Video Production- High Definition Technology

Video Production- High Definition Technology
If you've watched television during prime time recently you
no doubt have seen it. The banner line at he bottom of the
screen, usually accompanied by some sort of special sound
effect, that reads, "This program broadcast in High
Definition where available". Media technologists,
broadcasters and even the salesmen at Circuit City have
been talking about HD for years and now it has finally
arrived. But what does it mean for you? Sure you can get
clearer pictures and better sound on your television. But
how can that affect your business? High Definition
technology means more than just clearer images for the
networks it can also have a direct impact on your marketing
and communications strategy.

When considering your next video or multimedia project you
should consider the following reasons to use High
Definition technologies.

· HD looks better. Even when finished and released
in standard definition television, down-converted High
Definition images are noticeably superior to footage shot
in any traditional video format. Finished in HD and viewed
on an HD monitor, the widescreen images are simply
astonishing.

· HD has a bigger impact on the audience. The goals
of multimedia programs like training videos, Public Service
Announcements, and marketing overviews are to inform,
persuade, entertain, and motivate the viewer. With
professional lighting and camerawork, HD provides clarity,
image detail, and color warmth, which carry through to the
final product. Stories told with HD images have an impact
on viewers that is not possible in standard video formats.
HD programs are more beautiful and powerful, convey more
information, and hold viewers' attention longer.

· HD retains its value. Part of the value of any
video production is the raw footage that can be re-used in
future programs. As the viewing public moves toward
acceptance of widescreen, digital, and high definition
images, HD footage will retain its usefulness for the next
decade, while ordinary footage suffers serious degradation
when up-converted to HD formats.

· HD is a mature medium. In development since 1981,
HD cameras and other equipment are as flexible and tested
as standard definition equipment. In the field, portable HD
cameras are rugged and lightweight -- similar in size to
Standard Definition Betacam cameras and they provide equal
sensitivity in available light situations. In addition HD
field cameras can be outfitted for studio use for
pre-produced or live program production. Images captured
in HD can be digitally edited in linear and non-linear
editing suites and output to DVD, Digital videotape, or as
streaming media on the Internet.

· HD is a better investment. The cost of shooting in
HD isn't much higher than shooting in standard broadcast
formats like BetacamSP, Digital Betacam, or high end DV
formats. And the cost for HD's film like images is far
lower than 16mm and 35mm film. With its moderate cost,
superior color and image, power to reach audiences, and
long shelf life, HD simply offers more value.

----------------------------------------------------
Metro Productions is a full-service video and multimedia
production company headquartered in Virginia. Metro
Productions provides clients with the ability to realize
the benefits of high-end visual media products for the
purpose of sales, marketing, recruitment and training.
Delivery mediums for these productions include DVD,
streaming media and broadcast quality High Definition
applications.
http://www.metro-productions.com

A Journey Into the Wild

A Journey Into the Wild
I recently saw a wonderful movie, Into The Wild. The movie
follows a young man after he graduates with honors from
college. He decides to cut himself off from capitalistic
society - he burns his social security card, gives away all
his money and makes a decision to end all communication
with his friends and family.

The motivating force behind his action is anger at his
parents. For anyone that has experienced a dysfunctional
family (dare I say most of us), one can understand
harboring ill will at those who screwed up our
impressionable minds with lies, emotional abuse, and
misguided actions.

Some may say the main character, Alexander, overreacts. My
first thought was he did. However, I understood his anger
and his cockiness - as obnoxious as he was, he was acting
out of a pain that was fresh and impossible to escape.

Alexander sets off on an amazing journey to try (to
escape). His goal is Alaska. He seems compelled to go to
this place which is void of any hint of commercialism. In
its place is what Alexander wants the most, "truth". The
character worships the wisdom Henry David Thoreau who puts
truth above fame, money, and love.

Thoreau, himself, spent over two years living with nature
at Walden Pond. This author's experience led him to believe
that if one were to live a truthful life it would require
us to simplify our existence by shedding our lives of
unnecessary attachments.

Alexander took Thoreau's words to the extreme. He picked a
much more severe natural setting. Alexander's Walden Pond
was a remote, harsh territory of Alaska. His home of
several weeks was a dilapidated bus (not sure how it got
there) in the middle of the wild. It became the place where
he slept and wrote of his adventure. He read, and hunted,
and lived the life he was sure would have made Thoreau
proud.

Along his journey, Alexander meets other wandering souls.
These interactions with well meaning folks soften the hard
edges of the main character. And even though Alexander sees
how forgiveness and family may have their place, he is
determined to complete his destiny, while clinging to his
anger.

Once in the belly of nature, Alexander feels at home (for a
while). The solitude and natural beauty feeds him like the
nurturing spirit of the family he wished he had. But as
abundant and beautiful as nature is, it can be harsh as
well. Harsh because it does speak the truth (Thoreau was
right about this); and the truth, at its deepest level, is
often hard to bear.

The truth about the wild (nature) is that all that live and
die there, depend upon more then just themselves for
survival. Berries that grow need the sun and moisture. The
moose need water from the river. And the wolves need other,
weaker animals to feast upon. There is an unspoken bond
that exists between these players. There connection is not
at once seen for what it is, but those involved know at a
deep level that they are a part of something bigger.

Alexander was a very intelligent person. His mind grabbed
onto the concepts that Thoreau so eloquently put to paper,
but Alexander's heart was separated from his mind and body.
What he did not understand was he could not find truth by
escaping his past. Only when Alexander acknowledged his
family would always be a part of him (and forgive them)
would he be able to thrive.

The tree knows it is part of nature. When it is cold or
there is no sun, the tree does not choose to separate
itself from nature because it feels slighted. It just
remains, and in time the sun and the rain bring it
nourishment. Nature adapts. It knows what it is and trusts
that it will be given what it needs.

Alexander had this epiphany near the close of his death. He
found himself stuck in the wilderness and on the brink of
starvation, when he began to write in his journal more from
his heart than in his head. He wrote his thoughts in the
form of a list. Simple and to the point, his words showed a
break in anger, and revealed his true spirit - one that
finally connected with the nature that surrounded him.

I highly recommend this film. It is out on DVD right
now-available anywhere. It was difficult and painful to
watch, but the message was inescapably clear. It was the
one of Alexander's final entries, "true happiness is
shared." In life, as in nature, I could not agree more.

----------------------------------------------------
Kim McGinnis is a freelance writer/entrepreneur. She
operates multiple sites and writes for various
publications. Her video production company, Avenstar,
creates all kinds of projects-infomercials, training
videos, promotional videos (to name a few)go
to=>http://www.avenstar.net Also visit Mark's (Kim's
partner) blog, Bring You Success

http://www.bringyousuccess.com to learn valuable tips to
grow your website's traffic-& earn more money now.

Video Production- Finding the Right Production Company

Video Production- Finding the Right Production Company
You know what you want, but where do you find it? The hunt
for a production company requires the knowledge of where to
look; however, the hunt for a great production company
involves much more consideration.

Disregard your phonebook and go straight to the World Wide
Web. Through the continual growth of online resources, you
might be able to conduct your entire search at a desk. All
reputable production companies have homepages with easily
accessible information and demo material.

Reputation is an important track to follow. A first-hand
client testimonial can tell you a lot about general
rapport, professionalism, the overall process and the final
outcome. You may discover that a famed production company
really does not provide the quality of a smaller, lesser
known one.

While personal referrals are often the most helpful, keep
in mind how knowledgeable your source is. Use the
opportunity to inquire about the experience and view the
final product. If any element of the video appeals to you,
find out the origins behind it. The animation might be
unusually impressive, the soundtrack undeniably gripping or
the editing seamlessly suspenseful, so ask for names.

Has the production company been recognized and acclaimed by
fellow filmmakers? Websites usually devote a space to
brandish any honors. Regional and national awards showcase
superior work. Prominent competitions include the Emmys,
the Accolades, The Videographer awards, the New York
Festivals, the International Film and Video Festivals and
the Telly Awards. While all awards are noteworthy, some
signify more than others. Be aware of how each award is
determined. For example, an Emmy honors work that excels
beyond all other competition, while a Telly is awarded to
any work that meets set standards.

Depending on your budget, location may or may not be a
factor in who you choose to hire. Travel fees, including
gasoline and lodging fees, will ultimately be charged back
to your account. The convenience of a production company
down the street will hardly matter if your project requires
them to shoot on-location in another country.

The production company will provide the crew for your
video. The crew for a simple video will include a producer,
camera operator and a sound technician. For small projects,
the producer can double as director; for the simplest
projects, the producer may be a single cameraman. Including
on-camera talent includes a larger crew consisting of a
production assistant, lighting directors, make-up artists,
wardrobe assistants and more.

A turnkey production company, which offers all
pre-production to post-production services in-house, is
often the most cost-effective option for video projects.
Production companies typically own the necessary production
resources and do not need to hire or rent from other
vendors.

When choosing between companies, compare each based on
their answers to the following questions:

What type of productions do you specialize in?

Do you have experience in the type of product I'm planning
to create?

What will I need to contribute to the project?

Also, view a variety of their sample reels. Often these can
be located on the company's website as well as on DVD.

The production company may need to schedule and coordinate
different phases of the project with you or someone else
from your company. Share your vision with the production
company during your initial meeting. Good producers are
experts in the technical aspects of production, but great
producers are also passionate about the projects.

Film and video are ever-present in our culture, breeding
sophisticated audiences with high expectations. In the end,
your audience must focus on your message rather than on the
method in which it is communicated; its purpose cannot be
lost in or distracted by its form. The current price of
video production tools allows almost anyone to produce,
edit and broadcast, so be meticulous in your decision. A
professional production company has the expertise to convey
your message through media, not in spite of it.

----------------------------------------------------
Metro Productions is a full-service video and multimedia
production company headquartered in Virginia. Metro
Productions provides clients with the ability to realize
the benefits of high-end visual media products for the
purpose of sales, marketing, recruitment and training.
Delivery mediums for these productions include DVD,
streaming media and broadcast quality High Definition
applications.
http://www.metro-productions.com