Friday, March 26, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Changing Times
As Bob Dylan once wrote, "The Times They Are A-Changin'." For the first 20 years of my career as an independent writer, producer & director, those words had little meaning in my particular field. The industry had some basic standards; and, though there were choices when it came to shooting and editing, everything fit pretty neatly within some very strict industry parameters.
Today, according to one source, there are more than 200 (yes, you read that correctly) types of video files in the wild. For those who are just getting their feet wet in this business (and for those who, like me, remember the "good ole' days"), the options are daunting.
So, how do you wade through the current chaos? In the I.T. world there's a phrase that I always try to keep in mind - and to avoid at all costs. It's called "Analysis Paralysis." It's easy to sit on the sidelines today and "wait until things shake out." The problem is, they won't. Those days are long gone. And, if you spend too much time trying to decide which option is going to come out on top, you'll never take the plunge into the waters of this Brave New World.
As a late adopter (I still shoot primarily on an old SD standard Sony D30), I'm being dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st Century. But, at the same time, my 25 years of experience has enriched me with the battle scars and "times of testing" that will help me move into this new arena with a little less angst.
Recently, I received a call from Crews Control, one of my referral sources to do a shoot for Kodak at The People's Choice Awards in Los Angeles. The caveat: they wanted to shoot 1080p HD using a Panasonic AG-HVX200; and, at the end of the evening, walk away with all of the footage neatly stored on an external hard drive.
First, I'd never even seen this camera up close. Second, I'd never shot using the P2 cards that this camera utilizes for acquisition. Third, I had no idea what the procedure was to transfer this footage to an external hard drive. So, of course I took the job!
Fortunately, I had time to do some research. Even more fortunately, I had a local vendor that allowed me to pick up the rental camera a day early. I spent that day testing the camera, experimenting with the offload process and familiarizing myself with the internal menu system. The advantage of 25 years behind the lens at least gave me a strong foundation from which to build on this new technology.
The shoot went off without a hitch (although a last-minute request by a PR person to offload some of the footage to a pile of USB thumb drives caused a stir - but that's a story for another day). And, today, I'm a bona fide member of the "Oh, yeah, of course I shoot HD" crowd.
Yesterday I got a call from an Executive Producer in New York who wants to shoot an interview with a PepsiCo exec out here on the Left Coast. They shoot with the Panasonic AJ-HDX900 to DVCProHD tape. Another day, another flavor. But now that my feet are wet, I know what to expect, and where to go to find the help I need for the technical issues.
So, my suggestion to you is to take advantage of the resources that are out there. If you have peers or vendors nearby, ask if you can test out their equipment. If you're shooting and editing for others, do some surveying to see if there's a preferred format. If you're doing your own projects for your own clients, the Format Wars really shouldn't affect you. Most clients simply want a great looking final product, and don't care about the technical aspects of how you delivered it. Today, creating that beautiful video can be done with a variety of tools, so pick the work flow that works best for you and your budget.
Most importantly, don't succumb to "Analysis Paralysis." Be willing to be flexible, and when the opportunity arises, jump in with both feet. It’s the only way you're going to make a Splash!
Today, according to one source, there are more than 200 (yes, you read that correctly) types of video files in the wild. For those who are just getting their feet wet in this business (and for those who, like me, remember the "good ole' days"), the options are daunting.
So, how do you wade through the current chaos? In the I.T. world there's a phrase that I always try to keep in mind - and to avoid at all costs. It's called "Analysis Paralysis." It's easy to sit on the sidelines today and "wait until things shake out." The problem is, they won't. Those days are long gone. And, if you spend too much time trying to decide which option is going to come out on top, you'll never take the plunge into the waters of this Brave New World.
As a late adopter (I still shoot primarily on an old SD standard Sony D30), I'm being dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st Century. But, at the same time, my 25 years of experience has enriched me with the battle scars and "times of testing" that will help me move into this new arena with a little less angst.
Recently, I received a call from Crews Control, one of my referral sources to do a shoot for Kodak at The People's Choice Awards in Los Angeles. The caveat: they wanted to shoot 1080p HD using a Panasonic AG-HVX200; and, at the end of the evening, walk away with all of the footage neatly stored on an external hard drive.
First, I'd never even seen this camera up close. Second, I'd never shot using the P2 cards that this camera utilizes for acquisition. Third, I had no idea what the procedure was to transfer this footage to an external hard drive. So, of course I took the job!
Fortunately, I had time to do some research. Even more fortunately, I had a local vendor that allowed me to pick up the rental camera a day early. I spent that day testing the camera, experimenting with the offload process and familiarizing myself with the internal menu system. The advantage of 25 years behind the lens at least gave me a strong foundation from which to build on this new technology.
The shoot went off without a hitch (although a last-minute request by a PR person to offload some of the footage to a pile of USB thumb drives caused a stir - but that's a story for another day). And, today, I'm a bona fide member of the "Oh, yeah, of course I shoot HD" crowd.
Yesterday I got a call from an Executive Producer in New York who wants to shoot an interview with a PepsiCo exec out here on the Left Coast. They shoot with the Panasonic AJ-HDX900 to DVCProHD tape. Another day, another flavor. But now that my feet are wet, I know what to expect, and where to go to find the help I need for the technical issues.
So, my suggestion to you is to take advantage of the resources that are out there. If you have peers or vendors nearby, ask if you can test out their equipment. If you're shooting and editing for others, do some surveying to see if there's a preferred format. If you're doing your own projects for your own clients, the Format Wars really shouldn't affect you. Most clients simply want a great looking final product, and don't care about the technical aspects of how you delivered it. Today, creating that beautiful video can be done with a variety of tools, so pick the work flow that works best for you and your budget.
Most importantly, don't succumb to "Analysis Paralysis." Be willing to be flexible, and when the opportunity arises, jump in with both feet. It’s the only way you're going to make a Splash!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
The Fruits of Your Labor
Well, we made it through 2009 (or, at least most of us did). I seem to be surrounded today by what appears to be human voices expelling a massive, communal sigh of relief. There also appears to be a limited, albeit tangible, sense of optimism about 2010. Personally, I managed to get through the year relatively unscathed, though in a rather unusual way.
I always told anyone who would listen that I loved providing video production and New Media production services for non-profits (my wife sometimes believed I was one of them!). But, it was the corporate stuff that paid the bills, so I did video projects for non-profits in between the "real" work. Well, 2009 was the year my dream sort of came to fruition, but with very little fanfare, and actually unbeknownst to me - until I started working on my '09 taxes. Yes, last year, the corporate stuff became my "minor" income, and my non-profit work not only kept me afloat, but gave me one of my better years financially.
So, what's that got to do with you?
It's this. Because of my passion for working with non-profits, I began an exploration several years ago into what makes them tick. And I found an organization made up of non-profit professionals who met regularly to exchange ideas. So, I went to a couple of meetings, liked what I saw, and ultimately joined the group. Today, I am a Board Member of an organization made up of more than 300 staff members of Orange County non-profits, and my dedication to the group has created a level of trust that has steadily led to increased opportunities.
Many of us have developed habits of grabbing at what ever bag of potential money happens to land sort of in front of us. But everyone else sees those same bags of money dropping, so it becomes a rather tempestuous cat fight for all, with many a wound for the one standing at the end. Worse yet, today, those bags of money look more like the little play purses my six year old daughter uses in her dress up games with her friends.
You know you're good at what you do. You also know what makes you happy in relationship to the work you do. My suggestion for you in 2010 is to start planting and cultivating the seeds of your dreams. Find those clients you want to work with, or those projects you want to work on, without regard for the financial aspects of them, but rather for the fulfillment you'll receive when they ultimately drop directly in front of you - when nobody else is looking.
A word of caution - don't give up your day job! Those seeds probably won't sprout overnight, or even this year; but if you persevere and remain focused on your vision, you may find yourself in a place similar to mine - quietly, surprisingly doing what you love most, and earning a living doing it.
I always told anyone who would listen that I loved providing video production and New Media production services for non-profits (my wife sometimes believed I was one of them!). But, it was the corporate stuff that paid the bills, so I did video projects for non-profits in between the "real" work. Well, 2009 was the year my dream sort of came to fruition, but with very little fanfare, and actually unbeknownst to me - until I started working on my '09 taxes. Yes, last year, the corporate stuff became my "minor" income, and my non-profit work not only kept me afloat, but gave me one of my better years financially.
So, what's that got to do with you?
It's this. Because of my passion for working with non-profits, I began an exploration several years ago into what makes them tick. And I found an organization made up of non-profit professionals who met regularly to exchange ideas. So, I went to a couple of meetings, liked what I saw, and ultimately joined the group. Today, I am a Board Member of an organization made up of more than 300 staff members of Orange County non-profits, and my dedication to the group has created a level of trust that has steadily led to increased opportunities.
Many of us have developed habits of grabbing at what ever bag of potential money happens to land sort of in front of us. But everyone else sees those same bags of money dropping, so it becomes a rather tempestuous cat fight for all, with many a wound for the one standing at the end. Worse yet, today, those bags of money look more like the little play purses my six year old daughter uses in her dress up games with her friends.
You know you're good at what you do. You also know what makes you happy in relationship to the work you do. My suggestion for you in 2010 is to start planting and cultivating the seeds of your dreams. Find those clients you want to work with, or those projects you want to work on, without regard for the financial aspects of them, but rather for the fulfillment you'll receive when they ultimately drop directly in front of you - when nobody else is looking.
A word of caution - don't give up your day job! Those seeds probably won't sprout overnight, or even this year; but if you persevere and remain focused on your vision, you may find yourself in a place similar to mine - quietly, surprisingly doing what you love most, and earning a living doing it.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
MediaProCamp is OC's First Media BarCamp
If you're planning to be in Southern California on June 20th, 2009, and are interested in New Media, you don't want to miss an event that's being organized by the Media Communications Association International's LA/Orange County chapter (MCAI LA/OC).
As a "Lifetime Member" of the international organization, I'm excited to be part of what is being touted as "the first of its kind barcamp for media professionals" -- MediaProCamp 2009. The format of this event is based on the well-known (at least in the Geek world) BarCamps that have been springing up all over the globe since the first one took place in Palo Alto in 2005.
MediaProCamp 2009 is an all day unconference for professionals working in every aspect of media. The venue is the Digital Media Center in Santa Ana, a technology incubator affiliated with Santa Ana College. Best of all, it's free!
The form factor for this event is participatory, rather than oratory. There will be a number of Guest Facilitators there, including Marcelo Lewin, Founder, PixelHeadsNetwork; Philip Hodgetts, of Intelligent Assistance; Bruce Nazarian, "The DVD Guy; " James Mathers, President, Digital Cinema Society; and Janice Arrington, Orange County Film Commissioner.
But the model is not for them to push out information that attendeees absorb; rather, MediaProCamp is an open series of roundtable discussions on any subject participants choose -- with multiple breakout sessions every half hour or so. An ad hoc schedule of topics will dominate the day, with interactivity between all of the participants guaranteeing a powerful experience. Attendees bring their personal expertise (everybody contributes) and plenty of questions. Laptops are useful but optional. Any attendee can create a topic for discussion and form a group -- or sit in on any group they choose.
MCAI LA-OC expects around 100 attendees its first year, but space is limited and requires preregistration.
Coffee, snacks and lunch are included, and sponsorships are also available. There's more information available at the MCAI LA/OC website.
I really hope this encourages additional BarCamp style events in Southern California -- not only for New Media pundits, but for industries across the board. Removing the hierarchical "teacher-student" model of most conferences, and providing a fully emerged, participatory event for attendees, will foster greater creativity, brainstorming and problem solving, not only for those directly involved, but for all of us who use those products and services in the future.
As a "Lifetime Member" of the international organization, I'm excited to be part of what is being touted as "the first of its kind barcamp for media professionals" -- MediaProCamp 2009. The format of this event is based on the well-known (at least in the Geek world) BarCamps that have been springing up all over the globe since the first one took place in Palo Alto in 2005.
MediaProCamp 2009 is an all day unconference for professionals working in every aspect of media. The venue is the Digital Media Center in Santa Ana, a technology incubator affiliated with Santa Ana College. Best of all, it's free!
The form factor for this event is participatory, rather than oratory. There will be a number of Guest Facilitators there, including Marcelo Lewin, Founder, PixelHeadsNetwork; Philip Hodgetts, of Intelligent Assistance; Bruce Nazarian, "The DVD Guy; " James Mathers, President, Digital Cinema Society; and Janice Arrington, Orange County Film Commissioner.
But the model is not for them to push out information that attendeees absorb; rather, MediaProCamp is an open series of roundtable discussions on any subject participants choose -- with multiple breakout sessions every half hour or so. An ad hoc schedule of topics will dominate the day, with interactivity between all of the participants guaranteeing a powerful experience. Attendees bring their personal expertise (everybody contributes) and plenty of questions. Laptops are useful but optional. Any attendee can create a topic for discussion and form a group -- or sit in on any group they choose.
MCAI LA-OC expects around 100 attendees its first year, but space is limited and requires preregistration.
Coffee, snacks and lunch are included, and sponsorships are also available. There's more information available at the MCAI LA/OC website.
I really hope this encourages additional BarCamp style events in Southern California -- not only for New Media pundits, but for industries across the board. Removing the hierarchical "teacher-student" model of most conferences, and providing a fully emerged, participatory event for attendees, will foster greater creativity, brainstorming and problem solving, not only for those directly involved, but for all of us who use those products and services in the future.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The Power of Testimonials
I recently finished a video project for Professional Health Care Systems, a provider of in-home care givers on an hourly, daily and live-in basis. The goal was to create a marketing presentation they could give out (on DVD) at trade shows, use for presentations to groups and to place on their website. The budget was small, but we still needed something compelling to drive viewers to action. Enter the testimonial.
PHCS has a loyal client base, and several clients - including family members, trustees - and even a patient - were willing to discuss their relationship with the company. These powerful, third-party endorsements drive the presentation forward, giving the viewer an immediate sense of trust towards the company. No amount of narration- no matter how well written - can replace a customer who says "I don't know what we'd do without them!"Whenever you have opportunity - whether on video or in written form - ask for a testimonial from a satisfied customer. It's a powerful tool that will help drive more business your way.
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