Tag Archives: professional video production

The Passion Behind Marketing Video Production Services

Marketing Video Production Services has become more prominent within the industry throughout the past years. With every form of communication being through social media or the internet, it is causing companies to change their marketing tactics. Strategies have to change when the audience changes platforms. Everyone is working hard to get their video marketing strategy just right, but what is the best way to do that? Skillman Video Group uses a company’s values as our approach to making the perfect video.

Each company we work with is different from one another. They aspire toward different goals and have different responsibilities when it comes to their customers. We have worked with consulting firms, law firms, insurance companies, and many others types of businesses. The one thing every company that we have worked with has in common, is that they want us to help them tell their story. Video Marketing Production isn’t just about telling them story though. To create the perfect marketing video SVG focuses on your company’s values and the meaning behind the work done everyday. Looking into the values of your company will allow your customers to really understand you. They want to know why they should be doing business with you, and the best way for them to find out is to learn about the company and the people within it. Some of the main questions SVG likes to have our clients answer in their videos are; What drives you? What are your passions? How do your value transfer to the company’s? All of the questions allow the video’s audience to learn more about the company, and really understand why people get up and do their work everyday. There is always more meaning behind the work being done. Telling the customer the real meaning of all your work is the best way to pull them in.

Other professional video production companies have other focuses when it comes to creating Marketing content, but SVG likes to dig deep. We want your marketing videos to grab the audience and teach them what you are all about. Marketing Video Production isn’t just about telling a story. It is about revealing your passions and reasoning for getting up and doing what you do everyday. Video Marketing is the best way to show your audience the intent behind your company goals.

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

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 season 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 thing 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

SVG Intern Video Equipment

This fall, Skillman Video Group production interns Anna and Deane were responsible for creating their own professional corporate video using the skills and techniques that they picked up from their time as production assistants on set. Together, Anna and Deane worked through all of the stages of professional video production without the help of the more experienced team members. This meant that they wrote the script, planned the shoot dates, designed the set and starred in the video while also operating all of the equipment. Unlike a typical SVG shoot, Anna and Deane did not use professional video equipment but instead used their own tools. Despite this challenge, they were still able to produce a high quality viral video.

Camera

SVG typically brings professional Boston videographers on set and they are stacked with the latest and best camcorders that cost upwards of five hundred dollars. Our intern video shoot was not as high tech as a normal SVG shoot because they recorded their video on an iPhone 7 using the app iMovie. To position and support the camera Deane provided a guerilla tripod that was five inches tall and had bendable legs so that he could twist and form them to fit to any surface. He could attach the camera to a chair, stand it up on a desk, or even hang it from the ceiling for a cool overhead shot.

Audio

To record audio the pair also used iPhone technology rather than professional equipment. Anna used her iPhone 5c’s voice memo feature to record only the audio for each scene. She then sent the audio files to Deane so he could synch them with the video, adding better and clearer audio to each scene. His video editing software on the iPhone allowed the files to synch automatically, so that there was a seamless connection between the audio from Anna and the video from Deane.

Lighting

For a majority of their video project, Anna and Deane filmed on location in the SVG office. Because SVG’s office is mostly for communication and planning, the only tools that they had to work with were basic office items including desks, chairs, and a few desk lamps. Anna and Deane are imaginative and inventive, so they modified the lamps to act as lighting for the shots and they rearranged the furniture in the room so that it would accommodate their scenes.

Although the interns were not using the same professional that SVG uses, they were thinking like a true professional video production expert. It isn’t about the equipment, but the skills and critical thinking that they learn on set working with Boston videographers at SVG. Stay tuned to see the final product of Anna and Deane’s intern video project and learn about their creative process.

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

Your Video Shoot Checklist

This week, Skillman Video Group showcased their professional video production talents on a video shoot in Beacon Hill to shoot a series of interview style videos. The location of this shoot was indoors, on the fourteenth floor of a large, Boston office building to be exact. Our team was provided with a small office building overlooking the skyline of South Boston. Despite the size of the room, our team was able to organize multiple different angles and backgrounds for each interview, giving the illusion that the room was much larger.

In order to pull off this shoot, our Boston videographers needed a specific amount and variety of video equipment. Luckily, SVG is experienced in on location shoots and we are always prepared for whatever situations arise.

Cameras

For this particular shoot our team decided to use two cameras. One would film the primary footage of the interviewee and face them head on (this camera is also filming in higher quality). The other was positioned at an angle to get a side view of the interviewee. Our video production service’s advanced audio visual technology automatically linked the footage together so that during the editing process it the two angles would share a synched audio, allowing for a much simpler editing experience. On this shoot we used a Sony FS7 Ultra High Definition Camcorder and a Sony FS 100 Camcorder. The Sony FS7 was the main camera for the interviews and footage was shot in 4k. The cameras were positioned on two different types of tripods. The FS7 was on a Manfrotto tripod made of carbon fiber and the FS100 on a Miller aluminum that was made in Australia.

Using two cameras of the same brand is recommended by corporate video production companies because the software and equipment is more compatible when it is of the same manufacturer. The picture quality will also match between the main view and the side-shot even though the cameras are filming at varying qualities.

Audio

On this particular shoot, our Boston professional video production company brought over $24,000 in professional video equipment. Our professional videographer, Chuck brought two different types of microphones. We used a Sennheiser shotgun mic for more straightforward audio recording and a wired Sony lavalier microphone to clip onto the lapel of the interviewees. This provided us with the highest quality sound for our interview videos.

Lighting

Just in case the natural light coming in from the windows in the background of the interviews was too harsh, we brought along Gels. Gels are screens that soften the light and create a neutral density that reduces sunlight for shots against windows. The key is to flood the subject with so much light that it balances out the shot. Gels are attached with a squeegee and sponge.

Accessories

You may think that the only things needed on set for a video shoot are the basic, camera, microphone and lights, but every professional video production company knows that you need a lot more than that in order to have a successful day on set. One unexpected item that is always needed on set is sandbags! These heavy sacks are used to weight down tripods and stands that hold up important and expensive equipment. If it weren’t for sandbags, a lot of equipment would be knocked over and broken or moved out of place and this would disrupt the entire shoot in a major way. Another important tool to have on set is extension cords! If you are filming on location you never know how many or how far away the outlet will be, so it is very important to bring plenty of extension cords that that electricity is close by and bountiful! When filming interviews, make sure to keep a limited makeup kit near by. This is useful because sometimes the subjects will sweat and their faces will appear shining and glaring on camera. Just a touch of make up on the nose and forehead will completely solve this issue!

Not everything that a successful video marketing team brings with them to set will be needed, but it is important to have everything that you could possibly need because you never know what will happen on set when you’re filming corporate video.

Skillman Video Group, LLC specializes in Boston video production. Please call 1-800-784-0140 to learn more.

Professional Video Tools

Skillman Video Group recently worked with one of our clients “PerkinElmer” at their facilities in Hopkinton, MA to create a new corporate training video. We pride ourselves in having a collaborative creative process with our clients; allowing them to describe the ways they’d like their film to look and feel, as well as content and design. Once a script was created, and a goal was set, it was time for us to bring in our professional video production team. While the creative process is collaborative, we like to make sure that we bring our very best equipment to make you look your very best.

Backdrop

It’s no easy job transforming a conference room into a film set, however SVG has all the tools to do so – and quickly! To match the feel of what the client wanted the video to have, we set up our accessories to professionally hang an “infinite white” backdrop; creating an ethereal space that perfectly matched the theme of the corporate training video. A solid, light backdrop also helps the actor in front of it to pop; becoming the center of attention without any distractions or harsh lighting.

Lighting

Next, our Boston professional videographer set up his 5 Aputure lights. This ensured that not only was the backdrop perfectly lit, but the actor as well. Each light served its own professional function: two were pointed to illuminate the backdrop, and three were focused on our actor from specifically different angles. Professional lighting (and the positioning thereof) is essential for a successful video, and utilizing LED lighting ensures perfection.

Camera + Teleprompter

One of the best cameras in the industry, Canon DX Mark II yielded beautiful footage on our PerkinElmer shoot. With a wide assortment of different lenses whenever needed, our professional videographer brought his A-game. Using external microphones in tandem with the Canon camera made the actor sound clear and crisp. He did not need to worry about over-projecting or sounding fake; everything he naturally said was perfectly recorded.

On that note, to ensure that everything he said was perfectly recorded, we also used a professional teleprompter on location. The QTV FDP 12 Teleprompter is one of the best in the ‘biz. This high bright model allows an actor to read the lines directly over the camera lens (by manipulating the text with mirrors), and can easily be read indoors or outside, day or night. Our professional teleprompter associate used the “Magic Scroll” software for his text, giving him complete control over the size, speed, and quality of the lines.

While this was just some of the equipment used for this particular shoot, we make sure to provide you with any and all the equipment needed to deliver exactly what you’d like for your next shoot. There is no limit to the resources and equipment our professional video production team can deliver, and we look forward to showing you how great your video will look at your next shoot with us!

Skillman Video Group, LLC specializes in Boston video production. Please call 1-800-784-0140 to learn more.

Jobs of a Crew Member

The job of all crew member’s on a Boston video marketing company set have a very specific skill set and importance to the video production method. Though it may seem like there are a lot of people walking around and directing just to get 30 seconds of a commercial completed, each person hired for the day of production is needed to ensure a professional and effective film. There are several categories that make a video production shoot run properly and none can be omitted if the project wants to run smoothly.

Starting with the camera department, while working with any video production services there clearly needs to be a camera operator. This person physically works the camera during filming and controls the shots framing and camera movements as instructed by the director of photography. Who is the D.P.? Well the director of photography is in charge of the visual look of the film as seen through the camera’s eyes. This person is not only in charge of what the camera needs to get but also the crew, lighting design, and communicating with the gaffer.

On the production side of the job, there is the director, producer, production assistant, Boston videographer and so on. All of these jobs run very specific departments that control the way the Boston video production will operate and ensure that they finish efficiently. Organizing the entire production, helping out with the script, keeping track of finances and overseeing the final distribution plans for the movie all fall under the job description of the producer. Its not an easy job but will definitely be rewarding.

Sound is a crucial part of any production, including Skillman Video Groups Boston video marketing company, so professionals have to make sure all the audio channels are coming in clearly. Jobs include a boom operator and a sound mixer. Leveling, monitoring, and recording audio during video production are the main reasons that the sound departments are so pivotal in any Boston video production.

Some jobs that people wouldn’t think about but are just as vital on the larger professional video production sets include transportation crews, food department, and the location department. Transportation crews quiet literally do what is in their title. They coordinated with the set and make sure all people are where they need to be at the right time. Going hungry isn’t and option when working with a ton of people, so the food department is the savior of any production day bringing in snacks and meals for all on set. Location scouts help to find the various filming locations that will be suitable for the day of filming which entails lots of traveling to find the perfect spot.

The jobs of each crew member on a video production set, whether it be a small production or a big one have an impact on how the film will turn out. The main goal is to stay on budget and have a fantastic finished product. SVG is a Boston video production company is dedicated to making each project and client a professional product.

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

On set with SVG

Video production is intimidating for any recent college graduate, but with help from experienced professionals any concept can come to life. Through the past two months I have learned a lot working with Skillman Video Group like the importance of storytelling, being organized, and not settling for average. Working as the head student producer for my college was nothing compared to the real world of professional video production.

Skillman Video Group has high standards and I didn’t want my video to be anything less than great. Editing has always been my forte but professional cinematography and lighting was slightly out of my realm of expertise. I was able to borrow some filming equipment from my former professor at university, which would make the filming task easier because I was familiar with the equipment.

Equipment:

Sony XD video camera –Filming the interview
Nikon DSLR d3300 camera- Filming B-roll
Tripod- Camera stability
2 high voltage lighting fixtures- Illuminate room and interviewee
Lavaliere- Record interview
Headphones-listen to audio

Concept

The concept for this video was to provide helpful insight to SVG’s potential clients regarding what businesses should consider before setting up a meeting to discuss a marketing video. After some discussion we decided interviewing Christina Skillman, SVG CEO and creative director, would be best. Besides, any business wants to be informed directly from a producer.

Set-up

For the interview setting I wanted the style to be documentary. I had worked with documentary style videos in the past and SVG had recently done a shoot using this technique. Fortunately, Christina Skillman was the only person I had to interview so we wouldn’t have to continuously change up interview spots. The interview would take place in an SVG office located in Faneuil Hall. However, filming in an office can have its difficulties. For one we are constricted on space, and second the sound from the busy Boston streets and conversations from the offices next door. Sound a lack of depth would be an issue to overcome, but the rustic brick walls as the background made up for it. Because it was a sunny day in Boston natural lighting illuminated the room enough that we only needed one lighting fixture. Though we had the brick wall as our background, it’s also important to include props. We angled the chair Christina would be sitting in so the brick wall would be seen as well as the shelf with props. With any interview setting it’s important to have enough room between the seating of the interviewee and the background. Fortunately Jack, SVG’s Marketing Coordinator, was there to help run the camera while I asked Christina the questions.

Lighting

Once settled into the setting we adjusted the lighting. Yes, natural lighting is great but clouds can cause problems. We puts the shades up over the windows which allowed some natural lighting to come through but we used the lighting fixture to provide the most illumination.

Sound

Headphones are the best tool to have on set when listening to audio. If background sound is picked up from the lavaliere we are able to detect it right away and start the interview question over. Though we were concerned with street noise and conversations happening in the offices next door, we only had to stop once to redo a question.

B-roll

Before filming I made a list of the B-roll I needed to capture that would relate to the interview questions and answers:

Person writing notes
Person walking and pondering (soul searching)
Person pretending to work at desk in front of computer
Person sitting down with their clients
Person looking out the window pondering
On the computer plugging in numbers or has a spread sheet open
On the computer looking at SVG videos
Walking into the SVG building
Talking on the phone
Christina shaking hands with client (person)
Christina talking with the client (person)
Person at their place of business

Before capturing b-roll with Christina, I decided to take some b-roll of myself pretending to be the client. I was able to film at a family friends office where I gave off the impression that I was working and pondering. Overall the b-roll was average. It’s difficult acting and filming at the same time especially when you can’t see how the image looks. Nevertheless, I was able to capture more b-roll on the day of filming. However, instead of using the Sony XD video camera, I opted to use my Nikon DSLR camera just in case I ran out of card space on the video camera.

After moving desks, chairs, and video equipment around, Christina and Jack pretended to talk while I filmed them seemingly having a discussion about video marketing. I took different angles of the two looking at the computer and going through the SVG homepage, shaking hands, and having a conversation. Once that was finished, Jack took the reigns on filming and shot me pretending to work at my desk and taking phone calls. This b-roll would also be incorporated into the video.

Post-production

Once filming was finished we found that we had enough content and subjects to make two videos. Each would be around the two-minute range and would incorporate the first concept of knowing what to have in order before creating a marketing video, and the benefits of a professional video marketing company. Though editing is my favorite part when it comes to production, finding a program that would support the video and allow a wide range of tools was difficult. Moving into the final stages of post-production my goal is to create perfection and export a video that is visually effective and informative for the SVG clients.

Skillman Video Group LLC is a Boston video production company. Call us anytime at 1-800-784-0140.

Fast Video Editing Turnaround

SVG recently provided live event videography for this year’s Boston Book Festival, which featured a book signing and Q&A with musician and author, Amanda Palmer. Her book, The Art of Asking, was found to be wildly inspirational by the fans we interviewed in line at the festival. The topic of the novel, which embraced the author’s experiences of asking for help to support herself and her art, was echoed in the responses of her readers.

2015 Boston Book Festival-Amanda Palmer from Skillman Video Group on Vimeo.

The Boston-based SVG was contacted by The National Art Club offices in New York, who needed the final cut within five days of the event. We were happy to also offer our professional editing services. While the idea for the video was simple, it was crucial to obtain high-quality footage in an uncontrolled environment. Palmer has made her success via groundbreaking crowdfunding records and her active role on social media, meaning that the quality of the video needed to be of a high caliber and of worth promoting as it would certainly be used online.

SVG always approaches its social media video production with the special requirements they warrant. With two different cameras on location, we were able to collect a large array of clips that captured not only the spirit of the crowd, but also a clean recording of the Q&A and performance by Palmer. While the energy of the author and her husband made for great content, their unexpected moving on stage meant our DP needed to be vigilant as to keep them in frame (and not leave the camera in a stationary position).

The footage was edited in Final Cut Pro and compressed low resolution versions were sent to the client twice for feedback before the final product was ready. Sorting through hours of live event clips can be time consuming, but our professional video production and editing company is always up for the challenge of a tight deadline.