Creating online videos is one of the best ways to brand your business products and services and to generate traffic to your website , which will ultimately make you more money. After you’ve started creating your first videos, you may realize you need a few tools to help you achieve a more professional look. I’ve found these FREE software programs that can help:
Tool #1 – You need a prompt.
If you’ve tried producing a personal video talking directly into a webcam or camera, I’m sure you’ve realized it’s tougher than it seems to seamlessly deliver your message, on point, without having some sort of a prompt, whether that’s stickies adhered to the frame of your computer, or one of your wiggling children holding your oversized notes to the side of the camera.
Professionals use a device known as a teleprompter which delivers scrolling text that is reflected from a mirror the camera shoots through. This requires hardware and software that can be very costly. However, I’ve found this FREE software that you can download for Mac or Windows that does the same thing.
Prompt Lite is an easy to use program that you can type into directly or import text and it will scroll your script for you, at your desired speed, while you record your video.
Tool #2 - Instead of talking at people, show them what you are talking about.
Jing adds visuals to your conversations. You can snap a picture of your screen or record a video of your onscreen action. This software is great for “how to” videos where you can visually demonstrate how you do something on the computer or internet.
These are two great tools that will help you create better videos. Try them and let me know what you think. Do you have cool tools you are using to create videos? Share your comments below.
One of the goals for video sharing via social media is to engage customers. Often businesses will develop and produce a promotional video for their organization, post it to their website and social media outlets, and then ask the questions of themselves, now what? How do we get the customers coming back to our social media sites? The answer is: you have to continue to create new online video and other tools of engagement, which also means you need to be constantly coming up with new and creative ideas.
I recently watched a video by Michael Stelzer, Senior Editor of Social Media Examiner, interviewing Alex Wheeler, Director of Digital Strategy at Starbucks about their online video and social media marketing. As you may know, over the past year Starbucks rolled out a new instant coffee product they call Via. Wheeler reports that for the original launch of Via (in just 2 markets) they predominantly used social media to listen to customers who were trying the new product and then when they had the national roll-out a few months later, they asked the consumers to share “Via moments” – whether out in the wild or at the office through both photos and videos. She states, “[social media] technology is a way to extend the brand presence.”
This is a great strategy that businesses can use no matter how big or small you are! How are your customers using your product? Ask them to share that with you and create a photo montage or video with brand stories they send to you. It’s your brand, but it’s fun to let other people market if for you.
If you are reading this blog, it’s probably because you’ve come to the conclusion that you need to post video(s) to optimize your online marketing . Once you’ve explored and scripted some ideas and concepts you know will engage your target audience, you’re ready to start shooting your video. If you’ve decided to produce your first video yourself, you might be wondering if you will need to purchase an expensive camera.
The good news is, you probably already have a camera to get you started. If you have a computer you’ve purchased within the last couple of years, it will have a webcam. You can easily start recording your message now.
A few things to keep in mind when using webcams: position yourself right in front of the computer, and at the same height as the webcam a short distance away. If you play with it a little, you will notice that if you don’t follow this simple rule, you’ll get some warped images. Also, make sure the room you are recording in has enough light and is reasonably quiet and uncluttered. You will also want to purchase an inexpensive microphone and keep it close, as well. (many big box electronic stores carry microphones for podcasting, these will work for this purpose too.)
I know there are bloggers out there who may be telling you not to worry about quality, only content, but try to make your video look and sound as good as possible. You don’t want to give people a reason to push stop before your video is finished playing.
Video shot with a webcam has a certain look and quality, adequate for delivering short personal messages, but you may need your video to look more professional or to be high definition. In that case you’ll need to consider investing in a better camera, or hire a production company who has all of the camera’s, lights, audio and equipment necessary for professional videos.
But, in the meantime, use your webcam to at least record a welcome message for your website, once you’ve posted it, send me the link. I’d like to see it!
I’ve been a film/video producer for 12 years now, and for the last 5, I’ve also been a mom. Running two companies (Sun & Moon Vision Productions and Moon River Pictures, Inc.) and juggling play dates, homework and all the other “mom” stuff for two children isn’t always easy, but I’ve been able to enjoy both passions and to be honest, each helps me with the other. For instance:
Mom’s initiate, co-ordinate and supervise all activities for their children.
Producers initiate, co-ordinate, and supervise all activities for their films (often lovingly referred to as their “babies”)
Moms and producers hire and oversee key figures that interact with their “babies”
Moms manage budgets, so do producers
And moms and producers are involved throughout all phases of project development, which sometimes seems as though it will never end; by the same stroke of luck most films don’t take 18 years to develop and distribute, but children do.
All kidding aside, filmmaking has provided me a unique opportunity to have a flexible schedule while spending a lot of time with my kids during their early, formative years. It has also granted a way for me to interact and learn from a multi-cultural group of mothers and nurturers I’ve come into contact with either as clients or as subjects in my documentary films (Women PeaceMakers Documentary Series.)
To honor these mothers, and all the mothers out there, I’m offering you (mom or not) an opportunity to view our most recent documentary Rhythms to Peace for FREE. This film premiered at the United Nations in 2009 and has previously only been viewable by purchasing the DVD or attending a screening. Just sign up for our email list (or if you are already contact me here) and I’ll send you the link and password to view the video online.
In my last post I wrote about the benefits of using video as part of your overall social media marketing, but just to refresh your memory, Forrester Research reports that any given video stands about a 50 times better chance of appearing on the first page of search results than any given text page.
That being said, where do you start in creating a video for your business or nonprofit? Below are three tips to get you started:
Define your target audience. You need to understand who you want to target with your video. I would suggest having as narrow of an audience so you can so your message is focused.
Develop your concept/story. The overall concept of your video must be well thought out and planned. Don’t expect to turn the camera on and just start babbling about how great your services or products are. That’s not interesting and the last thing people want to see is someone talking at them. Use your video to tell a story and show them how your service or product is going to benefit them, or others (as may be the case for nonprofits looking to attract donors.)
Consider Production – The first question you may be asking is should I self produce or hire a professional? This is a question that can be best answered by looking back at the first two tips. It really depends on your target audience and message and deciding what it is you want to ultimately convey. If you want to start producing videos about how your organization ticks, or a behind the scenes look at your next theatrical production, or to provide a video address to your target audience highlighting your recent activities you may find it sufficient to create the video yourself. These types of videos generally only get viewed online.
If you want your video to highlight your company/nonprofit and products or services and you want it to be something you can play during presentations, display in your lobby and at trade shows, or screen during yearly gala events, as well as to post online, you may want to consider hiring a professional. They will have the expertise to take your creative idea through script development, shoot with a professional camera, lighting and audio, and can edit your piece to include branding for your company. These types of videos generally have a longer shelf life- often being used by a company or nonprofit for a couple of years.
So, what are you waiting for? If you have an online presence (website, social media sites, e-newsletter etc.) it’s expected you have a video. If you need some inspiration check out my websites Moon River Pictures, Inc. and Sun & Moon Vision Productions (nonprofit) and YouTube channel. Post comments or questions below and I’ll include them in future blog posts where you will be taken through more in-depth self-production techniques. Follow this feed or register for the blog so you won’t miss future posts.
Five years ago this April, the first video was posted on YouTube. A year later, in 2006, YouTube reported that 65,000 videos were uploaded daily. In January 2009, 15 hours of video were uploaded to YouTube every minute. According to Mashable that’s the equivalent of Hollywood releasing over 86,000 new full-length movies into theaters each week!
What does this mean to your group, business or organization? Video is 52 times more likely to show up on the first page of Google search results, which is where you want your audience to find you. The rising trend of uploading video illustrates that more and more people are looking toward video for more interesting communications.
Through video we receive a combined stimulation of the visual and auditory senses that creates an emotional response that can’t be accomplished by a website or in a blog post, tweet or facebook message alone. However, simply uploading a video to YouTube in hopes that people will search and find it inside of the site won’t work. The video needs to be part of your overall strategy for social media marketing and embedded in your website, and posted on your Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and other social media accounts.
I have had the opportunity to consult with many businesses and nonprofits about effectively using video for their promotions, and the one piece of advice I always share is: don’t use video to tell viewers something, use video to show viewers something. If what you are offering isn’t showable, don’t create a video or find a way to visually illustrate your message, like in this YouTube video Social Media Revolution that has generated over 1 million views.
Also, don’t post a video just to have a video up on YouTube; the concept and content must be inspirational, educational and/or entertaining or you’ll just look desperate.
After you’ve posted your video and disseminated to all of your social network contacts, ask them to share it and make sure you reply to the comments that people post to the video. After all, the goals for social media marketing are to build community, connect with your audience, build collaborations and stimulate conversation so don’t let the conversation end with you. When you are ready to create your next video, make sure to answer the questions generated by your first video.
Are you using video as part of your social media marketing strategy? If so, share it with us here.
Although some people seem to coast through high school, it seems that most either thrive, or barely survive. I’m not talking about grades here, but rather one’s ability to tackle the emotional and/or social environment of a high school campus. My friend Merryl Goldberg, a well-known musician and professor at Cal State University – San Marcos, recently posted an Artsblog about bullying and it’s connection to the arts. Without outlets for positive expressions of power and competition – like the arts – bullying increases on school campuses.
This day in age when gay and lesbian characters are so prominent in films and television programs (and of course there’s Ellen), one has to wonder: Is bullying still an issue for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth? YOU BET IT IS! In 2000 Sun & Moon Vision Productions released a documentary Youth Out Loud!addressing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues in our schools (Click here to watch video). At that time we reported high drop-out rates by LGBT students because of discomfort in the school environment, LGBT students experiencing verbal and/or physical attacks at school, and ALL students reported regularly hearing derogatory remarks about LGBT people.*
So, what does the report card look like now – how are our schools doing? Not so good, according to the National School Climate Survey released by www.glsen.org. When we first released Youth Out Loud! (YOL! 2000) we wanted to raise awareness about the issues for LGBT students, and those perceived to be. (YOL! 2000 awards and credits.) Since then, many teachers and administrators report knowing about the issues on their campuses, but not knowing what to do about it. Some are generally unaware of the laws and how to implement them and have a lack of resources for training about the issues.
In 2008 SMVP embarked on another “film for good” by starting the production of Youth Out Loud! 2 (YOL! 2) – a film that documents the current school climate for LGBT students, but most importantly highlights stories of successful programs implemented to make schools a safe place of learning for ALL students. Here’s a short trailer from the upcoming documentary:
Production Note: the schools that were more focused on the arts and/or technology had a much more open and thus safer learning environment, than did other high schools. My friend Merryl suggests that maybe that’s because these schools are more focused on what the students “do” and less on what they “know.” She also states, “I know that arts are not the answer to bullying – but it is certainly part of the solution.”
Come join us for a fun event with music, prizes – and of course, WINE! May 2, 2010, 4-8p.m. (prize drawing at 6p.m.) at SPLASH Wine Lounge, 3043 University Ave. 92104 to raise the finishing funds for this film. Call 769-294-8965 or visit our website for more information www.sunandmoonvision.org.
written by Becky Sangha,Producer – Sun & Moon Vision Productions
I recently read an article in Sunset magazine written by Anne Lamott where she stated “You only need to watch the news everyday if your significant other is the anchor!”
I hardly ever watch the news. I’ve noticed after watching too many over sensationalized news pieces I’m left with a feeling of despair and frustration with the world and feeling unable to affect change. I do, however, want to be aware of local, national and international issues, and I want to feel connected to the world in such a way that I know the small everyday changes I make in my life do matter. So here’s a piece of good news: there are many independent films and documentaries that not only inform and entertain you, they actually inspire you… and often even motivate you.
In fact, it seems this is a new role for the independent filmmaker. For many of us who are creating “films for good” our job is not only to produce a good film, but also to link the viewers to options for action.
Our mission at Sun & Moon Vision Productions is to create such films, and we like to promote the work of other filmmakers who share in this mission as well. Next week a local screening of the film Horse-boy has been organized by the ITVS Community and the Autism Society of America. Horse-boy is a story of a Texas couple whose son is diagnosed with autism. The couple seeks the best treatments but nothing works… Until they discover their son’s connection to horses and the effect it has on him. Part travel adventure and shamanic quest, this is a story of how one family found a gateway into understanding their son’s life after embarking on a spiritual journey that takes them half way around the world to Mongolia.
Horse-boy movie
San Diego Screening:
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
6:30 PM
San Diego Public Library
3rd Floor Auditorium
820 E St.92101
Another film that is especially relevant in light of April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month is The Line, directed by Nancy Schwartzman. The Line is about a one night stand far from home that goes terribly wrong. As the filmmaker unravels her rape experience, she decides to confront her attacker recording the conversation with a hidden camera. Sex workers, survivors and activists discuss justice, accountability and today’s “rape culture.” The film asks the question: where is the line defining consent? The Line isn’t just a film, it’s a movement. Visit the website ‘Where is Your Line’ for screening information and resources.
We want to compile a list of ‘Movies that Motivate.’ What films inspire and motivate you?
On March 20, 2010 over 3500 people joined together at Lake Hodges to finish Chelsea King’s run and take back our trails! We documented the event and created this short video.
Sun & Moon Vision Productions produces films & documentaries that inspire involvement in our community, and present a more accurate reflection of women and their invaluable contributions to our world. Chelsea’s contributions will live on in the spirit of her family and the entire community inspired to create change to make our world a safer, more peaceful place. We hope you will consider making a donation to the Chelsea’s Light Foundation. This video is also available on YouTube. “Help, Help Me Now (Chelsea’s song)” written and performed by Truth On Earth – For additional use of this music, contact (847) 565-9732. Feel free to share it with your friends.
guest writer: John Fanestil, Foundation for Change
By law the decennial census is supposed to count ALL residents of every state – there is nothing more basic to our democracy than the understanding that every individual counts. But cultural and language barriers and a hostile immigration enforcement environment will make it difficult to get some populations accurately counted in 2010. Mistrust of government runs high in the immigrant communities of our border region.
As a result California stands to lose out in everything from allocation of Congressional seats to hundreds of millions of dollars in federal government disbursements. For each person not counted, local governments will lose $12,000 over the next ten years in federal funding alone.
In response, a network of California foundations are supporting outreach campaigns to promote immigrant participation in the census. Here in San Diego, the Foundation for Change, working together with The California Endowment, Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees, and a host of local partners, is spearheading a campaign, “Make Yourself Count / Hágase Contar” to ensure a complete count of our region’s hard-to-count immigrant communities.
We envision this campaign as the first in a series of campaigns that will expand our region’s culture of civic participation and contribute to a greater degree of democracy for all.
Sun & Moon Vision Productions recently produced this short video to promote the “Democracy for All/Make Yourself Count” programs of the Foundation for Change.
