March
14
2010
Of all the elements that make up a successful and happy wedding day, very few are more important than your photos and video. When all else has been consumed or fade away into the evening – you’ll have photos and video as a constant reminder of the most special day of your lives.
It is an awesome responsibility to provide couples with high quality video production services – something that should not be taken lightly. For the professional wedding videographer its not just a job – its a passion.
Throughout my 28 years of providing videography services to businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, schools, churches and individuals – some of my most memorable moments have been at wedding ceremonies and receptions. The tears of joy when a father and mother watch their loving son or daughter ceremoniously leave home and began a new life with another; those tense moments when it comes to exchanging of vows, lighting the unity candle and their first kiss as husband and wife – are all very special and should be captured by a videographer who is not only professional and experienced – but most of all – passionate about capturing it all on camera.
The videographer and photographer who has a passion for weddings and for people are always learning, continuously discovering ways to improve – utilizing both traditional and modern-day methods and tools, ideas and techniques which will result in a production that we consider “excellent.”
There are those who possess the basic skills to point a camera and record video. But a truly passionate professional will have the talent to create a masterpiece which you’ll be proud to share with family and friends for years to come. I’m often reminded of a testimonial I received several years ago from a newlywed:
“When my wife and I saw the DVD we were very pleased to say the least. The quality is good and the features we requested were included. My wife has watched the video at least 20 times. It is so well done that we will be proud to have this as a record of the big day for the rest of our lives.”
Art which is created just for the sake of money is temporary. We find it in landfills, hidden away in storage lockers and in basements all over the world. Conversely, that art which is created from the soul will find its rightful place in history books, our great museums and most of all – in our hearts – to be cherished and admired for generations to come.
When searching for a videographer, photographer, cake designer, wedding planner, florist or professional decorator – choose those who possess all of the necessary equipment, skills and experience to create a high-quality product. But most importantly – those who are passionate about the creative process and who have your best interest at heart.
March
11
2010
Also referred to as editing, the post-production process is when you convert, condense, correct and/or organize raw video footage, film or photos into a format for publication, broadcasting and/or dissemination.
Although I could probably list many more – here’s five (5) tips each producer should seriously consider when editing wedding and/or event videos.
Tip Number One:
Pre-planning is very important. Plan for the final result before and during the entire shoot. A professional videographer, whether the actual editor or not, will record the event with the final product in mind.
Its been said that the best editors make good shooters. Since I edit the majority of the footage that I tape, whether its for myself or someone else, I approach each project with a vision of the final product. Most artists have a vision of what the final print will or should look like before they approach the canvas. The same applies to video. And although you may not always have the luxury of a prepared script and/or story board – you should always begin with the end in mind.
Tip Number Two:
Multi-cam video switcher
If utilizing two or more cameras to tape the same wedding ceremony or event, its suggested that you start each camera simultaneously. This is especially important if each camera is isolated from the others. In some situations where multiple cameras are used – you will have the luxury of feeding each camera into a master recording deck via a video switcher.
For those who do not have the convenience of a multi-input video switcher – starting each camera in “record mode” at the exact same moment will save a great deal of time and grief in post-production. Its in post-production where most of the work is performed and synchronizing the video from each camera can sometimes be very challenging – especially if one or more of the cameras stopped recording during the event.
Its the responsibility of the director, producer or production manager to insist that each camera operator keep the camera rolling (except for tape or media changes) during the entire wedding ceremony, speech or main presentation.
Tip Number Three:
Log the footage from each video tape, hard drive or memory device based on what occurred in the field. And while this is a detail that each editor must work out based on individual preferences – I find it helpful to log raw footage based on which camera it originated from (example, Camera #1, #2, etc) or the particular view that the camera was assigned to capture (example, b-roll camera, bride’s camera, groom’s camera, wide shot camera, etc).
Logging the footage and any separate audio source (such as from a CD, hard drive, memory device or digital audio recorder) is key to a successful and stress-free edit session. Assembling together all of the components for the final edit is like a baker who gathers all of the ingredients together for a cake or loaf of bread. If you miss any of the key ingredients – the final outcome might not be acceptable.
Tip Number Four:
Take time to create and gather graphics, photos and other on-screen components that serve to enhance the final production. For 99% of the videos we produce, we normally create – at minimum – an introduction and exit. Additionally, we also have the ability to incorporate on-screen titles, company logos, still photos and PowerPoint slides. Take time and make sure all of these necessary components are readily available before starting the post-production process. And above all, especially when creating on-screen titles and ending credits, double check for spelling errors. If in doubt, check with the event organizer, bride and/or groom about spelling variations, fonts, colors and special graphics that should be used.
Spelling of names can vary greatly. For example, if the printed wedding program lists the maid of honor as Johnny and you think it should be spelled – Johnnie – make an inquiry. Its better than having to re-edit, re-render and re-burn the final DVD(s) due to a spelling error.
Tip Number Five:
If at all possible, seek the assistance and advice of a second set of eyes. Although every professional editor will check and re-check their work for accuracy, creativity and flow – we all make mistakes. Ask at least one other if not 2 or 3 people to view the final production before you make the master and final-edited copy. And while you’re not attempting to re-edit the entire project from beginning to end – its always good to seek the opinion of others.
You should always strive for excellence. And for those who are truly compassionate about their work – you may soon have more assignments than you can handle.
March
8
2010
Easter is always a special day for Christians and for most churches it represents the one Sunday during the year that has the highest attendance.
Why not share this year’s special day with your local community and the world via a broadcast-quality DVD and the internet. In addition to creating a high quality DVD for you to share with members of your congregation – we can also place a copy of your service on the internet. Proclaim to the entire world how wonderful your church is as a place of worship and fellowship!
In addition to taping the Pastor’s message, we can also prepare a short segment on your church’s history, special Easter plays or presentations, the various ministries and your vision for the future. This represents a unique opportunity for you to share with the entire world.
We have over 28 years of professional video production experience and posses the equipment and knowledge to produce a video that your congregation will be proud to share with world for many years to come.
Please contact us today for additional information and a no-obligation consultation. We will explain in detail what you’ll receive and the required investment. We can produce a very high quality video and at an competitive price.
Visit our website at: http://www.americanvideoproductions.net/ to learn more about us, read testimonies of others who have utilized our services and to view sample video clips.
We look forward to sharing this great and wonderful day with you and your congregation!
American Video Productioons
Since 1982
http://www.americanvideoproductions.net/
888-433-6554
March
1
2010
Before I started producing videos for profit and as a full time business, I did it mainly as a hobby. And before I began my journey into the world of video – I was an amateur photographer. I enjoy both photography and video and often will spend hours shooting sunsets, landscapes, gardens and just about anything that catches my eye. I love to travel and seldom do I leave home without both a video and still camera in my bag.
Of course the title states that I have five reasons for producing videos. Truthfully, there are probably many more reasons why I produce videos – I wanted to keep the article short. Perhaps and at a later date, I will share with you additional reasons why I produce videos.
Reason #1
I enjoy it! I really do enjoy producing videos. Whether its a wedding, seminar, sports event, training DVD, how-to, theatrical, documentary or special event – I enjoy taping and editing videos. There are many Americans who hate their jobs or their present career path. I’ve been there – done that. There’s no worse feeling than waking up each day and having to force yourself out of the door to travel to a job that you hate. You don’t want to go there and you stare at the clock all day – waiting for that moment when you get to leave and go back home. What an existence.
In my lifetime I’ve only had a few jobs that I actually enjoyed. Of course video is number one – that’s why I do it as a full-time business and several years ago I held a position with the City of Austin as a social worker. Although the pay was nothing to brag about – I enjoyed social work. Mainly because it provided me with an opportunity to help others. That brings me to my second reason for producing videos.
Reason #2
I produce videos because I enjoy helping others obtain their goals. There have been times when I’ve personally delivered a wedding video to a new couple and actually spent time with them as they viewed their special day on DVD for the very first time. The expressions on their faces, the laughter, the emotions and the tears of joy are priceless. For me there’s no better reward than to bring joy and happiness into the lives of others.
I recently produced a video for Intel. Receiving feedback from our contact person that their project and presentation was a success because of the video we produced is music to our ears and provide us with compensation that has no monetary value.
Reason #3
Professional and creative development is key to future success and satisfaction. Each time I produce a video – regardless of the subject matter, environment or budget – it is another opportunity for me to improve on my production skills and to utilize my creativity. Although I’ve produced dozens of wedding videos over the past three decades, for me – each new wedding is another opportunity to create something special for a bride and groom. I’m always testing new cameras, taking advantage of cutting-edge technology and allowing my creative energy to explore new and different ways of producing a better product.
I approach each project with a sense of excellence – and I’m my own worst critic. And although I continue to receive positive feedback and praise from customers – to me it is never as excellent as I would prefer. Oftentimes the customer’s budget does not allow for all the “extra” cameras, support staff and specialized gear that I would like to bring to the production site.
Each production, for me, is an opportunity to learn something new and to make this one much better than the last one.
Reason #4
Today’s production is tomorrow’s history. Each video produced is a stone in the wall of our history. My heart’s desire is that one day – perhaps decades from now – some child will view their parent’s or grandparent’s wedding DVD and it will provide for them a sense of joy and historical perspective. Or perhaps a student, in their thesis research or in an effort to complete a homework assignment – will discover a documentary, training video, special presentation or occasion – that will serve as a learning tool.
Thus, with every video produced, I’ve perhaps had some influence on history or at the very least – the learning process.
Reason #5
It’s an honest living. And until I win the state lottery or receive a multi-million dollar video contract – I pray that I will have the energy to continue to do what I enjoy and do best – video and photography. For me it is not work. And when you can find “pleasure” in the “work” that you do – you’re more than blessed. It is a blessing to be able to share my years of experience with others and get paid for it. I’m an artist – getting paid to create art.
Although my profit margin and ROI is very meager – especially in today’s economy – I find great pleasure in serving and helping others obtain their dreams and goals.
Pass it on!
Bruce Blackwell
Since 1982
February
23
2010
Right now American Video Productions is offering small businesses, non-profits, attorneys, realtors, martial arts and dance studios, travel agencies, construction companies and others a 1 to 10 minute broadcast-quality video profile that can be used to promote their business on their web site. Additionally, we will upload a copy of the clip to YouTube, Yahoo, DailyMotion, MySpace, Facebook, Metacafe, Veoh, as well as several other video-sharing web sites. Please contact us today for additional information and a no-obligation consultation.
Unlike a radio, television, newspaper, magazine or phone book ad – your video can be viewed by thousands of people all over the world. Plus, unlike traditional ads, your internet video will be available to the public 24 hours a day – seven days a week – and for possibly an unlimited time period. Once the video is uploaded to the Web – you decide when to remove or make changes to it.
If you’re not utilizing video on your web site and the internet, then you’re missing out on the opportunity to reach thousands of customers. Also, when you place video on your site and the Web – your rankings and exposure will increase among the search engines.
February
17
2010
I recently had the opportunity to create a work-out video near the San Marcos River in Texas. The client, Tam Thompson, 2007 USA Womens’ Kayak Polo Team Athlete & Team Manager, recently hired us to produce the video for her blog. Tam also provided the voice-over for the video.
Utilizing one camera we videotaped our subject from several different angles. The woman demonstrating the exercises had a great workout during our 2-hour shoot – she had to demonstrate each component several times. Of course using 2 to 3 cameras would’ve been ideal – thus, cutting down on the amount of required shooting time. Our desire was to make the workout presentation more than one-dimension.
In a perfect world and a budget without limits we would use multiple cameras, multiple locations and probably shoot for a number of days, and under various lighting and weather conditions. Sometimes, and – more often than not – our vision exceeds our budget and time allowance. We approach every video project with a sense of excellence. Our heart’s desire is to achieve perfection on every production – whether staged or not. And utilizing less-than broadcast-quality equipment is never acceptable.
For me, producing video is not just a job – its art – always. Its more than just a presentation – its history, digitally recorded for the world stage. Anything less-than-perfect is not acceptable. And when its not perfect, because of some mistake, or a lack of time or budget – its not art. Its just tape – and that’s not good enough.
Enjoy your work-out.
February
7
2010
Have you ever thought about producing a documentary? Often referred to as a life-story, a documentary is a true account about an era, person or persons, company, city, country, etc that is factual.
One of the major challenges for the documentary maker is research and gathering of facts. But having as much accurate information as possible is key to the overall integrity of the production. We are accustom to viewing documentaries on television and cable outlets such as PBS, A & E, Biography and the History Channel. The final length can be as short as 10 minutes or as long as several hours.
From the production stand point, and especially when interviewing people, it’s important to utilize proper lighting and the use of high quality microphones (preferably a lapel or lavalier).
A few years ago we had the opportunity to produce a black-history documentary about an all-black school and African-American educator from south Texas – Eugene Daule. Professor Daule, as he was commonly called, served as principal of an all-black school in Cuero (DeWitt County), Texas in the early twentieth century. The school was originally called Cuero Colored School and was later named Daule Colored School in honor of the educator.
The documentary entitled “Daule Corlored School – Cuero, Texas” take into account many of the issues facing the segregated South as respect to public education. And although there were both state and Federal mandates for separate-but-equal facilities and accommodations – very seldom was that the reality in terms of this nation’s educational system.
Several months of historical research and personal interviews in Texas, California and Louisiana (Daule’s birth place) provided a great deal of information about the African-American educator and the many obstacles that people of color had to overcome during that period. After several dozen interviews with ex-students, ex-faculty members and community residents, we discovered that despite the obvious impediments and racism – some of the greatest minds of the 20th century matriculated from segregated institutions.
Much like its places of worship, the all-black school served as a source of community pride and unity for African-Americans. And an overwhelming consonance among those who were interviewed indicate that segregation, despite its much-intended oppressive and appalling nature, had one positive consequence – it united a people during one this nation’s darkest periods (from slavery through emancipation, reconstruction and the civil rights era). Many of the ex-students and teachers who were interviewed for the documentary felt that the closing of mostly all-black schools and the forced-busing of African-American students to previously-segregated all-white schools – in retrospect – and despite its good intentions – left the African-American community with a void from which it will never recover.
A short sample clip is available on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-x7q_Le6jY.
The full documentary (57:00) is available free of charge except for a $10.00 fee to cover duplication, shipping and handling costs. You may order the DVD via PayPal:
Please send inquiries to daule@americanvideoproductions.net.
February
4
2010
The question part of our title suggests the need for a two-part answer. Thus, how much should an engaged couple pay – and – how much does it cost the videographer to produce a high quality wedding video? Oh yeah – and let’s not forget about the cost in quality by allowing uncle Bob or aunt Susan – who don’t believe in using a tripod or wireless microphones – videotape the most important day of your lives.
Despite what it sounds like, this is a serious matter. Your wedding day is a special moment in your lives and you deserve the best of everything. You deserve the best cake, tuxedo, dress, meal, decorations and limo. And after its all gone, when the smoke clears and the guests have returned home, the day will be like one of those perfect dreams that you just can’t seem to recapture in your memory bank.
But never fear – you have the photos and video. Right?
How much should you pay for your wedding video? That’s something you must decide, based on your budget. But the costs could range from $600 to $6000. And you shouldn’t view it as an expense – its an investment. An investment that, unlike the cake, decorations and limo, will pay a life-time of dividends. Your wedding video, when professionally and properly produced, will capture the most important moments of your day – moments that you’ll cherish for years to come. And much like that perfect dream – its almost impossible to recall every moment of your special day. And photos alone cannot do it true justice. An experienced and professional videographer – one who does not compromise on quality – can cost from $1,500 to $3,000 or more. But its well worth it.
How much does it cost the videographer to produce a high quality wedding video? Most professional videographers bring a great deal of experience and broadcast-quality equipment to bear. It is not uncommon to find a videographer who has invested from $3,000 to $20,00 per camera, hundreds in microphones, tripods and post-production gear – not to mention the time committed to on-going training and education. I’m not referring to the part-time warrior who holds a full time job and one day decides to purchase a $300 camera from Best Buy or Walmart and decides to shoot weddings on weekends to earn a few extra dollars.
If at all possible invest in the full-time videographer who has a proven track record – one who has invested quality time and a substantial amount of capital into broadcast-quality cameras and support gear. At the end of the day you must decide on whether you’re willing to sacrifice quality for the cheap warrior or invest in a professional that has a track record of delivering a quality production over a period of years.
January
29
2010
In our 27 year history we’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of bands, choirs and performers in producing high quality music videos. Most of the music videos we’ve produced have been in a live concert or night club settings.
Some of our busiest periods has been at SXSW (South By Southwest) in Austin during the music portion. Bands from all over the world gather to perform, promote their label and negotiate with potential investors and promoters. Many bands credit SXSW as the event that provided them with the opportunity to be discovered by the music industry’s movers and shakers.
When videotaping bands, choirs and concerts in a live setting we prefer to use as many cameras as possible. When you’re attempting to produce a high quality and almost “perfect” video it seems as though there’s never enough cameras. We like to video as many camera angles as possible, include audience reaction and participation, gather more footage than we need and use the post-production process to fine tune the final master video. At the very least we prefer two cameras.
For audio we always make an effort to patch into the house audio board or mixer. Our goal is to get very high quality audio from the mixing board while also utilizing premium camera microphones. Probably the most ideal situation, whenever possible and the budget allows, is to bring in our own mixing board, a variety of microphones and cables to do a mixture of sound.
In addition to live performances we occasionally have the opportunity to mix the band or performers’ music with live action and drama – much like the traditional music videos you experience on MTV and VH1. These productions require a significant time commitment, take a great deal of planning and sometimes multiple settings. The post-production process is quite tedious and sometimes hours of footage end up on the cutting-room floor.
Whether a live performance in a traditional music venue or a more elaborate MTV-style video, the final production can bring the band, performers or single artists major returns on investment. Producing and promoting a DVD and sharing your video on YouTube and other web sites can have a very positive effect on your bottom line and future success.
January
17
2010
Occasionally we are called on to videotape a funeral or memorial service. Many families see this as an opportunity to produce a life-history video or keepsake that can be passed on to future generations. The memorial, biographical or life-history video can be as simple as videotaping a formal funeral and/or grave-side service or as comprehensive as a in-depth documentary about a person’s entire life – beginning at birth.
This type of service is especially meaningful for the parent who leaves to mourn young children. When the child grows older they can remember their parent or guardian via an interactive DVD. The DVD can include several chapters arranged chronologically or in some other specified manner. For example, the DVD can include chapters such as “birth-to-high school,” “college years,” “career and special accomplishments or milestones,” and a “family and friends farewell” section.
Some families, instead of waiting until a loved-one has passed on, choose to create a documentary or life-story about the individual while they still have an opportunity to share some of their most intimate thoughts and recollections. The video can include photos, documents such as diplomas and other certificates, special recognition and honors, marriage license and selections from some of their favorite music collections. Additionally, family members and close friends can provide on-camera or audio-recorded testimonials or greetings.
We would like to share a very brief sample of a memorial video we produced for a member of the Baird family (Mrs. Baird’s Bread) a few years ago in Lakeway, TX.
American Video Productions – 888-433-6554.
