Live Web Streaming – Red Shell Productions

Online distance learning: Live stream your training courses

Learning online carries many benefits. From reduced travel costs to saving staff time, streaming your course to an online audience can offer new opportunities to your business. We’re going to look at the benefits of online distance learning and why you should live stream your courses.

Online Distance learning isn’t new

Look at the Open University for example, they offer seminars, course materials and communication with lecturers through the medium of the internet. Why make people from all over the place come to a physical location when they can catch a seminar via live streaming? It’s the perfect example of online distance learning.

Online distance learning is more accessible than ever before and not just available to big budgets, it’s a great way to train your workforce.

The benefits of live streaming your courses

What equipment is needed for your wedding’s live streaming?

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. It is the day you commit your future to the person you love the most in the world. You want all of your family and friends to share your day with you and that’s why you plan quite an expensive day for all to enjoy.

Not everyone will be able to make it however, and in this piece we will look at how you can address that with a live video feed. In particular what equipment you will need for your wedding’s live streaming.

Accessing your event to an international audience

Many organisations and start ups have something good to share with the world! Hosting an event or conference which delegates can either pay to attend or, attend for free, is one way of sharing. Whilst you may have a good lineup, unfortunately not all guests are able to attend. Travel and accommodation expenses often become inaccessible to individuals and smaller organisations.

There is a way to ensure those who want to engage with your conference can still be part of it; even if they aren’t there physically – live streaming your event.

Audiences from around the world, will see and hear every word from the speaker, even though they are in another location.

The challenges of holding an online conference

Associated costs

Many organisers think twice before holding an online conference because of cost. This can be overcome by either finding sponsorship for this part of the event and allocating either product placement or 10-30 second advertisements in relevant sections or, incorporating a pay per view option on the live stream. Pay per view is simple and accessible and is common practice nowadays.

Organisers can make money from an audience who are not there by requiring them to pay a one off fee to be able to view the conference live online.

Maintaining audience engagement and attention

Another challenge is keeping the attention of the online audience. Often, only one camera angle however, the audience are likely to get bored, regardless of how interesting the topic is. Offering multiple camera angles and good audio will maintain the attention of your online audience whilst they engage with you and your brand.

This should provide substantial and clear views of the audience, props, projection screens, and other visual aids, which can be difficult to see if you’re only using one angle.

Choosing an online platform

Where to stream online also poses a challenge to some organisers. It is important to assess where your audience tend to engage. Are they the Facebook generation or do they prefer to visit your website and engage with you this way. It is possible to stream to multiple platforms. If you find your audience engage in several ways, it is possible to stream to a combination of platforms, including: YouTube, Facebook, Livestream, Twitch, your website and more.

A steady and stable internet connection is key to a successful live stream.

Video on immediate playback

Last but not least, there is also the challenge of distributing materials. Some audience members may want a recording of the conference. Modern live streaming software will record your event as your online audience are viewing it which is available immediately after the event. This makes for easy distribution of fresh content. You also have a professional copy of the day, as it was seen, with good audio and camera work, meaning your content is easier to share, as opposed to a delegate who recorded on their phone. Depending on which platform you choose to use, your content may be available on instant pause, rewind and playback.

Live streaming your event is our specialty

We are Red Shell Productions and we specialise in end-to-end live streaming events. From graduations to weddings to press events, if you have an event, we can cover it. Call us on 0121 667 8977 or email info@redshellproductions.co.uk

Distance is no longer an issue when it comes to conferences nowadays. Technology has found a way to bridge the gap; use it to your advantage and bring the conference to the audience if they can’t come to you.

Live streaming graduation: Playback anytime, anywhere

A graduation may be by itself just a simple ceremony; however it comes at the end of years of hard work and sacrifice. For someone who have reached graduation, it means success, the beginning a new chapter in life, and to some extent it can even mean freedom.

There is no understating the importance a graduation ceremony. The sad fact is that not all who have been with that person through thick and thin may be able to attend that graduation. Prior commitments, time constraints, location and seating within the venue are just a few reasons loved ones can’t attend a ceremony.

However, there is a way to make sure they still get to see the memorable event as it happens; live streaming.

The advantages of live streaming graduation

Money saved for the audience far away – Attending a graduation in another part of the country, or another country altogether, will cost money, sometimes too much. There’s airfare to consider, accommodation, meals, etc.

Sharing of videos – Graduations live streamed through social media platforms are easily shared. Even if you choose to live stream to your website, sharing links on social media is really accessible and makes sharing those moments even easier. Online audiences can form their own supportive community through their comments, likes, shares, tweets etc.

No interruptions – When you live stream graduation, it is broadcast in a similar way to news coverage. The event can be paused live, rewound and played back later. This is ideal if you’d like to replay that proud moment.

No captured audience – Let’s be fair, you’re watching for the one or two family members or friends who are graduating. The graduation audience will sit through all the graduates names being announced whilst those online can continue their day once they’ve seen what they’d like to see.

Available for playback later on – It gets even better! After the live stream, the video is available on immediate playback. You can play back anytime, from any device, as long as there is an Internet connection. And yes, you can skip any boring parts to get to the section that is really important you.

For many, graduation is a once-in-lifetime event. The good news is that you can experience it again and again via video. Live stream that graduation and have your own copy, keep those memories fresh and available whenever you want them to be.

Our experience when it comes to live streaming graduation

We have good credentials when it comes to covering graduations. We currently live stream graduations for a local University as well as other events they host throughout the year.

To discuss your live streaming graduation, email info@redshellproductions.co.uk or call us on 0121 667 8977

Religious rituals live streaming in your marriage ceremony

Traditionally at Muslim weddings, the men and women remain separate during the marriage ceremony and often the reception. In order for the mehar; the formal marriage contract; to be accepted during the nikah; marriage contract ceremony; many brides send two witnesses as their representatives for the marriage and to formally accept the marriage terms. These are long-standing traditions. Most Muslim weddings still adhere to this today out of respect for the religion and the parties involved. Religious rituals live streaming is a great way for friends and family to be a part of this. Continue reading “Religious rituals live streaming in your marriage ceremony”

How Much Does Video Production Cost and Why?

One of the most commonly asked questions nowadays is: how expensive is video production? That’s a tough question to answer, for many reasons. Most people looking into video production services don’t understand the specifics needed for a video or subsequently which type of video they actually want.

We’ve tried to clarify the details involved in video production, along with a few useful tips to help you decide on the video you need.

Is All Video Production Expensive?

The term ‘you get what you pay for’ rings true in many circumstances. To put it in simple terms, generally, a mid to high range price tag will pay for itself through the higher quality of video and expertise of the camera operators. The longer it takes, the expertise you hire and the amount of production staff involved can all contribute towards increased cost. Video production doesn’t have to be expensive, and with a recent increase in popularity of video, the costs have gone down from previous times.

What Do Video Production Services Involve?

Most people don’t need a £50,000 video with a full production crew shot over months. Our services offer great quality for an affordable price. Take a look at what production services might involve:

Creating the concept of your video
Writing a script
Illustration and storyboards
Voiceovers, music and audio production
Hiring actors or having animation done
Cut-away shots (of your service or product, for example)
Equipment or location hire
Postproduction

These are just a few of the basics. It really depends on how detailed and intricate a video you’d like. The longer the video, the more it costs. The more people needed to complete the production of the video, the higher the cost.

Tips You Need to Consider Before Video Production

You might increase the expense of using video production services by changing targets or by having unrealistic expectations. The best approach you can take is to set a reasonable budget, detail the end result you’d like to have and discuss it with your video production services.

Do:

Have a measurable end result or objective defined. If you’re unclear, your video will be equally unclear. For example: a viral video for brand exposure? Attract new clients? Gain credibility? Launch a service or product? Train?

Decide on who you want your audience to be. Have a clear target audience in mind for your brand and your objective.

Choose the type of video style. Do you need a presentation with an actor, an animated explainer, a seminar, etc.? Keep in mind that will also affect the length (and the cost).

Don’t:

Be unbending if changes are needed on your video. When you hire a video production service, you’re hiring their professionalism and expertise. Some of your ideas might have to be adjusted to meet your objectives.

Forget to have a precise call-to-action. Do you want your audience to visit your landing page, buy your services or product, engage on social media or increase your online visibility?

Run over your deadline. You might be a perfectionist, but past the deadline is synonymous with over budget.

We hope we’ve given you a clearer idea of what video production services involve and that you’ve found our tips useful. For more information and a free no obligation quote on any video production you require, call us on 0121 6677 898 or email info@redshellproductions.co.uk

10 Top Questions to Ask Your Wedding Videographer

It’s one of the most important days in your life: your wedding. And you want to document it, to have a treasure trove of memories to look back on without flaws. A marriage movie you can watch again and again.

Most people have no idea how to go about finding that perfect wedding videographer or what to ask them. Take a look at our top 10 questions for wedding videographers to help you meet the videographer who will highlight the best of your wedding moments.

1.) What sets you apart from hundreds of other wedding videographers?

This is asking for more than a sales pitch; it involves personality and expression. If they seem as if they’re reciting their wedding videography resume from a script, or get offended, it can tell you a lot.

2.) Can you describe your style of wedding videography and what to expect?

A quite important aspect of videography is individual taste and style.

Pay attention to their description of style methods (i.e. cinematic videos are organized and edited to tell a story; a documentary style captures moments throughout the day); do they have an invasive presence; how they do lighting and sound; how many videographers; which parts of the wedding are shot; and what they prefer doing in postproduction.

It helps you to see if you are on the same page of wedding video expectation.

3.) What is included in the wedding video package and how is it delivered?

Many videographers have package deals, which might include both raw footage and the edited final copy. Delivery can be done via DVD, USB or online, depending on your preference.

4.) What are your wedding videographer qualifications?

To seed out the cousins of a friend who are ‘hobbyists,’ asking for credentials is fair for you to ask. It is your wedding and you deserve a professional to document your special day.

5.) Can you give me recommendations from other weddings?

Although they’ll probably only send you to the most positive of references, if you can, ask specific questions of the former clients. Such as “Did the videographer take requests?” or “Was the videographer intrusive or distracting?”

An insight into the person can let you get to know if they’ll film your wedding the way you need.

6.) How do you edit the wedding videos in postproduction?

There are typically 3 ways that are popular at the moment: clean, or straight shooting; documentary style; and cinematic, which uses overtly vivid colors, effects and artistic editing.

Ask about how they handle the sound and background music, which is a large component of a good video.

7.) What does your videographer’s price include?

A lot of brides are shocked at the price of professional wedding videography, but then are disappointed if they go with an amateur. To put it in perspective, professional videography prices include:

The highest level of professional equipment which includes external sound and lighting, and might include a second videographer (compared to a basic hand-held digital camera)

The latest and most innovative videography software, to ensure the end result is beautiful and captivating

Professional editing, which can take several weeks, depending on the length of the video

You can’t get the same quality from a videographer who just takes simple footage. It’s up to you what you’d prefer for your wedding.

8.) Can I see (or can you send me) a wedding video that is similar to what I want?

Wedding videos are important for the simple reason you can see if the videographer is good at compilation, or stellar at capturing a wedding’s unique personality. They don’t always go hand-in-hand. A videographer can be great at shooting time-lapses, but shoddy at shooting a wedding day.

You can also see if the videos reflect the particular wedding or the love story of the couples, or if they all appear to be the same film repeated. Again, it depends on your preference for your own wedding.

9.) Could you tell me about one of your favorite/worst weddings you shot?

This can show how much the videographer invests in weddings, generally. It can also give you a heads up on personality, and how well the videographer will mesh with you. It’s important, since you’ll be at one of your most stressed-out moments and they’ll be recording you every step of the way.

10.) How do you deal with disappointed wedding clients?

Even if there’s a contract, any discontent on either side needs to be addressed before the wedding. Finding out how well they deal with unhappy clients can aid you in making a decision.

We hope this top 10 list of questions for wedding videographers has been useful for you. To discuss filming or live streaming your wedding, email info@redshellproductions.co.uk or phone 0121 6677 898.

Educational Videos for business

Educational videos are another great way to show off your business, products, services, views, opinions etc. more. These videos tend to be a bit more indepth than a corporate promotional video. They can show you to be ‘ahead of the game’ in your field through your chosen content.

What are some of the benefits to educational videos?

Educational videos, when done correctly, prescribe information in an engaging and stimulating way.

Delivering your message by video is often more memorable and accessible and offers an alternative to extensive reading.

Providing information by video offers the opportunity to communicate debates and discussions in a more interactive, engaging way than reading long scripts.

By giving your view or opinion on a particular upcoming product, service or event etc. you offer the opportunity to show yourself as a reputable figure in your industry.

What types of educational videos for business can I consider?

Documentary style: If you are looking to; explain more about your company, include testimonials, use interview style questions with customers, or give a general feel of your brand, a documentary style video may be the way forward for your organisation.

Overview of your business, services or products: This could be a quick video to overview a particular service or product you offer in your organisation. Alternatively, it may also offer a brief overview about your company, what you stand for etc.

Website presenter: A website presenter can introduce visitors to your website and invite and encourage visitors to search more. This may include a few point of sale directions. For example, ‘find out more about our live event streaming services on our event streaming page’

If you’re considering a corporate educational video, contact Red Shell Productions on 0121 6677 898 or email info@redshellproductions.co.uk.

Online video marketing and production

Online video marketing incorporates the use of video to your marketing mix. This marketing method can be used to promote your brand, products or services. It is now said that video is shared more than any other kind of online content thereby increasing the urgency to start using online video marketing if you aren’t already. Sharing your product, service or brand through video provides the opportunity to send across your brand personality and gives your company the sense of being approachable and ‘human’, not ‘just another corporate’.

Incorporate video into your online marketing strategy

Inserting regular online video marketing makes your brand feel fresh and uploads regular interesting content. If you are for example in a trade such as building; uploading a quick video of your current project from your ipad or iphone is a cheap alternative to show regular and interesting projects you are working on. In addition, this demonstrates that you are a busy, active organisation. This shows prospectives a few things; you are good enough at what you do that you are prepared to show it off; that you love what you do and want to help others do it and; that you are actively seeking ways to engage with your audience in a more interactive way.

Lights, camera, action!

Red Shell Productions offer a bespoke video production service. We provide your video in broadcast quality and as part of our bespoke service will work to your timescales, attend the location’s you would like us to film for your video message and have a consultation. Our process usually goes something like this: