The Power of RAW Recording in Video Production Services

Introduction

The world of video production and filmmaking have been on a merging path in recent years. The videographer today is looking to produce images on the level of that produced by Hollywood filmmakers and their feature films. In the dynamic world of video production, the quest for the highest quality and most flexible footage has led to the widespread adoption of RAW recording. RAW, an acronym for “raw image format,” is a file format that captures all of the data from a camera’s sensor without any in-camera processing. This method of recording provides a videographer as well as filmmakers with unparalleled control over their footage during post-production, offering a myriad of possibilities for color grading, exposure adjustments, and overall image refinement. Today, RAW recording format is the game changer that gives a videographer with a small mirrorless camera and an external recorder the leverage a hollywood filmmaker once enjoyed.

Understanding RAW Video

RAW video differs from compressed formats. Most web based video formats, such as H.264 or H.265, are essentially data-reduced files that are more manageable for playback on the internet. Even expensive video cameras compress footage somewhat when recording internally so the content can fit on media like an SD card. In contrast, RAW preserves all the original data captured by the camera sensor, storing it in a minimally processed state. This “raw” data often includes much more color, brightness, and contrast information with much greater precision than compressed formats.

Advantages of RAW Recording

Enhanced Color Grading:

One of the primary advantages of RAW recording is the ability to perform extensive color grading in post-production. RAW footage contains a wealth of color information, allowing filmmakers to manipulate color temperature, saturation, and hues with greater flexibility. This results in more vibrant and nuanced visuals. In addition, it allows the videographer to customize the color to achieve a desired mood or effect. Below is an example of a still extracted from video shot in RAW format and color graded to create a cinematic mood.

RAW recording sky line - video production services

RAW formats preserve color and exposure information to produce these types of vibrant and often challanging images.

Increased Dynamic Range

RAW recording retains a higher dynamic range compared to compressed formats. This means that details in both shadow and highlight areas are better preserved, providing cinematographers with more latitude to recover information in overexposed or underexposed scenes. The dynamic range also provides for better gray scales so images most often look more realistic. For example skin tones transition from light to dark or sky gradients can be difficult to expose for. Having wide dynamic range allows videographer capture the gradient and produce a realistic image. Below is an example of a shot with a sunrise which would be impossible to shoot without the high dynamic range achieved in RAW recording.

Sunrises are usually difficult to exposes, but RAW format has the information to generate accurate gradients.

Flexible Exposure Adjustments

RAW files allow for non-destructive exposure adjustments, enabling filmmakers to correct or enhance exposure levels without degrading image quality. This flexibility is particularly beneficial in challenging lighting conditions where precise control over exposure is crucial. Often a videographer has to compromise what to expose for. Once again, sunrises are a good example. With RAW format there is often enough exposure information where this compromise can be avoided and the shot can be adjusted to achieve a desirable image.

graded vs ungraded skin - Corporate video production

Flexible adjustments allow a videogrpaher to shape the image

Sharper Detail and Resolution

AW files often maintain higher levels of detail and resolution compared to compressed formats. This is essential for productions that require extensive post-production work, such as visual effects or high-end finishing.

Challenges of RAW Recording

File Size

RAW files are substantially larger than compressed formats, requiring more storage space. This can pose logistical challenges during production and post-production, necessitating ample storage capacity.

Processing Power

Editing and processing RAW footage demands powerful hardware. Video editing software and systems need to be robust enough to handle the significant data load associated with RAW files.

Time commitment:

To set up a RAW format in video production services, many variables have to be addressed in camera and external recorders. Hence this format is not a good option when filming events where flexibility and mobility are more crucial. Moreover, working with RAW footage requires a certain level of expertise in color grading and post-production workflows. Additionally, each clip in the sequence needs some level of adjusting, since raw format that is not adjusted is pretty flat. Hence, post production on RAW format requires significantly more time.

Conclusion

RAW format is not a good option for every corporate video production. Some projects still benefit from standard format which still can produce great video production. However, today RAW recording stands as a powerful tool for filmmakers and videographers seeking uncompromising control over their visuals. The benefits of enhanced color grading, increased dynamic range, and flexible exposure adjustments make RAW a valuable choice for those prioritizing image quality and creative freedom. While it presents challenges in terms of file size, processing power, and a time commitment, the advantages it offers can significantly elevate the quality and impact of the final product.

November 18, 2023November 18, 2023

The Evolving Landscape of Video Services in 2023: A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction:

I have researched some popular trends for the fast-paced world of technology and how it relates to video production services in 2023. From streaming platforms to augmented reality experiences, the video, and video services production as a result, have expanded and diversified, providing consumers with an unprecedented range of options. This article delves into the key trends and developments that define video services in 2023.

Rise of Next-Gen Streaming Platforms

Streaming services seem to continue to dominate the entertainment landscape, with several next-generation platforms making their mark in 2023. These platforms leverage cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance user experience. Personalized content recommendations, dynamic resolution adjustments, and advanced content discovery mechanisms are just a few features that set these platforms apart, offering viewers a more tailored and immersive streaming experience.

Diversification of Content:

One of the most notable trends in 2023 is the diversification of content across various genres and formats. Streaming platforms are no longer limited to movies and TV shows; they now offer a vast array of content, including documentaries, podcasts, live events, and user-generated content. This diversification caters to a wide range of audience preferences and ensures that there is something for everyone, reinforcing the idea that video services are becoming comprehensive entertainment platforms. Especially on rise are short content videos. This is where video production services for brands are so crucial. Consumer are expecting to see some sort of video content and therefore trust the brands that provide them with videos. I assume the demand for video production services will only grow in year of 2024.

Interactive and Social Features

Video services in 2023 are not just about passive consumption; they are becoming increasingly interactive and social. Viewers can now engage with content in real-time, participate in live polls, and even influence the narrative of certain shows or events through interactive features. Social viewing experiences, where users can watch content together and share reactions, are gaining popularity, transforming the solitary act of watching into a communal and social activity. Once again this is where video production services need to work together with marketing teams to create ore interactive experience for the consumer. Video can no longer be produced for the sake of entertaiment , they must engage and educate.

Consumer no longer just want to watch video content, they want to interact with videos.

Content Accessibility and Inclusivity

Accessibility and inclusivity have become central themes in the evolution of video services. In 2023, platforms are prioritizing features like subtitles, multiple language options, and adaptive technologies to ensure that content is accessible to diverse audiences worldwide. In terms of video production services, platforms like Adobe Premiere have created transcribing tools that are more accurate and now can actually help editing via transcription. Additionally, there is a concerted effort to produce content that reflects the richness of global cultures, promoting inclusivity and representation in the entertainment industry. We need to produce vide content that represent people of all races and ethnicities and variety of political views and life styles.

Conclusion:

As we navigate the dynamic landscape of video services in 2023, it is evident that innovation and user-centric design are driving the industry forward. As content continues to diversify and become more interactive, video services are not just a form of entertainment; they are an immersive and communal experience that reflects the ever-evolving preferences and expectations of today’s audiences. The future holds exciting possibilities, and as technology continues to advance, the world of video services is poised to undergo even more transformative changes in the years to come.

June 21, 2023

Mastering the Art of Corporate Video Production: Engaging Audiences and Boosting Business

Introduction

In today’s digital era, corporate video production has emerged as a powerful tool for businesses to communicate their message, engage with their target audience, and enhance their brand presence. With the rise of online video consumption, organizations across industries are leveraging the potential of corporate videos to captivate viewers, increase conversions, and drive business growth. In this article, we will explore the key aspects of corporate video production and provide valuable insights into creating compelling videos that leave a lasting impact.

Defining Corporate Video Production

Corporate video production refers to the process of creating audiovisual content that is specifically tailored to meet the marketing, promotional, or communication needs of a business or organization. These videos are designed to convey a specific message, promote products or services, showcase company culture, educate stakeholders, or provide valuable insights into industry trends.

Setting Clear Objectives

Before embarking on a corporate video production project, it is crucial to establish clear objectives. Identifying the purpose of the video, the target audience, and the desired outcome will shape the entire production process. Whether it’s creating brand awareness, generating leads, or training employees, a well-defined objective will guide the creative decisions and ensure the video aligns with the organization’s goals.

Crafting a Compelling Narrative

Storytelling lies at the heart of successful corporate video production. Engaging narratives have the power to connect with viewers emotionally and leave a lasting impression. Begin by outlining the key message you want to convey and structure it in a way that resonates with your audience. Incorporate real-life examples, testimonials, or case studies to add authenticity and build credibility. Remember, a compelling story is more likely to be shared and remembered.

Professional Video Production Team

Creating a high-quality corporate video requires the expertise of a professional production team. This team typically includes a producer, director, scriptwriter, cinematographer, editor, and sound engineer. Collaborate with experienced professionals who understand your vision and can bring it to life through their technical skills and creative abilities. Additionally, ensure the team is equipped with state-of-the-art video production equipment to deliver visually appealing results.

corporate video production - state of the art gear — A good corporate video production team will use new and up to date gear.

Pre-production Planning

Pre-production planning is a crucial phase that lays the foundation for a successful corporate video. During this stage, identify the location, talent, props, and equipment needed for the shoot. Develop a comprehensive script that outlines the key scenes, dialogue, and visual elements. Storyboarding and shot-listing can help visualize the final product and streamline the shooting process. Adequate preparation during pre-production contributes to a smoother and more efficient production phase.

Captivating Visuals and Audio

Visual and audio elements play a pivotal role in corporate video production. Invest in high-quality cameras, lighting equipment, and audio recording devices to ensure the video is visually appealing and sounds professional. Choose appropriate locations and set designs that complement the narrative. Pay attention to color schemes, composition, and camera angles to create a visually captivating experience. Moreover, consider incorporating background music, voiceovers, or sound effects to enhance the overall impact of the video.

Post-production Excellence

Post-production is where the raw footage is transformed into a polished corporate video. Skilled editors bring together the visuals, audio, and effects to create a seamless final product. This stage involves tasks such as video editing, color grading, sound mixing, adding graphics or animations, and incorporating any necessary text or subtitles. The goal is to deliver a cohesive video that aligns with the brand identity and captures the attention of the audience.

corporate video production - post production team — Post production team for corporate video production includes video editors, video colorists, audio production specialists, and producers.

Corporate Video Production Distribution and Promotion

Producing an outstanding corporate video production is only half the battle. To maximize its impact, it is crucial to distribute and promote the video strategically. Leverage social media platforms. Many corporate video production teams have marketing specialists who work directly with the videographers. These individuals have the knowledge to place the video content so it achieves visibility across many social media platforms. However, the corporate video production team might be approached by a company that has marketing team already in place. For such projects, a videographer will focus on creating the video content only.

April 6, 2022April 6, 2022

How to Price Video Production Services

I have been a professional videographer for more than 6 years now. However, one of the most challenging tasks, even after the time spent in the industry, is charging for the video production services. I am not alone, this is something many other videographers struggle with. The main reason for this problem is that that every project differs in production complexity as well as final render requirements. There simply is no streamline formula that would help a videographer to price for their services.

Package Deals Offered by Videographers

Many attempts have been made in the video production service industry to create streamline forms of pricing. Most common pricing, adopted from portraits photographers, are packages. This was very common in the days of prints, where a portrait photographer would offer a package deal. For example, photogrpahers would offer packages with a set of prints in various sizes, and the session fee would be included in this rate. This model was adopted most often by wedding videographers. Often, a package deal was offered where the couple would receive a highlight video, and a longer video all for one price. In this context this form of pricing is effective. To be flexible, most videographers would add additional fees for larger weddings, additional video renders, or special requests like drone shots. However, a package does not work in corporate video production setting. The main reason for this dilemma is the highly modular needs by most corporate clients. Companies often require specific renders of the videos. Some corporate clients might need short videos for social media, some will need interviews, some will need high quality videos for large displays at conferences. In addition, each corporate video production is different. A videographer may be working with one dental clinic with one dentist and then work with another clinic that has several locations and dentists, or even client testimonials. Hence, in such context packages do not work and a videographer needs to figure a custom method of pricing for video production services.

Billing per Edited Minute for Video Production Services

Another popular method for billing for video production services in the past has been a fee per a minute of edited video. So If the video was 3 minutes long, and the rate per 1 minute edited video was $1000, the total rate for the video production serivce was billed for $3000. However, this method once again does not work for much of corporate video production. A videographer can spend 4-5 hours filming an event, and from the footage he/she may cut an engaging highlight video that may take him/her 3 hours to edit. On the other hand, a corporate client may want to film a speech that takes 10 minutes. With the set up and light edit the entire project may take say 1-2 hours to produce . It is not reasonable then to charge 10 times more for such work. In addition, if videographer bills per edited minute, he/she will be motivated to stretch the duration of videos unnecessarily. Moreover, today corporate video production requires shorter and shorter videos that have an ephemeral existence on most social media platforms.

Charging per hour for Video Production Services

One simple method for pricing video production services is simply billing according to an hourly rate. This is common for lawyers who are compensated by the amount of work they put into the project. As a videographer, I have implemented hourly rate mostly during the video post production. I take a look at a project and estimate how long it would take me to edit. After all, I would be using the same space, computer, and mostly same set of software applications. However, even here there are challenges. Some work requires more visual effects. This work not only is more time consuming but often requires research of useful techniques, not to mention the time to develop these post production skills over time. Therefore, I often charge extra fee for complex VFX, even if it does not take me much more time.

The hourly rate, however useful in post production realm, it really falls apart for pricing filming production, given that most projects differ in their complexities. I have shot some projects as a sole videographer, with limited gear, say shoulder rig and a gimbal. However, I have worked on production sets on which we had a good amount of gear, lighting, and as a result, a bigger crew. A videographer may own majority of his/her gear, and therefore no additional cost is incurred when gear requirements differ. However, the gear is expensive and therefore a videographer needs to consider its depreciation value as he/she is using for video production services.

Charging Equivalent Rental Rate

This method is often employed by larger video and film productions. In fact, very often production companies may not even own their gear, and in such instances all gear is rented and the cost included in the project budget. However, even when a videographer owns his/her gear, an effective method of pricing is to charge what it would cost if the gear were rented. This rental fee would be added to the fee one would charge for his/her time. One can think of this method as if the videographer is earning a fee and so is his/her the gear separately.

Today’s video rental house will have all the gear needed to scale up any production. In addition, their rates can b used to charge for gear you own and used in video production services.

My Hybrid Approach to Pricing Video Production Services

As I have mentioned earlier, no one method will work well for every videographer. First, I think every videographer should have a minimum fee they are willing to film for. We the videographers often hear potential clients explain they only need very short video, less than a minute, it will only take few hours to produce. We all have heard this before and we end up doing much more work than agreed. Hence, I always say I have a minimum even if I come out and take one picture. A minimum always serves as a filter and eliminates leads that are not serious paying fee. If potential client is not willing to pay a fair rate, you can still be polite and suggest he/she use her phone camera or hire a student in training. Recently, I had a musician asking me to make a lyric video. I did not really know what a lyrics video was, but after she has shown me some example I told her that is something she can do on her own, I even spent few minutes giving her free tips. No videographer will gain anything by being rude.

If I was primerly an event/wedding videographer I would consider packages. However, I currently only shoot 2-3 wedding per year. Hence, I come up with custom rate for all my projects. First, I have a set fee that I charge for full day or half day production. If it is half hour production its half day. If video production is over 4 hours, its a full day rate. I then charge additional fee if I need assistants, or if I do need rent any gear. At this point, I own majority of gear I use but for this larger video production projects I can scale up with rental and crew.

The post production I do approach from an hourly rate. I can often predict how much each edit will take me. I then add additional fee for special graphics, essentially increasing my post production hourly rate. This type of practice is well accepted within the corporate world. Many professionals charge not based how long the service takes to provide but rather what is the value of a service. For example, a doctors performing procedures can charge several thousands and then spend hours at a lower rate checking on their patients, checking post procedure charts and so on. Same applies to the business of video production service. We also spend years fine tuning our craft, and so its ok to charge accordingly.

Lastly, it is always helpful to break down the total budget for the client. Some clients might be shocked to see a single rate of say $3k for a vide that might be in the end a 1-2 minute video render. However, if you break down for the client rate for full day production, fee for an assistant, rental gear, travel costs, post production edits, VFX, logos placements, and audio mixing, the $3k rate might appear tot he client as a bargain.

July 9, 2021July 9, 2021

Corporate Video Production – the Right Way

As a freelance videographer, my bread and butter is filming corporate videos. In the past blog I did speak about how to record a good interview. Therefore, I am not going to go too deep into the details of an interview, although the interview is a big portion of a corporate video production. Instead, I am going to talk about how to go from the initial preparation to the final edit of a good corporate video.

Corporate Video Production – the Preparation

Before you grab any camera equipment, make sure to have at least one meeting with your client. As videographers, we tend to think of cinematography first. We always want to frame interesting shots, make sure the lighting is spot on, and sound is as clean as possible. However, being so focused on visual composition, a videographer may miss key aspects of what the clients want to include and exclude in the video, and in all honesty sometimes clients do not always express these clearly. Sometimes the client assumes that certain things are given. For example, I worked on a corporate video production for a pharmaceutical company. We worked with a few lab employees and spent the entire day filming great looking scenes. We showed our beautiful footage to the client, and although the client was impressed with our video production, they said that employees did not wear the right protective gloves and therefore we were forced to reshoot everything from that day.

The Interview for Corporate Video Production

I will spend only one short paragraph on this topic because I have written an entire blog on this topic before. For any corporate video production interview, you want to make sure you have two cameras. Two cameras allow you to cut easily and avoid jump cuts. Set up good 3 way lighting, although that is not always possible. Hence, I recommend having a small portable light kit. Any corporate videographer should have few LED 1 x 1 panels. Make sure you have a good microphone, preferably a lavalier mic. Lastly, make the interview conversational, so the speaker sounds natural and is not rushed.

B-roll for Corporate Video Production

Getting interesting b-roll video footage on a corporate video production shoot can be challenging. Let’s be honest, hardly anything exciting ever happens at your typical office. There are only so many shots of someone walking in the cubicle aisle or typing on the computer. One thing to avoid is slow motion. Unless someone in the office is doing a backflip, there is nothing dramatic about someone shaking hands or opening a laptop for 15 seconds. Many corporate videographers make this mistake. The video often looks even more boring.

One way to spice up the B roll is to ensure the corporate participants are engaging with one another. I often get several people into a group and let them talk about the baseball game, make them tell jokes, or have them play games. When people are having they often forget they are being on camera. In one video we wanted to capture a 30 minute timelapse of a group brainstorming. We had about 7 participants create a flowchart on the white board of a fictitious company. The exercise turned out into a fun game where all participants took turns adding content to the white board and even continued on after we called CUT.

The time-lapse of corporate participants starts at 1:38 .

Although corporate video can be boring, as a videographer it is your job to find something visually interesting. You need to get creative and think visually beyond what typically happens at an office you are filming. On a recent shoot, we noticed a conference room with a large window looking back into the hallway. We wanted to visually show teammates collaborating. We brought bunch sticky notes of different colors and had about eight participants have fun and start arranging them on the glass. Once again, the participants turned the exercise into a game. Some were listing their favorite restaurants and others listing famous athletes. For our video the content of what they were writing on the notes did not matter. What did matter, waa that they were having fun and truly did collaborate with emotions. We filmed them from inside of the room and through the glass getting an energetic visualization of corporate collaboration.

Lastly, for a good corporate video production broll you need many angles. Do not spend too much time getting perfect lighting for someone typing on the computer. If you are going to do that make sure you take that shot from several angles. Do a wide, medium and close up of typing. In post corporate video production you will need short snippets of the same action, this way you can cut quickly and move the story.

Corporate Video Post Production

As in any video production, I suggest to edit as soon as possible. This way the footage is fresh in your mind. In fact, when I film on location, in my mind I am already editing. I know what shots will be the opening and closing shots, and what shots I need as I transition from one theme to another.

If an interview is part of your corporate video production, I suggest cut a rough interview only, with no broll. Explain to your client that you first want to narrow the story down, the content of what is being said. In this rough interview cut, avoid cutting out “ Ah”, pauses, and general speech flaws, you can cut that out later once you add broll. Just make sure the interview flows and is succinct. Once the interview is approved, it is much easier to add broll. At this point use broll to cover up any jump cuts resulting from more thorough edits (like cutting “ahs”).

Last step in good corporate video production is an audio mix. This last step really separates the really professional videos from amauter work. The viewer is much forgiving to flaws in color corrections or loss of sharpness. However, bad sound is jarring to the viewer. I have written an article on how to get good audio for your corporate video production and for a more thorough tutorial on mixing for video/filming go here.

In Sum, corporate video production can be a very rewarding (and lucrative) experience. Although an office setting can be dull, your job as videographer is to find creative ways to add enthusiasm to a corporate video production. Think of this way, Mike Judge created a successful comedy by poking fun and filming simple office scenes most of us can relate to.

May 6, 2021July 9, 2021

A Videographer and Music Video

I am a professional videographer. As a videographer, I have produced a wide variety of videos such as corporate videos, event videos, wedding videos, but my favorite have always been music videos. These videos are often the most demanding types of videos for a videographer, but it is through music videos that I have crafted my cinematic skills. In fact, when I am asked by those who want to become a videographer I often tell them to grab any camera, find a musician, and film their video.

Music Video Is Where I started as a Videographer

My career began with a music video. At the time I had a band and we were in need of our first music video to promote the music we had just recorded. I found few graduates from a film school who were eager to help us out. Fortunately for me, some of them did not fulfill their commitments fully, especially in the video post production, and so much of the work fell upon my responsibility. Being forced to finish the video, I spent several months learning the editing software, and in the end I edited my first video. I fell in love with the process and a few months later I purchased my first DSLR with HD video recording capabilities.

My very first music video. Our main actress did not show up on first day so I stepped in the leading role.

Music Video Blossoms Creativity

Although creativity is essential for any video, from event video to corporate video, music video forces a videographer to push his/her creativity. A videographer can get away with anything as long as the final video is appealing. Unlike a narrative film, the story line in a music video does not always have to make sense, follow strict rules of continuity, or resolve itself. In the 90s it was very common to have several unrelated story lines cut back and forth, and occasionally cutting to performing musicians. The only rule you do have to follow as a videographer making a music video is that every shot must be visually engaging. A good example of this is Closer by Nine Inch Nails. In a recent music video I have produced, I went with a crazy idea that could only be allowed in this creative format. We decided we would have the singer fly through an upside down world. This required some technical green screen shots and creative solutions to make the shot work. I have spent several days figuring out how to composite my green screen shots and upside drones shots. Initially it was a struggle but I finally found smoke overlays that looked like clouds and that glued the composite output into cohesive visual.

Composite shot of Ania flying on green screen and upside-down drone shot. I Ya-To-Yah – Vast Spaces.

Any Formats will Do

Litery, you can film a music video using any camera, lens, and recording format. I have seen a videographer choosing to film using an old VHS video camera to achieve that retro look. No videographer has such freedom in the corporate space. Corporate videos tend to be the same because there is a standard of what is expected. Wedding videos are even more demanding of a certain standard expected by the married couples. The freedom of filming format makes a music video good practice for a starting videographer who does not have much invested in expensive video gear. A young videographer could use his phone to film a video and learn how to edit on free software that comes with most apple computers.

All Musicians Want Videos

It is not difficult to find opportunities to film a music video if you are a skilled videographer. Likely, music videos for unsigned musicians are not going to pay the bills for most videographers. However, there is much to be gained by offering one’s services for “pizza and beer” money. First, as I have mentioned, it gives a videographer an opportunity to try something creative and perhaps challenging. I have mentioned my green screen and upside down drone shot composite. On the other hand, when I work as a videographer for corporate jobs I tend to make more conservative choices. Secondly, a well crafted creative music video stands out in a videographer’s portfolio. I have at least 10 videos that I think are perfect corporate videos with perfect lighting, sound and son on. Yet, in all honesty, these corporate videos do not stand out very much from another’s videographer perfect corporate video. On the other hand a music video with a singer flying in upside down world is risky but at the same time unique.

Videographers Marcin and I working on set of Vast Space by I-Ya-To-Yah

January 15, 2021April 22, 2021

Video Production- Preparing for a Video Campaign and What to Expect

A video is still one of the best marketing tools available, and in current times where more content is becoming virtual, video is becoming even more important than ever. I have been working now for about 6 years as a videographer, mainly in the Chicago area. Over this time, I have learned how to get the best value out of video production for promotion of various businesses, services, and brands.

Know the Platform for Your Video Production

First thing to consider when planing a video production is what platforms you want to promote, where your audience is, and how to effectively engage them. Video renders will vary, depending on the platform. The ideal duration for a video on a main website page is about 2.5 – 3.0 minutes. This video should succinctly explain your product or service. It is very likely that the viewers will watch the video before reading any other material on the website, so the video has to be thorough. It is also assumed that someone on a website is actively researching your type of product or service.

An example of brand video that is well suited for a home page

On the other hand, instagram limit is currently 1 minute. However, the ideal video for an Instagram feed should be 45 seconds or less. Therefore, if you plan a video to promote your product or service you have to think of shorter cuts for Instagram. In addition, Instagram stories, Facebook stories, and IGTV are designed for a vertical video crop, given that the audience will be viewing the content on the phone. Another reason for keeping the videos for Instagram 45 seconds or shorter is that the content on that platform is viewed very briefly. Instagram viewers are not researching content like they would if they were browsing the net on a computer. They are looking for little snippets of entertainment. Therefore, when designing a video for instagram, avoid trying to explain your product or service in detail. That information should be left for your website. One good example of a successful Instagram video campaign I produced was for a dental practice in Chicago. 14 dentists were asked a series of questions like the color of their toothbrush or how cool they thought they were. We cut these into a series of 20 second videos. The content of the video had nothing to do with their practice as dentists but it showed their personality as they answered these goofy questions.

https://www.facebook.com/CameoDentalSpecialists/videos/222829796130896

a link to a Facebook 20 second video that was also use in Instagram video campaign

Know your Audience for your Video Production Campaign

Given the multitude of social media platforms that today can host videos, it is often unclear where one’s audience is at. I have been told by business owners before that their particular clientele finds them at a specific platform or that their clientel does not frequent social media platforms. I would warn against such limited foresight. For instance, one of my clients has a medical practice in south Florida focusing on muscle-skeletal injuries. His patient demographic tends to be mainly 50 years or older. However, as we have talked I learned that he was treating a gym owner who became a big fan of his procedures and began referring patients to the clinic. I suggested to him he should reach out to more fitness professionals, like personal trainers, who deal with older clients prone to injuries. Of course, every trainer is currently marketing their services on Instagram. Therefore, the smart course of video marketing would be reaching fitness folks who would then refer their older clients (who by the way might not even know what Instagram is) to the medical clinic.

Think Big, Think Video Campaign

Lastly, as a videographer, I now suggest to plan not just for one or two videos but instead a video campaign with renders for various social media platforms. In the past it was perhaps enough to create one video, upload it to Youtube and embed it on your homepage. However, chances are that your competitors are doing far more. A well planned video production day can cover enough material where many versions of a video can be cut. In case of the medical clinic previously described, we planned a 1 hour interview with the main doctor, during which we talked about him personally, the philosophy of his practice, his procedures, and asked for a few short health tips. The personal and practice philosophy material was mainly used for two brand videos. The procedure content served as a 1 minute video for each procedure landing page. Health tips were used as a series of 7-8 30 second free health tips video used for Instagram and Facebook intermittently throughout the year. Few of the procedure videos were also cut to shorter version targeting conditions personal trainers see and placed on Instagram. We also cut a few fun personal facts that didn’t make the main video cut, and once again used them as short 30 second videos for more instagram content and IGTV. In the end we cut about 20 videos from one 1-hour interview.

For sample of our work go to here

April 28, 2020April 22, 2021

Video Production -How to get Clean Audio

Video Production and video content will be more important now than ever. Every business owner will be looking to reach their potential client virtually. Often this is done through video conferencing but when scheduling conflicts arise, many will be relying on filmed content. As a professional videographer, I try to emphasize the value of professional video production. The quality of video is a must of course but it is the quality of audio that separates amateur video content from professional video content. In this article, I will talk about how you achieve that professional sounding audio.

Choose the Right Microphone for Video Production

The first thing to consider is the choice of the microphone. More specifically, the location of the microphone is really the key in producing high quality sound. The closer the microphone is to the subject the clearer the sound will be. A recorded sound source has a signal to noise ratio. The signal in our case is the speech of the human subject, while the noise are the sounds of room fans, crowds in the backgrounds, wind outside, and the echo of the voice created by the speaking subject. Good microphones have higher signal to noise ratio. However, even very high end microphones will pick up noise if the room is not quiet.

My favorite choice of microphones are lavalier (and often wireless) microphones for any film or video productions. When I film an interview I can clip the mic about 6 inches from the mouth so the speaking sound is well recorded. Most lavaliers have what is known as an omni pick up pattern which means they pick up signals equally well from all directions. This means that a lavalier microphone can be clipped upside down and it will still sound clean. Another popular choice for recording speech in film and video production is a shotgun microphone. The pick up pattern for a shotgun microphone is very narrow which means that the microphone has to be pointed directly at the speaker. However the narrow pick up pattern reduced the noise by eliminating sounds that are not in focus (or pointed at with the mic). It is important to remember that the shotgun microphone needs to be placed as close as possible to the speaker to pick up good sound. Although, I personally prefer a good lavalier mic, there are instances where the shotgun mic actually works better. For example, when there are multiple speakers talking over each other, multiple lavalier mics can interfere with each one another.

Sennheiser lavalier wireless mic set I use in my video production — This is a Sennheiser lavalier wireless mic I use in my video production

Learn Post-Production Audio Tools

Once audio is recorded using a well positioned microphone, more work is needed in film or video post production. As a professional videographer, most of my video editing work is done in Adobe Premiere software. However, I like to migrate my audio work to a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). DAWs are programs designed for musicians to produce their work. These programs offer flexibility that simply Premiere and other video edit programs do not. In this article I will not go in depth why DAWs are better for audio, but instead focus on a few key components of audio mixing.

This is a DAW that I have been using for years, however there are about dozen other ones that will do the job.

The first mixing tool that I use when treating recorded audio in video production is compression. Compression allows to attenuate the volume of parts that are too loud and increase the volume on parts that are not loud enough. This treatment can also resolve volume inconsistencies that occurred during the video filming session. Next in the mixing chain is equalization or often referred to as simply EQ. EQ allows us to increase the volume across specific audio bands. For example, most speech recordings have the low end rumbling sound when initially recorded. Using an EQ I can reduce the rumble by cutting off all audio frequencies say below 70 Hz and create more presence in the high frequency by increasing volume at around 6 kHz. Another useful tool in the mixing process is the noise reduction. There are many good ones out there but essentially what they do is scan the audio source and use an algorithm to separate signal from noise. Of course, these tools are far from perfect and they only help and cannot be used in place of good recording. Another tool that is often used to reduce noise is gate. Gate basically has a threshold at which it allows the sound to pass through. So if noise is below that threshold, the gate will be closed and no audio will pass. The gate is very useful at reducing noise in between words. The scope of this article cannot cover mixing tools like compression, gate, and EQ in detail but there are hundreds of articles and Youtube videos that focus specifically on these tools. Below is a video in which I thoroughly explain my approach to mixing sound, sound design, and score in film production.

A tutorial I made on the process of mixing for film. I am using a scene from my film THE ARTIFACT

Audio is Key to Professional Videographer

In this article I merely hinted at what is the process of getting clean audio in film or video production. Of course, each video session is different and presents a variety of audio problems with an even larger variety of solutions. In the end, a professional videographer has to learn how to record clean audio. Essentially, it is the ability to handle the audio that separates a professional videographer from a photographer who simply hits “record” on his/her very capable camera.

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February 28, 2020April 22, 2021

Highlight Video – How to Promote your Conference

As a videographer I learned that Conferences are one of the most effective venues for networking. Conferences can be very large with hundreds/thousands of participants or they can be small but intimate. Regardless of their size, industry colleagues drop their guard and are often are open to engage and network, and those of use running a business can always use more networking.

Highlight Video will be your Key Promotional Tool

Given the importance of a business conference, what is the most effective method of promoting a conference? I am going to be biased here, but I truly believe it is through a video. Yes, posting pictures on social media can get some engagement, however most people will not look past 4-5 pictures, unless they are looking for something or someone specific. A well produced video is far more effective.

One key element of a conference highlight video are sound bites. Sound bites are different than a full video interview. As a videographer, when I film an interview I will spend 30 minutes staging my shot, setting up the lighting, and testing perfect sound conditions for the subject. When I film interviews, I often film them with multiple cameras. When you film sound bites at a conference you simply do not have such luxury. At a conference you are looking for a volume of responses, so you grab someone and ask them 1-2 questions using a single camera. The advantage, however, is that you will likely capture the excitement of the moment. If the speaker is excited to be at the conference, it will be captured on the video. Additionally, in short interviews subjects rarely get nervous, whereas a full interview with multiple cameras and lights often intimidate folks.

Me filming a video at a Chicago Conference

Capture the Energy with a Video

A well filmed video will also capture the energy of the conference. After filming a number of conference videos I have learned that it is crucial to show that people are interacting. Therefore, I look for scenes when people are talking, laughing, exchanging business cards, shaking hands, pointing to charts/posters, and exchanging documents. Although many conferences span over many hours, a skilled videographer will capture these moments and edit the highlight video in such a way to show how much interaction goes on among conference participants, sponsors and at times even the speakers.

Show off Your Location

Last but not least, if a conference takes place at an attractive location, few shots should be dedicated to showing this off. For example, if a conference is located in New York, few shots outside the conference will be helpful. If the conference is near a beach this is a good time to bring that drone and maybe fly over the beach. You can read more about when to use drones in my previous article by clicking here.

Above is my favorite conference highlight video I did a few years ago. This particular video took some planning and we had two speakers with prepared speeches. Notice, to keep the momentum going we decided to film a walking interview. This helps the video move and tells a visual story of what the conference is like.

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February 11, 2020March 27, 2022

Does the Camera Matter to a Videographer?

As a Videographer, does the camera make a big difference me? What is the best camera for professional video production? How much do I have to spend on a camera to produce professional looking videos? As a professional videographer and a filmmaker I get these questions all the time. Given that nowadays everyone is doing some type of video and most want to have that professional video look. But how is a professional video look achieved? Is it really in the camera or something else?

How much Should I Spent on a Video Production Camera

I am writing this article for the amateur who wants to know how to improve their video. So When I will be discussing pluses/minuses of different camera gear I will focus on generalizations. Pros argue about cameras and their qualities all the time, and they compare specs like 8 bit 420 vs 10 bit 444. You can find 100s articles and youtube videos comparing footage side by side. We are going to skip such details for this discussion.

So, why do some video production cameras cost $30k and some are under $1k? On paper, many of these cameras produce the same specifications. For example, my Iphone can now film 4k video. Why spend thousands of dollars on a video production camera? Let’s start with sensor size. More expensive will have large sensors. These larger sensors have two major advantage. Dynamic range and color information. Dynamic range refers to the amount of information between black and white tones in video/film. For example, movies are shot on cameras that have a very high dynamic range, and that is often most visible on skin tones. In movies transitions between dark and light parts of the skin tones tend to smooth. In contrast, most news footage or something shot maybe with a gopro or phone will have skin tones that are flat, and hence are missing that cinematic look.

Another advantage of larger sensors is the shallow depth of field. Shallow depth field allows you to focus on the subject while everything in the background becomes out of focus. The out of focus area is often referred to Bokeh and it gives that cinematic feel, especially when framing people in the shots.

Interchangeable lenses is the other plus with the more professional cameras. A camera on the phone for example has only one fixed lens. However, changing a lens on a professional camera allows me to film something farway or frame a very wide shot.

What do the Pros use for Video Production

So What is the best video or film camera? This is once again complicated. For example cameras that are used on movies sets like these RED or ARRI produce amazing images. However, they are also more expensive than most cars. In addition, they are large and often require a crew to operate. They often are not good with low light as they are meant on production sets where the crew spends hours setting up perfect lighting. Hence, unless there is a $5k a day budget for production, even most professional videographers will not used this type of gear.

Arri Alexa, camera most often used in films

Mirrorless Revolution for Video Production

In the last several years there has been a revolution in the mirrorless camera. These cameras most often have large sensors and interchangeable lenses. The prices will range $1k-$3K. For that price they produce very good dynamic range and color information discussed earlier. Yes, the color and dynamic range on camera like RED will be superior, but the quality of RED might be 10% better yet at 10x the cost. In addition, mirrorless cameras are small and much more mobile and they often perform well in low light.

For most professional video projects I have to be mobile and don’t have the entire day to set up one scene with larger gear. Therefore, my workhorse for several years has been this camera ; Sony A7sii. In fact most of the work on my website was produced using this camera. Here is a link to my video work

https://www.nichevisuals.com/video.html

Importance of Video Post Production

Lastly, there are many improvements that can be made to the quality of image in post production. Talented videographers and filmmakers know how to use color grading and color corrections during the post production to create the desired video look. Digital footage is very flexible and many changes can be applied to correct the look. Below is a comparison of footage that is graded vs no graded.

In conclusion, a fortune does not have to be spent to create professional looking videos. The evolution of the mirrorless camera has changed the game. In addition, skill and practice is also needed in the post production in order to achieve that professional video look.

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