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Sony NEX-FS100 – Super 35mm Camera

May 26, 2011 By Michael Williams Leave a Comment
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The advancements in camera technology over the last 10 years has been amazing. The quality that is now available at very affordable prices was unimaginable not long ago. A new camera from Sony looks particularly impressive to me and I’m looking forward to trying it out on a project.

I’ll let Sony give you the technical details…

“The NEX-FS100UK is an interchangeable lens camcorder featuring a Super 35mm sensor equivalent in size to Super35mm film like that used in the PMW-F3, and a Sony E-Mount 18 to 200mm zoom lens. Developed specifically as a digital motion camcorder it is capable of producing footage with shallow depth of field similar to that of a film camera and capture with high image fidelity.”

Here is a video featuring Den Lennie at F-Stop Academy breaking down the camera and their use of it on a recent music video shoot…

And here is the music video they shot for Cozi…

The camera is available at B&H Photo for $5599 with a lens and $4999 for just the body.

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Filed Under: Filmmaking, technology, Video Production

CollabraCam: Just the Start

May 23, 2011 By Michael Williams Leave a Comment
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Check out this very cool video from the makers of CollabraCam, a nifty little app for the iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad. For only $6, you basically get the functionality of a High Definition flypack, with the ability to direct and edit a multi-camera shoot. Take a look…

Now, obviously there are some issues that make this less than ideal. But keep in mind…this is just the beginning. I can see that in a very short period of time producers will be able to stroll in to a shoot, pull a few iPods out of the bag, set them up with a few mini tripods and live switch an event from the back of the room with the iPad. The finished product could be encoded and uploaded to a video sharing site before the day is done.

Lots of possibilities. It’s definitely getting interesting.

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Filed Under: Corporate Video, technology, Video Production, Web Video

Showrunners – The Documentary

May 20, 2011 By Michael Williams Leave a Comment
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A showrunner is the person that makes a Television program go. He or she runs the show. They make sure that everything that is supposed to get done…gets done. The new documentary “Showrunners” by Des Doyle peels back the curtain on the life of successful showrunners. Here is the trailer. I will definitely check this one out.

Showrunners Trailer from Showrunners Documentary on Vimeo.

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Filed Under: Filmmaking, TV Production

The Importance of Video on your Website

May 19, 2011 By Paul Sanneman Leave a Comment
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Paul Sanneman photo

Paul Sanneman/Business Coach

There are many reasons to have video on your  website, but one of the most important reasons is to establish credibility.  When people see you in an online video they make a number of assumptions about you and your expertise. I have noticed since I started placing video on my website that I have a much better closing ratio with new clients. If a potential client watches my video minicourse before we meet, then I’ve already establish credibility.  It makes them more likely to work with me.

Video testimonials are also highly more effective than just written testimonials because people are much more believable on video. If you’re not using video on your website, establish your credibility with video testimonials or video blogs.  if you don’t, you’re missing out on the simplest and possibly least expensive way to get people to use your services.

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Filed Under: Marketing, Web Video

Filmic Pro App for iPhone Video Camera

May 18, 2011 By Michael Williams Leave a Comment
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Great info at Philip Bloom’s blog on this cool little app for the iPhone video camera. I continue to say to my clients that if they have to shoot video on their iPhone, at least do it well. So, I like to share info with them on ways they can improve the quality of those videos. For $2.99, I think this is a great app.

Read Philip’s blog for all the details.

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Filed Under: Articles, technology, Video Production, Web Video

Blip.tv…1 Billion Views Per Quarter

May 18, 2011 By Michael Williams Leave a Comment
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Via TechCrunchTV, CEO Mike Hudack discusses how Blip.tv works. His video site is booming with 1 billion of the site’s 3 billion views occurring in the last quarter.

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Filed Under: technology, Viral Videos, Web Video

A Little Dolly Can Go a Long Way

May 17, 2011 By Michael Williams Leave a Comment
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A doorway dolly is an affordable and practical way to add some production value to your shoots. This video shows the dolly in use and some of the shots we got that day. We were capturing b-roll for a wine company in Northern California and we felt that a dolly would help deliver a more vibrant connection between the viewer and the location. Check it out…

Just for fun, here is a clip from Orson Welles’ twisted masterpiece “Touch of Evil.” The opening sequence is possibly the greatest dolly (and crane) shot of all time.

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Filed Under: Corporate Video, technology, Video Production

Awesome Time-Lapse Video

May 11, 2011 By Michael Williams Leave a Comment
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Props to Dominic Boudreault for this really well done time-lapse video starring Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, New York, City and Chicago.

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Filed Under: Filmmaking, Video Production, Viral Videos, Web Video

Orabrush the Movie

May 11, 2011 By Michael Williams Leave a Comment
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This is my new favorite marketing video. Honestly, I had never heard of the product before I saw this and I almost want to buy one just to support them for making a great corporate video.

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Filed Under: Corporate Video, Video Production, Viral Videos, Web Video

Flip Cameras Supported through End of 2013

May 11, 2011 By Michael Williams Leave a Comment
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I got a notice today that FlipShare, the software that comes with Flip cameras and enables users to easily share and post their videos, will continue to be supported until 12/31/2013. I don’t know what happens after that, but given the accelerating pace of digital video technology, I’m assuming it won’t be too big of a deal. There will be some new shiny penny that comes along before then.

This is from the notice…

“In light of Cisco’s recent announcement regarding the future of the Flip business, we wanted to address your questions related to FlipShare software.

FlipShare desktop and mobile software will continue to be functional and supported for 2 ½ years (until 12/31/2013).”

Here is something people should think about, though…

“Starting May 12, 2011, videos shared with an individual, group, Flip Channel or Twitter will only be available online for viewing and downloading for up to 30 days after being sent (the 30-day limit will also apply to videos shared previously)”

and finally, this…

“Videos shared on Facebook and YouTube as well as videos stored in FlipShare on your computer will not be impacted and do not have a 30-day limit”

So, if I read this correctly, the best bet for people using FlipShare is to post videos to your Facebook page or YouTube channel if you want the video to be seen for any length of time. Otherwise, after 30 days…poof!

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Filed Under: technology, Video Production, Web Video
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