No surprise this went viral like a wildfire. Everything is spot on: concept, production, design (especially the package design), talent, voiceover, and most importantly the satire that is so true.
Showing posts with label online video. Show all posts
Showing posts with label online video. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Meaningless Online Video Can Kill Your Credibility
Creativity
The majority of independent online video content being created is mostly unwatchable. I'm the first to admit that I am guilty of creating some of this unwatchable content as well, but as the Internet matures, grows and brings in new audiences something has got to give. Do I mind when someone I know and admire just riffs off of their built-in laptop video camera? Usually no, it depends on who that person is and how relevant the content is. Do I ever think that the content adds to their credibility? Hardly ever.
If you care about how much impact your video can have, remember Content is King, Context is King Kong
I quite often say this aloud. What I mean with it is that if you are looking for relevance, it is not the HD quality or how much your camera does not shake (or does for that matter). It is all about the fact, that you need to think before you shoot. Even the lousy phone cameras works well, if that has a meaning in the context you are working with. And please, learn the basics of editing. You do edit your texts while writing, so why not take all the unrelevant stuff off your videos as well.
- Think why are you shooting it?
- What is the context your viewer will see it?
Here are 5 ways to produce online video that will not kill your credibility (from someone who knows nothing about it):
1. Audio balance. Whenever there is more than one person speaking, please ensure that everyone's level is equal prior to publishing your final piece. All too often, I have to watch the video and work my volume control like I'm doing a final mix on Pink Floyd's The Dark Side Of The Moon.
2. Eye contact. It's hard and awkward to speak into a camera. That's why great broadcasters make the money that they do. Take some media training or do some pre-publishing practice runs. Letting your eyes wander, not looking into the camera or not being one hundred percent comfortable makes the viewer uncomfortable too.
3. Speak. Way too many "ummms" and "ahhhs." It takes practice not to stammer and stumble over words. Don't just read off of cue cards and don't try to improvise either. Find a healthy balance by writing out a script, but knowing how to speak it instead of just reading it.
4. Backgrounds. Do you really think that recording in your basement with a broken bookshelf in the background or cat pee stains on the couch is screaming, "hire me!"? Find a background that fits the feeling you are looking to tell. Well, if it is the basement, then go for. I would suggest outdoors whenever you can.
5. Edit. Think about how you can better edit your final product. Keep the information tight and be ferocious with what makes it to the final cut. The audience will thank you for not wasting their time or letting the content wander too far off of topic.
Finally, remember these 3 when filming. Background tells you where you are, middleground is where the subject is, and foreground tells the feeling you are looking at the subject.
The majority of independent online video content being created is mostly unwatchable. I'm the first to admit that I am guilty of creating some of this unwatchable content as well, but as the Internet matures, grows and brings in new audiences something has got to give. Do I mind when someone I know and admire just riffs off of their built-in laptop video camera? Usually no, it depends on who that person is and how relevant the content is. Do I ever think that the content adds to their credibility? Hardly ever.
If you care about how much impact your video can have, remember Content is King, Context is King Kong
I quite often say this aloud. What I mean with it is that if you are looking for relevance, it is not the HD quality or how much your camera does not shake (or does for that matter). It is all about the fact, that you need to think before you shoot. Even the lousy phone cameras works well, if that has a meaning in the context you are working with. And please, learn the basics of editing. You do edit your texts while writing, so why not take all the unrelevant stuff off your videos as well.
- Think why are you shooting it?
- What is the context your viewer will see it?
Here are 5 ways to produce online video that will not kill your credibility (from someone who knows nothing about it):
1. Audio balance. Whenever there is more than one person speaking, please ensure that everyone's level is equal prior to publishing your final piece. All too often, I have to watch the video and work my volume control like I'm doing a final mix on Pink Floyd's The Dark Side Of The Moon.
2. Eye contact. It's hard and awkward to speak into a camera. That's why great broadcasters make the money that they do. Take some media training or do some pre-publishing practice runs. Letting your eyes wander, not looking into the camera or not being one hundred percent comfortable makes the viewer uncomfortable too.
3. Speak. Way too many "ummms" and "ahhhs." It takes practice not to stammer and stumble over words. Don't just read off of cue cards and don't try to improvise either. Find a healthy balance by writing out a script, but knowing how to speak it instead of just reading it.
4. Backgrounds. Do you really think that recording in your basement with a broken bookshelf in the background or cat pee stains on the couch is screaming, "hire me!"? Find a background that fits the feeling you are looking to tell. Well, if it is the basement, then go for. I would suggest outdoors whenever you can.
5. Edit. Think about how you can better edit your final product. Keep the information tight and be ferocious with what makes it to the final cut. The audience will thank you for not wasting their time or letting the content wander too far off of topic.
Finally, remember these 3 when filming. Background tells you where you are, middleground is where the subject is, and foreground tells the feeling you are looking at the subject.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Strategy In Online Video Syndication
While many video publishers seek the widest possible distribution of their videos through an embeddable player and Media RSS, some, like HealthiNation and Virgin Media, are using a syndicated player which is placed on specific sites.
Controlling the "off domain" strategy is important for many publishers: Some are cautioned about where their videos will appear, often reflecting the concern of advertisers. For others there are rights issues with their content.
So what is the difference to Embeddable players?
With a traditional embeddable player, people really think about viral syndication where a consumer sort of takes the video and embeds it maybe in their personal blog or MySpace page or something to that effect. What we've found is a really effective strategy for content owners is for them to build sort of trusted relationships with distributers--be it very large portals like AOL Video or niche websites that have a really valuable audience. For them to build that relationship with them and to package specific content that they deliver, you know, through a platform like Brightcove, directly through those websites. That really becomes a safe environment for them to build audience off of their own web properties.
Controlling the "off domain" strategy is important for many publishers: Some are cautioned about where their videos will appear, often reflecting the concern of advertisers. For others there are rights issues with their content.
So what is the difference to Embeddable players?
With a traditional embeddable player, people really think about viral syndication where a consumer sort of takes the video and embeds it maybe in their personal blog or MySpace page or something to that effect. What we've found is a really effective strategy for content owners is for them to build sort of trusted relationships with distributers--be it very large portals like AOL Video or niche websites that have a really valuable audience. For them to build that relationship with them and to package specific content that they deliver, you know, through a platform like Brightcove, directly through those websites. That really becomes a safe environment for them to build audience off of their own web properties.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Short film for Finnish Catwalk
I did direct a quick short film that was played as opening for a fashion show here in Helsinki. Zero Budget, 4 hours of fun in the forest and few hours of editing. Simple, effective and we gained very good feedback on this. Have a look.
Friday, July 03, 2009
Despite Recession, online video is growing 40% in 2009
In Beet.TV interview, American eMarketer Senior Analysist David Hallerman, believes that online video is becoming a very important medium for advertising. He calls for longer content, thus there could be more ads.
“Overall, online video advertising will grow at a 40% clip this year and for the next few years, outpacing most other ad mediums, Hallerman said to Andy in the interview.
That increase would bring online video ad spending to $1.1 billion this year and $4.1 billion by 2013. Other estimates place total spending at a smaller amount: media agency Magna projects Web video will corral only $699 million this year and won’t reach $1 billion until 2011.
Despite the different projections, researchers agree that Web video will remain a rare bright spot and continue to outpace other mediums. But, the recession is still affecting Internet TV, and its growth this year is well below last year’s more than doubling of dollars, Hallerman pointed out”.
Well… in CityVice we wholly agree, thou the growth will also come from more focused short-form content. Relevancy is the key word.
“Overall, online video advertising will grow at a 40% clip this year and for the next few years, outpacing most other ad mediums, Hallerman said to Andy in the interview.
That increase would bring online video ad spending to $1.1 billion this year and $4.1 billion by 2013. Other estimates place total spending at a smaller amount: media agency Magna projects Web video will corral only $699 million this year and won’t reach $1 billion until 2011.
Despite the different projections, researchers agree that Web video will remain a rare bright spot and continue to outpace other mediums. But, the recession is still affecting Internet TV, and its growth this year is well below last year’s more than doubling of dollars, Hallerman pointed out”.
Well… in CityVice we wholly agree, thou the growth will also come from more focused short-form content. Relevancy is the key word.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Advertisers are following Online Video space
A Helsinki based media agency Dagmar, wrote about the use and future of online videos and web-tv. According to them, currently videos are the faster growing advertising platform online, with a market of $4,6 billion in US by 2013. European figures are very similar, as Tekes forecast (in finnish) online video to have €6 billion by 2013.
All these forecast and market researches echo what CityVice has been building on. We have some great news to tell you in soonish. We have come up with a great solution for the market, for media, advertisers and media agencies. Here are some points from the studies:
Online videos are perfect way to continue the advertising campaign shown on TV. One point to note however; most of the spots used in traditional TV does not work perfectly online. So for advertisers it is important to tweak the online ad according to needs. CityVice has the best knowledge on this data, so get in touch. :)
- 20% of 16-25 years do not own a TV.
- 40% of 16-25 years are watching TV & videos mainly online
- Online has much better tracking and reporting tool, therefore more meaninful advertising.
- Brand Lifting value is exceptional in online videos
- Click Through Rates in CityVice network is 4.5% - 5%, Interaction rates massive 40%.
- TNS Gallup has started a video tracking service. We are not familiar with this...yet that is :)
So overall online videos are booming, regardless of the recession times. CityVice is there for you, serving the needs of online video.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Video Viewing Exceeds E-mail Use, Nielsen Reports
Business
Reblogging from Beet.tv: Visitors to video sites now exceeds users of Web-based e-mail, according to a report released today by The Nielsen Company. The study reports on monthly unique visits to various Web sites and online applications.
Video passed e-mail monthly unique visits in 2007. This number is not the total number of e-mails sent or received or videos watch, just monthly visits to the e-mail or video sites.
Reblogging from Beet.tv: Visitors to video sites now exceeds users of Web-based e-mail, according to a report released today by The Nielsen Company. The study reports on monthly unique visits to various Web sites and online applications.Video passed e-mail monthly unique visits in 2007. This number is not the total number of e-mails sent or received or videos watch, just monthly visits to the e-mail or video sites.
Digitytöt Making Waves
Visuals
Digitytöt are one of CityVice's projects, in which we take care of the video production. You all know Diggnation? We’re creating our own except that it’s pink and pretty. Helene Auramo, CEO of Zipipop, and her friend Sanna are Digitytöt (tranlates into Digitalgirls from Finnish).
It’s going to be lots of pink, giggling, partying and some interviews with the local start-up stars. We are already being featured in ArcticStartup, Digitoday and some blogs such as Tuhat Sanaa and Maurelita's. Good times!
Digitytöt are one of CityVice's projects, in which we take care of the video production. You all know Diggnation? We’re creating our own except that it’s pink and pretty. Helene Auramo, CEO of Zipipop, and her friend Sanna are Digitytöt (tranlates into Digitalgirls from Finnish).
It’s going to be lots of pink, giggling, partying and some interviews with the local start-up stars. We are already being featured in ArcticStartup, Digitoday and some blogs such as Tuhat Sanaa and Maurelita's. Good times!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Online video consumption rising!
Business
People watching online video in the U.S. now watch more than three hours per month, according to new data from Nielsen Online.
In February, video usage was 169 minutes on average, but in March, it rose 13 percent to 191 minutes, Nielsen said.
Also growing fast: the total video streams viewed increased 9 percent from 8.9 billion to 9.7 billion. And the number of videos per user grew 7 percent from about 70 to 74.
Since the number of minutes per user is increasing at a faster rate than the number of videos per user, that means people are gradually moving to longer and longer videos--from 2.4 minutes in February to 2.7 minutes in March.
Google's YouTube continues to dominate the category, with 5.5 billion videos and 89 million people using the service in the U.S., Nielsen said. Hulu is in second place with 348 million videos and 9 million users. Yahoo is in third place with 232 million videos, but it's got more users than Hulu, about 25 million users.
People watching online video in the U.S. now watch more than three hours per month, according to new data from Nielsen Online.In February, video usage was 169 minutes on average, but in March, it rose 13 percent to 191 minutes, Nielsen said.
Also growing fast: the total video streams viewed increased 9 percent from 8.9 billion to 9.7 billion. And the number of videos per user grew 7 percent from about 70 to 74.
Since the number of minutes per user is increasing at a faster rate than the number of videos per user, that means people are gradually moving to longer and longer videos--from 2.4 minutes in February to 2.7 minutes in March.
Google's YouTube continues to dominate the category, with 5.5 billion videos and 89 million people using the service in the U.S., Nielsen said. Hulu is in second place with 348 million videos and 9 million users. Yahoo is in third place with 232 million videos, but it's got more users than Hulu, about 25 million users.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Young Adults Giving Up TV in Massive Demographic Shift
Business
Reblogging from Beet.tv: Online video is replacing television for consumers 25 years and younger as part of a dramatic demographic shift. Watching video on a personal computer is becoming the principal way young adults consume video.
Adobe business development chief Bill Rusitzky thinks that for many young adults 25 and under, there is a greatly diminished interest in watching television as video consumption is shifting dramatically to the PC, he told me. He says that as this population grows, there will be a big change in media consumption patterns over the next ten years.
While the nascent online video industry is figuring out business models, a big demographic shift is on our side.
Reblogging from Beet.tv: Online video is replacing television for consumers 25 years and younger as part of a dramatic demographic shift. Watching video on a personal computer is becoming the principal way young adults consume video. Adobe business development chief Bill Rusitzky thinks that for many young adults 25 and under, there is a greatly diminished interest in watching television as video consumption is shifting dramatically to the PC, he told me. He says that as this population grows, there will be a big change in media consumption patterns over the next ten years.
While the nascent online video industry is figuring out business models, a big demographic shift is on our side.
Monday, January 12, 2009
More Online Video Data
Comscore has announced its latest Online Video findings, with Americans watching 12.7 billion videos in November 2008 (up 34% from last year), watching 87 videos on average per person. Google and YouTube dominated the statistics, accounting for 40% of this online video usage. Fox Interactive Media came second ( 3.5% of video views), then Viacom digital (2.6 % of video views). Hulu topped the charts in terms of duration of video watched (avg. 12 minutes per video, vs. 3 min avg duration of YouTube), but in terms of percentage of video views it placed sixth with 1.8%. We expect this figure to rise exponentially over the year.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Online Videos Are Booming
Business
According to TNS Gallup's online video research 2008 (PDF here in Finnish) online video usage is booming through the roof in Finland. 40% of the users are watching videos every week. Most of them uses home computer to do this, a third at work as well. I however doubt that a portion did not want to plead using work computers for watching videos.
Men are interested about music, sports, news, lifestyle and porn.Women say watching music, news and gossip vids. Mostly free content is interesting, however 36% are ready to pay to watch films and other high quality content.
In addition, the research concluded that advertisers are extremely interested to use video as a tool.
According to TNS Gallup's online video research 2008 (PDF here in Finnish) online video usage is booming through the roof in Finland. 40% of the users are watching videos every week. Most of them uses home computer to do this, a third at work as well. I however doubt that a portion did not want to plead using work computers for watching videos.Men are interested about music, sports, news, lifestyle and porn.Women say watching music, news and gossip vids. Mostly free content is interesting, however 36% are ready to pay to watch films and other high quality content.
In addition, the research concluded that advertisers are extremely interested to use video as a tool.
Friday, November 07, 2008
CityVice Is Open!
Business
CityVice project is steaming ahead in a nice pace. Plans has been drawn, war chest piled up and teams are shaping up. No, actually we opened demo site for the videos this and are still heavy in talks about funding the next step: We need to build a custom player and video distrib.ution platform. So a lot to do but, we will get there. Stay tuned -> http://www.cityvicetv.com
Oh yeah, this one is for Helsinki, so most of the content is in Finnish. Sorry.
CityVice project is steaming ahead in a nice pace. Plans has been drawn, war chest piled up and teams are shaping up. No, actually we opened demo site for the videos this and are still heavy in talks about funding the next step: We need to build a custom player and video distrib.ution platform. So a lot to do but, we will get there. Stay tuned -> http://www.cityvicetv.comOh yeah, this one is for Helsinki, so most of the content is in Finnish. Sorry.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Pre-Roll Online Video Ads Work
Business
Break Media study shows that a surprising amount of people are willing to watch pre-roll advertisements. According to Beet.TV, the study claims that completion rates for 15-second pre-roll ads were 87 percent, and 77 percent viewed campaigns with overlay ads for at least 15 seconds.
Break Media used Break.com's monthly audience of 17 million 18-34-year old men as guinea pigs for the 11-week study, and advertisers Honda, T-Mobile, and truTV ran the test campaigns. The three advertisers chosen represent a cross-section of the different brands on the web, hopefully making the study results relevant to an even broader array of advertisers, Break Media CEO Keith Richman says.
The study tested the success of the four standard formats for in-stream video advertising established by the Interactive Advertising Bureau in May: pre-roll, interactive pre-roll, non-overlay ads and overlay ads.
The study demonstrated that all of the ads are effective and have different value for the advertisers, Panache president Steve Robinson says.
Break Media study shows that a surprising amount of people are willing to watch pre-roll advertisements. According to Beet.TV, the study claims that completion rates for 15-second pre-roll ads were 87 percent, and 77 percent viewed campaigns with overlay ads for at least 15 seconds.Break Media used Break.com's monthly audience of 17 million 18-34-year old men as guinea pigs for the 11-week study, and advertisers Honda, T-Mobile, and truTV ran the test campaigns. The three advertisers chosen represent a cross-section of the different brands on the web, hopefully making the study results relevant to an even broader array of advertisers, Break Media CEO Keith Richman says.
The study tested the success of the four standard formats for in-stream video advertising established by the Interactive Advertising Bureau in May: pre-roll, interactive pre-roll, non-overlay ads and overlay ads.
The study demonstrated that all of the ads are effective and have different value for the advertisers, Panache president Steve Robinson says.
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