Lights, Camera, Action! How and Why to Make Association Videos

Do you have pictures on your phone? Do you have image files of information for your specific topic? YOU CAN MAKE A VIDEO!!! Before you say “We can’t make videos…”

Quick and Easy Video Making Software Magisto Animoto We Video Windows Movie Maker – not great, but SIMPLE!

Why should I make videos? How many online videos have you watched in the past month? 85% of Internet users watch online videos Video is exploding as the fastest-growing online medium. builds credibility, conveys information better and faster than text, is low-cost, and is infinitely sharable via social media. Some estimates put the open rate for a video newsletter at two to three times higher than for a text-based newsletter. Video is also ideal for mobile devices.

What should I make videos about? Type “REALTOR association” in the YouTube search box Hot Topics: legislative issues housing market reports a monthly president’s message benefits of membership MLS training videos Consumer Knowledge Series Educational Pieces – recorded classes Funny videos are also popular – make them funny & purposeful

What type of camera do I need? General rule of thumb - avoid any model with more features than you’ll actually use. Basics to look for Ports to hook up the camera to your computer an external microphone jack, and the ability to record at least two hours of footage. You’ll likely spend at least $300. Cameras with better video quality around $800. Some people prefer the personal, casual style of using a smart-phone camera.

What other equipment do I need? Must Have: Video editing software Optional: lapel microphones to capture better sound interchangeable lenses for wide angle and zoom studio lighting green screen for replacing the real background of a video with a digital one

How do I edit the video? Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, iMovie, Windows Movie Maker, or Camtasia Studio. If editing intimidates you, services can professionally edit your video for as little as $100.

Where do I post the video? YouTube is the easiest and most popular home for association videos because members are familiar with it Your videos will show up in a Google search You can review the analytics of how many views your video has had to show the value of them to your members Once you put it on YouTube… SHARE IT EVERYWHERE! Website, newsletter, facebook, twitter, ……

Are there any legal and copyright issues I should be aware of? Rules of copyright and privacy that you must follow for your website, you should follow for videos Do not use copyrighted movie clips or music Make sure you have permission to film members

Video technique tips Best camera placement: Level with the subject’s eyes Ideal video length: Three minutes Best resource: How to Shoot Video that Doesn’t Suck, by Steve Stockman Shoot approximately 80 percent close-up and only 20 percent wide Shoot extra footage to be edited in between interviews: people working at a desk or walking down the hall Proper video panning at events is holding the camera on a shot for 8 to 10 seconds, then pan to another spot in the room, hold for another 8 to 10 seconds, and so on.