Like most atlanta video productions, there are always unique challenges the arise.  The big challenge in this case was an extremely tight turn-around…same day/night kinda turn-around, from script to screen in a little over 24 hours kinda turn around!  We respect and understand our client’s deadlines and work with them.  Luckily we like challenges so we got right to it.  To film the promo video we primarily utilized our Canon 7D which gave a great depth of field and clarity to the entire piece.  It took a total of 5 hours to film and get all the shots we needed including make script revisions/additions/etc.  We filmed at a great café location out in Virginia Highlands – called Market across the street.  After filming we took it back to the office to start editing as our clients needed the piece the next morning for a big presentation.  After some heavy editing we cranked it out to our excited clients.  I think a simple line in they’re email to us said it all:

Thanks for an amazing effort.  We were very excited with the final product!

Take a moment and check out their website at www.ecachemobile.com, you will notice our video featured on their home page.  Along with its use to present to investors, eCache uses it as an overview piece for their website.  Not that I am biased or anything but I have to say that having a video on the home page of your website, social media, trade show booth, sales presentations, etc engages users SO much more.   There is a ton of data to back up this claim in previous blogs of ours.  If you currently aren’t utilizing the powerful marketing tool known as video please give us a call 678-799-7462 (or email us at info@optimumproductions.com). I guarantee it will improve your sales and customer engagement.  If you want to start implementing video but don’t know how, still call us and we’ll give you some ideas of how video could help your company. We’ll even tell you some things you can start doing today… with whatever camera you currently own (iPhone, still camera, etc.) Don’t miss out on this thing called video marketing!

 
Optimum Productions – your trusted Atlanta Video Production partner
 

OP filmed the event from start to finish and created a highlight event video as well as a few short pieces highlighting the winners of the event. There were some neat companies attending like Cox Enterprises, Cisco Systems, AT&T, Coca Cola, Georgia Natural Gas, Macy’s, Turner Broadcasting and more.   It was very inspirational to be in a room full of people and corporations who were dedicated to being involved in their community and giving back.  Home Depot, for example, was talking about how they are building temporary housing for returning veterans to help them get their feet on the ground as inactive veterans.  All of these businesses were running neat campaigns and not just donating money.  They truly understand and embrace their role of corporate responsibility and stress focus on bringing positive change to the world.  After leaving the event it made us question ourselves, what is OP doing to help make a better world?  What do you do as an individual or as organization do to give back to your community?

To film this event video we utilized our Canon 7D and Panasonic HVX200. See below for the final video and let us know your thoughts!

Optimum Productions – your trusted Atlanta Video Production partner

A View of "Bell Rock" in Sedona, Arizona

Sedona, AZ – Who knew that SO many movies and videos were shot in Sedona. After visiting the place it was no surprise. It was the perfect location for any Western Film. I couldn’t put my camera down…I wanted to film all kinds of things.  Sedona is home to the giant Red Rocks.  The red is caused by iron oxide (aka rust).  It is the same element that covers the surface of Mars, which is commonly referred to as the “red planet”.  It was pretty neat seeing it first hand.  Even though it was a quick 24-hour stop we learned a lot and captured some great photography. Here were some of our favorite spots.

The Moon Rising at the Grand Canyon in Arizona

The Grand Canyon – It was a great surprise to find out that the Grand Canyon was just 4hrs north of Phoenix. We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit one of the great wonders of the world. Neither of us had been there before so we just ate up the visual landscape!  I now understand why it is called “THE GRAND” canyon.  It completely surpasses any other canyon and it is indeed “grand”…to say the least.  No camera can ever capture the true beauty or vastness the Grand Canyon offers…  It’s just impossible!  We stayed at The Kachina Lodge (just 90 feet from the rim of the canyon) and focused on sightseeing and relaxing. No mule rides or hiking down the canyon this time around (but trust me, we’ll be back for that!).  Julie was a trooper with all the walking and putting up with my somewhat reckless attempts (her words, not mine) to get unique photos on the edge of the canyon.  How could I not try to capture this beauty on camera, its what I do…I run a video production company in Atlanta and we don’t really have canyons here.  I was happy I didn’t put her into labor though, the closest hospital was 1.5 hrs away!  If you haven’t seen the Grand Canyon I highly recommend going and seeing it.  It’s incredible!

Fishing in Destin, Florida

Destin, FL - For the grand finale we met up with 6 awesome friends in Destin, FL. If any of you are planning a trip to the beach, I highly recommend considering going in October. The weather was perfect (mid 80’s), you could go in the water no problem, there weren’t any crowds and you could walk in the sand without getting 3^rd degree burns!  We rented a condo off www.vrbo.com and got one right on the beach.  It was nice to sit back relax, play volleyball, and go fishing – or turtling….I caught a decent-sized sea turtle.  Don’t worry….he/she is back happily swimming somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico.

Needless to say, it was an unforgettable trip but like the saying goes…all good things must come to an end.  Now we are back to the grindstone in Atlanta pumping out videos (not that it is bad – we actually really like it) and waiting for the arrival of our baby girl in late November.  Be sure to keep a look out for the baby announcement we’ll post.

Optimum Productions – your trusted Atlanta Video Production partner

Before I fully dive into the work that we did for the CMA, I want to take a moment to rant about the stunning beauty of Phoenix.  We’ve been out there two times before – Super Bowl XLII and for a corporate shoot in Glendale.  Each trip was a blurry haze of ridiculousness and we were in and out like no one’s business.  There really wasn’t any time to go exploring.  This time, we had planned a little bit of time to actually enjoy the sights and sounds.  My thoughts of Arizona before this trip was that Arizona was a desert wasteland….boy was I wrong!  From the get go, I was glued to the window like an awestruck little boy soaking up everything.  Who knew that a giant cactus could be so amazing! It’s a different world out there…a beautiful one.  More on this in another blog post.  (See below)

So, when it came to the work, we were very relaxed being surrounded by all of the natural beauty.  Good thing because our job there is a little ambitious.  Like I mentioned above, we recorded the conference talks/presentations but afterwards we burned them onto CDs…. with a one-hour turn around time!  This enables the conference talks to be purchased right then and there.  Over the course of the three-day conference we burned over 1,400 CDs along with multiple DVD’s & MP3 Players!

DVD Case

Catholic Medical Association CD & Artwork

At times things can get hectic but thanks to an experienced team, we were able to tackle the job pretty flawlessly.  We really enjoyed being able to listen to all the conferences while we were busy working. This year’s theme was all about: The Formation of Physicians: Vision and Virtues for a New Era in Medicine. Even though we aren’t physicians and certainly not medical professionals we were able to comprehend some of the messages that were being transmitted. It gave us a lot of insight to the future of healthcare and the individuals who were committed to providing quality care.

Stay tuned for a video client testimony from the Catholic Medical Association about the work that OP has been providing them with – to be released soon!

Our next post will give you a sneak peak into the little detour we took on the way home – stopping in Sedona, AZ, the Grand Canyon and even Destin, FL.

Example of Depth of Field

One of the biggest wants/desires by video producers (and our clients) was achieving that “film look”.  If I had a nickel every time someone asked me why their home video camera footage looked so drastically different from a movie or TV, I….you get the picture.  Basically a million things – image sensors, frame rates, optics, etc.  Everyone wants this look, including us.  We’d love nothing more than to bring this incredible video quality to our atlanta video production clients.  Over the years, the new toys have started creeping closer and closer to achieving that look and feel.  After many many years, guess what happened?   It finally arrived!

We recently purchased a Canon 7D which is actually a still camera used for photography.  Strangely enough, Canon and Nikon started adding video features to their cameras several years ago.  In 2008 the Canon 5D Mark ii came out that had amazing quality, with very crisp video images.  It wasn’t until last year that they came up with the final element to truly give it the hollywood touch.  They gave it the ability to shoot 24 frames per second.  In lay man’s terms – that is what was missing in the camera to make the footage look like that of a movie.  Since then the Canon 7D came out that does pretty much the same thing – make video look incredible.  It has been so wildly successful that it has been used to film shows like House, Saturday Night Live, some major motion pictures, commercials, music videos and other things.  It truly is amazing.  So, not wanting to miss out, we bought one back in November and have been tinkering around with it and using for some of our projects.

There are a few limitations to it – as it still is primarily a still camera but overall, it really is an incredible tool.  It has been a fun toy used to help take some great photographs to be used in motion graphic compositions, amazing time-lapse photography and then really stunning video.  After years and years of wishing/wanting/hoping and praying for an affordable camera like this…it is here…and there’s a lot more to come!

Below you can see a video that we shot entirely on our Canon 7D demonstrating the amazing image quality and beauty that it harnesses as we up the ante in terms of the production value for our videos that we produce.  We are excited about it as our atlanta video production clients’ projects will look even more amazing than before.  Leave a comment and let us know what you think about the video?  Are you ready to bring this kinda of creativity to your business or organization?

Quattro Stagioni

Try scanning this QR code

Have you seen this image on the internet, posters, hang tags and other print materials?  Have you wondered what that funky pixilated bar code image is?  As the popularity builds you will see even more of it.  It is called a QR code (Quick Response).  Basically it is just like a bar code except that it is 2 dimensional which allows it to contain MUCH more information and can be read by mobile devices (like your iPhone, Android, HTC, etc).  The information can be anything from contact information, calendar events, websites, a specific message…almost anything you can think of.  It was developed in 1994 by a subsidiary of Toyota called Denso-wave.  Japan standardized it in 2004 and uses it extensively for marketing, travel, tracking information, directing web traffic, etc.   It is so popular in Japan you see if all over the place in billboards, posters, flyers, TV, etc.

US mobile devices that are data-enabled is on the rise.  ComScore reported in their 2010 Digital year-end review that of all the mobile subscribers…nearly 47% were “connected media users”.  This was a 7.6% increase from 2009.  With this growth in the US mobile industry the popularity of QR codes has been growing for the last several years as well.  As the information age continues to grow, QR codes are beginning to play a pivotal way of transporting users to information.  Speed is the name of the game.  The faster you can drive a consumer to your website to buy, the better.  QR codes are the delivery methods by scanning it on a mobile device which takes you to a website for additional information.  Instant gratification.

A great example is shopping.  For years, marketers have had a challenge working with restricted space for their promotional material telling the consumer what their product is about and why to buy it.  Now, they can still utilize all that space plus place a QR code on it that leads consumers to a website that gives an infinite amount of additional information.  Because smartphones are data enabled, they have instantaneous access.  Promoting a new concert in town?  Utilize a QR code that drives consumers directly to a website to buy tickets right there on the spot.  No more waiting till they get home to “google” it.  Take out the extra steps and drive consumers directly and quickly.

To scan a QR code, you will need two things.

1)   A data enabled smartphone

2)   A QR code reader

Smartphones = iPhone, Android, HTC, Blackberry, etc – there are a ton of them out there.  Find a QR reader in app store or online – depending how your device works.  They are typically free and plentiful.

Interested in utilizing a QR code?  Its FREE!  Search for a QR code generator (like this one), put in your information and it spits out that funky 2D bar code for you to place wherever you wish.  A quick search that I did found this link.  Try it out, its pretty cool.  Once you’ve tried, think about how you can utilize it in your business.  Maybe you could drive clients/customers to that shiny new good-looking video!  What uses are there for QR codes in your business?

Sources

http://www.comscore.com/Press_Events/Presentations_Whitepapers/2011/2010_US_Digital_Year_in_Review

http://www.denso-wave.com/qrcode/index-e.html

Optimum Productions is Atlanta’s premier multimedia company producing superior video production.

For the video, we focused on creating a clean white background with a mixture of still images, live action footage of the arm on the background, supporting B-roll, motion graphics and professional voiceover.  The atlanta product video was filmed in High Definition (HD) on our Panasonic HVX200 and Canon 7D to ensure the highest quality even though it is primarily on their website.  (It helps that sites like YouTube have 720p and 1080p HD playback capabilities)  The video came out great with catchy music, strong VO and attractive motion graphics.  By the end of the day, Kemper had several distributors posting it onto their product pages and have received lots of positive feedback indicating that it is starting to increase conversion rates.  It certainly makes sense that it already is helping Kemper to sell more units.  With all the product video statistics out there, the writing is on the wall.  Product video helps sell products.

Internet Retailer reported in April of 2010 that visitors who view product videos are 85% more likely to buy than visitors who do not, based on OnlineGolf.com results.  (Internet Retailer, April 2010)

Retail site visitors who view video stay two minutes longer on average and are 64% more likely to purchase than other site visitors.  (Comscore, August 2010)

These are just a few to name.  We are currently pulling together our own data that we would like to report over the next several months.  Preliminary results are showing…in Borat’s voice “GREAT SUCCESS”.  In your opinion…do you think product videos help make the sale?  When you are searching for products and services do videos help you make a decision?  Comment below.

Don’t forget to watch the video!  Click the image below.

Kemper Exhaust Arm - Atlanta Production Company

An Atlanta Video Production Company, Optimum Productions specializing in Atlanta Video Production and Atlanta Video Services.

1)   Professionalism? Check out their work
2)   Test their Experience Level
3)   Ask for References
4)   Insurance – Are They Covered?
5)   Lowest Price Isn’t Always the Best

Tip 1:  Check out their work

The first tip is to check out a company’s website which should have their Demo Reel and a Portfolio.  All Atlanta video production companies should have some form of a demo reel and portfolio.  A demo reel is a montage video, if you will, of a compilation of projects that the company has worked on over a given period of time – typically a year or two.  A portfolio is a selection of video samples of projects that they have worked on in the last year or two as well.  This will give you a great idea of the type of videos that the company works on, their style, the professionalism, what they have done for their clients and a whole range of other information.   Does their work impress you?   If it doesn’t, move on.  If they don’t have a demo reel or portfolio, you should probably keep on moving.  How can you evaluate one’s work if there is nothing to evaluate?  However, if the work is professional and  intrigues, impresses, and excites you…move on to tip number 2.

Tip 2:  Research the Experience Level

Video production is a very technical and specific skill-set.  It takes a lot of time to produce video at a professional level.  The company’s demo reel and portfolio should give a pretty good idea at whether they are professional or not.  You are a pretty good judge about that…you watch TV and video online.  You know the difference.  What to do next?  Check out their website and read about their history – how long have they been around, what have they done, what do they do best and how much experience do they have?  It should say on the website.  If it doesn’t inquire about it.  If it does, verify it.  You’d be shocked about how much misinformation is floating out there on websites exaggerating about their experience.  I’ve personally seen demo reels, videos and company descriptions that were not produced by the company or drastically over-exaggerated.  It’s kind of crazy.   If there is a particular project that you like, ask about it.  What was their involvement?  Did they write, prepare, light, shoot, edit, and design it?  Or were they hired hands wrapping cables and moving camera equipment around having really no direct control in the project.  We’ve caught a few freelancers trying to pass off projects of their own that really weren’t there’s.  If a company says they’ve been in the business for x- amount of years, they should have a good list of clients, demo reel and video samples that correspond with that time.  Finally, make sure that they have experience producing the type of video that you are looking for.  If you are looking for a solid corporate overview, make sure they have done them before.  There is a big difference between a corporate overview and a music video or even event video.  Your video content is a big investment of your time and financially.  Make sure you place the project in trusted hands.

Tip 3:  Ask for References

Any professional organization will have a list of references that they can give you upon request.  This is a great way to ask their clients how they performed.  Ask if they were happy, how did the filming process go, we’re they easy to work with?   Any negative feedback?  If no references can be given, that might not be a good sign.  In addition to asking for references, utilize social media to learn more about the company.  Linkedin is a wonderful resource that will have some great information about the individuals in the company or the company itself.  Facebook is another great reasource.  And finally, if you really want to get down to the nitty gritty, contact the clients who are not listed as a references.  It’s worth a shot.  You might find some very valuable information – good or bad.

Tip 4:  Insurance – Are they covered?

It’s very likely that if you work with an atlanta video production company to produce your video content that they will be filming at your office(s), clients’ facilities or 3^rd party locations at some point in the process.  A professional filming process typically involves a lot of equipment – cameras, lights, carts, camera cranes, dollies, heavy stands, cables sprawled out on the floor etc.  What happens in the unfortunate event that a piece of equipment goes through a window…at your client’s office?  Accidents can and do happen.  This isn’t the time to or place to turn to the production company and ask them IF they have the proper insurance.  This is often an overlooked area.  In the last four years we have been asked 2 times about insurance.  Luckily we haven’t file any insurance claims but its good to know that its there in case of an accident.  If they aren’t covered, you open yourself up to unnecessary risk.  Make sure you ask for proof of general liability insurance.  Think twice if they don’t have it.

Tip 5:  Lowest Price Isn’t Always the Best

Price is always top priority, for the most part.  Lowest price, though, isn’t necessarily the best value or option.  Higher experience, professionalism and proper licensing and insurance can drive up costs – but it drives up value as well.  As the saying goes, you get what you pay for.  If you are looking for a professional and creative video that clearly drives a message – then the cheapest probably won’t do.  A cheap less professional route will net you a less than desirable image of your business!  Go with a company that can truly capture your vision.  When it comes to your business, brand, products and services you can’t settle for bottom of the barrel.  Don’t settle for less than professional.  It may cost more dollars upfront but in the long run you’ll get more out of it.

Optimum Productions is an Atlanta video production company that started in 2007 working with small businesses to Fortune 100 corporations.  With a diverse creative portfolio we produce professional videos with competitive pricing.  We have a list of references ready at your request.  And insurance….we’re covered with a general liability policy.  When you’re ready, we’re here.

It’s all great in theory, but assuming here for a minute that a businesses or an organization invests in video and produces a promo video, product video, corporate overview or advertisement, is there proven ROI?

Behavior of US Executives After Viewing a Work-Related Online Video, by Age, Oct 2010 (% of respondents)

YES!!  eMarketer wrote an article on a Forbes Magazine survey on how video is increasing web traffic, conversion rates and ultimately sales.  Their survey revolved around busy business executives.  These are the business executives types that are difficult to get in front of as a vendor or charitable organization perhaps.  They have found that these busy business execs utilize video….a lot.  They utilize is so much so that they found that…

“…nearly 60% of all respondents said they would watch video before reading text on the same webpage, and 22% said they generally liked watching video more than reading text for reviewing business information.”

Another relevant finding shows 51% of the respondents said they “made a business-related purchase” after viewing a “work-related online video”!  If that isn’t proof…I don’t know what is.  See the graph to the right for more findings.4  It’s really a simple concept – Video is a key to unlocking a whole wealth of opportunities, growth, leads – a new future.  This can’t be a missed opportunity.  The writing is on the wall.  Let us help you get your video into production giving you a strategy with professional video that drives results for your business or organization.

1. http://www.comscore.com/Press_Events/Press_Releases/2011/2/comScore_Releases_The_2010_U.S._Digital_Year_in_Review

2. http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/who-watches-what-and-how-much-u-s-tv-trends-by-ethnicity/

3. http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/online_mobile/number-of-americans-watching-mobile-video-grows-more-than-40-in-last-year/

4. http://www.emarketer.tv/Article.aspx?R=1008146&dsNav=Rpp:25,Ro:5,N:498&xsrc=TypesPanel

An Atlanta Video Production Company – Optimum Productions

www.optimumproductions.com