Explainer videos (also referred as whiteboard explainer videos) are short, informative videos. Explainer videos introduce your business or non-profit to the viewer and/or explains how something works. These videos can include white boards with characters, animation, text, and background music. In addition, a hand can be shown  drawing characters, text, scenes, etc.  Furthermore, backgrounds can have color with more visual detail. Explainer videos are a hot trend for websites because they are short, fun, highly visual and descriptive.

Benefits of explainer videos for your business or non-profit

Whiteboard explainer videos can help you connect to new clients or customers and grow your business. These videos are a “pitch” to viewers. They introduce you, your business or non-profit, and what you do. And they do so in just a few minutes.  Additionally, explainer videos are more entertaining than power point presentations or slideshows.

Some benefits include:

•   Information about your business is fun and engaging for the viewer
•   Viewers are likely to want to learn more
•   Website visitors remain on your website longer
•   Whiteboard explainer videos can help simplify a complicated process
•   A lot of information can be packed into just one short video
•   They are memorable
•   Explainer videos boost your business presence on social media platforms

Who can benefit?

All businesses or non-profits can reap the benefits of explainer videos on their website or social media.

• Doctor’s and Vet offices
• Schools and teachers
• Communities promoting an event
• Attorneys who specialize in certain practices
• New small businesses – introduce yourself!
• New products – “How this works!”
• Restaurants promoting new menu
• Most importantly, any business or organization that offer specialized services

How it works

First, it begins with an idea.  What is it you want to introduce to viewers? Perhaps a new business or product. A new service?  Secondly, a script and voice over recording is recommended. (Viewers like to watch and listen.) Thirdly, images are created in relation to the voice over recording. This includes text to stress a point, along with characters, props and scenes. Certainly background music is a must. And lastly, a call to action at the end.

Affordability

In addition to all this, whiteboard explainer videos are affordable. They don’t require a camera person or a day of filming.  It’s all about the editing from start to finish.  In conclusion, here is a link to a recent explainer video I produced for Help Yourself Shelf Food Pantry in Wiscasset, Maine.  To learn more about explainer videos and your business or organization please fill  out my contact form for a quote. Or call (207) 441-7011.

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I have produced a number of documentaries in the past ten years throughout Maine, along with “documentary-style” short web videos.  Some of these media productions are about the arts or artists; social issues and topics.  Some historical.  These projects are the most creative for me.  There’s a lot entailed: music, b-roll, building moods through stories.  But each project begins with the documentary interview.  There may just one or multiple interviews, whichever the case, the documentary interview is the driving force.  It tells the story.

An effective documentary interview appears easy

Some of my interviewees have prior experience speaking before the camera, however most people don’t.  If you are someone that speaks in front of crowds or give frequent presentations, this doesn’t necessarily mean you are at ease in front of a camera.  Or shall I say, speaking before a camera.  It doesn’t come naturally to most people.  The presence of a video camera automatically makes some people tense.  Additionally, a second camera, microphones and lights heighten anxiety.  Ultimately, whether you are a professional or amateur speaker, I offer a simple yet effective guide for my subjects.

Do your homework

Knowing what to expect is key to preparing yourself to be interviewed.  Learn more about the producer or filmmaker.  Watch some of their videos online.  Notice their style.  Does the video seem fluid?  Notice how often you see who’s speaking and when their voice carries over to the images.  Is their one camera on the subject or two?  There are numerous styles and types of documentaries, knowing more about who is behind the camera will help you prepare for your role in production.

Find out how long you are expected to be on the scene.  Depending on the video production, the interview could last an hour or up to a full day.  Short “documentary-style” web videos tend to be on the shorter end, an hour or two.  Likewise, for a feature, it could take multiple days.  However, the scene needs to be set up first:  camera(s) placement, audio check, lighting and this takes time.  Depending on the project, the interviewee doesn’t need to wait around for the set up.  In addition, for multiple interviews, the producer and/or marketing director should have set times for each participant; enough time so that interviews do not overlap and people are waiting around unnecessarily.

Ask questions beforehand

I always welcome questions prior to any shoot.  Should you wear a certain color? Will you be wearing a small lav mic?  What are the questions?  Can you hold your notes in hand? Will you be sitting down? Standing? Or moving around?

Typically, as the filmmaker, I let my interview subjects know that I will put a wireless mic on them and therefore a button up shirt, vest or jacket will do.  I usually check out a location prior to filming so I know what colors the subject will want to avoid wearing.  I don’t recommend holding onto your notes as people either refer to them while speaking or unconsciously play with the notes, which gets picked up on the audio.  Furthermore, I film most of my interviews seated, though I’ve shot interviews where the subject is standing.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions leading up to the shoot date.  A smooth production is one in which everyone is on the same page.

Don’t over prepare

I always advise my documentary interview subjects to know what they want to say, but don’t memorize.  By memorizing, people get caught up in their head trying to say what they want to say in an exact order.  However, this takes away from the authenticity of the message.  And it trips people up and often times frustrates them.  Lastly, it doesn’t look natural; they appear rigid and stiff.

You should receive a list of questions you are going to be asked prior to the shoot so you can be prepared.  Write up a brief outline of what points are important for you to hit.  Think about how you want to say it effectively, but don’t write a script.  Maybe practice briefly before a friend or family member, but don’t overthink it.  And always keep in mind that you don’t have to nail the first take.  This is the beauty of editing.  Don’t be afraid to say “Can I start over?”  Ultimately, if you speak from the heart on what you know, and do so confidently, the results will be competent and compelling.

In conclusion, your documentary interview should be a rewarding experience.  Your part in this storytelling process is meaningful and important.  The producer and/or their team want you to be comfortable and self-assured.  Without you, they have no story.

Click here to view some of my recent documentary media productions.  If you would like a quote for a video production please fill out my Contact Form.

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As a real estate videographer in Maine I get to see a lot of cool, unique homes.  New and old.  In a previous post I talked about some tips when choosing a video to showcase your home.  Now I want to share a few thoughts on how to prepare for your real estate videographer.  The process is smooth and productive when the agent, the owners, along with the videographer, are all on the same page.  Here’s a few things to keep in mind when hiring a videographer.

Declutter

It may seem obvious, but it is so important.  A decluttered home is eye-pleasing.  We all know this.  Every room that you’d like to be showcased should be clean and clear of personal items, etc.  The videographer should be able to go into each room without having to tidy up toys, toiletries, newspapers, etc.  Floors swept, vacuumed and/or mopped.  Counters, tables and dressers clear of items.  The more space the better.  Once the videographer is done you can enjoy your clean house and get back to normal living.  Likewise, the yard should be free from rakes, tarps and bicycles laying around.  Grass cut and garage tidy.

Brighten your home

Video needs light.  I usually schedule my real estate shoots in the morning, before the outside light is too bright.  For instance, 9 am for the exterior shots, then moving into the home after the outdoor shots are complete.   As a favor to the real estate videographer, pull back all curtains and open shades or blinds.  And turn on lights; if the videographer needs to turn some off, he or she will do so.   For homes that don’t receive much sunlight, perhaps shaded by many trees, the videographer may to have set up a lighting kit to have adequate light.  Lastly, check the forecast.  If rain is predicted, reschedule the shoot, even for the interior, as you want the maximum of natural light.

Point out important details

Beyond filming the interior and exterior, inform the videographer about the important details that make the home unique.  Original antique door knobs or century old built-in book cases.  Custom cabinetry, wet bar, original crown moulding; point these things out.  Likewise, the same goes for the exterior and property.  If there is a wild flower or vegetable garden, trellis, unique shed, small pond on the property, make sure the videographer gets footage of these.

Area surroundings

Let home searchers know if your house is within walking distance or close proximity to a beach, a boat landing, a quaint downtown, or walking trail.  Have your videographer shoot some footage of these places. If the home is near a school, maybe mention it.   This gives potential buyers from afar an idea of the the overall community and beauty of the area.

In conclusion, investing in a real estate videographer is an investment that just might sell your home.  Doing some research and knowing what to expect can make the process successful for everyone involved.  Lastly, share the final video with as many platforms as possible, you want a large audience to feel like they are walking through your home and property.   Click here to view my Maine real estate video page and samples of my work.  For a quote, please fill out my short contact form.

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There is a constant debate in the video world:  which is more important?  Audio or video?  Obviously, the answer is both.  But too often videographers put more emphasis on the image quality and not audio.  A beautiful image is what we, as videographers and filmmakers, should always be striving for.  But good, crisp, clear audio is equally important.

In today’s Smart phone era anyone can make videos.  We’ve all watched videos on Youtube and Facebook where the external noise (traffic, crowds, etc.) over power the person speaking in front of the camera.  It is frustrating to listen to.  When I was first trained in video production my instructor told me that people will watch a video if the image isn’t perfect, but they will not watch if the audio in horrible.  Hot or clipped audio is offensive to listen to.  Heavy static is annoying.  And when there is no audio, why bother watching?

Many times I’ve had clients – whether a business owner inquiring about a marketing video, or an engaged couple inquiring about a wedding video – say to me “we really don’t care about the audio.”  To which I usually reply, “if people are speaking, the audio matters.”

Recording audio

One of the first things I do when hired for a new video production is to determine how I’m going to record the audio and with what device.  The built-in camera mic is never an option.  Yes, it is fine to pick up some ambient noise, but like cell phones, these built-in mics easily peak or clip when noisy elements are too close to the camera.  I rely on three various mic sources depending on the video shoot:

• Wireless lavalier mic(s)
• External audio recorders
• Directional mics

All of the above mics connect directly to my video camera via mic inputs.  Let’s look at what each can do to improve a video’s audio.

Wireless lavalier mic:

When filming marketing videos and documentaries I always use a wireless lav mic system.  These also my go-to mic during wedding ceremonies. Lav mics  clip on to the subject.  The wire is conveniently hidden under clothing. These mics feed into my cameras via a transmitter (on the subject) and receiver (connected to my cameras.)  You may notice these mics on talk shows, reality shows and TV interviews.    Lav mics bring my subjects voices front and center.  Yes, there may be external noise in the background, but the mic is aimed towards the subjects mouth and in close proximity, providing clear, clean audio.  The Sennheiser wireless mic system that I use also includes a hand held mic which I use during event commentary or video messages to brides and grooms.

Here are two examples of my use of the wireless lav mic system.  The first is a wedding ceremony.  I mic’d up the officiant and the groom for the ceremony which picked up the bride’s voice nicely too:

The bridesmaid towards the end was speaking into a handheld mic provided by the DJ.  This audio I picked up with an external recorder which I will talk about shortly.

Here is another example of how I used a wireless mic during an awards luncheon for the Holocaust and Human Rights Center in Maine a few years ago.  Normally I would plug my audio recorder into the sound system provided by the function room, but the system did not have an output source.  So I simply wrapped a wireless mic cord around the mic at the podium.

External audio recorders:

I have two Zoom H series audio recorders.  External recorders are used for a number of purposes: recording directly from instruments, sound boards, or speakers.   They provide clean, crisp audio directly from the source.  I can also connect the Zoom directly to my camera via XLR cables.

I use my recorders during speaker forums, concerts, and wedding receptions; usually plugging into the sound system.  A sound check with the sound technician is a must-do prior to recording.  The recorder records directly onto its own SD card.  I also use the built-in camera mic so I can sync up the two audio sources during editing.  I lower or drop the camera audio once the sources are sync’d.  Here is an example from a wedding I shot in 2017. I plugged my recorder directly into the DJ’s sound board to capture the toasts:

Directional Mic’s:

A directional mic (or shot gun mic) provides sound directly in front of the camera in the direction the camera is facing.  It also reduces the sound on either side of the mic – a better option than the built-in camera mic.  Directional mics secure to my camera via a hot shoe and connect via audio input.  I use directional mics mostly to capture ambient noise during events, business web videos, and on location shoots where subjects aren’t speaking directly to the camera.

The example video below is a short marketing web video I produced in 2018.  The directional mic was used to capture some of the ambient noise during the yoga class.  I later filmed the yoga instructor speaking before the camera, and for this I mic’d her with a wireless lavalier.

So yes, audio really matters. A professional videographer should always strive for a great image along with great audio. It can make or break a video.

To book a video shoot please fill out my short contact form here.

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As someone working in the real estate videography field throughout Maine, I cringe when I see smart phone video tours of homes for sale.  The images are shaky; at times moving too fast throughout the house.  The audio is hot or peaks because the person talking is too close to the built in mic.  If you are serious about adding a video to your listing that will entice potential buyers, hire a professional.

More than ever real estate agents and home owners are opting to include a short video showcasing their home and property.  Unlike still photos, a video is similar to walking through the home without actually doing so.  And furthermore, your home can gain greater web exposure by uploading the video to Youtube, Vimeo and social media platforms.  This is key, as you want your home and property to reach the masses.  In addition, viewers may potentially spend more time viewing your listing than other listings.

There’s a lot entailed with real estate videography.  More than most people realize.  Producing a professional video of any kind requires skill, equipment, and creativity.  Here’s some thoughts on hiring a videographer.

Research

What you see is what you get.  As with any potential hire, look at their work.  Most real estate videographers have websites with samples of recent videos.  View their videos and listen.  Decide if you like the length of them.  The videos should be complete and not end abruptly.   Music should compliment the images.   Text needs to be on the screen long enough for you to read its entirety.   Fonts should be basic and not blend in with the background making it difficult to read.   Images on the screen should last long enough for you to get a clear view of each room.  If there is a voice over in the background it should sound professional, not amateurish.  Therefore, you should like what you see and hear.

What to expect from your real estate videographer

In addition to the quality of their work, you want to ask videographers some key questions before hiring.

Understand what is included in the cost or quote

Ask if the quote includes videography and editing; if music is included; titles, etc.  Ask how many hours the shoot will take; how many people to expect (a production crew or one videographer?)  If you’d like some drone footage too, find out if the videographer has a drone and if there is an additional cost.  Some companies include a certain number of edit versions and  beyond that number there may be additional charges.  Find out if this is the case.

Product completion expectation

When the video shoot is over, when can you expect to see the edit?  Chances are your home is currently for sale, or will be very soon.   You want the video to  be completed in a timely fashion.  This needs to be clear from the get go.  If the videographer says it will take a few months, your home could potentially sell before then.  Don’t settle for non-committal answers: “This won’t take me long to edit.” Or, “When I’m done with my other project.”  I always inform my real estate clients they will receive an edit within 7 – 10 days.  Above all, get a concise answer too.

Receiving the final video 

Real estate agents should receive two copies of the video: a brand and non-brand version.  The non-brand version needs to be MLS compliant, meaning there is no branding on the video (contact phone, logo or website information.)  Youtube videos are not acceptable due to pop up ads (advertising) and because of  the videos that play directly after completion.  My delivery is through Dropbox; the agent can drag the video into their own Dropbox folder and create an html link for the video file.  This is the code the agent adds to the MLS listing.  Dropbox is a free (up to 2 gbs) file storage and sharing site.  I also use Vimeo Pro Portoflio for delivery.  Subsequently, the second version of the video, the brand version, should include the agents contact information.  The agent can upload this branded version to Youtube, Vimeo, etc. for showcasing on websites, blogs, Facebook, etc.

In an upcoming blog I will offer some tips about preparing for the video shoot.  To learn more about my real estate videography services in Maine click here.   For more information or a quote, please fill out my short contact form.

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Messaging

I often inform small business owners that the video starts with them.  For instance, what do you want to convey to the viewer?  And how?  Is the video product driven?  Is it a “learn more about us” video?  Or, what we can do for you.  What makes us different.  Or perhaps a combination of these.  The messaging should be determined first and it needs to be clear throughout the video.

Style

Next is:  What style are you looking for?  For example, are you looking for documentary style?  Or a fast, snappy, selling style with products, prices, graphics, etc.  Knowing the style of the video and the message you are conveying are the first steps to producing a successful marketing video.

Length

Many of the the videos I produce are for websites.  Therefore the length can vary without broadcast tv’s restrictions of 15, 30 or 60 seconds.  Typically I suggest a marketing web video to be between 1 – 3 minutes.  This is primarily because many web users have a short attention span.  A quick click will bring them to someone else’s site.  You want your viewers to watch the whole video, not just the beginning, or skipping to the end.  But video marketing can certainly be longer, for instance,  5 – 15 minutes depending on what your message or messages are.  For example, an instructional video could be a series of short 1 -2 minute videos.  Or perhaps you’d rather a longer duration of 10 minutes with all instructions included.  Obviously, you have some options and flexibility with the duration.

Now let’s look at a few choices of marketing videos available to you.

Types of Marketing Videos

Testimonials

Testimonials are third party endorsements from current or past customers or clients.  Your testimonial subjects will speak about their positive experience with your business, your products, medical facility, school or non-profit.   Ideally they are real people as opposed to actors.  Real people resonate with us, the viewer.  They are one of us – talking about their experience with something we, as the viewers, have an interest in.  Yes, using actors is possible but this makes the video more costly to produce and less authentic.  If your business is hiring –  I suggest showcasing current employees.  Likewise, previous students are great testimonial subjects for colleges and schools.

Below is a testimonial I produced last year for The Vicarage by the Sea, a small dementia care home in Harpswell, Maine.  The Vicarage is an alternate to larger nursing homes and facilities, priding itself on a home-like environment with a staff-to-patient ratio of 1 -4.  This marketing video is a testimonial from a daughter whose mother is a current resident at The Vicarage:

Brand Video Marketing

Maine is made up of many small businesses; you want your business to stand out from the rest.  A brand video is a great way to do so.  Introducing yourself and your company in a brand video is a fast, informative and visual way to convey your message to a world wide audience.  An effective brand video should explain to the viewer who you are and what you do.  It should introduce your product(s).  Let viewers know what makes your business or non-profit different from others.  What your product can do for them.  Why your program or school is right for them.

Branding videos may include the business owner speaking before the camera or via voice over.  In addition graphics are added along with photos, lots of  b-roll of the product being made or in use, employees or students working, and lastly a call to action.

Below is a short branding video I produced a few years ago for a private online school for students:

Event Videos

An event video is a great way to promote an upcoming event, anniversary, or celebration that your business or non-profit is organizing.  Having a short promo on your website keeps it fresh but furthermore, you can share the video on social media to reach larger audiences.  Event videos should include the name, location, date and time of the event.  It should include a mention of organized activities and informative dialogue about the significance of the celebration.  In addition, graphics, photos, event footage and music will grab viewers attention.  Basically, who, what, where, when, and why, in a very short video form.

The following is a event video I produced to promote an annual event organized by a small business in Maine:

Lastly, there are variations you might consider when deciding on a direction for your video.  You may choose to combine a branding video with a testimonial at the end.  Or an event video with some information about the business and their event mission.  As long as your message is clear and consistent.

In an upcoming post I will talk about “How to” or explainer videos.  To view more business videos click here.  And to learn more about my video marketing services or for a pricing quote please fill out my short contact form.

The post Video Marketing: Where to begin appeared first on Sweet Thunder Video Productions.

Memorial videos and Celebration of Life videos

In the past several years I have produced a number of celebration of life and memorial videos throughout Maine. These are also referred to as video tributes, or funeral slideshows. The passing of a loved one is a very sensitive time. There is planning, phone calls, and sorrow. Sometimes guests can not attend due to illness or distance. Professional memorial videos allow loved ones to share the service with others. Seven years ago I realized there weren’t many options for people needing a video of a memorial service. I wanted to fill this void in an affordable manner.

Types of Memorial videos and Celebration of Life videos

One service I provide is the videotaping and editing of a celebration of life or memorial service. I arrive a half hour before the service to set up my camera and audio. I film the entire memorial celebration: guests arriving, the opening, speeches, and closing remarks. Back in my studio I edit the footage to music and titles.  Lastly, the video is delivered to the client via DVD, Blu Ray, or video file. In addition, I upload the video file to Youtube or Vimeo upon request. This is a great way to share the service with friends and family.

Examples of a Memorial video

The following video is from a Celebration of Life service that took place in Maine in 2017. Upon the client’s request, the video was upload to Vimeo for sharing with friends and family.

Photo Funeral Slideshow Tribute

Another frequent request is a slideshow tribute. Often this slideshow plays during the service. Clients send me their favorite photos along with music tracks. Occasionally a client requests an audio recording of a prepared script. Once I have the materials I edit the photos with the music. Then I add opening and ending titles. I can include additional titles throughout the video upon request. For example: The 1980’s, or 50th Anniversary. Lastly I deliver a final video to the client. Once again, this can be a DVD,  Blu-Ray or video file.  Click here to view a recent slide show tribute.

Learn More

Each video request is unique. Some clients request a combined taping of a service along with a slideshow tribute. In addition, I offer VHS to DVD transfer services. I can incorporate old home movies into a video tribute. To learn more or to request a quote click here.

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It’s that time of year again for my annual wedding video special!

Off Season Discount – 15% off all wedding packages November 9th through May 2nd, 2020. 

I’ve been offering this wedding video specials since I started my business in 2009. The wedding videography savings range from a $68  off of the Maine Ceremony Package, up to $240 off of The Works Package.

Wedding Video Special Highlights

Below are two recent short highlights from weddings videos produced during the off season.

December 2016 Northport Maine Wedding

Kathleen and Chris were married at Point Lookout in Northport, Maine, the first weekend in December, unusually cold (7 degrees at high noon) and snow already on the ground. Thankfully their ceremony was indoors and their reception, in the main function room, had a lovely fireplace. Kathleen and Chris chose the Maine Wedding Package (5 hours of video coverage) which was perfect for their day; I was even able to work in their First Look prior to the ceremony.

Springtime Maine Wedding 2017

The film below was created in April of this year at Maine Lakeside Cabins in Caratunk, Maine. There was still snow on the ground in some areas at the site, but you could hardly notice. Amber and Kyle’s ceremony was on the platform by the water (temps were actually warm – about 60 degrees) and their reception held in two locations on site: the upstairs dining room for dinner and toasts, and the barn for dancing. The couple also chose the Maine Wedding Package: ceremony coverage, most of the reception events and I was able to capture a little bit of the ending bride preparations along with some of the formal photo shoot with the still photographer.

Three of my four wedding packages also include a short highlight in addition to the longer version.

Check out more highlights on my wedding page or on my Vimeo page.

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