Tag: Video Production

Equipment Recommendations for DIY Video Productions

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Here at Good Fruit Video, we believe videos need to be a consistent tool utilized throughout your organization. We also understand that not every single video may need our professional touch every step of the way. Sometimes it makes more sense to record a video on your phone or laptop than hire a pro. That’s totally fine by us!

But, if you are going to capture video and audio for your professional organization, it makes sense to invest a little bit of money to up your production quality.

In this blog, we walk you through a few tools you can acquire to make your DIY productions more pleasant to your viewer’s eyes and ears.

 

Upping Your Sound Game

Recording audio straight to your smartphone, tablet, or laptop is possible, but the further your subject is from the device, the more spacey and weak the audio becomes. Investing in a lavalier or shotgun microphone will allow you to have crystal clear sound, even if your subject is further away the camera. Room noise is another important consideration. HVAC units and other noisemakers could compete with your audio, if you’re inside, while traffic and wind can mess with your sound when you are outside. We recommend the Rode Microphones Wireless GO Compact Microphone System, W/Rode Pro Lavalier Mic, or the IK Multimedia iRig Mic Video Bundle for better audio.

Turn Up Your Light Game

A poorly lit video with good audio is a podcast. Podcasts are fine, but if your goal is to make a video, you need good lighting. You can make proper use of available light, but it may mean you have to move around to get the right light, and if you’re outside or by a window, the light can change on you without warning. For better control, we suggest investing in a good light for your productions. We recommend the Lumecube Panel GO for better lighting.

Shot Stabilization

You don’t want your viewers to get motion sickness from a shaky, handheld shot. Unless you are naturally super steady with your movements, we suggest adding an ergonomic tool to help you create a more controlled image. Our recommendation is the Beastgrip Pro Smartphone Lens Adapter and Camera Rig System. You can hold onto it for steadier shots with movement or use it with a tripod for stationary shots.

There you have it! Our three recommendations to up your DIY video productions. Sure, you can create videos without these, but the value these tools will bring to your videos will be more than their cost.

We hope you found this blog informative and helpful. If you have more questions, feel free to give us a shout. Thanks!

What Role Should COVID-19 Have in Your Video?

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If you haven’t noticed, we are in some pretty unprecedented times right now. COVID-19 has rocked our world and changed nearly every aspect of our lives. At least temporarily.

It’s been interesting to see how different organizations have reacted to the pandemic within their videos. Some choose to face the current situation face on and feature the pandemic and current safety measures (distancing, masks, etc.). Others choose to produce videos that resemble life before (and hopefully after) our current situation.

Before we go any further, it’s important to note that we are taking precautions to make everyone safe. We welcome you to check out our safety procedures in accordance with the state’s reopening plans.

Now, back to the blog. With the current state of affairs, how should your organization represent its videos in the coming months? Here are two questions you should ask yourself before hitting the record and our suggestion…

1. What Do You Do?

For any organization that has a lot of human to human interaction, showcasing their staff taking safety measures is a good option. If your organization is more about providing products, then it’s less important to have those safety measures front and center.

2. What is the Life Expectancy of Your Video?

How long are you expecting to use your video? If the answer is a year or less, COVID-19 will very likely still be around, so having people wearing masks, standing six feet apart, and washing their hands is not be a bad idea. If you are looking to produce a video that has an expected shelf life of 3 or more years, then featuring these precautions may not be as important.

Our Recommendation

Ultimately it will come down to you and your organization’s preference. Consider your audience. Will they appreciate you showing your team operating with all current safety measures or do you think they’d prefer to watch a video that didn’t remind them that we’re currently living in a pandemic?

There is no right or wrong answer. Our suggestion is to cover your bases. If your video is produced in a documentary style, with interviews from people, or even a scripted, direct address, the person doing the talking will not be expected to wear a mask while they’re speaking. However, when capturing the supplementary and complementary video, known as b-roll, it’d be easy enough to capture each shot or scene with both people wearing masks and not wearing masks. If you choose not to have people wearing masks or taking specific safety measures during your video, a text disclaimer that when the video was shot, all individuals took proper safety precautions can be added to the video as well and can easily removed in the future.

We hope this article was helpful for you as you continue to create great, safe, and thoughtful video content during this unique moment in time! Stay safe. Do Good and Be Fruitful! If you have any more questions or comments, feel free to let us know. Thanks!

P.S.

If you would still like to produce videos for your organization, but don’t want to bring in an outside person or company to do so, we have you covered as well. Our own, Kraig Westfall, produced a video on how you can shoot a good video on your phone or laptop.

The Two Most Important Things to Look For When Selecting a Video Production Team

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If you asked a million people what they want from a video production company, many of them would come up with a consensus that they want them to produce consistent, quality video on time and on budget.

Here’s the thing… any professional video production company should be able to check those four boxes. Yet, at the end of the day, you still prefer to work with some of the companies over others. Why is that? It’s because budget, quality, and speed are only 60% of the equation. In this blog, we will share the two things most important things to look for from a video production company.

1. Their Core Focus & Values

Successful businesses always have a core focus and values from which they’ve built and run their business. Sometimes businesses go one step further and have a promise to go along with it. Promise or not, working with an organization whose focus resonates with your desired outcome and whose values mesh with your own, is key. It will, not only make for a better experience for the project but likely develop a long-term relationship.

Oh, and if you’re wondering, our core focus, values and promise are…

Our Core Focus is to… 

Make Video Easy

Our Values are…

Keep It Real – Be honest at all times

It’s All Good – Stay calm and focus on options

Move the Needle – Make progress and have an impact

Do Good Be Fruitful – Always do the right thing

Stay Curious – Continue learning

Our Promise is to…

Deliver a Video You LOVE

Our goal is that everything we do as a company reflects our Values and that we execute on our Core Focus and deliver on our Promise every time we produce a video for anyone.

Organizations with many different values than ours should likely not work with us and vice versa. It’s just not a good fit.

2. Their Production Style

Do you want to be more hands-on or do you prefer taking a hands-off approach with your production?

Do you already have an idea of what you want or do you need their team to do the creative lifting for you? 

Finding a video team whose production style jives with your desired approach is extremely important to have the best experience and outcome.

For instance, at Good Fruit, we’re not experts in creating concepts, making storyboards, and or writing scripts in-house. What we are experts at is executing on the vision that our client brings to us. Our best work happens when we are given a crystal clear vision from the client and then they step back and trust us to deliver a video they love. So, we’re not a good fit for organizations who want to be more hands-on and are expecting their video production team to provide creative vision from scratch.

Ultimately, getting a video produced should be a fun experience for you and your company. Not only should you get a piece at the end that reflects your business wonderfully, and does what you need it to do, but you should be satisfied with the entire process. Selecting a video team with the right core focus, values and style will allow you to collaborate at the level you’re comfortable with, will ultimately get you a video you love!

Good luck and have a fruitful production! If you need anything else, feel free to give us a shout. Thanks.

Do You Need a Script For That?

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When we meet with a new client to discuss a project, it’s often asked, “Who writes the script?”. That’s a good question, but it’s putting the cart before the horse. Really, the question to ask is, is a script necessary?

At Good Fruit, we’re all about authenticity. Allowing real people to use their own words, to tell the story. We then remove the stumbles and long pauses during the editing phase, making the final story smooth and seamless. We’ve successfully produced thousands of videos this way over the past decade, all with different uses and goals. However, there are a handful of times that scripting is necessary.

1. How-To videos

How-To videos, like the ones we produce for Melling Engine Parts, require specific words and exact terms to be used, making a script important to make sure you get it right.

2. Animation videos

If a video is going to be animated like the one we did for CPAN, it will require a voice-over. I have yet to meet a voice-over artist that does not require a script to read from. Looking for a good voice over artist? Looking for a voice over artist? We recommend using Speedy Spots.

3. TV Commercials

TV commercials like this one we did for MSU Libraries, have to be an exact length. A script is usually needed in order to make sure you stay within the allotted time.

There are a few other times when someone may decide to go with a script for all or some of a video, such as with a historical video. However, the three types above are the three types of videos that require scripting.

Other times, people feel more comfortable with a simple outline with a list of pre-chosen questions or topics for them to review and think about before the interview. That’s fine too.

Ultimately, it comes down to what your goals are and what you’re most comfortable with. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a shout. Thanks!

I Have A Great Video. Now What? 5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Video.

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video shoot

Video is an amazing tool that can do some incredible things for your organization and brand, but like any other tool, it needs to be utilized correctly to get you all those results you hear about. We’re here to help you identify the ways you can get the most out of your videos.

1. Upload it to a Video Sharing Site.

The first thing is first. Utilizing a platform like Youtube or Vimeo will allow your video to automatically come up in web searches. Videos carry a lot of weight on the world wide web and so they carry the priority in searches. They also make it easy to share the video in emails or on webpages.

Helpful hint… Google (the #1 search engine) owns Youtube, so they prioritize that video content over others.

2. Send it in Emails

Whether it’s a sales e-mail or a newsletter, including links to videos are shown to improve open and conversion rates.

Helpful hint… programs such as Constant Contact and Mail Chimp allow specific tools for embedding videos.

3. Embed it in Your Website

Make sure the video is embedded in the appropriate place on your website. I.e. if it’s about your organization in general, have it on the Home Page. If it’s about a certain program, house it on the page about that specific program.

Helpful hint…Have the video near the top of the page, so viewers can watch it first and, if they’re interested, go into more detail by reading the text underneath.

4. Share it on social media for free

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok, and others allow you a free platform to share your video. The numbers will not be as large as those coming from television, but viewers watching a video online are much more targeted and are choosing to watch the video and those are the numbers you want!

There are also paid options for all these platforms. Putting a little money behind the post can exponentially increase the targeted views as well.

Helpful hint… Upload your video straight to Facebook allows for a much more interactive experience, as your video will automatically start playing in the same window, rather than making the viewer click on a link first and be redirected to where the video is housed.

5. WRITER’S CHOICE: Play it before speaking or at an event

When speaking in front of a group, you only have a finite amount of time to share information about your organization, program, event, product. Using a video allows you to provide a 10,000-foot view of whatever you’ll be speaking on, quickly, making the most of your time. You are then left with the opportunity to answer questions and elaborate on details that are most interesting to your audience.

I hope you found this article helpful in getting the most out of your video. There are several other ways to effectively share your video and as technology grows, the opportunities will also grow. If you would like to learn more, we suggest these articles by HubSpot. If you would like assistance with sharing your video, we’d suggest reaching out to one of the following organizations we’ve worked with in the past…

Smith Advertising

Inverve Marketing

Glow Social Media

Change Media Group

Need more assistance? We’re here to help! Just give us a shout.

So… How Much Will This Video Cost?

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So… How Much Will This Video Cost?

Welcome to Good Fruit Video, where we’ve had the honor of collaborating with countless clients over the past decade and a half!  From products to services, we’ve worked with all sorts of fantastic folks, like you! One question we get asked time and again is, “How much will my video cost?”  Fear not, my friend, as we’re here to shed some light on the variables that determine the price of your video project. Let’s dive in and demystify the magic of video production costs.

Variable 1: The Planning

Planning is the secret sauce for an outstanding video. Answering key questions about your purpose, target audience, message, timeline, and delivery will set the stage for success. Then choose a style, from documentary to scripted (or a mixture of both), each approach has its pros and cons, depending on your project’s goals.

Variable 2: The Crew

The size and expertise of your crew can impact the price tag. Seasoned pros bring a different punch than raw talent, and both have their place! You can also consider tapping a member of your team, but remember, it might stretch their daily tasks. Choose your crew wisely and let them shine on set!

Variable 3: The Equipment

Lighting and sound are the dynamic duo of awesome videos! Understanding the need for extra equipment, like stabilization tools, will ensure your video’s quality shines brightly. Set the stage for success with top-notch gear. But a friendly reminder… high-quality equipment isn’t as important as a talented person or crew behind the camera!

Variable 4: The Travel

Lights, camera, action, but not before we get there!  If your video person or crew hits the road to capture footage, expect travel costs. Distance, crew size, and time on the road (or in the sky) will need to factor into your video budget. Multi-day shoots may also involve room and board charges. So, get ready if travel is involved.

Variable 5: The Shoot Time

Depending on the company, you might be charged per hour, half-day, or full-day. Plus, remember, setup and teardown take time too, so plan accordingly and make every minute count!

Variable 6: Post-Production

The magic doesn’t stop once the cameras do their dance. Post-production is where the story comes together. From creating narratives to adding captivating visuals, the editing process is a work of art! Color grading and sound tweaks add the finishing touches for video perfection!

Variable 7: Turnaround Time

Speedy delivery or relaxed timeline? Your desired turnaround time impacts the level of hustle required by the team, which will influence the cost. Don’t rush the masterpiece unless it’s needed!

Variable 8: Opportunity Cost

Some shoots are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities!  When time is of the essence, the stakes are high, and you’ll spare no effort to make it a blockbuster! Booking a videographer’s time is invaluable, as cloning tech is still in the works!

And the Non-Variable?

Video length doesn’t (or shouldn’t) hold too much power of price persuasion!  A short video might require extensive work through the whole process, while a longer piece could be basic and simple. What matters is the video’s impact on your goals!

So, what’s the cost of a video? It’s not a one-size-fits-all answer! It depends on the magic mix of variables tailored to your unique project. But hey, remember, what truly matters is the value your video brings to you!

Got more questions? Reach out anytime! We’re here to help you make your video dreams come true!  Thanks for joining us on this video voyage!

Seven Things You Can Do to Save Time, Money and Headache in the Video Production Process

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When it comes to creating top-notch , professional video content, hiring a video team is the key to success!  You might be wondering, “Is it worth the investment?” Oh, absolutely! With the expertise, experience, and top-quality equipment a professional brings, your return on investment can be astounding!  And we’ve got the tips to streamline your production and save time and money in the process! Let’s dive in!

1. Be Realistic

Investing in a pro team means setting a realistic budget.  If you’re tight on funds, consider student talents studying video production, but remember, a true pro (or team) delivers unmatched results! DIY is an option, but it can distract you from your core skills and make your organization seem unprofessional.

2. Be Specific

Get crystal clear about your vision!  The more details you provide about your project’s purpose, target audience, tone, key messages, and timeline, the closer the final piece will align with your dreams!  Nail down these specifics to get the best results!

3. Be Prepared

Preparation is the key to smooth sailing. Gather all your assets, like pictures and logos, in the right size and resolution. Go big with at least 1000 pixels in width and height. Vector files are ace if you have ’em, as they can resize without losing quality.

4. Don’t Wait

Procrastination won’t serve you well. Act promptly and decide if video is part of your upcoming plans (and it should be). Waiting till the last moment can be a headache and hurt your pocketbook.  Plan ahead and seize the opportunity!

5. If You Think You May Want It, Get It

Capture the magic moments.  Even if you’re unsure how you’ll use the footage right away, trust us, it’s better to have it than to regret not having it later!

6. Be Decisive and Thorough

To ensure a swift and successful project, review the full video thoroughly before providing edit notes. Get everyone responsible for the video to do the same. Being decisive and thorough keeps things on track.

7. Share Your Wares 

You’ve invested in a top-quality masterpiece!  Now, it’s time to showcase it to the world. Embed it on your website, share it on social media, and use it at presentations. The more you share, the greater the impact. Let your video shine!

We hope these tips make your video journey a breeze.  Remember, we’re always here to help you on your path to video greatness! Feel free to reach out anytime.  Thanks for tuning in, and here’s to your fruitful and fabulous video adventure!