The Role of “Amateur” Video in the Corporate World

Posted on August 2nd, 2010 at 9:01 pm in Blog, how to, technology by brody

People are watching more video online than ever, and it’s a trend that will only continue to increase.

This is due to two main causes:

Cultural Condition #1: An improvement in technological infrastructure. Simply put, it is cheaper and easier than ever to have decently fast internet speeds and computers that can play videos.

Cultural Condition #2: The tools needed to create video content are cheaper and easier to use than ever. The barrier of entry is a $200 Flip camera, and sometimes a cell phone that you have already.

So what do these conditions mean to your organization?

If you’re not using video online, you’re missing a huge opportunity to communicate in a compelling way with your audience. One reason why you should take a serious look at this is because it can be very inexpensive or free to make a “legit” video.

What I’m describing is absolutely not a substitute for a carefully crafted filming process including pre-production (story boarding, scripting, shot selection), production (great talent and film crews), and post-production (artful editing, scoring, and finishing touches).

But there is a huge role for amateur video as you seek to communicate with your audience. Here are some tips on how to do cheap video production well.

If you would like training on some basic technological and artistic techniques that will help you get video content on your website, contact us. We also offer “real” cinematic short film production when you’re ready to step it up.

Social Media Revolution: Update

Posted on June 3rd, 2010 at 12:39 pm in Blog, culture, social media, technology by brody

In 2008, a compelling film about emerging culture and technology was released. It’s music and graphics (and 10 million + views) put many of us in a trance about the world that’s around the corner.

Then, in 2009 and inspired by the video mentioned above, the Socialnomics group released a video on the staggering rise and success of social media.

Just last month, Socialnomics released an update to the “Social Media Revolution” film. All of these are well-done and must-see videos. The most recent is below.

Announcing Wordswell

Posted on December 9th, 2008 at 9:00 am in Blog, ideas, must read by brody

Wordswell is here to help you kick doors open.

Chances are you have some idea, message, business, or vision that needs to be heard.

But, chances are it’s not moving people. Sometimes it’s trapped because:

• people haven’t heard you
• they may have heard you, but your idea doesn’t mean anything to them
• you know there’s technology out there, but you can’t get it to effectively tell your story
• you don’t have the time, energy, or resources to get your message out there

Each of those is a closed door. Wordswell is here to help you kick them open.

The marriage of innovative strategy, clear writing, and potent ideas with polished design, sweet websites, and alluring media and technology (e.g. film, email newsletters, and social media) is how Wordswell makes your message grow legs and get running.

Top-to-bottom consistency makes Wordswell’s approach more effective than a “field of silos” marketing effort. A Wordswell project is infused with strategic, results-based, compelling, and practical solutions. We call it message creation.

Message creation when ideas matter. Here’s the fun part: it’s your ideas that matter. We’re here for you.

Let’s kick open a door,
Brody