Spring Cleaning in July

Here at PrimeImage Media we value new technology and researching new ways to improve video production. We are constantly bringing new equipment in, and keeping updated on the best ways to produce a exceptional product.

Because we are so active in keeping things up to date, it's hard to keep up with everything we have. Things begin to pile up and before we know it, there are boxes everywhere. This week, we have been busy reorganizing the studio space and doing a much needed 'Spring Cleaning' in July.

After a lot of sorting, cleaning, vacuuming, and moving things around, we finally got things back to normal. Below are some before and after pictures.

You may have notice the desk in the center, still with many wires around it. That is our streaming and switcher gear, which we're keeping out for now and getting ready to use it on a future project. Some of our clients require not only a multi-camera set up for conferences and events, but also need live streaming capabilities. We offer both services in HD. Eventually, all of these items will be tucked away, providing ample studio space for our future projects and clients.

We think it's incredibly important not only to stay organized, but to keep updated on new technology to produce the best videos for any type of production. If you would like to request our services, please call us at 480.240.9270

Auditions 101

This week, we're hard at work on a production slated for shooting this coming Saturday. Needing a variety of talent, we hosted auditions and thought we'd share some tips for corporate video production.

Auditions can either go really well, or horribly wrong. Proper planning beforehand is key. It's better to give actors a specific time to come in, rather than having an open call. By scheduling your actors, you wont have wasted time, or blocks of time where crowds of actors arrive.

 

For these auditions it was necessary that the actors were fluent in ear prompting. Ear prompting is our alternative to using a teleprompter and gives us a variety of benefits. Our actors can be far away and still be able to recite paragraphs of script.

 

Here, Ben is demonstrating how to use the ear prompter by recording. Sometimes if the actor is not familiar with a technique it produces interesting outcomes. This can demonstrate the actor's ability to learn things quickly.

 

Another key tip when holding auditions is to record your actors. This will give you a good idea of how they look on camera, as well as providing a video file for you to look back on. If there is someone from your team missing, this also allows for the opportunity to send these files and have them be apart of selection process.

 

While conducting the auditions, let your actor run through a couple takes. After they have done so, give them additional notes. This will illustrate how well they take direction, and give you an idea of how they will preform on the day of production.

 

As our final tip, we suggest that you try getting into your actors shoes. This doesn't necessarily have to be at auditions, but it'll help your directing ability. Each of our members attempted ear prompting to better understand the stresses of our actors. 

We do a variety of video projects that consist of different goals and aspirations. If you would like to request our services, please call us at 480.240.9270

Tips and Tools with SAAR

For the past five years we have worked with the Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors (SAAR). We have shot many homes, and have maintained a great relationship with them. This week, we were asked to serve as an expert on a panel for Tech Tuesdays.

 

Everyone gathered to speak on YouTube and Video Marketing. Basically, the panel discussed anywhere from basic necessities to get your name out there and shoot a video, to expert tips of the trade. Below you'll find some tips discussed to aid you if you're thinking about making videos.

 

First, Kristin, a video blogger, spoke about the basics. If you're going to do anything with video, you need to have the basic tools like a camera, tripod, lights, and some editing software. Most computers nowadays come with free software and smart phones are able to capture HD video. Once you start making videos, the key is to be confident and not to be afraid to take risks. 

 

Next up, Bill, also a video blogger, discussed the wide variety of editing softwares. He also added when recording yourself on video, it's good to count down in a "3, 2, 1" fashion before talking. This creates a place to precisely edit when your talking and aid in the post-production process.

Jeff, a video blogger, stressed the impact of social media for the benefit of your video. Simply uploading your video to YouTube is not going get it seen. You must be active through social networks, sharing it everywhere to generate views.

 

Finally, Ben gave us some tips as you press forward with this basic foundation. With videos on YouTube, not only is it important to keep the video under 4-5 minutes, but it is important to make videos often. Making a habit out of making videos will generate an Internet presence. This doesn't mean you have to do a video everyday--you could even film a bunch of videos at once, and then upload them daily. This will save you time during the week.

Our goal at PrimeImage Media is to not only create a successful product for our clients, but also to improve video everywhere. Nice equipment and cameras can only go so far. The best camera is the one that's with you. 

If you have any questions about making videos, phone calls are always free. And, If you would like to request our services, please call us at 480.240.9270

Showcasing Greyhawk in Scottsdale, Arizona

Grayhawk is a community in Scottsdale, Arizona comprised 1,600 acres.  4,000 homes reside within this community. This week, we were asked by Jason and Stephanie Felker to showcase two different properties. To accurately illustrate these properties, we used our X6 helicopter to take aerial photos.

  

This isn't our first time using this nice gadget. It's perfect for low level aerial photos, and is quiet enough not to disturb neighbors. It's pretty easy to manipulate and produces a great product for our customers.

 

Here we see Ben, manning the controls. Lucky for us, there really wasn't a lot of wind to counteract with the helicopter. 

Shooting at Greyhawk provided some stunning views of the McDowell mountains. This provided a nice backdrop for our photos.

At the second property, we moved inside with our talented host, Shannon Wallace. We captured video and photos of this location. By starting early in the morning, we were able to finish around lunch time, ending another successful shoot.

Here's Scott, adjusting the focus and framing to establish the area in the best way possible. Every home we go to is different and a new adventure in it's own way. We take time to tailor our videos to each individual home to produce the best product.

If you would like a video or low level aerial photography for your business, please call us at 480.240.9270