Alright, here we go folks!

PROS of DIY Videos

-You don’t have to deal with anyone else’s guidelines, you can take as long as you want and create it exactly as you want it to look like.

– It can be less expensive.

-You already know what your business is about, no need to fill anyone in on the “mission.”

-It can be exciting and fun.

CONS of DIY Videos

-You have to make time outside of work to get this done, video production takes up a lot of time, especially if you have never produced a video before.

-It can in turn end up being more expensive than you imagined due to the fact that you will need to buy all the proper equipment, hire freelancers (hoping their decent), unless of course you’re just planning to film it on your smart phone then that’s a different story! (and not really recommended)

-Your end result may not be the best look for your business.

-Your vision mayyyy not be the right vision either!

 Pros of hiring a Video Production Company

-The quality of the video is going to be wayyy better than your DIY video, that is a fact. Video Production Companies work with up-to-date technology to ensure the video looks professional and well put together.

-The actual production process will most likely be a lot quicker. Most professional videographers/producers have experience with filming and know how to get good shots in a certain amount of time, also if a glitch happens they already know how to solve the problem and take action.

-The Editing process will run smoother, most professional Editors know what needs to be put into the film and what needs to be kept out. They will also abide by the rules given to them by the client!

– The producer of your video will take charge once you give him or her the details and aspects you want in your video. With that being said, having someone new that doesn’t know much about your company take a look at it with an open mind can benefit you in order to market it accordingly. 

CONS of hiring a Video Production Company

-It can be pricey!

-If the company you have hired is not good at communicating and isn’t responsible about due dates, the process can actually be longer. That is why it is good to do your research prior to hiring the company!

-Good Production Companies can be busy and if you don’t book with them in advance, it can in turn leave you having to reschedule the launch date.

I hope this blog was able to help all our fellow followers out there! Here at McElroy Films we truly believe in giving good quality results to our clients. We love what we do and we hope you love it too!

Happy filming!

The post DIY Video Vs. Professional Video appeared first on McElroy Films.

Aerial Videography-Using a Drone

In order to capture amazing aerial footage, you need to use something that is not supported by the ground, it could be by aircraft, Helicopters, blimps, but the most popular form of Aerial Videography is by using a Drone.

There are many benefits to Aerial Videography. First off, the shots are amazing, being that drones are able to to get to a height that allows one to get a shot of the view from above. Also, drones are able to fly at different speeds, whether it needs to keep up with a moving vehicle or just browse the surroundings (this is all controlled by the pilot).

At McElroy Films, we use Aerial footage for a number of things. We use drones for weddings, corporate films, and non-profit organizations.

Before operating a Drone, please be sure to look through the rules and regulations designed by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Link: https://www.faa.gov/uas/

4K Resolution

4K Resolution has been around for a while now, but the demand for it has no recently risen. 4K Resolution is a “horizontal resolution on the order of 4,000 pixels and vertical resolution on the order of 2000 pixels” (Wikipedia).

Do you understand that? Nope, neither do I, only thing I know is that 4K is incredibly clear and the colors are vibrant. Commonly used by Nasa, Cinematography, and Television shows. Many cameras, projectors, TVs, and computers are also using 4K resolution. Who cares about Blue Ray or HD, 4K Resolution is taking over! And soon will be in your home!

Welcome to the future!

The post What’s all The Hype Nowadays in Film? appeared first on McElroy Films.

The post Why Internet Videos can help Your Business appeared first on McElroy Films.

Prior to any film being created there is a process when the idea, purpose, and message have to be developed. The purpose of the film can vary, whether it is to gain more clientele and awareness for your business or cause. A film can be a great way to send a message to your audience in a direct or in-direct manner.

Think of what you would like to portray to your audience and also how you would like the business to be publicized in the film. Some businesses prefer to incorporate interviews of employees or clients, as others prefer to use actors and voiceovers in their film. It all depends on the purpose of the film and the message you want to send out. Once you have thought this out, further details can be arranged.

2) Location

Once you have developed the purpose of your film, the next step would be to find or brainstorm the ideal location. The location is a big deal when it comes to film production…I know, shocking, but honestly the location/background really makes a big impact on your film. Depending on the purpose of the film, some businesses prefer to film in an office, home, or outdoors environment. Finding a good location can go a long way because it’ll be easier to figure out what equipment and lighting will be needed, as well as catching the viewer’s attention.

3) Work with McElroy Films

Working with a Video Production Company can be a great way to develop the film you want and execute your idea. At McElroy Films we know what it is that will make your business stand out. Our Producers and Videographers have experience working in the film industry, creating films for Corporations, Non-profit companies, and Educational videos that are needed to bring awareness to their business for a range of different purposes. McElroy Films not only has the means to develop amazing quality of footage, but also, our Editors will bring to life the vision of your business.

Contact McElroy Films today and get your film rolling!

The post Steps to Prepare for Your Production appeared first on McElroy Films.

The old saw about the 3 most important things in real estate could rightly be applied to video production: “quality, quality, quality”.

You know a cheap commercial when you see one. You make fun of cheap commercials when you see them. The internet and TV are filled with unwatchable dreck, and I’m not just talking about the latest episode of The Big Bang Theory. I’m talking about real product and promotional videos that started out as a business’ honest effort to communicate their products and service but ended up confusing, alienating and pushing away viewers and clients.

There’s another old saying, “Good service ain’t cheap and cheap service ain’t good”, well, that’s how it is with video production services.

If you have a great product, a great cause or a great organization, show it in the best possible light. Before you hire a video production company or “that nephew with a camera” consider that a quality video requires experience, talent, great equipment and professional skills. At minimum you need:

1. Composition

Whether you’re selling hot dogs, electronics, or insurance the color palette is a critical design element used to trigger certain emotions and feelings. Color profoundly and deeply effects how we feel about a product or business. Consider that most sleepy time pills are blue. There’s a reason for that. We associate blue with serenity and sleep, thus manufacturers make pills blue, except in Italy. There, due to the national Italian Soccer Team color being blue, the color has the exact opposite effect so most sleep aids are white or orange but you’re probably forgot all about that as you just realized how laughably easy it is for marketers to hack your subconscious…

But anyway, the other side of composition is: What is in the frame? What is the interesting element? What is required to make it stand out visually and create a memorable, informative moving picture that tells the viewer how to feel while communicating everything about the product/service/organization? This is where the artist’s eye and imagination are most useful.

2. Camera

HD Camera Technology is advancing at a truly incredible rate. While anyone can pick up a high-quality camera at an affordable price, using the right camera with the right accessories for the right job under the right conditions (indoors/outdoors – daytime/night time) is what gives your product video that quality element.

3. Lighting

Often overlooked because, ‘hey there’s enough light to see my product through the little thingy-hole, let’s start filming’ but the fact is lighting is a huge part of the process and takes time and proper attention to set up. Great lighting makes great images.

4. Audio

“Can you smell what I’m saying?” Uhm, no I can’t. And that friends is the garbled, confused, incongruence poor audio can inflict on your video. Nothing turns off or confuses a viewer quite like bad audio. Our ears are very sensitive, ambient noise, poor equalization, terrible effects or low quality microphones gives viewers that “something is wrong” feeling right off the bat.

The audio is like color, a palette. The volume of accompanying music, the speakers voice, the selection of music, the tone, when to and when not to use audio effects, all these things help shape the emotional impact and quality of your video. Like a great camera, you might have great microphones. But capturing great sound is just the first step. The proper mixing and fusing of the sound design elements gives your message maximum impact.

5. Editing

As far as I am concerned, this is where the rubber meets the road, shakes hands, and says howdy-do. Give me a great editor over a great director any day. They are the unheralded yet most powerful tool in video production and not just because after effects can make me look more handsome and my hips more slender. The impact, quality and content of your video production is greatly enhanced with a great editor. McElroy Films has some of the best and most experienced in the business. They make sure your video is on message, that the dialog is succinct and on point and that the run time and content excite and maximize viewer interest. They mix together all the different camera angles and footage to create comprehensive, entertaining and informative videos.

McElroy Films Studio is stocked with the latest professional editing software suite, high powered computers to give our professional editors all the tools they need to mix composition, camera, lighting, graphics, titling, actors, action, dialog and audio into a powerful film product that will engage and inform customers about your business and product. Start your video production journey today and contact a producer at McElroy Films for a free quote.

The post 5 Reasons Quality Content is the “Location, Location, Location” in the Video Advertising Age appeared first on McElroy Films.

Just this past year, Burlington unveiled 3rd Ave adding new restaurants and a bowling alley to an already buzzing area. In addition, New England Executive Park is transitioning their office park on Mall Road to become “The District” , which will become of the most luxurious office buildings to work at in the area!

The team here at McElroy Films wanted to make a special little video solely to showcase some of the amazing spots around Burlington! We truly couldn’t ask for a better town to work in!

Burlington Massachusetts Video Production from McElroy Films on Vimeo.

The post Burlington, MA Video Production appeared first on McElroy Films.

Boston based video production company, McElroy Films is enjoying the success of their growing corporate video division. The recent influx of clients looking to film their commercials on-location around Massachusetts is the inspiration behind our newest blog post.  This necessary step in pre-production planning is easier said than done, which is why this blog works to provide people with a few helpful tips for scouting the perfect shooting location.

The post Helpful Hints for Location Scouting appeared first on McElroy Films.

1.Location: Scouting the filming location is key, especially if the client is working with a limited budget or number of interview subjects. Access to multiple filming locations or backdrops will make the subtle difference between your client’s videos looking manufactured instead of interesting and professional.

2. Lighting: Lighting a set can be tricky because of the various factors that need to be considered, especially when filming on-location instead of in-studio. The time of day/duration of filming, location, and lighting setup should be selected and scouted before the shoot.  Depending on the budget, hiring an experienced gaffer that understands all facets of lighting will save time and money, particularly during post-production.  For corporate interviews, a three-point lighting scheme should work…just don’t forget to bring extra bulbs and a pair of gloves!

3. Camera Setup: Interviews are typically framed for medium shots (MS), medium close-ups (MCU), or a wide-shot, (WS) depending on the style of the interview. For stylistic shots, try framing close-up shots of the subject. A traditional interview setup places the interviewee and interviewer diagonally from each other so that the interviewee does not speak directly too the camera, which can make the client’s interview message feel contrived and or forceful to the audience. Have the producer or interviewer sit to the side of the camera’s and at eye-level with the subject.

4. Audio:  Audio can make or break a video. Bring a variety of mics, batteries, sound blankets, and cords because when it comes to audio, you can never be to prepared…wardrobe incompatibilities, weather, and location can throw audio curve balls. For interviews, the lavaliere mics are ideal because the mic has a short pickup and is omnidirectional, which means the mic picks up noises from every direction. A shot gun mic should be setup to record room tone and is suitable for recording audience questions or commentary.

5. Wardrobe: Provide your client with a list of suggested attire in advance so that they have time to find the right outfits. Your client should bring AT LEAST 4 to 5 different outfits to set. Need more specifics? Come to set with at least 2 different suiting blazers and several dress shirts. Avoid wearing whites, greens (especially for green screen shoots), stripes, fluorescent colors, bold patterns, graphic prints, and clothing that shakes, rattles, or rocks because the lav mic will pick up the sound and compromise the sound clarity.

6. Makeup: Command the set. Show you’re confident and capable. Satisfy the client by coming prepared with a basic makeup kit that contains a roll of paper towel, makeup remover wipes, hairspray, combs, a mirror, disposable makeup applicators, and various shades of translucent pressed powder. Understandably, applying makeup to a stranger’s face can be awkward but powdering your client’s t-zone before rolling is a standard practice that should not be avoided. For quality content, your interview subject should feel comfortable and confident enough to speak open and honestly. These subtle touches will relax whoever is in the hot seat… sitting under the lights can make can anyone sweat and feel self-conscious so powder the forehead, temple, nose, chin, and any other shiny spots ahead of time.

For more information contact us at info@mcelroyfilms.com or call 718 229 5900.

The post 6 Tips & Techniques For Filming Interviews appeared first on McElroy Films.

An FTP transfer or File Transfer Protocol is what we, in the video production world, use to transfer files from one host to another host through the Internet.  Clients of McElroy Films often ask us what our preferred method of delivery is for files and completed videos.  Often times, there is no singular answer to this question because the method is  dependent on the client’s time frame and technical capabilities, not to mention the size of the files. As a video production company with a far reaching list of clientele, we are accustomed to sending files and products quickly and effectively throughout the country and overseas. This blog works to translate a hardy technological term into a comprehensible explanation of the FTP Transfer process.

FTP transfers occur when the client and the server connect through the Internet to share files.  Unlike a tangible hard drive, the FTP transfer is an ideal method of delivery if the client is not interested in paying for the storage drive, sales tax, and the shipping fees. Despite the shipping cost of hard drives, they are still the best and fastest way to send a large quantity of files, not to mention, they provide timeless data storage. FTP transfers are ideal for sending files remotely, however the process is timely as it takes equal loading and uploading time, from client to the server, therefore a strong and safe Internet connection is recommended for a successful transfer.

FTP transfers can require a login and username in order to allow access whereas other FTP transfers require no login or username.  Be sure to ask your client or vendor if they have a login or username for FTP transfers.  Once the client or vendor has access to the login or files then the files are ready to be transferred. Be sure to monitor the transfer throughout the process. Trust us, we enjoy helping our clients to understand the entire production process, including the delivery process.

If you have any questions regarding various methods of delivery or other facets of the production process then submit your questions to info@mcelroyfilms.com and we will dedicate our next blog post to answering your question.

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McElroy Films creates our first “Unboxing Video” of Apple’s new Mac Pro. As the name indicates, unboxing videos offer viewers the opportunity to join in the thrill of revealing what’s inside the pristinely packaged box. The craze is so popular that technology and video production companies race to post the first unboxing videos of new products. People tune into web video sites like Youtube to seek out the quirky genre that has audiences of all ages happily living vicariously through others. Enticed by the mystique of birthing a new gadget from cleverly constructed packaging, consumers enjoy witnessing the big reveal first-hand. For high-tech companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Samsung, the extent of their client’s brand loyalty is well documented and inspiring. Given the popularity of the video and our love of gadgets, we decided to film a quirky spin on the “Mac Pro Unboxing Video.”

Filmed in-house, this video shares the excitement of unwrapping a new toy! Staying true to the genre, we created an unboxing clip that features most of the necessary traits, including warm colours, up-beat narration, quirky music, animation, as well as detailed product shots.

Enjoy!

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