Episode XI Studios Blog

We've discovered that despite the budgets of those small companies, they STILL need web video. Rather than pushing them to try to put together a video themselves with a consumer level camera, we want to help even the little guys! We know that if it doesn't look professional folks won't find you credible, so the home video camera just won't cut it.

We've found a way to offer a 2 minute talking head video for small businesses for only $500. We set up once or twice a month at a central location in town. Customers send us their video scripts a day or so in advance and we load them into our teleprompter for the day of the shoot.

Basically $500 buys a video with some animated text, including a lower third. You can have it in any format that you need it. You can use it on your website, your email, etc. The possibilities are endless.

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The Secret Strategies Behind Many “Viral” Videos

Content is NOT King

If you want a truly viral video that will get millions of people to watch and share it, then yes, content is key. But good content is not necessary to get 100,000 views if you follow these strategies.

Don’t get me wrong: the content is what will drive visitors back to a site. So a video must have a decent concept, but one shouldn’t agonize over determining the best “viral” video possible. Generally, a concept should not be forced because it fits a brand. Rather, a brand should be fit into a great concept. Here are some guidelines we follow:

* Make it short: 15-30 seconds is ideal; break down long stories into bite-sized clips
* Design for remixing: create a video that is simple enough to be remixed over and over again by others. Ex: “Dramatic Hamster”
* Don’t make an outright ad: if a video feels like an ad, viewers won’t share it unless it’s really amazing. Ex: Sony Bravia
* Make it shocking: give a viewer no choice but to investigate further. Ex: “UFO Haiti”
* Use fake headlines: make the viewer say, “Holy shit, did that actually happen?!” Ex: “Stolen Nascar”
* Appeal to sex: if all else fails, hire the most attractive women available to be in the video. Ex: “Yoga 4 Dudes”

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When you contact a video production company for a quote, you'll need to know the following information:

1. How long should the finished product be?
2. Do you need actors or a voiceover talent?
3. Can all the footage be shot in one day?
4. Where will the shooting take place?
5. What is your budget?
6. Will you write the script, or will we?
7. What formats will the finished product be in?

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Seven Deadly Sins of Advertising Via Viral Video � Will Video for Food

Check out this great article I found on another blog. The 7 Deadly Sins of Advertising Via Viral Video.

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As a meeting planner and a frequent business traveler I can honestly say that booking a hotel can be a bit of a daunting task. I have had mixed luck with choosing hotels over the years. Usually for the typical few nights stay there is no site visit beforehand, so you must rely on pictures of the hotel provided on their website, or the reputation of their brand name. As we all know photos can be very misleading, and even though the hotel has a brand name, they are usually privately owned franchises, so not all of the quality levels are consistent throughout the chain. A prime example of these inconsistencies is the Holiday Inn. Some of the hotels in this chain are almost 4-star, and others could barely earn a single star.

When planning a meeting, the endless exhausting site visits are one of the worst parts of the process. One thing I’ve noticed is that if you contact a hotel to discuss having a meeting there, they will send you pictures of the meeting space looking it’s best, but very few photos of the rooms or the rest of the hotel. When you tour the hotel on your site visit you find that while the meeting space may be sufficient the rest of the hotel doesn’t measure up. If only there was a way to narrow down the list of possibilities even more before the site visit trip.

The best way to showcase a hotel is with video. It’s much harder to doctor up a video than a still picture and it also gives you a “feel” for the ambience in addition to a clearer visual of the space. Most videos are filmed with actual guests in the background. You can see if they are enjoying themselves!

Hoteliers should consider video marketing. How many times during the initial RFP phase have I heard a hotel sales rep say, “If you could just see this place, I know you choose our hotel!” Well, give me a professionally produced video tour, and you’ve already enticed me to see more, even if typically something else would have taken the hotel off my consideration list earlier.

On one occasion I received an RFP and decided that the room rates of a certain hotel were too expensive, but after seeing a video showing how beautifully well appointed the hotel was, the restaurant and all the extra amenities, I decided to add that hotel to my site visit list after all. I reconsidered spending the extra bucks and cut back elsewhere in the budget so that we could host the meeting at that location. In the end the video made the sale, and the hotel got my meeting bringing in a group of 400 people for 5 nights.

Everyone was happy! It’s a win/win situation.

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Streaming Media East 2008

Check out this industry trade show. We'd love to hear from anyone who has attended in the past. Let us know if it was beneficial for you.

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There are a few ways to quickly make a mess of your trade show booth and discourage visitors from stopping in to see you. My advice would be to avoid the following. Be sure to post this list in a storage closet or area where employees will be sure to see the list, and go over the rules with everyone before the trade show begins.

* DO NOT Sit down, read newspapers or anything else, smoke, eat or drink in the booth (this includes coffee and bottled water).
* DO NOT Ignore prospects by forming a cozy cluster and chatting with colleagues.
* DO NOT use your mobile phone in the booth, if you must make a call, step out of the booth to do so. And NEVER interrupt a prospect to take a phone call.
* DON'T Leave the booth unattended or leave without informing colleagues.
* DON'T Be late for your scheduled booth duty.
* DON'T Stand with your back to the aisle, it makes you seem unapproachable, and you can't see prospects to greet them.
* DON'T Use inappropriate language, complain about the show or about being at the show.
* NEVER Badmouth your competitors.
* Keep the booth clean, throw out trash as soon as you see it, and don't leave prospect's business cards lying around as though they are unimportant.

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E-Z Cleaners, LLC

Our latest video marketing project is for an amazing company called E-Z Cleaners. We're doing a video project for their hand cleaner. Stay tuned to see the video on their website, and on our sample page.

This product is fantastic! It will not only clean anything off your hands (or anywhere else for that matter) but it's completely biodegradable and environmentally safe.

We recommend you check it out and be amazed. You can purchase it at Lowe's.

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What is Hot and What is Not in Technology for 2008 by Sharon Housley
Winners Predicted for 2008

After looking into my crystal ball, I have made a cluster of predictions about what will be hot, and what will be not so hot in technology for 2008.

1. Video

YouTube has not shown any signs of slowing down. With the increasing popularity of portability and the increase of video-viewing technology, the growth of video is unlikely to slow down.

2. Healthy

Healthy is in. It is not only fashionable, but now cool to be healthy. Maybe this will help counter the rise in obesity in the US. Even those who give in to their cravings and indulge agree that it is cool to be healthy. Organic foods are at an all time high with an increase of roughly 20% per year in the US! This may also be a top New Year Resolution.

3. Buy USA

Buying USA is in. The falling dollar has made US products more competitive in foreign markets. Moreover, the quality issues that came to light in 2007 (lead in various Chinese products) have made US consumers more conscious about buying US manufactured products.

4. Rich Internet / Interactive Web / Semantic Web / Web Services

The interactive web with user reviews, peer voting, and social bookmarking has never been more popular. The Internet has become more personal and interactive. Contextual content has given way to personal preferences.

5. Aggregate and Attention Data

Suggested purchases, related purchases, and recommended purchases are now an integral part of ecommerce. Aggregate data is becoming a critical component of upsells.

9. Biometrics and Big Brother

Digital data and tracking is at an all time high. Privacy concerns appear to be taking a backseat to cool new technology that is likely to label the 21st century.

Continue reading "Predictions for 2008" »

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Trade show demonstration and marketing videos are the best way to support your sales and marketing efforts in the trade show! It is already so expensive to exhibit at a trade show, you really need to be sure that you're doing all you can to get the attention you deserve from attendees. The best part of having a good video is that you can use it in so many different ways other than just airing it at your tradeshow. It's a worthwhile investment.

* Trade Show Video
* Tools for Sales Reps to take on Sales Calls
* Website Online Video
* Company Sales Meetings
* DVD Distribution

Videos for Trade Shows are proven to work!

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If you choose to make use of videos for your marketing campaigns, then you have made a very good decision. This is because it is a lot catchier compared to the other forms of advertising. Videos are able to capture online browsers' attention faster and easier and are able to disseminate your message to your potential clients quicker than simple text.

Video advertisements could contain demonstrations of the product's use and functionality. Try adding a human face and a pleasant voice to that and you would be able to have your potential customers wrapped around your finger. Through these techniques, potential clients could easily relate to your company, as well as what you are offering and promoting.

As you use video marketing, it would be essential to not just add your video into a video directory and wait for it to generate a lot of customers. Basically, achieving great results would be similar to what you do in Search Engine Optimization.

The present technology offers a lot of opportunities to be able to track a lot of track and then analyze results. Make sure that you will be taking your time and will be making an effort in measuring the impact and performance of your video or videos. You could try searching for tools, which would be able to tell you how much of the video was played before the viewer closed it. You could also find out how many prospects decided to go to your website after viewing your video, how many of the visits became sales, and so on.

Continue reading "Video Marketing Pointers" »

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Why You Should Use Video & Audio To Explode Your Home Based Business!
by Joe Okoro

There is a revolution in the Internet world presently. And that revolution is exploding the internet in a way that is unheard of in recent times. The revolution is the use of Videos and Audios on websites to exchange and transmit valuable information to millions of internet users worldwide.

Can this new revolution help you in Internet marketing to build a downline, a home based business opportunity, serve a need or just get people's attention? Absolutely!

Or why do you think Google bought Youtube.com for several millions of dollars? It is because Videos and Audios are exceptionally good in transmitting information across to anyone.

To help you appreciate what I'm trying to say, which of the option below would you prefer;

1. A step by step manual and full instructions on how to upload a web page

or

2. A video and a recorded audio showing you how to upload a web page?

80% if not more of people who want to learn how to upload web pages will go for option 2. I will also go for that option because it is like watching the person over the shoulder do it while I follow suit.

You will agree with me that videos are important these days in passing across important information.

You will need to implement this very option in your home based business if you are like me so that you will flow with the tide of time and reap the wonderful and incredible results that comes from the use of Multimedia in your business.

When do you use videos in your home based business? Well it all depends on the information you want to pass across to your prospects.

You can have a video presentation of yourself explaining your services, products or just anything.

This gives you more credibility and your prospects will know they are dealing with a real person online and not someone hiding behind a computer.

Your imagination is your limits when it comes to the several ways you can use videos and audios in your home based business.

Continue reading "Video for Home Based Business" »

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What is Podcasting?

You don't have to have an iPod to appreciate a podcast, anyone with a computer can view or listen to posted podcasts, and it's a brilliant way to get an advertising message or seminar to your viewers/listeners.

At Episode XI Studios we can help you develop professional and memorable podcasts to help with your marketing program.

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by Venkata Ramana

Since the advent of video portals like the Youtube, video marketing has taken a big leap in providing affordable way for webmasters to promote their products and services effectively.

Gone are those days when the video production companies used to charge heavily to make a video presentation for the web. Also, most small business turned down the idea of video marketing mainly because the tools and resources used to watch the presentations made in flash were not easily available and also the return of investment was questionable.

But thanks to technology and the advent of video hosting services, producing and distributing marketing videos to promote any business on the Internet has become a walk on the cake. Some companies have started offering services at rock bottom prices and video marketing has started receiving rave reviews in the Internet marketing niche.

Here are 5 Reasons why video marketing is a MUST for any business promotion.

Easy Availability of Basic Tools:

Only until a few years ago, downloading files from the internet was a daunting task and watching videos on the internet was a nightmare due to the slow internet speed. Now that things have changed drastically, watching videos is now fun with high speed Internet and most importantly availability of various flash players in the market like the adobe macromedia flash player etc. This is the most famous version of the flash player, which allows you to watch flash presentations of the highest quality, and also allows webmasters to host their videos on standard yet simple servers. Since the macromedia flash player would be installed by default by most of the operating systems, it would be very easy for the viewer to watch the videos effortlessly.

High Speed Internet Access:

As already discussed gone are the days of low speed Internet access which would bore the viewer to close their browsers. Now-a-days high speed internet is a rage even in sub-urban areas of under-developing countries and a high percentage of internet browsers are able to watch video effortlessly.

The advent of Video Hosting Services:

Youtube has changed the face of internet advertising and has added a new hope for budding internet marketers to try out various web 2.0 techniques to deliver laser targeted traffic to their websites. Youtube is one among the many free video hosting platforms which allow you to freely upload your videos and share them with the millions of viewers who would enjoy the presentations at the comfort of their home.

Low Cost hardware:

The costs associated with equipment, which are used in the production of videos, have come down rapidly and the quality of that equipment has increased tremendously. Therefore making videos are now within the reach of an average Webmaster.

Affordable Custom Tailored Video Presentations:

A lot of companies are now popular in the video production niche. They not only offer high quality video presentations at a very affordable price but the quality they maintain is of a very high standard. Once such service, which has received rave reviews from the video marketing niche, is FlashMarketingVideos.com. Although they are comparatively new to the market the high quality videos they produce and their customer support is amazing. The price tag associated with their service has made them stand on top of their competitors.

In conclusion, Hiring video marketing companies has now become very affordable and thus it is almost a necessity to make video marketing an essential part of your marketing strategy.

About the Author

Venkata Ramana is the C.E.O of FlashMarketingVideos.com : Their flash programming team delivers high quality custom tailored web marketing video presentations at a very affordable price. Visit http://www.FlashMarketingVideos.com/ and get your own custom tailored flash presentation video and improve your conversions by over 300%!

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Star Trek fans may remember the futuristic feel of Captain Kirk's and Captain Picard's video communication from the bridge of the U.S.S. Enterprise. The idea of being able to see the person speaking was new, exciting, and almost unimaginable. Well, as evidenced by the growing popularity of video communication via the Internet, the future is now.

More than YouTube

Thanks to digital cameras and cell phones with video capabilities, and to Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim - the founders of YouTube, the popularity of video sharing has rocketed into the stratosphere. The Internet may have begun with text and migrated to images, but high-speed access and today's technology have created an insatiable appetite for multimedia websites. Social networking sites now have a video component, and the video blog and video podcast are quickly gaining momentum. Some people are also creating a streaming live broadcast for their families, friends, and fans. But it's safe to say that, in our tech-savvy world, video email is the next "big thing."

Why Video?

From a philosophical perspective, it makes sense that video is becoming an integral part of our electronic communication. There has been enormous criticism that electronic communication removes the human element, and that people are increasingly isolating themselves from the "real world." Critics say that sitting at a keyboard - whether a computer keyboard, BlackBerry keyboard, or cell phone touch pad - allows people to keep their distance from others and gives them an excuse to behave badly, something that anyone who has ever been flamed can attest to.

Video, on the other hand, enables people to communicate face to face with their family members, friends, and colleagues. Whether through a live broadcast or via a video email, people seem to establish or re-establish the kind of personal bond that is elusive with instant messaging, text messaging, and email.

Continue reading "With Video Communication, the Future is Now" »

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Showandsale.com | Unique Ways To Advertise | New Advertising Methods | Online Video Advertising

Of course, we're always on the lookout for new ways to use online video, it's our job to stay informed! This website has a great idea for selling products, cars, houses, you name it.

The world is moving toward video at lightning speed and no one should be left behind.

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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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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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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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The uses are endless!

• CD direct mail – use full size or mini-cds to mail the video and a brochure out to prospective customers.
• In your booth at a tradeshow – we provide you with a looping version to display on a monitor. A dynamic video will attract attention and even people who are often too shy to stop and chat will watch your video. Research has shown that memory retention is greater with a video than with print advertising.
• As part of a sales demonstration that your sales reps can use. Imagine having a video to show during a sales call.
• On a television in your lobby/waiting areas where your customers are a captive audience! Use the opportunity to let them know about your other products or services, and offer them a special returning discount, or referral discount.

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…why aren’t you using it?

After designing a great website and using the best SEO tricks available so that customers can find it, believe it or not, something is still missing. An overwhelming amount of web viewers say that video is more compelling than just text and pictures. With only one second to catch their attention and keep them there, you must stand out from the crowd! The best attention grabber is a streaming video, and not just any video; a professionally produced video, which can not only educate them about your company, but also entertain them at the same time.

Video is also a multi-purpose tool, the same video, if planned properly, can be used in other ways as well. How about using it in your booth at a trade show, in your lobby/waiting area, part of sales demonstrations as a tool for your sales reps, or a CD direct mail? The possibilities are as endless as your imagination!

Now that you know you need a video, where should you go from here? At Episode XI Studios we can help you through the entire process from conception to completion. Scriptwriting, storyboarding, custom graphics, filming, editing, it’s all part of the project and we do it in-house to ensure the best possible video and we do it for a price that is affordable for every business. It is our goal to provide small to mid-size companies with the cinema-style professional videos that were once only available to Fortune 500 companies.

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

Continue reading "Have You Seen Our Samples?" »

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iMedia Connection: Get Your Audience to Take a Trip, with Video

Continue reading "Why Does Your Bed & Breakfast Need a Video" »

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In contrast to years past, interactive marketing during the next five years will not be dominated by a single channel, according to Forrester Research's U.S Interactive Marketing Forecast. Forrester said interactive spending will total $18 billion this year and jump to $24 billion next year. By 2012, it will reach $61 billion, according to the research firm, driven by marketers that leverage multiple channels: e-mail, search, display advertising, online video and emerging media ad channels such as social and mobile. Forrester surveyed 344 marketers online for the report. (BtoB, Nov. 12, 2007, www.btobonline.com)

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Home builders survey trims outlook for recovery in 6 months - Nov. 19, 2007

Continue reading "Home Builders Forecast" »

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

Continue reading "Dublin Homes" »

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