Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Better Composition - Use Leading Lines to Improve Your Photos


I've been speaking about leading lines recently and here Joshua tells it again,

Leading lines - use it to make a point for focus or direction for your viewers to focus on.

Are you using leading lines in your work?  Have you found some very effective effects?  Let me know.

Sunday, September 30, 2018

Composition and framing for film. RULE OF THIRDS vs THE GOLDEN RATIO. Ci...

Hi,

Lately I've been speaking about the Rule of thirds and the Rule of Symmetry.  Both important framing/composition tools to go by.  Of course you can always break the rules for a particular reason.

However I found this great clip on the Golden Rule.  Also know under a few other names like The Golden Ratio, The Golden Section, The Devine Proportion, the Golden rectangle, etc.   Very similar to the Rule of Thirds.  Great insite into the comparisons.  In fact I'm beginning to prefer the Golden Rule.  It's a little more wholesome in my opinion.  There are no wrongs or right and depends on the photographer and what goes well with your content.

What do you think?  Comments below!

Saturday, September 22, 2018

Why You NEED This Composition Technique | The Golden Spiral, Explained

Hi,

Well, I have been speaking about the Rule of thirds, symmetry, and just when you think you're mastering them there's another rule!  The Golden Spiral.  It's based on the Fibonacci Spiral.  It can be found in many other things as well, like in Nature, and even in share trading!

Here's a clip to explain it.  Are you using the Golden Spiral?  What's your favourite rule or you use the appropriate rule for the appropriate situation?  Comment below.

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Symmetry in Films : Supercut

Hi,

Here's a little visual treat.  My last blog was about the Rule of Symmetry.  Here's a little clip giving some examples of the Rule of Symmetry in a fun visual amusement.

This clip could also be taken as a bit of an editing exercise.  Notice how the clip is cut together on the beat of the music.  A great editing tip for later on.

Are you using these rules yet?  Have you started with any elaborate editing yet?  Let me know below.

Sunday, September 16, 2018

Why is there symmetry in film?

Hi,

While I've been writing about the Rule of Thirds another rule is the Rule of Symmetry.  Which is probably quite common as a natural instinct.  Of placing the subject in the middle and balancing it.  Used to focus the attention on the main subject of the frame.  'Here it is, look at this!'

Used quite a bit by Stanley Kubrick and quite a style by Wes Anderson.  Have a look and see what  you think.  You probably use it a lot.  However do you use it with purpose?  Let me know below.

Sunday, September 2, 2018

Rules of Framing and Composition


Hi,

How are all your filming going?  Started?

Here's a little clip I found of Jordan speaking on framing.  Quick and simple rules to know about framing your shot.  'Rule of Thirds', 'Symmetry' and others.  Very much what I'm going to include in my video tutorials that I'm soon to launch.

Comment below yon if you use these rules yet or go against them, and how you find them?

Monday, August 27, 2018

How I make a video - START TO FINISH!

Hi

Here's Peter McKinnon again.  His Two Minute Tuesdays, which is more than two minutes!  This time he's telling you how he makes his videos.  It looks pretty in depth and professional.  Now don't you worry as he's been doing it for a long time now and it is advanced.  However, I'm going to show you the basics later on where you can create the same on a budget with little equipment.  Peter's give you an idea what to expect and do, and soon I'l show you how to create the same - 'gorilla filming' style.

So if you're starting out, or a beginner, or just want to whip up something quick subscribe and follow me on social media to be updated.  If you have any questions of how to do something on the cheap comment below and Ill get back to you.

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

How to Shoot an Interview | Job Shadow

Hi,

This is Parker with his rules on how to film an interview.   Some of you will be filming yourself, as in introducing things, or as a presenter (Vlogger or Influencer) but the principals are the same.  He does use professional equipment but don't let that put you off.  Learn the rules and use the principals to create the same effect.  Regardless of your equipment, 'Just do it!'.

Have you already started?  ARe you using professional equipment or getting by with what you've got/ - 'Gorilla Filming'?  Comment below.

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

How To Vlog In Public — 5 Tips for Vlogging in Public

Now some of will want to make some videos.  However, you don't know where to start or...... 'What will people say?', 'What will people think?'

Here's a few tips to get started.  And the best advice, 'Just do it!'

How are you going with it?  Did you just get and do it or you're still waiting to?


Monday, July 23, 2018

I was a HORRIBLE PHOTOGRAPHER

Hey, here's Peter McKinnon again.  This time he's got some really handy hints.  Hints on photography, which applies to filming.  Lessons he's learnt and how he's corrected them.  He's also got some good advice at the end though you may not feel up to scratch to even start, with practice you can learn and get there..  He also shows that point to just film, as he films his friend, and over the years.

So as I say, just go and film.  More later.  Let me know how you're doing or even so what's holding you back?

Monday, July 9, 2018

6 Tips for Pocket Filmmaking

Hi,

OK, let's start shooting!  Now I've introduced some great presenters talking about film making.  Now, I hope you've been inspired to just grab a camera or even a phone and start shooting!  Doesn't matter what it is as long as you have a desire and a purpose then go ahead.

I like Jason's tip for the continuous shot.  After all, you can edit the shot later.

Have you filmed anything yet?  What's your topics?  Comment below.






Thursday, July 5, 2018

How to Take an Advanced Selfie: 8 Secrets to Mastering the Art of a Self...

Hi,

As you're staring out with filming, and filming yourself, the basics of photography will come in handy.  Here's a few tips from Sorelle.  Not too bad for a one person set up!  Hey!  A bit like me!  Of course, it helps if you have a friend around!

How are your set ups?  Let me know down below.

Monday, June 25, 2018

HOW TO VLOG (CAMERA + EQUIPMENT)

Hi,

Looks like I've got Christian again.   Now some of you are just starting and using your phones which is great!  I use a smartphone, also a Panasonic Lumix TZ40.  It's getting a bit old now, but till I get a new camera it does the trick.  Now Christian is a travel vlogger and tells you here what is his equipment.  Now, if you're going to video in more detail these equipment will be a guide for you to  where you want to go with it and what you would need.

Let me know what you use and for what purpose.  Let me know what you think?

Sunday, June 24, 2018

How To Make a TRAVEL VIDEO - 10 Tips you need to know

Hi,

How's the videos going?  Fliming everything yet?

Here's Christian with his tips for making top travel videos.  In fact they're common sense great tips for any filming!  Now you might not be at this stage yet, but they apply to everything.  They also don't have to apply to travel videos.  Family occasions, backyard barbecues, a walk down the street, your videos will benefit from these tips.  And if you already are making video, it's good revision, and are you using them?

In fact I've recommend so people's tips so far I'm going to be showing you some mine shortly.  Been away and I'll be putting together some shots soon.  Stay tunes!

Let me know below if using these tips.  What do think?  Want to see some of mine?

Saturday, June 23, 2018

How to Film + Edit on Your Smartphone | TECH TALK

Hi,

And this is Maya!  Fro those of you really starting out Maya is here with some great tips!  Iphone, smartphone, and tablet!  She tells you how to get started and tips like exposure, lighting, and even basic editing on your phone or tablet!

Have you started yet?  Are you using the basics, phone or camera?  Let me know below!  Happ filming!

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Vertical Video Syndrome - A PSA

Love this little clip!  It's video framing format - horizontal or vertical?

Well, to do any type of high end quality filming the frame should always be horizontal.  Though with the use of phones people are just shooting and filming: as vertical!  Reminds me of the old photographic formats.  You had the 35mm professional rectangle frame.  Then you had the 120 huge negative format on a rectangle frame to capture the most information on the negative.  The 126 format for regular use which was a square frame.  Then in the 1970s with the pocket cameras with the small 110 format.  Very small negative and so you lost the quality when enlarged too much.  Well, this is for film photography.

As for video, this clip is a bit old now, being made back n 2012.  People were just starting to use their phones.  Well, it looks like this message didn't work as we're developed into having the two formats, horizontal and vertical.  Horizontal for the professional high end and vertical for the regular everyday format now being seen on social media like Facebook Live and similar.

What's your preference and why?  Do you do more filming in vertical for social media or are you going for the standard horizontal format?  Love to hear your opinions.

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

How To Make A You Tube Video In Three Easy Steps + Bonus Tip!

Hi,

The last few weeks, I've posted clips for those with a bit of knowledge about filming/videoing.   Now I know some of you don't, and want to get started.  So here's Travis to tell you the very basics!  Film, edit, and upload!  This is so good for those of you who are a novice, and just don't know where to start.

This clip is a bit old now.  Windows Movie Maker doesn't come automatically with PC unfortunately.  There are other simple editing programs you can get.  Travis also suggests Sony Vegas.  There's a professional and a regular version with a suitable price range.  I use Davinci Resolve which is free.  However it is a professional editing program so you would need to sit down to get the basics (I suggest a good afternoon).

These tips will get you started.  As I said before phones are so advanced today you could also do a simple edit on your phone!

Let me know if these tips help.  Just do it.  You'll only get better.  Let me know how you go!

Monday, June 18, 2018

7 Things to Know About Making Short Films! : FRIDAY 101

Interesting clip on the basic of making a short film.  Now some of you aren't at that stage or even interested in that side of it.  Some of you want to make a film for your website or business, others may want to just play around and just film things eg: holiday clips.  However some of you may be wanting to start with a some short films to express your ideas or creativity.  Here's a few good points to start with.  Also to lead to making money in the long run, if that's your wish.

Have you started making your video or film?  Let me know below.

Sunday, June 17, 2018

How to VLOG! Complete Newbie Guide.

Hi,

Some of you are just starting out.  Some of you may want to put out a regular video, maybe become a Vlogger.  Here's Casual Steve with how to start out.  Very basic, and the best way to get started.  Have a look and see what you think.  I think some good advice.  What do you think?  Comment below.

However as everyone says, Just do it!  It only gets better!

Saturday, June 16, 2018

WHY COMPOSITION Is SO Important... And ITS FREE

Hi,

I've got another clip from Matti Haapoja again.  This time he talks about composition.  Some very good points.  Regardless of what stage you're at, it's good to always think of how to set up your framing.  After a while it will become automatic.  You just look for the focus point of your subject, and the leading lines leading to it.

There are some great examples of the 'Rule of Thirds'.

He speaks about the shot with the tent.   I think it looks OK, though he does give the impression that he would prefer it in the middle of the frame.  What do you think?  Do you agree with his comments?  Let me know below.

Friday, June 15, 2018

Start taking BETTER photos TODAY! Composition in Photography

Hi,

Here we have Peter McKinnon again speaking on framing.  Some great tips to remember when filming - the composition.

Remember the framing, leading lines, angles, lighting.  Some great tips to think about, and 'Practice makes perfect'.

Are you using these basic ideas?  Are you using something different?  Comment below.  Love to hear from you.

Thursday, June 14, 2018

FORGET Film School! All You Need Are These 2 Things

If you're starting out, here's another common sense tip from Matti Haapoja.  Just do it.  He tells how he started and with his first clip to his latest and shows how he's developed.

Where are you at?  Scared to start?  Even if you just want the one video for your business, you have to starts somewhere.  Comment below.  Where are you at?

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

So you want to be a filmmaker?

So you want to be a filmmaker?  Matti Haapoja gives a good tip as well as showing where he's got to.  Oh!  The tip?  Just do it!  It might be a bit advanced for us yet, but just start doing it as you'll develop with practice.

Watch the clip.  See what you think?  Have you started yet?  Comment below.

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

5 ways to INSTANTLY make BETTER VIDEOS!

Peter McKinnon here says some good things about filming.  Lighting, sound, editing, location.  Hope it helps you with your filming.

Are you using these basic steps?

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Film Making Basics!

Here's a clip that's great for the terminology of film making.  Great for a beginner that wants to start.  I think why I really like it is the way it's presented.  Dry, and straight to the point, with humor and entertainment.  What do you think?  Let me know how you feel about it!

Enjoy!

Monday, June 4, 2018

The BEST Vlogging Camera of 2018

Well, if you're starting out, or just want a video for your website, just get a camera!  What sort?  Well depends on what you want to film.  I would say just film!  On your phone or even a simple camera, and most today can do the job.  However if you do want to venture into something a bit more sophisticated with a bit of a budget listen to Sawyer.  It's also this year so this article is up to date.

What camera do you use?  Does it do the trick?  Comment below.

Sunday, June 3, 2018

How to Make Videos with your Phone

It\s all about budget, especially when you're starting out!

Found Sunny who has some great tips on how to start filming if you want to vlog, make a video for your business, or just want to create something!  You can always improvise!  It goes to show that you don't need fancy equipment.  She agrees on my own ideas coming up in my ebook shortly.

Stay tuned.  Subscribe.  And comment below if you agree with Sunny or not?

Thursday, May 31, 2018

Royal Wedding 2018

A compilation of clips, taken in Windsor on the day of  the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle.

Just basic footage put together can create a historical video of the day.

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in the Wedding parade

The Royal Wedding!  Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their parade.



The Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.  Watching them come down the High Street in Windsor.

A picture says 1000 words.  And video captures the moment!

A simple moment!  The scene of three seconds as they come by!  Mind you it was worth it.  Being there enjoying the lively happy street party atmosphere.  Some people came from all over the world to partake in the festivities.  Places like Australia, Germany, USA, and the rest of the UK!  Arriving early in the morning, if not overnight, to make sure they got a good viewing point.

This is a simple video with an editing trim.  We could also edit it down further if we wanted to; to just show the highlights of them appearing in their carriage.  In my next blog I'll put together a clip of the day, of what it's all about.  It is about them and also the people.  The followers that have come from a far to share in the festivities.

Were you at the wedding?  Or were having you're own Wedding luncheon watching it on a screen somewhere?  Did you capture any of the moments/  Let us know below.  You can get some tips on putting them together and then you can load them to social media or use it for your business eg if you run a restaurant how your guests were having a great time.

Stay tuned and and I'll have a small compilation of how I put mine together.  These ideas can be used for your videos too whether it's capturing a significant event or a video to boost your business.  As well as on a budget.  More coming up soon,

The Scott T Concept

Friday, May 18, 2018

THE BIG EVENT OF THE ROYAL WEDDING


So are we ready for the big day?

The royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is one of the biggest events that a lot of people will be watching.  People will travel to Windsor, where the wedding will be taking place, the majority will watch it televised, and some won't even care.  In fact there won't be another big wedding for another 25 years or so, till Prince George grows up!  However this is an event that everyone knows about.



This is also where you can take advantage of the moment.  You can use this in relation to your business, you blog, or vlog to generate interest.  This it truly seen with all the royal wedding merchandise that has gone on sale.  Capitalising on the moment.  This is also where video will help.

If you can capture the moment, or any moment that's popular at the time you will generate interest.  If you can capture the moment on video will also be great to boost yourself, business, or article.  'A picture says a 1000 words'.

So be ready to get out there with your camera to shoot every moment.  Remember to get that shot.  Frame the scene - composition.  'Rule of thirds' for layout.  The lighting, get the sun or the light in the right direction - behind you and onto your subject.  If you have no control over that then make sure your exposure is able to capture their details eg: their faces, though the back ground can then be over exposed, we want to see detail.

Now, if you don't know how to capture that at the time, we fortunately now have, even simple, editing equipment, that can filter and restore detail to the scene.  Bad shots don't have to be a waste they can also be saved now!  More on those at a later date.

So capture the event and use it to your advantage.  Also if you're out there filming it's your footage, your copyright, your piece of work or art.  So get out there and film and enjoy the moment!

Also be respectful of others that may not want to be filmed, film around them, but get the great shots.  Has there been other events that can bring up interest?  How have you been able to capture the moment?  Comment below.  Happy filming!

The Scott T Concept


Wednesday, May 16, 2018

GO WEST...... INTO THE NET

I have an idea. Let's all get rich! (And f you have any anti wealth feelings, that's OK, you can stay where you are. There's no right or wrong.)  But, we're going to get rich!




In the old days, the 1800s, the Americans went westward in search of gold and the wild frontier, to make their fortune. Well, in today's times, it's not that much different, though things have changed. The traditional way of making a living, of getting a job is all changing. You're staying longer in education, then you've got to start all over again at the bottom in a new job and work your way up. Before you know it you're 30 and still not making enough money, let alone getting a deposit for a house, and some of you already have a spouse and a baby! Well, maybe a pet. And still very little money!

So, we have to be like the adventurers of the Wild West back in the days of old and go discover our fortunes. However today it's no longer heading to the west and digging for gold, unless you go to Silicon Valley, or start your own crypto mining, but delving into the internet. That's where the treasures are. Where the fortunes are made!  Where 16 year olds in their bedrooms are making money only to get bought out for $Millions by the time they're 21!

Let's embark on our journey. Social media, online business, Trading, and Cryptos.  What ever you chose you'll want to eventually have video.  Now since you're starting off, or don't have the funds, or know what equipment to get, or you've already have a business but don't know where to start with video, well, we'll embark on this together. I show you how to start, with the basic of things, and tell you the tips based on the professionals, to create video that looks just as good.

To begin with all you need is a movie camera. Any sort, even a phone. As long as it can capture digital footage, we're in! Then the basics of rules like lighting and framing.

Stay with me. Sign up and subscribe so you won't miss a tip. Also if you have any comments or would like to know about something, write them below. See you soon.

Scott T Concepts

Sunday, May 13, 2018

STARTING WITH BASIC FILMING


So you want to shot video? For your business? For a blog? Well I've got an idea and this is my concept!



CCO
Start with the basics. A recording device is a good place to start. That's basically a camera, and now these days, even a phone, tablet, even a laptop (people having even been using their laptop cameras to film themselves, like for tutorials). It also depends on where you're at with all of this. If you're just starting out, which is where this current blog is coming from, it doesn't have to be scary, and you don't have to 'throw your hands up in the air' and give up!

A few tips


Check for composition. That is that your subjects are place well in the frame. Using the 'Rule of Thirds' is good. That is divide the frame into three sections, both vertically and horizontally. Place your subject along those lines. This makes the picture look more interesting.

Check for lighting. This one a lot of people don't notice. Make sure your subject is lit. That we can see the subject or the faces. (I've even seen top people get this wrong with today's easy use of filming - so you don't have to worry if you get it wrong, but it's good to know that you can be aware of it).

Usually have the light behind you so it's on your subject. Some shadow is good as it gives depth and a three dimensional feel. However you don't want a strong contrast so try not to have a strong light, also your subjects won't squint then. Usually morning or afternoon light is good if you're filming outdoors. Use a 'fill' light. So your shadows aren't too contrasting, a 'fill' will lighten the shadows. You can even do this with a 'reflector' – that's a white or light sheet of paper or board, just so the natural light is reflected onto your subject lightening the shadows. This way you'll have shadows that look interesting and still be able to see detail.
Photography, filming, reflectors, fill light,
A more formal use of a reflector as a fill light - though anything light can do the same


I'll talk more on this in my later blogs. This is the basics of the 'three point light' set up. More on that later. This is the basics to get you thinking, interested, and filming!

These days everyone is getting it so easy. The rules are changing. Even if you're blogging, what is classic mistakes in the high end of cinema film making is now considered the norm on the portable devices watched on Youtube and websites.

In fact, here are a few more tips that you can check at Vimeo. Great funny clip just to make sure up to scratch. I'll also be blogging about these other tips too.

Vimeo tips: https://vimeo.com/blog/post/video-101-shooting-basics

Any comments please enter down below. Until then happy filming.

Monday, May 7, 2018

The Five Second Rule - 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

When you're procrastinating, when you want to get something done, when you want to achieve something, but just can't seem to get motivated?  I have found the concept of the Five Second Rule!

It is so simple.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1!  Do it!  


Found this little gem.  When you're feeling lack of motivation, when you have to do something, like the example they used getting out of bed, just use this simple technique.  Say 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!  Then you just do it!  The idea is that you switch gears in your brain.  By the time you've hit 1 the pre-frontal cortex is activated.  That's the part of the brain that takes charge of being awake to speak with courage, to take a risk, to learn something new, according to the author, Mel Robbins, of her book The Five Second Rule.


Once practiced people then can use it to help with other things in their lives: eg: exercise, getting up on time, not drinking too much, eating healthy, speaking up at work, asking for that raise, starting your business.  Eventually changing your mindset and breaking through the self talk and the reluctance that you go through before you can do something.

Great little trick!  I've used it already when I've felt sluggish and it works.  I suppose it interrupts my negative thoughts and then I just do it when I get to '1'.


Found this gem from Amy Landino's interview with the author Mel Robbins about her book and concept.  Here's the link if you care to watch.  Maybe just do it!

Interview: https://youtu.be/Z8jrT8pvs0E

Thursday, May 3, 2018

Is The Online Video Advertising And Web Video Marketing Trend Relevant To Your Business?

Things have come a long way with the internet and video.  The video has left the television screen and has transgressed into the screens of laptops, tablets, and phones!  It's everywhere and growing.  Businesses are also finding that it is becoming a major part of their connection with their customers and individuals are using it too from pure amusement, record, to selfies.  It is now a major part of our lives and growing.  Here's a little article I found saying just that.  Are you making the most of the video?  What uses have you got for it or is it just for self amusement?  Comment below.  Also I'll be bringing tips on great some great videos soon.


Over the past six years, I have been quite fortunate to go behind-the-scenes of over 200 companies and see how they deliver their message along with being able to see what's working and what's not working for them. Out of all those companies, I have edited different themed marketing videos for both offline and online businesses alike through my background in marketing and video production as a Producer and Editor. Several entrepreneurs are asking me if the new wave of online video advertising and website video marketing has anything to do with them and if it will effect them. They are also asking what are the real benefits of it and if it can even be used in their particular niche. Online video advertising has seen a positive acceptance as we move to the Web 2.0 Phase, but what I tell these small to mid-size e-commerce businesses is to really focus on website video marketing instead for now. The reason I say this is that once companies have the right videos on their websites to test and track conversions, they can use that as a springboard 
Image result for watching tv

to see if video advertising will be right for them over the next few years. Right now, the acceptance of website video marketing is being taken advantage of by smart marketers and online businesses for several already known reasons along with integrated strategies within their own business or sales funnel. I'll give a brief overview of both. Some already known reasons on why video works within the web for e-commerce and direct sales is to educate 
consumers (edu-selling), building trust, informing web viewers about exactly what they want to hear without them getting lost in a long and boring sales copy while adding the human approach. Consumers appreciate companies that get to the point efficiently and clearly, how to navigate sites and how to get from Point A to Point B without the consumer getting lost. Statistics average that 70% of people are visual learners and can understand what they see in a visual way and more effectively, when it includes the narration or text overlay that connects the marketing message together in the mind of the consumer. E-commerce, direct sales and multimedia marketing businesses use integrated strategies of video within their sales copy to give visual cues and careful placement so consumers know when to do what with a laser-focused call-to-action along with testimonial videos (the most powerful testimonial there is) that blend right in with the sales copy. Using video messages within the short opt-in form can replace a long sales copy on "Why you should give me your email address." Consumers tend to appreciate this on opt-in pages because it takes down their skepticism and reassures them that they are giving their email to a real business who has invested time in providing value for them. When seeing how your competitors, e-commerce and direct sales companies use creative video advertising and marketing solutions, ask yourself how video will differentiate you from everyone else and what direct response or branding message would be the most effective to get consumers to take action.

By Scott Lundergan

Source: https://www.isnare.com/?aid=128479&ca=Marketing

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Youtube Phenomenon

While we're going to work on some great video and content one of the most popular places to place them on is YouTube.  Also it's a launching pad to have them on and redirect them to your website or social media page.  Found this interesting article on the beginnings of YouTube by Andre Jones.


If you browse the web, you'll come across many websites that has one or more video clips embedded in it. News websites such as BBC and CNN fall in this category. But, what about a website that has only video clips and nothing else? This is exactly what the Youtube Phenomenon is all about. To those who have not heard about Youtube, it is a video sharing website where one could upload, share, and watch video clips - Youtube videos - for free. It is owned by Google.

Here is a bit history of what all went behind in the making of Youtube.com. Little had the three former PayPal employees - Chad Hurley, Jawed Karim, and Steve Chen - anticipated about the growth and fame Youtube would achieve in less than one year since its inception, when they first planned such a video sharing website. An out-of-the box idea, Youtube.com was launched as an unknown new website on February 15, 2005 with virtually no promotion. The website with its full features become operational few month later; the first preview of the website was offered in May 2005 and its official debut in November the same year. As it had been with many great path breaking projects in the past, the incubation days of Youtube took place in a modest garage in California, much like its present owner's - Google - beginnings, who started their journey from a leased space in a Menlo Park garage in 1998.

     Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, Jawed Karim


The beginnings of Youtube was pretty modest and its creators more than once at least went through a cash crunch as the visitors to the website grew and the need for better infrastructure and technology became inevitable. Irony it may be that the first helping hand they got which had pulled them out of the financial crisis was that of the venture capital firm Sequoia, the very same firm that had funded Google in its early years. Sequoia invested $3.5 million initially in Youtube, the stake which they upped to $8 million few months later, realizing the vast potential Youtube.com has in the fast growing world of infotainment in the near future. 

Another development that had immensely helped catapulting Youtube into the forefront of online entertainment industry came from rather unexpected quarters, in the form of new software tool - the Flash Player 8 by Macromedia - that enabled people to view Youtube videos directly from their web browsers without having to download it into their PCs and view it with the help of third party software programs such as Windows Media Player or RealOne Player. In fact, it not only eliminated the need to view downloaded files in third party tools, but also provided a far improved video quality than its predecessor, Flash Player 7. Had it not been for the new Flash Player, the Flash Player 8, it is unlikely that Youtube.com would have taken off this fast, in such a short span of time.

As of today, Youtube.com, under the umbrella of Google, is the fastest growing video website in the globe and the 10th most popular amongst all websites in the cyberspace, according to the latest Alexa ratings. Nearly 100 million video clips from Youtube are seen by netizens daily and around 65,000 new Youtube videos are added every day into the database. The number of netizens visiting Youtube every month is thought to be anywhere near 20 million. No wonder, Youtube.com is described not as a website, but as a phenomenon by market experts.


Monday, April 30, 2018

Tips For Making a Better Video For Home Or the Website

Found this article for the basis on making good video and with the basics.  I'll be bringing more tips on this shortly.  What do you think?



The explosion of free video sharing websites has made shooting personal videos a rather ordinary affair; everyone is doing it. But even before this happened, home videos were viewed as a fantastic way to record and preserve memorable events in one's life.
Whether the video is meant for viewing at home or for uploading to the Internet, one thing that anyone quickly notices is the poor quality of these videos.
Make Your video Look Like a Pro's...
Many home videos are hardly viewable which defeats the very purpose of making them in the first place. 'But after all, they are amateur videos. And that is correct so one cannot expect a movie-standard production. However, contrary to what many realize, the tips for making a better video are so easy to follow that one would wonder why they did not use them in the first place.
First, it is important that one identify the objective for recording the video and the intended audience. That's right! Even for a home video, this is absolutely important. This information plays an important part in determining the volume of the video content, the types of angles the shoots should take, whether there will be interviews or not and the inclusion of any other features that will be relevant to the production.
Use Good Equipment...
Another one of the key tips for making a better video is ensuring that the equipment used is of good quality. This does not mean that you must look for the most expensive video cameras in the market. Rather, there is a certain minimum standard of camera that should give you an acceptable level of quality as far as the final product goes.
A Good Foundation, Tripods Work!
When it comes to the actual shooting, you might need to get a tripod stand to use as a support for the camera. Many amateur videos are often characterized by a hazy picture due to shaking by the person doing the filming. It might not seem significant during the recording but as one sits back to see the entire shoot, the realization that the video is unpresentable becomes apparent.
A number of camcorders come with a tripod stand. However, if you do not have one, buying one is not that expensive especially when you consider its benefits. A tripod stand also allows the person doing the filming to, when required, join in with the persons being filmed without leaving out anyone else that is required to be in the video.
Learn the Fine Adjustments...
How you zoom and change shooting angles is also one of the important tips for making a better video that you should pay attention to. Changing the shooting angles has the ability to liven an entire shoot. If you have to film a certain object for a while, do not be fixated in only one angle.
However, you must avoid constantly adjusting the shot as it quickly tires the viewer and leads to disinterest.
Whenever you have to zoom or change the angles from which you take the shots, doing it smooth and slow is the way to go. Never jerk the camcorder from one angle to another and avoid zooming in and out on the same object.
These few video tips should help you shoot a clip that is worthy of an Oscar!
Jerry Pelletier is an online marketing and self branding expert who teaches the tips and techniques to his team of new and experienced entrepreneurs that gets results to sell anything to anyone, anywhere in the world, working from your own home-based business. To learn how to become Financially Secure and gain Financial Freedom through his unique Business platform.
To join Jerry Pelletier and his internet success coaching, apply at his website or contact him from there. [http://www.TimeForYours.net]

Sunday, April 29, 2018

Why online video is the future of content marketing


Looks like video is the way of the future.  The way technology has superseded itself, it seems people are more inclined to watch than to read.  It's also easier.  Here's an article below.  What do think?  Comment below.


Video is taking content marketing by storm, but you'll have to do more than just make one to realise its full potential
Hands filming with phone
Video is everywhere. Small businesses who ignore it 'do so at their peril'. Photograph: Robert Gray/Getty Images
If it were five years in the future, would you be reading this article or would you be watching it? As online video continues its inimitable rise, it's an interesting question to ponder.

By 2017, video will account for 69% of all consumer internet traffic, according to Cisco. Video-on-demand traffic alone will have almost trebled. Leafing through a swathe of statistics on the subject, I'm hard pressed to find any indicator that doesn't suggest rapid growth.
With online video quickly becoming a key means for people to satisfy their information and entertainment needs, small businesses that fail to include it in their internet marketing strategies will do so at their peril.
Video is the future of content marketing. That is, if it's not the here and now. Various studies show more than half of companies are already making use of the medium – a figure that's predicted to rise as more and more realise the possibilities. Nielsen claims 64% of marketers expect video to dominate their strategies in the near future. It's not difficult to see why.
When it comes to potential reach, video is peerless. YouTube receives more than one billion unique visitors every month – that's more than any other channel, apart from Facebook. One in three Britons view at least one online video a week – that's a weekly audience of more than 20 million people in the UK alone. Video can give you access to all this. Video done well can give you a slice of it. What other form of content can do the same?
The success stories of videos that have gone viral are legend. A recent campaign from Volkswagen, for example, saw a trio of its videos viewed a combined 155 million times. If such numbers seem out of reach for companies without 12-figure revenue streams, they at least demonstrate video's inherent shareability. Engage viewers and they will share the video with others. They will spend longer on your website and more time interacting with your brand. For any social media campaign, any SEO exercise, video is without doubt one of the best tools in the kit.
But is video really possible for small businesses? Absolutely. Production costs have fallen significantly in recent years and you no longer need to be a technical whiz to work out how to use it. Apps such as Twitter's Vine, with its six-second maximum clip length, have dramatically increased the opportunity for businesses on a limited budget to get stuck in. Nevertheless, if you're to realise a decent return on your investment, you will need to bear the following in mind.
Always consider the audience you are trying to reach and ensure the video is relevant to them. If it's not the most appropriate means of getting your message across, you are probably wasting your time.
Do not neglect social media and be sure to promote across multiple channels. If you want to fully realise video's potential, you must make it easy for users to find and share it. Don't neglect mobile either. Ooyala has claimed a tenth of all video plays happen on mobiles and tablets, and it's an increasingly important segment, with mobile phones holding 41% more share of video consumption at the end of June 2013 than at the start of that year.
Finally, be creative, not only with the videos themselves but in the campaign strategy you build around them. As my head of marketing likes to say, creativity wins over the cost of production every time. Get that bit right and video won't just be the future of content marketing, it'll be the future of content marketing for you.
By Chris Trimble

Friday, April 20, 2018

19 reasons why you owe it to yourself & others to be rich

It comes up a lot about why you shouldn't have money.  After all the talk, then some people begin to self sabotage themselves in getting money!  I know I have.  He's an article I found that says why you should have money, wealth, and abundance.  Comment below for your views.  Do you feel the same?



A lot of people think that if you are rich, you have to have taken from the poor. This is nonsense, because money is fluid; constantly moving. One paper denomination could circulate 10,000 times and as such is not a single exchange where someone gains and someone else loses. Money is simply a universal mechanism of exchange, a way to measure value, a unit of account and a future store of that value. It is not good or bad, right or wrong. If you can learn to leverage money to its full purpose and potential, rather than make it mean what you think it means, or how it makes
you feel, then you transcend being a slave to money and you become a money magnet and master.

The most important fundamental of becoming a money master is to accept, believe and then own your right to be rich. It is your birth right. No one was born to be poor. Sure, some people less fortunate can’t help their environment and upbringing, but if you’re reading this you probably can.
Here are 20 great, real reasons why you shouldn’t just be rich, but it is your right and responsibility to be rich:

1. Your increased net worth increases your self worth

Which in turn lifts others up around you. The rising of tides lifts all ships.

2. You help others grow their wealth by growing yours, because:

a. You pay more people more money (because you can afford to)
b. You teach people what you know that helps them make money (which is the greatest gift of all and a more lasting legacy)
c. You inspire people, which creates a positive knock-on, butterfly effect of wealth (well being)

3. The more you make, the more you can give away

Pretty obvious, but many don’t seem to get that the more you earn and own, the more you can share and give. Charity starts at home, commit to wealth and to creating wealth around you.

4. Being broke restricts you from serving, solving & creating

You can’t do much that is creative or inspiring if you lack financial resources. Sure you can be creative, but an artist can do better work with better tools.

5. Being broke consumes resources in society, being wealthy produces them

If you have no money you have to rely on parents, the state and donors to help you get by. If you are wealthy you provide value and resources for others.

6. Being rich leaves a legacy for others to carry on

Money is not the only form of legacy, but it can finance most kinds; schools, libraries, hospitals, foundations and history.

7. It is one of the measures of your progress

Whilst not the only measure, making more money gives you feedback that you are growing, improving and progressing. It’s a useful measure and method of keeping score.

8. You can fund innovation, progress & improvement in important areas

Pretty much all progress is fuelled and financed by money. The cures of disease, the running for election, reaching the moon and Mars; the solving of man’s challenges is accelerated with money.

9. You can fund your passions

Some say that money doesn’t make you happy, but your passions make you happy. Some of those passions are expensive to fund and as such money funds your passion which makes you happy. Use money to fuel and fund your passions, and then share your passion with others to inspire them. Don’t wait until you retire to do what you love.

10. You can start a foundation & even reduce poverty itself

By creating vast wealth you can set up your own charity. A lot of people don’t like the fact that many charities consume most of the donations before they support their cause, so you can change this by starting a foundation, funding education and schools, libraries, hospitals, or simply donating your time to help the causes that matter to you. You can’t do this if you have no money to fund causes or your free time.

11. It will transmute confidence into other areas of your life

When I was skint (temporarily poor) I lost confidence in meeting people, socially, dating and my self employment. It seemed to exaggerate all the worse areas of my life. Conversely as I become more financially secure it increased my confidence in these areas. The rising of tides lift all ships. Money will not change you, but it will exaggerate your existing traits. So use it to do that as a force for good.

12. You will have a statistically better relationship

Half of marriages end in divorce, and most of those divorces are due to money problems. A lack of money will make all your problems worse, because it is the universally agreed mechanism of exchange, which enables us to do anything. Not having to worry about money will relieve stress in your relationships, leaving you to worry about the things that really matter.

13. Money makes you more of what you already are

It is a myth that money will always change you, it mostly makes you more of who you already are. Money will likely exaggerate your great traits (and your bad ones). You can expand your great traits by becoming rich, and use those to help others too.

14. Money gives you security & confidence

If you ever get stuck or get into hardship, you can pay your way out. You know you will always be secure, confident and strong, with a level of wealth behind you for protection. That enables you to get out there and do what you love with more volition. You never have to sell out, you can always follow your dreams.

15. You will attract other wealthy people

Wealth attracts wealth. We are attracted to people like us. The more riches you have. the more likely you are to attract the quality of peer group that lifts you up further. You can forge partnerships, raise more money for ventures and your causes, and meet some of the worlds most interesting people.

16. What you learn by getting rich you can carry into future endeavours

Being rich is a learnable skill, like any other vocation. The lessons you learn are great life lessons that you can carry into many other endeavours. It is also a great gift to pass on to your children, clients and people you care about.
Image result for classic cornucopia of fruit and vegetables

17. You can put your kids through good schools/education

I don’t know a parent who doesn’t the best education for their kids. Private schools aren’t necessarily the best by default, but you can afford the best possible public, private or self education for your kids the more money you have.

18. You create many jobs

Wealth and riches create employment and opportunities. If you have a company it creates economy and increased local GDP by helping people fund their careers (and passions), and pay their overheads. The private sector funds most of the public sector too, so in creating jobs you have a cascading effect of money circulation.

19. You pay vast taxes

Despite some big companies reducing their corporation tax bill, they still pay vast taxes in business rates, VAT, employers AND employees national insurance, pension contributions, fuel duty, regulatory and accountancy, income tax and more. You are funding many of the public sector services by generating wealth, and that is good for the local, national and global economy.
There are so many reasons to be rich that transcend greed and power. Wealth contributes too, not just for your lifestyle, but those around you too. Let’s be honest, money does make you happy, or at least what good you can do with it makes you happy. Don’t be a martyr, stop worrying about how people will judge you, and go and create the wealth you deserve and do great things with it.
by Rob Moore

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

To Blog or Not to Blog?

Found this clip of Lorna Li explaining why to blog!!!  A start to our blogging/vlogging/video presence!  Comment if you agree.  Also how you started.

Monday, April 16, 2018

How to Get Started with Video Marketing in 6 Simple Steps

Video and video marketing.  Sort of goes hand in hand when you're using it in business.  Here's a few tip to get it together. from Marcus Sheridan.  Even though it's for a business you can adapt it for yourself if you're a one person band.  Would you agree?  Comments below.


Video marketing. It’s all the buzz in the marketing world right now, and rightfully so.
Have you seen the statistics?
  • 4X as many customers would rather watch a video about a product than read about it. (Animoto, 2015)
  • 45% of people watch more than an hour of Facebook or YouTube videos a week. (HubSpot, 2016
  • 43% of people want to see more video content from marketers. (HubSpot, 2016)
As we begin to build a video culture within our companies, it’s important to understand these reasons why.
At The Sales Lion, many of our clients will produce video content as at least half of their overall content moving forward, but we know that’s easier said than done!
With the addition of some basic equipment, hiring or placement of vital team members, and an editorial calendar to lead the way, you could begin making great video content at your organization immediately.
Feeling lost and don’t know what you’d make videos about? Check out 5 Easy Videos Every Small Business Can Make ASAP or 7 Places to Use Video Marketing on Your Website

Step 1: Make it A Part of Your Culture

It’s important to make video marketing a priority and get your team (including leadership) on board from the beginning. This will be a team effort and your videos can not be simply a “bolt on” to what you are already doing.
It needs to flow through everything you do when marketing your company -- as a part of your culture.
A good way to start building this culture is involving your entire team in the ideation and creation process. (Most everyone has a creative side, but it’s the job of the company/organization to “bring out” that side of them. Video does this.)
Start by filming simple short videos to use on social media. With the addition of stories to Facebook and Instagram, your team can casually learn how to be on camera for seconds at a time.
Doing this has many benefits. For example, when an employee is a part of a company video, they usually feel a sense of “ownership” about the company brand. On screen, they become representatives of the organization, a public figure people associate with it. Even though many employees are nervous on camera at first, once they learn how, they not only often start to enjoy it and feel an extreme sense of accomplishment.

Step 2: Get Your Equipment Together

Each company is going to have a different budget level, however, this shouldn’t be seen as a hurdle between you and success.
There are many companies killing it with video marketing while simply shooting with an iPhone or Android device. At the same time, by acquiring even the most basic camera and lighting equipment, you can make the jump to really professional video content.
Although you can easily get started with a smartphone and natural light, consider upgrading your set up with:
  • DSLR or Prosumer Camera
  • Basic Studio Lights
  • Mounting Equipment (Tripod, Monopod)
  • Recording Equipment (Wireless Lavalier Mics or Shotgun Mics)
Using a resource like B&H Photo, you can easily compare different equipment by price, rating, features, etc.

Step 3: Set Up Your Studio

Setting up a space for video shoots is likely less expensive than what you may think, in fact, a quiet space by a window with natural light may be all you need.
With that said, if you have a spare office or conference room, talk to your team about converting it into the video marketing studio. Collect any existing video equipment together, get it set up, and you’re ready to go.
If you don’t have equipment yet, consider purchasing a backdrop system and some basic lights to eliminate shadows and light spills.
Having a space ready to go makes it easy to be creative in the moment and removes the hurdle of setup time.
Check out the set-up our friends at IMPACT have put together in their training room:

Step 4: Find Your Pros (or Learn How to Film Like One)

Once you have your office studio setup, you’ll need a captain to steer the video ship.
Whether you hire a new videographer or assign existing team members, you’ll need someone who has experience in production and editing those new shiny videos you create.
If you’re hiring a new staff member, you’ll need to identify personal and creative traits, as well as technical abilities. If you’re unsure about this, use this simple guide about how to hire an in-house videographer.
If you can’t afford a full-time videographer or simply choose to assign this to an existing teammate, they can start by learning the tricks of the trade. Some of introductory tutorials they want to start with are:
Most basic video shooting, editing, and publishing techniques can be learned using YouTube and a dedication to perfecting  techniques along the way.
If you want to dig deeper, a Lynda.com subscription or subscription to the Wistia Learning Center will be the educational tools of choice.
Additionally, search for your specific camera, mic, or lighting models to get more specific training videos.
Once you’ve assembled your video composition talent, they’ll need to work tightly with the content manager or content production team to weave the video marketing into the overall content strategy.
In most cases, the content manager and videographer will touch base many times throughout the creation process, and keep each other accountable to create this video content.

Step 5: Create an Editorial Calendar

One of the biggest hurdles of creating video content is simply adding it to your editorial calendar. What you schedule is important and what is important gets done.
When we go through this process with our clients at The Sales Lion, we start with a couple things:
  1. Schedule a brainstorm of the most asked questions your sales team receives. Those questions should be turned into videos your sales team can use to save time and close deals quicker in the future.
  2. Look at your “Big 5” and align your video content with this search philosophy. Start with the basics and then work your way out to the more niche topics.
  3. Start with the best of the best. Take a look at your content that has performed well in the past or even a competitor’s content that seems to be resonating well within your community. Use this as a guide to create videos and examine ways to make them even better.

Step 6: Start Filming!

When you’ve assembled all the moving parts of the video production process, and completed your pre-production steps, it’s “lights, camera, action!”
Until you find your groove in video, consider this one very important tip: While you can always redo a take, avoid stopping one. You may struggle at first but this is an important step in learning to be on camera. Many may not be a “one take wonder” but you can always cut pieces of footage together.
Once you begin shooting a segment, go from start to finish, as many times as it takes until feel like you have the best footage. Over time, you’ll find that you become better at communicating to a camera, and realize that it’s simply having a conversation.

The Best Next Steps To Take

Practice makes perfect. Get some ideas together, make a plan, and start shooting. If it’s not good, don’t publish it. If it’s good but not perfect, publish it anyways. Rinse and repeat.
After all, do you remember the first blog post you ever wrote? It probably wasn’t awesome. It may have had great elements, but some areas needed work. As time went on, though, you got more proficient. The same process will take place with video marketing.
If you’re ready to take this whole video marketing thing to the next level, consider a video workshop from The Sales Lion. We specialize in assisting companies create a culture of video, and produce awesome marketing videos.


By Marcus Sheridan