Ready for Video?

Ready for your screen test?  From what I have seen lately, many Realtors are camera shy while a small group is off and running with their own video productions.  Recording in front of a just sold, interviewing with clients, and  reporting from talking heads characterize the early round of video among work by real estate agents.   I even know of an agent who routinely films an update while she is driving around her market (not sure I recommend that approach without an insurance bump).

Nevertheless, it is time for all of us to jump in to film.  Get out your smart phone and start the digital tape rolling.  Here are a few key tips to launch you on your way.

• Get comfortable with the video features of your smart phone.  Don't have one?  Get one.  Practice filming, take samples, make mistakes.  No one gets it right the first time.  
• Plan your creation: just remember that any effort that includes more than one shot will require editing.  Editing creates better productions, but it will add more time to your effort. My time on today's video was three minutes planning, two minutes filming, four minutes to post on YouTube, and a final two minutes to login and capture the link: 11 minute project.   (We used an iPhone to film)  
• Think small: 30-90 second clips are ideal for Facebook, Twitter, and blog posts.  
• Develop a list of topics:  What would make a good video message for your audience?  Instead of thinking I need to make a video, be more specific.  Example? A video with a short interview of the HOA president would be an engaging post for your neighborhood farm.

Above all, don't wait.  Experiment, create, dabble, and make video creation a regular part of your marketing efforts.   Share your work, get feedback, and let's see your next production. Look that camera right in the lense and make something special.  Props to cinematographer Zach Schabot for work on today's shoot.  Action!