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It has been an amazing spring for the Fireside Production team with several recent wins in highly-respected video production competitions. Judges in the 2013 international Ava Awards competition recognized two of our submissions for exceptional quality. This is the third consecutive year we’ve earned top honors in the Ava Awards.
Fireside earned the highest honor, the Platinum Ava Award, in the Corporate Image category for the video, Mirage in the Desert we produced for Humana. The Platinum Award recognizes the most outstanding submissions for quality, creativity and resourcefulness. Mirage in the Desert captures a community coming together with Humana and its non-profit partners to build a playground in a day – a first for the small, California town of Thermal. The playground build is part of Humana’s mission to inspire lifelong well-being.
Our team also won the Gold in the Event category for the freewheelin video also produced for Humana. Just 17% of all entries are Gold winners.
There’s more… Fireside was honored with twin Telly Awards in this 34th Annual competition for outstanding achievement. Humana’s Mirage in the Desert video received the Bronze Telly in the documentary category.
Fireside earned a second Bronze Telly Award for the video it created for the Colorado School of Mines on the legacy, contribution and future of Women at Mines. This piece was honored in the education category.
This year’s Telly Awards competition drew nearly 11,000 entries from the United States and around the globe. “The Telly Awards has a mission to honor the very best in film and video,” said Linda Day, Executive Director of the Telly Awards. “Fireside Production’s accomplishment illustrates their creativity, skill, and dedication to their craft and serves as a testament to great film and video production.”
We are so grateful for the recognition in both the Telly and the Ava Awards competitions… but more importantly, Fireside Production is truly privileged to capture and convey the extraordinary ways that both Humana and Colorado School of Mines are touching lives.
You don’t have to work in video production to know the value of video these days… more people are watching videos online and that means, if you’re not incorporating it into your marketing and fundraising efforts – you are missing out. Video is a powerful way to boost visits to your website, to turn prospects into customers or clients and to increase fundraising and sales results.
Be sure to join me for my upcoming presentation, The Power of Video at the Small Business Development Center in Denver. We’ll look at what makes for a compelling, memorable video and how video directly impacts Search Engine Optimization (SEO), which translates into higher Google rankings for your website. We’ll explore the many ways to maximize your video investment and you’ll leave with a strategy for finding the right video partner and launching into the production process.
You can sign up for my SBDC breakfast brown bag seminar – The Power of Video – on May 30th at http://www.denversbdc.org/seminars-1/breakfast-brown-bag-the-power-of-video. I hope to see you there!
Posted in Fireside Production News, Tips to Promote Your Video
Tagged breakfast brown bag seminar, colorado video production, corporate video, corporate video marketing, corporate video production, denver video production, fireside production, naomi binkley, non-profit video production, small business development center, small business video production, the power of video, video marketing
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From time to time, here at Fireside Production we get a request to shoot professional still shots while we are on a video shoot. The answer is always very simple… well, no. While there are some similarities between the two crafts, they are really completely different. This has been more evident as I have ventured into the new world of capturing video on DSLRs.
With the capabilities of still cameras to capture high definition video with the array of still lenses and large sensor cameras, the video world has been taken by storm. To achieve a real film look with shallow depth of field has been desired by videographers for, well forever.
Recently, we acquired a Panasonic AG-AF 100 A video camera. This, unlike the DSLR, is more ergonomically configured like a video camera but uses micro 4/3rd still lenses. Plug it in and off you go, right? Not so fast.
Yours truly, unlit room with Nikon 50mm lens
Learning about lenses and which to use has been somewhat of a journey that quite frankly, I am still on. Though I am in the infancy of this journey, I have made some discoveries. For one, like many before me, I have fallen for the look. Yes the shallow depth of field is addicting. I have also noticed that for me, it is not always the right answer. Sometimes less depth of field is better and for Fireside Production, the speed of a video camera and lens is essential. I am looking forward to the continued journey and my respect for the still photographer has grown immensely.
Hola! I am a proud new member of the Fireside Production team! My career began in the non-profit public relations sector. I had the opportunity to meet wonderful people who are making a difference to help others and are passionate about changing people’s lives. I found Fireside at a time when my curiosity for the broadcasting industry was evolving and my passion for video production was in full-swing. How lucky am I to be able to continue to work for a company that truly cares about the work it does – and simultaneously learn from the very best in this industry?!
I am career driven but more than making it in this world, I believe in ethics and having heart for what you do. Fireside is a perfect fit. It is heartwarming and inspiring to see Tom and Naomi capture memorable moments and create inspiring videos that touch the heart. I am excited to continue sharing my energy and learning at Fireside Production.
Now, a little gossip about me! Before coming to colorful Colorado, I spent the last 24 years in sunny California, where I was born and raised. It’s a state where I met life-long friends and learned the life lessons that make me who I am today. When the opportunity to move to Colorado arose, I felt in my heart it was the right decision. One-year later, I haven’t looked back. I enjoy the beauty and culture of this state, where new memories and relationships continue to grow and develop each day. I’m Latina but with a country heart! I love country dancing and anything to do with the outdoors. My broadcasting career has just begun, but I know next to the Fireside team I will grow as a professional woman and even more, as an honest person passionate for what I do.
Yes, it’s time again for me to write my blog. I reflected on some topics I blogged about in the past and remembered one on business blogging from July 2011. I thought now is a good time to revisit this topic and introduce some new rules and ideas I’ve gathered since then and would like to share.
Remember… blogging is a critical part of social media. It feeds Google for Search Engine Optimization (SEO) purposes and can help your business stand out from the crowd – that is if you do it right. Here are some basic rules the Fireside Production team follows when it comes to our blog:
Know Where You Are Going
It is important to know your target market in terms of understanding your audience. Listen and understand their needs, because it is them who read, share, link and comment.
Showcase Your Personality & Passion
This can be incredibly effective to connect with your readers, build relationships and grow your following. Write blogs that are informative and help your target market, but also let your personality shine when you share your industry expertise and passion.
Keywords Matter
First, you must know your keywords. Google AdWords is a great tool. Most web-based buying decisions are directly related to using KEYWORDS! Make sure your blog post is optimized with all of your relevant keywords for that blog.
Make It Easy to Read
The overall layout of your blog is as important as the quality of your content. It won’t get read if it is hard to read. Here are a few tips:
- Use Headings
- Make Paragraphs Short
- Use Bulleted Lists
- Insert Quotes
- Use Video and Images to Grab Attention
Last But Not Least… Tell the World!
Share it on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and email to name a few.
If you have any other great tips, please share. Happy Blogging!
By Jon Pushkin, Pushkin Public Relations
Jon Pushkin
Adhering to the adage that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” Checkoff Colorado is a collaborative public awareness campaign that educates taxpayers and tax preparers about check-off giving. That’s the program that allows taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to their favorite charitable organizations when they file their state income tax return.
The great thing about check-off giving is the ease in which people can donate to worthy Colorado charities. A small donation of $10, $20, or $30 can make a huge impact, and every dollar donated stays in Colorado to support the critical services and programs these nonprofits provide. Each fund in the program was established after a vigorous review process by the Colorado State Legislature.
The funds represent a diverse range of causes including the Alzheimer’s Association, Colorado Cancer Fund, Colorado Healthy Rivers Fund, Colorado Multiple Sclerosis Fund, Goodwill Industries, Homeless Prevention, Make-A-Wish Fund, Military Family Relief Fund, Pet Overpopulation Fund and the Unwanted Horse Fund.
Each year, Checkoff Colorado raises around $1.5 Million, so it’s clear that a small donation can go a long way. If you want to find out more about this simple way to give, visit www.checkoffcolorado.com.
I’m under 40. Yes, it’s true and just barely! I am so humbled and honored to join the Denver Business Journal’s 2013 Class of Forty Under 40 honorees. Believe me, I’ve thought to myself on more than one occasion – given the exceptional work of the 39 other winners – that perhaps someone slipped someone a $20 to get my name on that list! But I digress…
I am awestruck and inspired by the exceptional service and commitment to our community of the other honorees. To hear their stories is to discover the promise of our generation… they are advancing the causes of our time and creating opportunities that I’m certain will have lasting impacts in Denver and beyond. These are innovators, entrepreneurs and philanthropists. I do hope you’ll reach out and read their stories…
I’m also energized by the support I see for business in the Denver area. This community is engaged. It’s a place to grow ideas and reach for your dreams. I know for me personally, I’ve found guidance through the Small Business Development Center. I’ve sharpened our practices and gained new opportunities through our Mentor-Protégé Agreement with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. We’ve gained exposure and developed relationships through the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau Serving Denver/Boulder. And… we’ve been so moved by the work of our non-profit community, that we’ve created and expanded our giving efforts, including our Fireside Day of Service.
I’ve had several interviewees recently refer to Denver as “the center of the world.” For me, this part of Colorado is a remarkable place to call home and it has provided me career opportunities I never thought possible. Many thanks to all of you who have reached out with your congratulatory messages and to the Denver Business Journal for this extraordinary honor… thank you to the incredible Fireside team for embracing our vision and to all of our Clients who trust us with their projects and allow us experiences beyond compare. Most importantly, though, my deepest gratitude to my family for filling my world with joy and for Tom, in particular, for being my exceptionally talented, driven partner with an unceasing ability to do whatever it takes to make great videos. If he were just a few years younger, I’m certain this honor would be his!
Every editor has at one time or say, a hundred, had to fix a problem with the source video of a project. Whether it’s an off-color or a bad audio issue, a simple clip edit can add extra minutes – or even hours - to a project. Now even the best shoots are never perfect, but you can keep your editor happy by just concentrating a bit more in the field.
I’ve been told many times the best color correction is getting a good white balance. That goes for everything from audio sweetening to shot composition. Get it right in the field and your editor will be a happy camper.
My approach to this as a videographer and editor is quite simple… I practice the true fundamentals of my craft every day. I shoot rock solid, sequenced shots from the tripod, monitor my audio with a high quality set of head phones and when a problem arises in the field, I solve it there. I try not to put any issues that arise off until the edit. Believe me, a few minutes of problem-solving in the field can save you from painful frustration in the edit suite. Here are a couple of tips:
- Shoot Rock Solid Footage. You can get creative in the edit with good footage, but making bad footage look good is a challenge.
- White Balance. Do it often and be mindful when changing locations.
- Solve Your Issues. If you are having a slight audio problem, solve it. Fixing bad audio is one of the worst jobs on the planet.
- Avoid the Photoshop Request. Oftentimes, a request to shoot something and Photoshop an element may come along… Find an alternative!
- Include Others. At Fireside Production, each member of the team checks our interview shots – that includes our Clients. Having several sets of eyes on a shot ensures everyone is happy.
You know while you are shooting if things are going well. That doesn’t mean there won’t be a few unwanted surprises along the way, but mitigating the edit headaches in the field will make either you a happy editor or the friend of one.
I’ve read so many articles on Pinterest lately that it does not surprise me it’s one of the top social media sites since the launch of Pinterest for Business late last year. According to Shareaholic, Pinterest is the fourth-largest source of traffic after Google, direct traffic and Facebook and it’s continuing to grow exponentially. It drives more referral traffic than YouTube, LinkedIn and Google+ put together. So, now is the time to get going and set up your business page.
Pinterest is best known as the place to Pin photos, recipes and sites of interest. Thankfully, Pinterest has started to integrate video options. You can now Pin your organization’s YouTube or Vimeo URL to one of your boards for people to view, which offers a new platform for gaining video traffic.
To get the most out of your video and champion your company, product or service – make sure to follow these tips:
Use video to promote your products or services.
- Share corporate, training, fundraising or social networking videos – to name a few. Even video testimonials and blogs are great to post on boards.
- Add your logo or company image and specific categories to your boards to increase brand awareness. I recently added our blogs to Fireside Production’s Pinterest page and separated them by category to make it easier for followers to search for specific content.
Use Pinterest to increase SEO.
Make sure all of your keywords are in the “About” section of your company profile and the description for each board you create. Make sure the word “Video” is in your board titles and descriptions. Don’t forget to add your backlink in the description area too. That’s important if you want followers to go back to your YouTube page.
Be active!
Re-Pin other content and videos. This is similar to “liking” on Facebook, but re-Pining content will lead others to your profile. Those who receive the most traffic on their boards are busy re-Pinning, liking, sharing, and commenting on others’ Pins - so make sure you are doing the same. You can also create separate sharing boards and Pin all of the videos you like from across the internet.
Mention Pinterest and encourage others to share.
Tell others to follow you by adding the Pin it! logo to your other social media icons.
Now is the perfect time to not only promote video on your website but to make sure Pinterest is part of your video marketing mix too! What do you think of using video on Pinterest?
Feel like you’re not seeing what Fireside Production or the other businesses and groups you follow on Facebook are up to? You may not be. Not long ago, Facebook rolled out changes that impact the information you see in your news feeds. Thankfully, the fix is an easy one.
If you’d like to see Fireside Production’s posts in your news feed, simply visit our Facebook page and hover over the Liked Box. The box will be checked if you’ve liked our page. A dropdown will appear, and you’ll see “Show in News Feed” in bold. Go ahead and click there to begin seeing Fireside Production’s posts in your news feed.
For those who enjoy a heads up whenever Fireside Production posts, you’ll want to begin receiving notifications. With the Facebook changes, notifications are off by default. So, while that dropdown box is up… check “Get Notifications.”
These two simple changes will allow you to stay better connected with Fireside Production and the other pages you enjoy. Be sure to share this information, so your friends know how to opt in to their favorite page’s posts!
