For most people, it’s family movies on VHS and 8mm.  So, what do you do with it all?  Well, YouTube and other video websites like Vimeo, are the greatest thing since sliced bread!  They are designed for more than just uploading that cell phone video of the next keyboard cat. These sites are a great archive for your videos – professional and personal. 

I have uploaded most of my favorite professional work from over the past 17 years, and I even put up a few of my college projects.  I also have videos of my kids that I have set to private.  That’s a great tool to keep your videos from being viewed by the public but easily shared with your family.  I can share these videos I’ve posted by email or on Facebook with just a few keystrokes.  So easy!  

There are so many possibilities for online video.  Now, go dig out that Christmas video from 20 years ago.  Your cousin in San Francisco will be so embarrassed, and your kids will be blown away to see Mommy or Daddy as a 13-year-old!

Tom has been in the video business for 17 years, but is not a Filmmaker.

Many in the professional world take the title “Filmmaker” very seriously and are probably not too keen to someone making backyard movies with friends applying that title on the credits of their movie or video.  I can understand this. The education and long hours of training and work experience are an essential process in mastering any craft. And, in most cases, a title is earned not given, right?  After all, a stethoscope does not make one a doctor.  But let’s not discount the old diamond in the rough theory either. 

Whereas I have seen my share of utterly unwatchable content - from time to time, I see a video or short film that really inspires.  And yes, it is sometimes from an amateur Filmmaker or backyard Movie-Maker.  We can also agree that from time to time even true Filmmakers put out duds.  So yes, owning a camera does not make one a Filmmaker.  In my opinion, that title should definitely be earned but also encouraged. In other words, respect the title, but also encourage the up and coming.  I have been in the video business for 17 years and do not consider myself a Filmmaker, but rather a Videographer-Storyteller. Quite simply, I have never worked with film and my projects are typically not in feature form.  However, I do aspire do be one someday!

Some of the major highlights include the following statistics:

• Social media remains a big part of business:  A significant 83% of marketers indicate that social media is important for their business.
• Video holds the top spot for future plans:  A significant 76% of marketers plan on increasing their use of YouTube and video marketing, making it the top area marketers will invest in for 2012.
• Marketers want to learn more about Google+:  While only 40% of marketers are using Google+, 70% of marketers want to learn more about it and 67% plan on increasing Google+ activities.
• Measurement and targeting are top areas marketers want to master: 40% of all social media marketers want to know how to measure the return on investment (ROI) of social media and find customers and prospects.

After reading the report, I would like to share a few thoughts worth noting:

The top two benefits of social media marketing are increasing exposure and increasing traffic.  This is followed by using social media to gain marketplace intelligence, generating leads and developing loyal fans.  I found it interesting that 74% of participants found increased traffic when they spend six hours per week invested in social media marketing.  Also, a majority of marketers (85%) indicated their social media efforts increased exposure for their business, but the time commitment varied from six hours to more than 40 hours per week.  With that said, whatever time you can spend in social media, you will have increased exposure.

The best social media tools being used by companies are Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogging and YouTube as the top five - with Facebook  still the top choice, which doesn’t surprise me.  Number six on the list is Google+, which is used by 40% of social media marketers in this report.  B2C companies are more focused on Facebook, with B2B companies more focused on LinkedIn, Twitter and blogging.  For the second year in a row, YouTube/Video is the top area where marketers plan on increasing their social media efforts.  I always like to hear this!

There is such an abundance of information in this report with all of the “who, what, where, when and why” of social media marketing.  I found it very insightful and I hope you will too.  If you like what you read, please share or join the conversation!

Click here to read the entire report!

So, how do you go about finding the right video production company for your project?  I frequently say that every production company has its own unique style… we’re as different as the array of drinks at your local coffee shop.  It’s important to find a company whose style resonates with you and fits the needs of your organization.

Much as with any hiring or bidding process, I recommend asking other organizations or trusted partners for suggestions and getting several quotes.  Those quotes should be thoughtfully produced with, if possible and relevant, line-by-line itemizations that adequately meet your scope.  Be sure to watch the examples your production candidates submit – and I mean *really* watch their examples!  Although with our company each video is customized, we have a definite style – so watching those examples is critical.

Ask questions.  Find a team whose personality compliments that of your own organization.  Make sure the communication is going to be there throughout the project and that you’re comfortable with the company’s approach to production.  These tips should help you find the right fit… or a company that suits your taste!  Of course, Fireside Production would be delighted to be considered for your next video project.

Barbara Goldstein

The things you love and value most are often shared in pictures.  Weddings, baby  pictures, school pictures, vacations and anniversaries, are all events in your  life that are captured in photographs.  Pictures allow you to revisit precious moments and share them with friends, family and sometimes, the world.  The old  adage, “A picture is worth a thousand words” has never been as true as it is in 2012.  A simple Facebook profile pic, often gives you a glimpse into a person and their relationship with the world.  Take a thousand pictures (or
more) and you have a video.

Now think of all the things you have learned in your life.  Many of life’s little lessons are learned from someone taking the time to teach you.

A mother shows a child how to tie their shoes and do long division.  A father might show his son how to tie a tie or ride a bike.  Teaching someone a skill involves a personal connection making it more meaningful.  When Nana shares her secret for making her famous pie crust, she is really sharing a bit of herself and the family history and heritage.  The same is true of video and much of social media.  It is a visual form of sharing, entertaining and teaching.

Video, family connection and social media came together for Scott’s Liquid Gold Wood Cleaner and Preservative with the help of Tom and Naomi at Fireside Production.  For 60 years, using Liquid Gold has been a labor of love.  Most people have a dining room table, a rocking chair, desk or other wooden treasure that has been handed down from one family member to another.  Together, Fireside Production and Scott’s Liquid Gold made a number of “How to” videos demonstrating how to use it to preserve and protect a family’s most cherished keepsakes.  The videos are available on YouTube and a variety of websites for anyone to view.

A classic American product, Liquid Gold has been shared from one generation to the next for more than six decades.  Most people who use Liquid Gold learned how to use it from their mother or grandmother.  Now Liquid Gold is able to teach people how to use their wood cleaner and preservative even if mom and grandma live far away.  The videos Fireside Production helped create allow Liquid Gold to share what Grandma wanted you to know about caring for a family heirloom like an antique mirror in the same way Mom once lovingly taught you how to tie your shoes.

Here are two of the Scott’s Liquid Gold “How To” videos created by Fireside Production.

Having known Tom for years from the mean streets of Denver TV News, I was always struck by what a nice guy he was.  That’s still the case and is the core of who he is.  Sounds simple but being a “nice guy” is the real secret to this company’s success.  Naomi is just the same – all smiles and personal touches.  I guess you can say she is a “nice girl.”  That is what they are all about. 

So, no matter how well I shoot and edit, my goal every day is to be a “nice guy” too.  I had a former boss who always told me that the little things matter.  It’s that conversation over coffee or the few seconds you take to ask about someone’s weekend or just holding the door open for someone.  That’s what they remember.  Coming from television news like Tom and Naomi, I have always believed that establishing rapport and putting people at ease is the most important part of any shoot.    

Tom told me awhile back that the number one thing he hears when people give him feedback was how great Naomi and he were to deal with and how comfortable people felt during the shoot and after.  That is the experience they are left with in addition to a great video.  Now shhhh… don’t tell anyone what’s in the secret sauce!

Be a good teammate.

NEVER BURN A BRIDGE!

Okay, thanks for reading…  Well, I guess I better elaborate.  If I think back to every job I have ever had in video, not one would have happened without a personal connection.  Whether it was someone I knew who was already employed at that particular company or perhaps someone who knew a key decision-maker.  The most amazing thing about TV news, which is where I got my start, is that all of the people you work with at a station will eventually branch off all over the country.  The more people and places you work, the larger and more vast your network will become.  So the bottom line is work hard, be pleasant to everyone and never ever burn bridges!   You never know who will be the contact that connects you to your dream job.

Unfortunately, a lot of small businesses think they’re “too small” for video, but Fireside Production’s approach proves otherwise.  Our process proves professional, compelling videos can be affordable for small businesses, non-profits and corporations alike.  The time to tell your company’s story through video is now!

According to Ad-ology’s Small Business Marketing Forecast, 45.5 percent of small businesses say they plan to increase resources for online video (up from 28 percent in 2010).  I am sure that number will continue to increase in 2012 as well.

Make online video be a part of the company’s overall marketing strategy.

-       Let your video tell your story.  I was reading a white paper about video, and the author, Kevin Nalty said,  “A picture tells one thousand words. Each second of video offers about 24 pictures…I’ll do the math for you too: its 24,000 words.”  Think about it…let the moving pictures tell your story.
-        Video will increase your SEO. Your chances are dramatically higher of appearing on a Google search if you have video content on YouTube and other social media sites.  As we know, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is vital for businesses.

What are some ways to tell your company story?

1. Show who you are with personality.  You want to trigger that emotional response.
2. How-to and instructional videos are a wonderful way to inform and promote.   One of the top searches on YouTube is how to apply make-up.
3. Use the people in your company.  This can show who you are by being transparent and honest.  This will also build trust.

So, what’s your story?  Please share your thoughts!

The New Guy

Like Tom and Naomi, I come from the world of TV news and love meeting people,
understanding them and telling their stories.  Fireside Production is built on the
storytelling touch, and this is at the core of who I am and what I have a passion
for.  I also believe that before I ever turn on the camera, I must earn people’s trust and
put them at ease.  The best moments that happen in front of the lens happen because
of that trust.  Everything I do is built on that.  I strongly believe in the vision and look
set out by Fireside Production.  It is how I have always used the camera and always
will.  It is more than customer service, it is a relationship.  I look forward to
telling your story.
A little about me, first and foremost I am a husband and proud father of two
wonderful children:  a girl and a boy, one of each as I joke.  My wife is a speech
pathologist who helps rehabilitate people with severe injuries and impairments.
She truly heals others.  I am always in awe of her devotion and love.  I am also a
national champion alpine snowboarder, avid cyclist and I build scale models of
aircraft.  I have achieved a lot of success in my TV news career, winning awards
and experiencing history being made.  I am proud of my mark on the world of TV
news, and it will always be a part of me.  I have lived in Colorado for 12 years
now and know that it is in my soul, no place else I would rather be.  My background
in Denver TV news has exposed me to a wide variety of Colorado and the Denver
area.  I love the people that make Denver the wonderful place it is to call home.
I am so excited about this new chapter in my life, and I am so grateful to be on
the Fireside Production team.

Fireside at Work!

We reached another milestone this month… and amazingly, our team was too busy to notice!  That’s a good thing to say in this uncertain economic climate.  Back to the milestone, Fireside Production marked its 6^th Anniversary on February 6^th.  As we enter our seventh year in business, I can’t help but reflect on this journey.  I am, of course, most grateful for the opportunity to work with the unbelievably gifted, extremely hard-working Tom McDonald.  His talent, drive and partnership inspire me daily.

I am also thankful for the Clients we have served over the years.  I consider it a privilege to step into your organizations, to learn about the work you’re doing and see the lives you are impacting.  Each project I work on enriches me as a human being.  I am proud to say that Fireside Production has served many of its Clients year after year and we never take that confidence for granted.  We’re also honored each time a new Client trusts Fireside Production with a video project.

When we started Fireside Production, I like to say that Tom and I knew a lot about creating compelling videos… but knew next to nothing about running a company.  Over the years, we’ve learned how to sustain and grow an emerging business in large part because of the people we surround ourselves with.  Tammie Waddell has crafted a marketing plan that is helping to take Fireside Production to the next level.  She is more enthusiastic about our company than we ever could have hoped, and we love having her on our team.  We are also looking forward to introducing you all to the newest member of the Fireside team, the accomplished videographer and editor, Everett McEwan.  There are many companies from an array of specialties that absolutely contribute to our success as well.

And so, as we embark on this next year… I thank you all for your support and I ask that you continue to be a part of and share the Fireside Production story.