Author Archives: Jonas Escobedo

Target Audience and Market Segments

professional video production, New England video productionIn digital marketing, it is critical that a team or individual accurately and strategically targets an audience. This process of strategically placing an audience into separate categories is referred to as market segmentation. What segmentation does, as The Balance puts it in their blog post, is it allows a company to understand an audience in a way that makes them able to satisfy the needs of their customers more effectively. Segmentation strategically categorizes audience members based on characteristics such as geography, knowledge or lack of knowledge pertaining to the company/product, age, gender, religion, etc. Based on these categories, marketing teams can now begin to create specific messages that relate closer to each of the segments within their target audience. Perhaps a segment of their market, is recently showing a lack of engagement. What a team can do now is create specific content or copy this segmented piece of their audience. It is all about trying to strategically hone in on a specific group within a target audience.

 

In professional video production, this type of strategizing is critical in order create an effective piece of content that will truly speak to a group of people. For one of our most recent New England video production shoots, we Dr. Chang who runs her own dental practice in Natick, MA. While interviewing her, the conversation and questions were guiding her towards compelling and eloquent responses with a target audience in mind- that being current and potential new customers. During the shoot and interview, this was on the forefront of everyone’s mind, and so, the interview process was took shifts and turns in order to appease that specific target audience. With the questions we asked, the energy we invited Dr. Chang to exude and the responses we knew were critical to the project, it was all in spite of the target audience in mind.

 

When in the process of professional video production, audience is always key. Who is watching this? Who cares? And above all, why do they care? Keeping a target audience as the compass is something every professional video production company or marketer needs to learn. From our Boston video production, professional video productionexperience as a New England video production company, it has proven itself undeniably valuable to creating successful video content.

Editing Process on our DIY Series

At SVG each round of interns are asked to create a video project of their own. For this current Boston video production, video production services, DSLR video productionseason while on the Boston video production team.  As this current round of interns, we decided we wanted to make something that would be useful for current followers of SVG’s blog and for DIY/DSLR videographers. By creating something with these two audiences in mind, we hoped that we would be able to instruct current followers with their own personal projects while attracting a new audience towards SVG through DSLR video production. One thinBoston video production, video production services, DSLR video productiong we learned about video production services is that the processes before and after shoot day both play major roles in the projects. In video production services, a major portion of the work comes after and before the shooting day. The video editing process is half of the creation process in video production.

 

Editing a video requires a close attention to detail, imagination, and practice. After trying to begin learning the programs of video editing, it was clear that this expertise deserves its credit- things are complicated and extremely technical in this stage. With this in mind, one of our videos used iMovie as the main editing program since it allowed a much more user-friendly interface as it doesn’t possess the intense technical abilities like other programs such as Adobe Premiere. With a smaller project such as this, the editing program didn’t require such complicated tools, so we stuck to the more familiar and amateur friendly, iMovie.

 

One aspect of the editing process that took us by surprise was how effective clipping and trimming some of the footage made the project. Most of the video is an interview style setting. In these takes though, some of the dialogue and pauses went on for too long. After seeing the takes in order in full, we knew that we needed to trim. After beginning the trimming process we started seeing a clearer and more refined product. In the end, it created a more streamlined and entertaining piece.

 

In video production services, the editing process has proven itself to our interns as a dominant influence in the success of any video project. It is easy to assume that the main work and creative vision happens on the shoot day, as we quickly learned, this is not true at all. The work and creativity begins at collaboration and strategizing and continues all the way into the editing process.

 

Skillman Videography Group LLC specializes in Boston video production. Call us anytime at 1-800-784-0140

Inside our DIY Video Series

Each round of interns for Skillman Video Group is asked to create their own mini-production. The topic is up for the interns to decide. We decided as the current SVG interns to do two DIY videos on how to shoot with DSLR. The two video topics about DSLR videography we aimed Video production services, Boston video production, DSLR audio, DSLR video productionto teach viewers were lighting and audio.

How to Video Ideas

For the video production shoot day, we met at Kristen’s house just north of Boston. We wanted to be in an environment that the audience could relate to when they are shooting their own DSLR videos. We stayed in one room where we were able to utilize many different sources of lights to demonstrate and describe the best ways to use these light sources and capture the subject matter effectively. The room was lit with multiple windows from different walls. We brought in two clamp lamps as balancers and used two wall lamps for back light. By using these different sources of light we created a DIY three point light set up that any DIY’er will be able to replicate.

How to Record Audio on a DSLR Camera

For our second video we focused on the audio aspect of DSLR. DSLR cameras are primarily intended as still image takers and so, their sound recording capabilities are somewhat lacking in comparison to industry standards. For this reason, we surrounded the video around the topic of using an oHot shoe adapter for DSLR videographyutside sound recorder. In this instance, it was a Zoom H4n. We also go into what different parts are needed in order to attach the recorder to the camera, those being a hot shoe mount and a line to mic cord.  In the video, we describe the basics of a sound recorder and their abilities and go into a line to mic for DSLR videographyshort demonstration of how to physically attach the recorder to the DSLR.

How to Shoot Video on a DSLR Camera

What we hope to accomplish with the final product of this video production shoot is a quick, easy, and clear description of some of the most important and technical aspects of DSLR videography. DSLR video production requires special attention to different aspects in order to achieve a professional video. These videos are intended to encourage people in their DIY endeavors while offering assistance to make things a little smoother.

Skillman Videography Group LLC specializes in Boston video production. Call us anytime at 1-800-784-0140

 

 

How to Narrow Down Topics

How to video ideasHow To Video Ideas

When it comes to video production services, half of the battle, if not more, is the planning and strategizing that comes with pre-production. A major part of this, and one that the current interns are discovering, is narrowing down a topic in regards to the message and a specific target audience.

How To Video Concepts

For our current project, the interns are creating “How to DIY” videos for various DSLR technicalities. When beginning to try and brainstorm about which aspects are most important in order to educate and inform the audience, we required a good deal of imagination and strategizing. What we needed to try and imagine was, “As a beginner trying to learn DSLR videography, what do I need to know?”. After delving into this question we came up with two crucial aspects of DSLR video production. Those two aspects are lighting and audio. DSLR is tricky and requires a bit of extra assistance apart from the camera, giving us the strategy that the lighting and audio aspects of DSLR video production require the most education.

How To Shoot Video on a DSLR Camera

Now that we broke down this topic of DSLR video production, we needed to narrow them down each specifically. For example, one of the topics is audio. Again, we had to use our imagination to put ourselves in the shoes of our audience. “What do I need to be shown and taught in order to understand how to capture professional audio with a DSLR?” The three main objectives we want to cover in this DIY video are: Professional mics/sound recorders are necessary, how to attach and assemble the sound recorder using a Zoom H4N as an example,How to shoot video and how to configure the settings properly for clearest sound quality.

For all video production services, planning and strategizing are crucial steps in the pre-production process. When it comes to narrowing down a topic and thinking of the best ways to communicate a message to an audience, the surest way of doing so is by putting yourself in the shoes of the target audience. In this space, one can begin to understand what will be necessary and most memorable.

Stay tuned for the final production of our DSLR DIY two part series coming soon!

Skillman Videography Group LLC specializes in Boston video production. Call us anytime at 1-800-784-0140.

Our 3 Favorites for Quality Sound

video production services, Boston video production, sound recorder As a Boston Video production company, we get that video primarily relies on visuals. But what sets video apart is the ability to accommodate to a numerous amount of senses at the same time. With video and with the human species, the second most relied on sense is hearing. This is why audio for any video or shoot needs to be closely tended to. With a number of years in the video production services business we have come to know and love a few of the audio pieces that we utilize. One of the most used sound pieces for our shoots are mics or sound recorders. Whether you’re in the market for a new set or are doing your research about what kind of mic/recorder you need for the job, here is a list of a few of our favorites for the different situations that require different sound options.  

1. Sennheiser 112-pG3    Boston video production, video production company, sound, audio equipment

Sennheiser is a trusted brand for us and these models are a constant go to when it comes to interviews and situations that need lavaliers. They easily clip on and adjust according to the environment while recording industry standard sound.

 

 2. Rode Video Mic ProBoston video production, video production company, sound, audio equipment

This may not be our go-to for classic interviews with little background noise, but when it comes to recording high-quality sound amongst a busy environment these are a winner. The shotgun style mic on these are dominant in their ability to zero in on the targeted source and neglect any surrounding noises. They also are a bit more budget friendly.

 

 3. Zoom H4nBoston video production, video production company, sound, audio equipment

This option is a bit more versatile and less specialized. It may not be as high-quality as a Rode, but the Zoom H4n produces incredible sound for a fantastic price. This recorder is also nice for a selection of different environments which makes it a better option for someone who wants quality sound for a number of different settings.

 

These are three of the trusted brands and models we have come to love in our experiences with Boston video production. For professional video production services, professional cameras and sound recorders are crucial. These specific sound recorders have proven their worth on our many different shoots and kept up with the ever-changing demands.

 

Skillman Videography Group LLC specializes in Boston video production. Call us anytime at 1-800-784-0140.

Details of a Music Video

Video Production Services in Boston

Our first music video as a New England video production company was a fun adventure and a great learning experience. One of the things that made this day so successful was the team that fulfilled the individual roles to see the project through. When it comes to video productionMusic video production, Boston video production, video marketing companies, New England video production services, every detail matters. That’s why a wise, adaptable and talented team is the greatest asset a video production company may ever possess. When it came down to it, it was the individual roles working together that made this crew able to successfully finish the project.

Do I Need Makeup on Set?

Like we said, every detail counts. Perhaps no one knows this more than the stylist and makeup artists on set. We were lucky enough to have a wonderfully talented team of women in the Music video production, Boston video production, video marketing companies, New England video productionNew England area to dress and primp our models to perfection. With each shot, came a new hair style, a new makeup look, and a fresh outfit. If the models hair wasn’t positioned right, the scene was paused and our stylists repositioned it to minimize distraction on camera. It was tediously and methodically planned out so that in every scene our models were on camera they looked their absolute best.

Music Video Production Services

Arguably though, the most attentive to detail is the cameraman and his lighting assistant. For this shoot, we were fortunate enough to have Jake and his lighting assistant to take charge of this aspect of the shoot. In order to create well-lit subjects, we needed to utilize artificial lights and they had the eyes and patience to appropriately light every scene to perfection. Before the recording button is turned on, everything needs to be on the right setting and positioned correctly. It takes a lot of time and discipline to move the stands, set them accordingly, and position them for every scene. But trust us, it is worth it.

Music Video Producers in Boston

And even still, perhaps the most speculative and observant of even the most minute details is the director. Our director, Christina, was keen with every movement, stance, and facial expression on the models and the lighting, background, and framing of every shot. If it wasn’t perfect or wasn’t capturing the right mood, it was re-done. Was that kiss too long? Let’s re-do it, but this time make it shorter. That facial expression didn’t look right, can we try looking a bit more Music video production, Boston video production, video marketing companies, New England video productionmysterious and not as in physical pain? Can you keep your hand this way instead of that way? It may seem tedious, but when it comes to producing a drama on camera, you absolutely have to be tedious. The littlest things are often times the most distracting.

Top Music Video Production Company

When it comes to video production services, the best teams are the ones that know which details matter. There really is no limit to the things that can be re-done or distracting. What is key is to have a team knowledgeable and disciplined enough to know what needs to be either brushed up, lit differently, reposed, etc. For our first music video as a New England Video production company, we consider it a success because of the incredible attention to detail and our ability to change them as they needed to be.

Skillman Videography Group LLC specializes in Boston video marketing. Call us anytime at 1-800-784-0140.

 

Shooting video on a DSLR, video production company

Yes, You Can Shoot Video on a DSLR

How to Shoot Video on a DSLR Camera

Whether you’re trying to get your feet wet, or you’re a photographer being asked to shoot video from a client. We may use higher grade equipment as a professional Boston video production company, but we will say that a DSLR camera is able to How to shoot video on DSLRcapture quality video production ideas. DSLR shooting will require some adjustments and special attention, but it certainly is an option for amature videographers trying get a grasp on the art. Luckily, the Internet hosts a multitude of conversations, videos, and forums about to best utilize your DSLR for producing high-quality video, so finding the info to do it well is easily accessible. For us at SVG, below are a few tips that we have found to be the most useful when shooting high quality video production ideas.

What is a DSRL Video Camera?

The first tip is to utilize manual focusing. DSLR’s have auto-focusing features best used for still photography. It may seem that the AF option would be smarter, but when their AF features try and capture moving subjects, they tend to exhibit some form of attention deficit disorder that can greatly hinder the video’s ability to portray a cohesive story. This is why it is recommended to use manual focusing when shooting video with a DSLR. It may take extra effort to be shifting the focus yourself, but it will come out much smoother.

How Do You Use The DSLR Camera?

The next tip is adjusting your shutter speed according to the project or scene. The shutter speed needs to be matched to your frame rate on your camera in order to create natural looking movement. With that said, if you are wanting extra sharp movements to make a scene seem anxious or heightened feel, use higher shutter speeds. To make things seem mellow or sedated, use slower shutter speeds. Adjusting your shutter speed according to the project is a sure way that your camera is recording the scene the way that best illustrates the envisioned mood or atmosphere. A quick google search about your specific DSLR and how to alter its shutter speed options will assist you in learning how to adjust these settings.

DSRL Tips for Beginners

Our last tip has to do with the low quality sound recording abilities of DSLR’s. Without an outside source to record the sound, the video might look good but it won’t sound good. If you’re planning to shoot interviews, a sound recorder is an absolute must have for DSLR video production ideas. To combat this, the best way will be to utilize an attachable professional sound recorder. This is considered a double system because your recording sound and video from two different mechanisms. Be sure that when purchasing a sound recorder, you are also buying the correct attachment pieces, memory cards, and cords. A sound recorder we recommend is the Zoom H4n. You will need cables and cords to sync to your camera to the device , so the kit option with most retailers may be a smarter option.

DSLR Video Tips and Tricks

As a professional Boston video production company, we encourage and are excited to hear about the ways creatives and producers are pushing the boundaries of their equipment and technology. As a few of us have tried to produce our own side projects, access to expensive and state of the art technology isn’t always available. In our experiences, these three tips have been necessary in order to create higher quality productions when using DSLR cameras. Try these few tips next time you are trying to capture your latest video production ideas with a DSLR, and leave any comments below if you found something else to be noted for this type of videography.

Skillman Video Group LLC specializes in video production Boston. Call us anytime at 1-800-784-0140.

Boston Videographer

Packing for Success: Video Production Shoot

Video Production Services in New England

When it comes to video production services, nothing demonstrates professionalism and trustworthiness quite like a prepared team. It may seem like old news but no one can overestimate the importance of saving multiple copies, bringing spare batteries, emptying memory cards, and of course, the old faithful gaffers tape to keep those bulky and uninhibited cords out of sight. Throughout the years of providing video production services in the Boston area, these are a few of the essential items and habits SVG has found to be both necessary and heroic to accomplish our corporate video ideas. Skillman Video Group considers these few and often overlooked items to be present at all of our Boston video production shoots:

Top Boston Video Production CompanyTop Video Production Essentials

The biggies: Yes, we mean bring the camera, tripod, lights, and audio equipment. Do a quick checklist before leaving for the shoot to ensure all of the necessary pieces are there to make your corporate video ideas come to life.

Bring spares of everything (Memory cards, light bulbs, batteries, mics, etc.): Running out of space on a memory card can delay a team heavily or disallow a project to meet its full potential. Bring spare memory cards with ample amounts of storage. Bring extra light bulbs and batteries to spare everyone the embarrassment and frustration of powerless equipment. A video that is well lit for a minute, while the other 20 seconds are not, will distract the audience and can delay the editing process. Bring spares of spares. And while you’re at it, make sure the vehicle has its spare tire.

  • Chargers: This one is fairly self-explanatory. If it doesn’t require batteries, make sure it can be charged before the equipment, laptop, phone, etc. veers to 0% and is rendered useless.
  • A hard drive/laptop to save work to immediately: Nothing is quite as defeating as hearing the words, “It’s gone” in the Boston video production scene. One can never save their work too many times or on too many hard drives. Bring a hard drive to save work onto immediately. The team is taking a ten minute break? Save. Lunch time? Save. About to leave for the day? SAVE! We recommend the Seagate hard drives for external memory.
  • Gaffers tape: It truly is a hero. Cords are hazardous with so many moving feet, a trip or a fall can be dangerous. On top of this, tape tells actors and interviewees where to stand or walk to, making any bit of sequence much easier to map out.
  • Cables: Extension cords, HDMI, etc.

Video Production Packing List

Boston video production services require many moving pieces. And so, even though a team may think to bring the bigger items (camera, sound recorder, tripod, lights, etc.), it can be easy to overlook the little pieces that allow the larger equipment to actually turn on. A video production team may have the expensive equipment, but bringing the extras, spares, and being tedious with precious content and footage, is a characteristic of the production team. At SVG, we understand the importance of this and is another reason that sets us apart from the rest. When it comes to catering to peoples already tight schedules, missing a shot, a line, misplacing memory, or dealing with faulty equipment due to unpreparedness is unaffordable. When in the business of providing video production services, one needs to be prepared for everything. And so, to accomplish those corporate video ideas and anything in between, SVG makes sure to check, save, and always bring a spare.

Skillman Videography Group LLC specializes in Boston video marketing. Call us anytime at 1-800-784-0140.

Capturing Views and Dealing with Window Light

Boston Video Production Services

This past week, Skillman Video Group was asked to create a corporate training video for Coverys, an insurance company specializing in medical malpractice insurance. We knew that we wanted to use the expansive views of downtown Boston from their conference room on the 14th floor of the financial building. As an experienced Boston video production team, we knew that shooting with window light, especially when a subject is facing away from the window, would require Boston video production, Downtown boston, corporate video shootsome extensive light manipulation. For the shots, we used multiple lights, c-stands, and adjustments in order to create well-lit scenes.

Corporate Training Video Production

Before arriving, we anticipated having to use ND (neutral density) gel for the windows. When we got there, we realized that the windows already had a tainted green finish on them which would contrast the gel in an uncomplimentary way. We chose to forget the gel and utilize artificial lights as the main manipulators.The interviewees each had their back to the windows, and so the camera faced direct light from the outside. To battle this, we positioned two light stands and a light reflector around the subject to create a well-lit scene on the opposite side of the window.

Training Video

Each interview was shot from a different window in order to portray various perspectives into the expansive downtown views of Boston. It took a lot of assembly, maneuvering and adjusting to light each subject favorably while not white-washing the background. As the interviews continued, we had a forest of cords, gaffers tape, and c-stands sprawled throughout the conference room making walking a bit of a cautionary task.

We knew that working with the window light and the positions of the subjects would require extra time and attention, but the background visuals of downtown Boston were too good to not utilize. When it comes to Boston video production, having the equipment, patience, and adaptability to utilize each setting to its fullest potential is a crucial aspect of getting the best finished product from each project. For Coverys and this particular corporate training video, we were happy to put in the extra effort and time in order to make the most out of that environment and those downtown views.

Skillman Videography Group LLC specializes in Boston video marketing. Call us anytime at 1-800-784-0140.