I’ve been filming for over 20 years now and I’m still amazed how long it takes from arriving on site, setting up and finally the camera rolling. But by asking the right questions before the shoot you can save valuable time – and money. It will also ensure your filming day runs smoothly, on time and that everyone involved has a productive and enjoyable day.

So, in order to manage both the crews and clients expectations here are some top tips on what to think about if a camera crew are turning up, ‘The What Where When and How to manage a film crew’.

1. Parking. The crew will need to park somewhere so they can unload the kit. Can they park in the building? if so how do they get in? What’s security like? Is there someone who can meet them and show them to the right location on arrival? Do you need the vehicle registration?

2. Access to the building? Who do they report to on arrival? Provide names and numbers.

3. What time do you want to start filming? Crucial so that the crew allow enough time to travel to location, unload and set up.

4. Timings? What are you hoping to film and how many people? Be realistic and get advice from your production company on how long you need. As a rough guide: for a simple talking head interview allow 45 minutes for the crew to set up and light it and 30 minutes to reset in a different position.

5. Where are you filming? The size of the space? In a boardroom, in a cupboard? Interviews look much more stylish if you can have some depth in them, so the larger the room you can film in the better – and it won’t get so hot from the lights.

6. Is it noisy? Try and find somewhere that’s quiet. Is it possible to turn off the air conditioning if it’s very noisy? Is there a meeting going on next door the day you’re filming?

7. Power supply? Can the crew plug lights in? Does the equipment need to be PAT tested? Any other technical requirements?

8. Keep everyone fed and watered!  Filming can be intense and hard work, so schedule a lunch break for crew and all those participating. The crew are human after all!

9. Make sure your interviewees can have a glass of water on arrival. As it can be pretty hot under those lights!

10. Keep the Producer and crew informed if anyone is on a strict time deadline, so that they can ensure they are filmed within the time allocated or can be reschedule another interviewee.

11. Smile and try to relax. I know having a crew in your office can be disruptive and possibly stressful. But a professional crew will keep the disruptions to a minim and will make those involved in the filming as relaxed as possible. After all we are just making a video or performing brain surgery.

And finally. A good production company should go through all this with you before they arrive to film, but as we all know, preparation is key.

It’s been 16 months since iPhone 4 was release, and so an update is overdue. But wether the phone will be a major overall and resign or just a update like the 3G to 3GS remains to be seen. The rumor mills have been working in overdrive. One possibility is a new design of the phone and will be called iPhone 5.

Some of the new features the new iPhone might include:

• Larger 4 inch screen (current screen is 3.5 inches)
• Faster processor (the same as a iPad 2)
• A new look, a device with curved edges, thinner & lighter
• Improved antenna
• 8 megapixel camera resolution (current model is 5)
• 1080p video recording and playback
• 4G data connection
• NFC (Near Field Communication) for making payments via your phone (Oyster Card, PayPal, credit card etc)
• Larger storage, up to 64gb.

Or the other rumor is it won’t be a major new model, but a so called iPhone 4S. This will be a minor update to the iPhone 4. In a similar move from the iPhone 3G to the 3GS in 2009. The iPhone 4S will only feature slight spec upgrade, faster processor, improved antenna, better camera, larger storage, up to 64gb.

Tallboy thoughts:

While I would love Apple to release a new resigned iPhone 5, I suspect it will be an iPhone 4S announced on Oct 4th. The invitation sent out to journalists has a number one on the phone (see picture above). The iPhone 4 has only been out just over a year so Apple don’t usually do a major resign after only one model. I also doubt if Apple would also release two phones at the same time as this could confuse the market (unless one was substantially cheaper than the other). No matter what phone Apple release shortly, rumors are it will be available on Oct 15th, I am sure thousands of Apple fans will be lining up to get one. I’m currently on a 3G iPhone and very much looking for something faster and which can take better photos and videos, so I guess I will be joining that queue.

4th October Update:

As widely predicated Apple announced only one phone, an 4S. The outside is the same as a iPhone 4, but the inners are very different. Much faster, better graphics, a 8 megapixel camera which shoots full HD (1080p) looks amazing. And a new App called called Siri, your virtual assistant.  The demonstrated was impressive,  it answered complex queries asked by voice such as “what’s the weather like today?” and responded in real time with a synthesized voice. Previous voice recognition software never seems to work that well, and it will be interesting to see if Apple have ‘cracked’ this one. The iPhone 4S will be available from Friday October 14th. UK pricing to be announced. You can pre-order the phone from October 7th, which I intend to do so I don’t have to queue!

The real benefit of time lapse is showing something that we are unable to view in real time. A motorway cutting its way through a chalk hillside takes years – yet, with time lapse, you can see its progress in seconds.

New technology has revolutionised time lapse. In the old days, you needed use a video camera and record onto tape in real time – therefore, if it took 40 minutes for something to happen, you had to roll tape for 40 minutes. Then it took 40 minutes to input the tape into the edit system. Then it was a question of simply speeding it up by 1000% to get aprox. 10 seconds of finished footage. But obviously a tower block being built takes far longer than 40 minutes – well, you do the math, as they say.

Now you just need a stills camera to create a time lapse video. It produces great quality HD images, and it’s better under low light. Personally, I take a series of photographs over a period of time. One frame every two seconds over 20 minutes will produce approximately 20 seconds of finished video.

It’s quick and easy to transfer the photographs on to computer. Using a programme like QuickTime, it’s simple to then compile those photos into a video. The end result is a high quality video that can be used in our Final Cut Pro edit suite. – and it’s great for corporate videos to add a real visual impact.

Time lapse video tips:

• Use a tripod
• Put the camera into stills mode
• Adjust exposure settings (aperture priority recommended)
• Set remote timer (aka intervalometer)
• Patience

Last year the Canon DSLR range stole the show, revolutionising film as we know it, both in affordability and its staggering ability, but that’s old news. It’s been a year, it might as well have been a decade as far as these eager critics care, so what’s new?

Amongst a hoard of shiny new tech, dazzling screens and flashing buttons a few exceptions stole the show. Sony and Panasonic stood proudly behind their new flagship F3 and Af-101 cameras, a crowd hovered admirably around them all day dribbling for a chance to play. They all took their turn and I’m sure their subsequent orders will soon follow. Both camera combine great image quality, reliability and smooth workflow management with a range of compatible prime lenses mimicking the 35mm classic. Unlike its DSLR predecessors its a ‘proper camera’, with less media limitations, a decent sized viewfinder and proper audio XLR inputs, it’s undertaken a logical evolutional step forward.

3D televisions were as expected, dotted in every direction, but in all honesty I still think there is a long way to go before it’s ready for mass consumption, let alone the corporate market. Very occasionally something crops up which is visually stunning, ore inspiring; slow moving, detailed and vibrant close-ups can really mount 3D’s abilities. As a fan of both these it pains me to say that marauding groups of luminescent break-dancers and the range of high-octane sports now available in 3D fall short. I feel similarly to 30 years ago when it was first introduced it stands more in the realms of an expensive gimmick than reality, best kept in the IMAX, not in your living room.

Technodolly showcased their unmanned range of cranes and jibs, it’s an astonishing feat and the first of its kind and will undoubtedly be putting grips out of work very soon. Working with set key frames the camera can through memory operate through a series of unlimited and complex motions. With its ability to remember precision shots, movements and transitions instantly and effortlessly desired effects to be achieved in minutes.

Suitably impressed and seething with jealousy we re-entered the realms of reality, affordability and another grey day in West London.

Instructions:

1. Introduce the name of your company and quickly establish the purpose of your video. Doing so will set the tone for video, and consequently, the rest of the brief. Write the brief in a clear and concise style. Your objectives will determine the style, duration and content of your video. Whether your video will be used during events, training, exhibitions, for web streaming or as a promotional video will dictate its overall style.

2. Establish your target audience. Who is your video aimed at? What is their level of understanding of the topic? How will the video be distributed? What are the key messages you want to get across? Either way, your video should engage the audience.

3. Detail any background information surrounding the project. For example, you may give some information about a new product your company is promoting. Map out some of your stylistic expectations for the project. For example, you may be using actors in your video or relying on skilled staffers to demonstrate your product’s functions. As far as narration is concerned, determine whether you will feature a voice-over and background music and, if so, what genre (this may depend on your intended audience).

4. Key considerations: Is there any content that must be included e.g. particular messages? An interview with your CEO?  Is there any existing video footage that could be used? Where is filming likely to take place?  Are there any specific constraints?

5. Wrap up your brief by setting a production budget. As with the rest of the brief this will not be set in stone, but you should at least have a ballpark figure for the production company. You should also work out a project deadline that will, ideally, be about one to three months away.

Apple iPad

New Screen Size:
The latest rumor is a 7? model (dubbed iPad mini) in addition to the current 9” version. However, while the new screen size would help iPad reach a lower price point for consumers and compete with the Amazon Kindle in size and price. Steve Jobs did deny a smaller screen for the iPad in October of last year. He said it would not give the same ‘user’ experience. So perhaps it ‘s unlikely Apple will bow to PC competitors just because they are  releasing 7″ inch versions.

Steve Jobs

New Screen Resolution:
Apple’s Retina Display, or something very close, will make its way to iPad.  iPhone 4 display is a beautiful screen, and the resolution very clean and clear. Not that there is anything wrong with the current iPad screen. This is an inevitable upgrade that is going to force early adopters who own an iPad and iPhone 4 to jump in line. A retina display on the iPad will truly make it stand out from the crowd.

Two Cameras:
A no brainer this one. Don’t know why Apple didn’t put cameras on the original iPad in the first place? FaceTime has made its way to the next generation iPod touch (via a front-facing camera) and Macs (by the way of a software update) so the next logical step would be the iPad. Steve did promise of “millions of FaceTime devices by the end of the year” after all. Well, it’s the new year, so expect cameras on iPad2.

New Form Factor:
Not sure about this one. Apple generally waits two to three refreshes before redoing the overall hardware of its devices, but a thinner iPad may be in line that mimics much of Apple’s iPhone 4. Squaring off the design would help the device lay flat, but would also make it more susceptible to scratches. This is a maybe as Apple can legitimately call this a second generation iPad without modifying the outer shell. Of course, if it’s releasing a smaller screen size, it might be a good idea to change things up a bit to throw off the competition.

There has also been rumours of a USB and SD card slot. There might be a USB slot in order to compile with new EU regulations of harmonisation of mobile chargers. It would also be nice to have a SD slot to transfer large amounts of data and to able to watch Hollywood blockbuster movies, which hog lots of gigabyte space. However, we’re unlikely to see a SD card slot, as it might hurt sales of the large GB models.

New iPad 2 specs:
With each new release of a Mac product, they are usually faster, bigger and better. So it makes sense that we will probably see a new faster processor, with more memory and larger hard drive options. The largest at the moment is 65gb, so 120gb should be in the next release.  Prices should remain the same, although perhaps lower if a 7 inch “entry level’ is introduced.

The iPad is already a huge hit, so why fix something that isn’t broken? I can’t see Apple changing it drastically. There should be an announcement in February about the iPad 2 and hopefully will see it in the stores in April.

Sources: Techradar.com and Appleinsider.Com

Of course, YouTube isn’t a perfect fit for every company, but anybody who does business online should consider taking advantage of the huge opportunities for brand impressions available on YouTube.

There are two significant benefits of placing videos on YouTube rather than solely on your website. First, you’ll have a vast and captive audience of YouTube viewers searching for keywords related to your product or service.  Second, your videos will piggy back on the popularity of YouTube in the other search engines. A well optimised video on YouTube will start rank in Google in minutes and appear on the first page in a matter of days.

Optimising YouTube pages requires following the same rules as any other search engine optimisation (SEO) project, and all SEO can be broken down into three disciplines: content, linking, and architecture. Since YouTube is going to dictate how the page is built architecturally, that leaves you the opportunities to improve the on-page content and back link popularity of the page. Remember that every video on YouTube has its own page, called a view page, that can be optimized the same as any other page on the web.

Content

Since videos themselves are invisible to search engines you need to provide enough tags and information to help search engines assess the content and relevance of your videos.

• Include well researched keywords in the title of the video, and use the word “video” when appropriate. The title is the most important piece of information that the search engines have about your video, and considering that most searchers include the word “video” when searching for a video, this inclusion boosts the relevance of your page as a search result. Ensure that the keywords you include in the title of your video are relevant to your video content.
• For each video, write a unique, keyword-rich description that includes a URL to your website or landing page. Put the URL at the beginning so even when the “more info” option is collapsed, the user will still see the link. Also, a video’s description is the next-best indicator to search engines of the video’s content, right behind the title.
• Provide video transcripts if possible. Until the technology improves, YouTube and other online videos are practically invisible to most search engines. Therefore, the search engines are only guessing about the content of your video based on the information they parse from the title, description, and tags. But if you have a full transcript of your video placed in the description, the search engines will fully understand the video.

Link Building

• Include links to your YouTube video view page wherever possible. First decide where you want to drive the traffic from to your video pages, and then include links to those pages as much as possible. Ideally, you will be linking from other social media profiles like Facebook and Twitter in order to extend the social media experience. There are many more opportunities to place clickable links to your view page than there appear to be at first glance.
• Encourage participation. For each video, there are options for “Broadcasting and Sharing.” It’s best to open commenting and embedding as much as possible, but remember that you will need to monitor your videos for spam and inappropriate comments. You’ll often find that if viewers find your video information and useful they will place backlinks to your view page. This is one of the most effective ways to create links to your YouTube video.
• Always ensure that you make it easy for the viewer to find your website or landing page. Take advantage of YouTube’s captions and annotation features. You can add notes, subtitles, descriptions, and links directly over the top of the video. Currently only links to other YouTube pages are clickable, but try including your website’s URL as a caption that appears for the final 20 seconds of your video.

Finally, take advantage of YouTube Insights. This analytics feature of YouTube is robust compared to other video sites and can provide information such as demographics and when people abandoned viewing specific videos. This data can help you improve future submissions and help shape your overall web marketing strategy.

No, it’s not the talent, or the lights. It’s not a clever backdrop or a fancy desk. It’s gaffer tape (or duct tape as our American friends like to call it). The thick black sticky tape, about 2 inches or so wide. It’s holding the fancy desk together. It’s taping the cables down on the floor. It’s even inside Fiona Bruce’s jacket, helping to carefully conceal the microphone cable.

Gaffer tape is the key to understanding television or production studios. At first glance, gaffer tape is smooth and shiny; you think you can rely on it working. Examine it closely, and you’ll see gaffer tape is sticky and unpredictable when you use it. Try tearing it, and you will find out that it knows its own mind. And it’s slightly scuffed, fraying at the edges.

That’s what most TV or production studios are like. Slightly scuffed round the edges. Held together with bits of gaffer tape. The outside of the fancy desk is shiny; the underside is made of chipboard and frayed.

Behind the camera is an army of people who make the whole thing look glamorous. They too are usually slightly scuffed around the edges. The cameramen, the floor manager, the lighting engineers. The floor manager is the person in charge of the studio. Like the gaffer tape, sound glamorous. But he’s responsible for everything to making sure it’s quiet during a take to feeding microphone wires down a presenter’s top.

Black is the preferred colour and jeans are the dress code. A studio floor with all its cables and wires is unforgiving to high heels.  A tie only makes an appearance when the guest is a real VIP – usually a Royal.

But, just like the gaffer tape, a studio can’t survive without these behind the scenes people. The gaffer tape, the engineers – all go together to make the magic of television. Just don’t look too closely – and take your own gaffer tape.

“Duct tape is like the force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the universe together.” – Oprah Winfrey

Tallboy’s top tips for choosing a video production company:

1. Personal recommendation

Ask around. Ask your colleagues, your customers and your friends. As with a builder, using a company that comes with a personal recommendation is a sure fire way to knowing you are dealing with a good company.

If you can’t get a personal recommendation, look on the video company’s website. Many companies will carry personal testimonials from their clients. A good video company will be happy to put you in touch with those clients so you can ask them about their experiences.

2. Consider how professional the company is

Does it return your phone calls within your time frame? Is its website updated regularly? It’s its literature professionally presented? When you call, are its staff courteous and informed? If not, then how can you expect it to treat your production any differently? Of course you want them to be technically minded and creative, but you need a company that puts your needs and goals above their own.

3. Be clear on your requirements

If you are making a movie in 3 continents, then you will need a company that can handle that kind of logistics. If the company’s website seems to have mainly local clients, then it may not be right for your job.  That’s not to say a small company can’t do a big job – but you do need to have assurances that they have the right facilities and people in place.

4. Chemistry is important

Making a video can be stressful, and can take you out of your comfort zone. Therefore you want to be working with people who you like.  If you are planning on spending 12 hours with the video team away from home on location, you want to make sure you get on with them. It’s vital you understand exactly who you will be working with – you may get on very well with the MD of the video company, but once the shoot starts, never see them.

Making a video is a team process – and you want to feel at the heart of that team.

Fast facts:

• 24 hours of video is uploaded to YouTube every minute!
• According to marketing research company comScore, nearly 30 million people in the UK accessed video in January 2009 – that’s 8 out of 10 internet users.
• Research on the purchase patterns of online shoppers from Sellpoint, conducted by Coremetrics, shows a 35% increase in the sales conversion rate between shoppers who viewed video, and those who didn’t