantage every opportunity. CreateSpace is a good start.

Learning the Art of Drama

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:31:00 +0000

Mortal Combat Viral Hit Demonstrates Bright Future for Web TV Series

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:16:00 +0000

Mortal Combat Viral Hit Demonstrates Bright Future for Web TV Series

What is Rhythm?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 01:19:00 +0000

Who Moved My Brain? Revaluing Time and Attention

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 03:39:00 +0000

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

Who Moved My Brain? Revaluing Time and Attention

View more presentations from merlinmann.

How To Pitch an Idea (on IndieGoGo) - Scott Berkun knows what he's talking about.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:38:00 +0000

How To Pitch an Idea (on IndieGoGo) - Scott Berkun knows what he's talking about.: "

Hi Folks,

I recently tweeted about public speaker Scott Berkun and his piece on How to pitch an idea. The twittersphere response was suprisingly positive. So I wanted to make sure all our IndieGoGo projects didn't miss out!

Whether your project is a film, book, music, piece of art, venture, community effort, technology product, invention or political campaign, all projects are ideas.

And the difference between interesting ideas and good ideas is THE PITCH.

Successful projects on IndieGoGo tend to go the extra mile to pitch their project, not just show it. By now you probably know how important a pitch clip is. So I recommend you take a few minutes to read what Berkun has to say and amp up your pitch page on IndieGoGo. Make sure your IndieGoGo project screams GREAT IDEA, not just interesting one.

* * * * * * * *

How to pitch an idea

By Scott Berkun

Coming up with good ideas is hard enough, but convincing others to do something with them is even harder. In many fields the task of bringing an idea to someone with the power to do something with it is called a pitch: software feature ideas, implementation strategies, movie screenplays, organizational changes, and business plans, are all pitched from one person to another. And although the fields or industries may differ, the basic skill of pitching ideas is largely the same. This essay provides a primer on idea pitches, and although most of my experience is in the tech-sector, I pitch to you that the advice here will be relevant to pitching business plans, yourself (e.g. job interviews), screenplays, or anything else.

The nature of ideas

Ideas demand change. By definition, the application of an idea means that something different will take place in the universe. Even if your idea is undeniably and wonderfully brilliant, it will force someone, somewhere to change how they do something. And since many people do not like change, and fear change, the qualities of your idea that you find so appealing may be precisely what make your idea so difficult for people to accept. Some individuals fear change so much that they structure their lives around avoiding it. (Know anyone exhibiting the curious behavior of being obviously miserable in their job, their city, their relationship, but still refusing to make changes?). So when your great idea comes into contact with a person who does not want change, you and your idea are at a disadvantage. Before you can begin the pitch, you have to make sure you’re talking to someone that’s interested in change, or has a clear need that your idea can satisfy.

See the entire article here on Scott Berkun's site. He walks through the 8 Steps on How To Pitch.

New Celtx Add-ons - 'Special Equipment' & 'Arrow' Art Packs now available!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:10:00 +0000

New Celtx Add-ons - 'Special Equipment' & 'Arrow' Art Packs now available!: "

Attention Shoppers!

The utility of the Celtx Sketch Tool has just been enhanced with the addition of two handy new Art Packs!

Use the 'Special Equipment' and 'Arrows' packs to create lighting setups, production diagrams and documents in advance, and save valuable crew time on shoot days later.

Purchase these (Art Packs IV & V), or the 'Full Bundle' now, and save 25%! For details, see screenshot samples below, and check out the Celtx ToolBox.

Enjoy! And Happy Holidaze!

Your pals at Celtx HQ

Special Equipment (Art Pack IV):

Arrows (Art Pack V):

View from Above Blog

Video is a Vehicle

Related articles

Crappy Content is the Road to Success

Get into the habit of creating. Iterate and improve as you go.

Related articles

Video is Digital Storytelling

Related articles

DVD on Demand

For example...

Learning the Art of Drama

Mortal Combat Viral Hit Demonstrates Bright Future for Web TV Series

What is Rhythm?

Who Moved My Brain? Revaluing Time and Attention

How To Pitch an Idea (on IndieGoGo) - Scott Berkun knows what he's talking about.

The nature of ideas

New Celtx Add-ons - 'Special Equipment' & 'Arrow' Art Packs now available!