Why Storytelling is the Secret Weapon in Video Marketing | Houston Video Production

In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses are constantly vying for attention. With the rise of video marketing, it’s easier than ever to reach your audience, but standing out is a different challenge altogether. The secret? Storytelling.

The Power of Storytelling in Video Marketing

People don’t just buy products or services; they buy experiences, emotions, and connections. A well-crafted story can create a deep emotional response that resonates far beyond a standard promotional video. If you're looking for expert video production in Houston, TX, integrating storytelling into your strategy can set your brand apart.

Why Storytelling Works

1. Emotional Connection: Stories engage emotions, making your brand more relatable and memorable.

2. Better Retention: Viewers remember stories more than statistics or dry facts.

3. Higher Engagement: People are more likely to share a compelling narrative than a straightforward advertisement.

4. Builds Trust: A well-told story establishes authenticity and credibility.

How to Incorporate Storytelling into Your Video Marketing

1. Define Your Core Message: What do you want your audience to feel, understand, or do?

2. Show, Don’t Just Tell: Use visuals, music, and real people to bring your story to life.

3. Keep It Authentic: Authenticity builds trust and fosters genuine connections.

4. Use a Clear Structure: Every great story has a beginning, middle, and end.

5. Leverage Customer Stories: Real experiences from your customers are powerful testimonials.

The Future of Video Storytelling

As video production in Houston continues to evolve, brands that master storytelling will stand out. Whether through short-form social media clips or long-form branded content, businesses that invest in authentic narratives will create lasting impressions and deeper customer loyalty.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to elevate your Houston video marketing strategy, consider shifting your focus from selling to storytelling. By crafting compelling narratives, you’ll create videos that not only capture attention but also build lasting relationships with your audience.

Need help bringing your brand’s story to life? Our Houston video production company specializes in creating engaging, impactful content that resonates with your audience. Contact us today to get started!

Maximizing ROI with Video Production in Houston: Why One Video Isn't Enough

If you’re a business in Houston searching for a video production company to produce a single video, it’s time to broaden your perspective on today’s marketing landscape. While having a polished, standalone video can serve as a useful asset, it’s far from the most effective strategy for leveraging the power of video in your marketing efforts. Here’s why you should think beyond the one-and-done approach and aim to create a dynamic video library that fuels your social media presence and overall marketing goals.

The Power of Continuous Content

Marketing has evolved, and so has the way people consume content. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube thrive on frequent, engaging, and diverse video content. A single video may make a splash, but the ripple effects are limited without additional material to keep your audience engaged over time.

When you work with a video production company, think of it as an opportunity to build an ongoing library of content. By filming strategically, you can generate a variety of assets—from long-form videos to bite-sized clips—to keep your audience engaged across multiple platforms.

Benefits of a Video Library Approach

1. Maximized Budget Efficiency: Creating a single video means you’re paying for the entire production process—concept development, shooting, editing, and more—for just one output. However, by planning for a library of content, you can capture additional footage during the same production period. This approach reduces costs per video and stretches your investment further.

2. Content Versatility: A video library allows you to repurpose content for different goals and audiences. For example:

   • A long-form video for your website or YouTube channel.

   • Short, attention-grabbing clips for Instagram and TikTok.

   • Testimonials, behind-the-scenes footage, or how-to videos for LinkedIn and Facebook.

3. Consistency and Engagement: Posting regular content keeps your brand top-of-mind for your audience. A library of videos ensures you have a steady stream of material to share, boosting engagement and building a loyal following.

4. Adaptability: Marketing trends and audience preferences change rapidly. With a library of raw footage and edited videos, you’ll have the flexibility to adapt your content strategy without starting from scratch.

What to Look for in a Video Production Company

When choosing a video production partner in Houston, look for a team that understands the importance of creating a versatile content library. They should:

• Plan for Repurposing: The production company should design the shoot with multiple outputs in mind, ensuring that every minute of filming serves a broader purpose.

• Offer Editing Packages: Beyond producing the initial video, they should provide options for creating additional content from the same footage.

• Collaborate on Strategy: A great production company will work with you to identify your goals and map out how video can support your overall marketing strategy.

Conclusion

At Vast Whisper Productions, we take all of this into consideration and keep them at the top of mind even when our clients don’t.

In today’s competitive market, a single video is simply not enough to make a lasting impact. By shifting your focus to building a video library, you’re setting your business up for sustained success. Frequent, high-quality content not only keeps your audience engaged but also ensures you’re making the most of your investment in video production.

If you’re ready to elevate your marketing efforts, partner with us at Vast Whisper Productions. We understand the value of creating a comprehensive content library. Your audience—and your bottom line—will thank you.

Another great year of telling video stories!

As the year comes to a close, we at Vast Whisper Productions find ourselves reflecting on what an incredible year it has been. Thanks to the unwavering trust and support of our clients, 2024 has been a year filled with growth, creativity, and countless stories brought to life through professional video production in Houston. We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to partner with so many wonderful organizations and individuals, helping to share their visions and amplify their voices.

This year, we were privileged to work on an array of projects, from nonprofit campaigns that make a difference in our community to corporate videos that elevate brands and tell compelling stories. Additionally, we had the pleasure of creating dynamic social media video content for our clients, helping them engage their audiences and strengthen their online presence. Each project brought its own unique challenges and rewards, pushing us to innovate and refine our craft.

Our mission has always been to create videos that inspire, connect, and drive meaningful action. In 2024, we saw firsthand how powerful storytelling can be in uniting people around a common goal, and it has been our honor to play a role in making that happen. Whether it was crafting compelling social media videos, producing high-quality corporate event highlight reels, or developing impactful nonprofit fundraising campaigns, our work consistently aimed to exceed expectations.

We are especially thankful for the relationships we’ve built with our clients. Your trust and collaboration have been the foundation of our success. Whether it was brainstorming creative concepts, filming impactful moments, or delivering polished final products, your partnership has meant the world to us.

Looking ahead to 2025, we are filled with excitement and ambition. We have big plans to expand our capabilities, embrace new technologies, and continue delivering exceptional videos that leave a lasting impact. As leaders in Houston video production, we can’t wait to embark on new projects and continue building relationships with our clients, both old and new.

To our clients, team, and everyone who has supported us along the way: thank you. Thank you for believing in us, for sharing your stories, and for allowing us to be a part of your journey. Here’s to an amazing 2024 and an even brighter 2025!

Happy New Year from all of us at Vast Whisper Productions!

Our Expertise in Houston Video Production

Our Expertise in Houston Video Production

At Vast Whisper Productions, we specialize in creating captivating videos that resonate with your audience and drive results. Here’s what sets us apart:

1. Tailored Approach

   • We understand that every client is unique. Our process begins with a deep dive into your brand, objectives, and audience. This ensures that the final product is not just a video, but a strategic tool that aligns with your goals.

2. Professional Quality

   • We use state-of-the-art equipment and the latest techniques to produce videos that meet the highest standards of quality. Our expertise in both blue and green screen filming allows us to create dynamic and engaging content.

3. End-to-End Service

   • From concept development to post-production, we handle every aspect of the video production process. This means you can focus on your business while we bring your vision to life.

4. Experience Across Sectors

   • Our portfolio includes work with nonprofits and corporate clients, each with unique needs and goals. This breadth of experience means we’re equipped to handle projects of any scale and complexity.

Contact Us

Ready to take your brand to the next level with professional video production in Houston? Contact us today to discuss your project and see how we can help you achieve your vision.

Why Your Nonprofit in Houston Needs a Well-Produced Video to Maximize Impact and Donations

Why Your Nonprofit in Houston Needs a Well-Produced Video to Maximize Impact and Donations

We always like to say you must move the heart in order to move the mind. What that means is that you must make your audience feel the impact of your organization in order to convince them to give you a donation.

In today's fast-paced digital world, the key to connecting with your audience isn't just about what you do, but showing the powerful change your nonprofit is bringing into Houston. For nonprofits, where every dollar counts, a well-produced video can be the difference between struggling for attention and standing out in a crowded space. Houston is the second largest city for charitable donations which means there is a lot of money out there but at the same time there are over 15,000 charities you are competing with for those same dollars.

1. The Power of Visual Storytelling:

Humans are hardwired to respond to stories, especially when they're visually compelling. A well-crafted video doesn’t just tell your audience about your mission—it shows them the impact of their support. This emotional connection is what inspires people to take action, whether it’s volunteering, spreading the word, or donating."

2. Building Trust and Credibility:

In a world where trust is currency, a professional video can act as your nonprofit's handshake. It’s a way to showcase your organization's professionalism, transparency, and dedication. High-quality visuals and sound convey that you take your mission seriously, which builds confidence among potential donors."

3. Expanding Your Reach:

Videos are incredibly versatile. Whether shared on social media, embedded in your website, or included in email campaigns, they have the power to reach a broad audience. The more people who see and share your video, the greater the impact and the more support you can garner for your cause."

4. Driving Donations:

A well-produced video doesn’t just tell your story—it motivates people to become part of it. By tapping into viewers' emotions, a powerful video can inspire immediate action, whether that's clicking the donate button or sharing the video with friends. The result? A significant boost in donations that helps you further your mission."

In a competitive landscape, a well-produced video is more than just a marketing tool—it's an investment in your nonprofit's future. By effectively communicating your mission, expanding your reach, and driving donations, a powerful video can be the key to unlocking your organization's full potential."

Ready to amplify your nonprofit's impact? Contact us today to learn how we can help you create a video that not only tells your story but also drives meaningful change."

The Importance of Donor Thank You Videos: Strengthening Relationships and Boosting Engagement

The Importance of Donor Thank You Videos: Strengthening Relationships and Boosting Engagement

In the world of nonprofit organizations, building and maintaining strong relationships with your donors is crucial. While traditional thank-you notes and emails have their place, a more personal and impactful way to show gratitude is through donor thank you videos. At Vast Whisper Productions, we specialize in creating heartfelt, professional videos that express your appreciation and reinforce your connection with those who support your cause. Here’s why you should consider incorporating donor thank you videos into your nonprofit’s donor engagement strategy.

1. Personalize Your Gratitude

Donor thank you videos allow you to deliver a message that feels personal and genuine. Unlike a standard thank-you letter, a video can convey emotion through tone of voice, facial expressions, and visuals. When donors see the faces behind the organization, hear directly from those they’ve helped, or witness the impact of their contributions, they feel more connected and appreciated. This personalized touch can deepen their commitment to your cause.

2. Showcase the Impact of Donations

A powerful aspect of donor thank you videos is the ability to visually showcase the impact of donations. Whether it’s a montage of your latest project, testimonials from beneficiaries, or behind-the-scenes footage of your work in action, these videos make the results of donor contributions tangible. When donors can see the difference their support makes, they are more likely to continue giving and even increase their donations.

3. Enhance Donor Retention

Thank you videos are not just about saying “thank you”; they are about fostering long-term relationships. By consistently expressing gratitude in a meaningful way, you build trust and loyalty among your donors. This ongoing connection increases donor retention, ensuring that your supporters feel valued and remain engaged with your organization over time.

4. Increase Shareability and Reach

In today’s digital age, video content is king. Donor thank you videos are not only impactful but also highly shareable. When you send a thank-you video to a donor, there’s a good chance they will share it with their network, expanding your reach and introducing your cause to potential new supporters. This organic promotion can lead to increased visibility and future donations.

5. Stand Out Among Other Organizations

Nonprofits are constantly vying for donor attention, and it’s essential to differentiate your organization from others. A well-produced thank you video sets your nonprofit apart by demonstrating a higher level of appreciation and professionalism. It shows that you’re willing to go the extra mile to acknowledge your donors, which can leave a lasting impression and encourage continued support.

6. Capture and Preserve Memories

Donor thank you videos also serve as a way to capture and preserve the milestones and memories of your organization’s journey. These videos can be cherished mementos for both your team and your donors, celebrating the collective achievements and progress made possible through their generosity. As your organization grows, these videos become a testament to the enduring partnerships you’ve built.

Ready to Create Your Donor Thank You Video?

At Vast Whisper Productions, we understand the importance of expressing genuine gratitude to your donors. Our team of experts in Houston, Texas, is dedicated to helping nonprofits create compelling donor thank you videos that resonate with your audience and reflect the heart of your mission. Let us help you say “thank you” in a way that truly stands out.

Contact us today to learn more about our video production services and start planning your next donor thank you video.

Here is why you should have a podcast in Houston

In the digital age, content is king, and video content reigns supreme. If you're a business or individual in Houston, Texas, looking to elevate your brand, there's no better time to start a video podcast. Video podcasts are a dynamic way to engage with your audience, build credibility, and expand your reach. Here's why you need a video podcast in Houston and how it can benefit your brand.

1. Houston's Thriving Business Environment

Houston is a bustling metropolis with a diverse and thriving business environment. With over 2.3 million residents and a strong economy, Houston offers a vast audience for your content. A video podcast allows you to tap into this market, reaching potential customers, partners, and clients who are actively seeking valuable information and entertainment.

2. Enhanced Audience Engagement

Unlike traditional podcasts, video podcasts provide a visual element that can significantly enhance audience engagement. People are more likely to stay tuned and absorb information when they can see the speaker's expressions and body language. This personal touch helps build a stronger connection with your audience, making your message more impactful.

3. SEO Benefits

Video content is a powerful tool for boosting your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. Search engines like Google prioritize video content, especially from platforms like YouTube. By creating a video podcast, you can improve your website's ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs). Use relevant keywords such as "video podcast Houston," "Houston video production," and "Houston business podcast" to attract local traffic and improve your visibility.

4. Showcase Your Expertise

A video podcast is an excellent platform to showcase your expertise and establish yourself as an authority in your industry. Whether you're discussing industry trends, providing valuable tips, or interviewing other experts, a video podcast allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and build trust with your audience. This credibility can lead to increased business opportunities and client loyalty.

5. Leveraging Houston's Tech-Savvy Audience

Houston is home to a tech-savvy population that appreciates high-quality digital content. By producing a professional video podcast, you cater to an audience that values innovation and cutting-edge technology. This can set you apart from competitors and position your brand as forward-thinking and relevant.

6. Networking Opportunities

Houston's vibrant business community offers numerous networking opportunities. A video podcast can serve as a platform to connect with other professionals, influencers, and industry leaders. By inviting guests to your podcast, you can build relationships and expand your network, opening doors to new collaborations and partnerships.

7. Versatile Content

One of the greatest advantages of video podcasts is their versatility. The content you create can be repurposed across multiple platforms, including social media, your website, and email newsletters. This maximizes the value of your content and ensures a wider reach. Short clips from your video podcast can be shared on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn, driving more traffic back to the full episode.

8. High-Quality Production Services in Houston

As a video production company in Houston, we understand the importance of high-quality content. Our team of experts can help you produce professional video podcasts that captivate your audience and elevate your brand. From pre-production planning to post-production editing, we offer comprehensive services to ensure your podcast stands out.

Conclusion

In a city as dynamic and diverse as Houston, a video podcast is a powerful tool to connect with your audience, showcase your expertise, and grow your brand. With the right strategy and high-quality production, you can leverage the many benefits of video podcasts to achieve your business goals. If you're ready to take your content to the next level, contact us today to start your video podcast journey in Houston, Texas.

PreProduction That wont break the Bank

How I approach preproduction has drastically changed over the past several months. I did not have a way to do preproduction for lower budget nonprofit and corporate video projects that wasn’t going to put me way over in hours. I used to create PDF documents for my treatments which for me would take a very long time. I would also try to storyboard the majority of the video by hand which was also very time consuming. I recently came across the glory that is Pinterest and a friend of mine introduced me to Adobe Spark and now everything has changed.

From Pinterest I am able to gather enough reference images from other filmmakers and create a short video from them. I am also able to make a treatment with them with Adobe Spark.

Here is the Adobe Spark treatment: https://spark.adobe.com/page/GATsFETwoapO8/

Screen shot from preproduction treatment on Adobe Spark

The main part I storyboarded and did preproduction for was the intro to the video. Here is the final video so you can see how it turned out.

Elevate Your Brand with Professional Video Production in Houston

Elevate Your Brand with Professional Video Production in Houston

Houston is not just the heart of Texas; it’s a thriving hub of innovation, culture, and opportunity. In such a vibrant city, standing out in the business landscape can be challenging. One of the most effective ways to capture attention and convey your brand’s story is through high-quality video production. Whether you're a nonprofit looking to inspire or a corporate entity aiming to engage, professional video services in Houston can elevate your message.

Why Video Production Matters for Your Business in Houston

1. Boost Engagement and Reach

   • Videos are the most consumed type of content online. They are versatile, engaging, and can be easily shared across platforms, helping you reach a wider audience. In Houston’s competitive market, a well-crafted video can set you apart from your competitors.

2. Enhance Brand Identity

   • A professionally produced video communicates your brand’s values, personality, and story more effectively than text or images alone. It’s an opportunity to showcase what makes your company unique in a visually compelling way.

3. Increase Conversion Rates

   • Videos can significantly improve your conversion rates. Whether it’s a product demo, a client testimonial, or a promotional piece, videos provide a powerful call to action that can drive sales and inquiries.

4. Improved SEO Rankings

   • Search engines love video content. Websites with videos are more likely to rank higher in search results. This means potential clients searching for video production services in Houston will be more likely to find your business.

Reach out to use today to schedule a free discovery call where we can review your goals and video ideas. After our meeting we will send you a free estimate and gameplan for you video project!

Capturing Houston's Heart: Expert Video Production for Nonprofits and Corporations

Drone Footage Captured with the Inspire 2 X7 RAW Camera

In the vibrant city of Houston, your story deserves to be seen and heard. At [Your Company Name], we specialize in bringing your vision to life through high-quality video production tailored for nonprofits and corporations. Whether you're aiming to amplify your message, engage your audience, or showcase your impact, we’re here to help.

Why Choose Us?

1. Expertise in Nonprofit Storytelling: We understand the unique needs of nonprofit organizations. Our team excels in crafting emotionally compelling narratives that highlight your mission and drive engagement. From fundraising campaigns to awareness videos, we create content that resonates and inspires action. We have worked with some of the largest and most prestigious non profit organizations in Texas.

2. Corporate Excellence: For our corporate clients, we produce videos that enhance brand visibility, communicate core values, and support business goals. Whether it’s a corporate overview, training video, or event coverage, we deliver professional results that align with your brand identity.

3. Local Insight: Being based in Houston, we know the city’s dynamic landscape and diverse communities. Our local expertise ensures your video connects with your audience and stands out in the bustling Houston market.

4. Cutting-Edge Technology: We utilize the latest in video production technology to ensure your videos are of the highest quality. From drone footage to 4K resolution, our technical capabilities elevate your visual storytelling.

Ready to Tell Your Story?

At Vast Whisper Productions, we’re passionate about helping you achieve your goals through powerful video production. Let’s work together to create something extraordinary. Contact us today to get started!

We use Professional Cinema Cameras and lighting equipment

Filming Jim Allison from MD Anderson for the National Inventors Hall of Fame

Live Stream and Podcasting Services Available

Elevate Your Conference or Trade Show Presence in Houston with Video

Are you gearing up for an upcoming conference, convention or trade show in Houston? Houston is well know for hosting many international conferences and trade shows such as the Offshore Technology Conference, BreakBulk, Oil & Gas Automation and Technology Week and many others. In today's digital age, video content reigns supreme, offering unparalleled engagement and reach for businesses looking to showcase their brand, products, and services. Whether you're a seasoned exhibitor or a first-time attendee, investing in high-quality video production can set you apart from the competition and maximize your impact.

It is hard to travel with a video team which is where we can help. At Vast Whisper Productions, we understand the significance of capturing the essence of your conference experience and we are local to Houston. We also have experience filming at all of the major venues in Houston that hose these conventions and trade shows. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, we specialize in delivering exceptional video coverage tailored to your unique needs and objectives. Here's how our videography and photography services can elevate your conference or trade show presence:

Comprehensive Coverage: From keynote presentations and panel discussions to product demonstrations and networking events, we cover every aspect of your conference to ensure nothing is missed. Our team utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to capture footage that encapsulates the energy and excitement of the event.

Professional Editing: Beyond capturing footage, we excel in the art of post-production editing. Our skilled editors transform raw footage into polished, compelling videos that convey your message effectively. Whether you require highlight reels, promotional videos, or full-length documentaries, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life.

Engaging Content: With attention spans shorter than ever, it's crucial to grab your audience's attention from the get-go. Our creative team specializes in crafting captivating content that resonates with your target audience. From dynamic motion graphics to immersive storytelling, we ensure your videos leave a lasting impression long after the conference ends.

Customized Solutions: We understand that every client has unique needs and goals. That's why we offer customized solutions tailored to your specific requirements. Whether you're looking for live streaming services, on-site editing, or multi-camera setups, we work closely with you to create a personalized video strategy that aligns with your vision and budget.

Boost Your Visibility: In today's competitive landscape, standing out is essential. By incorporating video content into your conference marketing strategy, you can enhance your online visibility, attract more attendees, and generate buzz around your brand. Our SEO-optimized videos are designed to rank higher in search engine results, driving traffic to your website and social media channels long after the event concludes.

Don't let your conference presence go unnoticed. Whether you are attending the conference at the George R. Brown Convention Center, NRG Center, or one of the many hotels in Houston we have you covered. Partner with Vast Whisper Productions and take your event to the next level with professional video coverage that leaves a lasting impression. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your conference goals.

Keywords: Houston conference video production, trade show video coverage, professional event videography, conference videographer Houston, corporate event video services, Houston conference filming, video production for conventions, Houston event video specialists, conference videography solutions, SEO-optimized event videos, Breakbulk, Offshore Technology conference

Scheduling a Discovery Call

Understanding a Discovery Call with Vast Whisper Productions

The discovery call is the beginning of our partnership with you. It allows us to gauge whether or not we are the right production company for you and whether or not you are the right type of client for us. The most important reason we want to schedule a discovery call with every client is because many companies who approach us have no idea what they actually need. This is a time where we can walk through the types of videos that can best achieve the goals you are looking for with your video project.

Video Production

Video production is broken into 3 phases, Pre-Prouduction (planning), Production (filming) and Post Production (editing). Each of these phases has many tasks involved to make a video project a success. We cannot guess when it comes to planning each one of these phases which is why the discovery call is so important.

Video Production can be very expensive and in order for us to be able to give you an accurate quote that can fit within a specific budget we need lots of information. Many times you are unable to give the information during the discovery call but you will walk away from the meeting know everything that is needed for us to give you an accurate estimate.

Video Marketing

We need to understand your goals for the video we are producing. A video that is 5 minutes long wont work on social media when it should be 15-30 seconds long. The same goes for a landing page video that should be 2-5 minutes long instead 15 seconds. The same is true for a video campaign versus a stand along brand film. The end goal for your video project determines the style, runtime, and type of video we produce.

A well lead discovery call can save you money and time

Our goal is for you to walk away from the call feeling well informed and prepared to either move forward with your project or go back to the drawing board. Videos take time and can be very expensive. Our goal is that your project would be stewarded well which means we are fine telling you that the project should be postponed until it will be a success for you.

If you are having trouble coming up with ideas, we would be happy to partner with you in creating a Brandscript using the Storybrand framework. This will help you clarify your messaging and give you a plan for how to market yourself to your target audience.

Here is a list of some of the questions we ask during a discovery call.

• What is your budget range?

• Who is your primary target market or audience for this video? Please describe their demographics, interests, and any other relevant details.

• Have you worked on any video projects in the past? If so, could you provide some examples or references to help us better understand your preferences and style?

• Are there any competitors or similar companies in your industry whose videos you admire or would like to differentiate from? Please provide their names or examples if possible.

• Are there any other stakeholders or team members involved in this project that we should be aware of? If yes, please provide their names and roles.

• How many employees do you have? (We need to know this for licensing purposes)

• Do you have a timeline for this project?

• Do you have a marketing team that we will be working with to produce this content?

• Will you be writing the scripts or will we?

• Could you please provide a brief description of the project and each individual video deliverable? (video topic, estimated run time, all animation, animation mixed with camera footage or all camera footage, voice over or filming one of your team members talking) It is alright if you don't have answers for all of these yet but this will help us better understand the nature and scope of the videos.

• What is the primary goal for these videos?

• How many interviews do you expect there to be?

• How many locations will we film at?

• How many days of production do you anticipate?

• Will the video production be in Houston or out of town?

Hopefully you feel a little more prepared to start talking your video production project! If you don’t know where to start or need help with a marketing video for your business in Houston or anywhere else in the country, click this link!

Vast Whisper Productions is a Houston based video production company creating videos for non-profits and corporate business. Scott and Jess are the owners and have been producing videos in the Houston area for over 10 years. Their combined experience and passion for storytelling allows them to see your project goals through to the end!

Why should you specifically hire a marketing team that uses a cinematographer?

Why should you specifically hire a marketing team that uses a cinematographer and not just a videographer? For starters, cinematography is the art of storytelling through visually immersive and artistic camera work. It involves using high-end equipment and advanced techniques to create mood, atmosphere, and convey emotions. Videography, on the other hand, focuses on capturing real-life events (like a football game) and information (like a news anchor) effectively with simpler camera techniques and practical equipment. 📽️

Emotion is the key point I want to focus on. As a business you may not realize it but almost all decisions to buy your products or services are emotionally based. You're probably thinking that doesn't sound right, but the research exists to back it up. This is why having an emotional engaging video is important. Your goal isn't always to move your audience to tears but it is to make them feel something. Whether that is confidence, the sense of feeling heard, or empowerment, they are all emotions that lead to the weather or not someone will engage with your brand. Cinematography is the second most important part of the video creation process when it comes to engaging the heart of your client. 🎥

Your preproduction is where the story is built that is tailored to your goals and audience... but we can talk about that in a different post. 🎬

How to Use a Teleprompter For Video Production

What are TelePrompTers

A teleprompter allows someone the ability to read text that is delayed right in front of a camera lens. This gives the appearance of the presenter having memorized all of their lines while speaking directly into the camera. It is physically made up of a piece of glass with a special reflective coating that allows the camera to see through it while reflecting any words underneath it towards its subject.

When to use a TelePrompTer

A teleprompter allows the presenter to deliver lines from a script without the need to memorize them. It is a good idea to use one when the presenter is not a good speaker, has no on-camera experience, and needs to memorize a script or lines of content. It can also be beneficial for those who don’t have time to memorize an entire script or when you need to clearly deliver technical information. We have a longer blog post you can read here that goes into much more detail about this.

Using a teleprompter while the presenter looks off camera.

Ok so you know when to use it but how do you use it?

Practice Makes Perfect

Just because you are going to be reading your script off of a telepromter does not alleviate you of any pressure to practice practice practice! We have had to spend hours redoing take after take because a client was having difficulty reading the script they wrote. This was because they did not listen to us when we told them they would need to practice reading their script aloud until it came off naturally.

When you practice reading your script and have achieved sounding natural then you are done!

Typically the presenter does not write the script so the wording may be odd to them. When practicing the script this a good time to make any changes that will make if feel more natural to you.

Body Language is Key

Your body language conveys almost as much meaning as your words do. You will need to be able to focus on smiling, inflection, hand movement, and overall body language during filming all while being surrounded by lights, cameras, crew and anyone from your staff that is on set. This will be impossible for some if they are not familiar and comfortable with their script. But practicing before we film will make this easy and you can do it!

The Telepromter

We will be able to adjust teleprompter scroll speed to match your speaking and change the font to be a comfortable size.

Dont stress!

At the end of the day we just want you to feel comfortable on set and that will happen best if you prepare. On average we do around 3-5 read throughs of any script. No one is perfect and you will mess-up which is expected.

If you have any questions or need help planning your corporate or non-profit video production give us a call!

Houston Car Mounted Camera System - The Movmax N2 Pro Mini

The Vaxis Movmax N2 Mini Pro car mounted camera system.

Lets go ahead and jump right in and show you the high speed footage that was captured at 55-75 mph on a freeway.

Overall it did great at those high speeds and I think where it suffered in image quality was actually from the Ronin RS2 lack of built in GPS stabilization and motor strength. The GPS module and adapter are something you can purchase separately.

First impressions

It is a well built and sturdy system. We never had any of the suction cups come loose while filming. We were reaching speeds of 80 mph. While the suction cups held, the footage at that extremely high speeds was unusable. We might have needed the larger silicon inserts but didn’t have those. Read the fine print for the pro system. It does not come with the larger silicon inserts. Footage for us was usable up to about 55-65 mph. The biggest downside was the lack of instructions on how to fine tune it for different situations but that is expected when ordering a product from overseas. We also did not have much time on the shoot to do this. I’ll go into motor settings later on.

Balancing the System

Here is a detailed list of how I balanced the system with the weight of what we were using. Since we use pounds in the states I have converted the Movmax charts for quick reference. I also broke down the weights for our different setups.

Gimbal Settings
After calibrating the gimbal increase stiffness about 20% and strength down to the lowest setting.

Power and Cable Management

Having mutileple D-Tap plugs available is a really nice feature for this rig. We ran power to the gimbal, FX6, and Teradek system and barely went through half a 98 wh battery for about two hours of filming.

Safety

Your first thought should not be of how to keep your camera safe but how to keep other vehicles on the road safe in the case of a worst case scenario happens where your rig or camera falls off of the car. So how do we achieve this? The rig comes with one ratchet strap and I recommend a minimum of one more. We ended up using a total of 3 ratchet straps and 3 safety cables. One rachtet strap as an anchor for if the rig came loose it would still be held onto the roof. The second one was used to attach the bottom suction cups to the back of the car. The third one was just for the camera and gimbal. The rig Movmax should have one or two safety cables and the gimbal and cameras should have another one.

If you have never done this before you should watch some videos about how to safely install a suction cup mounted car rig. There are also some tips on how to avoid damaging your paint with the suction cups.

Gimbal and Camera Control

We had a ps4 controller and the Tilta Remote Control Handle but ended up using the ps4 remote since it gave us more control over the roll axis which shifted on sharp turns.

We had a 10’ lanc cable that connected the FX6 side control handle to the camera so we had complete control over the camera settings and autofocus . We set the autofocus to spot and moved the spot in real time to where we wanted the focus.

Final Thoughts

I still need to do some testing to see if we can achieve good results over 55-65 mph but anything under that speed and we were able to achieve some great results that won’t need much if any stabilization in post. I also need to do some testing with the camera mounted on the side and front of the car. We had tried mounting it on the side but the gimbal began to significantly shake at around 40- 50 mph. I have yet to mount it on the front of the car but expect similar reactions to the side mount from the gimbal.

Please leave your experiences below in the comments section!