Production Stills from recent projects...
Who are we?
BizVid Communications is a San Diego based video production company owned by Bill Gruber and Caz Taylor. Together we have over 50 years of video production experience and we like to blog about video production, marketing and business.
Posts Tagged ‘corporate video’
Using a Virtual Set
September 19th, 2011
At our video production company in San Diego, we are blessed to include in our client base a variety of industries. That’s what makes our business so interesting. One week we will be producing a live seminar for a biotech company. The next week we are on location to shoot a commercial for a new golf product. In all cases, we work hard to make sure the client’s needs are served.
Typically all of the footage we use in a production is captured by our crew. But sometimes, it becomes necessary to buy the footage from one of the may “stock houses” available for that purpose. Let’s say, for example, the script calls for an elaborate set design that includes a wall of TV monitors all of which are displaying different images. While it would be nice to have that built for our purposes, rarely does a client want to pay for such a luxury. It is at that juncture that we go online to find a “virtual set” that is, a video file that can be used to create a sense of the environment we desire. The accompanying video in this blog post perfectly illustrates what I describe here.
Virtual sets are usually created by some young genius sitting at a computer playing with the latest software. The end result is a moving image in which a person is seamlessly placed and usually, most viewers believe that the person is actually in that environment and that it is real. But, if there were a moral to this story it would be that you cannot always believe what you see. Video production companies like ours, are experts at creating the desired mood and selling the message on behalf of our client…..regardless of where the images come from.
Video Taping the Corporate Executive
August 19th, 2011
Often times, as a San Diego video production company, we are called upon to video tape a local executive as part of a corporate presentation. Sometimes this is referred to as a “talking head.” Typically, this person is a skilled communicator and, with our assistance, is able to deliver their lines in a professional manner.
Over the years we have found that there are certain things we can do to make the process smooth and the executive’s life a lot easier. Let me give you some insight as to how it is done with these six simple tips.
First, we keep the information they will share as short as possible. The “talking head” can become boring for a viewer so the shorter the better.
Second, we prep the executive as much as possible. This would include informing them that we might need two or three takes to get it done. We share what the shot will look like….either a medium or close-up etc.
Third, we choose the best location for taping. Sometimes their office is not conducive for taping…too small, for example. So, we will opt for the conference room and add a plant or two to give it some visual interest.
Fourth, we add a little make-up. That might mean some powder on the forehead to cut shine or the light application of lipstick.
Fifth, the director and talent do some rehearsal so that everyone is at ease and the sense of being rushed is eliminated.
And, sixth, we double check the lighting and audio to make sure the scene looks right and the voice will be understandable and the room clear of ambient noise.
If these and some other considerations are followed, taping is usually smooth and everyone is happy with the result. More importantly, the executive is presented in a dignified manner.
The Effective Use of Video
June 15th, 2011
San Diego video production leader, BizVid Communications has helped numerous people and companies in a variety of ways so we thought it would be educational (perhaps even inspirational) to share a few of the categories of videos that will help you and your company grow big and strong. You may not have thought of all these applications or you may have a few more to add. Either way, it will be good for you to view these and be inspired to take fuller advantage of the remarkable medium that is “video”.
First up are videos intended for broadcasting purposes. These include commercials for television, cable and the web, video webcasts, program broadcasts, documentaries, and infomercials. BizVid Communication’s own video blog posts are a great example of video webcasts.
The second category would be corporate use videos. These include corporate training videos, staff information pieces, recruiting videos, employee video newsletters, company seminars or award events and even human resources orientations. Sometimes you can use videos for productive purposes and sometimes you can just use it to present yourself as a fun place to work (which is also productive in a more subtle way).
The third and perhaps broadest category for video usage is in the area of marketing, advertising and public relations. Prospects will see and hear your message and in return, will perceive you more favorably. Often times you’ll make more friends and sell more products and services as the result of a well made marketing/PR video. Within this marketing category you’ll find videos for product introductions, investor benefits, point of sale product displays, video emails, product or service demonstration videos, video sales brochures and even video press releases. In fact, nearly everything that can be done in print ads, phone conversations or sales presentations can be super-sized by using video.
Best of all, the delivery of your video is as close as your own computer. The internet is fast becoming the favorite and most used channel of all for delivering messages. As you scan the variety of video uses we’ve outlined, pick a few that you haven’t thought about before, grab a few that you have… then ask BizVid to get you started.