My Summer with Skillman Video Group I’m Kalah Karloff - I am a graduating senior at Northeastern University studying Media Production, Communications, and Music Industry. I grew up in Marlborough, Massachusetts and I was a Production and Marketing Assistant at Skillman Video Group for summer 2020. COVID-19: The Start of Something New My internship was an extremely unique experience. When I took the opportunity in early 2020, I was planning on beginning my internship in June, as I was selected to be a Teaching Assistant on a documentary filmmaking study abroad program in London for the months of May and June. Then, global pandemic, COVID-19 hit. Although my trip to London was cancelled, I was glad that I was able to jump into my work at Skillman Video Group earlier than expected and get even more out of the experience! I began working with Christina, CEO/Creative Director, and Joe, Chief Growth Officer, in early May 2020, just as I finished up remote classes at Northeastern for the semester. Because COVID-19 had taken over the world, my internship was entirely remote. Having just adapted to taking remote classes, I entered my very first remote internship with ease during quite a frightening and uncertain time. Blogging: Write, write, write Over the course of my internship, I wrote a total of 36 blog posts! I strengthened my writing skills throughout the summer, creating blogs in three major categories:
No matter what blog post I was working on, I focused heavily on SEO to improve SVG’s website ranking and search engine results. Understanding what people are searching for online is key in being able to connect with the right people who are searching for the solutions we offer. Using SEO in blogs involved including specific keywords that would reach our target audience as they search for Boston video production services. During my internship, SVG moved towards wanting to write more long-form blog posts (1,300+ words) to acquire more traffic and attention on our website and blog page. I pitched original ideas for long-form blog content to Christina, Joe, and my predecessor, Lydia. I brainstormed many topics that I felt were important to educate people on regarding the video production ecosystem. Once we agreed upon the most engaging topics, I took on a more educational, research-based style of blogging, as opposed to my usual, concise style. Marketing Video: Ability to Adapt Another significant project I took on during my internship was writing and producing my own marketing video under Christina and Joe’s guidance. At the beginning of my internship, I pitched many ideas for a compelling SVG brand video. We agreed upon a comedic skit that reflected SVG’s core values, appropriately titled SVG has Grit. Taking place in an office, the video introduces that SVG has grit by following the actions of a new SVG employee. The employee, recognizing SVG has grit from an initial on-boarding meeting with Christina, brings Christina various types of grit (dirt, then the breakfast food) to impress his new boss. Not realizing that Christina meant grit as in hard work, the employee undergoes a stunning revelation to conclude the video. I wrote up a script and shot list for the idea, but due to the coronavirus, shooting the video was not realistic during the timeframe of my internship. Instead, I picked an idea I could produce from home: a brand video about myself! In addition to my internship, I took this summer to record and release my debut EP, OUTCRY, and further establish myself as a new Boston-based pop-rock songwriter. So, I chose to make a marketing video about my EP. I constructed a creative brief, interview questions, and a shot list for b-roll before shooting an interview in my room. My roommate was kind enough to interview me to make my video seem more authentic. Video Production Shoots: Life as a Production Assistant In mid-August, SVG had their first shoot since everything shut down in March. I served as a production assistant on the tennis-themed shoot at various different locations in Beverly, MA. During the shoot, I followed COVID-19 guidelines while taking behind-the-scenes photos and videos of the action. I got the crew and talent anything they might need, including lunch, and assisted with moving equipment on the set. Moreover, I took notes when I had some downtime for learning purposes. My notes also helped provide a basis for the blog post I would write about the project. Social Media: Promoting our Brand Furthermore, I was also responsible for implementing marketing strategies for online videos and blog posts. I managed SVG’s Boston video production company pages on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook. I also presented proposals on new marketing ideas for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and prepared a more in depth presentation on B2B marketing on Twitter for Christina and Joe. On the whole, my internship with Skillman Video Group was certainly not what I expected because of the sudden impact of COVID-19, but I took away a great amount of valuable lessons and knowledge. I learned how to navigate being a production and marketing assistant remotely, further developing my communication skills and proactiveness. I strengthened my writing and promotion skills, while seeing firsthand how production operates in this new world. As I move towards completing my undergraduate career at the end of 2020, I am considering opportunities in producing and writing for entertainment. This internship brought me one step closer towards my career goals.
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Charlie Maher Tennis Shoot: Discovery to Production For Skillman Video Group In March 2020, video production across the globe came to a screeching halt due to the spread of COVID-19. The pandemic has had a detrimental effect on the film, television, and media production industry. Many blockbuster films originally scheduled to be released between March and November were postponed or canceled around the world. Productions across the country were put off indefinitely just as companies were about to hit their busy seasons. Production in Massachusetts has been feeling the same effects as the rest of the world. Over the past five months, Boston production company, Skillman Video Group, has been working in an entirely remote environment, while waiting anxiously to get back on set. In mid-August, as Massachusetts slowly began to re-open, the waiting was over - a great opportunity to work with Charlie Maher on a tennis shoot arose. This shoot is a prominent example of our adaptability, boldness, and passion for our work. It was only fitting that we worked with a client on this project who is as driven as us! We first met Charlie in 2016. Charlie wants to become a nationally ranked tennis player and a sponsored athlete. Charlie is among an older crowd in the tennis community - he wanted his video to communicate that he is an inspiration for people who are “aging” and still playing sports. Although the timing wasn’t quite right to execute his tennis video in 2016, Charlie came back to us in early 2020 to finally begin his project. Although the project was interrupted by a global pandemic, once we were able to get out in the field, we persevered and delivered an incredible result. We were happy to take Charlie through the Discovery, Strategy, Creative, Planning, and Production steps of the Skillman Video Group process in such unusual circumstances. Discovery: A Fresh Start In the first phase of the process, Discovery, it is our responsibility to gain as much information about the client as possible. We sat down with Charlie Maher for our discovery meeting in March, hours before Massachusetts was shut down due to COVID-19. This was our last in-person meeting for a while. During our two hour meeting, we learned Charlie’s story, nailing down exactly what makes him unique, what story he wanted to tell, and why people should care about his story. Once we had a better understanding of his vision, both parties had a hand in discussing the style that would best portray his remarkable qualities in the tennis community. He presented us with a motivating, fan-made Nike video he wanted to use as inspiration. After gaining more insight from the video, we decided that exhilarating and impactful storytelling was going to be a significant factor in communicating Charlie Maher’s brand and value proposition. Strategy: The Love of the Game During the Strategy phase, we work with our clients to realize key themes of the video, which are the overall values or moods of the project. We also uncover the client’s key messages of their video project to figure out what will be directly communicated in the narrative of the video. The Strategy process with Charlie was an informative and helpful experience. Our client wanted to communicate that although he is a part of the older tennis community, he is still driven, relentless, and competitive, with a deep passion for the game. Since those attributes served as the key themes for the video, we knew that we were going to have to use visuals to communicate those values and establish mood. Additionally, our client informed us that he wanted the story of the video to break down stereotypes regarding age and encourage others to chase their dreams no matter what. Since those ideas could be better explained through dialogue and narrative, they became the key messages of the video. Charlie wanted us to film him in action. We decided to film him playing tennis on multiple different courts and training grounds to showcase his experience and passion for tennis. We chose to interview him on the tennis court to communicate his message in an authentic, unscripted video. Creative/Concept: Down the Line After deciding on the key themes and messages, we moved onto the Creative phase. In this phase, we worked with Charlie to figure out how to visually reinforce the key themes and messages. We also put together a shot list to guide us in capturing the right material on our shoot day, which included dramatic shots of Charlie working hard at his sport and training relentlessly. We also prepared a list of interview questions to ask our client in order to showcase his value proposition. Since we were shooting Charlie in action on tennis courts, we chose to use a Steadicam to capture his maneuvers. We also shot Charlie’s interview on the Steadicam as well. Steadicams isolate the camera from the operator’s movements, allowing for smooth, dynamic shots. The increased mobility and flexibility of a Steadicam reflects the dynamic nature of tennis. This was especially helpful in capturing Charlie’s sudden leaps towards the ball and precise footwork. If we were to use a static tripod to capture Charlie playing tennis or telling us his story, the shot would not reflect the dynamic nature of the sport, Charlie’s ambitious personality, or the messages we were trying to communicate. Although playing tennis is deemed safe under Massachusetts COVID-19 guidelines, we still had to put precautions in place. We needed the smallest crew possible, which consisted of a total of six people. We were also shooting outdoors, so staying mindful of weather conditions and planning for a rain date was essential to the success of the video. Planning/Pre-Production: Approach The Planning Phase of the Skillman Video Group process involves the technical and logistical details the crew needs in order for the shoot to run smoothly. Because of COVID-19, there was a long gap between our meetings and the actual shoot day. Although we were supposed to shoot at the end of May, we had to wait for the tennis courts to open again. Come August, we were finally able to schedule the shoot. Because we, Skillman Video Group, are also well versed in tennis, we were able to find private tennis courts for our shoot. We made certain that we marked off outdoor tennis courts for our production and booked a private, indoor tennis court. Since we were shooting at three different locations in Beverly, MA (Beverly High School, Bass River Tennis Club, and Beverly Golf and Tennis), a fair amount of planning for travel took place to ensure the production day ran smoothly and the crew was in the right places at the right times. Out of all the video production companies in Boston, we’re not sure how many others are experts in production and tennis! Production: Unprecedented Times Once we arrived on set for our full-day shoot, we realized the unprecedented nature of the shoot. The crew wore face masks and had to be mindful of social distancing at all times. We set up outside an empty outdoor tennis court and began the day by shooting b-roll and clean audio of Charlie displaying different tennis techniques. We even had our audio operator capture audio of Charlie’s shoes squeaking against the court for another layer of clear sound. Adding in that extra bit of work will take your video to the next level. Shooting at a public outdoor tennis court did not come without challenges. We had to deal with the sound of traffic and other tennis players shouting on neighboring courts, as well as avoid getting the parking lot and cars in the background of the shots. Neglecting to notice any element that might distract from your main message can greatly decrease the quality of your video, so it is important to remain detail-oriented while shooting. Additionally, Charlie went through various outfit changes and we moved to neighboring courts to make it look like we were shooting across multiple different days to showcase Charlie’s hardworking personality. We captured b-roll of Charlie playing tennis in slow motion for both dramatic effect and to provide more options in post-production. We also staged shots of Charlie training on and off the court. The sun was extremely strong during the outdoor portion of the shoot, so our camera operator decided it would look best to have Charlie backlit by the sun to prevent shadows. Moreover, Massachusetts was under a heat advisory on our shoot day, so we had to make sure our crew and talent were staying hydrated throughout the course of the eight hour day. During the interview portion, we moved to an indoor court. We set up minimal lighting, cleared the court of any extra nets or chairs, and kept the interview conversational. This encouraged Charlie to provide us with more personal and detailed information about himself and his journey as a tennis player. When the talent provides more elaborate information, it makes for a memorable video. We concluded the day by shooting more b-roll at our third and final outdoor tennis court location. Overall, the shoot was a success because of the detailed planning phases that took place from both parties, especially in the middle of such unprecedented times. The next and final stage for us in the process is the Editing & Finishing stage. During this phase, our raw footage is artistically combined into an entertaining video about Charlie Maher’s inspiring tennis story. The Importance of Music
Music touches us - it is a universal language of human-kind. Whether it is being listened to or performed, it is incredibly unifying. Music grants us feelings we can not convey by simply talking. The influence music has on human emotion makes it an extremely powerful tool for us in the world of marketing, or for anyone who produces video. Music in video can serve several functions. It can help craft a wide range of emotional responses from an audience, create rhythm for clips and scenes, and emphasize the overall story, even in marketing. Music adds to the experience of a video, regardless of if it is a blockbuster film, television sitcom, advertisement, or brand video. If you are having trouble understanding the importance of music in video, imagine you’re watching a movie, television show, or commercial, silent except for dialogue. Although some films use this technique to convey a sense of gravity or silence, most of the time, it can be highly uncomfortable to watch. When you’re producing a commercial or another video to market your business, most of the time you want to make your audience as comfortable as possible. A video created specifically for a business might include music so the audience feels at ease and develops a connection to the company. The Role of Music in Your Video Music plays a vital role in video - it is one of the most crucial steps in post-production and is an excellent way to capture attention and communicate your brand. Although music is a key component in video, a beginner may overlook its importance or choose a song just because they like it, which is detrimental to the success and quality of a video. Experienced editors effectively choose music that enhances the video and communicates the main message. Given the thousands of songs that exist, choosing music for your video may seem intimidating, but it is going to help your video and your brand more than you can imagine. As you start to develop your video, the information outlined below can help you better understand why music plays such an important role in your video, and how to choose the right music for your video and brand. Music Captures Attention Music holds the attention of an audience - it shapes emotion and motivates viewers. Whether it is inspirational or sad music, it can be used as a signal to help viewers know what to pay close attention to and how to feel. Music builds value, making a product more memorable as the music lingers in a viewer’s mind. Whether it's a high-energy brand video or a down-to-earth explainer video, you want your music to be personalized instead of using generic stock music. Stock music is a less expensive alternative to the use of well-known music in a video. However, a lot of stock music sounds almost the same - using it might not make your video or company memorable. For example, commercials and radio stations use original, catchy jingles to establish their brand and make them recognizable to audiences. Using music to establish an emotional connection with a brand increases brand recognition and drives customers to discover and share more of your brand’s content. Music can give your business the boost it needs in order to win the war for attention and develop a genuine relationship with viewers. Music Communicates your Brand Music is a key component in conveying your business and brand message. Music speaks volumes about your brand, which is why the role of music is so important in video. Both puns intended, music accompanying your video must be in tune with your message. Every choice you make surrounding your business conveys something about your brand- including music! If you are making multiple videos within your company, music can vary quite a lot from video to video. It’s one of the things that help distinguish your videos from each other. Music reinforces the specific message your brand is trying to convey to an audience and reveals your brand’s personality. Music also establishes mood and elicits certain emotions. With the right music, you can make someone associate your brand with a certain feeling, enabling them to take interest in your company, brand, or product. Ideally, the music in your video creates a positive feeling and therefore, gives the viewer a positive feeling; or it might convey the gravity of a situation which your business is helping to resolve. Think of music as an opportunity to create meaning for your brand by employing interesting musical pieces. Through the right music choice, the customer imagines your identity, and buys into the message of the video. With music, your video, and therefore your brand and product, adopts meanings which are inherent in the music. Selecting the Right Music for your Video Selecting music that is the right fit for your video can seem like a daunting task. Music selection typically occurs in the post-production process, after the sense of the video is established by dialogue and b-roll. However, it is never a bad idea to start thinking about music from the planning stages. The first questions you need to ask yourself when selecting music for your video are: What is the goal (or primary message) of my video? Your music choice should both reflect and compliment your primary message. Who is my main audience? Considering the demographic of your audience when selecting music is an important factor. Knowing your demographic can help you tailor your music choice to their interests. What is the tone of my video? Another significant factor to consider is the tone of video you are creating. For example, a fast-paced video advertising a sports car might contain energetic, heavy-hitting music. However, if you use that same type of music for a somber healthcare company video, it might take attention and credibility away from the message because the song is not a proper fit. Using the wrong music can have a devastating effect on your brand. Similarly, if you are creating a video for an insurance company that is professional and intellectual, you might not want an energetic, electrifying piece of music accompanying your visuals. Instead, a light and simple piece of music might better suit the tone. You should establish the mood of the video you are creating first, and the type of music will follow. If your music choice does not reflect your brand, you are going to confuse your audience and deliver the wrong message. What is my budget? If you are working with a lower budget, you might want to consider using royalty free music, which means that no one owns the copyright to the music and no royalties must be paid. Once you clearly understand your goals and can answer these questions, you will be able to choose the right music. The Finale In today’s digital world, capturing an audience’s attention is more challenging than ever. Therefore, the role of music in video is more important than ever. Online video consumption is growing more each day, and in turn, brands increasingly need to stand out among the clutter. Including the right music in an entertaining and unique brand video is a great way to grab attention and communicate your message. In today’s world, we are overstimulated with digital content. Online video consumption is growing rapidly and as a result, companies constantly compete for the attention of consumers. The expanding supply of audiences sparks a large demand from marketers. Online videos can help create the impact your business needs to succeed. However, all of this online clutter can make it difficult to break through the noise. An important way to overcome this challenge and successfully impact your audience is to ensure that your video has a high production value.
Production value, or video production quality, refers to the combined technical qualities of the methods, materials, experience, and skills used in a production. Videos that are produced with a high quality, or high production value, will look extremely different than those that are produced with a low production value. Production value depends on success in many different areas, such as:
Although there are many areas that go into the overall production value, not every production needs to be incredibly detailed. What works in one situation may or may not work in another. If you are simply shooting an interview in a corporate office, you are not going to spend a lot of time finding the right location. In fact, real video quality is not going to come from prescriptive video production. The videos that break through the clutter are ones that take risks. Everything in video production is permissible as long as it is intentional, which means as long as you are pursuing your project with intention, it is acceptable. There is not one right way to go about video production! Developing your Video Content Strategy As you start to develop your video content strategy, the framework outlined below can help you figure out what level of video production you’re going to need and when you’re going to need it. The most important idea to remember is that the quality of a video has the potential to alter the perception that your audience has of your brand because video quality helps convey your message. Deciding on your Intention The first and most important part of figuring out when quality matters in a video production is to start creating video content with intention. Knowing your intention helps drive the quality of your production. Creating with intention means you need to be thinking critically about what you want your audience to think or feel when they are done watching your brand video. Do you want them to feel empowered? Do you want to come across as relatable? Do you want them to think that you have a high level of expertise in a particular area? If you want to communicate who you are and drive home the idea that you are relatable, you might consider crafting a user-generated video. The lower level of quality that comes with a user-generated video is going to communicate that message perfectly for you. A user-generated video is video content that is shot by a non-professional and does not usually require expensive equipment.These types of videos can reflect a more relaxed, intimate, and personal tone. However, you don’t want your video to end up being too low-quality. This could backfire on your business and diminish your credibility as a brand– low quality videos often receive less engagement than those that are higher quality. Higher quality videos communicate a certain level of professionalism, expertise, and gravitas to your audience. One way to achieve this is to bring in a professional crew to help you convey your message effectively. If you take part in a more professional video production, you will naturally be sending a more professional and trustworthy message to your audience! But remember, up-leveling your video production means you are going to be working with a larger budget. Deciding on your Platform The second part of this framework has to do with your platform. In other words, how is this video going to be used when it is completed? Where will it be shown? Video platforms allow users to create, store, upload, and distribute video content to an audience. Knowing your platform is another aspect of video production that will help you decide what level of quality you should be pursuing. Some examples of popular video platforms include:
If you want your video to be featured on your company website’s homepage, it needs to be professional. The homepage is your visitor’s first introduction to your company and your products/services. This is your company brand, not your personal brand; there is a big difference between the two. A personal brand is built around you– your personality, your attitudes, your interests, and your lifestyle. On the other hand, a business brand is built around a specific identity you create for your company. Company brands are more professional, which in turn, can be conveyed through a professional looking video on your homepage. If your video was created to be put on social media sites, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, it can take a more casual, relatable, and creative tone. However, there are nuances even within those social media platforms, as the different sites achieve different goals. You want your video to reflect the social media site on which you are posting. For example, LinkedIn is a professional website– if you want your video to be featured on this platform, it needs to be professional and businesslike. On a different note, Instagram is a visual platform for a general audience, so videos designed for Instagram can take more of an amusing, brief, and/or casual tone. If you want your video on Instagram to be personal, the quality of the production can be lower. Instagram is also best suited for shorter content, so you may make your video shorter if you want to show it on Instagram. Your company blog and newsletters also act as another platform for your video content. This kind of targeted video content can help you build relationships with prospects and current customers because it gives you the opportunity to connect to your audience directly. As an immediate way to share video content, placing your message on your blog or newsletters achieves great results. Choosing the Quality that is Best for You Receiving video shares is an excellent way to expand your business. A good video, with the proper quality, will leave a powerful impression on potential clients. If you are considering using video to promote your company on high-traffic or more professional platforms, it is crucial to focus on higher video quality. Bringing in a professional crew, who have equipment, resources, and experience, to oversee your video production will save you time and money, and give you the level of quality you need to be successful. A video that captures the attention of your audience and delivers a strong and memorable message is worth a higher video production value. However, if you believe you do not need a higher production value to successfully convey your brand identity, a lower quality video is an excellent choice. Maybe your video is a simple message of you as a business owner sharing your story to your audience; maybe your video is designed for social media and is intentionally taking on the qualities of the casual content on that platform. Remember, everything in video production is permissible as long as it is intentional. At the end of the day, you know your industry and audience better than anyone. You are the expert! Before you begin your next video production project, take that knowledge with you, sit down, and think critically about the following questions about video quality:
If you can answer those questions, you’ll be light years ahead in developing your video content strategy and pin-pointing when quality matters for you and your business. The video production industry is a complex web of different roles and responsibilities. For those who are not familiar with the industry, it can be easy to lump all video production roles together into one big category. However, it’s not quite that simple!
All video production roles exist in something we like to call the “video ecosystem.” Before beginning a new video project, it is crucial that you take the time to understand the different roles within the ecosystem. Once you understand the roles and their functions, you can be certain that you are hiring the right industry professional and be well on your way towards achieving marketing success! The Video Ecosystem: An Overview Video production companies offer a wide range of services, depending on their abilities, in what Boston video production agency, Skillman Video Group, likes to call the “video ecosystem.” Think of this ecosystem just like one you would find in nature: a complex network of interacting systems. The video ecosystem is composed of different levels, from DIY all the way up to a full-scale video agency. There is a lot of variety in these levels, which means there are a lot of decisions to make on what level is best suited for your brand’s needs. The company brand image you create and the marketing messages you send to your audience play a key role in the success of your business. The more educated you are on the video ecosystem, the better decisions you can make about your next brand video project in order to obtain the best results possible. Two significant terms in the video ecosystem, videographer and director of photography (or DP), get used interchangeably by those who are not familiar with the ecosystem. Contrary to popular belief, these two roles are completely different! While the work of videographers and DPs both involve filming action with a camera, there is a significant difference between the two. Understanding these terms can put you on the path to finding the right people to take on your video project to ensure success. Videographer: Think Simple When you think of a videographer, think “simple.” First and foremost, a videographer is a person who works in the field of video production. Videographers tend to take on basic projects and are responsible for recording small scale productions. After all, they are usually just a one-man band with a camera and a tripod! Some projects videographers are responsible for working on include:
When you see someone walking around a wedding or a Bar/Bat-mitzvah with a camera, that’s a videographer! These events are pretty straightforward, which makes them easy to shoot and can usually be carried out by one person. Another instance where you might want a videographer is if you are delivering a presentation on a particular subject. The videographer brings a tripod and a camera, sets up the equipment, and points and shoots. Their primary focus is on capturing the essential moments of the event. They usually do not have control over how the event actually unfolds. Although there is only one simple action to capture, that does not mean a videographer does not experience challenges. Videographers work hard to make sure they are making your project look spectacular. This includes framing an event correctly, keeping a close eye on the camera, and making sure the audio is coming through clearly and sounds superb. However, if your project requires a higher level of excellence and there is a lot more activity happening, it is time to consider graduating up to the next level in the video ecosystem. Director of Photography: The Next Level The next level is a director of photography (DP). The roles of a DP are not as simple as that of a videographer. A director of photography supervises the camera and lighting crews on a film, television production, or other live action project. They are responsible for the visual style of a video. They do this by making both artistic and technical decisions related to the picture on screen. They are also in charge of selecting and testing equipment, as well as understanding a project’s visual elements throughout the entire production process. Another term you might have heard that is used to refer to people who do this type of work is a cinematographer. A director of photography and cinematographer are different terms, developed for similar roles in the industry. Generally, a DP is a more technical term for a leadership job - like a director of a movie, a DP has full creative control over the photography aspects of that production. A more accurate term for "cinematography'' is “the art of making motion pictures.” Typically, a bat-mitzvah would neither be considered to be an art or a motion picture. Some projects DPs are responsible for working on include:
These are the people who have been doing it for a long time! They usually have experience working with top-tier equipment and bring a great amount of creativity and collaboration to the table. Because of this, DPs make clients’ ideas come to life on screen by selecting the proper cameras, camera lenses, and lighting set-ups that deliver the best product possible. Every decision the DP makes must align with the story being told, as well as align with what the director is trying to convey. Picture you are watching a Batman movie, like The Dark Knight. Do you notice the dark, icy blue/gray tint to the movie? Does it arise feelings of intensity and eeriness within you? You have the DP to thank for that! In order to create this feeling in video production, Directors of Photography focus on
Unlike the work of a videographer, DPs have a lot more on their plate. They work on more complex projects and bring a real sense of artistic vision to every venture. However, you don’t need to be working on a blockbuster film set to hire a DP! They work on every level. Choosing What’s Best for You, Your Budget, and Your Business There is tons of opportunity for all in the video ecosystem. Audiences today are becoming more demanding and media-savvy; it takes a lot of work to stand out and grab their attention! Because of this, you need to be clear on your intentions for a video, especially when you are hiring an industry professional. Ask yourself... How do I want my event or message captured? Working with a videographer can be an excellent choice, as long as you're aware of what you're getting and feel it is a proper fit for you and your project. Considering how you want your message represented is a great first step in choosing between a videographer and DP. What is my budget? Budget is also another important factor to consider when choosing between a videographer or a DP. Sometimes, you might be overpaying to work with a DP. If your project is small and simple, (say, you are giving a talk and want it to be recorded) paying for a DP is more than you need. That is an instance where you would select to work with a videographer to better fit your needs and budget! What messages do I want to send to my audience, and how? Not only should you decide on the tone and purpose of your video, but really think about your brand and who you are. The type of professional you hire depends on the brand messages you are trying to send to your audience. It is important to remember that the video ecosystem is not one size fits all. It is a complex structure – for someone who is new to the industry, and it can be easy to lump everything video related together. |
AuthorKalah Karloff is a Communications, Media Production, and Music Industry student at Northeastern University, with a deep passion for the music and media industries. She also likes Marvel, Star Wars, and ice cream sundaes. Archives
September 2020
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