 In this day and age video certainly provides a method for the business owner to broadcast their ideas, explanations, demonstrations but does video production actually give you value for your money. Here are a few points to ponder and I'll let you decided if it is worthy of your hard earned cash.
 Use Video to Replace Manpower
Scenario ~ Corporate employee travels to satellite offices presenting and training. What is the cost? Travel/Food/Salary.
What if video training modules could be created for a fraction of the cost of flying this employee across the country/province/state? Not only is there ROI, it's just become easier and more dependable for the training to occur. If a question and answer period were necessary with a distant certified professional, remote connections could be set up and it would still negate travel costs.
 Bump Up Your Credibility
Releasing clear, crisp video gives you instant credibility. Have you ever heard people say "it must be true if it's on TV" This is real! A well but together short clip can give you the extra oomph that even full articles cannot.
Less effort with more value = ROI.
Less effort with more value = ROI.  Demonstrations of Products or Services.
It's almost impossible to demonstrate how something works based on a series of pictures. If you've ever had to follow the instructional pics to build an IKEA bookshelf, you'll know what I mean. Add the video element with different angles and closeups and you'll be able to figure out both products and services in a jiffy. Clarify the process and customers will be more confident purchasing a product or service.
 Promote on Social Media Platforms
Lets say you have something awesome to promote. Perhaps it's your expertise, your talent, your product or your service. Social media platforms are built perfectly to share video. They let you use live link's, host a thumbnail picture and even calculate the impact your video has made. YouTube not only hosts millions of videos, it's the second largest search engine out there. Linked-IN and Facebook even give you the ability to track progress. The more video (as content) you have gives you the ability to promote effectively and frequently using these marketing platforms. You can use other methods but they are much more time consuming and less engaging.
 Attract the Right Customers
We all want customers/clients but, more than that, we want the right ones. I'm speaking about people that really, really like us and our products or services. It's so much easier to match values when you can create video that reflects what you are passionate about. Video familiarizes our client with us and inspires brand loyalty even before they buy for anything. When a customer loves you, not only will they return time and time again but will make sure all their friends do too. Who doesn't want free ambassadors to aid your sales team.
So does video have a ROI? The multimillion dollar industry suggests that Yes! It does indeed!
Til next time~
C~
 Recent reports suggest that YouTube (acquired by big biz Google) is set to charge for premium channels. Is it true? Will YouTube finally be setting itself up to compete with the big boys.
A small charge for only a select amount of premium channels?
Uh oh! Where have we heard this before? Oh Yes! Everyone phone , cable and internet company started out charging a minimal fee for slightly improved services and then *Whammo* ...Hook line and sinker!
So the question remains...
Is there anything *you* would pay to watch on YouTube?
The Financial Times report gives us the bigger picture....check it out below.
According to the Financial Times By Robert Cookson, Tim Bradshaw and Matthew Garrahan, FT.com January 30, 2013 Story Highlights- YouTube plans to start selling subscriptions to some channels on its video platform
- Google-owned site will compete with cable TV and streaming services such as Netflix
- The paid-for channels would be launched as soon as the second quarter this year
- Asked content producers to submit proposals for channels that would charge $1-$5 per month
(Financial Times) -- YouTube plans to start selling subscriptions to some channels on its video platform, throwing the Google-owned site into direct competition with cable television and streaming services such as Netflix. The company has invited a small number of content producers to submit proposals for channels that would charge $1-$5 per month, according to a person familiar with the matter. The paid-for channels would be launched as soon as the second quarter this year, the person said. YouTube, which has until now relied entirely on advertising, plans to take about 45 per cent of subscription revenues for itself and give the rest to the channel producer. "We have long maintained that different content requires different types of payment models," said a YouTube spokesperson. "There are a lot of our content creators that think they would benefit from subscriptions, so we're looking at that." YouTube has in recent years pushed to make the content on its platform more professional and therefore more attractive to advertisers. To do so, YouTube allowed companies to create dedicated channels and split the advertising revenues, working with the likes of All3Media, Endemol and BBC Worldwide. MondoMedia, a group that produces off-beat adult cartoons, was the most popular channel on YouTube last week with 6m views and has been seen 1.4bn times since inception. YouTube's shift into premium paid-for channels raises the stakes in the fast-evolving online video sector, which is beginning to resemble the early days of cable television before it grew into a multibillion-dollar business. The YouTube plans were first reported by Advertising Age. The site will face competition from a plethora of subscription services that already exist online. Hulu, which is jointly owned by Walt Disney, News Corporation and Comcast, has 3m subscribers and offers a range of TV programming from US TV networks such as ABC and Fox. Netflix, the world's biggest online video service, has more than 30m subscribers and will this week premiere its $100m adaptation of the BBC series "House of Cards". Directed by David Fincher and starring Kevin Spacey, the series represents the biggest bet yet on original content made by Netflix or any of its competitors: Hulu and Amazon, which also has a subscription video service, are also producing original content to lure subscribers and differentiate themselves from TV networks and rival online operators. Google started to make a $100m investment in original content commissions for YouTube in late 2011. The funds are provided to film makers in the form of an advance against future advertising revenues. According to eMarketer, a research firm, advertising spending on digital video in the US grew by 47 per cent to $2.9bn last year but is still dwarfed by the $65bn spent on TV ads. Television made up about 40 per cent of total media spending in the US in 2012, according to eMarketer, compared with less than 2 per cent from online video.
 So many people agonize over what content to include in their video. So much so they will avoid it completely. I hear from clients that they feel that this is their one chance to get it right and they don't want to blow it. So where does one get content? here a a few suggestions that might just get your creative juices a'flowin'.
~ Content can be Inspired by Anything that Matters to You or your Business ~
A Product
Do you have products for sale? Rather than have a sales video, speak to the audience about the problem that your product will solve. Is there something unique that your product does that no others do? Demonstration
Do you have a service that is hard to explain just what goes into it? A gentleman came to me to assemble before & after shots in video of thermal imaging for home inspections. He wanted a little more drama than just posting pics so we added audio and transitions. And Voila! A dramatic before and after video with just his simple pictures. Content From Existing Clients
Poll your customers and ask them 10 questions. More recently a friend told me he asks his customers 10 questions designed to extract what they want to know about his business. This is *invaluable* information as they already have a professional relationship with you. Use what they reveal to target others just like them.
The best way for people to be drawn to you is if you have answers that they will need to solve a problem. Be the Expert
The best way for people to be drawn to you is if you have answers that they will need to solve a problem. Giving tips and tricks for free in several well-placed video clips and touted throughout social media can catapult your popularity in a relatively short time. Tell Your Story
There's nothing better than when others can relate to you. If you can make that connection in a video on your front page of your site it can sometimes be the difference between someone staying or leaving your page. Your goal? To keep them there for as long as possible. Show Where You Work
People like to feel comfortable and familiar with a store, workshop or office space before they get there. Maybe your space is luxurious, comfortable, colourful or full of wonderful looking food. Show them and they will come.
Other Engaging Content...
***Introduce you and your staff
***Client Testimonials
***Silly and entertaining skits
***Demo Reel
***Showcase your talents
There are tons of places to draw content from. Look around you at what works in your business and what people have asked for. It's all fair game so happy shooting! :)
Til next time...
C~
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Preparing to be in front of the lens can be a nail biting experience...especially if you've never faced it before. Commonly I hear people say "But I knew everything in my script on the car ride over" or "I don't know what's wrong with me today...I can't seem to get it right". It can be nerve-wracking for even the most seasoned professional but for first timers it can be downright paralyzing.  To combat this phenomenon here are 5 of my top techniques that I find help my clients feel more like themselves when face to face with the camera.
Before the shoot, sit down with them for at least 1/2 hour and ask them questions about unrelated topics. I naturally love to hear about people's stories so this is a chance for me to hear how they chat in a non-stressed situation. Listen carefully as most will tell you their fears of being in front of the camera. If you can pin point a definitive reason...sometimes you can work around it. For instance if someone feels 'singled out' speaking directly into the camera...either stand and look at them at lens level or turn them to the side and have them look directly at you as you would be conversing.
Assuring your subject that they have plenty of time lessens the fear people have to get it right the first time. More often when the pressure is off, they will automatically become conversational.
 Encourage people not to read from a script. I see people become increasingly frustrated when they cannot perform their script verbatim. They only want it to be perfect so generally it works against them. When I see someone struggling with this I gently suggest that they hand me their script and I proceed to ask them a question that their script is answering. This way they are being conversational rather than robotic.
If you are asking questions, have the subject repeat the question before they answer. There are two reasons for this. One, it makes for more comprehensive editing and second, it helps them maintain focus. Often when people are afraid they will forget their own name so by forcing them to repeat brings them back into the game.
Reassure the person that they are doing fine. Make subtle suggestions and above all keep your cool. The last thing you want is for them to see you sweat. It's sort of like watching the stewardess for signs that the plane is going down...if they see you are stressed, likely it's going to be a long arduous shoot for both of you.
It may take a little extra time to incorporate some of these techniques but, trust me, ultimately you and they will appreciate the results.
Til next time
C~
So typically it takes only a few minutes after my clients agree to step in front of the camera to ask the 'age-old' question "What Should I Wear". While it's true that there are more eye pleasing duds to don when stepping up to the lens, personally there are only 10 rules of thumb that I would ask them to consider. 
1. Be Comfy or Bust
Puleeaase be comfortable in your clothes. Do wear size appropriate attire! Tiny skirts that you need to tug at during a sit down interview is just ...er, distracting. Same goes for tight! Anything tight! Also, if you've bought your outfit the same day of the shoot, chances are you won't feel at ease.
2. Say No to Tiny Patterns
These little stripes or herringbone prints appear to almost move around on their own in video and drive an editor crazy (not to mention the audience).  3. Be Aware of Green Screen
If you know that there will be a green screen shoot (composite) do not wear anything green or blue (sometimes composites are also done on a blue screen) Why? Anything that is the same colour as the screen behind you will disappear and you might end up looking like a floating head (or worse).
 4. Steer Clear of Wild Prints
This is all your audience will see and focus on. Kinda like a train wreck ~ It'll be the only reason they don't look away.
 5. Tone Down the Bling
Simple jewelry is best. Who wants to blind 'em with bling with you can dazzle them with your smile.
 6. Powder Your Nose
Do wear a light (non greasy) foundation makeup on your face (yes! You too fellas) It smooths out the skin and provides a better tone.
 7. Just in Case
Do bring a second set of clothing, a brush and some touch up make up for the gals.
 8. Prepare for Perspiration
If you are a sweat~er (and you know who you are) wear an undershirt as the first line of defense. Hopefully it will keep the tides at bay until your shoot is over.
 9. Is Your Dress Naked? (Guys, avert your eyes, this tip doesn't involve you...I think. )
Gals, It's always looks nice when you wear a dress but if you've ever tried attaching the wireless mic receiver to the back of someone's neck, you would do it differently. I suggest that if you want to wear a dress, punctuate it with your favourite belt. That way you've become trendy AND provided an anchor for the hardware.
 10. Colours Are a Wonderful Thing
I love colour and everyone has their favourites but If I had to give colour suggestions of what to wear to appear bright and crisp it would white, beige, cream, sand, tan or any shade of blue.
There you have it, yet another list of what to wear when you'll be shot. However, since this one is mine...I believe it to be the best.
Til next time
C~
Last weekend I shot my first wedding for the couple (Natalie and Bryan) featured in my last blog post. I met them while doing the promo for *the fab* Vanessa Dewsbury Subsequently, they invited me along to share in their special day.
The prime rib was delicious and the Barrie Country Club is a beautiful venue.
Til next time~
Carole
Do you like to shoot videos of your events? Many of my clients do, and then they'll submit it to me for editing and polish. Unfortunately, you only get one shot at a live event. It's such a shame when I see people who've missed their chance to capture usable footage because their audio was too low or the video too dark and grainy.
Here are my top five tips to achieve better quality video:
1. Get outside! Use the outdoors as much as possible. You'll capture a sharper picture if you are in natural lighting. If you can't shoot outside, use what you have. Position your subject(s) near a bright window or even a bright florescent light. Note: Don't put your subject directly in front of the window – you'll only get their silhouette. Another lighting tip: Take lampshades during the shoot to allow a little more light to shine through.
 2. Use a tripod or monopod! You'll want to stabilize your camera to reduce camera shake. You may think it will be easy to control a small camcorder, but sometimes, not so much! And when you use your zoom feature, stabilization is even more important. Tip: If you don't have a tripod or monopod, be sure to stand with your feet planted firmly, a little more than shoulder-width apart. Hold your elbows in and shoot with the camera close to your body.
3. Get a wireless mic! For echo-less audio, clip-on lavalier microphones are fantastic. Before you buy though, check your user manual to make sure your camera supports a mic (or bring your camera with you to the store and ask for help). Tip: If you don't have an external microphone, minimize echo by getting closer to your subject instead of zooming in.
4. Shoot lots of video! Don't rely on one take to get your footage. On the flip side, be careful that your subjects don't suffer from "video fatigue" – that's where they have said their piece so many times that they now stumble over their words.
5. Move (pan) the camera slowly! A new camera operator tends to use the camera just like their eyes, darting from subject to subject quickly and often. Your audience will become seasick very quickly. Slow down and pause often for the smoothest result. Tip: Practice panning by slowly raising the head of your tripod up and down and from side to side.
Don't miss your chance to take away valuable feedback, demonstrations and highlights from your events. Use these video tips to feel like a pro!
Til Next Time,
Carole~
 Well, kind of... not really, but growing up watching him made my 5 year old self think so. We played with that tickle trunk almost every single day and I actually imagined there was a tiny world inside the TV.
Hey! Don't Judge! I was 5 ;)
Similarly, I was a part of the Partridge, Brady and Huxtable family on and off for years.
 Yes! Visual mediums such as Television and YouTube video can be that influential. Remember this dude, Chris Crocker, bawling his eyes out so that Brittany Spears would be left alone. Ugh!
 or Double Rainbow guy. Each one of those YouTube videos hit over 30 million views.
 Currently, I'm in awe of "TED Talks". Ted stands for "Technology, Entertainment, Design"
You've heard of this? Right!?
Thousands of people gather to speak at conferences(on camera) all over the world about mind blowing subjects, inspiring thoughts as well as events that convey the human experience. I could watch for hours!
___________________________________________
Although these days I'm not imagining myself living in another family per se, on-screen personalities still impact me in a big way.
I think that's why I'm so drawn to shooting people (for video).
When a person is passionate about what they do, it is truly exciting when I feel I can help relay that to a waiting audience.
Til next time,
C~
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