Every day events may seem run of the mill but there is no better way to hone your story telling craft! I use these events to help me work on my story telling, my camera work, my editing, my lighting, my composition, etc. etc. If I get a new piece of gear, I always try to test it out on one of my projects first before using it with a client. I got a new camera half way through my son’s Lacrosse season and started filming. I have no intention other than getting used to using the very different piece of gear (more film style, 24p, interchangeable lenses, narrow depth of field (DOF) etc).

I incorporated some DVD game footage into this and it worked OK. There is an HD only version (with a slightly different “story”) here: http://vimeo.com/12400357

Let me know what tyou think and tell me how you hone your story telling craft. Please leave a comment.

If you want to include videos into your marketing plan it is now easier than ever to do so.  Gone are the days where you had to purchase expensive equipment to make a decent video.

With the new Flip Video Camera, you can now take videos and market your business or product quite easily.  With the Flip video camera, you will not need to invest in fancy software since the software is built in.  This camera is handy because it is small enough to fit in your pocket or purse.  It comes with a built in USB  plug that can easily plug into your computer to download your videos.

Some of the Flip features are the following:

- can record up to 2 hours

- play back videos

- delete videos

- available in HD

- inexpensive, approximately $200

- small and compact

The Flip video comes with built-in software called FlipShare and some of the features include:

- import directly to Youtube

- can trim the video

- email a link to your video

- burn to a DVD

- export directly to your computer

- best feature is the simplicity and ease of use

If the fear of cost or complexity has kept you from taking videos, this camera puts all those fears aside.  With a small investment of approximately $200 you can take videos that look professional.  The ease of uploading videos to Youtube and other online video venues makes this concept attractive.

There are programs available that help you share clips from your video and add music to the background that will enhance your videos more.  One of those programs is called Animoto.  Animoto allows you to incorporate still photos, text, video and music into a more creative video.  This program comes with a fee of approximately $99/month.  This is one of the many programs available to help you enhance your videos.  But, do not let the worry of making videos and adding music keep you from developing your own creative videos.

The time is now to incorporate videos into your marketing plan.  The best part is you are able to incorporate it without breaking the bank.

OK, here are the most desired items in no particular order or price range.

1. Flip MinoHD
2. Kodak Zi8 HD Pocket Video Camera
3. Manfrotto 682B Self Standing Monopod
4. Manfrotto Fig Rig
5. Bescor LED On Camera Video Light
6. Studio Lighting – 2275 Watt
7. VIO POV 1.5 Video System (AWESOME)
8. Wireless Microphone – AudioTechnica
9. Apple MacBook Pro 15.4-Inch Laptop
10. Pelican 1200 Case to put it all in

Did I miss anything? What do YOU hope to see under the tree?

I went on a road trip to NYC and shot some side by side video using my Zi8 and Flip Mino HD cameras. Here is the Zi8 version. The HUGE plus to the Zi8 is the big screen and the mic input. I’ll test audio and indoor lighting on another post.

I tried to pick some real world examples and tough lighting situations.