Professional Video & Photo Services

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Video content can be repurposed in many ways. When you receive a quote realize your investment in original media can be used for multi-channel distribution (TV, online video, social media, website, digital signage at events, etc.). When looking for a service provider inquire if they archive your projects files and media for future usage, and if they do, for how long?

At Miceli Productions all client project video masters are archived indefinitely at no extra cost in our HD digital archives/video library.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Questions Miceli Productions will ask about your video project? It's ok if you don't know the answers, but this will help you be prepared.

Who is your target audience?
What is your message?
What is the purpose of your video?
What visual and graphical elements do you want to show?
Where do we have to travel to get these elements?
How many minutes do you think the program should last?
What is the estimated shelf-life of your video?
Who will be the subject matter expert (SME) on this video?
Who will be approving the scripts and offline edits?
What is your deadline? What is driving your deadline?
How much do you have budgeted for your video?
Can we re-purpose video elements for other uses, like a company website?
When can we get started?

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. Working with each new client brings a fresh creative challenge. We've worked with international corporations that build electronic connectors, national non profits that raise money for cancer, regional entertainment venues that bring in A-list talent, and local insurance companies serving our neighborhood. Each of these clients require a different scale and have a unique audience to engage. Translating the ideas and needs of these businesses into a compelling visual story is very satisfying. We love what we do, we have fun, and it's contagious.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. In case you haven’t heard yet, YouTube is the #2 search engine in the world (#1 of course being Google). This free video platform is utilized by everyone from Lady Gaga to Pope Benedict XVI to reach their constituencies.

If you are considering using YouTube it can be overwhelming in regards to where to start. YouTube has evolved so much since its creation that many of the assumptions about the platform are no longer true. Here are some myth busters worth knowing if you are considering including online video as a way to communicate.

MYTH:

YouTube video quality is poor.

FACT:

Although many of the user-generated videos are not high production value, YouTube has upgraded their streaming to include HD video. Top brands such as Subaru, Cirque de Soleil and Harvard University all have vibrant high production quality YouTube channels.

MYTH:

It’s just teenagers and interns on YouTube.

FACT:

YouTube exceeds 2 billion views a day, nearly double the prime-time of all three major US broadcast networks combines. They can’t all be teenagers and interns! “People between the ages of 35 and 49, were the fastest growing demographic in time spent viewing per viewer, increasing 29 per cent during the past six months.” - YouTube press release

MYTH:

YouTube is for entertainment not a business tool.

FACT: Branding, clear calls to action and creative ways of linking to your home website are all important parts of your web video strategy. YouTube videos can be used for product surveys, promotional contests, instructional videos, company profiles, and speaking directly to your customers.

Your competitors are using online video - are you?

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. Is producing a video in HD (High Definition) worth it?

Yes! Today, shooting and editing in HD is no more expensive than standard definition was 5 years ago. A corporate video shot and edited in HD can easily be down-converted to a standard definition DVD or compressed for streaming from a web server. As more boardroom, training centers and web-streaming sites upgrade to be HD capable, you can re-release your video on Blu-Ray or upload higher resolution versions. Another thing to remember: every time you have a video produced, all the original camera footage can be a valuable asset for future projects – especially if it’s HD. Keeping a library of your original footage can maximize your production dollars.

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. How long does it take to produce a video?

All projects have different requirements. Date-to-completion will be determined largely by the complexity of your project. Simple web videos can oftentimes be completed in 6-8 weeks, whereas documentary films can take 12 to 15 months. If this is your first project with us, the process may take longer than subsequent ones while we learn your company’s philosophy and gather your corporate materials for the first time. As a client you can minimize the processing time by limiting the number of people involved in the approval process, making sure there is a professional subject matter expert (SME) at each shooting location and budgeting enough pre-production planning time to adequately prepare for the project.

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. What can I do to get the best results?

First, clearly articulate your expectations to your producer. Everyone who has say in the final product should be included in that first production meeting. Based on what is discussed in that meeting, we will then provide you with a script treatment, preliminary draft script or storyboard.
Review the treatment and read it carefully. Pay attention not only to the script language, but also the “visual” side of page. Once filming begins, changes will not only slow the production process, they can potentially result in significant cost overruns. Make sure everyone is on the same page and the process will be streamlined and rewarding.