Original Post @ VidOpp.com: http://www.vidopp.com/the-future-of-video-in-journalism/

There is a good analysis of the future of video-based journalism in The Digital Journalist that raises a number of good points.  A few of the topics we thought were most interesting were:

OMNI-SKILLED vs. SPECIALIST DEBATE.

We feel that it’s best, for individuals and staffs, to be thoroughly trained in shooting, editing and producing video – so they understand the medium’s strengths and weaknesses – but ultimately there will be plenty of room for those who shine solely as shooters or editors or producers.

FREELANCE VJs / ENTREPRENEURS.

To succeed in this arena, you’ll need to build your online portfolio of self-assigned pieces to use as work samples, and then become savvy at generating and pitching irresistible story ideas to appropriate outlets. 

LONGER VIDEO STORIES.

Just as we’ve read terrific five-paragraph items AND 5,000-word New Yorker exposes, we’ve seen great minute-long videos AND great hour-long videos. 

There is a lot of thought-provoking material there - check it out at The Future of Videojournalism - The Digital Journalist

May 15th, 2009 · No Comments

There was a good post today about Golden Rules for Journalists - I think they apply equally to producing video ads and contest entries.  My favorites were ones I find myself breaking too often:

• Golden Rule 7: Remember 80:20 ratio (80 percent should be b-roll and 20 percent should be interviews)
• Golden Rule 3: Do not move the camera when shooting (unless you are an advanced videographer)
• Golden Rule 2: Hold every shot for 10 seconds

10 Golden Rules for Video Journalists | Ricochet by Chrys Wu

Original Post (May 10th): http://www.vidopp.com/advertisers-have-online-video-all-wrong/

Nalts is a web video pioneer and an early video contest enthusiast.  In this article he laments that corporate marketers have not embraced online video advertising, and presents 7 tips for improving the business use of online video. 

The answer is simple: We marketers are still dipping our toes in the water, and holding online video to greater scrutiny than the rest of our marketing mix. We did the same thing with banner ads and paid search — and it’s not entirely our fault. It took years for the big bucks to move from radio to TV. It’s Darwinian, really. I’d rather let my competitor be the first to sample lettuce and poison ivy, and I’ll confidently consume what’s left on the plate that didn’t kill him.

As I often say, I’m not the smartest marketing director or the best online-video “star.” But I am a rare human who manages a P&L by day and by night has more than 70 million views as “Nalts,” one of online video’s most-viewed comedians (and I use that term generously). I also participate with Hitviews, a NYC company that helps brands partner with top online “stars” for sponsored videos, product placement and other promotions. I’ve been tracking the rapidly changing online-video advertising space on my blog for three years, and I have a few tips for my fellow Ad Age readers.

Tip 1: Adapt tactics by content tier
Tip 2: Expect video to boost awareness and intent
Tip 3: Find a good online-video media buyer. Look hard
Tip 4: Don’t search for an audience; find someone that has one
Tip 5: Watch out for popular video ’stars’ with no experience
Tip 6: Use the old ‘one-two punch’ of ads and sponsorships
Tip 7: Measure the right stuff

Read the full article if you are considering using video for business marketing, and the comments as well. 

Online Video: Why We Advertisers Have It All Wrong - Advertising Age - DigitalNext

Original Post: http://www.vidopp.com/rules-for-successful-web-video-marketing/

May 7th, 2009 - By Douglas Ireland

Seth Godin is a legendary marketer.  In this article he examines how online video can be used by corporate marketers: 

TV advertisers are finally discovering that YouTube + viral imagination = free media.

The good news for you is that money is not a barrier, which means that marketers of any size can play. But the rules are different, as they always are online.

Because media is free but attention is not (this is flipped from TV world) you need to make a different sort of ad for a different sort of audience.

Seth’s Blog: Making commercials for the web