Tag: video editing

  • 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 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 to connect@cheptiony.com

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

    Follow me on twitter @cheptiony 

     

  • Increase Your Chances of Getting Freelance Video Jobs with Storyboard

    Any seasoned video producer will tell you they don\’t need a storyboard in order to create a video- and that script is enough. Well, me being one of them, I agree that it is possible to work on  a video without a storyboard. But how do you make yourself stand out from others in this competitive industry and command a bigger pay-especially when proposing? Well you have to be creative enough to show your  prospect that you are organized. Having in mind that not every editor/producer breaks down the process they use when working on their videos, you need to utilize this as your strength and make yourself stand out in the market. And Storyboard can be your savior. Here are reasons why storyboard will help you stand out.

    Storyboard works best for clients who have never worked on a video before 

    Most new clients who have never worked on a video with someone before; are clueless on how to go about it. And for them to trust you, you need to take them step by step on the process. If they are willing to provide the script, then you can introduce them to \’storyboarding\’ where they will have a clear picture on how the video will come out. This way, they will view you as an expert; besides, they will feel a sense of ownership as they will get a chance to contribute to it.

    Storyboard is good for videos that require royalty free videos 

    Now, sometimes as a video producer, your royalty free video choices for different parts of a video may not be what your client wants. This thus means that if you had purchased the footage, you will have to dig deeper to your pockets and purchase an alternative footage to replace it. To avoid this, creating a storyboard and sharing links to videos you  propose to use is very crucial as you will have advance client approval before purchasing them.

    Storyboard will help you stop guessing 

    If you are working on a technical video, sometimes, in some sections, you need to consult the client to clarify some terms and thus help you create a scene to reflect the meaning. Storyboard will be the best medium to raise such questions. Clients love this as they get also to contribute towards the production of the video. You only need to a good listener here.

    Storyboard is the avenue to win the heart of your client 

    Now, the first thing to do when your client agrees on a storyboard, is to propose to them that you can use online collaboration tools where changes can be reviewed in real time. In this case, the best tool to use for story board is Google slides. Even if you have worn the contract, don\’t stop showing to your client how professional and experienced you are by action. This way, he/she will trust you opinion on matters that are not even related to your line of expertise. Be that guy that can be trusted to not only deliver, but deliver to satisfaction.

    And this will in turn lead to repeat business and before you know, you will have more work and less stressful marketing.

    That\’s all from me here today. Till next time, bye and take care:-)

    If you need professional help on video, let me know by sending me an e-mail on connect@cheptiony.com

    Don\’t forget to give me a thumbs up and leave a comment below.

    Also, follow me on twitter @cheptiony

  • Invest on a 27inch Screen or Higher for Editing Videos Today

    Now, if you are video editor and your NEW clients have never requested for an Ultra high definition (UHD) 4K video, then you probably have no idea why you should invest in a 27 Inch monitor/computer or higher.

    But, that\’s not all, it has to be a COi3 or higher system with a minimum of 6GB RAM to fully enjoy it the services it gives. For those new to this subject, Please go first and read video-resolution-definitions-on-demand-in-2018 to understand more.

    Freelancers who currently own a 21 Inch or 24 Inch screen that they use for video editing and they think it can render 4K video, they will be shocked when a client hires them to edit and produce video only to find that they  \’can\’t create a project\’ leave alone rendering/exporting.

    You see, when you try to enter a custom resolution dimensions on any editing program, the program crashes or cannot play a video project created in 4k output monitor.  Here is a summary of the reasons you should invest in a 27 Inch screens.

    Editing 4K Videos with it is Smooth and Seamless 

    Now, this varies with the R.A.M. If  the computer RAM is higher than 8GB, your video will never lag when editing compared to lower RAM. I mean, you will play videos from the editing suite smoothly without grinning and swearing several times that your computer is hanging:-). That is why iMac Coi5 27Inch comes with RAM of 8GB and higher.

    Previewing 4K Videos With it is Breath-taking 

    If you have your video rendered in 4K and you try to play in a screen with a resolution lower than 3840 x 2160, you will think that the video has scratches. This is because the monitor is unable to handle the resolution in full screen. This is opposite if you are doing this on a 27inch screen.

    Rendering 4K Videos With it is Seamless and Takes Shorter Time 

    I have tried once to render a video in 4k with a 24inch screen in Camtasia and the computer crashed. I was lucky to open to the project at start. I noted also that you can\’t create a project on Camtasia with 4k resolution dimensions if your monitor is less than 27 Inch.

    Its Best for Capturing Screens in 4k 

    If you have a screen less than 27inch, then it\’s impossible to capture full 4K resolution screencasts. You may do full screen with a 24 Inch but when you import it to a 4K resolution timeline, you will have to stretch it for it to fit into  the screen. This will affect the final video resolution as it looses quality from stretching. There are many other several advantages of investing in a 27 inch screen. I have been using a 27Inch screen monitor and the results that I get from it is enormous. When doing animations in FHD on After effects, the video plays seamlessly, something that I was not getting from a 24Inch coi5 monitor.

    As, I close, if your step up and use this Kick ass monitor- editing FHD videos will be a child play to you:-)

    That\’s it from me today. Till next time, bye bye and take care. And if you need help with anything on video, get in touch with me here 🙂

    If you need professional help on video, let me know by sending me an e-mail on connect@cheptiony.com

    Follow me on twitter @cheptiony 

  • Video Resolution Definitions On Demand Today

    Every year, there is a software Upgrade in video production which in many ways makes the existing software obsolete. Some feature upgrades may sound basic but very crucial for you to remain relevant in the market as a video producer.

    When exporting the video that you have edited, there are two main things that one looks at; Video resolution and video format. This two determines the video clarity and the size of your final video output. In this post, I will be exploring video resolution quality currently on high demand in the market.

    UHD 4k (Ultra High Definition 4K) 

    This video resolution quality is gaining a lot of demand especially on youtube and is being used a lot by veteran Youtubers who have a huge subscriber base. It has a dimensions of 3840 x 2160 pixels or 4096 x 2160 pixels.  Even though most video producers claim that it makes no difference to render video in 4k vs the common 1080P/i, for the fact that most viewers watch videos on mobile phones, a lot of people still choose the 4k resolution. Most of them say that their videos are viewed in 4K resolution screens i.e Televisions.  If you are a video producer, you might miss a lot of business opportunities because of your inability to offer something new in the market which is the 4K videos. I recommend you invest in a 27Inc monitor and at-least 8GB RAM on your PC for fast rendering speed.

    NOTE: For videos recorded on Location, it has to be done in UHD 4k or rather the camera has to have the 4K recording ability. Stretching a 1080P video may work in some scenarios but the output quality when played in some of the machines will look  pixelated.

    UHD 2k (Ultra High Definition 2K) 

    This is an alternative of the 4K video. It has dimensions of 2048×1080 Pixels. Most clients will choose this option if  you are unable to render in 4K quality. For this, you need at least a 24 Inch screen. In Screen-casting, this kind of resolution is best for capturing the video and later editing it to suite your clients needs. Screen recordings captured in UHD and edited into HD is very clear. Note that the final render size on the disc is slightly small compared to the 4K quality.

    FHD (Full High Definition 1080p/1080i) 

    Note: There are other new sets of U.H.D videos. These are 6K (6144×3072 pixels) and 8K (7,680×4,320 pixels) and are commonly used in concept Televisions and projectors.

    That\’s it for today. If you have any question, please post it on the comments below. If you need help to create a quality video contact me here. Till next time, have a great time and take care.

    Almost every computer can export video in HD including Phones. It\’s definition is 1920×1080 Pixels. Most phone gadgets can also capture video in HD at 15fps. With this said, when the same video is edited, the final resolution is quite distorted because of other features like ISO and more. FHD is the current standard video resolution most people love. When it\’s rendered in .mp4, the size is small and you can carry it around easily. Remember you can resort to use H.D 1280×720, if you are after a smaller size video in high quality. So, are you ready to upgrade your videos to UHD?

    Follow me on twitter @cheptiony 

  • Top Client Tips to Hiring a Professional Video Editing Freelancer

    Before hiring a freelancer to help you edit your video, have this in mind – Effective and impactful videos are simple and clean. A bunch of animations and VFX will not help anything if the video content is not clearly structured. This requires that the producer or writer spends a lot of time working on the video idea before proceeding to produce the video.

    If you are a newbie client with no idea on the video production process- and intend to hire a professional video editor-hang on. With 7 years of experience in the video production industry, here are my top tips to help you identify the right video editor for your project.

    Have in Handy Video Assets

    Video assets is everything when it comes to  video editing. It will vary depending on the kind of video you want the freelancer to work on. It ranges from logo, videos, images, music and audio recordings. This will help the editor understand the kind of message you want to pass on. If it’s screen-cast videos, they will ask for access to the app or software.

    Prepare Video Script or Hire A scriptwriter to help

    Script is very important as it gives a clear direction on how the video will come out. Script can be in text or storyboard format with images/video screenshots added on it. This can be created on PowerPoint with text inserted on the notes section of the presentation. If it’s footage being edited, you will need to supply the instructions in writing of time-codes you want cut out as well as sections you want retained. This will not only save the editor time, but it will save you time that you could have spent in back a forth revision requests with the editor.

    Set Delivery Timelines

    When planning to hire a video editor, you obviously have a timeline in mind. Professional freelance editors will advise you otherwise if your timeline request is not reasonable or is not fitting to their schedule. Anyone who is committed to delivering quality will rather forfeit the job than take it and deliver trash. It’s therefore important to check if the editor is requesting to know delivery expectation before accepting to proceed and edit.

    Pay in Milestones

    Don’t be scared if the freelancer asks that you make a milestone deposit before he/she starts working. Milestones motivates them to focus on your project besides strengthening the trust that they have for you as a client. Once you are happy to go with a particular freelancer, hire them and deposit funds on escrow. You can  release them when you are happy with the final video delivery.

    A professional video editor is someone who has produced videos similar to what you are looking for in the past. If you are looking for a particular style of videos, he will be in a position to provide links to related videos he/she has done in the past. This will not only speed up your hiring process as a client, but you will know how much you can ask for from the editor.

    Leave a Positive Review For The Good Job

    And finally, he will ask for a review when job is completed and your are happy:-).

    Don\’t hesitate to give him/her 5 stars for the good job. This way, you will help him attract more awesome clients just like you! Let’s continue making internet safe haven to do business.

    If you need professional help on video, you can chat and request a free quote here.

    Don’t forget to give this post a thumbs up and leave a comment below.

    Also, follow me on twitter @cheptionymutai

    Till next time, bye bye and take care.

  • 4 things Every Client Should Know Before Hiring a Screencast Video Tutorial Producer or Editor

    Every client would love to work with an expert  in wherever field they need help. The catch is; it comes with a price, and not everyone  willing to pay it. The same case applies to finding a professional screen-cast video editor or producer. If you are scouting for one, please read the following article to the end before you decide on who to go with.

    Here are 3 main things a professional screen-cast video producer should request from you(client) before  starting.

    Note: Most these items can be provided by the editor or producer based on  agreement.

    Script

    A professional screencast video producer uses a written script or an outline provided by the client to produce the video. There are many reasons as to why I recommend this. One is because, video scripting cuts the presentation time by half. One is able to save time by focusing on the most important features or sections of a software or a website and probably break down the presentation into sections where viewer can choose to watch a section they would want only.

    Professional Voice Over

    Voice over is very crucial as it explains what’s is happening on the screen. Some video editors are native English speakers and can do the presentations easily in a flawless manner. But this will not be appealing if professional quality equipment is not used in recording the voice over thus its important to consider hiring a professional voice over to record your script. Professional screencast video producers can source this on your behalf on freelancing sites like Upwork and Fiverr.

    Delivery Timelines

    Any professional screencast video producer is able to advise you on how long it will take to deliver your video. This will be based on if you provide the script, the expected video duration and whether the script you have needs a professional voice or not. Usually a 2-5 Minutes video tutorial takes 1-3 days to complete and deliver.

    Video Quality You Need

    As a client, you must know from the onset the quality of video you expect from the video producer you hire. This way, you will know if the editor is able to delivering the same. Video quality ranges from HD, FHD(Full HD) and UHD 2k,4k (Ultra HD).

    And that’s it. If you are able to get answers to these things upfront from the editor/producer, you are good to proceed to the next stage of hiring him/her to produce your video tutorial(s). Of-course, you must understand each other clearly when communicating in order to save time and speed up the process of production. Since business is all about building relationships, it is important to work with someone you can freely contact in times of need without a second thought.

    If you need professional help on video, let me know on here.

    Don’t forget to leave a comment below.

    Also, follow me on twitter @cheptionymutai

    Till next time, bye bye and take care.

  • Five things to Improve in your Screencast Instructional Video tutorials

    If you own a software, application, website, program then at some point you have used a screencast video tutorial to demonstrate to your users how your product works.

    But over time, the style of presenting these screencast instructional videos have evolved. Marketers are now using more sophisticated presentation styles to win the confidence of their customers.

    But this without proper preparation is a total waste of time and resources. At the end of the presentation, your target needs to be able to understand how your product works. The message has to be conveyed in the shortest time possible.

    Over the years, I have found out that most instructional video tutorials fail to retain viewer attention because of the following reasons;

    Sound Quality

    The presenter may have an accent that is not clearly understood by everyone.

    On the other had, most presenters lack proper equipment to use in recording the videos thus the voice is distorted with lots of background noise.

    This thus lead to boredom and may make your customer loose interest in watching the video besides not taking you serious.

    Video Length

    Some presenters repeat themselves without knowing and end up with a long tutorial which if proper planning or scripting was done, the information could have been presented in half the time.

    This is costly if you are dealing with high end customers who have less time to watch the video clip.

    Screen Recording Settings

    Good understanding on best recording and rendering settings is the key to producing a high resolution video.

    Someone with no knowledge in video production may not know this and will end up producing low quality video.

    It will take a professional video producer to record a high resolution screencast video.

    More Videos Means Good SEO

    Everything you do must be duplicable especially if the tutorial being produced is to be published on YouTube.

    It starts with scripting. If you take time to segment your software videos into sections, it will help you reach out to more new customers because you will have several videos posted online.

    For instance \’how to add a product to your site on (your website)\’ may get you ranking on YouTube or google.

    Branding

    Besides using the tutorial to support your existing customers, its crucial to consider branding it in order to market you company to new customers. Branding displays professionalism and will make new prospects to take you seriously.

    There are many other things that if you consider when planning to produce a screencast video, will help you archive your expected results besides ranking high on the search engines.

    Of-course I have mastered the art of producing screen-cast video tutorials. If you need professional help, you can request a quote for free here. 

    Don\’t forget to give me a thumbs up and leave a comment below.

    Follow me on X @cheptionymutai