Proliferation

May 03
0

Path to a Career in Video Production

By | advertising, content marketing, digital marketing, Social Media, Utah, video production | No Comments

If you are wanting to pursue a career in video production, you might be wondering where you should start. Video production is a highly technical profession that requires a lot of practice and experience. As it has become an increasingly growing field, your video skills need to be top notch in order to make it in the video industry. This means that you should consistently be practicing and improving your video production skills. Video production companies are looking to hire the best of the best, so if you are wanting to work with a production company, here are some steps you should follow.

Degree in Film or Communication

Most colleges offer film programs, so if you choose to attend college, think about pursuing a degree in Film or Communication. Depending on your university, the film program might be part of a specific major, so do some research to figure out the best way to get the film education you need. While at school, do your best to volunteer or help out on amateur or student film sets. This will help give you more experience and get used to what a video production set is like. You can also find mentors who are more experienced to help guide and teach you everything you need to know.

Teach Yourself

Although video production companies recommend getting a degree in Film, it is also possible to teach yourself everything about video production. With so many online resources available to you (some even for free), teaching yourself video production is very doable. If you choose to teach yourself, make sure you familiarize yourself with many aspects of production. This includes cameras, lighting, editing and more. Try to find as many opportunities to go out and shoot as possible. A lot of freelance video producers were self-taught, and their skills are just as good as some of the professionals who received film degrees. What matters most is your experience, not your degree.

Internships

Internships are a great way to get more experience in video production. A lot of video production companies offer internships. By taking an internship, you can get real-world experience and learn how professional production companies run. In addition, taking an internship could lead to making connections in the video industry as well as full-time work opportunities with that production company.

Career

Once you have gained all the necessary experience, you can settle down with either a production company or work freelance. With freelance work, you probably won’t have a consistent schedule, and you will most likely work on smaller projects. With a video production company, you could be working on content ranging from commercials to big movie productions. Both freelancers and production companies are in high demand, so it’s up to you to decide which path you want to take.

Video production is constantly shifting and evolving, so you must always be willing to learn new things. Overall, a career in video production is obtainable if you are willing to put in the work! For more information on careers in video production, contact a video production company like us here at Fusion 360 Studios.

Apr 30
0

What is IGTV?

By | content marketing, digital marketing, marketing, Utah, video production | No Comments

With the combination of surges in social media marketing and video content, Instagram created a place within their platform for users to throw up longer and more professional videos. Instead of multiple 15-second story videos and 59-second post videos, Instagram started providing a way for anyone to upload one succinct video that will last much longer, and social media marketing companies are loving it.

If you are still wondering how it works and what it can do for you, don’t worry, we got you.

IGTV Channels and the Algorithm

Thinking of traditional TV channels, you might envision a list of channels on a TV menu’s guide or a remote clicking through the variety of channels you have, but IGTV is much different. Once you click on the IGTV icon that is now readily accessible from your Instagram’s home page, there are multiple videos that you can scroll through and watch. There are four to six video viewable thumbnails on your phone at a time with descriptions and lengths marked over the thumbnail. The videos that appear on your IGTV list are based on what accounts you follow and what things you like. This is an algorithm that is supposed to give you the things that you will be interested in.

When you finally click to watch a certain video, it will expand to a full-screen view but it will play vertically rather than horizontally. In addition, you can access the video creator’s IG page from the full view play screen, exactly what brands, influencers and social media marketing companies want.

Creating a Channel and Why

You already know that these entities are creating their IGTV videos solely to get more people to engage with their IG page, but can you think why?… Of course you can! It not even a question you wouldn’t already know, however, it is worth discussing.

Whether it is a social media marketing company doing work for a clothing company or an influencer promoting the latest update on their blog, IGTV videos are just another way to bring people in. Unlike most of the other video content on Instagram, what is nice about IGTV videos is that they can be made with more quality and professionalism. Further, having the option to create a 10-minute video gives creators the ability to expand on a vision or thought. These kinds of videos are a nice change up from the typical short videos and can give viewers A LOT more content. The individual or company that can deliver a video with rich content — more than their typical posts — will have a better chance of attracting a wider audience.

Once you’ve posted an IGTV video, Instagram automatically creates a subpage for you that contains all your IGTV video posts. This page ultimately functions the same as any other regular page but will be made up of just IGTV posts. At the top of the page, under the description is a “View Profile” link that will take you to the creator’s main page. Creators can also post a 59-second “Preview” of the video on their main page so that your followers will see the post and then have the ability to watch the full video on IGTV.

The first reaction to Instagram adding “TV” to their platform may not have been a good one for some people, but it is definitely a good move. It is still less than a year old and yet social media marketing companies are finding it highly effective. If your company is looking to do more on their Instagram page, contact a social media marketing company like us, Fusion 360, and we will turn your Instagram space into a polished account with the followers you need and want.

Apr 25
0

How Streaming Companies have Changed the Television and Movie Landscape

By | content marketing, digital marketing, Social Media, Utah, video production | No Comments

Streaming companies are doing a lot of things for their consumers, but they are also doing a lot of things to affect the business world. Do you remember Blockbuster or Hollywood Video? Yep. Thank Netflix and Hulu for forcing their unforeseen close. What about going home and turning on your favorite TV program? Unless it’s a live event, there’s a good chance that any program you turn on when you get home is going to be one that you can access without any commercials. These streaming companies have changed the very landscape in which marketing companies, advertising companies, and even video production companies work in.

TV marketing and advertising have yet to dig the grave that Blockbuster did, but the methods and tactics have evolved entirely. Not to mention, video production companies are utilized now more than ever before. All of this is because streaming companies have forced television companies and motion picture companies to give their viewers access to their shows, events and movies from anywhere, at any time.

Accessibility to Movies and TV Shows

We all fell in love with Netflix when they initially gave us a library of movies to watch whenever we wanted (even though we struggled finding what we wanted to watch), but then they started to include TV shows. At that point, Netflix figuratively made a sign that said, “Property of Netflix from 9:00 to bedtime,” and staked it into our heads. While consumers love it, network executives are still brooding over how they can make the needed adjustments.

As Netflix and Hulu continue to not only give subscribers — a keyword we’ll come back to — access to hit TV series but also their own original series, they are pulling millions of viewers away from traditional TV programs. Right now, there are still plenty of traditional TV shows, but that could change. Traditional TV still has a leg up on streaming companies because of live events, but considering the serious competition that’s coming from streaming companies, that could change. As a result, traditional commercial advertising is not what it once was.

Subscriptions and Traditional Advertising

Before the conception of streaming companies, TV programs relied heavily on their rating — the higher the ratings, the more money companies paid for their ads and the more success a network received. However, if a TV series is successful now on a streaming platform, you can be assured that the consumers are going to stick with their subscription. In other words, as long as the streaming companies provide good content, subscriptions are replacing traditional advertising.

Nowadays, companies are having to find different avenues to advertise their products and services. Thankfully, the same abilities that give companies the opportunity to stream movies and TV series are being used to create other content online. This is the new field where advertising is turning to. A big part of the content being creating is in the form of video, and now, as a side-effect to the advertising evolution, video production companies are at an all-time high.

Summary

To review, we see that streaming companies are the reason for the following:
Blockbuster and other similar companies going out of business entirely
The subscription model forcing traditional advertising to make way for its reign
Advertising evolving more and more into content and digital marketing
The increased business for video production companies
There are other effects, but for the sake of keeping things short, this is all we will say on the matter. For more on digital content and new marketing tactics, or even video production inquiries, contact us — Fusion 360!

Apr 23
0

The Difference Between a DLSR and Mirrorless Camera

By | Social Media, Utah, video production | No Comments

With the advances we are making with cinematic and photographic content creation, there are all sorts of cameras that we use. One of the most basic cameras that is used by freelance and professional video production companies alike is the DSLR camera. However, there is another camera that many individuals confuse with the DSLRs, the mirrorless cameras. If you don’t know cameras, they may look alike and even function similarly. However, there are quite a few differences.

DSLR

The DSLR is arguably the most common camera used for photography and video production companies. The acronym stands for Digital Single-Lens Reflex, which essentially means that the user can capture an image on a digital sensor instead of film. In addition, there is a mirror within the camera that reflects the light that passes through the lens, giving you the shot you need. Even though the reflective mirror technology is an additional portion that the mirrorless cameras do not have, when you press down on the shutter button, the mirror automatically flips up and takes in the light with its image sensor, capturing the shot.

Considering there is a mirror and an image sensor inside DSLRs, these cameras are usually bigger and heavier than mirrorless cameras. For a lot of frequent camera users, this may seem like a big deal, but what the DSLR has that mirrorless doesn’t, is the ability to attach a wider variety of lenses that enhance the photographers shot. However, whether you are using a camera for a video production company or for freelance work, mirrorless cameras are just as good, if not better.

Mirrorless

For the most part, the mirrorless camera is not too different from a DSLR, it just doesn’t have a reflex mirror. This means that the camera’s sensor is exposed to direct light with every shot. While it may seem like a big deal that the lighting can be a little tricky to work with, there are lenses that can help the outcome of an overexposed mirrorless picture significantly. In addition, mirrorless cameras have phase and contrast detection sensors that sharpen the focus of their shots. Some people argue that the mirrorless camera is going to replace DSLR cameras. The reason for this is because of the quick and superior autofocus ability that it possesses. In fact, a lot of video production companies are starting to switch over to mirrorless cameras.

Conclusion

While the difference between DSLR cameras and mirrorless cameras may exist, both are truly great cameras. Whether you are new to photography and videography, there are A LOT of options, but DSLR and mirrorless cameras are most likely the way to go. However, as more advancements are being made to mirrorless cameras, as a beginner videographers may want to follow the example of video production companies and go with mirrorless cameras. They are more compact and are easier to use when focusing on subjects. Nonetheless, you cannot discredit the certain aspects of DSLR cameras that can’t be replaced.

If you are looking for a video production company to help you produce a high-quality video, contact us at Fusion 360. We have the expertise and experience you need when using cameras like these.

Apr 09
1

What is a Brand Film?

By | advertising, Utah, video production | No Comments

With all the different ways to market your company to your consumers, clients and the public, it’s hard to keep track of all the different tactics. One of the recent marketing tactics that is trending positively is the production of a brand film, but what exactly is a brand film and how does it differ from other video content?

Video production companies everywhere understand that a brand video is not a simple advertisement for a product, nor is it a promotional video. They are, however, supposed to show off your brand to your consumers and the general public in order to develop more trust and loyalty to your brand. When these videos are done right, your consumers should feel as if they can identify with your brand and connect on a deeper level. To expand more on what a brand film is, we will briefly discuss their purpose, what they consist of, and their future.

Purpose of a Brand Film

As we already mentioned, a brand film should ultimately build loyalty and trust between the consumer and your brand. Why? How? Simple. These are supposed to give viewers an inside look at your company. By giving consumers or clients a look inside your doors, they will see the culture of your company and find more ways to identify with the brand, developing an even more special relationship. In addition, video production companies suggest that these videos educate, engage and produce an emotion that viewers will feel.

What Your Brand Film Should Include

A brand film isn’t a short 30-second clip of people waving at the camera, but a two to five-minute video that conveys who your company is. This kind of video should display the inner workings of the company and consist of traditions and cultures that exemplify what makes you unique. Whether you interview the CEO, have a narrator, or simply throw up texts throughout the video, it has to have the company’s voice. If you are unsure how you might display your culture, secrets or anything special about your company, ask yourself, what makes your company tick? What is the driving factor behind the brand? What does the company do for others? From there, you should have plenty of ideas about what your video needs.

The Future of Brand Films

The more our world embraces digital content and representation, the more you’ll see brand films. Video production companies understand that these videos can have a strong influence on others, and therefore, these videos have a bright future. When a company creates a brand film that feels genuine and less like an ad, then they will see the positive results that come from consumers that trust their company.

If you want a similar result, you really should consider hiring a video production company. Without turning to professionals, you might end up with the wrong message. To guarantee your brand film turns out the way it should, consider contacting us, Fusion 360 — an award-winning video production company that has all the experience you need. For other inquiries, contact us today.

Apr 08
0

What is a Social Video?

By | digital marketing, Social Media, Utah, video production | No Comments

Videos content is amassing billions of views online, and if your brand isn’t taking advantage of video content marketing, you’re going to see yourself falling behind your competition. Video production companies exist because businesses need these professionals to create killer video content that’s going to bring in new audiences and help retain existing ones.

While you might be able to create your own video content, having a video production company help is definitely the best route to take; these companies are experts in video production and can be the difference between a successful social campaign and a social failure. Before we go on, we should probably explain in more depth what a social video is.

Social videos are a form of digital content that is designed to be seen and shared through social networks. Brands distribute these videos through social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. There are other platforms such as Vimeo and Tumblr, but the big four are modern businesses’ target platforms.

Since these videos are distributed via these different platforms, they have to be optimized for each one; each platform has unique characteristics and audiences and therefore they require unique videos and editing patterns. Facebook videos will need to be edited differently than Instagram videos, which will be edited differently than Twitter videos, and so on.

Another thing worth noting when it comes to social video is that it by no means has to be a “viral” video. While it’s what we all want, social videos don’t need to get millions of views to be successful, it’s all about shareability and how effective it is when it comes to reaching your target audience.

Why Social Video is Crucial

People today watch millions upon millions of videos, choosing videos over articles, books or movies. This is why it is important for companies to take advantage of knowledgable video production companies to help them embrace social videos and connect with their audience. Brands across the nation are utilizing social videos to create more engagement, and if your brand doesn’t jump on board, you could see yourself falling behind.

Hopefully, this blog has helped give you an idea of what a social video is and how it can benefit your company. Video production companies know that these videos are valuable pieces of content, so your business shouldn’t hesitate when it comes to giving us a call here at Fusion 360 Studios. We’re ready to help you get started on your next social video project.

Apr 01
0

What Frame Rate Should You Film In?

By | content marketing, digital marketing, video production | No Comments

It’s become standard for video production companies to shoot their videos at 24 frames per second, but are there other frame rates that you can utilize to make sure that you create the best quality video possible? It’s been known in the video production world that this number is used because it’s the best way to give your video a more cinematic look.

Surprisingly, shooting in this frame rate is actually an old cinema method that’s been used for decades. So, that answers the question, why? There’s no reason that video production companies should even bother shooting in other frame rates, right? While this frame rate might work for a majority of video productions, there are a few occasions where recording a video in other frame rates is a more viable option. Here are some situations where you’ll want to shoot using a frame rate other than 24 frames per second.

Shooting Animations

Classic animators had to draw all their animations by hand, which is why they opted to shoot their animations at 12 frames per second. If you’re wanting to shoot classic style animations, you’re going to want to shoot at said 12 frames per second.

Sitcom and Commercial Style

Thirty frames per second is going to be your best friend if you’re wanting to shoot something that mimics a home movie or sitcom. While video productions shot at 60 frames per second, the previous standard shot at 30 fps. Many video production companies would agree that shooting at 30 or 60 fps allows the shot to feel a little more smooth and capture personal interaction better. For that reason, some commercials are also shot at 60 fps to capture the emotion.

Live Action and Sports

Sports and other live action broadcasts require slow-motion, which needs to be shot at a much higher fps. To see the sideline catch of a football game or if a players toe was on the 3-point line at a basketball game, cameras will need to be able to shoot up to at least 120 or 240 frames per second. More recently, these sporting events are shooting at an astounding 300 frames per second to capture super slow-motion shots.

Video production companies use different frame rates for different video productions, and it’s important for you to know which frame rate will work best for you. If this guide hasn’t answered all your questions, or if you’re just looking for a reliable video production company to help you with your next project, give us a call.

Sources:

Choosing Proper FPS for Shooting on Different Occasions

Learn how to choose the best frame rate for your videos in just 10 minutes

 

Mar 31
0

Cameras Used for Video Productions

By | content marketing, SEO, video production | No Comments

With visual images at an all-time high, cameras are used now more than ever before. News broadcasts, live sporting events, YouTube videos and brand films all call for different types of cameras, and the thing is, if you are not apart of a video production company, you may have no idea what kind of cameras are used for the variety of productions you watch. Here is a short list of all the different types of cameras that are used in video productions.

**Disclaimer — we are specifically talking about cameras that video production companies use to shoot brand videos, interviews and commercials, not news broadcasts, live sporting events or movies**

DSLR

The most common camera that video production companies use is a DSLR, or a Digital Single-Lens Reflex. Anyone that is starting to create their own videos will want to use a DSLR. There are different types of DSLR cameras but they ultimately have the same function: the ability to grab the subject of a shot with a sharp focus. Usually, DSLRs focus on the forefront of a shot because they do not have a great depth field but can capture high-quality images on the area they are focused on. In order to record the shot they need, video production companies will apply different lenses that give them the depth they need.

Hybrid DSLR

The hybrid version of DSLR cameras differs in quite a few ways. Rather than having to constantly adjust the focus on a regular DSLR, hybrids have a greater depth of field and can keep focus on different subjects within a shot. With a larger depth of field, hybrids are also able to zoom in on subjects a lot better than regular DSLRs. Further, hybrids have more storage on their device; DSLRs have around 15 minutes of total recording life. While the hybrid seems a little more user-friendly with its greater depth and longer recording life, it does not perform as well. Don’t take this wrong, hybrids can still capture amazing images, but they have a smaller sensor than a DSLR and therefore do not do as good in lower light.

Live Sensor

These cameras are like DSLRs but perform more like video cameras. They give you more functions, like extended recordings that go beyond 30 minutes and the use of a microphone.

Drones

To continue to show that there are different types of cameras based on the video’s purposes, we will briefly discuss drones as well. Video production companies use drones for great sweeping shots that give you an aerial viewpoint. Drones give your video a setting or place of reference, as well as more motion. Just like the DSLR cameras, there are a wide array of drones that you can use.

Conclusion

These four cameras are just several different types that are utilized when making promotional videos for other businesses, but there are even more cameras out there that are used for movies and live events. If you are looking for a video production company to help you produce a video, contact us at Fusion 360. We have the expertise and experience you need when using cameras like these.

Mar 30
0

From the Storyboard to the Big Screen

By | Utah, video production | No Comments

As you sit and watch your favorite movie or TV show, you probably don’t think about how much work or planning was put into creating it. How long did it take them to film? How difficult was the editing process? Who came up with the idea or script? Depending on the type of film, video production companies spend a good amount of time planning, filming and editing. From the storyboard to the big screen, here’s how your favorite videos and movies are made.

Pre-Production

Although you might think that a good film starts with a storyboard, this step actually comes a little bit later in the pre-production stage. Before a storyboard is created, there are a few other things that need to be decided first.

Even before video production companies start coming up with video ideas, they have to determine both their budget as well as their goals. The topic of a video will depend on what you want to achieve. Production companies have to decide if they want to increase brand awareness or perhaps improve engagement. Once they know what their marketing goals are, they then start brainstorm ideas that will help meet those goals.

Once there’s an idea, its time to start writing a script. After the script is written, producers have a good idea of what shots they will need. This is also when they create their storyboards.

The last step in the pre-production phase is figuring out equipment, locations, talent and when to shoot.

Production

Now that all the necessary planning is done, it’s time to start production. This is where storyboards and shot lists come in handy. An important step is making sure the cameras and lights are all set up properly before filming starts so that the footage doesn’t get messed up.

One thing that all video production companies do is get B-roll footage. B-roll is basically any footage without subjects in it. When editing a film, B-roll can come in handy when trying to establish the setting or even when you need to add some length or extra scenes to a film.

Post Production

After everything has been filmed, its time to take it to the post-production phase. Now, editing isn’t just piecing the clips together and adding some music behind it. Many of the aspects you love in your favorite movies are created in post.

Editing starts by importing the footage into a video editing software and then sorting and labeling it so it’s easy to find. Then, the editor will start making cuts and piecing the footage together.

At this point, it’s time to add sound. If there are going to be any voice-overs, now is the time to record and add these to the film. When adding music, editors need to make sure it matches the tone of the film and is at the right volume.

Just as you would edit a photo to get the colors right, video production companies like to color correct their films. You want the colors to appear as rich as possible as well as all the clips to match, so colorists will come in and play with the colors on a few clips to make them all match.

Another key part of this stage is creating graphics and text. Many video production companies prefer using motion graphics in their video to animate their logo or any text they are adding.

Once the editing process is finished, it’s time to export and publish the video. Where producers display their final product is dependent on how it will contribute to their marketing goals.

As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into creating a quality video. If you are wanting some video content for your company but don’t have the time or resources to create it, give us a call here at Fusion 360, an award-winning video production company.

Mar 29
0

Bizarre Terms for Normal Things

By | Utah, video production | No Comments

Just like any other industry, filmmaking comes with its own unique vocabulary. Amongst the odd terms and references you’ll hear when working with video production companies, you might think one thing means something, but it will mean the complete opposite or even something that wouldn’t make sense. The thing about these bizarre terms is that almost everybody who works in video production companies knows what they mean, and they actually act as a rite of passage that every filmmaker must go through.

So, if you’re new to the world of video production or just want to know what everyone on set is talking about, here are some of the most bizarre terms for objects and people that you might find while you’re working with video production companies.

A “Baby”

When you hear “I need a baby,” or “can somebody get me a baby?” while on set, it might seem a bit odd. Video production companies don’t actually use human babies for their video production projects, they’re referring to a small set of tripod legs. These small tripods allow filmmakers to put their cameras closer to the ground, allowing for low-angle shots.

A “Cheese Plate”

This one can be especially tricky if you’re on set and you happen to be hungry, but when someone asks for a “cheese plate,” you’re going to be disappointed when they bring out a metal plate with holes in it. This piece of equipment serves as a multipurpose utility bracket that comes in various shapes and sizes. They’re oftentimes used to create camera rings.

A “Dead Cat”

No need to panic, when a videographer asks for a “dead cat,” they want a fuzzy cover that goes around the end of a boom mic in order to block out wind distortion. The reason they call this accessory a “dead cat” is because the fuzzy exterior makes it look like a cat.

A “C-47”

When you hear the word “C-47,” you might think of an advanced camera, a high-end mic, or a fancy lens, however, a C-47 to a video production company refers to… a clothespin. Yes, that’s right, the term that originally comes from a C-47 aircraft is used in the world of video production to refer to a clothespin. There still isn’t a clear answer as to why this is, but most people say that it’s because of the item’s versatility.

These terms are…peculiar, we know. If you aren’t apart of the video production world, it’s perfectly normal if you are left scratching their head, but if you want to understand what’s happening on a set, be sure to learn everything you can about all the bizarre film terms.