Episode XI Studios Blog

Video production, event planners, commercial photographers and more in Charlotte NC-EpisodeXIStudios.com-Video Production.html

Location scouting or site surveying can best be described as a trip to check out the shooting location in advance to spot potential problems and ensure that you have all the equipment needed for the production day. Typically the site survey is done during the same day or time that the video will be shot to understand what to expect during that time frame. There are a host of problematic issues that can ruin any shoot, but can easily be avoided with a thorough site survey.

It’s important to determine if there enough natural light, or will the crew need to bring more, and if so, how much more and what temperature? Another potential issue is background noises that might be heard during the filming. Can they be eliminated during the shoot, or will special sound recording equipment be needed? Traffic sounds, white noise of moving water, and voice echoes can ruin your chances for high quality sound.

Electrical outlet locations should be noted, if they are available. If not, the camera operator will need extra batteries to ensure that there is enough power for the entire shoot. This is also an issue for lighting, if there are no power outlets, the crew will need a generator to power lights, or another location to run extension cords with enough power to run the lighting equipment.

Another frequently overlooked issue, especially when planning outdoor shoots, is the climate. We check the forecast to be sure that it’s not raining, snowing, hailing, or worse for the date of filming. Video cameras tend to fail with too much damp air, by causing smeared lenses and moisture inside the tapes. Too much sunlight is just as bad as trying to shoot on a rainy day and colder temperatures drain batteries more quickly than filming at room temperature.

Often a permit is required to film in a public place, so it’s important to ensure that you have permission to film and you have a signed property release. One of the important things to note is whether or not the film crew will be holding up traffic or blocking entrance to businesses during the shoot, these things will put a quick stop to your video shoot and it’s always better to know in advance.

We take photos (and lots of notes) during the site survey to use in the storyboarding phase, and to be sure to remember the details of the location after we are back in the office. Site surveys can make or break the day of the shoot, without proper advance preparation, your shoot might be a huge failure.

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Video production, event planners, commercial photographers and more in Charlotte NC-EpisodeXIStudios.com-Video Production.html

We value storyboards as one of the most important steps in your video marketing project. Storyboards are developed during the pre-production stage and used throughout the video project. A storyboard is a series of diagrams used to depict the composition of a video, segment by segment. Each diagram consists of: an image; a brief description of the visual; notes for the camera operator; the details of the audio that will accompany the visual, and an estimate of how long the segment will be. The segments are arranged in sequence then placed in order to provide the foundation for capturing the proper footage and for making the correct editing decisions.

The storyboard diagrams act as a guide for the production and post-production stages of producing a video, as well as giving the customer an idea of how the finished video will appear. Without a well-defined storyboard, the video production team’s job becomes virtually unmanageable and there is no guarantee the finished product will match expectations. The storyboard is a valuable tool for everyone involved with the marketing project. When the customer, director, camera operator, and editing team all have the same understanding of the goals of the video, a quality production is obtainable. Our goal at Episode XI Studios is to exceed your expectations in the end, so this step is a big priority.

Creating a storyboard also allows the production team to experiment with different ideas and sequences before taping any segments. During the pre-production stage, adjustments can be made, which will save valuable production and post-production time. If the proper segments are recorded, as called for by the storyboard, the editing process will flow much more smoothly.

A good storyboard isn't written in stone - it's just a guide. You may very well change things after you go into the field to do the actual video work. What storyboarding does best is help point out the holes in your story. It helps you identify the resources (time, equipment, and assistance) you'll need to complete the story, or if you will need to modify the story to adjust to your resources.

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Video production, event planners, commercial photographers and more in Charlotte NC-EpisodeXIStudios.com-Video Production.html

When all the phases of your video marketing project are complete, the last step in sharing your video with the masses is exporting the files to a format that viewers can see. The technical term for this process is 'encoding' but is often referred to as 'conversion' or 'converting', and it is important understand the many ways you will use the video to be sure that you have all the correct formats needed.

Listed below are the various options for formats available for your video:

� Flash player – the most widely used format.

� Quicktime – commonly used, secondary to Windows Media Viewer, but offering a more reliable format for viewing your video without the hiccups associated with WMV.

� Windows Media Viewer – very widely used, and available on all PCs, but the problems associated with WMV could ruin the appearance of your video.

� DVD – great for media mailings and distribution of your video, looping versions are handy for tradeshows, display in your lobby, etc.

� CD – also good for media mailing and distribution, but CDs have less storage space than a DVD so lengthy videos may not fit.

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Video production, event planners, commercial photographers and more in Charlotte NC-EpisodeXIStudios.com-Video Production.html

Video editing is the key to making sure that the project you’ve worked so hard to produce during the pre-production and production phases is a success. The editing process involves compiling the footage in an arrangement that tells the story, as well adding the appropriate details, like transitions, titles and graphics as needed. A good editor is both creative and technical. The talent and abilities behind the keyboard can make or break the final results of any video marketing project.

The creative part of video editing involves making the decisions about what elements to keep, delete, create or arrange in a visually pleasing manner. Technicality comes with the ability to use the software necessary to copy the various elements into a single video and compiling for final viewing and distribution.

We use a system of non-linear editing, and our tool of choice is Final Cut Pro. This method of video editing utilizes the computer environment to aid in the editing process, as opposed to the old method of actually cutting and pasting film sections. This process is almost entirely digital and employs no mechanical functions except for the input of the video sources and its final output to various formats for DVD, CD, streaming media or download. Editing in this environment is essentially a more complicated type of visual cut-and-paste methods.

Working in a digital environment allows the editor more creative freedom at each step in the process, such as being able to preview and correct each edit decision immediately. The real key to being a successful video editor is creativity, patience, very powerful equipment and software, resourcefulness, and a good imagination.

It is our top priority at Episode XI Studios is to stay ahead of the technology, so that we have the latest tools at our fingertips. We want every project to exceed expectations, so we work hard to stay ahead of the game with editing styles, tools, and methods.

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Video production, event planners, commercial photographers and more in Charlotte NC-EpisodeXIStudios.com-Video Production.html

Cinematography is an art form unique to motion pictures. The key factor of good cinematography is the ability to move the camera and vary the audience’s viewpoint during the scene. The movement of the camera plays a considerable role in the emotional language of the film and the audience’s reaction to the subject.

The most basic movements are called “panning” and “tilting”. Panning is a horizontal shift from a fixed position, just like turning your head from side to side. Tilting is a vertical shift from a fixed position similar to tipping your head up to look at the sky or downward to look at the ground. These movements are made with the basic tripod.

Other camera movements, which make a video more professional, and are considered more cinema-style are “dollying” and “craning”. Dollying is accomplished by placing the camera on a moving platform called a dolly, to move it closer or farther or passing vertically by the subject. Camera cranes or jib arms are used to move the camera vertically from the ground to high in the air as well as swinging from side to side and a combination of all of those moves. Some videographers use cameras in a handheld position which can be exactly what it means, but a more stable way to film is by using a Steadicam, which is a body harness and stabilization arm connecting the camera to the operator, allowing it to move naturally.

Camera Frame Rates

Video images can often give very different looks depending on the frame rate (FPS) that the video was shot. Typically major motion pictures are shot at a constant rate of 24 FPS, whereas television is shot at 30 FPS. Videos for the web can be viewed at much lower frame rates (10-30 FPS) and still give a quality image. It is important to discuss the various uses for your video project, so that the video is shot at the correct frame rate. Video, like digital pictures, is resolution dependent. A decrease in frame rate is possible, but an increase is not.

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Concord NC Hotels: Embassy Suites Hotel Resort & Conference Center Charlotte-Concord - North Carolina

When planning your next meeting or special event in the Charlotte area, keep the Embassy Suites Concord in mind! We recently had the pleasure of working with them on a project and got to "experience" the hotel. With a beautiful decor, fantastic breakfast and manager's reception, relaxing spa and excellent restaurant, we couldn't find a bad thing to say about the hotel.

The best part about the trip was that the hotel staff is extra friendly and helpful and always going above and beyond to make sure that we were comfortable. Kudos to the Embassy Suites! We will come back!

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BiZBash.com - Press Release - NEW YORK, December 27, 2000

There's really no reason to continue hosting the boring sales meetings of yesterday. If you want to see endless PowerPoint presentations during the day, you absolutely MUST spice it up during the evening. The article referenced above lists a few new trends to spice up your meeting.

Remember that casino night has already been done a thousand times, so come up with something new for your guests and give them alot of color, great food and entertainment. It's up to you to be sure that they come around again for the next event.

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How to Sell Your Idea to Hollywood - wikiHow

Just in case you've written a movie script and want to sell it... here are some pointers. :)

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The goal of today’s video marketing is to be a high-presence attention grabber. At Episode XI Studios, we make it easy to turn out spectacular videos that feature new product introductions, internal communications, marketing messages, and corporate image presentations. Word to the Wise: no matter how great the videography, you still need a great script!

Scriptwriting may seem like a daunting task, but have no fear; we’re here to help! It’s important to determine the end result objective of the video before production begins. Do you want to entertain, motivate, educate or simply cause the viewer to experience certain emotions? The best videos involve entertainment and another factor. You can entertain and educate, or entertain and motivate, but the entertainment factor is key to keep the viewer from straying.

A large part of the planning process involves selecting a format (or combination of formats) to use for your project. Below is a list of several formats that are commonly used in television and video formats to give you an idea of the styles that might best benefit your goal.

• Interview - Interviews can be formal or informal. A formal interview might take place on a set with the host seated behind a desk. An informal interview could be similar to a reporter interviewing the person in the scenario in which the video references. The interviewer may be seen or unseen.
• Documentary - A formal documentary uses a voiceover to describe the events featured in the video. Another less formal option to having a formal narration would involve asking questions of the actual participants that will lead to a story from which you may cut your entire documentary, in the real words of the participants.
• Video Magazine - Usually two hosts are seated together and banter between themselves between video clips, the tone is light and entertainment value is greater than usual.
• Story Telling - A story-telling piece requires a complete script and actors to perform scripted lines. This is the most complicated format, including hiring actors as real people conveying real emotions and recreating events.
• Talking Head - This is the simplest format. Talking heads can be shot with single or multiple cameras and typically only involve one person reading a script directly to the camera.
• Product Demonstrations - A comparison between the old and new products can be a great element. Product demonstrations feature an expert or actor performing the demo. They can be serious, or light and funny, as long as the integrity of the product demonstration has a clear message.
• Testimonials - Testimonials can be powerful. Informally shot on location, or formally on a set… a testimonial from an expert or an experienced customer or employee is key.

Keep in mind that having an expert might provide material that substantiates confidence in your product or company. Sometimes a little science can go along way.

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STORYBOARDS

One of the most important steps in the pre-production stage is the storyboard. Storyboards are a series of diagrams used to outline the composition of your video project, segment by segment. Each diagram consist of a visual image (photo, sketch, or cartoon) of the scene and characters within the scene, a brief description of the segment, notes for the camera operator, notes for the audio capture and a estimate of how long that particular segment is expected to last. The segments are arranged in a sequence in the order that they will appear in the video to provide the foundation needed to plan capturing the correct footage and editing appropriately.

A good storyboard doesn't have to be priceless artwork - it's an outline to help format the video. And it isn't written in stone - it's a only guide. The storyboard becomes a valuable tool for everyone involved in the production. When the director, camera operator, talent, and editing team all have the same understanding of the goals of the video, the end result will be as expected. Creating a storyboard also allows the production team to experiment with different ideas and sequences before taping any segments.

What storyboarding does best is help point out the holes in your story by helping you identify the resources (time, funding, equipment and personnel) needed for the project, or whether you need to adjust the project to match your resources. If your production company isn’t offering you storyboards before every project, you might be wasting valuable time and money!

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Director's Chair: Secrets of Storytelling

Believe it or not, we've been to video shoots where we were told that no script was needed, and every single time that project has been a disaster! We would never advise anyone to attempt a video project without a script and not just any script, a GREAT script.

This article is a great example of great scriptwriting and the effects on the video.

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How to Roast Chestnuts - wikiHow

In an effort to lend a little holiday spirit, here are complete instructions on how to roast chestnuts. I spent my entire childhood now knowing how wonderful roasted chestnuts were, and I don't want anyone else to miss out. If nothing else has put you in the holiday spirit so far, this might just do the trick.

Happy Holidays!!

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Life in the White House

If you haven't had the opportunity to tour the White House, believe it or not, there is a video tour available.

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Meeting Planning, Eliminating Free Time

After years of working for a company that refused to allow their employees to have any free time at sales meetings, I've learned a few lessons myself. You really can't and shouldn't dominate every free second of your employees time at meetings. Everyone needs a break for having to wear the "work hat".

This article lists several reasons why free time is extremely important.

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Top trends for 2007: Marketers' influence grows even as customers demand more control of the message :: BtoB Magazine

Boom in online video ads

Online video advertising will really take off next year, with spending on online video ads increasing by 89% over this year to $775 million, according to a report by research company eMarketer.

By 2010, spending on online video ads will reach $2.9 billion, eMarketer projected.

"At some time early in 2010, $1 in $10 devoted to Internet advertising will go for video placements," said David Hallerman, senior analyst at eMarketer.

Despite the surge in spending, online video ads will make up only 4.2% of total online advertising in the U.S. next year, eMarketer predicted. But new technologies are advancing the use of online video.

In October, Accela Communications rolled out an online video series called "Innovate" that plays within a banner ad and is sponsored by companies including Hewlett-Packard Co. and AT&T.

Google's $1.65 billion acquisition of video-sharing site YouTube in October is another indication of the growing interest in online video ads.

In November, ON24 launched a new online video platform called BannerCast, which delivers webcasts and other streaming video content in banner ads.

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Scientists make videos for the Web - CNN.com

QUOTE: "We need to show our experiments, and 'show' in our age means video," Pritsker said.

--Even scientist and students understand the value of video. Documenting experiments is so much more than pen and paper these days and in reality is probably much easier to follow the second time around.

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Video production, event planners, commercial photographers and more in Charlotte NC-EpisodeXIStudios.com-Index.html

Video production is the process of producing a video that usually has both audio and visual representations. While some videos are home videos produced for fun, most are videos that are produced for commercial purposes, like movies, advertisement videos, and music videos. Video production is also done for corporate purposes.

There are many things to consider in the production of a video. During the pre-production stage, the budget for the production of the video has to be determined, since the time spent on production can prove costly. Greater time spent on planning and organizing the project would help in keeping the costs low in the long run. One estimate of average production costs put a range of $1,500 to $5,000 per finished minute. The production cost depends on the location, time taken for completion, the equipment used, and the involvement of the production team in the making of the video. Plus, there are always the unanticipated expenses.

The production process starts with setting up the equipment needed for the shoot. Some of the necessary equipment includes a camera, tripod, teleprompter, monitors, power supplies, jib, dolly, and other essential accessories. The next stage consists of setting up the lighting. This is an important stage since lighting should reflect the mood intended for the scene. At this stage, the director gets involved to ensure that everything is in place to conduct a smooth filming. The audio stage is when the various pieces of audio equipment needed to capture and record audio are put in place. The final stage is when the actual filming and taping of the video takes place. This is the stage when all the visual and audio components are put together.

Even though video production is the actual stage of producing a video, the two other stages of pre-production and post-production are equally important. The pre-production stage involves conceptualizing, scripting, and scheduling. The post-production stage involves the off-line activities of editing and duplication.

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Ad Optics : The New Vision In Marketing

We at Episode XI have been fortunate enough to meet Wilbur Williams of Ad Optics and are pleased to add their company to our "highly recommended" list. Ad Optics has an innovative new way/location to advertise your business by using digital signage in strategic locations.

It's definitely worth taking a look if you have been looking for a new way to reach your audience.

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Video production, event planners, commercial photographers and more in Charlotte NC-EpisodeXIStudios.com-Habitat for Humanity Video.html

Randy, along with his son Tony assisted Habitat for Humanity (HFH), in partnership with Golfers in Transition (GIT) in erecting the walls to a four-bedroom home in North Charlotte, NC. A time-lapsed video can be seen on the company website, under current events.

Both non-profit organizations serve different functions in assisting those in need. HFH is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry and seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. GIT is a networking group for job seekers who gather not only during HFH functions, but also gather on the golf links of Charlotte, in an attempt to build relationships between job seekers and recruiters. The Charlotte chapter of GIT is organized by Gary Burgess (Gary.L.Burgess@gmail.com) and has been active in several Habitat Homes.

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Audio & Video on Law Firm Web Sites

QUOTE: "I am very excited about the use of audio and video as Web delivery vehicles. Video and audio are excellent ways to demonstrate innovation and to communicate with consumers -- while using methods that are as common and as comfortable as viewing the nightly news on television. While some law firms and businesses would like to convert/revert television to a black and white text technology, consumers have grown quite fond of colorful, dynamic delivery. Many consumers enjoy receiving information while leaning back in a comfortable chair. I know that I do.

A value of presenting via video is that it is similar to conducting a personal introduction or presentation. A firm can introduce its attorneys and staff through Web video. Panoramas of office space can be easily accomplished. Audio and video of a firm's services can be presented. Client testimonials can be aired. Successful cases and/or case preparation methodology can be displayed on the Web. These techniques are positive since it is still human nature for people to want to see, hear and if possible, touch."

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