TECHCRUNCH - CAN VIRAL VIDEOS BE REPEATED? Techcrunch takes a look at the Evolution of Dance videos and how the success of the videos affects each other. Since the videos are related the success of the 2nd EOD video is actually increasing the growth of the first video. The comments also have some good stuff.
YOUTUBE HOME PAGE GOES HD - Just click to view in High Quality.
Showing posts with label viral. Show all posts
Showing posts with label viral. Show all posts
1/29/09
1/26/09
VIRAL VIDEOTECH UPDATES
YOUTUBE - For some of the nerds out there that drink and comment this is probably a good thing. Youtube will now allow users to delete their own comments. For those times when you just wish you could take that back. Youtube is Social, and commenting on videos is an effective way of reaching out to other Youtubers. Now you can go back and erase all that crap you were talking.
CONSUMERVIDEOTIPS - WHICH VIDEO ACCESSORIES DO YOU NEED? - Scott blogged about the items you will need when you are just starting to build your video package. He's got some great suggestions. I added a few to the comments on his blog. Check em out.
REELSEO has a collection of links on how to maximize your videos for sharing and Youtube. I'm weary of so called Video SEO's but this seems like a good list of tips you can do on your own, let me know how it works out.
CONSUMERVIDEOTIPS - WHICH VIDEO ACCESSORIES DO YOU NEED? - Scott blogged about the items you will need when you are just starting to build your video package. He's got some great suggestions. I added a few to the comments on his blog. Check em out.
REELSEO has a collection of links on how to maximize your videos for sharing and Youtube. I'm weary of so called Video SEO's but this seems like a good list of tips you can do on your own, let me know how it works out.
1/22/09
Videotech Updates
OSCARS - Finally some recognition. The Academy created a new category for Viral Videos. And the nominees are.... Just kidding, but its gonna happen one of these centuries. Check out the real nominations on the Academies extremely wooden and stiff looking website. The virtual dust actually made me sneeze.
YOUTUBE BLOG - CLICK TO BUY. BUY NOW. NO BUY NOW!!! Now! Youtube announced that they will begin a click-to-buy system for viewers to purchase music through the iTunes Music Store. Little links will appear as an overlay on the video playing the song and if you like it, you can buy it (license it for use). Seems pretty cool and open up some interesting revenue potential for content creators; however, I imagine part of the deal will be that Youtube agrees to do whatever the Labels want, and that probably means squashing the little guy. The article does have one promising paragraph.
YOUTUBE BLOG - CLICK TO BUY. BUY NOW. NO BUY NOW!!! Now! Youtube announced that they will begin a click-to-buy system for viewers to purchase music through the iTunes Music Store. Little links will appear as an overlay on the video playing the song and if you like it, you can buy it (license it for use). Seems pretty cool and open up some interesting revenue potential for content creators; however, I imagine part of the deal will be that Youtube agrees to do whatever the Labels want, and that probably means squashing the little guy. The article does have one promising paragraph.
As we said when we first launched click-to-buy links, this is just the beginning – over time, we're aiming to open up the program to cover many types of content beyond music. We've already experimented with links to purchase DVDs and video games, and we intend to experiment with links to additional types of products soon.
1/21/09
Videotech Updates
WEB - The Nerds keep pounding the table with their scientific calculators and re-arranging the beans but they cant seem to quantify why some videos go viral while others do not. Of course its important to hedge everything on production values and quality. But all of this marketing speak makes the right side of my skull hurt. Still looking for a paint-by-numbers solution to going viral? Well then these articles may entertain you for a while. While the bean counters and analysts are busy learning an entirely new language of social marketing jingoism, Im gonna be out there making more video and throwing em against the wall to see which ones stick.
WEB - Ran across an article linked on Techcrunch about BlueRay. Does it even matter? Should we care? In the overall scheme of things I don't really worry about the state of standardized formats enough to lose a moments sleep. I don't have a Blueray player and am in no hurry to get one. But I know a whole bunch of you out there are worried about it, so here is the original article written by some Sony shill.
WEB - Ran across an article linked on Techcrunch about BlueRay. Does it even matter? Should we care? In the overall scheme of things I don't really worry about the state of standardized formats enough to lose a moments sleep. I don't have a Blueray player and am in no hurry to get one. But I know a whole bunch of you out there are worried about it, so here is the original article written by some Sony shill.
1/5/09
New HD Video Cameras from Canon
CONSUMERVIDEOTIPS.COM has the specs on the new Canon HD Camcorders that will be announced at MacWorld. The VIXIA models offer upgraded CMOS sensors, DIGIC processors, and some have Flash Drives. It all looks good to me, but I dont chase new gear around and rely on all you wealthy early adopters to test this stuff out before I will put it through the constant pounding I tend to put great through.
My official position on new gear is pretty simple. There are far more people out there that chase models and buy all the freshest gear than there are actually people that crank out consistent content. And its usually pretty easy to get your hands on whatever piece of new gear you are itching to try. Let somebody else buy it first. Then when we need it, we will bring them on board.
My official position on new gear is pretty simple. There are far more people out there that chase models and buy all the freshest gear than there are actually people that crank out consistent content. And its usually pretty easy to get your hands on whatever piece of new gear you are itching to try. Let somebody else buy it first. Then when we need it, we will bring them on board.
1/2/09
Using Twitter to Connect With Your Audience
If you are producing and releasing videos online you should be building your online audience. One great way to wrangle your fans is to use Twitter. DPS has a great article on some advanced commands for using twitter to post your tweets to hashtag groups, and how to follow the tweets from groups that you want to keep an eye on. You can follow my tweets at FOLLOW VIRALVIDEOTECH
12/31/08
Videotech Links
I link to alot of photography sites and blogs because alot of the info is also useful to video. Take what you need, leave the rest.
The Top 100 Photography Blogs.
21 Digital Camera Settings You Should Know
The Top 100 Photography Blogs.
21 Digital Camera Settings You Should Know
12/29/08
Videotech Update
The Online Photographer has chosen the Canon 5D mkII has the Camera of The Year for 2008. No big surprise, one of the reasons it was selected was because of the video capture feature.
YOUTUBE is sending filmmakers to Sundance. Head on over to Project Direct to vote.
Consumervideotips.com - Which Camcorder audio mode should you use?
Freshdv.com - Scarllet (RED) 2/3 sensor and other technical information about a camera that they hope will be adopted by independents and low budget filmmakers.
FT.com - Universal Music Group makes tens of millions from partnership with Youtube. Warner Bros jumps overboard and the music business explores revenue from sites like Hulu.
YOUTUBE is sending filmmakers to Sundance. Head on over to Project Direct to vote.
Consumervideotips.com - Which Camcorder audio mode should you use?
Freshdv.com - Scarllet (RED) 2/3 sensor and other technical information about a camera that they hope will be adopted by independents and low budget filmmakers.
FT.com - Universal Music Group makes tens of millions from partnership with Youtube. Warner Bros jumps overboard and the music business explores revenue from sites like Hulu.
12/26/08
How To Create Online Videos That Work - Mashable
Im greatful the nerds are out there writing this stuff up. While I'm out shooting video, the nerds are crunching data and using big words to create great articles like this one at Mashable on How To Create Online Video That Works. Its mostly theory and social media hype but its also right on the money and if you are serious about creating online videos its all stuff that you should be practicing anyway. So get familiar with the actions and the technical jargon because its not just enough to post a video, you also have to find the right audience for your videos.
12/18/08
12seconds.tv in Beta | 12 second videomaking has potential
There is a piece on Techcrunch about 12seconds.tv a new twitter-like video social site. I checked it out and think it has a tremendous amount of potential. The concept that is. I dont know if 12seconds.tv will be the standard people will adopt. But I really like the idea. You get just 12 seconds to record a video.
I signed up for an account and shot a 12 second video clip and the experience was kinda herky-jerky and it crashed a few times. But its a beta and Im not holding any of that against them. I suspect most users will use it like a video status update, but Im thinking of other uses for the 12 second format. I can see there being alot of food clips, users love tweeting about food, so the tveeters are gonna for the same kind of predictable subjects.
You can fake some serious production values when all you need is 12 seconds.
Like a Horror series called The 13th Second.
Its a slasher series, where the suspense builds up to the 12th second and BOO! the end. Or a fake or a twist. And do 13 of them of them. Thats just over two and 1/2 minutes of footage. Im just saying, there are alot of interesting things you can do with 12 seconds and I hope to see more than people talking about how long the week has been and how much they are looking foreward to the weekend.
I signed up for an account and shot a 12 second video clip and the experience was kinda herky-jerky and it crashed a few times. But its a beta and Im not holding any of that against them. I suspect most users will use it like a video status update, but Im thinking of other uses for the 12 second format. I can see there being alot of food clips, users love tweeting about food, so the tveeters are gonna for the same kind of predictable subjects.
You can fake some serious production values when all you need is 12 seconds.
Like a Horror series called The 13th Second.
Its a slasher series, where the suspense builds up to the 12th second and BOO! the end. Or a fake or a twist. And do 13 of them of them. Thats just over two and 1/2 minutes of footage. Im just saying, there are alot of interesting things you can do with 12 seconds and I hope to see more than people talking about how long the week has been and how much they are looking foreward to the weekend.
12/16/08
Why You Don't Want To Shoot Videos With a DSLR
I can't keep up with every camera that comes out, but I hear things. I hear video is the on some flashy new DSLR's well congrats to all the Paparazzi. You guys got video know. We are all proud of you. seriously. Ditto you sports nerds and other still photographers. Otherwise those hybrid DSLRs are useless to me.
The DSLR thing has to suck as a tool for shooting video.
No audio, right?
Barrel zoom. No Controls and the thing is shaped like a DSLR.
Whats next a Rangefinder that shoots HD?
Gonna have to use a tripod at all times.
In other words why bother? Sure The HD Video Ready DSLR is a great tool for grabbing videos when you are shooting with a DSLR, but other than that I would always want a conventional video camcorder.
REASONS
Servo Zoom control.
Dedicated record button.
Stereo Microphone
Headphone Jack
This post isnt to bash whatever Nikons and Canons are flying off the shelves because of a hot rodded video setting. You want one of those cameras. Get one, they are bad ass. But if you want to shoot videos. Get a video camera. Its that simple.
The DSLR thing has to suck as a tool for shooting video.
No audio, right?
Barrel zoom. No Controls and the thing is shaped like a DSLR.
Whats next a Rangefinder that shoots HD?
Gonna have to use a tripod at all times.
In other words why bother? Sure The HD Video Ready DSLR is a great tool for grabbing videos when you are shooting with a DSLR, but other than that I would always want a conventional video camcorder.
REASONS
Servo Zoom control.
Dedicated record button.
Stereo Microphone
Headphone Jack
This post isnt to bash whatever Nikons and Canons are flying off the shelves because of a hot rodded video setting. You want one of those cameras. Get one, they are bad ass. But if you want to shoot videos. Get a video camera. Its that simple.
YOU ARE SHOOTING HD VIDEO AND YOUR AUDIO SUCKS?
It drives me nuts when I talk to filmmakers and wanna-be filmmakers and they start talking about different cameras and formats. The conversation usually goes like this:
Then I ask them what they are using to acquire audio and they get that familiar look of confusion on their face and say: Onboard Camera Mic.
What? WHAT? You wanna talk about 1080P and resolution and how great it looks on the Samsung? And then turn your back on audio by using the built in condenser microphone? Its no wonder. The manufacturers emphasize the wrong features to an ignorant consumer base. All you hear about is HD and 720 and 1080 and you hear nothing about professional audio.
Yeah Im using the SONY/CANON/Whatever model and its the bomb. It does this and that and its totally better than anything else that doesn't have all these specifications
Then I ask them what they are using to acquire audio and they get that familiar look of confusion on their face and say: Onboard Camera Mic.
What? WHAT? You wanna talk about 1080P and resolution and how great it looks on the Samsung? And then turn your back on audio by using the built in condenser microphone? Its no wonder. The manufacturers emphasize the wrong features to an ignorant consumer base. All you hear about is HD and 720 and 1080 and you hear nothing about professional audio.
12/15/08
So You Wanna Make A Video?
Ok lets get something straight. When Im talking about making viral videos, Im talking about getting a camera and executing an idea. Most of the the big content created on Youtube is: Americas Funniest Home Video stuff. Once in a lifetime moment captured on camera with luck. Thats not what Im talking about. In this blog when I talk about video making, Im talking about executing an idea with a camera and a subject. Dramatic, sketch, documentary, parody, whatever. You get a camera and you make something happen.
And thats really it. Get a camera. If you are hell bent on shooting HD, then get the cheapest HD camera you can get a deal on. If you dont mind shooting Standard Def, there are deals everywhere. My policy has always been, buy the cheapest camera that will do the job. I know, I know. Resolution is driving the marketplace. Well you heard it here first. It doesnt really matter. What matters is what happens infront of the lens. Once you get caught up into worrying about cameras, you aren't making many videos. You are becoming a camera nerd. Just forget about it. Forget about editing software and all that. It all works. So quit hiding behind the "gear" and start making videos.
TIP - If all you have is Camera MIC and there are speaking requirements. You are gonna want the subjects mouth no more than 3 feet away from the camera. And they cant be soft-spoken. Always monitor audio with headphones, and start off trusting the auto REC levels. It helps if everybody speaks up. Especially for Youtube Videos. Due to the size of the screen its not a bad idea to fill the frame with the persons head that is talking.
And thats really it. Get a camera. If you are hell bent on shooting HD, then get the cheapest HD camera you can get a deal on. If you dont mind shooting Standard Def, there are deals everywhere. My policy has always been, buy the cheapest camera that will do the job. I know, I know. Resolution is driving the marketplace. Well you heard it here first. It doesnt really matter. What matters is what happens infront of the lens. Once you get caught up into worrying about cameras, you aren't making many videos. You are becoming a camera nerd. Just forget about it. Forget about editing software and all that. It all works. So quit hiding behind the "gear" and start making videos.
TIP - If all you have is Camera MIC and there are speaking requirements. You are gonna want the subjects mouth no more than 3 feet away from the camera. And they cant be soft-spoken. Always monitor audio with headphones, and start off trusting the auto REC levels. It helps if everybody speaks up. Especially for Youtube Videos. Due to the size of the screen its not a bad idea to fill the frame with the persons head that is talking.
12/12/08
HOW TO PREDICT VIRAL VIDEO SUCCESS
Following Guy Kawasaki I got this tweet from him - how to predict viral video success http://www.neurosciencemarketing.com/blog/articles/viral-video-success.htm
If that helps you, your smarter than we are over here, so how about interpreting for the rest of us. The Viral Videotech doesn't know anything about Latin, we just want to shoot videos and in doing so we hope other people enjoy them. I dont by into any of this science of viral nonsense, these nerds have done the same thing to books forever. You cant create by numbers or guidelines. You getter better by doing your art.
Next Im gonna explain the difference between a well produced no budget video, and a one-time-moment Americas Funniest Home video.
If that helps you, your smarter than we are over here, so how about interpreting for the rest of us. The Viral Videotech doesn't know anything about Latin, we just want to shoot videos and in doing so we hope other people enjoy them. I dont by into any of this science of viral nonsense, these nerds have done the same thing to books forever. You cant create by numbers or guidelines. You getter better by doing your art.
Next Im gonna explain the difference between a well produced no budget video, and a one-time-moment Americas Funniest Home video.
12/11/08
FRESH OFF THE SET - HVR SONY Z7U
THIS IS WHY YOU DONT BUY THE NEWEST GEAR -
I just got done with a shoot for a basic cable series that used the Sony Z7U cameras for 3+ months. I know the economy is bad, but TV shows using consumer gear is pathetic, and lets be clear right off the bat. The Sony Z7U is nothing like a professional camera. The big selling point is that it has a lens mount that can accept other lenses. We had a 20x Canon with the mount adapter and it was not easy changing lenses. The positive lockdown lever takes care, and its useless trying to change lenses without the camera mounted on a tripod.
Listen up Camera Nerds. The biggest problem we had with this camera, was that nobody had used one before and; therefore, nobody was familiar with the camera buttons and menus . So everyday of shooting was an on-the-fly learning experience, and mistakes were made. Multi-cam Time COde was a struggle as all the cameras TC drifted and the Firewire system used to sync the cameras was engineered backwards and was the exact opposite of the way professional cameras are made, and on a 3 camera shoot, having bad Time Code just created hell for the editors.
Use a Camera your DP and or operators are familiar with.
When you are making a video you want to use the right camera. You definately dont want to be learning and shooting on the fly. You are better off using tried and true gear that you know. If you dont know your gear, get to know it. Tech Days are great days. If you have new gear you better give it to your DP or operator to take home and play with.
At least the Batteries were traditional style
Dont get me wrong. The Sony Z7U is an incredible camera, and the next time I use it I will be alot more efficient. On the plus side The Sony Z7U accepts old school PD-150 (400 minute) fatty Batts which I happen to have lying around in my car most of the time, so thats one problem we didn't have.
I just got done with a shoot for a basic cable series that used the Sony Z7U cameras for 3+ months. I know the economy is bad, but TV shows using consumer gear is pathetic, and lets be clear right off the bat. The Sony Z7U is nothing like a professional camera. The big selling point is that it has a lens mount that can accept other lenses. We had a 20x Canon with the mount adapter and it was not easy changing lenses. The positive lockdown lever takes care, and its useless trying to change lenses without the camera mounted on a tripod.
Listen up Camera Nerds. The biggest problem we had with this camera, was that nobody had used one before and; therefore, nobody was familiar with the camera buttons and menus . So everyday of shooting was an on-the-fly learning experience, and mistakes were made. Multi-cam Time COde was a struggle as all the cameras TC drifted and the Firewire system used to sync the cameras was engineered backwards and was the exact opposite of the way professional cameras are made, and on a 3 camera shoot, having bad Time Code just created hell for the editors.
Use a Camera your DP and or operators are familiar with.
When you are making a video you want to use the right camera. You definately dont want to be learning and shooting on the fly. You are better off using tried and true gear that you know. If you dont know your gear, get to know it. Tech Days are great days. If you have new gear you better give it to your DP or operator to take home and play with.
At least the Batteries were traditional style
Dont get me wrong. The Sony Z7U is an incredible camera, and the next time I use it I will be alot more efficient. On the plus side The Sony Z7U accepts old school PD-150 (400 minute) fatty Batts which I happen to have lying around in my car most of the time, so thats one problem we didn't have.
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