Video Tips from Plum Productions

Flatter Yourself Part II: The Secrets to Looking Good on Camera

2012-02-08T15:19:00.000-05:00

In Part I of this blog post, I shared advice for finding the most flattering camera angle for yourself. If you didn't read it already, I highly suggest doing so! This week, a couple more valuable tips for looking your best on camera.

One very important component is Creating Depth and Dimension with lighting. You know the old saying that the camera adds 10 pounds? It's more or less true. To illustrate this point, try this: close one eye and look straight ahead. Now, switch eyes-- see how your vision jumps? One eye is offset to give your vision depth and dimension so you don't bump into things. The camera only has one eye: the lens. As a result, it doesn't perceive depth so everything looks flatter and wider. This can be corrected with proper lighting. In a basic three point light set up, you should have one light pointed directly at you (called the "key" light). In most cases it shouldn't be straight on in front of your face; it should be at an angle to create shadows and therefore, dimension.

The Key Light Should be
Slightly to the Side

The most flattering angle for you likely lands anywhere between 20° and 30°. The further from the camera the light is, the more shadowing you'll get. These shadows are slimming, but they can also highlight flaws like acne scars or wrinkles, so trial and error is the only way to find your sweet spot.

Another camera trick involves Cropping and Framing. Proper framing can really help you look slimmer. It may sound counterintuitive at first, but the bigger you are, the tighter the shot should be. By cropping out a bulging stomach or thick arms, you create an illusion of being thinner.

Also, don't crop at the widest part of your body. For instance, a woman might have a bigger bust but a thin waist. If you crop the shot right in the middle of her chest, she'll look very broad. Either crop above her chest or below it where the body is narrower for a flattering look.

When you're investing in a video for your business, you really want to look your best. Keep these tips in mind and you'll love the way you look in the end.

Flatter Yourself: The Secrets to Looking Good on Camera, Part I

2012-01-16T14:33:00.000-05:00

This article was originally posted in May of 2011. It's an oldie but a goodie so I thought I should repost it. Enjoy!

Are you camera shy? Many people hate the way they look on TV, but can't quite pinpoint why. A good videographer knows the secrets to showing someone off in their best light. Today, my lucky friends, I've decided to share some of these secrets with you because, hey, I'm a nice gal. Ready?

Part I of this blog focuses on Picking the Right Perspective. By perspective, I mean where the camera lens is in relation to your face. Depending on the person and the situation, the correct perspective is variable. There are three places the lens can be:

Slightly Low, Looking Up at the Subject

This is the hardest perspective to pull off. By shooting from a lower angle, the jawline becomes more pronounced so you run the risk of looking like you have a thick neck or double chin. However, there ARE times when this is appropriate. Consider teeny, tiny US Senator Barbara Boxer. When she first ran for office, her campaign ads were deliberately shot from this low angle to make her seem like an imposing figure-- someone to be reckoned with. As a Lilliputian myself, I can fully appreciate this tactic. If you're smaller in stature, slim and/or seeking world domination, this is definitely the way to go.

Even with the Subject's Eye Line

This is the safest choice in most business situations, especially for men. It's a flattering angle and puts you on level with the viewer. Every feature is in accurate and proper proportion. It's the most true-to-life perspective.

Slightly Higher, Looking Down at the Subject

Just this weekend, I offered to take a picture of a group of friends who were at a wedding. The girl with the camera reluctantly handed over her camera and I couldn't understand why-- did she think I was going to steal it? After I took the picture (from the Even perspective) she made everyone pose again while she took turned the camera around on herself, extended her arm high in the air and snapped the photo saying "I like this angle better." Now I understood why she didn't want me to take the picture! Being shot from above is flattering. It warps the proportions in the opposite way being shot from below does; the eyes look larger, the jaw looks thinner and by tilting your face up, the shadows disappear. This option is better for women than men since wide eyes and thin jaws are considered feminine features. However, if you're a woman trying to break the glass ceiling, you might want to put yourself on the "Even" playing field, literally and figuratively.

I'll bet you learned a little something, am I right? Check back next week for some lighting and framing tips.

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Lessons Learned: Video Production Tips from a Pro

2012-01-09T16:02:00.000-05:00

I realize that not every business has a budget for hiring a professional video crew to create your web videos (though this is something you should be aspiring to!) and doing it yourself is sometimes the only option. I recently had a business associate sheepishly confide in me that he and his partner tried to shoot some videos of themselves for their website, and they were extremely unhappy with the outcome. The lighting was unflattering and the sound was inaudible.

While only a professional camera and lighting can really make you shine, sometimes DIY video is your most economical option. Lately, I've noticed a lot of videos that could use some small tweaks to exponentially up the quality. Below, some quick and inexpensive tips for improving your DIY video.

Know Your Angle
I don't mean knowing which is your most flattering side. This tip is directed right at you iPhone users! Firstly, I would like to state that I don't care if the iPhone claims to shoot HD video-- the quality will simply never be the same as even a decent camera that does one thing: shoot video. Ever hear the term "Jack of all trades, but master of none"? That's the iPhone. If you do insist on using your iPhone, please make sure you hold it sideways! Think of the shape of your TV- it's wider than it is tall. This is the angle you need to have to make your video match the shape of the devices it will be viewed on: a TV, computer screen, or the YouTube video window.

Keep it Steady
Don't try to hand hold your recording device whether it be a camera or a phone. Unless you're a practiced pro, holding a camera steady sounds a lot easier than it really is, and you won't realize what a shaky hand you have until you watch the video back. You don't need an expensive tripod to get a steady image. Literally, a pile of telephone books on a desk and a stapler to lean the camera up against will do the job. Remember, no one will know that you rigged a tripod, but if you try to go hand held everyone will see the shaky result.

Don't Just Focus on the Picture
I know it's called "video" but the audio is at least as important as the picture, isn't it? You really need to use an external microphone to get decent sound. A lavalier microphone (the kind that clips to your tie) is your best bet. You can pick up a cheap one at Best Buy for about $30, and it is well worth the expense.

Every single one of these pointers is inspired by at least one DIY video I've personally seen in the past few weeks. While I always stress that professional video will show you in the best light (as I always say, "A professionally produced video can draw clients in just as easily as a poorly produced one can drive them away") if you must do it yourself hopefully these tips will help.

Remember the associates I mentioned earlier who learned the hard way that shooting video is trickier than it seems? Long story short, they are my new best clients!

Are We There Yet? Knowing It's Time to Add Video to Your Marketing Plan

2011-12-12T09:43:00.002-05:00

Think back to a time when the internet was a novelty. You likely used it to chat with strangers or play games. Now look at what it's blossomed into: the epicenter of commerce. Any serious business has a website. Today there's another shift taking place. Just having a website that lists your contact information and services provided is no longer enough. Websites need to be dynamic and interactive, and adding video is an integral part of achieving that.

I’ve never met a single business owner who said, “Oh, I would NEVER want a video to market my business.” Video is one of the most compelling ways to reach potential clients, and most business owners know it! Yet they often put off pulling together a video production, either because of expense or they think it’s too time consuming.

There are certain milestones in any business that signal it’s time to add video to your marketing plan.

You’re Rebuilding Your Website

Video is a key component of any modern website, and by making a video the centerpiece of your home page, not only will you clearly and quickly explain what you have to offer, you’ll send the message that your company is current and cutting edge.

You’re Offering a New Product or Service

Introduce clients to a new facet of your business. If you’re undertaking a new endeavor, chances are you’re excited about it! Show customers how committed you are to this venture by dedicating a video to this innovative part of your company.

You’re Re-Branding

Face it: as your company evolves you may re-brand it more than once over the course of its lifetime. If you’re going to invest in a video, you’ll want it to have the longest shelf life possible. The production should coincide with the launch of your new branding to ensure you get the most use out of it.

You Have an Event

Whether it’s a trade show, a fundraiser or the unveiling of a new product, people love a video presentation. A well-produced video will grab the attention of your audience in a way that no speech or PowerPoint presentation can.

There’s really no other medium to clearly communicate who you are and what you do than video. When the time is right, invest in a professional production and show the world what makes your business stand out.

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Video Testimonials: The Best Kept Secret for Building Your Online Presence

2011-12-06T15:57:00.000-05:00

It's no secret that word of mouth is a great tool for building your business. As we all know, word spreads like wildfire! One happy customer can steer dozens more your way. In fact, 90% of customers identify word of mouth as the best, most reliable and trustworthy source about ideas and information on products and services (NOP World).

I'm constantly asked to shoot video testimonials and for good reason: videotaped testimonials on your website greatly boost the credibility of your business. Seeing and hearing from a satisfied customer has a much greater impact than just reading about their experience.

There are even more benefits to video testimonials too, IF you use them in the right way. I'm sure you've been hearing a lot about Search Engine Optimization, which basically means how close to the top of the results list your website is during keyword searches on sites like Google. Having mulitple videos online is one way to boost your SEO, and creating multiple video testimonials is an affordable way to get there.

The key to getting the most value is to shoot all of the testimonials in one day at one location (as opposed to having your crew shoot several days in several locations) and then breaking each testimonial into separate clips instead of stringing them together into one long clip. With one half day shoot, you can have five videos up and running online!

You might think it’s tough to get your clients to go on camera, but with just a little incentive you’d be surprised at their willingness. Here’s how to go about it:

· If you're B2B, point out it’s free exposure for their own business.

· Sweeten the deal with a discount on a future service.

· Tell them that it won’t take up a lot of time, probably just 30 minutes.

· Assure them that it’s a professional production. A professional set up will show them in their best light.

· Provide them with questions they’ll be asked ahead of time. They’ll feel more confident if they’re prepared.

· Remind them that your only goal is to make them look and sound as good as possible; after all, they’re representing YOU!

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Holiday Hope: How Non Profits Can Use Video to Inspire People to Give

2011-11-28T15:25:00.000-05:00

This time of year, people are more likely to open their hearts-- and wallets!-- to good causes. Non profits often make an extra push to get people to give, but with so much competition they may need to work harder to stand out among the pack. For non profits, video is an invaluable-- and often underutilized-- tool for fundraising.

It’s one thing to tell potential donors how you’re changing lives, but it’s a whole other ballgame to actually show them and introduce them to the people you help through video. Non profits inherently have all the makings for a gripping story: conflict (why there is a need for this organization), compelling characters (those who benefit from the non profit’s work) and a happy ending (hope). The key to getting donors to open their checkbooks is to hit a range of emotions in one piece. Here are some guidelines:

Throw in hard facts.
These can be statistics about the cause (1.35 million children are homeless in America) or about the non profit itself (“Helping Hands” shelters more than 1000 homeless children every year). This gives donors some background and context.

Introduce someone in need.
Tug at your audience’s heartstrings by featuring a success story. Let them tell their story in their own words as much as possible. They should start by explaining what their initial situation was and why they needed help. Then they should describe what the non profit has done for them and how their lives are improved today. Ask them: where would they be today without “Helping Hands”? A dramatic success story illustrates that the non profit is effective.

End on a hopeful note.
You’ll want your audience to feel good by the end of the video: that this cause is fixable, that they have the power to help and that you’re the organization to do the work. First, reiterate what the non profit accomplishes, and show a visual to support that. For instance, you might say “Helping Hands: giving thousands of children a place to call home” while showing smiling kids eating breakfast or playing together. Then, deliver a call to action. This could be as generic as “Please support Helping Hands” or if you have a specific goal in mind, “Help us reach our goal of $1 Million for homeless kids.”
By hitting all the right notes, a video can help non profits reach their fundraising goals and, in turn, impact lives.

Spend Wisely: Saving Money on a Video Without Cutting Corners on Production

2011-10-27T13:06:00.000-04:00

It’s no secret that hiring a video production team is an investment. There are costs associated with scripting, scouting, shooting and editing. However, a little thinking ahead can get you a lot of content. The secret lies in making the most of your shoot day.

Identify Your Needs

Different videos have different purposes—you may want to air a 30 second commercial on TV, produce a two minute video for your website, and create a video that sells your product without sound (for instance, by using words on the screen) for noisy trade shows.

You may not need all three of these projects at the same time, but if you consolidate the production by shooting elements for all three videos in one shoot day, you’ll get a 3-for-1 deal on shooting and most likely a discount on scripting and editing for doing multiple projects at once.

Communicate with Your Producer

Tell your producer up front what you’d like to achieve now and for future projects. You may have a trade show coming up in just a few weeks that you desperately need a video for, but haven’t you always toyed with the idea of adding video to your website? A good producer will know how to multitask to accomplish everything at a minimum cost.

You’ll Also Save in the Edit Suite

There’s much more to editing than just cutting clips together. Importing video, color correcting, adjusting audio levels and exporting are all labor and time intensive components of professional editing. Editors often work on an hourly rate, so when they are able to “batch their tasks” by completing several projects for the same client at once, you’re the one saving money.

Like with anything else, a little organization saves time and helps your video marketing dollars go further.

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Getting Things in Order: Building a Sequence

2011-09-27T16:43:00.000-04:00

Videos often call for "sequences" which basically means a series of events shot in order. I had two shoots that called for sequences last week: one was for narrative purposes (telling a story) and the other was for an instructional video where it was very important to show how to use a product step by step.

If you're a newbie, shooting a sequence can be tricky. You may think you're shooting everything correctly, but once you get to editing the mistakes reveal themselves. Keep in mind:

Switch Up the Focal Lengths
The focal length is how wide or tight the shot is on the subject. A wide shot may show an entire room, while a tight shot would show just a person's face. Let's say you're shooting a person checking out at the supermarket. You may want a wide shot of the of checkout lane that includes the belt, the cashier and the customer. The natural sequence includes the items on the belt, the customer swiping their credit card etc. Shoot the action several times, first staying wide, then zooming in closer to catch the smaller details.

Use Lots of Angles...
You can make any project look bigger budget by shooting sequences from different angles. It makes it appear like you had two or three cameras on set even though you had just one. Obviously, this takes more time and effort but it's well worth it in the end. Also, the more angles, the more fast paced and visually interesting the sequence will feel when you cut it together.

...but Don't Break the Axis!
Breaking the axis is the easiest misstep to make when shooting and you likely don't realize you've done it until it's too late: in editing. There's a mathematical calculation to it, but basically breaking the axis is shooting from a second angle that just feels wrong when the sequence is cut together.

Let's say you're shooting two people talking, a man and a woman; they're facing each other and you're perpendicular to them so you're shooting each of them in profile. The man is to your left and the woman is to your right. Picture it? Ok. You need to stay on that side of the couple so you don't break the axis. You can move left or right at different angles as long as the man is always on your left and the woman is always on your right. If you cross the axis to the other side so she's on the left and he's on the right, it's disorienting to the viewer.

Make a Match
A great sequence needs "matched actions". That means that the action is performed exactly the same way from every angle and focal length. Think back to that supermarket scene. Every time the customer swipes her credit card, she needs to do it with the same hand. The food needs to be on the belt in the same order. If you're shooting you've got your hands full, so it's best to enlist someone else to be in charge of double checking these details. Personally, I like to ask the one of the clients to take on this responsibility if the crew has their hands full. It's a genuinely important job that doesn't take technical skill and it makes them feel very involved.

Both of the sequences I shot last week will be up for you to view in the near future. I look forward to sharing them with you!

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Pull it Together: Gathering the Elements You'll Need for Your Video

2011-09-22T11:33:00.000-04:00

Whenever I begin a new project, invariably I'll need certain elements from my clients to get going: certainly their logo, perhaps a palette of their colors and any photos or existing video they want to incorporate.

Sometimes I run into a little resistance when it comes to the quality of these items. Clients often try to provide files pulled from their website, but what's acceptable on the web is not acceptable on television. With video, everything needs to be bigger and higher resolution than what you're used to, otherwise it will look pixelated and grainy, especially compared to the high resolution video and graphics I'll provide. Below, guidelines for providing the highest quality elements to get the highest quality finished product.

Logo
Your logo is the most important element I'll ask you for. Do not just right click on it from your website, "Save As" and send it to me. On your website, the logo has been shrunk down to fit on the page. Once it's been shrunk, I can't make it bigger without it looking pixelated. If you don't have a high resolution file, whomever designed your logo should have it. It needs to be at a minimum 550 pixels wide and 72dpi, but bigger is always better.

Photographs
As with graphic images, photos need to be provided in their original size, fresh out of the camera. If you're sending a lot of them (too many to email), it's best to burn them to a cd or use a file sharing service like Dropbox or Yousendit to transfer them. If you upload them to a site like Snapfish, they'll become compressed and will lose a lot of their original quality. In order to check the file size on a PC, right click the file and select "Properties". The size needs to be a minimum of 640x480. On a Mac, right click and select "Get Info" to see the size.

Speaking of quality, the camera used to capture the photographs makes a huge difference. In the past three weeks, I've had two clients send me pictures taken from cell phones to use in a video. We all use cell phones to take quick snapshots, but when you're promoting your business cell phones simply don't cut it. You want the images to be clear, high resolution and have depth of field. A cell phone camera will never, ever be up to the challenge. And yes, that includes your iPhone! Even a point-and-shoot is a far better option.

Video
Like with still cameras, the quality of the video camera is paramount. Just because a camera touts itself as "high def" (ahem, iPhone, FlipCam) doesn't make it high quality. Sure it looks okay on your teeny little phone screen, but what would it look like on a 50" widescreen TV? Not good. It's better to have a professional shoot (or reshoot) your product or service.

And while we're on the topic, here's a bonus tip: If you are shooting video with your iPhone, make sure you're holding your phone the right way. Think of the shape of your TV screen-- it's wider than it is tall, isn't it? Your computer screen is too, right? So be sure to hold your iPhone sideways, so it matches the aspect ratio of TV and computer screens.

Sometimes I'm asked to use parts of an existing video created years before. Depending on circumstances this may work. The best case scenario is that the client still has access to the original raw (unedited) video, which is most likely on tape like Beta SP or DV. Sometimes people ask me to pull elements from a DVD. It can be done, but won't look great compared to the fresh video we'll be shooting together.

When it doubt, remember this rule: it's easy to make big items smaller, but impossible to make small items bigger (and look good anyway). Even if your end use for this video is on the web, you'll still want to create a broadcast quality (higher resolution) piece; it may come in handy later.

What Will Your Video Look Like? A Quick Quiz to Help You Get Started

2011-09-06T15:00:00.000-04:00

Answer the questions below to get an idea of what type of video your business needs. Descriptions of each type of video are below.

1.) What is the nature of your business?

a.) Product or Service, General Population (4 pts)

b.) Unique Product or Service, B2B or General Population (3 pts)

c.) B2B Product (1pts)

d.) B2B Service (2 pt)

2.) What do you feel is your strongest attribute for business success?

a.) Unique Product or Service (3 pts)

b.) Expertise (2 pts)

c.) Effectiveness of Product or Service (1 pt)

d.) Broadness of target market (4 pts)

3.) Who are your target customers?

a.) Larger Company (1 pt)

b.) General population (4 pts)

c.) Small Business (2 pts)

d.) Early Adopters (3pts)

4.) How do you acquire most of your new business?

a.) Networking (2pts)

b.) Print Advertising (4pts)

c.) Sales Calls (1 pt)

d.) Website (3pts)

5.) Besides increasing sales, what is the main purpose of your video?

a.) Inform customers about your unique product or service (3 pts)

b.) Inform customers about your location and variety of products/services offered (4 pts)

c.) Educate customers about how they can benefit from your product/service (1 pt)

d.) Inform customers about your extensive expertise (2 pts)

Scores:

1-5- Sales Presentation Video

6-10 Team Profile

10-15 Demonstration Video

16-20 Broadcast Commercial

Sales Presentation Video

Think back to the last time you presented to a potential client. Did every word come out perfectly? Did you boast enough about your company’s accomplishments? Did you bring in your past clients to explain what a great job you did? Probably not. Even the smoothest salesperson doesn’t pitch perfectly every single time. Adding video to your sales presentation gives you an edge. With a pre-produced video, you can ensure your message gets across as flawlessly and succinctly as possible, time after time. With a pre-produced video, you can ensure your sales presentation as flawlessly and succinctly as possible, time after time. Incorporating a video into your existing presentation is effortless; videos are easily inserted into PowerPoint.

Team Profile

"People do business with people they know, like and trust."

Profiling yourself or your team with a video on your "About Us" website page enables potential clients get to know you in a personal way. Even though the video should be focused on the business, just seeing the faces and hearing the voices of you and your employees instantly creates an emotional connection, and many business decisions are made emotionally, not logically.

Depending on your industry, the tone of the video can be lighthearted and humorous, somber but heartwarming, or it could be fast paced and edgy. Just as long as it's not dry, your video will immediately establish that emotional connection.

Demonstration Video

Demonstration Videos showcase in detail how your product or service works, and how customers can benefit from it. Demonstration videos are great if what you’re selling is totally unique and needs explanation. If it’s a product, you’ll want to show it in use. If it’s a service, you may need drive home your point with illustrations and motion graphics.

Broadcast Commercial

While any business benefits from advertising, television commercials work best for businesses with a broad consumer range. That's why you see a lot of medical, restaurant and retail commercials-- everybody goes to the doctor, eats and shops. If a wide range of people can benefit from your product or service (as opposed to business to business) then yes, you should consider commercial advertising.

Reach a Bigger Audience: Videotaping Your Live Presentation Part II

2011-07-25T16:35:00.000-04:00

Last week I offered tips on the technical aspects of taping a live presentation. Today, I've got more advice for you on the conceptual side.

In order to determine the concept for your presentation video, you need to establish what the purpose of it is. Is the information you're delivering of utmost importance, or are you planning to use the video to present and promote yourself as an expert? While you're likely interested in both, one is probably more important to you than the other. Making this distinction is instrumental in deciding how you'll tape your presentation.

If it's Information
Perhaps the purpose of your presentation is to train a group about a new procedure or technolgoy. In this case, then yes, the information is the most important. This is how you should proceed:

You'll need to use the entire presentation with minimal or no editing, so if you switch up the framing at all, the motion should be slow and smooth.
If you're using a PowerPresentation, the lights in the room should be off so the screen is bright and readable. Unless...
If you've got a budget for editing, you can leave the lights on, show yourself as the speaker in front of the screen, and then cut together the presentation video and elements of your PowerPoint in post production (the newest version of PowerPoint lets you turn your presentation into a video file). This will give you the cleanest, most professional result and your audience won't miss the important details.

If it's Promotion
Showing yourself presenting to an audience is a powerful way to present yourself as an expert in your field. In this case, the video should be all about you, you, you. Here's how:

You'll want to showcase the most dynamic parts of your presentation. No one will sit through a 20 minute video on your website. Locate the most robust points of your presentation, and cut it into a "highlights" reel.
If you're speaking to a large group, be sure to get one good wide shot that includes the audience. It makes you look impressive.
Knowing you're going to need to splice and dice the presentation together, you'll need to shoot from different focal lengths to be able to edit properly.

A presentation video is one of the most versatile videos you can have. Upload it to your website, YouTube account and Facebook page with captions that include where and when you spoke and where potential clients can see you present next. They'll be lining up!

Reach a Bigger Audience: Videotaping Your Live Presentation Part I

2011-07-18T13:10:00.000-04:00

Today I was editing a presentation I shot for someone last week. Speaking to a live audience is an efficient way to market your business; you get to present yourself as an expert to a large group at once. You're center stage! Get even more mileage out of your presentation by videotaping it and posting it to your website and YouTube.

Taping a live presentation is tough. There's no do-overs and you're often at the mercy of the venue in terms of camera position and lighting. However, with just a little planning you can make it run smoothly. Below, some technical advice from a pro-- me!

Scout it Out
Get there ahead of time and find out where you'll be able to set up the camera. If it's a long presentation and you won't be able to work off of battery power the whole time, make sure you'll have access to an outlet.

Determine the Lighting Situation
Often during PowerPoint presentations, the lights are dimmed or shut off completely to better see the screen. This can be very problematic if you're trying to shoot the speaker-- they'll appear in silhouette. See if you can keep the lights on (if you're highlighting the actual speaker more than the presentation itself-- check back next week for more information about making this determination) or bring your own light and strategically place it to light the speaker without interfering with screen project.

Get the Audio Right
In a presentation, the audio is of utmost importance! After all, people are watching to hear what you have to say. You'll want to wear a microphone that's hooked up to the camera. Even if the venue has it's own speaker system and you are talking into their microphone, you need a separate one connected to the camera. Believe me.

Remind the Audience to Power Down Their Phones
There's two reasons for this. One, it's disruptive to both the live presentation and the video. Two, if you're using a wireless microphone, a room full of cell phones will cause interference resulting in static throughout the presentation. They can't just be silent-- they truly need to be off.

Next week, advice for establishing a concept for your presentation video. Yes, you need a concept! Stay tuned.

Setting the Stage: Choosing Backgrounds for Interview and Product Shots

2011-07-05T13:34:00.000-04:00

Setting up a backdrop is *almost* as important as the subject itself. The trick is to enhance the message of the video without being distracting. The possibilities are literally endless, but getting it to look just right takes a little knowhow. Below, secrets to making the background look professional.

Stay Soft

You won't want the background to be as sharp as the subject. To keep it out of focus, the subject needs to be as far away as possible from the background. This may mean setting up the camera outside the room and shooting through the doorway!

Add Props

Unless you're deliberately shooting on a simple, solid colored background, you'll want to add pieces to fill up the negative space. Bright colored flowers are always a cheery yet professional option, but green leafy plants should be a last resort-- they can make it look as if your subject is emerging from the jungle.

A well placed flower arrangements adds a pop

of color and visual interest.

Match It

In product shots, you likely won’t see much of the background because the shot will be tight and so much of it will be cropped out. Create and abstract background that matches the tones of the product or its packaging for a simple, neutral, but appealing look.

Here we used packages from the same product line

to create a soft, neutral background.

Make It Personal

Last week I had a shoot with a financial expert who clearly had an affinity for boating; his entire office had a nautical theme! We used a model sailboat he had on hand to fill the negative space. This gives viewers some insight into his personal life and the possibility of discovering some common ground.

Personal details can subtly add information without
making outright statements.

Lighten Up

Last but not least, the background should have its own designated light to highlight all of your hard work. The light should be softer than the light on the subject but also beware of any harsh shadows this light can create on the back wall. You’ll have to play around with the light placement to find the sweet spot.

Setting up a proper backdrop takes a little extra effort, but is well worth it in the end. With proper technique, your video will look polished and professional.

Learn the Lingo: Key Terms in Video Production

2011-06-20T13:48:00.000-04:00

As someone who has worked as a producer for a long time, I often forget that common terms I use everyday are not part of most people's vernacular. I have to remind myself of this when speaking with clients, but in case I forget myself here's a glossary of terms you'll probably hear me use often.

"VO"
VO stands for voiceover, which is what a narrator reads. A VO is often recorded (or as we say "tracked") in a sound booth so there's no matching video to go along with it.

"SOT"
SOT is either pronounced as an acronym (S-O-T) or as its own word (sot). In any case, it means "Sound On Tape", commonly known as a soundbite. Unlike with VOs, SOTs include matching video of the person speaking.

"B-Roll"
B-Roll is an old production term that has long outlasted its cousin "A-Roll." A-Roll is actually the same thing as a SOT, which makes B-Roll pretty much everything else. B-Roll is the "cover video" of any action that's happening, whether it's a busy intersection, a cook in a kitchen or a lion chasing an antelope.

"Raw Video"

This is an important one to know. Raw video is totally unedited video, just as it was recorded, straight out of the camera. Every mistake, every shake, every line flub, everything. It's great to keep a copy of the raw video from any shoot. You never know when you'll need it.

"Nats"
Nats means "natural sound" (listen, don't blame me, I didn't come up with this stuff). Natural sound is ambient noise, like the sound of traffic or birds chirping. A "nat pop" is a term we use in editing when the finished video intentionally breaks from VOs or SOTs to play some natural sound, like the crack of a baseball bat, and then return to VOs or SOTs.

"Sequence"
A sequence is a complete action shown in chronological order from different angles. An example of a sequence would be a wide shot of a person chopping onions in a kitchen, then a very close up shot of the blade cutting the onions, and then a medium shot of the cook dropping the onions into a frying pan. Building a sequence makes a single camera shoot look bigger budget, as if you had three cameras rolling at once. First, you'd shoot the entire action from a wide point of view, then shoot the entire action again from a different angle or focal length (medium shot or close up) and then maybe even again from a different angle or focal length. In editing, these shots are cut together to form-- voila!-- a sequence.

"Room Tone"
Sometimes after an interview, we need to get what's called room tone, by sitting quietly while the camera records for 30 seconds. Every space has it's own ambient noise, often from ventilation systems. In editing, it's good to have just the sound of the room on hand for reasons I won't bore you with. Just sit back, relax and be a little patient when it's happening.

"Dub"
A dub is nothing more than a copy of a video (whether it be the raw video or an edited piece), and "dubbing" simply means the act of making a copy. Why we say "dub" is beyond me, but it's what we do.

There are many more terms used in video production, but these are likely the most common you'll come across. If I ever say a term you don't understand let me know; I'm always happy to explain myself. And if you use these terms in front of me, I promise to be very impressed with your video prowess.

Stay Fresh: Tips for Making Your Video Look Current

2011-06-13T13:43:00.000-04:00

Like in fashion, video production styles go in and out of favor. Shooting styles, graphic elements and even music contribute to whether a video looks current or dated. Below, the trends that are hot now.

(Perceived) 360º Views

I caught an old repeat of the Cosby Show the other day, and what really struck me was the way it was shot. The Huxtable home is always shot from the same angle; it's like sitting in the audience and watching a play. In fact, I could probably sketch a blueprint of the layout right now! Now think about The Office. As many times as I've seen it, if I'd been dropped in the middle of the office I would be lost. Where is Michael Scott's office in relation to the break room? I have no idea. Fluidity in camera angles is a big trend, one I would attribute to reality television.

Handheld Cameras

Speaking of reality TV, handheld cameras (as opposed to those fixed on a tripod) are another huge trend. Done well, a handheld camera makes video dynamic. Done poorly, it's a shaky distraction and can look amateurish Shooting off a tripod is always safer, but if you love the handheld look I say go with it but also shoot a backup version on a tripod.

Clean Graphics with Bold Colors

The current design trend is actually simple and clean. Backgrounds are solid, sometimes with a slight gradient and color is bold. Graphic elements are spare, flat and 2D as opposed to 3D. Think about the "Very Funny" promos on TBS. Bright colors, white fonts. Simple, simple, simple.

Sans-Serif Fonts

Serifs are the little strokes at the tips of letters in some fonts. Sans-serif fonts don't have these little strokes and are therefore simpler. Times New Roman is a serif font and Arial is sans-serif.

Music that Stays in the Background

I can't remember the last time I heard an actual jingle, can you? Nowadays, music more or less stays in the background. Cuts are simple without a lot of changes. I'm not sure how long this trend will last-- after all, a catchy jingle is a great marketing ploy!

These trends are simply guidelines, not a one size fits all solution. Depending on your industry and your particular company, your needs may be different. Stick with a style that best represents who you are.

I Swear, I'm Telling You the Truth.

2011-05-31T11:30:00.000-04:00

I always like to give my clients the cold, hard facts about video production. I do this to ensure they have realistic expectations and to make sure they understand why things are done the way they are. Once in a while, I encounter a little resistance and disbelief about the process, but I swear I'm just giving you the facts! Below are the universal truths about creating TV magic.

Truth #1: Yes, it really does take that long.

Video production is slow. It's tedious. There's a lot of set up involved in a professional shoot. There are many retakes and tweaks. Because of this, you must have realistic expectations about how much shooting can be accomplished in one day. All of the set up and retakes and tweaks are what make the finished project look professional; be grateful for them!

Truth #2: I can't fix everything in editing.

There are many boo-boos that can be fixed in post production. Color correction? No problem. Flub your lines? I can probably clean it up. But I can't paint out your cold sore. I can't change the camera angle so we see less of your neck (yes, I've been asked that before). Before we start rolling, I will show you what the shot looks like on a monitor, so look closely and speak up if there's anything that bugs you. I want you to be pleased!

Truth #3: Music costs money.

I always factor in the cost of purchasing commercial music when I submit on a bid on a project. Sometimes people question it-- they've never considered where the music comes from. Many people make a living writing and recording background music and selling it to people like me who make videos for people like you. Sometimes clients request popular songs, but using those requires permission and a hefty fee.

Truth #4: A standard camera crew doesn't include hair and makeup.

I'll always have pressed powder on hand in case you get shiny, but that's it. If you want your hair and makeup done professionally on set, they have to be specially requested ahead of time and they can be expensive. If you need a cost cutting alternative, go to the salon and have your hair and makeup done there right before the shoot. It's much cheaper than having them come to us.

Truth #5: The script and storyboard really do need to have your approval before we get rolling.

Changing the script before a shoot is simple; reshooting to match a revised script is not. Sometimes people get very excited about a shoot day, so they try to rush it before they have a concrete idea of what the finished video will look like. Save yourself time, money and frustration: get your ducks in a row before pulling out the camera.

Set the Right Mood: Exploring Color Temperature

2011-05-23T11:29:00.000-04:00

There are so many ways to evoke an emotion or mood in a video: music selection, editing pace and even font choices all contribute to the overall look and feel. But there's another truly significant component many people don't think about. It's called Color Temperature.

The color temperature refers to whether the video looks warm (yellow undertones) or cool (blue undertones). Different circumstances call for different color temperatures. Generally, warm undertones send a friendly, personable message while blue undertones say "high tech" and "modern".

Warm Undertones

Cool Undertones

The color temperature can be set during shooting (it's a simple adjustment on the camera) or it can be created during the editing process. Adjusting the color temperature in post production is time consuming (expensive!) so, as I always say, it's best to know which look you're aiming for at the start of your project.

In some circumstances, you can switch between color temperatures for added effect. This is a very common practice in cinema and the movie Avatar is a superb example. Remember when you got your first look at the planet Pandora? It was vastly more colorful than the home base of the military operation. As the storyline moved back and forth between worlds, the difference in color temperature became more and more pronounced.

This switching could be useful if you were producing a "case study" style video. When talking about the problems a client had before you resolved them, you may use the cooler setting and then incorporate warmer undertones as the problem is resolved.

So is your company culture "warm" or "cool"? There's no right or wrong, it's simply a matter of preference.

Flatter Yourself Part II: The Videography Secrets to Looking Good On Camera

2011-05-16T11:49:00.000-04:00

Last week in Part I of this blog post, I shared advice for finding the most flattering camera angle for yourself. If you didn't read it already, I highly suggest doing so! This week, a couple more valuable tips for looking your best on camera.

One very important component is Creating Depth and Dimension with lighting. You know the old saying that the camera adds 10 pounds? It's more or less true. To illustrate this point, try this: close one eye and look straight ahead. Now, switch eyes-- see how your vision jumps? One eye is offset to give your vision depth and dimension so you don't bump into things. The camera only has one eye: the lens. As a result, it doesn't perceive depth so everything looks flatter and wider. This can be corrected with proper lighting. In a basic three point light set up, you should have one light pointed directly at you (called the "key" light). In most cases it shouldn't be straight on in front of your face; it should be at an angle to create shadows and therefore, dimension.

The Key Light Should be
Slightly to the Side

Flatter Yourself Part I: The Videography Secrets to Looking Good On Camera

2011-05-09T11:27:00.000-04:00

Are you camera shy? Many people hate the way they look on TV, but can't quite pinpoint why. A good videographer knows the secrets to showing someone off in their best light. Today, my lucky friends, I've decided to share some of these secrets with you because, hey, I'm a nice gal. Ready?

Slightly Low, Looking Up at the Subject

Even with the Subject's Eye Line

Slightly Higher, Looking Down at the Subject

I'll bet you learned a little something, am I right? Check back next week for some lighting and framing tips.

Fast Friends: Using Video to Build Connections Between You and Prospective Clients

2011-05-02T11:01:00.000-04:00

"People do business with people they know, like and trust."

You've heard this countless times and know it's simply true. That's why so many people spend so much time at networking events, isn't it? I'm a firm believer in this mantra, but I don't think business networking is the only way to build these connections. Of course, you can do it with video.

Whether you realize it or not, you've undoubtedly seen this tactic countless times. A very current example is the new Dominos pizza ad featuring "Chicken Chef" Tate Dillow. Personally, I don't eat chicken, but I like this campaign anyway because it's funny and sweet. I'm rooting for Tate! Keep reading for the link to this video.

Another likely place you've seen this technique is in promotional spots for television news. TV news is like any other industry-- they compete for customers ("viewers") but at the end of the day, the product is virtually the same. While these stations can't control the events of the day or the weather, they can control the people who deliver it. As a way to differentiate themselves, TV stations often promote their on air talent in an effort to show off their personalities-- something they can't do during a newscast. When a viewer feels connected, they're loyal customers.

Your initial reaction to profiling and promoting yourself in this way might be "no way!" but you're doing yourself a disservice to dismiss the idea. In a former life, I was a promotion producer at many local television news stations. We employed this technique often and believe it or not, many of the newscasters hated shooting these spots! They considered themselves journalists and wanted to keep the focus on serious news. But you know what? It works.

So go ahead and point that camera at yourself. Don't be shy, let your personality shine through and make some fast friends and lifelong customers!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghc8b8LRmMQ

Put Video on Your Business Card!

2011-04-25T10:58:00.000-04:00

As an entrepreneur, I often peruse business blogs to help me stay focused and generate new ideas. Recently I came across one that posed the question: In one sentence, why does someone buy your product or service?

To me, the answer was evident: Because it's one of the most modern, versatile ways to promote your business. Over the months I've been writing this blog, I've explored many of the ways videos are used including on websites, broadcast television, sales presentations, trade show presentations, fundraising events, email blasts; the list goes on and on!

QR Code for my video
"Boynton Beach Inlet Video Essay"
Ain't it pretty?

But there's another, new outlet for your video. Imagine being able to link to it on your business card, flyers, coupons, take out menus... almost any print material you're likely already using!

All it takes is what's called a "QR Code"-- QR stands for "quick response." This technology has been popular in Japan but it's only now gaining attention in the US. You've probably seen these odd looking bar codes but weren't sure what they were or how they worked, let alone how they can help you promote your business.

Here's how it works: your potential client scans your custom bar code with their smart phone camera, and it links them to your marketing video which you've already uploaded for free to YouTube. Creating a QR Code is simple and FREE!

All you need to do is upload your video to YouTube and copy the URL address of your clip. Then use a free QR code generator (like http://www.goqr.me/) to create your QR Code by copying your YouTube URL into the URL tab. Download your custom QR Code and add it to any printed advertisements and your business card.

What a way to show people that you're modern and cutting edge! I highly recommend doing this NOW before these codes are all over the place. The sheer novelty of this technology will get someone to check out your web video!

Choosing Wisely Part II: Selecting Clients to Deliver On Camera Testimonials

2011-04-18T11:36:00.000-04:00

Last week I helped identify the qualities that make someone a good testimonial. This week, we'll wrap up this two part series by helping you choose them in broader terms. It's important to remember that your testimonial not only needs to represent you well in the most literal sense, but they need be a good representation of what your business can deliver. Here's some advice for making sure you hit all of the important marks.

Name Drop
If your client is widely recognizable, by all means ask them to participate. Whether it's a prominent individual or a brand that's a household name, aligning yourself with them adds to your credibility. Check out my bio at http://plumproductionsmedia.com/home/About.html. I am a shameless name dropper! If you're dealing with a large corporation, you may have to jump through a lot of hoops to get a recorded statement from a representative, but it's well worth giving it a shot.

Variety is the Spice
Unless you serve a very specific niche, try to pull people from different industries. You'll want your potential clients to feel like they can identify with your established clients, so the more varied your testimonials, the greater the likelihood they'll see a connection. If you do only serve a specific field, add variety by selecting clients with different problems but the same outcome-- that you delivered results!

Be Well Rounded
Try not to be too focused when gathering testimonials. Even if there's one aspect of your business that is the most lucrative, you should still get testimonials that represent all of the services you offer. It probably won't take more than two testimonials to convince a potential client that you're effective, so why not switch it up? For instance, if you're an orthopedic surgeon, perhaps most of your clients require knee surgeries. But is someone who needs knee surgery going to sit through five testimonials about the same procedure? Most likely not. You may also be skilled in spine and ankle surgery, so pull past patients who had those procedures as well.

If you work in a field where your services or results are harder to convey (as opposed to a creative field like mine where I can show you samples) testimonials are an amazingly effective way to flaunt what you do best. Just choose wisely-- these people are representing you!

Choosing Wisely Part I: Selecting Clients to Deliver On Camera Testimonials

2011-04-11T09:54:00.000-04:00

One of the most common requests I get is to shoot testimonials. As I've said time and again, on camera testimonials are a great way to boost your business. But of all your clients, which are the best to represent you?

Often, I've found that what my clients think is a good testimonial and what I as a video professional think is a good testimonial are two different things. In this two part series, I'll offer up advice for helping you choose.

Below, tips for selecting the personalities who will make the right impression.

Choose Someone Easy to Understand

It sounds obvious, but you'd be shocked at how many people ask customers with heavy accents to provide testimonials. Just three weeks ago a doctor had me shoot several of his clients for a web video. Most of them were fantastic, but one spoke in broken English with a thick accent and couldn't properly pronounce the doctor's own name! I know why he chose her-- I could tell she adored him-- but that doesn't mean she's a great on camera testimonial. Unless your business specifically services foreigners (like an immigration attorney) stick with clients who will be able to deliver a message clearly.

Skip the Chatterbox

You know that one client that chews your ear off? The one with whom every "quick call" turns into an hour long conversation? Don't choose them. Video testimonials should be concise for two reasons: a) no one will watch a four minute video of one person droning on and b) cutting them down in editing takes time, which in turn costs you money.

Cuteness Counts (a little)

Before you get fired up about me putting too much emphasis on looks, hear me out. Your testimonials should be "aspirational" meaning they should project success, success, success in every aspect- and that includes their outward appearance. In video testimonials, attractiveness certainly doesn't trump being clear, concise and a good representation of your business's performance, but if all other factors are equal it's definitely the tie breaker.

Check back next week for more advice on choosing your testimonials. Have a great week!

Documenting an Event: Suggestions for Using Your Event Video to Build Your Business

2011-04-03T21:59:00.000-04:00

If your business is hosting or sponsoring an event, you've probably considered having it videotaped. The next logical question is: What would we do with it? Like your wedding video or home videos from your vacation to see the in-laws in Detroit, most people probably aren't interested in viewing it in its entirety. But cutting together the highlights into a brief 90 second video can be really useful. Below, some ideas on how you can use an event video to build your business:

Boost Your Online Visibility
Post the video to YouTube, Facebook and TwitVid. You'll show up in more search results and help gain "fans" and "followers" in social media. When you publish an online press release about your event (you ARE doing that, aren't you?!), include a link to the video on your business's Facebook page.

Say "Thanks"
If your event was a fundraising event, send an email blast with a link to the video afterwards to thank your guests for their support and remind them how their dollars will be put to good use. Also, email it to those who *couldn't* be there-- it will remind them to make a donation. BONUS TIP: Make sure your most generous donors make it into the final video-- you want them to feel appreciated so they're just as charitable next time!

Save it for Next Year
For annual events, it's great to have video on hand to help promote it next year. The next time the occasion rolls around, you'll have a commercial you can use to promote it on your website, social media sites and in broadcast media if you have a budget for it. It's also useful to send out with a press release while you're trying to draw attention to your upcoming affair.

Remember, the goal of your video is to make those who weren't there feel like they missed out, so brevity is key here. It's likely not every second of your event was a blast, but you'll want it to look like it was!

Business is Good? Produce a Video!

2011-03-27T21:01:00.000-04:00

It's a trap a lot of us fall into: when business is good, we get lazy and stop working to find new customers. We feel like we don't need to invest time, money and energy into marketing, because our customer base is already there. While it's true you may not need to buy a billboard when business is booming, it really is the perfect time to invest in a marketing video whether it's for sales presentations, your website or a commercial. Here's why:

You've Got the Capital

If you're busy, you've probably got a nice influx of cash coming in. The cost of of a video is variable depending on the quality of the production-- you get what you pay for. So if you've got the money now to invest in a higher end video, there's no reason to wait.

You'll Have Access to Outstanding Testimonials

If you own a service business, testimonials are a fantastic way to help bring in new clients. When you're company is busy, you're likely surrounded by happy customers who can give you great recommendations. You'll want to catch them while their experience is fresh in their minds and they're excited about what you did for them. The busier you are at the moment, the bigger the pool of potential testimonials and the choosier you can be about who you ask to represent your business.

You'll Be Ahead of the Game

What goes up must come down. Every industry experiences dips, and you don't want to get caught off guard when the next one arrives. If you've already got a marketing video in your back pocket, you'll be better able to head off a slow period, and get your business booming again!