Video Press Releases

Skillman Video Group is now offering a Video Press Release service! Video press releases (VPRs) are essentially an a video version of a traditional press release.   They are a fun, easy, visually stimulating and high-tech way of keeping either previous, potential or existing clients updated on your activities. VPRs can be used by businesses to inform,  shape public opinion, or to promote and publicize individuals, commercial products and services, or other interests.  In a few short minutes, you can provide your clients with a first hand look of  any new events, products or services that your company is offering. You can send these press releases out in emails, put them on your website, or post them on your social media profiles. Video press releases are also a great way to keep your blog or website fresh and interesting with new content on a regular basis which is important for SEO.  As a basic example of a video press release, check out the video from our recent shoot for Kitchen and Countertop Center of New England in Providence, RI shoot (below).   The idea is to keep the VPR simple and easy!  What is your company doing that is newsworthy or relevant to your clients?  Call us today to do your own video press release!

Corporate Viral Video Of The Week: Pedigree Dogs

Welcome to week two of Skillman Video Group’s “Corporate Viral Video Of The Week” series.  Let’s review some of the characteristics of a successful corporate viral video outlined in last week’s blog. The most important rule is of course to keep it simple. Too many characters and too much back and fourth dialog is too much work. The average, cubicle bound, corporate viral video viewer does not have the time to get caught up in an elaborate story.  This week’s video is from Pedigree Dog Food and it exemplifies many of the traits that make viral videos successful. This video was added last week and it already has over 700,000 hits. They opted to go as far no dialog at all. Instead, they focus on the physical feats of the dogs. The video is fun and lighthearted without trying too hard. The video also has a cool bit of production work. By showing the dogs slow motion while using a camera with a high frame per second rate, the viewer is able to see every minute movement of the dogs. The slow motion technique is very effective in this video. It adds a clearer view and a heightened anticipation to the dogs’ tricks.

Naturally, the videos that go viral are the videos with the most mass appeal. Companies are constantly trying to make videos that are funny but also work for a broad audience. This video exemplifies one of the sure fire rules to achieve that mass appeal: Put a dog in your video. If the words “dog”, “kitten”, or “puppy” are in the title of your video you’re almost guaranteed a million hits. Everyone loves to see dogs perform zany antics; you can’t help but smile.  The video with the most mass appeal is the most successful viral video. Check back in for next week’s Corporate Viral Video Of The Week.  Or call Skillman Video Group to see what kind of viral video we can do for you!

The Rise of the “Searchmercial”

We live in a world where the company name Google becomes a verb if you need to find someone, a business, or information.  If we don’t know something, we “Google it”.  This concept was alien to most of us 5-10 years ago, and now it is standard operating procedure for consumers and businesses alike.  Companies are constantly trying to figure out how they can use search engines like Google to their highest advantage. With the rise of YouTube and more advanced searching capabilities, Internet searches are involving video more than ever, and now is the best time to get your message across with a professional “searchmercial” video.

So what exactly is a “searchmercial”?  A blog written by RealSEO talks about the increasing need for searchmercials among small to medium businesses.  It is simply a web video that can be found on search engines so customers and clients can find your business. Searchmercials are between 30-90 seconds long and briefly explain you and your company, what service you provide, and any special offers going on.  These web videos allow you to target your audience effectively, so the viewers become your customers. 68% of Internet users watch video ads.  68%!  And as we previously pointed out, it is only expected to grow in the coming year. Television commercials a)  can cost an arm and a leg in addition to your bank account, b) you can only use it a select number of times, and c) there isn’t an immediate feedback on the success of the commercial after it airs.  The beauty of a “searchmercial” is that you can take the level of quality of a traditional TV commercial, for a 1/4 of the price, and use the power of the Internet to reach the customers whenever you want, AND receive immediate feedback on the success (utilizing Google Analytics)!

With web video becoming more popular, the blog states that Internet companies like Google and Yellowpages.com are making their sites more conducive for web video advertising so that companies can be found by clients.  The phonebook is transferring to the Internet, and in addition to being found with a website, you can be found with a quality web video that speaks more than words on a page ever could. Those 68% of Internet users (and rising) will see your ad, visit your web site, and pick up the phone and call.  That is what we call a hight “rate of return” on your investment.  But how do you want to be perceived?  That is where Skillman Video Group comes in. The blog also states that among small to medium businesses, 75% prefer a custom-made professional video to put on the web.  Businesses all over the country (and Skillman Video Group) are beginning to realize that quality produces results!  It is essential that all aspects of your advertising campaign are done to the highest quality, including your web video, so your clients know you are professional, experienced and the best in your field!  Skillman Video Group is here for you to help market your brand on Internet with a professional high-quality “searchmercial.” Skillman Video Group has the professional equipment and expertise to make you look and sound your best to your clients, and the partnership with QLegal to help you take that video and optimize it on the Internet to get the highest rate of return for your investment.  These Internet viewers’ first impression of  your service or product will be from your web video, so it MUST look and sound good!  With your Skillman Video Group “searchmercial”, your clients will see that you have arrived into the new decade, you will have more control over what you can do with your video, and you can track its success.  2010 is here and roaring – Contact us today for pricing!!

Grow your business in 2010 with a professional Internet marketing video!

This time of the year, there are lots of blog posts and articles about how you can “Grow your business in 2010″, but it can be difficult to sift through the plethora of information and find what really works for your type of business.  If you read our post on Professional Video in Social Media (scroll down), you will see that one of the biggest areas of growth in 2010 is Internet video marketing with over 40% growth projected for this genre in the coming year.  If these trends come to fruition, then a day is coming when businesses will no longer see web marketing videos as a luxury but a necessity and a key tool in their overall marketing strategy.     As we have stated before it is imperative in any marketing endeavor  to look and sound your best.  Using professionals to shoot and edit your videos will result in a better quality product and give you a much higher rate of return on your investment then if you tried to do it yourself without the proper equipment,  training or experience.  Quality does matter to your audience and our goal as professionals  is ultimately to translate those viewers – into clients!  A high-quality corporate or marketing video from Skillman Video Group can be the key to kick start your business in the new decade.

In researching some of the most popular ways video is going to expand over the next few years, we came across a couple blog postings listing and describing 42 different ways to use video on the Internet for your business (yes – 42 different ways).  They were rated by the authors by Popularity and Growth Potential.  A summary of all of these types can be found on Reel SEO and the original posting with descriptions can be found with One Market Media.  There are so many ways you can grow your business with a professional video, but to save you some time we thought that we would highlight some of the video categories that got the highest rating in both Popularity and Growth Potential, so you can start brainstorming now about what kind of video Skillman Video Group can do for you.

• Customer Testimonials/Success Stories
• Man-in-the-Street Interviews
• Product Presentations/Demonstrations/Reviews
• Visual Stories
• Corporate Overview
• Staff Presentations
• Training Video/Employee Orientation
• Just-in-time Learning
• Internal Communications
• Health, Legal, & Safety
• Internet Commercials/Viral Video/Email Video
• Content Marketing (Huge Growth Potential)
• Landing Pages/Microsites
• Video Press Release/Community Relations Video
• Event Presentation Video
• In-Store video
• Mobile Video

The producers at Skillman Video Group have years of experience helping businesses like yours see real growth in their market share through the use of web marketing videos.  We have the cutting edge, professional equipment needed to create your perfect corporate or marketing video, for either your web site, DVD distribution or e-mail marketing campaign.  The producers at Skillman Video Group also have experience in leveraging the power of social media sites (such as Youtube.com or FaceBook) and Search Engine Optimization techniques to attract new viewers to your site and increasing your overall  web presence on all major search engines.   2010 is here, start it off with a bang – Contact us today to learn how!

How to Prepare for Speaking on Camera

Skillman Video Group specializes in marketing videos for both large corporations and small businesses in the Boston area and all of New England.  As we have said in previous blog posts (feel free to scroll down and check them out) in this day and age of Internet social media, viral videos, and Internet (or “inbound”) Marketing, a great professional corporate video from Skillman Video Group is a great way to market your product or service, build brand awareness, and increase sales.  Creating repore with viewers who come to your site by adding the “human touch” through the use of the video medium, can not only help you reconnect you with former clients, but also open the door for new clients to feel instantly connected to what you and  your business stand for.

As you can see in our Portfolio page, many business leaders and employees have courageously stepped forward and placed themselves in front of the camera  to speak  about their company and the services they offer.  For some (and maybe for you), this is an entirely new experience and as we have said before, it is not as easy as it looks!  The professionals at Skillman Video Group recognize this and are ready and willing to help!  The whole experience of “lights, camera, action!” can be daunting (trust us when we say we’ve seen it before), but if the speaker is properly prepared for the shoot, it will go quickly and smoothly.  With this in mind, Christina Skillman, Sr. Producer and Principal at SVG and the production professionals at Skillman Video Group willingly stepped out from behind the camera and created a short “How To” video to highlight some of the pre-production work and planning that goes into creating the ideal “Talking Head”/interview video.  A marketing video can take many forms, but the simple interview or talking head format is one of the easiest and cost effective forms available.  From pre to post-production they can be completed in just a matter of days!

So there you have it!  There are so many factors that need to be taken into consideration when making a professional corporate video -from the room selection, to the clothes, to the microphone & lighting, to the on-screen mannerisms – it can seem overwhelming to the novice.  But with this kind of preparation, and with the skill and experience of the professionals at Skillman Video Group, it’ll be a breeze!  As a business owner it is in your best interest to look and sound your best in whatever marketing endeavor you pursue,  and we will be there to help you every step of the way.   Feel free to check out our previous work to get some ideas about what Skillman Video Group can do for your business!  Contact us today to set up a free consultation on what our video production and Internet Marketing services can do to help your business grow in 2010!

Capturing Clean Audio in a Professional Video

Ok so  we here at Skillman Video Group are always preaching that in any corporate marketing or promotional video  should always look and sound good.  No matter what platform you chose to embed your videos on, such as your  web site, or on Social Media sites like YouTube.com or Facebook.com – your viewers  will appreciate quality!

We’ve talked a lot about how video should look good (see previous posts!), but a very important component of professional video production is the audio.  The best lit video in the world is useless if the audio comes out fuzzy, muffled, too “hot” or otherwise inconsistent.  Audio in professional corporate video production needs to be clean, crisp, and clear so your audience is never distracted from your message.

What’s the difference between “professional” vs “amateur” audio you ask?  First, it’s the equipment. Skillman Video Group uses only top-of-the-line audio equipment which insures the best sound recording at any shoot.  We only use  industry-standard professional XLR cables and microphones.  We may utilize three different types of microphones depending on the type of shoot.   Each has its own unique use and function and the audio specialists at Skillman Video Group know what equipment to use in any given situation to capture clean, clear audio.

• Shotgun Mic: A “shotgun mic” is a highly directional microphone that may be hand-held or mounted on a boom. It is best suited for capturing “natural” or “environmental”  sounds like at a party, the sounds in nature (bird chirping etc), or the excited chattering of a group of children – and these are just a few examples.  It picks up the nuances of the shoot’s environment and gives a realistic feel for how the voices and sounds naturally echo.  Marketing videos looking to showcase the environment of a working location is an example where a shotgun mic would be used.
• Wireless Lavaliere Mic: A “lav” mic is a portable microphone that hooks around neck or is clipped to clothing. Also known as a necklace, lapel, or pendant microphone.   It has a wireless transmitter that is placed either on a belt or in a pocket of the speaker, and is transmitted to a receiver connected to the camera.  These are most popular in television and video production when it is important to get clean and crisp audio from the person or persons speaking on camera.  It is best suited when the focus is on the speaker and not on surrounding sounds.  A “talking head” video is an example where a lav mic is best suited.
• Wireless Handheld Mic Similar to the wireless lavaliere, the wireless handheld is perfect for the “Man on the street” type of interviews commonly used on the news broadcasts.  While the audio will sound the same as a wireless lavaliere (when held towards the mouth), it is an entirely different visual.

The 2nd component of capturing great audio is the actual shoot location.   The location of the shoot is just as important as the type of microphone being used.  If capturing clean audio is the top priority (and remember every video is different), then the location of the shoot must be relatively sound-proof and distraction free.  Doors opening and closing in the background and/or phones ringing  will all be distractions from the speaker’s words and can potentially ruin the “take” (which trust us when we say if it is going to happen, it will be right in the middle of your best take and we will have to start over).  The video producers and audio technicians at Skillman Video Group are all highly skilled in minimizing and removing such distraction from even the busiest office space.  We’ve seen (or shall we say heard) it all!

The third component of capturing great audio is the actual content (or words being spoken).  It is important to practice beforehand what you are going to say in order to speak fluently and clearly without the regular “ums” and “ahs”.  It is NOT as easy as it looks!   The producers at Skillman Video Group will offer coaching during the shoot but practicing before will help the shoot to go more smoothly – which ultimately will save you time and money in the long run.

What separates video from other mediums out there is that your audience will be able to see AND hear you.  While the nature of video is what makes it the most effective format for building trust and rapore with potential customers, it can be disastrous to your brand and message if not handled correctly.  All these various options also highlights the point that pre-production planning is very important to the success at any shoot.  The video producers at Skillman Video Group work with our clients to discuss shoot locations, lighting AND audio options all before the camera crews arrive.  Call today to find out how Skillman Video Group can help your business!

The Essential “B-Roll”

B-roll is one of the most essential parts of any professional video; however it is probably the area that is least thought about!!  What is it?  In the video production industry, “B-roll” refers to additional video clips that supplement and add to the main purpose of the video.  You see it all the time in the news.  For example, when a journalist is interviewing a firefighter about a home burning down, the B-roll is the video that is shown of the actual fire while you can hear the firefighter speaking underneath it.  The video of the firefighter speaking on camera is the “main” footage, and the video of the burning house is the “B-roll”.

So what kind of B-roll would enhance YOUR professional video done with Skillman Video Group?  When creating a video to market and represent your company, think about what other visual images can further your message and really drive the point home to the viewers.  It is important that the images are not chosen at random, but directly correspond with what is being spoken in the video.  (ex. Fireman speaking about a fire, B-roll of the burning house!)  When Skillman Video Group does a video where B-roll is incorporated, we’re always thinking about what images can supplement the message and welcome our clients feedback about what is the most important images to capture, and what is best left out.  Here are just a few examples from us how you can enhance your video with B-roll (just to get your ideas rolling):

• When explaining how to do something in a training video, like repairing brakes on a car, have some B-roll of someone actually replacing the brake pads to better demonstrate the process to the viewers at home watching it on their computer or TV.
• If you are a lawyer describing your legal techniques, then shots of a courtroom, legal papers, or you in your office on the phone would be appropriate B-roll.
• When describing your company as a whole, then shots of your current office, signs, or the people working in it will supplement the “talking head” interview
• A tour video would not just include one person describing a company or a campus, it would include shots of the buildings, scenery, and notable sites with the audio from the interview underneath

B-roll is any image you want it to be as long as it supplements what is being said by the person being interviewed or speaking on camera.  It is yet another option you have in creating your ideal professional corporate video!  Adding B-roll footage to your video will take full advantage of the visual medium and professionals at Skillman Video Group know how to use it so your corporate video will have the best possible effect on your clients!  Contact us today to find out more!!

Video Pre-Production Game Plans

“Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.”  – Paul J. Meyer

Before the Patriots take the field on any given Sunday, they have spent countless hours  planning, strategizing,  and practicing.  Sometimes for days or weeks before “game day”!  Without these precious hours of preparation, the overall game plan would be chaos -  players would run around like mad, Tom Brady would have to chuck the football carelessly (and without adequate protection), and the Patriots would NEVER be able to win a Super Bowl!!

Likewise, in professional video production, pre-production and planning is a necessary step before lights, before cameras, and before anyone ever says “action!”.  The entire team, talent, crew, and producers need to be on the same page about the vision for the video, the location and timing of the shoot, and the final end result.  Imagine giving a sales pitch but without any notes, research, and preparation.  It is a sure bet things will not go well.  Just like your potential clients appreciate the time and effort you put into your presentations & business meetings, your audience will appreciate the time and attention to detail in your corporate video.  It really does make a difference!

Before any filming happens, the Skillman Video Group producers will meet with you and get an idea for what your vision is for your professional video.  What kind of video do you want?  How do you want it to stand out?  This communication is essential to the process so your video can come out exactly as (or better than) what you envision.  Further along, the script or shot-list will be written and revised, so everyone knows what they say in the video and/or the exact number of shots needed in each location.   Communication between the Producer and the client allows the pieces to come together and for everyone to have the same game plan for the video.  When a date, time, and location for shooting is scheduled and all the necessary preparation is done – magic happens!

Believe it or not, shooting the video is the step in the whole video process that usually takes the LEAST amount of time and the more preparation done before the camera crew arrives, the smoother, faster and ultimate easier the day will be.  Having the proper “game plan” before production starts ensures your project will be done on time and on budget!  Skillman Video Group has years of experience in professional video production and we know from that experience  that planning and preparation is the key to a successful project.  Your audience will appreciate the results from all the time and effort put into a professional video.  As Mr. Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, always say “Measure twice, cut once”.  What rings true in the NFL also rings true in professional video production.  Call today for more information about our script writing and pre-production planning services, or email us at info@skillmanvideogroup.com!!

Collaboration is Key to a Great Corporate Video!

Collaboration is the vehicle for sharing responsibility and combining the knowledge, creativity, and experience of others.  When brainstorming for a new product or  business strategy, teams of people working together for a common purpose and goal come up with the best strategies for success.    No matter what your online marketing strategy, your website is the first place a future client will look to learn what you’re all about!  A professional high-quality video  can be a great asset to any marketing, advertising or PR campaign.  But the Producers at Skillman Video Group can’t do it without your help!  Your ideas, goals and vision are an integral part in a project’s success.  We start by clearly identifying common needs and objectives and we value and listen to alternative views and opinions. Fostering an environment of a free exchange of information as well an open mind for new ideas and approaches is what defines the “Skillman Video Group experience”.

Skillman Video Group is ready to hear your ideas and wants to help transform them into an effective and distinctive video that is unique to your business. What are your creative ideas?  What  goals are  you looking to achieve with this video?   You want to work with a professional group who knows their stuff, will listen to your ideas, and can collaborate with you to make your corporate video the best it can be!  We can even help you market the finished video after it is completed!!!

Need some help getting started?  Give us a call!!  Check out our previous blog posts for some idea kick-starters or check out our previous work on our portfolio page!  The award-winning producers at Skillman Video Group in Boston MA are ready and willing to help you take your ideas from concept to completion.  We can help write an effective script, translate your ideas into a high-quality video, and then help you get the most out of it through our Internet marketing strategies.  Here at Skillman Video Group, we know you have ideas for your video, and we want to make it work for you!!  Call today!

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