​If you’re a business, organization, or a foundation you more than likely have thought about using video for promotional purposes. I highly suggest you hire a professional videographer to do the video work for you. You may have a decent camera laying around at home, but trust me, it’s not the tool that is being used, it’s the highly-trained professional behind the camera that counts. Here are a few points you should consider when looking to hire a videographer for your promotional needs.
1.How long has the videographer been a videographer? Now days people who pick up a camera for a few weeks think they are true professional. One needs to know how to light a particular scene, whether it be for interview purposes or for broll also known as (video footage). Does the videographer come out to conduct a site survey of the location? Completing a site survey can really help with production. If the videographer knows the layout of the area, they can be better prepared for shots that deal with light and other production needs.
2.Does the videographer have any work they can show you? And if they do, do they have any samples that relate to your vision for promotion?
3.Who has the videographer worked for in the past, and do they come highly recommended? Are they known for a quick turnaround if needed? How is the quality of their work?
4.Will they be renting the equipment (most do) but now days equipment is affordable. If you hire someone who has their own equipment they more than likely will not pass on the equipment cost to you like those who rent equipment. Also, hiring a videographer who has their own equipment will know their equipment very well oppose to trying to learn new equipment on the job.
5.Is the videographer willing to meet in person to go over ideas? Many clients want to have a face-to-face conversation with who they hire.
There are many more things to consider but these top points will stir you in the right direction. Feel free to email me any questions at jeffrey.jeffreycookvideography.com or visit my website at www.jeffreycookvideography.com

​Client SHOUTOUT!

After I met with my digital marketer, Selene Kinder of Kinder Media CO. last night, I decided to stop by and see how one of my clients was doing, Señor Ají Peruvian Bistro of Fresno. Well, the restaurant was packed and I couldn’t be happier. When I spoke to one of the co-owners, she explained to me that the video I produced for them a month ago, has had over 18,000 views, 48 comments and 60 shares on Facebook alone, I couldn’t be happier for them. Their food is fantastic, and it is what was needed in northwest Fresno. If you haven’t already visited them, their address is:  6701 N Milburn Ave #130, Fresno, CA 93722

My mission is to help elevate local businesses such as Señor Ají Peruvian Bistro of Fresno. Creating videos that showcase what businesses offer and then placing that video on Facebook is a win win. The cost is low and the ROI is high.

Have a great Friday everyone!

Have you ever needed to add a voice-over to your beautifully shot video? Sure, you have, and I bet you may have even thought of completing the voice-over yourself. If you’re anything like me, that thought soon went out the window. You may have a good voice, but to tell you the truth, you’ll need a great voice with great talent. What do I mean? I mean voice-over work is an art form. It takes speaking to a totally different level. A voice-over talent needs to emphasize certain words, use inflection, and know what they are doing. You want your audio to be just as good as your images, right? There is nothing worse than an inexperienced voice-over that deflates well shot footage.

I would like to share a voice-over company with you that has yielded great results for me and my clients…. Speedy Spots. Speedy Spots is an online company that has been around for several years. This is how it works. They have several different talents to choose from. You may be interested in using a male voice for your PSA, no problem they have that covered. They also have several female voices to choose from as well. You may ask, “How about Spanish voice-overs,” they have that too, both male and female. Speedy Spots is a one stop shop for all your voice-over needs. They can do characters, children, even urban voice-overs. The best thing is that they live up to their name. You can easily get your script to them and have it completed in the same day.

First you choose the talent you want to read your script. You then submit your script online and explain how long you want the script to read for. I usually read the script before that way I know how much I will be charged. A :30 spot goes for $35. That is amazing, if you ask me. I am no getting paid by Speedy Spots, I am just very happy I have found this company and wanted to share it with others.

Speedy Spots has really made my life that much easier. I can rely on several different talented people who can deliver the goods within a day. This means I do not have to invest in voice-over microphones and I do not need to train myself to do voice-over work. If they have a question regarding the script, they will call you to confirm and I think that is great.

Your clients will definitely be impressed, and the work will be that much better. Check them out at www.speedyspots.com