Blue Lizard Productions

Volunteering helps create relationships and success

Angela Kafadar — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:23:50 +0000

This article was published in the Spring 2012 issue of Powerful Women Magazine.

Back in 2010, we hired a “sales” company to help us acquire new clients to grow our video production business. After six months, it was apparent by the decline in our sales (lower than ever be- fore) that this company was not the “right fit.” We also felt they were misrepresent- ing who and what our company was all about, and they were giving our commu- nity the wrong impression.

Since we had openings in our produc- tion schedule, we decided to reach out to our community non-profit organizations to see if there were events or services we could cover by providing them with free video production services. Did I mention we did this for free? And I mean free, zip, zilch, nothing, nada, no money, no strings – we just wanted to produce videos and help our local non-profits out.

After producing our first video high-lighting the Cambridge YWCA’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, we soon learned some- thing very important and surprising. Not only were we achieving our goal in helping

our community by giving back, we were getting to know some new people, and they were getting to know us. We were building relationships. What a pleasant surprise when our phones started ringing and people who had seen these non-profit videos were hiring us to create theirs.

We went from the lowest sales in our company history to the highest in a mat- ter of months, and we did this by giving our services away for free! Here are the lessons we learned that I’d like to share.

Not only did this increase our profit- ability, but it ended up being an excel- lent alternative to some more traditional marketing and networking events. While we focused on helping our community by volunteering our time and resources, we acquired new friends, which lead to new clients. Doing videos for free was actu- ally profitable. Being in the right place at the right time is not just a fluke or luck; you have put yourself out there. By giving, you will receive back ten fold – keep giving, and be willing to receive.

For more information on Powerful Women Magazine check out there website, follow them on Twitter or join them on Facebook.

Have you ever had a good or bad experience by providing you product or service free to a non-profit or community used organization? We’d love you to share your experience bellow in the comment box. Thank you!

Preparing for Video Production Interviews

Scott Clevely — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 17:25:54 +0000

When we are about to produce a video production that includes interviews, we often get asked for some instruction for the person appearing on camera, especially what to wear!

Clothes

The best colours are medium tones to darker ones, even black is okay… but stay away from whites and reds.
No stripes! Horizontal stripes may make you look heavier and vertical stripes that are close together can buzz on video.
If shooting against a green screen… no green! (The same goes for a blue screen.)
Consider whether you want to appear formal and competent in a suit and tie or at the other end, friendly and casual. Either is good as long as it represents who you are.
If you’re being interviewed about your company, a shirt with a name and logo on it might be good, but have a backup if the interviewer feels it’s too commercial.
Always having a second shirt is a good idea and make sure all your shirts are ironed and fit properly.

Jewelry

If you’re going to wear jewelry, make sure it’s not overly shiny and noisy.

Glasses

Ensure that eyeglasses are free of fingerprints and smudges, or even remove them if possible if you don’t wear them all the time.
Sunglasses might be cool, but they hide the real you that people want to know.

Hats

Hats generally are not a good idea as the shadow will darken your face and eyes.

Makeup and Hair

It’s not just for women! Skin blotches, marks, shinny noses and foreheads can be subdued with a base powder in a flesh color matching your skin shade.
Also make sure you hair is nicely groomed with a brush and product.
We don’t carry these things typically so you can purchase a small plastic case of makeup with a mirror and a pad at any drugstore for under $10.
You could also hire a hair and makeup artist, better yet hire our own fantastic and spectacular Crystal from Crystalized Artistry as your personal hair and makeup artist for the day: www.crystalizedartistry.com

Prepare, But Don’t Memorize

We’ll often review interview questions with you prior to shooting. If we haven’t, just ask.
Don’t feel you have to read a prepared script verbatim, either on a teleprompter or from cue cards as people who aren’t experienced being in front of a camera can sound very unnatural, and they will still often mess up to the point of being very dissatisfied with their performance. It’s good to be prepared, but maybe just have a bullet list of things you want to talk about.

Legal

You will often be asked to sign a simple release form giving the video production company permission to use the video they will record.

The camera’s almost ready to roll – now what?

At this point, forget everything mentioned above. Make sure you are sitting up straight. Speak and breathe from your diaphragm. If you’re prepared, you’ll look great. Once the interview starts, pay attention to the content – focus on getting your message across and expressing your views. And remember… if you don’t like an answer you gave, request to answer it again and we’ll use the better take.

Do you have any other tips that we should include?

Comment below with your suggestions.

Cambridge Galleries Doing it New Orleans Style

Danielle Dumoulin — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:54:21 +0000

I had the chance to attend a really unique function this past week. Cambridge Galleries hosts an annual event called Artigras; all of the proceeds go to the gallery and their public programs and exhibitions. I LOVE Cambridge Galleries and have been a member of their library since childhood – I probably still owe them some late fees!

Artigras is a New Orleans inspired eclectic amalgamation of live music, live art and silent auctions. This event really showcases all that Cambridge Galleries has to offer. Galt’s own, Lily Ruth, catered the night and the food was amazing!

I was really interested in videotaping this particular event for many reasons. I have an extensive background in the arts, mainly theatre, and I always wished that there was more emphasis on the arts in our region. I was also incredibly inspired by the theme and overall mood of the evening. However, my main reason for wanting to videotape this event was simply the charity factor. I think it’s incredibly important that we, as the community, give back to the programs that help our children and us. Cambridge Galleries offers a cornucopia of programs to the community, and for that I know I’m grateful.

Aiding Africa & Finding a Doctor in Cambridge

Danielle Dumoulin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 23:18:07 +0000

I mentioned in my last blog my excitement regarding the “Books in Hands” video production, and that I would be posting the completed video later this week. I felt so rewarded after visiting the Books in Hands Project, I even donated a ton of my old childhood books. It felt wonderful knowing that they were going to go to someone who deserved them. I also had a lengthy discussion with founder, Marg Stahlbaum, regarding the prevalence of AIDS and HIV in the African communities. We both agree that it is extraordinarily important that these children are properly educated and understand how not to contract and how to avoid the AIDS virus. I encourage everyone who reads this to head on down to 350 Hespeler Road and donate your time or books.

Also, this week I headed down to Lang’s Community Centre to check out the new building and grab a quick interview with Executive Director, Bill Davidson. Lang’s Community Centre offers a wide variety of services from prenatal care right up to seniors programs. Lang’s houses over 21 different agencies that provide services in addition to what Lang’s provides. I think Lang’s is a wonderful place, they provide services that people in the region need and everyone there was very warm, welcoming and friendly. Lang’s also has an excellent Health Care Centre. A little birdy told me that if you’re from the Preston area and don’t have a family doctor, you can check out their health care clinic and apply for a doctor there!

Black History Month!

Danielle Dumoulin — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:20:59 +0000

Its finally February, and this month is all about Black History! This gets me excited because I am of colour and can appreciate the hardships my ancestors had to go through. This year I really wanted to showcase Black History in my community through my free community video productions.

On Saturday, the 4th I headed down to 350 Hespeler Road to visit the “Books in Hands” Project, funded through the Preston Church of the Nazarene. The “Books in Hands” project is dedicated to collecting and distributing children’s book to Africa, specifically the town of Swaziland, in southern Africa. They also distribute educational books regarding Aids and the HIV virus. These educational books are essential when attempting to teach young children about Aids and HIV.

I decided to videotape this project because I feel literacy and education are extraordinarily important, especially in children. These kids grow up with nothing, and reading is their chance to escape and delve into their imaginations. This video production really inspired me to look more closely at what’s happening in other countries around the world. I was unaware of many of the literacy statistics for Africa, and that bothered me.
I hope that through this community video I can enlighten more people the way I was enlightened. I wish the “Books in Hands” project the best of luck as they try and reach their goal of collecting 20,000 books.

Visit www.booksinhands.com to donate or volunteer!

Stay tuned for the completed video early next week!

Your Brand and Video: Tapping In

Scott Clevely — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:05:04 +0000

I’ve been trying to find a recent video the demonstrates how a company has tied their brand into a great video. Scott Stratten, author of Un-Marketing, emailed this video to me today and I just had to share it.

For the 3 people that don’t know, hockey is life in Canada. I don’t even play and it still holds a special place in my heart. You don’t even have to like the sport to love this. When I saw this video today, it connected on a level that most brands try but never ever reach.

You want people to share your brand? Do something awesome like this:

- Scott Stratten

To learn more about Scott Stratten you can check out his blog here: www.unmarketing.com

What did you think of this video? Did it engage you emotionally? Did they tie in their brand effectively? Comment below!

Dunfield Cambridge for Un-Retirement

Danielle Dumoulin — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:18:55 +0000

This past Sunday I headed over to the Cambridge Centre to videotape an interesting event. Dunfield Cambridge assistive living retirement residence held a free jazz band concert to raise community awareness about their new $30M facility coming to Cambridge, Ontario. The Jazz Quintet was made up of talented local musicians.

I decided to videotaped the Dunfield Cambridge event because livelihood in old age is something that hits me pretty close to home. My Grandmother suffers from dementia, a degenerative brain disease that effects the memory, and the Dunfield is a huge supporter of keeping those minds fresh. Nella, Marketing Manager for Dunfield Retirement Residence, and I had a rather lengthy discussion regarding The Dunfield’s efforts to keep their retirees in excellent health. I was unaware that a person with dementia can still be taught new things, even though their mind is degenerating. I really like the Dunfield’s take on retirement, or “un-retirement” as they call it. They really try to keep their retirees busy out in the world.

I find it so important that todays youth take an interest in their elders, as that’ll be us one day!

My first business card EVER!

Danielle Dumoulin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:40:19 +0000

Things have been busy this week at Blue Lizard Productions, and we are quite excited!

There are several reasons as to why I’m excited. First and foremost, I have just been handed my first business card EVER. Scott & Angela were thoughtful enough to purchase me my own business cards, 500 of them! I haven’t been this excited since childhood. In all seriousness though, having a business card makes me feel accomplished; like I’ve partially “made it” in the corporate video production world. After working so hard in school for 3 straight years, it feels great to finally have something concrete in my hands to show for it. I know its only a piece of fancy paper, but its the meaning behind it thats so important.

I will be PROUDLY handing these out to all of the new contacts I make through Blue Lizard Productions, and through my community videos. Speaking of! I have been a busy bee with planning all of my community non-profit videos. I will be shooting the Dunfield Residences’ Jazz Quartet event this Sunday at the Cambridge Centre. Dunfield holds events in the community to keep local seniors involved. I think that keeping seniors active is incredibly important, it keeps their minds fresh and helps to prevent dementia.

I’m also shooting the Hockey for Heart Tournament in Kitchener, hosted by the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Hockey for Heart was created by Rob Weir after he saw his father suffer a massive heart attack and die while playing in a hockey game. That, to me, is an extraordinarily good reason to donate my time to their cause.

Keep an eye on our youtube, twitter and Facebook pages! I’ll be updating them regularly with all of our newest videos!

Back in Cambridge with Blue Lizard Productions

Danielle Dumoulin — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:54:43 +0000

My name is Danielle Dumoulin and I am the new co-op student at Blue Lizard Productions! I’m a recent grad of the Niagara College Broadcasting Program and am so excited to finally be out in the working world doing some Corporate Video Production. I’ve lived and worked in Cambridge most of my life and was eager to get back into my home community.

Join me on Blue Lizard Productions page on Facebook.

Here at Blue Lizard Productions I am responsible for our online presence. This includes the posts on our Facebook, Twitter, LinkdIn and Youtube accounts. I assist with editing and when we’re shooting on location. I’m learning so much everyday! As for why I chose to take the career route of Corporate Video Production, I have such a passion for finding beauty in the simplest of things. I enjoy a challenge, and with Corporate Video you’re creating something out of nothing. My creativity, and being creative, is what keeps me happy!

Follow my Tweets on Twitter @BlueLizardProds.

Blue Lizard Productions wants to give back to the community by shooting not-for-profit events, for FREE! That’s where I come in. As their intern it’s my responsibility to go out and shoot these wonderful community get-togethers. I feel really inspired when I shoot these videos because we’re providing FREE promotion to those who really need and deserve it. Giving much needed exposure to deserving organizations is important to me, and it’s something I can be TRULY proud of.

Check out some of our videos on our YouTube channel.

If you know of a not-for-profit organization or an event that’s coming up feel free to fill out our application for a free video.

I would love to come out and shoot it for you!

Does a brochure REALLY show off your business?

Scott Clevely — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:29:00 +0000

A video is a great way in which to get your message out there and showcase your talents and as we’re all visual creatures, it certainly makes perfect sense and can give you the extra edge over your competition.

Flyers, leaflets and brochures are fine, but people usually want to see a product or service in action and be able to visualise a specific item and how it fundamentally works.

There are a few ways to get your online business recognised visually either through video sharing websites like YouTube, Daily Motion, Vimeo, Facebook or Twitter, where you can produce basic videos about your business with limited functionality or you can make an investment in your business and get a professional video production team to do it for you and give your corporate or small business and website a first class brand or image.

What should you look for in a professional video production?

To be competitive and succeed in business you have to be innovative and creative and a video about your corporate or small business should certainly look professional and related to your brand or product. It should say a lot about you and the message you’re aiming to get across. Do you think corporate and other various sized businesses would spend a small fortune on video production and advertising, if they could upload a few basic videos themselves on YouTube and Facebook usually with poor audio quality, no structure or direction and no real message?

A professional video production company should have a successful team in place, which should comprise of a project manger who will oversee your whole work from the initial concept through to the final distribution of your video, organise professional actors to advertise your product or brand, choice of a suitable studio, background colours, choosing the appropriate music and any computer animation if required. The final and most important part should be the successful launch of your video product through various channels including DVD distribution, online streaming and television exposure.

If you want a professional video production team to give you the video that you require then, look no further than Blue Lizard Productions.

For more information about producing your corporate video production sign up for our free corporate video production guide here: www.FreeCorporateVideoGuide.com

What do you think? Would a professional video production better demonstrate your product or service more so than a brochure or other print material? Comment below.