For over 90 years Mannington Mills has taken an active interest in the well-being of its own Salem, New Jersey community. Over the years, that interest has expanded to include the inhabitants of the entire planet. In 2005, the Stand On A Better World program was created by Mannington to honor extraordinary women for their commitment and dedication to changing the world for the better.
To that purpose, VCSvideo created a video program that explains the award and introduces both the celebrity judges and the courageous women whose efforts were acknowledged. In 2006 VCSvideo recorded the award ceremony and conducted interviews with past winners, and this year's judges and honorees.
Preparing for the Worst
In the health care world, it's known as "Disaster Preparedness" and Temple University Health System takes it VERY seriously. They have an accredited program that encompasses things like decontamination procedures, surge capacity and how to configure an EOC. Sound confusing? That's why TUHS asked VCSvideo to help them create an overview video for new employees. It explains the Disaster Preparedness plan and many of the components within the plan, so they can be prepared for the demands that such an event can require.
The content is quite sobering, but the video is compelling and gives an answer to the big question we all have from time to time.What to do if?
New Gear
As always, VCSvideo is committed to updating the capabilities we can provide for our clients.
A recent acquisition is the Panasonic HVX200 lightweight, high-tech MiniDV camera. Whether used alone or as a 2nd camera on a larger shoot, the Panasonic HVX200 delivers a variety of looks and styles. Shooting in Standard Definition (SD) in either 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio with a variety of frame rates: 60i, 30p or 24p gives you the flexibility to match another camera (like the look of the Panasonic AJ-HDC27F VariCam®) or create a contrasting look. The Panasonic HVX200 can also shoot High Definition (HD) video utilizing the P2 card.
We've also added a Panasonic BTLH 1700W (HD & SD) 17"-wide screen color video monitor with built-in waveform monitor. You really have to see its clarity to appreciate it.
Green Screen Magic
Utilizing green screen in a project can be a tricky, but rewarding proposition. If you decide to take the plunge, make sure you hire someone who has experience. Of course, the easiest thing to do is to simply call VCSvideo. We have years of blue and green screen experience and are always upgrading our techniques and knowledge base on the best ways to shoot and composite green and blue screen. When used well it can turn a potentially ho-hum video piece into a "how'd they do that?" production that gets and holds your audiences attention. Call us for more information or email us at info@vcsvideo.com
Video Re-purposing
It's not a new idea. Articles discussing re-purposing video for the web were written as early as 1995 when most people were still trying to figure out what all the fuss was about. Now that more and more web video is being posted and looking better than ever, don't you think it's time to put some on your website?
It's not nearly as restrictive as it used to be. There was a time when a dissolve was a big no-no and any kind of panning or camera motion caused a big blocky mess on the screen. Not so anymore. Just about anything you want to include can be compressed to look good. We advise keeping each clip relatively short if you're not using "streaming" video. That way you can have higher-quality compressions for a higher-quality viewing experience without a lot of pauses and skips. These things can still happen depending on the viewer's computer, connection, and whether Venus is aligned with Mars, but video experiences on the web are undeniably richer than ever. Having video on your web site adds a level of interest, sophistication and savvy. In other words, It's cool.
If you've spent time and money creating a video, why not get the most for your money and post it on your site? Just makes good sense doesn't it?
Another way to re-purpose your video content is to create something else from the footage you shot.
Let's say you've created a dynamic video to introduce a breakthrough product at an upcoming trade show. Why not create an mpeg to insert into your power point for the board of directors meeting? Use pieces in your sales training presentation to spice it up or even create a Video News Release to send around the country to introduce your breakthrough to the world!
This type of re-purposing takes a little forethought and planning and may cost a little more on the front end of the production, but the benefits can greatly outweigh the initial outlay.
At VCSvideo, we're always looking for new ways to add the excitement of video to our clients' arsenal of marketing tools. Call or email us today for a free consultation. Whether you need us to take you from the beginning, script to screen, or you have an existing video you want to use on your website, VCSvideo can make it happen!
