Vlog 101!

BIG NEWS! We’re in pre-production of an exciting VLOG series. It will be all about how to Vlog to market your business, and you’ll be able to tune in for FREE. So stay in touch, visit our site often, follow us on

Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn



WHAT is a Vlog?

Video + Blog = Vlog

A Vlog is a type of website or part of a website that is periodically updated with content in the form of short videos. These videos have the potential to educate, entertain, and excite! They can also market your business to a captive audience.

WHY Vlog?

* position yourself as an expert in your field of expertise

* create content to attract potential clients to your site

* adding video to your site or blog will improve your SEO (Search Engine Optimization), which means you will rank higher in Google searches (and other search engine searches)

* video is more persuasive and easier to digest than written text; visitors tend to dwell on video much longer than they do on text, giving you more of an opportunity to drive your message home

* As business owners, we all have a product or service we want to sell. But web-savvy audiences aren’t interested in being bombarded with more advertising; it’s all become background noise o them, so if you approach your potential buyer with a sales pitch, they will block you out. What they DO want is content; that is, free advice and education.

WHO Should Vlog?

Business owners, entrepreneurs, coaches, speakers, teachers… pretty much EVERYONE should Vlog! Anyone who craves a following, needs original content, seeks credibility, and wants to get their message out there, should Vlog!

If you’re an event planner, vlog wedding and event planning tips. If you’re a fitness guru, vlog exercise demos and health tips. If you’re a chef, vlog your very own online cooking show. If you’re an interior decorator, vlog design ideas. If you’re a business coach, vlog your wisdom and insights.

WHEN should you Vlog?

You want your Vlog to do two things:

* Grab someone’s attention

* KEEP their attention

So it’s not enough that you produce one kickass video; you want to unleash a series of kickass videos, so your following stays tuned, so they become your captive audience. Releasing a new video periodically is ideal; often enough so that your audience doesn’t tune out, but not too often so that they don’t feel over-inundated with information overload (which can feel like spam). You can intersperse your vlog entries with written blog updates, audio files, photographs, graphics, etc. and definitely make sure you have something to say whenever you post an update.

WHERE should you Vlog?

To be effective, your Vlog should be backed up by a social media campaign. Broadcast your Vlog, along with your Blogging activities, on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and e-newsletter.

HOW do you Vlog?

You can certainly do it yourself. And many people do. However…

For those approaching a more exclusive following, who are more image-conscious and want to appear more savvy and sophisticated to a more discerning viewer, we recommend you hire a professional videography studio to handle your Vlog production (and, by that, yeah we mean hire us). You hire a pro to cut your hair, you hire a pro to do your taxes, you hire a pro to fix your basement, and you hire a pro to handle your video.

What can Night Day Productions do for you?

We can offer a wide range of services to create your Vlog series from start to finish:

PRE-PRODUCTION

* Script creation and/or script consultation

* Studio time or on-location shooting


PRODUCTION

* HD cameras and camera operators

* Required lighting, external microphones, green screen, etc.


POST-PRODUCTION

* Digital edit, incorporating titling, animation (2D and 3D available), transitions, cutaways to photos, graphics, slides, additional video, stock footage, etc.

* Final output of edited high quality video files, appropriate for upload to web

* Creation and maintenance of a YouTube channel

* Creation and maintenance of Facebook and Twitter accounts (consultation also available)

* DVD authoring and production for resale


For a custom quote and FREE consultation, please contact Nishi Dias for a meeting:
Nishi@NightDay.ca
416-821-8669

Wedding Prequel Video! Now With Photos!

Not too long ago, we unleashed our first wedding prequel video...



Photographer Brett Gundlock, of Brett Gundlock Wedding Photography, captured some great stills during the shoot, and we just wanted to share them here. You can see them by visiting Brett's blog here.

Wedding Prequel Video!

Our new wedding product, the "Prequel Video" - can be used as a Save the Date (on Facebook, YouTube, DVD, etc.) and modified to be a reception video (a more personal alternative to the usual slideshow).

3 Signs You Need a Less Crappy Headshot

If you’re in business, it goes without saying that you need a good-looking headshot. It’s a seemingly small thing but you’ll find uses for one pop up everywhere:

- as a profile photo on social media sites (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
- as an author/contributor photo on newsletters, blogs, online and printed publications
- on your business card, advertising and marketing materials



A great-looking headshot is an opportunity to put your best foot forward, to make a positive impact on your potential client.

So don’t muck it up ;)



Here are 3 signs you need a less crappy headshot:

1) If you like Pina Coladas… If your headshot is a cropped vacation photo, you’re in need of a better headshot. Seriously, we can all tell that you cropped out the margarita in your left hand and the salsa dancer in your right. Is this really the image (not to mention the composition, the lighting, the glaze in your eye) you want to portray for business?

2) Karma Chamelon… If you get a lot of people exclaiming “That’s you?!?” it may be time to get a new headshot. If your headshot is too old, or your fashion sense, facial hair, or hairdo has changed since your last photoshoot, it’s time for an update!

3) If Looks Could Kill… The whole point of a headshot is to make you seem approachable and familiar. You want to come off as professional and trustworthy, not aloof or pretentious. It’s got to make people want to invest time and money in you, not shirk away in fear or hit you up for a one night stand.

Looking to hire a professional to shoot your headshot? Night Day Productions has a great special going on:

Night Day Productions – HEADSHOT MARATHON
Monday, September 26, 2011
10am to 3pm (you must book a 20-minute time slot in advance – no walk-ins, please)
Danforth and Greenwood neighborhood
Regular Price: $250 Marathon Price: $125!

For a time slot, please contact Nishi Dias:
Phone/Text 416-821-8669
Nishi@NightDay.ca

Ever Felt Awkward?

Big news! Night Day Productions, along with Business of Manners has produced “International Etiquette & Social Graces,” a light-hearted but deeply informative DVD for anyone who has felt the slightest bit awkward in formal dining or business and social situations.

Click here to purchase!




Learn more about “International Etiquette & Social Graces” at Business of Manners.

Headshot Marathon - September 26-27

My photographer and I are planning on doing another one of our famous headshot mararthons, September 26-27, 2011 (Danforth and Chester)

Basically, how it works is each client would get a scheduled 15-20 minute time slot. Each client gets a touched up high resolution file of a corporate headshot, set against a gray background like the shots here:




These shots are appropriate for web and print use. Use them on your web sites, social media profiles, your newsletters, your business cards, your advertising, etc.

Normally, we would charge $250 for a basic shot like this (or $400 for a 2 hour session if you want a more elaborate shoot with lots of poses, wardrobe changes, on location). But for the marathon, the price would be $125 + HST per head. If this sort of thing interests you, or if you know someone who would dig this limited time discount offer, please let me know. I can add more days to the marathon if there is enough interest.

Book your time slot today, before all the good ones are gone :)

Thanks so much!!

Nishi Dias
Nishi@NightDay.ca
416-821-8669

SUMMER SPECIAL: 10% off tape to DVD transfers

From now to August 31, 2011, Night Day Productions is glad to offer a 10% discount on tape to DVD transfers. We can transfer the following tape formats to DVD:

• Video 8
• Analog 8 mm cassette
  
• Mini DV
• SVHS
• VHS
• VHS-C

Our rate: $10 per hour of footage transferred. Editing and courier charges are extra.

To qualify for the discount, please mention you saw this post in our blog.

Wondering if it's worth it to get those old home movie tapes on DVD? Check out 5 Reasons to Transfer Your Old Home Videos to DVD

5 Reasons to Transfer Your Old Home Videos to DVD

Who doesn’t have memories of their parents squinting behind some big honkin’ camera trying to capture your youth forever onto video? While those days are far behind us, the analog tapes remain. You know those old cassettes are out there in some shoebox gathering dust: the dance recitals, the Santa Clause parades, the family vacations, the first words, the school plays, the hockey games, the weddings, the first pet cat, the birthdays and the graduations. Precious memories: nostalgic, hysterical and sometimes embarrassing, all locked away where no one can access them… doesn’t seem right, does it?

Here are 5 reasons to transfer those old tapes to DVD…

Tape degrades over time

Even tapes that are stored properly are at risk for damage. The cassette cartridges break, the tapes degrade, wear out and snap. Backing the tapes to DVD (with little to no quality loss) not only gives you a safe and reliable backup copy, but it’s a format that stands the test of time. Once those tapes are damaged beyond repair, they’re lost forever. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Your tape player might be dead or dying

These days, fewer people are likely to own a working VHS or Video 8 camera or deck, which means your old tapes can’t be played. It hardly seems worth it to invest in an extinct technology, especially when that money could go towards a shiny new HD camcorder. Updating your tapes to DVD means everyone can enjoy them.

Make some space!

Who doesn’t want some extra closet space? One bulky VHS tape recorded in SP can hold up to two hours of footage, while a slim, compact DVD can do the same.

Makes a great gift for that person who “has everything”

Looking for a great gift for that person who already owns enough gizmos, gadgets, knick knacks and closet fodder? Giving someone the gift of re-living their best moments is one-size-fits-all, and never goes out of style. Parents and grandparents are especially excited to watch old home videos; they don’t really need another sweater for their birthday or anniversary, they’d much rather see their baby take his first steps.

It’s not expensive

If you don’t have the equipment, time or patience to transfer your videos to DVD by yourself, you can hire someone to do it relatively inexpensively.

Located in the Greater Toronto Area, Night Day Productions can transfer the following tape formats to DVD or BluRay:

• Video 8
• Analog 8 mm
• Mini DV
• SVHS
• VHS
• VHS-C
• Audio analog cassette

Night Day Productions can also make data discs from your old 35mm negatives and slides.

Contact Nishi Dias today for rates:

416.821.8669
Nishi@NightDay.ca

www.NightDay.ca

Haggling With Your Wedding Vendors – Smart or Stingy?

Today's blog post was written by the seriously creative Sarah Spano of Hip Ink. Hip Ink's goal is to work with you to set the stage for your unique event with show-stopping invitations and stationery accessories – whether you choose to have them design and assemble your dream invite or let them supply you with the paper, tools and advice to create your own masterpiece. Visit their site here.

Photo from Hip Ink

Oooooh watch out – it might be a hot one ;)

Today I’m going to address something that all wedding vendors deal with, and that I think it’s important to talk about openly as a vendor.

What is it, you ask? Haggling. Bargaining. Negotiating. Asking for a discount. Whatever you’d like to call it, we’re talking about asking vendors to lower their prices for you.

Is is okay to do so? Are you being smart and frugal, or are you just insulting your vendors? Are you really just going to be paying less, or will you be getting less?

First, let’s look at it from a couple’s point of view. You’ve got your budget – it may be tiny, big or giant, doesn’t really matter in this case – and you are trying to stick to it the best you can. At the same time, you WANT things…you want them bad. What’s the solution? Ask the vendor for a discount of course…makes perfect sense, right? Maybe.

What about the vendor? Most wedding vendors I know price as fairly as they can – after all, I can tell you that most people aren’t in the wedding business because it allows them to come home, strip naked and roll around in $100 bills every weekend. Far from it in most cases. It’s important to realize that most, if not all, of your vendors do what they do because they are passionate about it, they mostly work for themselves or very small companies, and any type of discounting hits them directly in the wallet. Will a vendor discount their product or services if you ask? Maybe. Will they like it? Probably not.

So now it’s opinion time (I know you were waiting for it, right?)…is it cool to ask your vendors for a discount, or are you risking offending them by doing so?

That depends – how are you asking, why are you asking and what are you asking for?

Approaching your stationer and saying, “I absolutely have to have these programs, but I can’t afford $3 each. Could I get them for $1 each? It’s no big deal right? I promise I’ll recommend you to all my friends”, won’t get you very far. The fact that you absolutely must have something that doesn’t fit your budget isn’t your vendors problem, it’s yours. Straight up. I guarantee that no vendor is going to say, “Why yes, I’d love to take a loss on making these programs for you so that you can gloat to all your friends about the deal you got and then they can come and try to stiff me as well. When can I start?”

So, yes…this kind of approach *is* insulting, because it completely disrespects the vendors time and talent. Would you be happy if your boss walked in one day and said, “Hey, how about I cut your salary by 60%, but I promise I’ll consider you for a promotion someday”. Would your landlord be happy if you said, “Sorry, things are really tight right now. What if I give you 50% of my rent without paying you the rest. Is that cool?”. Yeah…thought so.

Approaching your stationer and saying, “I really love these wrap address labels, and I know they would complement our invites so nicely, but we just can’t fit them in our budget. Could we possibly split the cost with you somehow?”, may get some consideration. Asking politely always works. Asking for a discount on an upgrade often works much better than asking for a discount on the base product/service. And asking the vendor to suggest something that they are comfortable with means that they have the opportunity to provide a fair offer, rather than you (even if it’s unknowingly) insulting them with a ridiculous offer that amounts to asking them to work for free.

If you somehow end up berating a vendor into giving you a big discount, you have to wonder a few things. Why? Why are they willing to give you a discount. Is it because they need the work? And why is that? Do they have poor skills, bad reviews, no experience? If they give you a discount, will they really be giving their all, or are they going to be resentful and not perform to their capabilities? We’re all human after all, and everyone wants people to recognize the value of what they do.

I’ve said it before, and I’m going to repeat it here – we’re all on the same side. This isn’t a battle between you as a couple and us and vendors – it’s a partnership. We all want you to have the wedding of your dreams, we’re just not willing to work for nothing so you can have it.

So, should you ask your wedding vendors for discounts? It never hurts to ask – politely, respectfully and knowing full well that the answer may be no.

—

What’s my personal point of view, as a vendor on discounting?

I can tell you that I price as fairly as possible (in fact, probably too fairly) for what I do, and I never discount. Ever.

Why? Being completely honest, I feel like discounting send the message that my pricing is more than it needs to be, that I need to cut my prices to get your business, and worst of all that it devalues what I put my heart and soul into every day. I’m only speaking for myself here, not other vendors who may discount for other reasons completely, but I personally won’t do it. Value-adds (free upgrades etc.), sometimes. Discounting, no.

I make a deal with my clients – they pay me fairly and treat me respectfully and I do my damnedest to over-deliver. For me, that is the perfect client/vendor relationship.

If that is the kind of relationship and performance you want from your vendors, ask yourself if it’s worth souring that relationship to save a few bucks.

8 Things You Should Know Before You Hire A Wedding Videographer

I wrote this article a long time ago, but it's still one of my most popular posts and I think worth re-publishing (I've updated some of the parts regarding technology... hey, it's been a while!). Plus, I feel it's a necessary refresher since I still get questions as to why I charge more than other vendors who claim they "get the same results for a fraction of the cost" (yeah, right). So without further ado... 8 Things You Should Know Before You Hire A Wedding Videographer:



1. Are they really pros?

Recent advancements in technology have made camera equipment and editing software very affordable. The downside of this is that now there are a lot of wannabes calling themselves "cameramen" and "editors" when really they are just "guys with a camera and some software."

How do you tell the difference? Experience. The ideal cameraman has experience shooting not only weddings but documentaries and live television. These are the people who really understand the art of "anticipate and respond," which what you want because when it comes to your wedding, there are no second takes.

A lot of wedding cameramen edit their own work, but editing is a craft in itself so a truly professional crew might have a separate person who edits. In professional video, cameramen tend to be outgoing and animated people whereas editors tend to be introverted, detail-oriented and prefer the solitude of a dark editing room. These are two separate art forms that demand different skill sets. Make sure that the company you hire to do your video is good at both shooting and editing.

2. What kind of cameras do they use?

Consumer camcorders you see at your local electronics store are typically "single chip" cameras. These are small and lightweight and great for home videos and vacations but are entirely inappropriate for shooting weddings. You want someone with a "three chip camera" (sometimes called "three CCD") which is bigger and several thousand dollars more expensive.

Three chips produce much clearer and more accurate colours (even in low light) than one chip.

You also want someone who has all the bells and whistles: a wireless lavaliere microphone, a camera-mounted light, a tripod and/or monopod and some extra lights just in case.

Pretty much everyone is shooting digitally these days so they can edit digitally as well and output digitally onto DVD. The benefit of keeping the capture, edit and output process in the digital domain is that the footage experiences little to no quality loss. You should definitely hire someone who is up-to-date with technology.

3. What kind of lights do they use?

You probably won't like it if your videographer mounts glaring hot lights on an elaborate scaffolding. After all, this is your wedding, not a film set. The camera equipment should absolutely not compromise the décor and ambiance of the wedding.

An adjustable camera-mounted light works really well. It moves around with the cameraman (who moves around with the couple) and it should be used only when necessary. It should be soft and subtle, and its intensity can be adjusted so it is not overly bright. The way to find out if the cameraman understands this is to look at his footage and watch for any "deer caught in headlights" reactions from his subjects. The people in the video should not even realize he's there: they should be enjoying the wedding!

4. What do the cameramen wear?

It's tough, physical work, but they should be dressed nicely. Asking them not to wear running shoes, jeans, etc. is not unreasonable.

5. Can they do multiple camera shoots?

You will benefit from a two camera shoot if you have a lot going on. Your coverage will be a lot more complete and then your editor can cut between the two cameras for a dynamic and entertaining wedding video.

Strongly consider having a second camera, at least for the ceremony portion of the day. You'll want to get both the bride's and groom's reactions and close-ups of the rings going on, etc. and everything happens very quickly and 2 cameras will catch a lot more than just one.

Just make sure that BOTH cameras are the same quality (three chip) and both cameras are manned by separate qualified cameramen; do not let them leave a camera unattended on a tripod.

6. What is their sound quality like?

It is easy to forget about sound when you are thinking of video, but please do not make this mistake. Insist on a videographer that uses a wireless microphone: they are small and unnoticeable and amazing at recording vows or people coming up to you to congratulate you, etc.

7. What is their editing style?

This is a very important question! Make sure their style suits your taste. Don't be seduced by a lot of dazzling animation and special effects - it might not be the look you want. And it might look cheesy in the years to come. Classic simplicity never goes out of style.

8. Do they have a demo DVD?

They had better! Don't fall for a "music video" or a series of carefully chosen shots timed to music, because anyone can look good that way. Ask to see actual, sequential clips from a wedding (or even an entire wedding) incorporating recorded natural sound mixed with music.

When you are watching the demo DVD, be sure to look for:

· clear, bright picture, even in low light
· clean natural sound
· audible, consistent audio levels
· smooth, non-jerky camera movement
· artistic camera composition
· seamless and dynamic editing
· relaxed bridal party and guests who hardly notice they are being taped?

Most importantly, ask yourself, "Is a story being told? Do you feel the emotion of that magical day?" Because after all, you want a video that becomes more valuable as time goes by, something that is true to your personalities and tastes and not some form of torture on your unsuspecting dinner guests in the years to come! A good wedding video will enable you to relive one of the best days of your life.

8 Things To Look For When Hiring A Wedding DJ

I'm very happy to announce that we have a guest blogger today: none other than Terry Holdershaw from Scotia Entertainment Services. Terry and his partner, Michelle provide professional DJ and live entertainment services throughout the Greater Toronto, Mississauga, Kitchener, Muskokas & Surrounding Areas.



8 Things To Look For When Hiring A Wedding DJ

1. Personalized Service - You want to feel a personal connection and have your DJ's personality match you and your theme. You don't want to be just another # for that DJ Company, you want to feel important and treated like a Prince or Princess!

2. Professional & Experienced - You want to make sure that you are hiring a DJ that has experience with weddings and anything special about your wedding day. Meet with the DJ or the Company in person, are they professional? Do they have a professional website? You want a DJ who is dressed properly and has a professional attitude for their job.

3. Licensed & Insured - Every Professional DJ in Canada should have their music licensed by AVLA (Audio Video Licensing Agency). It is also highly recommended that your DJ carry liability insurance. There are many venues that are now making it mandatory for DJ's to have liability insurance. It is also a good sign for your DJ to be a member of a Professional DJ Association such as CPDJA.

4. Punctual - You want to ensure that your DJ will arrive on time and be set up prior to guests arrival. You wouldn't want to have your DJ loading in and setting up equipment during dinner or speeches.

5. Pricing - Shop around before signing a contract right away. Make sure that you are getting a service that is worth what you are paying for. Be weary of a deal that is 'Too Good To Be True' as well. Check out what the average prices are in your area and choose a DJ that you are most comfortable with within your budget.

6. Available - It's always best to give the DJ your date, venue and city right away so they can tell you if they are available or not for your wedding.

7. Music Library - Ask about the DJ's music library, do they carry a wide range of music genres to every gig and is it up to date with the current hits. You will also want to check to make sure that if they are using a 'digital library' that they getting high quality music from a legal source. All professional DJ's should have their music licensed by AVLA.

8. Recommended - Always check for testimonial and referrals. If brides, venues and other wedding vendors are highly recommending a service then there is a good chance that they have a good track record.

If you would like more information on Scotia Entertainment's DJ Services
Contact Michelle Today!

terry@scotiaentertainment.com
647.968.2729

Scotia Entertainment provides Professional DJ, Live Entertainment & Audio-Visual Services throughout the Greater Toronto, Mississauga, Kitchener, Muskoka & Surrounding Areas for Weddings, Corporate & Social Events.

Why Hire a Day Of Coordinator?

Wondering if youshould hire a Day Of Coordinator for your wedding? Check out this video we created for LaFete Weddings (www.LaFete.ca)

DOC from Nishi Dias on Vimeo.

Convertible Bridesmaid Dress Video

Check out this video we did for Gown Go Round; they sell a bridesmaid dress that can be worn more than once!

07 overview from Nishi Dias on Vimeo.

Night Day Wins "Bride's Choice": WeddingWire

Toronto, Ontario – January 25, 2011 - WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, is thrilled to announce Night Day Productions has been selected to receive the prestigious annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 for Videography!

Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. Our past clients are among those that shared their experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the nation.



Night Day Productions stands among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We applaud Night Day Productions for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.”

We are happy to announce that Night Day Productions is among the very best Videographers within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for nominating us to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/night-day-productions-toronto/112b1e56acf7bfd0.html

For more information on the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.



About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire.com, the nation's leading technology company serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 200,000 local wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers to wedding cakes. WeddingWire also offers an online community and a suite of cutting-edge planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding professionals, WeddingWire provides free online management tools creating the only market opportunity that gives local businesses control over their clients, reviews, leads and performance. Businesses that join the WeddingWire Network appear on WeddingWire.com and other leading sites, including MarthaStewartWeddings.com (NYSE: MSO), ProjectWedding.com and Weddingbee.com (both part of eHarmony), and Celebrations.com (part of the 1-800-Flowers family of brands, NASDAQ: FLWS).