The Power of Simplicity

Several years ago Google’s Creative Lab came up with this video to showcase Google. So often I see people get caught up in the technological minutia of video production (or any other creative initiative), of any aspect of storytelling. Insecurity about their camera, their editing software, lighting…on and on. And here’s a video, needing none of this, just a bunch of text typed into a browser, and a few other shots of Google pages. I’m pretty sure all that was needed was a browser, OBS, and an editor (iMovie might’ve been powerful enough to create it).

The tools don’t matter. Only the story has value. You can tell a story with the most minimal gear. And, to be blunt, if you can tell a compelling story with the most basic tools, you’ll be more likely to be entrusted with bigger and better tools.

So, go, create! Tell your story with whatever you have. Your audience, your tribe awaits.

Need To Reduce A Video’s Size? VLC’s Got You!

I’ve used VLCfor years, since it’s a powerful video player (has most every codec out there…can play pretty much anything), but wasn’t aware I could use it to change formats or compress files. As I had some huge videos to upload to a WordPress site (which limits me to 500 MB…even after editing the php.ini file), I explored ways to shrink the files. Of course, I came up with a bunch of pay options. But, buried below the fold (fortunately on page 1 of SERP) was this video. And, boom, problem solved! I loved VLC before, and an am even bigger fan now.

A New Musical Discovery

I know that I mostly post poetry, and more specifically haiku, here. However, music also holds a dear spot in my soul. So, discovering this video today thrilled me in many ways (I grew up on a regular diet of Simon & Garfunkle), and I wanted to share it with all of you.

It’s a version of Simon & Garfunkle’s “America” done by the Swedish duo First Aid Kit. Check out who’s in the audience.

Recommended Video: “Hey Tim”

So, this is a bit different post for me.

A friend of mine shared this video with me today. Just. Wow! First the artistry of the film shines brilliantly. The story, though, carries it to great heights.

So, clearly, I recommend it. Check it out, then let me know what you think. I hope you love it as much as I.

An Ad That Will Challenge Your Notion Of Community

Take members of diverse groups, provide a safe space for honesty, and you, too, can create a piece like this. Danish TV2 did a brilliant job in breaking down social barriers in this short (3 minute) video.

 

Video, Shoots, and Real Estate: Thoughts on the Future

Did a video shoot today with the owner of the company I now work for. It was his first video with a videographer, so he had to work though nervousness and his desire for perfection. I was quite pleased with how things went. And that he came away with a ton of ideas of how we can make the next one better.

Preparing got today reminded me of the one below, where I am on camera. I’ve been behind the scenes many, many times. I do like being in front of the camera, I should do more of that. Maybe, once I have my real estate license back, I’ll go full on into being a YouTube agent. One of many possibilities to explore.

So, the video below is one I made with the C & K Real Estate Team. I really enjoyed making it and have thought, many times, it would be a blast to do more.

What do you think? So many options, do little time.

Watch “How Unbox Therapy became the Biggest Tech Channel on YouTube” on YouTube

I stumbled upon this video today. Paddy Galloway does a great job in his analysis of Unbox Therapy, one of YouTube’s most popular tech channels. He gives some great insights for utilizing Youtube’s tools and algorithms to maximize your video’s presence.

A Video Recommendation: Anything Worthwhile Takes Time

As I’m want to do, and have received a modicum of fame for, let me start with a haiku:

Such a simple phrase:

“Anything Worthwhile Takes Time”

Not the common view

I’ve long followed Ms. Millman: somewhere around 7-8 years. A long time. And, considering the modern view of time, a VERY long time. Lot’s changed over that time. Especially me. As I keep moving forward, keep learning, keep trying to be better, I become better.