Category: VIDEO PRODUCTION

Tips and Advise on Video Production

  • 3 Commonly Used Styles to Splice Up Video Presentations

    Before I start writing today\’s blog-post, I will like to wish you a happy new year 2019. Let\’s toast for more Good Life. More love. More success and fulfillment. And most importantly more Freedom to enjoy life doing what we love most. Cheers!

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    Photo by 焝 éč€æ§ on Pexels.com

    Now with that said, lets dive in. There is a secret in video marketing called \’Pattern Interruption.\’ It\’s commonly used in Video Sales Letters. Successful online video marketers utilize it in their videos. It is a psychological trigger that arouses the subconscious part of the brain. This works best on long versions of sales letters.

    In other words, pattern interruption is meant to excite you and make you interested in learning more. This technique varies. For longer videos, it\’s more of the \’story-line,\’ while for shorter videos, it\’s the video effects, transitions and sound effects. Here is a list of common ways that you can use to splice up your videos and eliminate monotony.

    1. Custom Video Transitions 

    Note that we have video transitions that comes along with the video editing software. I am not talking about those. I am talking of the custom made ones. This is where your creativity comes in. Most of these transitions take less than 1 second or 25 frames. It\’s that fast. You have to be creative and think outside the box in order to come up with your own transition using the tools inside video editing suite.

    Expert Advise: Do not use more that 3 different transitions in a video. It\’s unprofessional. People will think that you are trying hard to sell on them. This is unless its animation.

    2. Video effects 

    This is common when working on motion graphics content. You may add particles, bubbles and even change color to suite the requirements. This works well for film trailers and it bring in certain feeling in the video.

    3. Sound Effects 

    No trailer is exciting to watch if it has no sound effects. It makes the video very pleasing to watch. It goes hand in hand with video transitions and effects. For longer videos, try to limit use of sound effects to be within the first 2.5 Mins.

    Bonus 

    Story-line pattern is another way to splice a video. For instance, if you are working on a 30 minutes Video Sales Letter, changing the story-line and throwing in different videos in intervals is crucial to break the monotony. You can integrate interviews of people whom you have solved their problems in between as well as testimonials.

    And that is it.

    Do you know of any other way to splice up your video presentations? Share it in the comments section.

    If you need help to create a professional video, let me know here.

    Until next time, bye bye and take care.

    Follow me on twitter @cheptiony

  • Top 5 Free and Paid Video Resources That Made Me Money in 2018

    Many video producers will keep secret of their video resources because that is where they make their dollars. Ok, who wouldn\’t? That\’s how to remain relevant in the market.

    Now, note that without regular research and updates- these resources will become obsolete someday. Market and trends change. This means that video producers who relied on these resources will loose their market value.

    But here is the good news, some sources are always reliable enough in terms of market adaptability. In this blog post, I will share with you top 5 resources that made me money in 2018. Hope you can also utilize the same resources to make the most in the year 2019.

    1. Free \’No Watermark\’ Video Resources

    Earlier in the year, I wrote a detailed blog-post on this which attracted a lot of responses from readers on Four websites to Download Free no watermark videos. Kindly click on the link to learn more. These 4 websites are my best.

    2. Free and Paid Motion Graphics Templates

    I purchase a lot of 2D animations and motion graphics templates on Videohive.  I have known videohive for more than 5 years. When you register, they will send you 2 free video templates each month with license to use them without any obligation. This is awesome. New templates are uploaded each month.

    3. Audio Jungle

    Audio Jungle is part of videohive. Here you will find high quality royalty free music tracks to use in any of your videos. The site also has sound effects that you can incorporate in your videos. I bet you will love
    sound tracks from audio jungle.

    4. 2D Animations

    I use Animaker and goanimate (now vyond). Both software\’s are hosted remotely. You can create nice 2D animated videos with these two software\’s but have different pricing. I still prefer Animaker because of it\’s unique animated characters and lower pricing. But then again, it depends, I always pick one of them based on my clients budget.

    5. Free online video templates

    I found biteable later this year. I know it has been there. Those who were lucky enough to find this awesome site earlier have profited from this resource. Though I haven\’t used any of the video templates from this site, I have previewed existing templates and already like it.

    And that is it from me today.

    If you need help to create a professional videos, let me know here by requesting a free quote.

    Till next time, bye bye and take care.

    Follow me on twitter @cheptiony

  • 5 Steps to Kick-start Your Video Marketing Journey

    2019 is few days away from us. As you reflect on the challenges and lessons you learn\’t along the year 2018 in your business- take a moment to think about how you can include video element in marketing your business.

    You see, if you sell online and you have not started using video, then you are missing out on customers who take action after watching a video about your products or services.

    According to CISCO, 80% of all internet traffic will be video by 2021. Moreover, Google found that 70% of B2B buyers watch videos on their journey through the sales funnel.

    Does video sound like a good business lead? Of-course yes. So, how do you get started and consistently produce video content for your business on a regular basis at a price that is friendly to your pocket?

    Well, here are five steps to starting out your series of videos that your customers will like.

    STEP 1- Plan and Break Down the Services You Offer Into Bits 

    You first have to decide to include video as a marketing tool in your business. This decision has to be firm. Now, once you have done so, sit down and plan, what you intend to share with your existing and prospective customers. Your product or service must be something the adds value to peoples life. So sit down and write down short titles that may work well wit your product. e.g. Why buying a red carpet is perceived as good \’omen\’ in Chinese Fengshui tradition. This might work well to someone selling carpets. Later you can write scripts to expound more on it for the purpose of shooting the video. This will make your content powerful and pleasing to watch. Someone who is not intending to buy a carpet from you will still watch the video.

    STEP 2 – Appear on the video Speaking or Demonstrating How Your product Works

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    Photo by Julia M Cameron on Pexels.com

    This is very important. Prepare to appear on video as the director of the company or the owner of the store that is selling the product. There is no Excuses here. If you are shy, you will not sell. People will trust you more if they see your face. Moreover, they will be confident when buying the product as they are sure who to direct their complaints when the product fails. Many customers will go an extra mile to look for you on social media to confirm you are not a scammer.

    STEP 3 – Find a Good Videographer and Editor and Contract Them For a Long Term

    Now, remember that you are not doing one video and stopping there. You are publishing a series of videos. In this, I mean you may decide to publish 1 video every week .As a result, you will have 4 videos a month and 48 videos in a year. When looking for a video producer, discuss with them your vision. You will be surprised on how pocket friendly the cost will be. If you need help with this, let me know here. I can be you guy to manage your productions:-). If you are residing in another country or would prefer to hire someone remotely, I will advise you to use platforms like Upwork to find a skilled freelancer to work on your videos.

    STEP 4 – Don\’t Be Embarrassed by Your First Video. Publish it. Successful Video Marketers Started there 

    When you watch yourself on video for the first time, you seem to identify many mistakes like accent, shyness e.t.c. It\’s fine. It happens to many people. So, appreciate your small beginnings and be confident that you will overcome this with time. You define your originality from this. Don\’t let it fade. Let people know who you are without any exaggeration. Whoever will buy from you here will be a genuine a customer. And you will be motivated because they accept you for you.

    Step 5 – Use Customer Feedback to Grow Your Video Content 

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    Photo by Erik Mclean on Pexels.com

    Let\’s say you repair broken chairs and leather Sofas. When you show people what you do- before and after- they are thrilled and would want to learn more. So in the comments section of the video, you will see people asking question related to what you have just shared with them on video. This is good for two reasons. One, it motivates you to continue sharing videos. Two, it gives you ideas and leads for your next video. With time, you will not run out of ideas on what to do next. As a result, you will have grown customer base through engagements.

    These are 5 important steps to getting started.

    There are other many more and you will learn about them along the way once you get started. But the idea here is, to get started. That is very important.

    And 2019 is the best time!

    That\’s it.

    If you are looking for help to kick-start video marketing in your business by creating customer focused videos for your applications/software\’s/SaaS/website apps? I can help. Request a free quote here.

    You can follow me on twitter @cheptiony

    Until next time. Bye bye and take care.

  • 3 Keywords that will Attract Qualified Freelancers to Your Job

    Now, you might have heard that being very detailed in what you want when looking for a professional freelance video producer or editor is key. Sadly writing a long detailed job post may not help you find one. Irrespective of the freelancing site you use to find a freelancer, know that many other clients like you are looking for freelancers as well. This means that there is a huge competition to find a perfect freelancer. 

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    Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com

    If you don\’t use the correct keywords, you may find yourself editing and re-posting the same job post after failing to find the right match. 

    Expert freelancers-while sifting through freelance jobs- read titles first and check if it has the keywords related to his/her skills. If it does, he clicks on it to read more with an intention of applying/bidding. 

    So why does other clients get over 20 applicants in an hour while others takes more than 10 hours to get 10 applicants for a job in video production? 

    Well, besides the skills, payment verification check and client past reviews; freelancers look at how keen the client is in cutting the BS.

    In this I mean, if you write a long detailed description of your job post- freelancers are most likely to skip your post. This means you have to summarize your post if you want many qualified ones to bid. Here are 3 things that will get freelancers bidding for your job; 

    Narrow in the category of video production service you want 

     In video production, there are many sub categories namely, screen-casting,  videography(shooting video), video editing, Animations, 3 D animation, motion graphics and more. As a client, you know the type of video you are looking for. Name that in your title e.g Animated demo video for my mobile app. A freelancer with good skills in animations and specifically animations for mobile apps will be more drawn to apply for it. 

    Find one \’word\’ that describes the purpose of the video 

    Videos are created for different purposes. And when you mention the video purpose in your title using the right word, it will trigger creative part of the brain of the person reading. e.g In the example I have used above in point No.1, \’demo\’ is the purpose. This thus means that when a freelancer reads this in the tittle, before applying, he/she will ask himself, is this what I can create? That means if he/she decides to bid, he will provide examples related to that. And you can use the examples provided to narrow in your search. 

    Mention the results you expect after someone watches the video created

    Freelancing has evolved from the year 2010 to now. So, it means that freelancing sites have their own algorithms to help clients quickly find suitable freelancers. But this only works if you use the right keywords from the word go. Using an opposite keyword is a total disaster. It\’s like searching for \’truck\’ on google when you are actually looking for a pick up truck. It won\’t work. The same applies when looking for a freelancer. 

    I have seen clients use the right keyword on their titles, and one paragraph in the description with a small budget and the post attracted over 50 candidates. Such clients are guaranteed to find and hire the BEST freelancer who require little or no supervision at all. 

    And that is it from me today. 

    In-case you need help with hiring a video editor or video producer, you can request a free quote here. 

    Till next time, bye bye and take care. 

     You can follow me on twitter @cheptiony 

  • How to Eliminate Background Noise in Your Video Recording

    This will be one of the shortest blog post I have ever published. If you are reading this now, I am sure you are looking for the quickest way to eliminate audio noise in the video that you recorded.

    I recently found out a way to easily reduce or completely kill background noise in Adobe Premiere CC. 

    This quick trick best applies to audios which were recorded using a lapel/boom mic. 

    STEP 1

    Open the video project containing the  audio you want to edit. 

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    Open the video project

    STEP 2 

    Hover your mouse on the audio channel on your timeline. Expand to see the audio.  You will see R and L channels as shown in the screenshot below. 

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    STEP 3 

    Right click on the audio and select audio channels. 

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    select audio channels

    STEP 4 

    On the new window, choose a channel and click play to listen. You will find that one channel is clear than the other. 

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    STEP 5

    Once you find a clear channel, check on the correct boxes then click ok to confirm your changes.

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    Choose the clear channel from the (source) and then click ok to save

    You will notice the changes in your audio waves in the timeline. Also, you will notice that the audio channel which had most noises is eliminated. 

    That\’s it! 

    Till next time bye bye and take care! 

    If you need help with video edit, you can request a quote here.

    Follow me on twitter @cheptiony 

  • 3 Reasons Why You Should not Subcontract a Project you are Halfway Working on

    Lets say you are working on a project with a 5 day timeline. On your third day, you are done with the first draft of the video. You share it with your client. Your client is impressed but still need few changes.

    While you plan to make the changes, you receive a call from a different client who wants you to go out and film something for him/her for 2 days and it\’s urgent.  You don\’t want to disappoint the two because they trust your service. What will you do? 

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    Photo by Marc Mueller on Pexels.com

    In a scenario like this, you will have to forego one project and hire someone else to do it on your behalf. Now here comes the problem, some clients(especially in filming) insist that you be there yourself. This is where you have no option but to assign someone else the project you are currently editing.

    If you do so, you will be making a big and costly mistake unless you are assigning it to your assistant editor who works with you in the same office. Here are three reasons you should not hire another freelancer to continue with the project you started. 

    Delivery Time Will be Much Longer 

    Considering that it may take you 1 day to find a suitable freelancer to take over the project, having them understand the presentation style, idea and so forth will take you another 1-2 days. He/she will have to send you their version then you review it before sending it to the client. This will mean another 1-2 days back and forth. At the end, you will not have met the deadline. 

    Some Clients Will Notice the Change in Hands 

    Many online clients are very keen. By just watching the video, they will quickly notice that someone else made the changes/revisions. They ask questions like; The transition effect at 1.02 Minute is not smooth, did someone else edit this video? 

    You May End up Loosing Both Your Time and Money 

    Some freelancers are excellent at what they do but they lack one discipline- communication. They may communicate well during the interviewing process but end up taking more than 24 hours to respond to your messages when the delivery time comes. In such scenarios, you may resort to close the job and do it yourself bearing the pressure from your client. If you had made a down-payment, you will end up loosing both your time and money without any progress. 

    Conclusion 

    If you find yourself in a situation like this, it\’s important to discuss with your client on the possibilities of extending the delivery deadline. You will be surprised on how cooperative the client is in accepting your request. Such bold step displays your professionalism and honest. 

    And that is it from me today. Till next time, bye bye and take care. 

    Follow me on twitter @cheptiony 

    If you need help with screencast video production or audio productions, go to Techtube videostudio and request a free quote.

     

  • Top 5 Things Every Client Looks at Before Hiring a Freelance Video Producer

    First, get this – most clients who hire freelancers remotely was once freelancers themselves. They have been on the freelancing business and they know how it works. In-fact, some are still freelancers at time of their search. 

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    Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

    So what does this mean? It means that they are aware of most things happening in the freelancing world. As a result, they have a clear picture of the kind of freelancer they want to hire. 

    Even those clients who have little on no experience in the freelancing business, they are clever enough. They paint a clear picture (in their job brief) on the kind of freelancer they are looking for. 

    So, how do you ensure that you fit into their requirements? Well here are top 5 things that they look at before hiring. 

    The budget 

    Every client, have a budget for any video that they want produced unless they are doing something new for the first time. So, send your quote based on their budget-don\’t over quote. If you feel their budget is not enough, break down your quotation indicating the cost of the \’add-ons.\’ This way, the client will make their decision based on the value they will get.

    Your proposal

    First, your client will share a brief of what they want. Your response to the same is what will determine further communication with the client. Make sure you address their problem clearly and propose how you are going to solve their problem. 

    Timelines  

    Most clients have a set timeline for any of their project. If they don\’t, you have to be clever enough to propose one. By having timelines, you will commit yourself to complete the project thus saving time and allowing you to work on other important activities. 

    Communications 

    We are living in a generation where we rely a lot on e-mail communication because of many reasons one being that we live in different time-zones. That being said, you should let the client know the best time that they can chat and communicate with you either via call or e-mail for prompt response. Many clients will opt to work with a freelancer who communicates promptly. 

    Revisions/Iterations 

    This is the last thing that the client will consider. So, to be on the safe side, be clear on the number of revisions you offer. Also, indicate how much you charge if the revisions exceeds the number of free revisions. You will still get the job without mentioning this last point. But just do it anyway, it might be the only thing you need to get the contract.  

    Are you are client? what are some of the things that you consider before hiring a freelancer? Share it in the comments below. 

    Till next time, bye and take care. 

    And if you need help with video or hiring a freelancer, you can request a free quote here.  

    Follow me on twitter @cheptiony 

  • 5 Tips to Start and Grow a Screen-casting Video Business Remotely

    Like photography, anyone can do a screen cast video- all they need to have is a computer installed with a screen-casting software and headphones with a microphone to record their voice-Period! 

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    Photo by Brett Jordan on Pexels.com

    So, how can you make this a business if anyone can do it? Who will pay for a such service? 

    Well, here is a little secret, the companies which develops and distributes screencasting software\’s uses the keywords-easy to use and anyone can use– as their marketing hook. Many of those who have purchased and used any of the screen-casting software are surprised with what follows after they have recorded the screens that they needed with narration.

    They realize more is needed in terms of editing. e.g sections where there was some silence or where the is uhmms and uhs. Besides, some sections need to be highlighted and zoomed in. In other occasions the audio may need some cleaning up to reduce the background noise.

    This thus means, the user has to spend more time learning how to edit their recordings. This is besides other things like \’sharing settings.\’ At the end of the day, if he/she is a busy executive, he will have to spend a lot of time perfecting the video. This is not good when it comes to productivity. 

    With this awareness, you are able to begin your research on this niche to identify and segment target clients/markets for yourself. For example, SaaS businesses with high customer volume will prefer to hire a freelancer to help them handle their screen-casting projects in response Frequently Asked Questions by their customers.

    Here are 5 tips to help you start and build a successful business in screen-casting; 

    Do a Research On Areas Where Screen-casting is Used

    This may sound simple. Writing this down will surprise you even more. You will realize that the market is so wide. Coming into realization that clients with high volume customers will not mind spending money on your service will inspire you even more. 

    Produce Screen Casts\’ That Stands Out

    Why would someone pay you to produce something that they can do themselves apart from saving time? Make you presentations stand out by adding simple animations, motion graphics and more. 

    Be Good In Writing –Know how to script tutorials

    Now, some clients will ask you to script their tutorials (especially if it\’s a software) after familiarizing with it. You may miss this opportunity if you have poor skills in writing and do not like writing. Even if you do not like writing, partner with a fellow freelancer who can write and negotiate extra to accommodate their service. 

    Deliver With a Studio Quality Voice Over

    Not all of us have good voice or speak in native English accent. But will you miss opportunity because of this? No. Think outside box. If you don\’t know anyone you can contact to do voice over for you, sign up and hire a freelancer to handle this for you on sites like Upwork. 

    Scale Up Your Pricing Once You Have Gained Confidence in The Market

    When I started up as screen-cast video producer, I used to charge $30 for a 3 Minutes video. Since then, I have scaled up and now charge $500-1000 for same service and more advanced quality based on my experience. Busy professionals would rather pay more to someone who needs little or no supervisions once the deliverables are clearly defined. 

    Summary 

    Like any other niche, you will grow based on your tactics and ability to bring in more value to the service for more money. It\’s an art and the price is infinite. You choose how much you should charge. 

    That is it from me today. 

    Until next time, bye and take care. Once again, do a good job and You will be handsomely rewarded. 

    If you need help to produce professional screen-cast videos, you can request a free quote here.

    Follow me on twitter @cheptiony 

  • How to Create a Video from Scratch Using FREE \’Google\’ Images and videos and get Paid For it

    Now, let\’s say you meet a client online and he/she has the video script but is clueless on how to visualize script into a self explanatory video. Additionally, the client is not willing to appear on video or is working on a small budget thus can\’t pay for a shoot. How will you advise him or her after you have looked at the script? Will you dismiss the client and say you have no idea how to go about it?

    Of-course, as a  creative video editor or producer, you will not. But you will be surprised by the number of freelancers who dismiss jobs like these for the fear of creating something that the client will reject. 

    If you are one of them, this article will be very helpful to you. 

    Now, get this; by the time your prospect arrives into the decision of reaching up to you for help on his/her video project, it means that they value your skills and professionalism.

    Even if you have no clue on how to go about it (based on the script provided);  your must act professional.

    Here are my four steps to working on a project like this with confidence.

    Ask Your Client to Give you Time to Look into the Script

    When you receive an e-mail from a prospect- you get excited – and start imagining payment hitting your account before you even start the job:-). Some freelancers even accept a job without thoroughly analyzing their clients requirements. This is a big problem, and a seasoned client will quickly notice this.

    When  you find yourself in a such situation, be professional, even if you know how to go about the project- don\’t rush. This first impression will make you client handle you with respect you deserve.

    Do Your Research and Propose Different Video Presentation Styles

    YouTube is a good video resource with both short and long videos. This is the best reference point for your research. Pick out video styles that you know you will be in a position to produce. Then when getting back to the client, tell him/her that you are able to produce the video. Share the possible presentation styles you found out from your research on youtube.

    Most Videos are Produced Using Animated Clip Arts/Images 

    Depending the script and presentation style the client picks, utilize \’google search\’ to source free \’clip arts\’ for use in producing the video. At the end of the day, you want a fun to watch video that communicates. Most of these clip arts and images are free. You can modify them on photoshop to suite your clients color and theme. You can also use free no watermark videos.  Read the post on Four Best Websites to Download Free No Watermark HD Videos to Incorporate to Your Video Project and see where to download free videos.

    Close the Deal and Start Working on the Video

    The step above is enough to convince your client that you are able to produce the video. Serious client will ask you the cost of production right away.  This is most exciting part but don\’t be excited yet until your client commits-in this case a contract agreement. Charge him/her fairly and do a fantastic job you are proud of.

    So, next time a client contacts you with only a script; pause and do your research first before accepting to work on the project. You will be a surprised on how easy it is to produce the video.

    Till next time, bye, bye and take care. 

    If you need help with either scripting or producing a video from scratch using the script you have, let me know from the contacts us page here. Alternatively you can send me an e-mail to connect@cheptiony.com

    Otherwise, let me know what you think in the comments below. 

    Follow me on twitter @cheptiony 

     

  • How to Create a Video from Scratch Using FREE ‘Google’ Images and videos and get Paid For it

    Now, let\’s say you meet a client online and he/she has the video script but is clueless on how to visualize script into a self explanatory video. Additionally, the client is not willing to appear on video or is working on a small budget thus can\’t pay for a shoot. How will you advise him or her after you have looked at the script? Will you dismiss the client and say you have no idea how to go about it?

    Of-course, as a  creative video editor or producer, you will not. But you will be surprised by the number of freelancers who dismiss jobs like these for the fear of creating something that the client will reject. 

    If you are one of them, this article will be very helpful to you. 

    Now, get this; by the time your prospect arrives into the decision of reaching up to you for help on his/her video project, it means that they value your skills and professionalism.

    Even if you have no clue on how to go about it (based on the script provided);  your must act professional.

    Here are my four steps to working on a project like this with confidence.

    Ask Your Client to Give you Time to Look into the Script

    When you receive an e-mail from a prospect- you get excited – and start imagining payment hitting your account before you even start the job:-). Some freelancers even accept a job without thoroughly analyzing their clients requirements. This is a big problem, and a seasoned client will quickly notice this.

    When  you find yourself in a such situation, be professional, even if you know how to go about the project- don\’t rush. This first impression will make you client handle you with respect you deserve.

    Do Your Research and Propose Different Video Presentation Styles

    YouTube is a good video resource with both short and long videos. This is the best reference point for your research. Pick out video styles that you know you will be in a position to produce. Then when getting back to the client, tell him/her that you are able to produce the video. Share the possible presentation styles you found out from your research on youtube.

    Most Videos are Produced Using Animated Clip Arts/Images 

    Depending the script and presentation style the client picks, utilize ‘google search‘ to source free \’clip arts\’ for use in producing the video. At the end of the day, you want a fun to watch video that communicates. Most of these clip arts and images are free. You can modify them on photoshop to suite your clients color and theme. You can also use free no watermark videos.  Read the post on Four Best Websites to Download Free No Watermark HD Videos to Incorporate to Your Video Project and see where to download free videos.

    Close the Deal and Start Working on the Video

    The step above is enough to convince your client that you are able to produce the video. Serious client will ask you the cost of production right away.  This is most exciting part but don\’t be excited yet until your client commits-in this case a contract agreement. Charge him/her fairly and do a fantastic job you are proud of.

    So, next time a client contacts you with only a script; pause and do your research first before accepting to work on the project. You will be a surprised on how easy it is to produce the video.

    Till next time, bye, bye and take care. 

    If you need help with either scripting or producing a video from scratch using the script you have, let me know from the contacts us page here. Alternatively you can send me an e-mail here.

    Otherwise, let me know what you think in the comments below. 

    Follow me on twitter @cheptionymutai