Brilliant Video Productions Blogging

Travelling with Twisted Pair...

2008-05-03T17:51:00.006-04:00

Brilliant Video Productions just wrapped it's week long shoot with Twisted Pair on Network World. We shot 30 plus interviews over a three day period utilizing the Newtek Tricaster Pro FX with some bugs we had to iron out on the fly. I am sure Keith Shaw of Cool Tools fame will ask Newtek to borrow one of these bad boys to review it so I will leave that review to the professional but for the most part everything went rather smoothly.

There was the usual trade show snags with electric, carpet and show management not talking to anyone but itself. The dynamic duo persevered however and the show was a success according to both members. They were able to get their interviews up faster then ever before. All of the interviews are now visible on the Network World site at www.networkworld.tv

Their wrap up podcast can also be seen at http://www.brilliantvideoproductions.com/video/demo.php

Hanging with these two techie dudes was great fun, and Brilliant Video Productions hopes to do an encore with them soon. Both guys Keith and Jason know their subject matter very well and they enjoy what they do. The bonus is they get to test out new software and gadgets and report about it. How cool is that?

Anyway, I think Interop 2008 was a great experience and success for Brilliant Video Productions and we hope to have more opportunities in 2008 to showcase just what we can do as a player in the live 2 camera video streaming arena.

P.S. My thanks to Glenn at DD Video productions in Las vegas for the local rentals. He was flexible, professional, and responded when no other Weva contacts in Vegas would. Thanks again Glenn. Also thanks to Sam Avellone at NPI AV Cleveland for sending out the Tricaster to a virtual stranger. You Rock Sam. Sam sells Tricaster's like Pez so he is the man to see about them.

Moving and shaking...

2008-05-01T02:03:00.002-04:00

Brilliant Video Productions has returned to it's original city of origin in Natick Massachusetts. The new company address is 92 West Central Street Suite #4 Natick, MA 01760. While we enjoyed our digs in Saxonville and our affiliation with Heath Robbins Photography and the great loft space it was time to move back home. We are now located near Natick Center and right on route 135.

Mimosa vs Bloody Mary's

2008-03-20T00:10:00.003-04:00

When I attended Northeastern University and graduated, we had a graduation BBQ. The faculty and staff of the Communications Department and the Late Great Communications Chairman Pete Eastman gave it a theme. His question to us all was, what is the proper breakfast cocktail Mimosa or Bloody Mary. We settled it on the softball field in Waltham, MA with Mimosa victorious.

Several years later, Mimosa Systems, Santa Clara CA found Brilliant Video Productions online and asked that we shoot a few presentation sessions for them here is MA. The trick was then taking the audio portion of a customer that used Mimosa Systems products and then uploading it to their FTP for podcast all in same day.

We were able to shoot and edit the audio out on site at the Microsoft Center in Waltham and then upload the .wav file in just a few hours.

Mimosa Systems is the leader in Email archiving, eDiscovery, Recovery and Storage Management.

Las Vegas Here we Come...

2008-03-13T17:01:00.005-04:00

Brilliant Video Productions will be going to Networld + Interop in April 2008. We will be doing a Live 2 Camera Shoot for web cast. We will be utilizing the Newtek Tricaster FX that will allow us to switch live and encode for our client day of. People will be able to see the interviews same day live on the web.

Utilizing the TriCaster PRO FX provides Brilliant Video Productions with a complete portable studio which includes network style virtual sets, an integrated character generator and the ability to encode the video for web same day. For More information on this newly acquired technology see http://www.newtek.com/tricaster/tricaster_profx.php

It should be a very exciting opportunity for Brilliant Video Productions and we are dusting off our Elvis Impersonators outfits chomping at the Bit to go. This Years Networld + Interop show is hosted at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. If you are going we will see you there. http://www.interop.com/

The Olympics are comming well sort of.

2008-03-11T13:12:00.003-04:00

Remember when we sat around the TV and watched Olympic track and field events like they actually meant something? Bruce Jenner was an Olympic triathlon winner long before he was a Wheaties Box cover, Do the Names Michael Johnson, Flojo, or Cassius Clay mean anything to you? I date myself but clearly the Olympics have lost their stature in significance in the American Psyche.

So it stood to reason that the Smart Folks at Digitas Paris wanted to pitch brand identity and reinvigorating the brand of the Olympics to the International Olympic Committee. Digitas Boston Hired BVP (Brilliant Video Productions) in February to shoot interviews and b-roll in the Boston area of College and High School athletes in Support of this Bid by Digitas Paris.

BVP Shot on Location in West Roxbury, Brighton MA and at Bentley College in Waltham over a two day period. This all done In Pal HD 16:9 format for use in France by Digitas Paris. BVP now offers HD and International formats for shoots.

We learned also first hand that the younger generation is really clueless when it comes to the Olympics and anything about it really, clearly the IOC and Digitas Paris have their work cut out for them.

From CNN Money...

2008-01-31T09:23:00.000-05:00

It's nice the Giants and Patriots reached the Superbowl, especially if you are selling advertising spots for the game.

Super prices for Super Bowl ads
CBS is looking to charge a record $2.6 million for a 30-second spot during this year's Super Bowl XLI.
By Paul R. La Monica, CNNMoney.com editor at large
January 3 2007: 6:25 PM EST

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The National Football League playoffs begin this weekend, and Super Bowl XLI is only about a month away.

But while sports junkies argue about which teams will wind up playing in the big game in Miami on February 4, many business people and casual fans are more concerned about the advertising frenzy associated with the Super Bowl - that is, which companies will have commercials airing during the game and how much are they paying to do so.

FUN MONEY NEWSMAKERS

According to several media buyers, CBS (Charts), which will air Super Bowl XLI, is said to be asking for slightly higher than the record $2.5 million that Walt Disney (Charts)-owned ABC charged last year for a 30-second spot during Super Bowl XL.

"I'm hearing that ads are being sold for more than last year," said Bill Carroll, vice president and director of programming with Katz Television Group, a media buying and consulting firm based in New York. "It's not going to be a dramatic increase but informally, people from advertising agencies as well as CBS have said it will probably be a new record."

John Bogusz, executive vice president for sports sales and marketing for CBS, confirmed that some advertisers are paying more than $2.6 million for a 30-second commercial. He added that most of the commercial spots for the first half of the game are sold out but that CBS is still looking to sell inventory, mainly during the fourth quarter.

But other ad experts were quick to point out that, even though CBS may be able to charge as much as $2.6 million for some spots, the average rate for a 30-second commercial is likely to be lower than that.

Better Blogging in 2008

2007-12-21T14:33:00.001-05:00

I realize I have not been the best at keeping up with the blogging and We hope to make changes in how we disseminate blog type information going forward in 2008.

Brilliant Video Productions had quite a few interesting changes here in 2007, so many so it's hard to recount the entire years events.

We moved our offices from Natick to Saxon ville (aka Framingham)and moved into our new digs adjacent to Doug Carroll Baseball and Heath Robbins Photography.

We added additional equipment and capabilities. We added a new editor in Chris Anderson. He came to Brilliant via Pegasus cable in Natick. He works PT as an editor but has also assisted with shoots as well.

We added a few new clients in 2007.

Iona Technologies
Network World
GE Health care
Commonwealth Creative Associates

We look forward to continued growth in 2008, as well as better more frequent updates via blogging as well.

Have a Safe Holiday season, and a very Happy New Year

Congratulations Lisa and Louis

2007-02-12T00:33:00.000-05:00

Lisa and Louis were wed February 10th in Weston Massachusetts and Brilliant Video Productions was there for their very classy and intimate wedding. The reception was at the beautiful and renamed Taj Boston (formerally Ritz Carton, Boston) Brilliant Video Productions Inc. joins their respective families in wishing them both all the happiness in the world. Congratulations...

2007 off with a bang and a 007...

2007-02-12T00:28:00.000-05:00

2007 started with a bang from a 007 and a fun project with the very fun crowd over at Iona Technologies, Waltham. They asked and got BVP Studios to edit together some classic video clips from the legendary James Bond film series of films to help launch their Sales efforts appropriately titled double 007 . They also had Brilliant shoot and edit Skits with some of the Iona sales brass doing sendups of meetings and advertisements. Our Client at Iona was very pleased with our efforts and she is now a reference.....

Getting The Right Wedding Videographer

2007-02-11T16:56:00.000-05:00

Originally Printed on www.frugalbride.com in canada

Getting The Right Wedding Videographer

The beauty of video is that it is able to capture the whole day, from the small intimate details to the broadest spectrum of emotions. Improvements in technology, smaller cameras and the need for less artificial light can allow the right videographer to capture the day's events without actually being a part of it. In addition to being a precious keepsake of your wedding day, your wedding video is a great way to capture moments you may otherwise miss.
When considering a videographer, select the package that highlights the events that are most important to you.

When viewing a videographer's work, you will become aware of the many intangibles that become subjective through the eyepiece of the camera and in the mind of the videographer director/editor. You will instinctively know when a particular videographer's emotional style clicks with your own.

Tips for Selecting a Videographer

Look for a videographer who is experienced, creative and artistic.
When viewing examples of work, look at the clarity and quality of the video, the composition, as well as the details of shooting and editing.

Questions To Ask Your Videographer

What type of lighting will the videographer use?
How will the videographer be dressed at the wedding?
Do you have sample videos I can see?
How long have you been in business?
What packages do you offer?
Do you use Professional Quality equipment, accessories and supplies?
How many cameras do you use?
Do you have back-up equipment that is comparable in quality to the original?
Do you use wireless microphones?
Do you offer Non-Linear Digital Editing?
Do you copy-protect or scramble the videotape?
What are your guarantees and liabilities?
Do you have a written contract?
Are you unobtrusive?
Will the shoot interfere with the proceedings in any way?
How much do you charge for additional hours beyond the agreed contract?
Do you work with the photographer to ensure mutual cooperation?
Are you there throughout the entire reception?
Will you go to a location (like the beach or a park) without additional charge?
How much are additional copies of the wedding tapes?
Do you have references that I can call?

A Professional Wedding Video isn't expensive, it's Priceless!

How To Select A Wedding Videographer

2006-10-02T12:32:00.000-04:00

How To Select A Wedding Videographer

Professional wedding videography started to enter the public consciousness in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. Huge, clunky cameras were used in combination with equally large video tape recorders. The cameras were usually so heavy that a tripod was used throughout the day. Bright, television studio-style lights were the norm. And cables were everywhere. So while brides liked the idea of a wedding video, the reality of the process often gave them reason to reconsider.

Things changed for the better in the late 1990’s, as the tools available to professional wedding
videographers caught up to their imaginations. Editing systems went from being tape-based to computer hard drive-based. Small digital camcorders, often weighing about five pound, began to dominate productions.

These camcorders required minimal amounts of light, so the dignity of a wedding could be upheld. Best of all, these camcorders democratized the industry, bringing a wealth of talented and creative individuals into the field. The better professional wedding videographers can produce a wedding DVD movie that will rival anything you’ll see on TV or in the theaters.

Today, anyone can buy a small camcorder and a laptop computer with editing software at virtually every electronics or discount store for about $2000.00. That’s less than the cost of a lens for a full-size professional video camera. With tools that seem professional now widely available and affordable, it’s more important than ever to distinguish the amateur from the pro.

The Advantages of a Professional

A professional wedding/event videographer can be in the business full- or part-time. There are many elements in that decision, but how the videographer goes about their business is what determines the level of professionalism. The field of wedding videography changes rapidly. There are near-constant computer software updates, there are routine camcorder improvements, and there are always new artistic techniques under development. The first
indicator of professionalism is what the videographer does to further their education.

A videographer can belong to a local association (there are currently about 50 in the US and Canada), or one that is national/international in scope. More importantly, the videographer should participate in the events hosted by those organizations. In general, anyone can join those organizations. One who attends conventions and other events will be much more advanced than one who does not. Continuing education and professional development should be a priority.

Many schools have courses in TV production and filmmaking. While these two crafts do not directly relate to wedding videography, they can teach important elements that are quite useful. These elements include video editing on specific systems and on-location sound reproduction, to name just two. Once again, though, attendance indicates the importance that videographer attaches to their education.

Recently, a trade publication included an article entitled “Everything Breaks”. That’s a realistic assessment of an industry where you are completely dependent on electronic devices with many moving parts. In a corporate video, we have plenty of time to check the tapes and the microphones, and to replace anything that failed in use. Obviously, weddings do not offer that luxury. An educated professional will maintain their equipment in good working order,
have the gear serviced routinely, and have back-up items immediately available.

Referrals are usually the most important way that a professional videographer attracts new clients. Therefore, being a cooperative part of the wedding day team is a priority. The professional knows that the vendors at that wedding, as well as many of the guests, will have some level of influence over someone who will be planning a wedding in the future. It’s only natural to refer a videographer who helps the wedding flow smoothly, especially when they create a quality product.

There is also a significant difference in the gear used by a professional versus what an amateur might use. Professional camcorders are generally more rugged than their consumer counterparts. Those camcorders will also have better microphone inputs, meaning improved sound reproduction and less of a chance that the plug might come undone. A professional will usually have a dedicated editing computer. One that shares duties (editing and business/email
functions) will be prone to overloads and crashes, and also is vulnerable to viruses. Microphones, lights, and tripods are also generally of a better quality in the professional realm.

How To Find a Professional

-Ask friends, family, and/or coworkers. While there might be significant differences in taste or budgets, this is a good place to start. You should meet the videographer and view samples of their work before making a decision.

-Search the Internet. A Google search can reveal dozens of professional videographers in your area. Many will have video samples available for you on their web sites. Local videographers associations will often have their complete membership lists posted. Wedding-oriented web sites, such as WeddingChannel.com, may also have helpful information.

-Consult other vendors. Most can relate their experiences with wedding videographers. The important caveat is that some vendors offer recommendations solely based on remuneration. That doesn’t necessarily invalidate their recommendations, but it is fair for a bride to ask that question. A subset here is the Facility Recommendation List.

Some hotels and country clubs maintain a referral list. However, it’s still relevant to ask whether the recommendations are based on quality and cooperation, or the payment of fees.

-Magazines. Many wedding/bridal magazines also have web sites, and both the print and electronic versions will have editorial and advertising information. Some of the web sites have message boards, where brides share their wedding vendor experiences with fellow brides.

How To Evaluate a Videographer

Narrowing the search can be even more difficult that finding qualified videographers in the first place. Here are some important elements to consider in your evaluation:

-Length of the video. Most videographer produce “feature-length” videos that can run as long as two hours.

Consider the TV-watching habits of most people, and you’ll realize that a well-told wedding story doesn’t need to exceed 60-75 minutes. Many videographers offer a Short-Form video that might not exceed 45 minutes.

Experience has shown that the shorter videos tend to be watched more often.

-Style. There are video journalistic approaches, documentary styles, filmmaking styles, and combinations. This is an esthetic quality that will vary from bride to bride.

-Format. On wedding day, the video should be recorded in a digital video format. Several are available, and the quality is similar in all. The video should be edited in a computer-based system, otherwise called a Non-Linear Editor. The video should be delivered on DVD, for best initial quality and longevity.

-Sound. There are many different approaches to acquiring audio on wedding day. In addition, there are also many different approached to editing the audio tracks. Like the style question, much of the audio category will be an individual determination. However, the audio from the most important part of the day-the exchange of vows and rings-should be crisp and clear.

Wedding videography has truly arrived as an art form and as a business model. What it brings to the wedding experience, the ability to creatively reproduce the sound and motion of the event, just cannot be accomplished in any other manner. Selecting the right professional wedding videographer will help insure that the first day in the life of a new family can be shared with their loved ones forever.

Source: The 4ever Group 2005

New Age of Unobtrusive Coverage

2006-10-02T12:30:00.000-04:00

New Age of Unobtrusive Coverage

Through new developments in digital technology, camcorders and microphones have grown much smaller than ever before. Old-fashioned bright lights and heavy equipment is no longer necessary. Wireless microphones, for example, are now smaller than an ear ring!

Many videographers have invested in new digital video editing systems that have revolutionized the artistic expressions found in a finished video. As a result, your wedding video can look and sound as good as any program you may see on broadcast television! Plus, a professionally-produced wedding video can be artistically enhanced with the use of classic effects such as slow-motion, black & white imaging, and dreamy dissolves that make your video flow seamlessly from beginning to end.

Source: Wedding and Event Videographers Association

How to Choose a Videographer

2006-09-29T21:51:00.000-04:00

VIDEO: Video is probably one of the most misunderstood and undervalued aspects of wedding planning. It is the unique combination of a service (the videotaping) and a finished product (the edited DVD or tape) that has many people discounting the importance of a wedding video. The importance and value of a wedding day video should not be overlooked.

VALUE: A quality video is a worthwhile long-term investment. After all the planning, effort, and expense of a wedding, wouldn't you want a documentation of the day? Too many times brides think of video as an afterthought, when the budget is spent, and are disappointed with a fuzzy and shaky video. There is no other wedding product that shows the sights of you in your dress, the dancing, and behind the scenes as well as a video, since unlike photography it includes sound.

TYPES: Nowadays the old stereotypes of bright lights, large cameras, large tripods, cheesy animations, and hokey music should be forgotten. Times have changed. Today's top videographers have access to the same tools and technology as many feature filmmakers. A contemporary trend is toward shorter videos of 30-40 minutes rather than the typical two-hour tapes. Other options include additional copies or interactive versions on DVD, love stories about your relationship, and video presentations screened at the reception.

TALENT: The genre of a wedding video requires that the videographer become excellent at many tasks. Much more than owning a superior camera they must learn composition, exposure, and focus. They must carefully monitor audio tracks from multiple microphones and be a good storyteller during editing, making a concise and entertaining to watch video. When you compare videographers look at more than just the initial price. The sound should be clearly recorded and the video could be crisp, sharp, and colorful. There should be no excuses for sloppy camerawork or editing.

CHOOSING: There are so many factors to consider when choosing a videographer. Unfortunately, many couples do not know the plethora of choices in style AND price we enjoy in this market. Searching for a great videographer involves watching sample clips at their studio or some enable you to view videos online, which can make your decision easier. Make sure your videographer belongs to a professional association like the Wedding and Event Videographers Association (WEVA) to continually improve their craft.

PRICES: Since all videographers have access to digital cameras of a 3-chip design, which yields more vibrant colors and better resolution, the price has more to do with talent than with technology alone. Fees can range from $2,000 for a basic video to $6,000 or more for wonderful video documentary. Sought-after videographers book a year or more in advance.

In the end you and future generations will have fun watching and reminiscing with your wedding movies that today's wedding videographers create.

Nation Wide Bridal Survey Reveals Value of Videography..

2006-09-27T13:30:00.000-04:00

The following is an article courtesy of WEVA (Wedding and Event Videography Association), www.weva.com

Professional wedding videography is rapidly becoming a preferred medium for recording and preserving wedding memories, according to a new nationwide survey of brides who were married in 2002. The survey, commissioned by WEVA International, was conducted between January 27-February 5, 2003 by Breakthrough Marketing, Inc. Many of the results may seem intuitive to a dedicated professional videographer. However, the new survey provides the results in a quantifiable form.

The survey, conducted by telephone, revealed that brides in the planning process of the wedding do not immediately realize the impact of a professionally-produced video. Before the wedding, while brides are making plans, over half (54%) rank video as one of the Top 10 most important bridal services. However, that number increases to 79% AFTER the wedding, as brides look back and assess the individual value of each service. Before the wedding, 23% of brides view video as a Top 5 service. After the wedding, that number climbs to 42%. The value of video becomes greater after the wedding.

The survey revealed the value of video is greater with brides who use professional video services compared to those who don't. Before the wedding, 41% of brides using a professional videographer consider videography a Top 5 service. But after the wedding the number grows to 59% who consider video a Top 5 service. And, after the wedding, 94% of these brides say they consider professional videography at least a Top 10 service.

One of the most surprising findings of the survey is the second thoughts, even regrets, among brides who decided not to utilize the services of professional videographers.

Among brides who used a friend or family member to videotape their wedding, instead of using a professional, nearly half (49%) said they would hire a professional if they had it all to do over again.

These second thoughts are even more pronounced with brides who didn't have their weddings videotaped at all. In hindsight, 60% say they wished they had had their weddings videotaped.

As brides look back at their wedding, the survey showed that 79% of brides agree that future brides should at least consider using a professional to videotape their wedding day. Those feelings are even more pronounced among the brides who utilized the services of professional videographers, 95% of
whom think future brides should consider using a professional videographer. The survey results reveal professional videography has become very important to today's brides. Its value is comparable to wedding photography, and even more valuable in some respects, according to brides surveyed. Most
importantly, the survey showed that brides feel more emphasis needs to be placed on videography in the wedding planning process.

WEVA International members will be able to find more survey results along with an industry analysis in upcoming issues of Wedding & Event Videography, the official publication for association members.
Results of this national survey, conducted by Breakthrough Marketing, Inc., are based on telephone interviews with 453 brides who were married in 2002. For results based on the total sample of brides, there is a 95% confidence factor that the margin of sampling error is plus or minus 4.75 percentage points. Breakthrough Marketing, Inc. (Des Moines, IA), are consultants to the wedding industry who regularly research the attitudes and buying patterns of brides, as well as industry trends among specific wedding services.

WEVA International is the leading trade association for professional wedding and event videographers. The association is dedicated to advancing the professional interests of wedding and event videographers worldwide through continuing education, technical support, group benefits, advocacy committees and professional development training.