I started working with video at least 3-4 years ago. I have learned so much here in ActiveRain and this would be the same when it comes to video. Shortly have I joined, ActiveRain introduced Mixpo, a web-browser production solution for video. It made video production so much easier and I embraced it.
We had tried many different ways to produce video and finally realized that you needed a full-blown Mac and "Final Cut Pro" (video production software for the Mac) in order to be effective at video production. You also needed a great voice and a "Hollywood" persona to go along with it. We had someone back then who was producing video for real estate agents. Fred Light (he has not posted since 2010). He was using a Sony video-cam tape system and after speaking with him we bought the video cam. It was high definition and we were excited. We quickly learned that it was not an easy thing to do. As Realtors, we don't have a lot of time and so everything we do must be time efficient and net out a result that is effective. After much frustration with trying the HD aspect, we called Fred and learned that he did all his video without using the HD. Too hard to work with. We were disappointed. That was then and this is now.
After many efforts and I won't go into the details but it was a good year of effort on our part, we gave up. It was so time consuming that it just was not effective for us. We do now have a full blown Mac (huge memory) and "Final Cut Pro" and we still would like to learn how to shoot good video. We are approaching giving it another try at doing the production of the clips of video that could now be used with Mixpo. I also have a Sony Bloggie that I carry with me everywhere. It is better than my phone camera and it is easy to use (video and still photo). You still need a tripod for video. We now have a tripod that fits on the window of our car to aid in getting some localism video as we tour the areas of our market that are of interest.
I would have chalked this whole thing up to a loss, if it were not for Debb Janes. She is doing some very cool stuff in her YouTube Thursdays Group. Mixpo does also distribute to Youtube. It does not always work however. I have become inspired once again with Debb's work and on my list of things to do is to promote my Youtube Channel and work my way into being comfortable with video once again. I have a Southern accent (No...?) but if I slow down, my voice is mildly ok. Debb's voice is professional quality and so is Richard Yates. Both of these fine bloggers are inspiring me to make this work for our branding. We live in a beautiful place and I have always promoted it. It will be with our photography and now enhanced with good video. My voice is what it is and so we will find some level of comfort and use it well.
The great thing about Mixpo is that it is dynamic. You can go back and change your videos at any time. I love that I have built an infrastructure that now I can update with new and current video. That aspect of Mixpo is great for me. I love building infrastructure. Life is about stages of development. I got a special rate of Mixpo back in the day. They were bought by some company and the price changed to $50 a month. I have asked if that is still available for individuals and have been told that it is. Animoto is the new and wonderful thing on the market. I will stay with Mixpo because of my investment in the platform.
Here is my first updated video with voice over. I particularly like this video and it was a good one to start with.. I've had fun with video and look forward to updating and bringing new life to my library of videos. I have some fine work here in the RAIN to inspire me. Thanks Debb for your work and the group that inspires me to do better work. Always a good thing.
That is a very nice intro video! I love playing with video but boy the learning curve was not easy.
Jeanean, I think you have a great voice. I am glad that you are being encouraged to move forward with video. I am incorporating low level video, but get great feedback from people. Even though it is not what I would call professionally produced, it does have results. When a family member who lives over an hour away, remarks at Christmas dinner that they have watched your videos and read your blog and thought they were good, I take notice. Best of luck.
Cal
Hello Monika....I do agree and I am still on that long learning curve experience. I got bored with it all and have recently been newly inspired. I have a few things to work out with Mixpo. They have upgrades their platform and I'll will have to learn new things. Overall, it has been great. Thanks for the visit and hope your Sunday is perfect!
Cal, thanks for the encouragement. I will continue to refine until I am comfortable with it. I believe it is important this it sounds natural and comfortable. I ran out of time today and will finish it up on another day. That is wonderful feedback to receive from anyone on your work. Thanks again for viewing and sharing this with me. Have a great Sunday!
Hi Jeanean, this isn't for the faint of heart. It has become much easier. I own my own green screen, FX Pro software for Mac and Non-Mac environments. I have music overlays, editing and voice dubbing all the gizmo's.
I am starting to get heavy into the voice Podcasting and Vidcasting issues. If I may suggest one thing and I thought this was great so no disrepect intended. Lower the Volume of the music when you are talking so it gives a better focus on your delivery. Very nice and the video recording of the frogs is stunning. Thanks for the information.
Jeanean, enjoyed your video and love the frogs. You sounded good on the video! This is something I really need to start thinking more about especially for localism.
Gary, you are so kind and I so appreciate the positive feedback. This is what it is all about and I so appreciate the help and support. Thanks also for validating how hard it is to do well. I'm going at it again and hope the results will evolve into something I am not ashamed of. LOL! I will do as you suggest. Much appreciated!
Hope you are well and having a great Sunday!
Hello Rebecca, It is not yet where I want it to be but I had to quit for today and do other work. I like Mixpo because I can edit it and redo any time. That it is forgiving and allows me to perfect it.....is what I need. Thanks for the visit and for the support. I hope it is not one of those that makes you feel creepy. That is what I fear most! Have a great Sunday!
Jeanean, This video is wonderful. I have purchase a MacAir on my list. It's a big expense for creating video but will be well worth it when the time is right. I'm so impressed with what you have done with this video. Thank you for sharing and inspiring.
Jeanean. I really have to get on the video band wagon. Everytime I think I have some time to work on it, someone piles work on me. I just need to put my foot down and dive in.
Hello Kathleen, thank you for supporting me in this effort. I have begun and will work hard to get comfortable with the media. It is easier when you have others to learn from. I am excited that you will be joining me soon. Happy Sunday!
Hello Belinda, thanks for the visit and sharing the video. When you get ready it will be easier that what we have been through. Everything always gets easier over time. Happy Sunday!
Dear Jeanan,
What are you talking about?
Your voice is so clear and soothing and calming.
Maybe you should do voice-overs when RE is slow!
Have a happy day -
Lynn
PS Great feedback from everyone and hint from Gary White (#5).
Hello Lynn, thanks for the encouragement. I do appreciate it. I did take Gary's advice but I can lower it more. That is one good thing about Mixpo....you can always go back and change it. Have a wonderful day and we are off to another day for the contest. You are doing a great job.
Hi Jeanean, I wrote a previous comment a couple days ago, but sadly it went into limbo before I got it posted. It explained how much I enjoyed your video and look forward to seeing many more. The quality of your visuals, transitions and sequencing of content are all exceptional. In addition, The Frogs of Shasta are certainly a well trained and colorful group. Thank you or sharing and for the shout out. I'll be expecting to see a lot more of your professional videos and fully expect you to continually raise the video bar. Best wishes always.
Richard, thanks for stopping by. The video is no where what I want to do now....but we are in Winter and getting good video now will be hard. I will look for opportunity but may have to wait a month or two. I do appreciate the stop by and your kind words. I'm sure that where I wish to go, inspired by you and Debb will be much different....more of the Community Tour idea. I've alwasy like those. My frogs are not Shasta County frogs....as you know. They are exotic frogs from all over and canned clips in Mixpo. Not the real deal. We would like the real deal but I just don't know if I have what it takes to go looking for the "bull frogs" of Shasta County. I've learned many things here and consider myself to be a Localism photo journalist but moving in to being a nature photo journalist....I my not get that done. If I run across a frog...that will be different. Video production will occur. Thanks for coming by. Have a great week!
I am so embarassed that I missed this before Jeanean. How lovely to know that I may have inspired you a bit...(Richard too! He sent me an email and gave me the heads up). So, thank you so much for the mention and kind words.
And Bravo, I look forward to seeing your photography and video in future productions. - Funny, I am buying Final Pro today - iMovie is no longer hitting the mark for me.
And, by the way, your voice has great tone and quality - soothing. Good job!