June 2011 Newsletter
Video Newsletter
Customer Testimonials
We often create customer testimonials for our clients. They’re a great tool to market yourself without sounding like you’re bragging. We figured it was time to create some testimonials of our own, and we hope you'll check them out on our Testimonials page.
SAF
With everything we create, engaging the audience is a top priority. The best way to do that? Get them involved! Of course, a little singing doesn't hurt, either! That’s the approach we took when we created the video for the Student Advancement Foundation's MindShare 2011.
We rounded up local celebrities and community leaders, from former Ambassador Peter Secchia to Bill Simonson from "The Huge Show", and asked them to sing along in support of Grand Rapids Public Schools. Our editor, Jason, even created a karaoke style setup on a laptop to help production run smoothly.
The video was used as part of the MindShare 2011 event, which raised more than $166,000 to help GRPS students believe in themselves.
Connecting with the Audience
Today, many want their spokesperson to connect with the viewers. The best way to do this is to have that person look directly into the camera. Easier said than done! Let's face it, staring at a camera while trying to deliver an important, impactful message is scary! We've seen it all – beads of sweat, wandering eyes and even the "deer in headlights" look.
Using a series of Teleprompters we can create a way for the on-camera individual to look into the teleprompter on the camera and see our producer (think smoke and mirrors) – so it feels like a normal conversation. The interviewee relaxes and looks like he or she is talking directly to the audience.
We recently used the production technique to create patient testimonials for the Weight Loss programs at Saint Mary's Health Care. The patients took us through their emotional weight loss journey, looking directly into the camera. We think the results speak for themselves. Saint Mary's Patient Stories
Farewell to the Flip cam
After four years the Flip business has, well, flopped. Cisco made the announcement back in April with many saying the Smartphone and the like are to blame.
Lots of corporations invested in these compact, versatile little cameras. If there’s a project that doesn't require professional video, the Flip cam can sometimes do the trick. They're inexpensive and a good way to gather video, generally for internal purposes.
In fact, CK & CO assists corporations that have the cameras. Before the shooting begins, we arm our clients with a few quick and simple tips that can improve the quality of the final product and save time and money in the edit. Our tip list includes everything from how to frame the shot to getting the best lighting and a few steps to be sure they get the best audio possible.
So the Flip cam is on the way out, but there are plenty of other devices to take its place. We just completed a series of videos for Wiley Publishing's iPad for Dummies, which included a segment on how to shoot video using your iPad2. Keep an eye out for the DVDs in bookstores across the country.