Archive for May, 2010

TechUniversity.com charges for most of their online training … but this 25 minute overview is a great and free introduction to Final Cut Pro. Learn the basics of editing, rendering and exporting videos. Enjoy.

US lawmakers tried to get BP to broadcast the Gulf Leak live on the internet. Now, they decided the US government should do it as well. On Thursday they started streaming live video of the Gulf oil spill from 5,000 feet below sea level.

Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., said “this may be BP’s footage, but it’s America’s ocean. … This footage will aid analysis by independent scientists blocked by BP from coming to see the spill.”

You can now watch the oil flow live in various places, including this UStream feed and Senator Bill Nelson’s website.

PBS also published this widget:

Perhaps the best weather video we’ve ever seen (stay past the 1:00 mark)

Filmmaker Sean Stiegemeier took two weeks off and traveled to Iceland because he didn’t see any good footage of spewing Eyjafjallajökull. So now … there is.

Iceland, Eyjafjallajökull - May 1st and 2nd, 2010 from Sean Stiegemeier on Vimeo.

Alec Brownstein bought Google AdWord ads targeting top NYC creative directors with whom he sought a job interview, essentially purchasing their names so when they search themselves on google, his ad would be at the top of the page. Total cost: $6. He made a video of his results:

Brilliance.

See more about it here.

What a joy to watch a simple idea executed brilliantly. Whether or not you are a possible subscriber to this Canadian Adult channel, you can appreciate the humor and you remember the tag line … “You won’t watch for the acting.” Marketing genius.

See more about this ad campaign here.

Look for more online video ad spending in 2010. In a new BrightRoll survey of execs and media buyers at ad agencies, 94% said they plan to spend more this year.

Over half agreed that online video advertising was more effective than other forms of advertising, and full 83% thought they get more value for their dollar.

Why? Online video ads cost much less while offering better targeting. Plus there’s plenty of quality inventory. Their only concern? Ensuring the placement of their ads is consistent with their brand.

One other interesting finding, how execs and buyers would like to pay for their ads:
Cost per video view: 45%
Cost per engagement: 34%
Cost per impression: 16%

Finally, where do they want to spend their money?
Interactive pre-roll: 54%
Branded entertainment: 20%
Consumer content or webisodes: 15%
Other forms of creative content: 11%

See more here

A client asked me, when it comes to online video, what matters most? Here’s what comes to mind …

1. QUALITY MATTERS
Video is a proven and effective tool for increasing conversion rates. However, poorly executed or shoddy video may have a detrimental effect on your site (unless it’s in keeping with your brand). Bad production values can turn off potential customers the same as poorly executed sales page. Most common mistake: bad audio. Get a mic … add some music … mix well. It makes a difference.

2. STYLE MATTERS
Video is emotional. The style, music and look of your video must be in line with the emotional associations you want for your brand. Confusing customers with inconsistent brand associations can harm your business. Don’t know what associations you want for your brand … you shouldn’t be working on a video until you do.

3. LENGTH MATTERS
Most online video is not watched past the first minute. Save money on production costs and keep your customers wanting more.

4. YOUR GOALS MATTER
What do you hope to achieve with this video. You’d be surprised how many don’t have a quick, clear answer. Be sure your video is designed to achieve those goals … in the production of the video and how it is displayed and distributed. Is there a clear call to action?

5. META MATTERS
Most search engines don’t index video … they index the metadata attached to your video (Title, description and keywords). Hone your metadata or you waste marketing opportunities for your brand.

6. EMBEDS MATTER
Provide a link to your video … expect 5-15% view rates. Embed and expect 10-35% view rates.

7. CAPTIONS MATTER
Some split testing case studies for sales video pages show that videos captions increase conversions by 8%.

8. YOU MATTER
Focus on what sets you and your company apart … then exploit those differences in your video presentation.

- John Palacio

And Now, Dr. Masaaki Kumagai, director of Tohoku Gakuin University’s Robot Development Engineering Laboratory, brings us the Ball Inverted Pendulum … 16.5-pound robot able to balance on a bowling ball using three omni-directional wheels.

See more here