We are still making videos. With everyone's safety in mind of course!
Wow there is so much going on in the world right now and we wanted to give you a quick update from the Erin Preston Production team.
First, we are taking the precautions recommended by the CDC and their health professionals very seriously. We are practicing self distancing to ensure we are keeping ourselves and others safe. We are only venturing out when necessary, going to places that have taken all the preventative measures and washing our hands with soap and warm water as obsessively as ever!
Second, we will continue to make videos during this time. Luckily in our line of work much of the video making process can be done with little to zero contact. We can talk to our clients over the phone, do video calls through Zoom or just stick to email. There are multiple ways to create content without having to meet in person. Here are a few ideas off the top of our heads:
We are now offering fully animated videos
Using stock footage with a script and voiceover
Live streaming for those of you that need to present to a large group of people
Using footage that we already have of your business and/or product and repurposing it
Filming products on our own
If in person filming is necessary, the amount of people on set will be limited to less than 10 people
Lastly, we are a small business just as many of you are, working to stay positive and get through this together as a community. From now until April 6th, we are offering a 20% discount to any video packages booked and scheduled; scheduling can be remote or for a date later in the year.
We would love to hear from you, especially about how you are doing and what is keeping you positive these days. We sincerely hope that you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy.
That's a wrap....
Erin and the EPP team
2019 ... and that's a wrap!
As I reflect on all we have done in 2019 I was reminded of this quote by Rumi, “Today, let us swim wildly, joyously in gratitude.” Which perfectly sums up how I am feeling: full of gratitude and joy.
We had the pleasure to work with a wide range of businesses and non-profits this year. We travelled from around Colorado to Washington, DC to Guatemala and back to our colleague next door to capture the incredible stories of innovators. Our crews grew as did our projects.
2020 has already blown our minds with exciting projects on the books from both new and returning clients; can’t wait to see what other magic this new year has in store!
I am beyond grateful for all the amazing clients we have worked with over the past year. Dang, life is good! We wish you all a fabulous transition from 2019 into the new year and decade. May it be full of happiness and success.
Cheers,
Erin
Erin and Zach sailing into the sunset. Boat taxing in Guatemala. October 2019.
Behind the Scenes: 6 Months of EPP
WOW! Erin Preston Productions has been kicking for over six months now, and in some ways it has flown and in other feels like much more! It has been a truly exciting time for us as a team, and first and foremost we want to say thank you.
We’ve worked with makers, non-profit organizations, service providers, street artists, and health and wellness businesses. We’re so grateful to these companies for partnering with us and entrusting us to share their story.
There is so much to learn when you’re starting a new business and every day is eventful. I am truly grateful for other production company owners who have shared their expertise and wise words of wisdom as we’re getting off the ground.
If anything, we’re more passionate than ever about sharing stories in an impactful way. These last few months have strengthened our belief that every story is worth sharing, and every scene is worth the time.
Thank you for coming on this journey with us!
Tips and Techniques: Filming Yourself Like a Pro
Are you wanting to put out content for your business or share your clients’ stories with your community, but aren’t sure how to make it look good? Creating short videos with your Smart Phone is actually quick and easy, and we have a few tips for you that will help make a great, simple video.
Step 1: Audio is King!
Good audio is very important if you want people to watch your video. Make sure you are in a quiet spot. Check that there aren’t any fans, loud heaters, buzzing appliances, barking dogs, music or any ambient noise outside (ambulance, plane flying over, train etc) that will affect the overall sound. If possible, turn everything off before filming. If something noisy happens while filming, stop and reshoot when it’s quiet again.
Step 2: Keep It Simple and Comfortable
What to wear? Something you feel comfortable in. A shirt that isn’t too busy. No hats or anything that will cast a shadow over your eyes. Glasses are fine. Please try to find a place that has decent lighting where your face is well lit and that your light source is in front of you. Facing a window but not right next to it is a good option. For example:
That way we can see your beautiful face! This is an example of what NOT to do:
If you are filming with your phone please make sure it’s in the horizontal position rather than vertical. It would be great if you can prop it on something to avoid camera shake. If that’s not possible, it’s completely okay.
One last thing to be aware of is if anything is behind or around you that would look strange or could potentially distract the viewer. For example a standing lamp that could look like it’s protruding from your head.