Production

Magic Moments

Standard

I was inspired after reading  this post. In it Mike discusses the role happenstance plays in video production. Let’s face it sometimes we plan shots down to the frame and they turn out ok, making us wonder if we ever had any talent in the first place. Then we when we turn around we just happen to grab a shot where the light is amazing, just the right amount of wind and all the planets align to create the perfect shot. The shot usually ends with comments about our own brilliance, deserved or not, and we remember why we love what we do.

It can happen on the set or in post production. After hours of blood, sweat and tears (in my accident prone case blood is usually involved), after wondering why I  didn’t go into some “normal” profession, like teaching or animal wrangling…all of a sudden the “magic” happens and I get a glimpse at perfection. These are the moments of greatness we look for. These are the moments I love.

The natural high from grabbing the perfect shot or doing the perfect edit is amazing. All the pain and frustration are forgotten. I remember why I chose to work in video, why I keep coming back to it after getting out for a few years at a time. All of a sudden I’m a little kid back again, on one of my family’s rare trips to the movies, watching The Empire Strikes Back. I remember that magic.

I’m probably never going to make that kind of magic, but just getting a taste of it every now and then keeps me coming back for more.

Pay As You Go Video?

Standard

I read this article this morning and hated the idea. Then I thought about it some more and I’m actually starting to really like it. A UK company, Shoot Cut Go, has created a company that helps you figure out what kind of video help you want (there’s a toll free hot line  if you have questions), gets you instant quotes, books your experts on-line and then provides for electronic delivery! Video and multimedia freelancers all over the UK are part of the network. Whether you need a full shoot, voice over talent, or editing they can help you get what you’re looking for, one would assume at a good cost.

While I am generally a fan of a one-stop-shop, this is a brilliant idea. It’s bringing video production to people who can benefit from it, but can’t necessarily afford what a large production house would charge. Since they have teams of freelancers all over the UK, you would be supporting local talent (for shoots at least) and not have to worry about huge charges for transportation. It puts the power in the hands of the small business that can benefit the most from video production.

To me at this point, it’s all theory. I’m in the US and not really in a position to go out and check with clients and the freelancers to see how everyone is liking the operation. But I do like the idea. For the production folks it’s a way to keep busy – let’s face it, it is  hard to start a production business. These folks have a company, that in essence, helps them line up work. The client benefits because they know the crews are carefully selected (and I would imagine that if there was an issue the company would help work out the problem) so they’re protected. It’s really a win-win.

I think that an idea like this would work well in the US – even if just on a state level. A few production teams working together and leveraging each others ability. Don’t have a 3D animator, that’s ok because someone in Sterling dose. The work is spread around to those who can do it with little effort by team. It builds resume reels and client bases. The clients get what they need all in one place.

Could this be the future for small video and multimedia production?

The OTHER Side of Me

Standard

I realized that I’ve neglected a very important part of what I do and who I am. It’s time to rectify that.

I’ve gone by a lot of different titles….video specialist, videographer, multimedia specialist, media specialist, editor, director…the list goes on. In a nutshell, I’m good at video production. It’s my sweet spot. I’ve done marketing and communications work but I always find myself back in some aspect of video production.

I consider myself a generalist. There are those who focus on editing, or lighting, or sound. I’ve never been that lucky. Most of my work has been on small teams or small projects where you have to wear many hats. I’ve worked in small market television and corporate video. I’ve even shot weddings as side gigs on the weekends. And I can honestly tell you that a bad day editing is in many ways better than a good day doing almost anything else.

So why do I bring this up? Because I intend for this blog to cover my video life as well. I’m hoping you’ll find that there is a bridge between what most people think of as video and the world of marketing, messaging and outreach.

And now and then I may throw in an amusing story about some of the crazy things I’ve seen, done, and experienced during my video adventures. You’ll have to stay tuned for that.