Video Questions & Answers

What is meant by "a video is rarely perceived to be subjective"?

Answer:

Most people find it difficult to talk about their products or services without sounding subjective or arrogant. A well produced video communicates convincingly on their behalf, persuading the viewer more easily than is possible with verbal communication. A video also sets the scene for more productive discussions.

I need a video to explain my services to business people. How long should the video be? Twenty minutes?

Answer:

Seven to ten minutes. Remember, time is precious for business people. Twenty minutes are too long. (Especially if they already have another service provider with similar products.) Be cautious if a director says that he/she cannot impress your clients in seven to ten minutes. With a good script and intelligent editing it is possible to communicate very effectively in seven to ten minutes.

What equipment do you use for single-camera recordings?

Answer:

On single-camera recordings, we use a Sony PD150 and a Betacam camera. Various lights including 2 blondes, 2 redheads and a sun gun are used. Microphones includes a RE 50, a 416 Rifle and lapel microphones. We might use other equipment, depending on the script-requirements.

I use a PowerPoint presentation to explain changes that will have an influence on the overall functioning of our IT department countrywide. Is it possible to produce a low-budget video with the same message without boring people to death?

Answer:

Yes. We can use your existing PowerPoint presentation slides and combine it with a voice-over. By synchronizing animation effects on the slides with the sound track, we improve the message. We can also use key personnel on camera (including yourself) to boost the message further.

What is Final Mix?

Answer:

It is the Post Production treatment of audio tracks.

Why are video companies hesitant to quote telephonically?

Answer:

A good producer usually needs to visit a venue before he or she can visualize pictures and sound that would best convey your message. It helps to determine cost factors. (Is a camera team needed for one, two or more days? Is special equipment needed? What is the noise level? etc.) However, most video companies might give an indication telephonically but it will have to be followed up with a visit.

I am a student. What are Floodlights?

Answer:

It is a term used by lighting specialists to describe diffused lights. (Lights that are not directional.) Diffused lights are used to control shadows. It has a wide, indistinct beam that illuminates a large area and produces soft shadows. Diffused lights are very useful for softening hard shadows that are created with other lights. If used on its own the picture could easily be perceived as being "flat". (No z-axis.)

Do you produce wedding videos?

Answer:

Yes. We shoot weddings on a Sony TRV 30 E camera and edit the footage digitally. It receives the same professional treatment as all our other products.

What is the difference between linear and non-linear editing?

Answer:

Linear uses one or two video machines containing your source tapes and at the same time uses a record video machine onto which the master tape is edited.

With non-linear the source material is transferred from a video machine (or camera) onto a computer disk. After it has been edited with a software program, it is transferred back to the video machine onto a new master tape. (Non-linear = digitally onto disk)

I do voice-overs and on-camera work for websites (Flash etc.), training videos, corporate CD-ROMs and other similar types of content. Would it be cool to send you my V/O CD demo?

Answer:

Please do not send us any demos. Also: we mostly use South African voice artists.