Creating Video With Everyday Objects in Your Home

Creating video content doesn't have to be as daunting as it seems! I know a lot of creators tell you that you need to load up on gear: lighting, mics, tripods, fancy cameras…but, the truth of the matter is: you can make cool videos with your smartphone and a little improvising. You don't NEED to buy fancy equipment to make quality content - you can use everyday items in your house to make great videos.

A young baker filming a video. Next to the photo is a graphic with the words “Creating Videos Without Fancy Equipment”.

Here are a few examples:
1. Tripod Swap
Instead of a tripod: drop your phone into a cup on top of a stack of books, to shoot vertically without any fancy equipment. This will keep your phone steady, and allow you to work hands free, with low/no cost of entry.

2. Cinematic For The Win
Put your camera in cinematic mode and go to work! It’s pretty amazing how well the background blurs, and it makes the picture look way more high end. Just make sure you have plenty of light, so it can stay in focus.

3. Easy Lighting
For lighting, you just need to face a window - if the background looks orange, then put a daylight temperature bulb in the lamp in that room.

Video by Mart Production via Pexels (thank you!)

In the end, the most important part of your video, is what you are giving to the audience. The most important thing is to concentrate on the actual content and message. This is your bread and butter. Before you hit publish, sit back and ask yourself: what value does this video provide? Also practice something I like to called “content empathy”…really think about where you are putting your video. If it’s on facebook, will people want to watch it, if the feed surrounding it is their friends new baby, their cousins wedding photos, etc…? Put yourself in their shoes.

Make it stand out

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Making video content can be fun and rewarding! Over the coming weeks I'll be sharing more tips and tricks, but this is a great place to get started, especially if you’re looking to ramp up your video presence in 2023. So don't be intimidated - you've got this! With a bit of effort and creativity, you can make amazing videos, without an outstanding budget.

Happy creating! Keeping puking rainbows :)
Erica Hanna

——

Erica is a Six Time Emmy Award Winning Video Producer/Director. She specializes in professional/high-end digital and commercial content creation, empowering people of all ages to create their own videos, and teaching workshops about smartphone video production.

This is What Happened When I Gave Up TV and TikTok For a Week

This week I decided to give up TV...I also started tracking my personal/free time with the clockify.me app. The thing that surprised me the MOST...was my overall mental health. I felt more relaxed, less rushed, way more prepared when unexpected things popped up. Now, let me be honest: I don't watch a lot of news to begin with. So, basically what I was giving up was Netflix shows, and TikTok. I really didn't expect it to impact me so much!

Some cool things I tracked:

I spent more than 4 hours this week working on projects for Puke Rainbows Creative that were OUTSIDE of client needs. (Online class development specifically) - This is something I have been putting off since my car wreck. So, that felt amazing! I also brainstormed 30 new enewsletter and blog post ideas. It’s been awhile since I’ve been consistent with putting out my newsletter, due to recovery from my TBI - but, I’m super stoked about some simple content and video tips that will help everyone with their marketing!

invested two hours this week into relaxing bubble baths to help ease Fibro symptoms. It was so awesome to be able to take my time 🙂

1 hour and 40 minutes this week was spent moving my body in different mini "fun movement" sessions via Joyn. I did: pilates, yoga, dance class, and even a "tai chil/brain training" course (which was my favorite!) I love that this platform is only a few bucks per month, and is size inclusive!

I also logged time cleaning/tidying up, and time for free potential client consulting calls. You can schedule a call here if you’re interested in how to use video for your business (no upsell, I just like to answer questions and help), or if you want more information about classes or video coaching.

And the BEST part? Chris and I had our first date night in MONTHS, and spent way more time talking/catching up on our days every night when he got home from work, instead of automatically saying, "So....what do we wanna watch?" - I'm also proud of HIM because he installed a punching bag, and started boxing - the man is gonna have some strong arms, wow! 🙂

Overall, I totally recommend doing this! Moving forward I'm not going to abstain completely - but, I am going to make an effort not to mindlessly let shows autoplay one after the next, for sure! And I'll limit my tiktok/insta reels time, as well. Have you ever gone on a TV, streaming, or social media fast? I’d love to hear about how it impacted YOUR life!

Erica Hanna is a 6 time Emmy-Award-Winning Producer/Director based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is a public speaker, Producer/Director, and video coach.

Video: Think Beyond Marketing

It’s common knowledge that video marketing is HOT right now. 86% of businesses are using video as a marketing tool in 2021, compared to just 63% three years ago. It has great ROI, provides a vehicle for authenticity, and keeps us entertained for hours while scrolling on TikTok.

But, we need to start thinking BEYOND marketing when it comes to video. According to Insivia, people retain 95% of a message from a video, and only 10% from written text. Yet, we are still relying on e-mail to relay information, onboard new hires, look for new business, and educate our staff.

man records himself on a smartphone set up on a tripod

5 Ways You Can Use Video in 2022

(That don’t involve marketing.)

1. Onboarding: Why waste time explaining how to do a timesheet, over and over? Do it once, record it, and upload it so your new employees can watch it. (Hey, some of your old employees may even need the reminder)

2. Company Updates: E-mails that are multiple paragraphs get lost in the shuffle…if you’re the boss, or director of your department, consider writing down 3 bullet points, and making your message into a video that is less than a minute long. Short and sweet is the key!

3. Troubleshooting Videos: Is there a common problem or hiccup with a program you use? Is there a fix that only ONE person in the company seems to know? Record them helping next time, that way, if they’re sick (or if they move on to a different job), you aren’t stuck without a solution.

4. New Hire Intros: If you are still working from home, have your new hire make a video introducing themself. Make sure to give them a few quick questions as prompts, so they know what to say, and remind them to keep it under 2 minutes for watchability.

5. Project Updates: each project should have a point person who knows where all of the updates stand. Encourage project managers to send out a monthly message with timeline updates for important projects. This gives them facetime with others in the company, and also gives the opportunity to rally the troops and excite them about what is to come.

6. (Bonus) Don’t forget the GIFS: overly corporate lingo is shown to alienate employees, consider engaging in slack, e-mails, etc…with the occasional (work appropriate) GIF.

As always, if you have any questions about how to set up any of these type of videos, my inbox is open! I teach Smartphone Video Bootcamps, and classes on: storytelling, on camera performance, how to be more relatable via zoom, and more!

Keep puking rainbows, and remember to subscribe to my newsletter if you want more tips (I promise, I’m lazy with it…and you’ll be lucky to get one a month).

Erica Hanna
Owner, Puke Rainbows

Smartphone Gear Recommendations for 2021

One of the most common questions I get is, “What is the best camera for me to buy?” My response usually is, “What kind of camera do you feel comfortable using?”

Because the reality is, in our busy world today - you need to work with something you feel comfy with, in order to stick to a new video making schedule. So, why not use your smartphone? Seriously! Most of them have amazing picture, and great capabilities. But, there is gear that will help you get the best out of the phone’s capabilities - without breaking the bank. So, here goes - my recommendations for gear!

1. Gorillapod Universal Smartphone Tripod

I’ve had this tripod for YEARS, and ya know what? It it’s not broke, don’t fix it….right? I love it because it’s so easy to use, and if you’re outside you can bend it around a tree branch, signpost, railing, etc…Incredibly handy!

2. Rode Smartlav+ Omnidirectional Microphone

This is such a workhorse of a mic, I love it. Yes, I understand…it’s not wireless, so that can be a hassle. BUT, ya know what’s good about a wired mic? You don’t need BATTERIES for it - so, it’s one less thing to go wrong on your shoot. The cord isn’t all that long, so I do suggest getting a cord extension and if you have an iphone you’ll need a lightning port adapter.

3. Dimmable Ring Light With Various Color Temperatures

I think ring lights sometimes get a bad wrap for being “cheesy”. But, the honest truth is…they work! They are an easy way to flip on a light, and be camera ready in minutes. I like this one because it also has a stand for your phone, and various color temperatures. Tip: It also has an adjustable head, so if you want to use it to light up your entire room, put it on full blast - and point it at the ceiling!

4. DJI Osmo Mobile Gimbal

Do you capture video on the go? This is the tool for you! It will help you keep things smooth and fluid. It may take a little practice at first, so keep that in mind when you’re planning on using it.

5. Lens Kit

This lens kit is such a great way to vary your video and photos. Plus, it has a telephoto lens - which, we’ll all want to use while social distancing!

6. Softbox Light Kit

So, what’s the difference between a softbox light kit, and a ring light? When you have a kit, you have more flexibility because you can light yourself, and something else in the room at the same time. This could be food, or something in the background of your talking head shot, or just giving the room a more even feel. Also, if you have glasses and are getting a lot of glare from your ringlight- try two softboxes! Simply position them on each side of you, instead of directly in front - and that should solve your glare problem.

7. Sand Bags

Safety is SO important when you are using any kind of lighting. So, if you’re buying a ring light, or a softbox set - you REALLY should be getting sandbags. It’s because lighting equipment is incredibly top heavy - so it’s important to balance things out so your lights don’t tip over.

8. Light Reflector

Doing a lot of shooting outside? A light reflector is your friend! Basically, it helps you take the sun…and make it your lighting assistant! Keep in mind, you will need an extra set of hands to hold it - but, it’s a cheap alternative when you need a little light on your product, or someone’s face when you’re shooting a close up.

9. Daylight Bulbs

Are you noticing that the lamps in the background of your shot are a weird orange color? That’s because the camera sees sunlight, and lightbulbs as different color temperatures, basically. One way to make your shot less distracting, is to change the bulbs where you are usually shooting with your phone, to daylight - so they match the light streaming in front the window!

10. Cleaning Cloths

The number one thing you can do to make a difference in your shots…? CLEAN YOUR LENS. Every single time you’re going to use your phone - because that thing gets realllllly nasty, quick. It may seem like a simple thing, but everyone seems to forget when they are in a rush!

I hope this has been helpful! If you or your team needs help getting up and running with video, I’d be happy to help. I teach many different workshops, including one about using your Smartphone for Professional looking video. Also, these are amazon affiliate links - but, I don’t recommend things that I haven’t already used myself (or have my eye on, if the exact model wasn’t available online). Thanks for visiting, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions about professional video projects, workshops I offer, or using your smartphone to create badass content! Keep puking rainbows, everyone.

Erica Hanna
Owner, Puke Rainbows
6 Time Emmy Award Winning Video Director

6 Video Tips for Realtors

After working in video for 15 years with folks like Prince, Ellen DeGeneres, and fortune 500 companies - it’s become second nature to observe different industries and business verticals, and to see the trends in video. So many realtors are embracing video and that pumps me up! But, I’ve been noticing a few things that realtors could do to improve their authenticity and trust level, so I figured - hey, it’s time to write up a quick blog!

I also recently produced some fun micro-content videos with Katrina DeWit - after her national debut on House Hunters. So, I’ve featured a few of those videos at the end of this post, for some fun examples and inspiration!

1. Talk with your hands!

   Having your hands in front of you actually builds trust. It dates back to the caveman days, so it’s in our DNA to subconsciously recognize this. Have you ever trusted someone with their hands behind their back? Think about it. It’s because our ancestors associated that with their enemy attacking them with a rock or weapon! So, keep those hands out front - and use them to reiterate your points. No more of this “hold your hands in a diamond” thing…because it looks so unnatural - basically, why would you stand with your hands that way, if you’d never do that outside of filming a video?

2. Put some personality into it!
   People can tell if you are reading a script, or if it’s memorized - because it sounds much different in tone, than if you’re telling a story. So, instead of using a prompter or memorizing lines, print out your main points onto post it notes, and put them up right next to the camera - that way you have something to fall back on, but you’re not memorizing stuff word for word.
   ”Your clients know you as you already, so you should feel comfy putting that into the world!” - Katrina DeWit

3. You will always be your own worst critic

   There is something about working with realtors that I’ve really noticed: you nitpick yourselves, soooo much. Be yourself. Laugh. Smile. Be silly. Set yourself apart by being confident and empowered in who you are as a person! The key to getting over this, is practice. The more you see yourself on camera, the more you’ll get used to it and won’t pick yourself apart anymore.

4. Time is money - outsource when warranted
   Of course, your daily videos you want to learn how to do - so you’re saving money, I get that! But, if you are going to be looking at producing videos that are more “high end” looking, think about the amount of time you’d be spending learning all of these new techniques, and whether or not it’s worth it - or, if your time is better spent prospecting.

   “Sometimes it’s more cost effective to just hire someone to do it, so you can spend that time actually calling clients. Instead of watching tutorials on YouTube about editing, lighting, audio, and techniques.” - Katrina DeWit, Engel and Volkers

5. Be Vulnerable and Share Stories
   Sharing stories about an experience actually will engage a different part of the brain of your viewer. Personalize the experience, the tour, and what it’s like to work with you. Are you in Minnesota like I am? I want to hear about how the room will stand up to Minnesota winters - and even your funny stories about surviving winter! In addition to personalizing the video during a tour - you may want to consider sending personal messages to your clients via video, too. That way they can see the excitement in your face!

6. Get Personal
   Are you sensing a theme here? The biggest mistake I’m seeing realtors make, is forgetting to set themselves apart. Tell me about WHY you do what you do. What do you do in your spare time? Let me get to know you, so I trust you! There is such a thing as appearing so polished that you seem robotic - avoid this by sharing, joking, and being considerate by listening, as well.

Here are a few examples of some videos with a higher production video than just your smartphone - for some context, we booked a half day of shooting with Katrina - and ended up with 6 pieces of micro-content, due to great planning! A mixture of tips, stories, and honest advice.

I hope this gave you some ideas for how you can tackle video in the future! Please know that you have the power to do it, and do it well - you’ve got this! If you’re looking for any help, I offer one-on-one coaching and critiques of self made videos, so you’re able to improve your video game without breaking the bank!

Also, I just finished brainstorming a list of 50 CREATIVE VIDEO IDEAS - so feel free to take any of my ideas and run with them - I can’t wait to see what you create! Keep puking rainbows, you’ve got this :)

Erica Hanna
Owner, Puke Rainbows
Producer/Director/Speaker/Online Course Creator

5 Affordable Video Ideas for Non-Profits

I looooove working with people who are in the Non-Profit sector. Creative, generous, amazing people with big hearts! But, it does seem like every time I get a call from a local charitable giving based org…many are stumped on how to navigate video with a small budget.

I’ve had this conversation with so many people recently, I thought, “Duh…make a quick vlog, Erica…AND practice what you preach - do it on your smartphone!” Of course, as a video professional - my tendency is to grab my pro gear and go to town…but, that would make me a hypocrite, right? Especially when all of the ways I talk about below…can be done on a smartphone! Here is a breakdown of what was used in this simple video, and how long it took:

1. iPhone 7 plus (yup, haven’t upgraded yet, it’s still a great phone)

2. Rode smartlav+ microphone (it’s an affiliate link, but I think I get like…$1, so…I’m not heartbroken if you use it or not, lol) But, I’ve had this mic for 2 years and it’s served me well!

3. Natural light from the picture window in my house

4. InShot editing app (I pay a few bucks for the pro version, because I don’t want logos on my vids)

5. It took me 20 minutes start to finish to make this video, and it was my first time using InShot
   (I also recommend the app: Videorama)

Alrighty, so…here we go with the video IDEAS!

1. Go Live From Events!
   It’s such a great way to get in front people, and if you current donors can’t attend - chances are, they will share the video…expanding your exposure to new donors.

2. Send Monthly Updates
   For some reason, many of us are used to sending one big update e-mail at the end of the year…but, it doesn’t have to be this way. Shoot informal update e-mails with your smartphone of someone on staff speaking (with enthusiasm!) about all of the amazing things going on with the org that month.

3. Use Timelapse
   Timelapse is a really great, fast way to show hard work…and scale of events. And, it can be found on almost any smartphone! If you’re having trouble finding the feature, just search: “timelapse” and the name of your phone on youtube, chances are…someone is showing how to do it! These are great to post on social media to create buzz, ask people to look for themselves, or to show you’re working hard.

4. Send Videos of Testimonials Benefitting From Services
   Have you smartphone ready at an event, and get a few words from people benefitting from your org or service. Donors want to hear from the folks their donations are helping!

5. Use Micro Videos in E-mail to Personalize “Asks”
   All you have to do to personalize a video, is to say the person’s name…and maybe something you remember about them, or thank them for what they’ve done for your org. Then, let them know a personal update about your org, and that you look forward to seeing them at future events, or participating in future giving campaigns. Be energetic, genuine, and don’t sweat the small stuff like equipment…because your smartphone can get the job done!

What other ways do you and YOUR fellow non-profit folks use smartphone video for good? I’d love to hear about any success stories in the comments!

Erica Hanna
Owner, Puke Rainbows
Video Director and Coach
6-time Emmy Winner
She/Her/Hers

How to "Konmari" Your Videos in 2019

Happy New Year! Everywhere you look, people are jumping on board the Konmari method, and simplifying their homes. Less clutter equals a more fulfilling life, right? If you’re not sure what that is, it’s a new show on Neflix based on Marie Kondo’s book “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up.” She helps people get rid of unnecessary things, basically curating their homes and closets. But…what does that have to do with video? More than you might think!

Marie Kondo via Flickr

As I was watching her show the other night (guilty), I realized so much of what she was talking about, applies to what I do every day! And with so many people jumping into DIY smartphone video, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by a mountain of bells and whistles. Apps, graphics, fancy transitions, a million cameras to choose from, ahhhhhhh!!!! It’s sooooooo much!


So first, let’s take a minute to breathe and take a queue from Marie Kondo. How? It’s simple. Here we go:

How to Konmari Your Videos in 2019

1. Be Intentional
   When Marie Kondo walks into a house, prior to tidying, she take a moment to greet the house. Now…do you need to talk to your video, and thank your smartphone? Not…exactly. But, all too often I see people rushing into creating, without thinking about who they are talking to. For her, each house is different, and for YOU your audience is different than the audience of another video. So, ask yourself these three questions as you a breathing: a. Who am I trying to reach? b. What do you want them to take away from your video? c. Is there a call to action that has to happen?

2. Have a Process
   On each episode of Marie’s show, she walks people through the Konmari Method of tidying up. She has very specific steps to take, and an order to go in. She has folks start with clothes, then books, and so on… You will be able to maximize how much content you make, by also having a process! Remember to: a. spend time on pre-production: use this time to plan your video, write your script, or interview questions, to scout locations, and figure out what you’ll use for audio and tripod. b. Production Day! If you can, shooting more than one video at a time is SOOOOO time effective. We all know that the setup is what takes the longest, so if you’re all set up - feel free to bring a few different changes of clothing, and make multiple videos. c. Post Production: make sure your graphics are clean (like that tidying up pun?), you may not even need graphics - don’t overthink!

3. Does Your Video Spark Joy?
   Of course this is going to be included, c’mon now…ha! But, it’s not what you think. I’m not talking about if your video sparks joy for your audience…yes, that’s important. But, Marie’s key phrase she asks everyone on her show, applies to how YOU feel about what you’re creating. Are you compelled by your message? Then it’s awesome! I don’t necessarily mean it’s flawless when it comes to production. What I DO I mean, is does what you’re saying speak to you, motivate you, fill you up? If it doesn’t move YOU, the #1 fan of what you’re doing, who WILL it help? Be confident in what you do, and put it out into the world with confidence. Share it with your audience, and love it!
   
   

   Thanks for reading, rainbow pukers - did any of these tips clarify anything for you? As always, feel free to send me a note with any questions or drop me a line in the comments! And, if you dig this post and want more video tips, I’d love to have you on my email list!

Hi, it's Erica :)

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Smartphone Video Gear for Less Than $100

It’s that time of year again - everyone is shopping up a storm for friends, family, co-workers, etc…and with video continuing to grow in popularity, it make sense to showcase gear that’s on my radar (full disclosure: some I’ve used, some I haven’t…but, I’m religious about reading reviews, and wanted to pass all of my research on to you)!

All of this gear is for folks using their smartphones to step up their game! And yes, each piece is under $100! Oh, and full disclosure - if the product is sold on amazon, I’ve included an affiliate link at no additional cost to you, if you want to give me the kickback of like, 5 cents or whatever. ha!



Ok, here we go:

1. Handheld Video Grip

The more you make videos, the more you realize…your arms get tired! I’ve heard a LOT of rumblings about this rig, and how it’s great for folks producing a lot of handheld smartphone video. But, remember: keep those elbows in, that will make your picture way more steady! The cool thing about this grip is that it also comes with space to clip on a light, or mic.

Also, another cool thing about this rig is that it’ll be easier to shoot on the fly, because the handles have a bluetooth button for start/stop. Great for events!

2. Ring Light (stand included)

Ohhhh la la, does this look great. Lighting can be terrifying when you’re just starting out - but this piece is going to make you shine. I know it’s $99, so, right on the top edge of the price point for this post - but, it looks worth it. What stands out to me, is that the bulbs have two different color temps. Which, is huge - because most other cheaper ring lights require that you manually put on a separate filter, no fun. It’s also dimmable, AND has a tripod FOR YOUR SMARTPHONE. Talk about all in one! Boom.

Keep in mind, this is going to be awesome for desktop video blogging! Nice even light on the face. Good stuff.

Hi, it's Erica :)

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3. Rode Smartlav+ mic

If you’ve read my blog in the past, you know this is a repeat from last year…and for good reason. Mine is still going strong, and I beat that thing up! It’s reliable, and literally plug in and use, easy as that. Also, recently - the mic on my iphone has been sounding like crapola, but if I plug this little baby in, it’s alllll crystal clear.

Keep in mind…if you have an iphone with a lighting port instead of a headphone jack, you’re going to need a little adapter like this:

The only downfall with this, is that it IS pretty short…so, you might want to get one of these extension cords with it as well!

4. Pico Dolly

A dolly will add really smooth movement to your video, as long as you’re on a smooth surface. This is great to show different angles for product videography, or - to give your audience a different perspective at an event, conference, around the office, etc…

So, what does it look like to use a dolly? Here is a video I shot with Ellen - you see how the cam is going back and forth? That’s a dolly track :) It’s basically the hefty version of the little guy I’m recommending.

And there you have it - a few pieces of gear to help you UP your smartphone video game, in a quick and easy way. What other fun tools have you been using? I’d love to hear more in the comments.

If you want more tips like this (I’m not gonna spam you, gross), feel free to sign up for my newsletter.

And, if you haven’t already registered - I’m giving a Mobile Video for 2019 Workshop on December 6th!

Thanks again for reading, stay awesome - and keep puking rainbows!

Erica Hanna
Owner, Puke Rainbows Creative
Speaker, Director, Producer
MInneapolis, Minnesota

How to Relax on Camera

We've all been there...the camera flips on, BOOM - we freeze.  What is it about the lens that makes us lose our cool? Don’t worry, you aren’t the only one. This is actually the number one hurdle people tell me they have a problem with.
Here are a few tips to help ease your nerves on camera! 

1. Forget the Script
All too often I see people trying to memorize WORD for WORD what they are going to say. Unless you are in a highly regulated industry, this is a huge no-no. Especially if you are talking about something you LOVE. A script is the fastest way to take the life out of your voice and make you sound like a scared robot. Instead, try...

2. Using Bullet Points
Keep the bullet points close to the camera. Make sure they are big enough to read and in your sight line, this way you have jumping off points - but, won't be concentrating on reading something you already know! 

3. Get Silly
Alright, stay with me here...this may sound weird, but it's gonna work. On your cue sheet with the bullet points, about halfway down - tape a photo of something that ALWAYS makes you smile. It will remind  you to relax, and to...

4. Pause
My mentor, Don Shelby...always said, "Silence is more compelling than the word, "um"." This is SO true. The best speakers I've seen purposely work pauses into their presentations and videos. He would always joke, "People always expect something profound after a pause! Half of the time I'm just trying to remember what to say...but, if I do it as I look around with confidence, it looks brilliant!" 

5. Tell a Story
Too often we try to "craft" the perfect "soundbite" - and then we lose the passion in our voice. Think of an example to illustrate your point, work it into the bullet points sheet, and let your imagination take you to that place. Use action verbs like, "As I was walking into the building I thought...." and it will actually tell both YOUR brain AND the VIEWERS brain, that you are physically moving. Which, calms you down naturally. Fun trick, eh? Wow, our brains are cool.  

What tricks do you rely on to relax on camera?
I'd love to hear any other tips, and I'm sure everyone reading would, too!

If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out this LIST OF 50 VIDEO IDEAS

Thanks for reading! Stay awesome and keep puking rainbows :) 
Erica

What Should You Wear On Camera?

"Nooooo....I don't know what to wearrrrrr...." is the most common response I get when I'm the bearer of the fabulous news that they are the lucky one that is going to be on camera. It's usually followed by a rush of panic, asking about outfit after outfit. But, when it comes down to it, when you're dressing to be on camera, you need to keep it simple. Here are a few rules to go by:

1. Wear something comfortable. 
   (no tugging)
A lot of people will go out and buy a brand new outfit for the shoot, then sit down in it for the first time when they get to set. That's a no-no. Wear something you feel comfortable and confident in, it will show on camera! Avoid shoulder pads or really tight shoulders, because they will rise up when you sit down. And don't forget to think about what colors you look good in. 

2. What looks good on camera? 

Avoid really tight patterns, dots, and pinstripes - long story short, they mess with the camera and can be very distracting. Also, avoid straight up black and white - because it's a bit of a lighting nightmare. The safest bet is bright, solid colors, or classic, bigger patterns. 

 

BONUS: Bring options! I always tell people to bring at least three clothing options, because you never know if you are going to show up in the same outfit as someone else, and you want to make sure you have something that pops off the background! For example, winter in Minnesota can be brutal...so wearing white outside would be a no-no, blues are soothing to the eye, and red equals power. Thing about what you want to convey, and go for it! As long as you feel like a million bucks, you'll look like it, too! 

THANKS FOR READING, EVERYONE! 

 

DIY Video vs Hiring a Professional (Updated January '18)

Here is a video update with where I stand on DIY vs hiring a professional crew. Not a lot of changes, but - I do have a suggestion for figuring out if it's worth it for your org! 

(original post from Feb, 2015 is as follows)

In January I had the privilege to sit on a panel with some amazing video experts in the Twin Cities, at Social Media Breakfast. We gave DIY tips, tricks, and resources to check out. We talked about the evil thing that is autoplay (in my opinion), and which brands we think are doing a great job when it comes to video content. But, we ran out of time before getting to one question.

"When should you hire a professional? When should you just do it yourself?"

Great question. Of course, being a professional that would like to work with you (hint hint, I like your new outfit...you look great!), of course I lean towards the "You should always hire a professional," camp. But, with the technology and creative spirit that is out there, I don't think you should go without video content...just because your budget doesn't allow for a professional. So, here are a few scenarios where...if playing the part of content strategist, I'd make the decision to hire versus doing it in house.
 

First, what videos are best done in house?

1. Behind the scenes videos: anything meant for social media/candid content.Are you reacting to a current event? What about office games, singing happy birthday, off the cuff reviews of a product? Why? These videos are meant to show the current personality of your team. They show how real you are. Spontaneous. Back during my days at BringMeTheNews.com we took a video of our newsroom when our website was down. We were playing paddleball, reading, dancing, juggling...of course it was staged, but it was fun content to throw on social media, to curb the complainers while our IT folks worked their magic to get us up and running again.

2. 7-15 second vine/instagram style posts. Again, this will be very "inside baseball" content of your team. Of course, if you want these to appear polished and if they have any type of comedic timing whatsoever...I'd say hire a pro to shoot a bunch of them at once to maximize the time you're paying for.

3. Challenges. Think: ice bucket challenge, the lutefisk challenge. These are easy to do with your smart phone (Just remember to turn it sideways! Vertical video is evil! Do you suffer from vertical video syndrome?)

4. Media moments. Is your boss being interviewed? Take a quick video before, during or after the interview, to post to your website and/or social media accounts to get some extra PR out of the deal. Build buzz.

When should you hire a professional?

1. For everything else. (ok, just kidding...)

2. Videos starring people who have never been on camera before. Seasoned directors know what it takes to get new talent to feel at ease, and deliver in an authentic/non-salesy manner.

3. Content with staying power. Do you have a great video idea that will resonate with your audience and share for a long time due to the timeless content? Or, something that will live on your website/be sent to potential clients or partners, for a good chunk of time? Remember, if people are seeing something from your brand for the first time, you want that initial impression to be a good one.

4. B2B Content. Research shows that 65% of executives will visit the website of a vendor, after viewing a video from them. Boom.

5. When your other content is no longer helping you achieve the goals you set out to tackle. Are things stagnant? Nobody watching? A professional can step in with an objective/honest opinion. Some are only comfortable on the production end of things, but folks like Puke Rainbows (shameless plug, yes!) also handle strategy, and look at market research to help figure out where things could be goin' South.

6. When you want to take a creative risk. Video professionals live for this stuff. We want to help you stand out, and push our creative chops as well. With so much content out there, taking a risk...really isn't as risky as it once was. Want to cut through the clutter? Ask a professional for help.

7. Training videos. If you are going to make staff sit through these things...the worst thing is watching something that has horrible audio, or questionable craftsmanship. In fact, it detracts from the idea of training the employee.

8. When the expense makes sense. Many companies think that DIY video in house "saves money"...this is not always the truth. Just like any profession, video professionals are much more efficient at what they do, than the average bear. This is the same reason why I hire an accountant to do my taxes. Because it's just not worth it for me to try to do it...it takes me days, it takes him 45 minutes. Back in my TV days I'd write/shoot/edit more than six videos per day. I've held the hands of teams of 3-4 inexperienced folks attempting DIY video, and it takes them 2 full weeks, 80 hours/per person to put together a 2 minute video. That's more than $6,000 for employees making $25/hour. I'm willing to bet, their time would have been more valuable to said company, spent actually putting together a distribution/PR plan for the video, instead of producing/shooting/editing it. Weigh the cost of your employee's time, before you scoff at giving them a budget for video.

I know these are just a few examples, but it's a good start! Let me know if you have any questions or comments. This is just a simple conversation starter. :) Keep puking rainbows, my friends...and thanks for reading!

Mevo Camera Review: Is This The Easy Live Stream Fix You Need?

Most people know I'm a fan of live video. I spoke about it at the 2016 MN Bloggers Conference, embraced periscope when it first came out and racked up quite a following, and now and again spill my own guts on facebook live. Coming from a newsroom background, live video doesn't seem as scary to me, as some - just a guess. But, I know the technical hurdles, missteps, shoddy internet connections, and sync issues are enough to scare off even a seasoned video professional. That's why I love this little camera I'm going to tell you about today (yipppeeee!). Well, I love MOST things about it...I'll include some not so great features at the end. Here we go...

The MEVO Camera! (video is of the Mevo Plus Version and via Mevo by Livestream on youtube) 

First of all, a huge credit to Lizz Winstead and Kat Green...because they are the reason I had the chance to try out this little baby. The MEVO camera is tiny, but mighty!  We used it to stream Lizz's News Years Eve Comedy special (Lizz is the co-creator of the Daily Show, and founder of Lady Parts Justice), make sure to follow her on twitter!

Here is a quick clip of our footage...reminder: we were only 4-6 feet away from Lizz. This is what it looks like to switch between shots with your iphone.  Language is NSFW! 

Here are a few things I loved about it: 
 

1. Size: this thing is tiny, lightweight, and doesn't get into the sightline of people in the audience because it's honestly the size of a small fist. 
2. Ease of Use: sync it with your iOS or Android device and BOOM, you're ready to go live. 
3. Different Shots: you can basically crop in on the wide picture and direct your own show from your phone. This makes it feel like you have a few different cameras going. Nice feature. Even though it's just cropping the photo - the quality still looked pretty damn good for us. 
4. You have the choice to get audio from the camera itself, OR (yay!) hook into another source - so, we plugged in to the audio board at the show, and had flawless audio - sweet! 
5. The camera isn't "ONLY" for live streaming - you can also record to a mini sd card!

Now, that being said....here are a few things to be wary of: 

1. The flawless audio will only come after you buy a few adapters. I needed a headphone to lightning adapter for my phone, as well as an iRig - this way you can take the quarter inch plug out of the audio board, and into the eighth inch plug of your headphone jack. 
2.  You need to be really close to your subject. I mean, like...we had the camera approx 4 feet from Lizz, and could still crop in on the shot for a closer picture. So, don't think you'll be able to show up and put this at the back of the room. Nope. 
3.  You need fast wifi. It took me a good 15-20 seconds to connect when the event started, and that's no good. That spinning wheel of death is mortifying so make sure you test your wifi first (did you know, if you're going live on facebook, you can test it and turn the audience to "only me" - yeah, pretty cool, then you can see what it looks/sounds like in the timeline, but not look like a dummy to all of the fans if something is wrong while you troubleshoot)
4. The biggest hiccup I faced was that once I had it setup under my facebook profile, it would not let me switch profiles to Lizz - even though I was logged in as her on facebook. We ended up just going live from one of the pages I had access to, so it wasn't a biggie - but, in the moment, it was frustrating, since we'd done the testing through my page, and switched to her profile well before the event, but it kept defaulting to me. Shrug. 

So, yes - the list of pros and cons is pretty even....but, I have to say - there is something really charming about the little thing. I dare say, it's cute, pretty affordable, and easy to lug around at an event - which are all huge pros, too! 
 

A few other things to keep in mind:
- I ended up throwing it onto a light stand I already had, so I could go a little higher than the mevo tripod allows, it was really easy to do. So, if you have existing light stands, the special mevo tripod isn't necessary.
- I also ended up keeping it plugged in during the entire broadcast, because the battery on the mevo (not mevo plus) seemed to only last just under an hour, and we had a show that was longer than that - didn't want to risk anything. 
- I have not taken time to compare the mevo vs the mevo plus, but will be doing that in an upcoming post after I have some time to research. 

So yeah, if you're interested in buying one - here is the amazon link (I do get a small kickback, at no extra cost to you - and no, Amazon/Mevo didn't pay me to write this post...I just review stuff I really dig, that I think other people might not know about). 
 

(If you can't see it due to adblocker, just go here for the mevo camera) 

(Or, go here for the mevo plus package)

And don't forget the iRig if you want to connect it to an audio board :) 

Thanks for reading, and keep puking rainbows! If you're a MEVO user, let me know what you think! And, don't forget - if you don't have the budget for it just yet...your smartphones put out pretty great live video as well. Don't let technology get in your way, jump in! 

E

ps. Just getting started in video and feeling overwhelmed? Here is a free download to help you prioritize your thought process around it :) 

Video: Look More Professional Using Everyday Items

All too often I see beginners in video get hung up on things like finding the perfect tripod, the lighting set with the best reviews, the perfect furniture setup. But, the truth is...a lot of this is simply, procrastination. I know, because I've been there. But, you wanna know a secret? I didn't use half of the gear my classmates did in college, and I still pulled out better grades for creativity...because when it comes to creating something, it's all about using what you have. In fact, I didn't buy my first light kit until two months ago. Granted, I have a director of photography who has some amazing lights, and that's what we used for professional shoots - but, when it comes to my personal vlogging setup, I was simply sitting in front of a window, so my eyes would pick up the window panes and sparkle. Tah dahhhhhh. See below: 

It doesn't look bad, right? Because using natural light in the right circumstances can be awesome! I was lucky to have an apartment at the time that had great natural light not only in front of my face, but streaming in from other windows behind me, at a lesser intensity. 

“When you are first getting started, video is all about using what you have - instead of concentrating on what you want. Be creative. Innovate! ”

Whenever someone takes one of my video boot camps or mini sessions, they are allowed access to "Team Puke Rainbows" - a private facebook group to bounce ideas off of each other. I love this, because all too often I've seen newbies post the work they are proud of in a forum of Film School grads who tear it apart to feel better about themselves. WTF. Ugh. Not necessary at all. So, we have our own small safe space for Team Puke Rainbows folks to show their setups, gear, toss around ideas, ask for feedback on new videos, etc...

The Innovative Setup

One of our team members, Valerie, posted this photo the other day - when I mentioned that I love the innovation of her tripod setup, she said it actually made the interview easier and more dynamic because she would swivel the chair for some subtle movement. Genius! She also used the lighting she had, and angled it in a way that would minimize shadows. Boom Diggity! 
 

Gorilla pod on a wastebasket/swivel chair = a DIY Dolly. Very creative! photo: Valerie Turgeon 

Other ways to use floor lamps would be to take the shades off and point them at the wall directly ahead of you if it's white, and bounce the light off. Or, by using a window as natural light (like I did above) and simply putting daylight colored bulbs in the lamps behind you, so they don't look orange in comparison (they'll say "daylight" bulbs in the store), this is a pretty good bet in Minnesota - because winter light is such a "blue" color outside anyway, so it will match the color temp bouncing off of the snow.
 

Here are 4 other "how to" hacks if you don't have equipment and are using a smartphone: 

1. No Tripod? Use books. Stack them up, lean your phone or camera against them, and go to town! 
2. No mic? Slip another phone into the front pocket of someone's shirt, and hit "voice memo" - then sync up the audio in your edit. 
3. Another mic workaround is using  your headphones, but maybe disguising the earbuds by threading them through your shirt, so just the mic area is sticking out like a lapel mic. 
4. Use natural light, outside - try to stay in the shade, unless it's the "golden hour" - within 2 hours before or after sunset, when the sun isn't direct, and is really flattering. 

Of course - buying video gear isn't a "bad" thing. Have the budget? That's awesome. If you're looking to invest in some of the more inexpensive gear, take a gander at this blog post I wrote last month. 

So, get out there and create! Stop waiting for permission and the perfect gear setup, because it probably won't happen if you do ;-) Plus, the more you practice without the fancy gear - the more you'll appreciate it when you DO invest, and the more ideas you'll have for how it can make your videos even better. 

Keep puking rainbows, friends! And if you need other tips on how to get started, click here for a free guide for beginners. Try something new, you've got this! 

As always, I'm here if you have questions! 

Erica

4 Tools to Increase Productivity in 2018

I'm a procrastinator. There, I admitted it! I love the rush of a deadline. But, the past year - it's caused more stress, than a rush...and with a new diagnosis of ADHD, things are all starting to make sense. Making lists is usually how I get things done, but even then - I used to find myself doing the things I enjoyed before the most important task. Until I walked into a little store on Grand Avenue in Saint Paul and found two simple tools to change that. 

Erica Hanna of Puke Rainbows in Minnesota shares 4 tools that are helping her get things done faster, instead of waiting until the last minute. Hear how her productivity has gone up in the last week and a half of 2017, with her video production and speaking business.

1. The Productivity Planner
    I was a skeptic at first...it looked like a glorified list. But, what I didn't take into account is that the tasks were also prioritized from most important to least important. And, here is the kicker - you have to give yourself a productivity score at the end of each day. Boom. That was one of the keys. I don't like to "lose", even if it's against myself. So, the more and more I use it - the more I see my score improving. This has helped me accomplish more in the past few weeks, than I could even imagine. While others were taking well-deserved time off, I cranked out edits for 10+ videos, two strategies, multiple contracts, a couple of blog posts, started meditating more, messing around on the internet less, and really am leaving behind this feeling of, "I could be doing so much more with my time to help my business...." 

2. The FocusKeeper App
    The Productivity Planner uses the pomodoro technique: breaking down work into 25 minute sprints, with a 5 minute break to breathe, get a snack, etc...I like using the app on my phone, because then I'm not checking my clock every two seconds to see how much time I have until I can cuddle my cat for 5 mins. (Cat cuddles are important, people - don't mock me)

3. The Self Control App
    Self Control is an app I've used on and off for a few years now. But, partnered with my productivity planner, and the focuskeeper app - I feel like it's sooooooo much more impactful. Basically, what it does is shuts down access to sites that distract you. You create this list yourself - so be honest! I set my timer in 25 minute sprints along with Focuskeeper, so I can still check twitter and facebook every half hour for a minute or two - in case new clients have contacted me there, or I want to send my boyfriend some mushy message or inside joke GIF. (barf, right?) 

4. 5 Minute Journal
     So, how do you keep all of this productivity "in check" and keep your life in balance? For me, that's important, because when I get on a productivity kick, I do tend to zone out every other thing in life, hold my breath while I edit or work, and find myself so wound up, I'm close to panicking. But, the same day I picked up the Productivity Planner, I also grabbed a 5 Minute Journal. Get this: you really don't have to even have to be a writer for this journal to work. You simply fill in the blanks when it asks you questions about the good parts of your day, and how you'll improve it tomorrow. Voila! Self reflection, and you get to start the day on the positive note, and end the day on a positive note before bed. I've been sleeping better, have been able to "let things go" easier, and have overall, been happier. 

As I mentioned in the video - not every method works the same way for every personality type. But, for this ENFP business owner, it's been pretty damn rad. I'm SO ready for 2018, with this simple new plan - and I hope it helped you, too. 

----

ps. This is not a paid post. I just like this stuff :) 
     

2018 Video Marketing Trends To Watch For

Every year for the past 3 years I've heard from marketers, "This is the year for video!" And, well...they've been right. And right, again. And again. And well, you get the idea. Owning a video production company has been incredibly rewarding, but - this year I could feel a shift in what clients were asking for. Based on the asks, some emerging research, and well...plain old gut instinct, here are the 5 video trends you should be on the lookout for, in 2018! 

 

1.  Live video becomes not just something to dabble in – but crucial. 
Both, as a way to make good content, in a cheap way – and repurpose it., and as a way to continue the conversation with consumers. Places most popular to repurpose to will be: youtube,  instagram, blogs, emails, and twitter.  Trendwatch: The mevo camera has stepped into the space, which – I’m using this week, and will review next week. But, it looks like it’s gonna be a game changer.  See amazon ad below (affiliate link): 
 

2.   Facebook Watch becomes a big player!  
Get ready for a spot to put long form talk show style videos, on the most popular social platform. Does your brand have something that should be a TV show? Make it. Do it. Especially with younger folks consuming 47% less television – evergreen content is here to stay, so why not be a player? Just like nobody could imagine original movies coming out of a streaming service years ago...and it happened, evergreen content/appointment "TV" will become a thing for live video. Much like how blogtv was about 10 years ago, but...this time it's here to stay! 

3. Re-allocation of budget to “smarter” video. 
We saw a lot of brands jump in feet first with video in 2017 – but, it seemed like a lot of folks just put TV ads, on social – which, is not what social is for. Look for internal marketing teams to be tapped, or even combine forces WITH production agencies to keep things going out consistently and smarter. This could mean you see more retainers, consultants in house to help with efficiencies, or on site trainings – I’m seeing a lot of demand for all 3.

4. Internal video communication.
Sick of the boring newsletters from your CEO? With people making the corporate jump and folks in fortune 500 looking to make company culture more appealing for great workers, folks in the C suite will be getting training on how to be more approachable on camera, especially in bigger organizations, in order to bond with employees and to help them feel heard/valued. It's time to make the big cheese in the corner office more approachable, and the best way to do that is NOT by sending a stuffy newsletter. 

5. Immersive, really personal experience.
Look for brands to section off into individualized facebook groups or email lists to target more effectively with video. Also, with youtube – you’ll see more companies doing “choose your own adventure” type of storytelling.
 

BONUS: 
Lastly, 360 video is something to start brainstorming for – but I'm not seeing most companies being able to invest in this quite yet. Be smart about this. Consumer cameras aren’t great yet, and since 85% of big corps have INTERNAL video teams - I just don't think it's realistic at this time....IF you rely on an internal team, because it's easy to become very overwhelmed, and they'll be pumping out the above mentioned items. But, as technology develops and comes down in price, this will be more and more relevant for internal teams, for sure! Areas I see using this more and more will be: real estate, higher ed, and concert/event spaces. For those looking for more info about 360 video and VR, I recommend talking to my buddy Chuck Olsen over at Visual

*The above link to the mevo camera is an amazon affiliate link. If you're thinking about buying the product anyway, feel free to use my link at no additional cost to you. If not, that's cool too! 

What I Learned From the Students At My Video Workshop

I love teaching people about video, pretty sure this hasn't been a secret at all. And just when I think I'm getting to the top of my game, the industry shifts - and their are new tools, tricks, tips, and gear to learn about. But, that's one of the reasons I love it...so much change! 

As a public speaker in Minnesota, I tend to rely on a few "tried and true" speech decks that have been met with positive reactions from crowds. One of these, is my smartphone video workshop - that, in 2017 I expanded and turned into a 4 hour "bootcamp". Because, wow - your brain does get a workout trying to ingest all things video for that long. 

The feedback from attendees, overall has been positive - and seeing lightbulb moments as they go from frustration, to excitement - is one of the most fulfilling feelings in the world. But, when I started these bootcamps, one thing I didn't expect...was to learn FROM my audience. Here are a few things these extremely smart people have taught me. 

1. LEAVE TIME TO BREATHE
     I've realized that I'm so afraid of not covering something that people want to learn, that I was filling absolutely every single minute of time. New skills take time to process, and feeling overwhelmed without a brain break - hasn't ever helped anyone. 

2. ASK WHAT THEY WANT MORE OF
    After the bootcamp, I stuck around for about an hour and a half having conversations with students and answering questions specific to their organization. One of the consistent questions people kept asking was, "I can never get people to open up on camera. How do I do that?" The funny thing is, is that when it comes to video in the professional realm, technology hasn't really been my strength - I leave that up to my director of photography, most of the time. So, my actual strength IS interviewing people, and a few different crews in town have told me as much. I realized, my deck had a lot about storytelling in it, but not a lot about how to conduct the proper interview. (hits self on forehead...duh, girl!) So, what's in the works for 2018? A special breakout bootcamp with hands on interview techniques. As well as a bootcamp about using live video platforms, and a potential "shoot and share" hands on only bootcamp. 

3. SHOW THINGS INSTEAD OF TALKING ABOUT THEM
    I brought a few pieces of equipment with me to the bootcamp, so we could pass them around the room, touch things and get an idea for how easy it would be to use. This included my Joby Gorillapod Pro as well as my brand new, bright blue yeti usb microphone (I'll be using it for voiceover vids and podcasts mostly!) 
 

At the end of the session, Tom came up and said, "Man, I'm so glad I got to handle that tripod, because it's so much more sturdy than the one I have that I thought was the same thing." This has also inspired the idea of a "show and tell" workshop - with way more hands on opportunities. 

4. THE WORKSHOP IS ABOUT THEM, NOT ME
    Of course, it's about the students. But, the control freak in me started to panic when questions were flying and we were getting too behind to finish all the content. In the end, I had to let go - and realize this audience wanted to learn more about legal scenarios, than editing in premiere - and just roll with it. This also has me convinced I should probably break the bootcamp into a class format at some point, so the topics are hyper focused and we can deep dive with one thing at a time. 

5.  CONNECTIONS ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT AS KNOWLEDGE
   The unexpected side effect of both of these events this year has been this: by keeping the class at 25 people or less, people are more likely to ask questions....both of me, and of their neighbors. There is a certain level of solidarity that comes with being thrown in a room together and learning at the same pace. I feel comfortable knowing that if I'm not around, they'll reach out to their classmates if they troubles. And, the coolest part? A few of them have projects lined up to do together in 2018. We also have an hour long strategy session at the beginning of the class, and since most weren't in competing industries - they felt comfortable sharing some of their wins, strategy goals, and tips. Collaboration is so great, especially for a lot of these folks - who are often times "one man bands" in their content departments. 

Overall, I have been sooooo impressed by the people who've attended the events I've hosted. It makes me sad that I haven't made the time to create a private facebook or linkedin group for them, or offered to host a Puke Rainbows Bootcamp alumni event, haha. My hope is to do this in the future. Who knows? Maybe they'll all come armed with their smartphones, and livestream it so you can be there, too ;-) 

It's so nice to learn, when you expect to teach. A huge thanks to everyone who has attended a bootcamp or class of mine in 2017, you are the true teachers...and I'm honored to learn from you. 

Thanks for reading! 
Erica
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Oh, and yes, Puke Rainbows is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.  (buuuuut, I don't recommend anything I don't stand behind - these were all on my list, and happen to be sold on Amazon - if you can find them somewhere else, go for it -I don't blame ya!) Stay awesome. 

Top Tools I'm Loving for DIY Video Production

Let's be honest...the reason why a lot of folks avoid smartphone video, or video in general is because all of the technology seems SOOOOOO complicated. I'm with ya there. I love seeing technology in action on my client shoots, but when it comes to getting it up and running, I usually stick with the simple stuff. 

So, here are my recommendations for things to use when you're getting started. 

1. A tripod: 
Your tripod size will vary depending on your setup. If you're using a smartphone, my #1 recommendation (and cheap!) is always a gorillapod. I love these things. Small. Easy to use, and the coolest thing? You can wrap it around anything to create a stable surface. The legs are bendable, and yeah...I might mess with it like a toy from time to time. 

Joby GripTight PRO GorillaPod Stand for Smartphones (Black/Charcoal) Buy on Amazon

Now, if you're looking for something a little more heavy duty for a DSLR - we all have our favorites. There are Joby tripods hefty enough to hold a DSLR like this one: 
 

JOBY GorillaPod 3K Kit. Compact Tripod 3K Stand and Ballhead 3K for Compact Mirrorless Cameras or devices up to 3K (6.6lbs). Black/Charcoal.

Joby

Buy on Amazon

But, if you for some reason don't like a tripod that feels like a kickass toy of the future (whatever, you're no fun...ha!) - then, I always recommend manfrotto tripods. And, in all honesty - it's just because I don't have a ton of experience with other ones - so, you use what you know, ya know? 
This is the one currently in my bag-o-tricks (and you're gonna drop a lot more money this way, just to warn you): 

Manfrotto MVH502A,546BK Video Tripod System with Mvh502A Head, 546 Tripod and Tripod Bag Buy on Amazon

2. Lighting
When it comes to doing lighting on the cheap...nothing beats natural light from a window. Remember to look at the window, and not have it to your back! But, if it's too harsh and you feel really squinty, just invest in a sheet to tack up. Any flat, cheap sheet in white like this one will do: 

Flat Sheet (Full, White) Brushed Microfiber, Breathable, Extra Soft and Comfortable - Wrinkle, Fade, Stain and Abrasion Resistant - Hotel Quality Extremely Durable by Utopia Bedding Buy on Amazon

But, for some - a window won't always do the trick, especially here in Minnesota - with these short days! If you're looking for a fill light to clip on to your smartphone, I just saw a review that might help you out....I haven't used it myself (yet!) but I've heard great things about the FlII light! It just clips right on, and boom! Plus, it'll only set ya back around 10 bucks. Which is great, right? Oh, and bonus - you can keep it on your phone and it's great for selfies. 

 

FLII Selfie Ring Light ( Rechargeable) - All Phones and Sizes. | Make Up - Small and Compact | Phone 7/6 plus/6s/6/5s/5/4s/4/Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge/S6/S5/S4/S3/Gal. Note 5/4/3/2 PR (Pink) Buy on Amazon

If you're looking to take things to the next level - you can purchase a bigger ring light, or...for a nice soft look, purchase a softbox lighting kit with LED lights (they don't get hot, are lighter, and this particular set you can adjust to two different color temps!). 

Emart Photography Softbox Lighting Kit, Photo Equipment Studio Softbox 20" x 27", 45W Dimmable LED with Double Color Temperature for Portrait Video and Shooting Buy on Amazon

3. Sound/Audio
Now, this admittedly is where folks usually get squeamish. I'm the same way. Running audio is my least favorite thing on set...even though (ironically) I started out as a radio/audio major in college. Weird. I've heard absolutely AMAZING things about the rode smartlav+ mic - but, keep in mind you mind need to get the extension cord they sell with it. 
 

Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for iPhone and Smartphones Buy on Amazon

But, what if you don't have a spot to plug in the mic to your iphone (those fancy new gadgets!)? Hmmmmm....well, if you're using any kind of USB microphone that you might already have for podcasting - then, it's simple. You just need a USB to lightning cable like this: 

AmazonBasics Lightning to USB A Cable - Apple MFi Certified - White - 6 Feet /1.8 Meters Buy on Amazon

Buuuuuut, what if you don't already have a USB mic, and want to get some sound into a phone without a headphone jack? Then you're gonna want to try one of these little headphone jack to lightning adapters: 

Apple Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter Buy on Amazon

4. Fun extras! 
Ok, so...you've got some basics down. Now, what about the fun extras? Well, those all depend on your budget. I've actually had a few shoots recently where my director of photography has brought along a little Osmo handhead camera. Those run you about $400+ bucks, though. But, have gorgeous output! 

DJI OSMO (NA) Handheld Fully Stabilized 4K 12MP Camera Buy on Amazon

Can't swing that much money? Then, for around 100 bucks, check out this non DJI gimbal that you can simply hook your smarphone into, for cool shots with movement, etc...
 

Zhiyun Smooth-Q 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer for Smartphone, i.e. iPhone 8 7 Plus 6 Plus, Samsung S7 S6, Featuring APP Control, Vertical Shooting, Face Tracking Buy on Amazon

5. Boring but necessary
As always, when you're shooting - BACK UP YOUR STUFF. My choice lately for an external hard drive is this little cutie: 
 

WD 1TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive - USB 3.0 - WDBUZG0010BBK-WESN Buy on Amazon

For your lighting, in order to stay safe...you're gonna need sandbags.  I swear, being on set with video production in Minnesota - there are never enough of these bad boys (insert some lame joke about sand being used on the snowy roads, right? lol) The reason you need sandbags is because cheap (ish) lighting stands don't have a lot of weight to them, and tip over very easily. If you're blogging at home with kids, or around busy adults - tossing a sandbag on each leg of your light is a great idea. Don't want to have any lawsuits, right? Eeeeeek. 
 

StudioFX SANDBAG Sand Bag SADDLEBAG DESIGN WEIGHT BAGS FOR PHOTO VIDEO STUDIO STAND by Kaezi Photography (Yellow - 4 Pack) Buy on Amazon

So, there ya have it. A little wishlist for your small biz, office, or personal blog if you're just getting started with video - whether it's with a smartphone or DSLR camera. Above all, remember that research is key. There are tons of reviews out on youtube, and plenty of information out there.  I can't wait to see the videos everyone starts to make! Take care, and keep puking rainbows! 

Erica
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Can't find exactly what you need, at the right budget? Use my link to find what you're looking for: 

Oh, and yes, Puke Rainbows is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.  (buuuuut, I don't recommend anything I don't stand behind - these were all on my list, and happen to be sold on Amazon - if you can find them somewhere else, go for it -I don't blame ya!) Stay awesome. 

December Smartphone Video Bootcamp

Since we had such a blast this spring  in Minnesota with our smartphone video bootcamp - we're bringing it back, just in time to wrap up 2017!

By the end of this year, online video will account for 74% of web traffic! But, how do you get started...without breaking the bank for your organization? Smartphones have come a long way since the Zach Morris days, and they hold the answers for many businesses on a budget. Jumping in feet first can be daunting, so this bootcamp is designed to keep things simple for beginners. 

Topics will include:

- How to shoot and frame video
- Easy lighting tips and tricks on the go
- Simple ways to get better audio
- Tips on how to make the most of out of a shoot day
- Questions to ask when you are interviewing someone to get the most moving response
- How to prioritize the steps in your video strategy plan (where the heck do we start, right?)
- Editing basics, and programs/apps to help you
- Maximizing your video once it's done: tips for uploading
- The differences in shooting for videos meant to be viewed on mobile vs desktop

Early bird tickets are on sale now, and the discounted price is available until November 17th - spots are limited, so buying a ticket sooner rather than later is recommended. I can't wait to see all of you there! Celarity is our host/sponsor, and they will be providing a light breakfast, coffee, and snacks. 

Maximizing Video Content

When it comes to putting content online, there are a few key things you can do to maximize your effort. Here is a tactical list of my favorites, and a few examples of people doing things right!

1. Respect: your platform, audience, and moment.

One of the biggest mistakes we make, is in thinking the video content, or any content…is about US and what WE want. Are we the target audience? Most times, no. The University of Minnesota Rochester does a great job of recognizing their audience on the respective social platforms. They engage with user generated content, memes, and hashtags that are relevant to their students.  We took this same messaging into play when we sat down to talk about what kind of admissions videos we wanted to create. The result? Relatable content. We took a complicated idea/majors, and made them as conversational as possible. We also made it possible to break up each of these long videos, into smaller – micro content. We did this because that respects the audience for different social media platforms like instagram, where content is much shorter – so in addition to the 4 long videos we did together, we also gave them many short, raw clips of video to use elsewhere. 

2. Content Empathy
One of the most common questions I get from people is, “WHEN should I post my video?”
The answer?
When is YOUR audience most likely to interact with it? We need to put ourselves in their shoes. Celarity does a great job doing this, because as recruiters – they know a lot of people are searching for jobs outside of normal 9-5 business hours, so they’ll post content before 9a and after 5p. The result was a big increase in their content interaction, and conversions.  So, remember…as you’re putting together your video, take a minute to scroll through your feed on your phone, and keep in mind what the video will look like when it intersects with the content of others. Putting yourself in the shoes of the viewer, gives you a sense of empathy while creating your content.  We also took into consideration, for celarity – their brand. “Relatable, real” were terms we heard a lot in our discussions with them, and that their process and benefits were you unique - so it was important to point that out visually. So, we put together a look that was transparent, by showing production elements, and even showing that their employees were nervous talking on camera. It helped keep their relatable brand, human. 

3. Reciprocation
Often times, when we get to the video distribution process…we throw it out there, and expect a firestorm of conversation. But, we forget…WE need to be a part of the conversation.  Especially if we are dealing with influencer marketing. So, make sure – if someone is re-posting your content, asking a question about it, etc…that you’re following up with them to answer the question or say “thank you” for the compliment. Manners don’t fly out the window, just because you’re online. The more the fans/friends/consumers feel loved, the more likely it will be for them to engage with your content in the future. Here is an example of a quick video @productpoet did as an influencer, for Enterprise rent-a-car, after they tweeted him poetry in order to get his business. Considering he has more than 140,000 followers on twitter – this extended their brand reach substantially! So, for them…responding to a tweet amounted in hundreds of dollars of direct sales revenue, and a huge brand reach boost. It wasn't fancy, but was exposure for both Enterprise and Dodge. 

4. Have a Soul
A lot of video content is being consumed on mobile devices these days. Now, let’s take a step back for a second and think: what do people use their phones for? Well, avoiding calls from loved ones…(hehe, kidding), texting, uploading photos, etc…right? Very PERSONAL things. So, whatever you’re putting out there, is going to need to be either useful or compelling enough to convince them it’s important enough to give time to. This means, having a soul when you’re creating things. What moves the audience? In the case of the Science Museum of Minnesota, our audience was children. So, Science Museum sourced kid generated questions, which we asked an actual NASA astronaut. I mean, what kid doesn’t want to talk about farts? It showed that the brand didn’t take themselves too seriously, and that they understood their audience. They knew it was something they'd want to show their kids. 

As far as non-profits go, charity: water is the king of having a soul! Here is another example of using meaningful content, in a simple way – to tell a story. Keep in mind, they shot a lot of these storytelling pieces at events they held with supporters. This is a GREAT way to capture your biggest fans on camera, all in one place!

5. Trending Data
If we’re looking at what’s hip and new right now, the mannequin challenge is right up there. The Texas A & M gymnastics team nailed it, and a Minneapolis, Minnesota rapper took it to another level at a live show – very cool. 
 

Last fall, we embarked on a quest to capitalize on trending data with WINGS Financial Credit Union. We did this by creating a “pumpkin spice checking” video. So fun! Their organic video views increased by 35%, and they spent 75% less on this project, than they have on videos in the past. Less spend, with a better result? Sounds good to most of us, right? 

6. Pro Wish List
Lastly, I wanted to touch on what to have ready – if you’re going to be working with a professional. Because this, is going to maximize not just your video…but, your budget – since the professional won’t be figuring these things out with you.

A. Know your goal: conversion, reach, brand awareness, event promotion?
B. Know your audience: who are you trying to reach? Narrow it down.
C. Know your distribution platform: we’ll shoot things differently if we know they’ll be shown in certain spots (i.e. mobile only, a movie theater, etc…)
D. Know your budget range. Going to a professional without an idea, is like asking a realtor to find you a house, without boundaries. As a rule of thumb, many professionals tend to work in the 3k-100k realm. With standard internet content on the lower end of that. Often times, if clients as about this – I’ll provide examples of what different types of videos look like in different ranges, as a guide. J

Best of luck using inbound marketing to maximize your video content! As always, sign up for e.mail updates, or pop me a line if you have any questions. Keep puking rainbows, and making the most of whatever budget you have! 

Erica

LIVE VIDEO PLATFORMS: KICK BUTT AND STAND OUT

This weekend, I had the opportunity to speak at the Minnesota Bloggers Conference for the 4th time. After speaking with the organizers, Jen Jamar and Mykl Roventine about past sessions and what I've already covered, I was asked to cover the new-ish topic of live video platforms. Immediately I was stoked, not just because I'm a periscope addict, and facebook live fan - but, because I've reaped some awesome benefits myself from these cool platforms. New friends, press opportunities, and worldwide perspective to name a few. It's REALLY fun to talk about something that you're genuinely happy to help others see the value in. 

Obviously since the presentation was an hour long, condensing it into a short blog is a bit challenging - but, after a quick scan on the twitter feed...it seems like these were the points that resonated the most with people who attended my session: 

LIVE VIDEO: KICK BUTT AND STAND OUT

photo by: Laura @1Girl2Cities 

If you are excited about it, there is someone else will be too. Don't overthink being on #video live. Just do it! @meeterica #mnblogcon

— Trish Lessard (@trish_lessard) October 15, 2016

1.  YOU HAVE PERMISSION TO TRY

If you're able to have a conversation with someone, believe me...you're able to use live video. The more you do it, the better you'll get, really - it's not like you expected to be a proficient conversationalist when you were a baby...so, cut yourself some slack when it comes to perfectionism of live video. Start by talking about something you absolutely know like the back of your hand. 

2. FEAR IS REAL

This was a biggie. There was no shortage of comments/questions about being afraid. What if nobody watches? What if too many people watch? What if I'm trolled? What if I stutter? What if I'm boring? Know this: you aren't alone. Everyone is terrified the first time they do something. 

3. CUE CARDS ARE YOUR FRIEND

Now, I'm not talking about writing down your entire thought process/idea/pitch, but...if you know you have three main points you want to make - write them down in a big bold font and tape the printed sign to your wall so you can just glimpse at it and have a rock solid idea of where you're going next. 

4. TOPIC IDEAS

We had a great brainstorming session with my attendees. Some of the ideas for using facebook live and other video platforms were:  behind-the-scenes tours, demo-ing a product, explaining a process, answering the FAQ's on your website, and interviewing someone your followers are interested in. We talk about repurposing existing content in video for a LOT in my other workshops, because it's ready made content - but, people learn/consume content differently than they did just a few years ago. Why not adapt to the audience? 

5. WATCH COMMENTS

The point of live video...is to talk back to people and have a conversation. All too often people get on, and treat live video, exactly like produced video - a pitch, talking straight at camera. Not cool. Ask your viewers who is in the room, and what they want to learn. If your audience is global, make sure to ask where people are from, to gain insightful context behind their questions. 

6. YOU'RE NOT DONE WHEN YOU FINISH BROADCASTING

Maximize that content, folks. Write a blog post about it! You can save your facebook live video, then upload it elsewhere - creating new content. Or, if you did have your topics broken down, feel free to edit each topic separately and upload mini videos as micro content. Ask collaborators to share it, if their audience is interested in the topic, and offer to go live on facebook or another platform with other folks to help extend audience and get the word out, about whatever you're passionate about. 

7. PASSION IS CONTAGIOUS

Do you think chewbacca mom thought she'd make almost a half of a million dollars, after putting on a chewbacca mask on facebook live? Whatever you love, someone else also loves it. Give it a try, go live, answer questions, and start creating! 

chewbacca mom wins! 

Obviously I covered a lot more tactical things over the course of an hour such as using natural light, the concept of having weekly office hours, analytics, etc... but the points above are the biggies people were tweeting about. Sam gave a review here as well! 

(warning: sales pitch, yo) As always, if you'd like to host a workshop for your staff, your clients, or a weekly "teach me" session with your employees - I really do love doing what I do, and making complicated things, seem simple. I 100% understand that not everyone has the budget to hire a 6 time Emmy winner to produce/direct their videos, but - I'm also available for consulting, and love to teach these skills...because price point should NOT be what gets in your way of using creativity to make something kickass. I feel lucky to love every moment of every day when I do this kind of work. Thanks for reading, and making it possible to continue to my dream job. Y'all are the best rainbow pukers out there.

@meeterica just gave our auditorium permission to try live video, says we ARE capable. Think of the possibility she just sparked. #mnblogcon

— Suzi Hunn (@ResoundingYou) October 15, 2016

Let me know if you have questions! Happy creating, everyone. 

Erica