I have watched videos both professional and amateur that are visually brilliant but are let down by bad sound. So here are a few tips to help you get better sound for your videos.

1. Use an external microphone. Most video cameras have built in mikes and usually they are omni-directional which means they will record all the sound that is around them. Now you do want some background sound but not when it drowns out your subject. The on camera mikes also pick up on noise you, as the camera operator make. This could be the sound of you handling the camera, sniffing, grunting and the obligatory ”yea, yea,” as you listen to you subject.

A mike you can pin onto you subject away from the camera will largely avoid this. You can buy them from Maplins or Amazon. A simple lavalier or lapel mike will improve you audio a lot.

Chances are some of you are looking at your camera and wondering where you would plug this shiny new microphone in. Well most video cameras below £200 are unlikely to have an microphone input socket. If you have one, then use it, but here is another tip if you haven’t.

2. Use a digital voice recorder.

A digital voice recorder, the kind you use for dictating letters, can also act as a good off camera mike.  Plug a lapel mike into it, switch it on put in your subjects pocket. Film the interview and then bring the audio into you editing software and synchronize it with the camera’s audio and then mute or delete the camera audio track. It’s a but fiddly and many will be daunted at the prospect of editing but it is well worth it. 

Of course, those routes may not be open to you or you may want a simpler solution. So here are my top 6 tips for good sound using your cameras microphone.

1. Choose a reasonably quite place, preferably one that does not have a lot of through traffic. Nothing worse than people apologizing for interrupting you.

2. Choose a location that does not suffer from echo. Stairwells and large halls for instance. A quick way to judge how a room responds to sound is to clap you hands and see how the sound reverberates. Not very scientific but not a bad way to choose a location.

3. Stand as close to your subject as you can. I don’t mean under their nose exactly but the further away you are the worse your sound will be. Remember, you can zoom in with your camera but you cannot zoom in with your sound.

4. Make sure the area behind your subject is quiet. Remember this is where your microphone if pointing. You may me standing in a nice quite spot but your microphone may be pointing at a noisy road or an open window.

5. Try to ensure you keep handling noise to a bare minimum and try to cut out any extraneous sounds, “mmm’s” , “grunts” and “yea”s fall into this category.

6. Make sure the camera and thus the mike are pointing directly at your subject. It may be a very artistic shot to film from the side but it means you mike is not pointing at where the sound you want is coming from.

If you would like some more detail advice on audio and music in video then do visit the lovely Claire Batchelor’s blog lots of helpful tips in there

So there you go, how to get better audio from your camera. If you want further hints and tips then sign up to our bi-monthly Video Hints and Tips, email newletter (the clue is in the title) and happy filming

Gordon O’Neill

1) Low Cost production does not mean low production values

The nature of the online adult industry means that in a lot of cases video is produced on a low budget. But despite that, production values remain high, as the video producer knows that the end result matters, and needs to compare with other video productions in the same arena. The porn industry have developed the art of filming quickly and at low cots, but still looking good and giving the customer what they want.

How can you take this on board? You might not have a huge budget, but choose as company with high production values to make sure you get a video that shows you in your best light.

2) Harnessing new technology

Online porn has always been at the forefront of technology – they were the first type of company to have online videos, streaming content and of course pay as you go content. It’s worth keeping an eye on new technologies used, as you can guarantee they’ll be in the mainstream before you know it.

3) Speed of production

With an ever ready audience who get bored easily, the adult industry has to produce new content and services quickly and in rapid succession. Each company knows that if they don’t do this, their competitors will be taking up the slack (and the eyeballs) in no time. It’s good to notice how they achieve this, and put the same speed of production into your own videos (albeit with clothes on!)

4) Ease of access making sure your customers can get your product

Most online porn sites will offer you a range of ways to view their content – stremaing video, still photographs, downloadable videos, video to your phone, and more. They know that their audience comes in all shapes and forms, and cater to all needs. Don’t presume that your audience want the one thing you’re willing to offer – give them choice and they’ll stick with you.

5) Giving away freebie tasters

There is HUGE money in the adult industry, but you’d be hard puched to find a porn site that isn’t giving SOMETHING away for free. It may be freebie pictures of the day, short video tasters, trailers, downloadable documents or more. They know that if they give enough away, you’ll come back and pay for more.

Take this into your own business by thinking about what you can give away for free that will have people knocking down your door to pay for more advanced info?

So, whether we like it or not, there’s a lot to be learned from the online porn industry – and a lot of it can be related to your business. Think about that while you’re NOT accessing any adult sites this week

At least that’s the image they portray on TV. 

I am sure it’s all PR spin on their part. Let’s face it they are not warm and cuddly. OK maybe warm but not cuddly. If you were face to face with one they sooner rip your face off and eat your insides as give you a warm nurturing hug. Even if they did hug they are likely to hug you to death.

So why are Polar Bears now wheeled out as the flag bearers for sustainability and saving the planet from global warming?

I know of their plight and the link to global warming BUT am I likely to change my lifestyle because you put a polar on your literature to sell me a more efficient boiler? I think not.

I attended Ecobuild last week. I admit I was there in a work capacity, but for the past two years I have worked for clients in this field and that has fostered a genuine and growing interest.

I had some time before filming so I decided to walk around and take a look. Ecobuild is huge but what caught my eye were two promo people dressed as, you guessed it, as polar bears. Albeit rather thin and undernourished but there they were walking around the Excel handing out leaflets. 3

“Aha” you say. Ok no one actually says aha, but you are at this moment pointing out the success of using polar bears in sustainability marketing. Well n. I remember the bears but not what they were promoting, as is usually the case with fancy dress promotions.

It’s easy to disparage such lame brained marketing, probably why I do it,  but it does mask a bigger problem for those seeking to promote sustainable solutions as a remedy to a global crisis.

However much I might feel for the polar bear and its plight, they don’t live in my street. They don’t face any of the issues I face. Their situation and possible solutions are just too remote for me.

It’s Comic Relief season, if you didn’t know that then you’ve probably just returned from a trip to watch polar bears.

Comic Relief does a fantastic job of making what I do and what I raise important and life changing. They are not alone in this other charities and good causes do the same.

What have they figured out?

By letting me know that my £10 donation will make a real difference. It will buy two mosquito nets and go a small but significant way to stemming the disease. In the grand scheme of things it may be a tiny drop in a very large bucket but lots of those drops will eventually fill the bucket.

It is a lesson the sustainability industry, if I may call it that needs to learn.

I spent some time in Austria with a group of architects some time ago.

They were great people and passionate, in particular, about PassivHaus.  They could quote figures at ease, which was impressive and important in the right context, but meaningless to me. When I eventually cornered one (they are elusive and shy creatures, architects) I asked him to put into everyday language what difference some of the technology we had seen would make to me. I told him the kind of house I lived in, the type of boiler I had etc. In easy to understand terms, ie pounds and pence, he told me the difference this could make to me. It also turned out that as well as saving me money it would lower my carbon footprint, contribute less to global warming and maybe, just maybe, help the polar bears.

The lesson is clear, I need to know what I can do at local level in terms I understand and make a difference to me. That it helps the bigger picture is a happy coincidence but it does not make it any less significant.

So sustainability people dump the polar bears embrace a red nose attitude and maybe we can all help those polar bears lives, unencumbered by constant PR stunts and appearances.

What do you think? Am I barking up the wrong, sustainable ethical sourced tree? Leave you comments below

By the way make sure you support Comic Relief

http://www.comicrelief.com/

A few weeks ago I read a lot chat about how you should address someone in an email. Particularly, if they were not a personal acquaintance, you were unsure of their gender or title. My issue is why some people do not reply to emails?

Hands up. I plead guilty to leaving emails unanswered in my inbox for weeks, OK months, I’m sure it never got as bad as years, but after this blog post I intend to turn over a new leaf, electronically speaking.

We all get emails, sometimes hundreds of them and some people do seem to relish boasting about the size of their inbox. They probably have a big car and a 50” inch TV as well and probably an inefficient spam filter. The psychologists among you can draw your own conclusions.

The issue is not getting an email but what do we do with it once you get it.

Let me explain.

I sent an email to someone I had met. We had a conversation about what I do and about what they do. We exchanged email addresses. A third party, who did the face to face introduction, also initiated an online connection via email and encouraged us to get together for business. So my email was not exactly spam or out of the blue. Three emails – no reply. Not even, thanks but no thanks.

The person in question no doubt has their own reasons for not replying and I am not about to speculate as to why. It did, however, get me thinking about my own responses and actions to email. I admit I do not have the bulging inbox some of you seem to have, not sure if this makes me a lesser person or not, and thus my thoughts on how to deal with email may fall on deaf ears or tired fingers.

Let me categorise my inbox and the actions I intend to take.

SPAM – ignore and delete

Newsletters – tempted to say ignore and delete but maybe read and certainly, unless something catches my eye, no response is needed. I have set up an email address that I use solely for signing up to newsletters. I know that unopened emails in that box are not urgent.

Clients, friends etc – read, reply as soon as possible. I will often try to send a quick reply to acknowledge I have received it even if I am not able to deal with the content specifically at that time.

Prospective clients – holding email at first if busy then reply asap.

People looking for work – I regularly get CV’s etc. At the very least I reply and thank them even though it is unlikely I have anything for them. Most reply thanking me for even acknowledging their email. It can be a pain to get these emails but imagine how devastating it must feel to be ignored. I also sometimes reply with a little advice about researching the companies you email looking for work.

Sales emails – I don’t mind receiving these and occasionally I have found and bought a product because of them. A quick read and then delete. Cleary these emails are not expecting you to email them back.

So there it is, my plan for dealing with my inbox and keeping the lines of communication open. It is unlikely to force people to reply to my emails but at least I feel as though I am doing my bit. If you are in business you are likely to be busy but remember so is the person contacting you.  using the excuse you am just too busy to reply implies you consider your “busy-ness” as somehow superior to theirs. If you are so busy that you cannot reply or communicate with people you need to find a better business solution.

If you ever come across a person who says I only check my email once a week or I never really use email then probably best to walk away before you do them physical harm.

Next time Twitter DM’s – I can ******* DM you if you are not following me. I feel another rant coming. I’m going to lie down and ignore my inbox for a while.

Public relations, or PR, are very important for any business. If you’ve just launched a new product or service you’ll want everyone to know about it. It’s the chance to advertise in local newspapers and on TV where you would normally have to pay a high advertising fee. It’s also a good opportunity to gain trust and respect from potential buyers.

In this blog post we’ll look at how to use video news releases properly and how effective they can be. We’ll also cover why you should be using VNR’s and what benefits they will bring to your business.

Make it professional

If you’re going to create any sort of video to present your business; it must be professional. There’s no point just holding a camera at arm’s length and talking into the lens, because you’ll give the wrong impression about your business. The video you create needs to look professional for two main reasons. It needs to present your business to your prospects so they can trust you. It also needs to stand a chance of appearing on public television. If it’s an amateur video; they’ll likely discard it.

For these two main reasons it makes sense to outsource the production of your VNR to an experienced video production company. Look for a business that has produced video press releases before and who know the right people to send the VNR to after it’s produced.

Don’t make it blatant advertising

Any press release needs to be interesting and engaging for people to actually pay attention to it. If you’re just describing how amazing your business is and all its product and service offerings; you’ll put people off. You’re also less likely to have the VNR publicly broadcast if it’s just a blatant advertisement. There’s nothing wrong with promoting your business in the VNR, that’s what it’s there for. But do it in a way that makes it engaging to watch. Talk about the latest fashion, gadget, or innovation. Perhaps discuss something controversial.

Send it to the right people

Once you’ve produced your VNR; give it a fighting chance to be seen by as many people as possible. By sending it to the right people it may stand a much higher chance of being publicly broadcast. If you outsource your VNR to a video production company that has experience in PR; they might know the right people to send the news release to. If you choose a video production company that has sent VNR’s to TV stations before; they might even favour their work.

Take a look at one of our VNR’s HERE

By using VNR’s effectively you can increase awareness of your businesses products and services. So, if you don’t already use VNR’s, why not start today? Give us a call on 0845 127 4600 get started!

Whilst it would be nice to have a bustling exhibition stand, you may not have enough staff to talk to each individual on a one-to-one basis. By using video; the whole crowd can be entertained whilst some people interact personally with your staff and advisors.

Here are 4 reasons to use video at exhibitions:

1 – Eye Catching

Your stand is your shop window. You need to grab people’s attention in the blink of an eye. Think of it like walking down the high-street; if you see something unique, loud and bright in a shop-window, you look at it.

Whilst many of your competitors may already have video presentations, have these been created using software such as PowerPoint? Full of words and limited imagery it doesn’t contain that “Wow” factor. You need to go one step further and truly impress passers-by with an outstanding video production.

2 – Time Consuming

Yes, you want a bustling stand full of prospects wanting to know about your products and services. But that comes with the increased overhead of hiring more advisors to talk to individuals asking questions about your offerings.

With stunning video to entertain the crowd you might just be able to entice people to stick around long enough for you to approach them. You don’t need a lot of staff to do this; you just need to persuade the crowd to stay long enough until their turn comes around. Then you can interact with each individual.

3 – Competition

Why not give your crowd the opportunity to win something? It’s easy to persuade people to watch your video by offering them the chance to win a prize. A competition such as “how many times did you see a white cat in the video?” or anything that gets people to stand and watch. You’d be surprised at how effective this can be!

The result: you get prospects contact details to put on a mailing list to sell to them at a later date. In return, you give away a great prize that’s worth the competition. It’s a win-win!

4 – Freebies

Give your prospects something they can take away with them. It could be a CD, DVD, or even a USB stick. You can then include more promotional material with the freebies such as product or service descriptions, images and a link to your website etc.

Impress prospects with your exhibition stand and they’ll want to know more. An exhibition/conference video is designed to sell the sizzle and not the sausage. Don’t be afraid to make the video amusing, slightly risqué or even controversial. People will remember your video and your business because you’ll stand out from your competitors.

Let your prospects know your business is the best and don’t be afraid to show it!

Gordon O’Neill, iotaMEDIA

Let’s look at how you can use video to enhance your pitching and delivery of a job: from pitch to promotion and all points in between.

1) The Pitch – why not use video to pitch for business? We all know how terrifying it can be standing in front of a potential client, sweaty palms, notes on cue cards and hoping you won’t stutter to stumble. But let’s face it – you KNOW that you’re good, and you want them to know too. Forget pummelling them into submission with PowerPoint, never mind stumbling over your words. SHOW them how good you are. A short video piece, introducing your company and your people sets the tone for a great presentation, and shows you mean business.

2) The Research. OK, so you could just get on the internet and research the project, but that’s not going to make you stand out, is it? Show that you understand the project by conducting video research. Vox pops are a great way to gather intelligence and make you stand out form the others.

3) The Cheerleading. You’ve got the job, now engage, inspire and excite your in house staff by showing them how important it is instead of just telling them. Moving images will excite them a lot more than a round robin email. A motivational video clip or two is perfect, and economic if your workforce is spread over several locations.

4) The Strategy. Why not deploy video as part of your strategy – a video podcast, a video news release, a profile, viral marketing; all of them can be an integral part of any project. Case Studies – great for giving to the press, combine video with photographs, press releases and profiles all on one wonderful disk (CD or DVD)

5) The Reporting. Use video to show your client what you’ve done and the impact it’s had. Let them know their money was well spent and that you’ve achieved success for them; visually.

And finally, don’t forget to get your clients to record a testimonial for you, and use THAT video to help get your next client!

If you need help working out where video fits into your company, why not drop us a line at iotaMEDIA on gordon@iotamedia.co.uk or visit our website at www.iotamedia.co.uk

1) Low Cost production does not mean low production values

The nature of the online adult industry means that in a lot of cases video is produced on a low budget. But despite that, production values remain high, as the video producer knows that the end result matters, and needs to compare with other video productions in the same arena. The porn industry have developed the art of filming quickly and at low cots, but still looking good and giving the customer what they want.

How can you take this on board? You might not have a huge budget, but choose as company with high production values to make sure you get a video that shows you in your best light.

2) Harnessing new technology

Online porn has always been at the forefront of technology – they were the first type of company to have online videos, streaming content and of course pay as you go content. It’s worth keeping an eye on new technologies used, as you can guarantee they’ll be in the mainstream before you know it.

3) Speed of production

With an ever ready audience who get bored easily, the adult industry has to produce new content and services quickly and in rapid succession. Each company knows that if they don’t do this, their competitors will be taking up the slack (and the eyeballs) in no time. It’s good to notice how they achieve this, and put the same speed of production into your own videos (albeit with clothes on!)

4) Ease of access making sure your customers can get your product

Most online porn sites will offer you a range of ways to view their content – stremaing video, still photographs, downloadable videos, video to your phone, and more. They know that their audience comes in all shapes and forms, and cater to all needs. Don’t presume that your audience want the one thing you’re willing to offer – give them choice and they’ll stick with you.

5) Giving away freebie tasters

There is HUGE money in the adult industry, but you’d be hard puched to find a porn site that isn’t giving SOMETHING away for free. It may be freebie pictures of the day, short video tasters, trailers, downloadable documents or more. They know that if they give enough away, you’ll come back and pay for more.

Take this into your own business by thinking about what you can give away for free that will have people knocking down your door to pay for more advanced info?

So, whether we like it or not, there’s a lot to be learned from the online porn industry – and a lot of it can be related to your business. Think about that while you’re NOT accessing any adult sites this week

My personal five greatest TV moments are based more on my own personal memories of Christmas past, TV moments that stir personal memories. So, in no particular order.

1. Christmas Disney Time – hard to imagine now but there was a time when if you wanted to see a Disney film it was at the cinema. Christmas Disney time was just such a treat to see clips from Disney movies you’d seen and others you hadn’t. Usually presented by a celebrity it was a treat for all the family.
2. Christmas morning at a children’s hospital – this ran in various guises over the years featuring Rolf Harris and Noel Edmonds amongst others. The premise was simple, live on Christmas morning celebrities would visit a hospital children’s ward and distribute presents. I think I loved it so much that even as a child I appreciated, amongst all the presents I had, that there were those worse off than me.
3. The big Christmas film – It is hard today to recapture the thrill of knowing a huge cinema release was about to air on TV. I remember the excitement building to the screening of The Sound of Music. We’d all seen it at the cinema but to sit in your own front room and see and hear “high on a hill lived a lonely goat herd” was truly magical.
4. Christmas Top of the Pops – this was the highlight of many teenagers Christmas. Prior to the screening I would give pep talks to other (usually older) members of the family, no talking, no comments about modern music all sounding the same.
5. The late afternoon re-run – this is not really a childhood memory but one rather more recent one. December is a very busy time for most people and as a consequence a lot of TV is missed. However there comes a moment when work finishes and Christmas begins. For me it happens after the lunchtime drinks on the last day of work. Coming home “happy” and relaxed I sit in an armchair and turn on the TV to a re-run of a Christmas special I’ve missed. The lights are out, the room is lit only by the TV and the Christmas tree lights. Coffee and mince pie in hand, for me, Christmas is here.

What’s your greatest Christmas TV moment?