2011-2012 Forum on Angel and Venture Capital Financing
The beginning of 2011 saw very strong growth in the level and strength of early stage financings, a trend which has continued throughout the year. 2011 is being viewed by some as the year of the founder/entrepreneur and by others as the year of the “tech bubble” and excess valuations. Against this backdrop, the VC industry is undergoing profound changes and seed/angel funds have become more active than ever before. Our panel of expert angel and venture capital investors took a look at early stage investing during the past year and what the future investment environment holds.
Get your next video shot in high definition at the standard-definition price. Through the month of August we will film and edit a video for you in High Def and put it on a Blu-ray disc or post it to YouTube in HD.
That’s right! YouTube now distributes videos in HD. Learn more about YouTube optimizing video for high def or ask us. With HD you get a widescreen image that fills a computer or TV screen, and you get amazing clarity.
Send us an email today or call us at 510-839-2020 to schedule your video.
We’ll work with you to make sure your video to be technically spectacular and compelling for your viewers. We use soft lighting for smooth faces, and we use wireless mikes for crystal clear sound.
A dog is not dressed without a tie. Windsor knot and bow tie collars are sure to draw a smiles on faces of passersby. Visit http://topdog-beau-ties.com/ to see the complete line of ties.
Stepping in front of the camera is frightening for some, exhilarating for others. No matter how you feel about facing the camera, you can greatly improve your performance by following these tips from Paula Statman of Standout Presentations
Tip # 1 Your goal is to look and sound natural. Ironically, that doesn’t mean that you should look and speak like you normally do. You must project a slightly larger version of yourself on camera to capture the right level of enthusiasm. The trick to expanding your presence is to feel passionate about your topic. If you don’t feel passionate about it, think about something else that conjures up that emotion and let it fuel your energy.
Tip #2 Using effective facial expressions on camera requires a little acting. Think of your audience as friends and supporters. Reassure them with your pleasing attitude and warm smile. Remember, what may feel like a thoughtful expression can read as a hostile scowl on camera. An insincere, pasted on grin is no better. Practice camera-ready expressions in the mirror so you know what works.
Tip #3 The best posture is a comfortable athletic stance with the feet shoulder-width apart, weight evenly balanced, knees flexed, arms and hands at the sides ready to gesture. Use gestures moderately to emphasize a point and make sure your gestures fit in the frame. Less is more on camera because the camera exaggerates your movements.
Tip #4 Use good vocal dynamics. Avoid speaking in a higher register or “flattening” your voice, especially when you are reading a script. Speaking too rapidly is a common problem that can be managed by adding pauses or over-articulating. “Punching” key words for emphasis will help you sound enthusiastic and tells your listeners what’s important. And no matter what your topic is, keep your tone conversational.
YouTube recently announced that users may embed their YouTube videos onto their websites without the YouTube logo visible. Currently the logo appears in a bottom corner of the video, and some businesses have avoided using YouTube just for that reason. “If you want to build your brand, you don’t want someone else’s logo on your video,” says Stuart Sweetow of AVConsultants.com.
Here is an example of a YouTube video with only our own logo
Here is the YouTube post about logoless videos:
Many of you have asked us for a version of the YouTube player without a YouTube logo, so the video plays without any branding nearby. We’ve now added a simple option to do it. At the end of the video URL in your embed code, just add the code ?modestbranding=1 and the player will show without the YouTube logo in the control bar. Note that a small “YouTube” text label will still show up in the upper-right corner of a paused video when you hover over the player. We’ve published the full list of the player’s possible parameters.
Fine stripes and similar patterns filmed by a video camera can cause a "moire pattern"
Excerpt from Chapter 10, Corporate Video Production, Focal Press, (c) 2011 Stuart Sweetow
Wardrobe
Some colors and patterns work better for on-camera reproduction than others. Solid white may be difficult to reproduce and it may contrast with someone with a dark complexion. Herringbone and tight stripes may cause shimmering when played on some monitors. It is a good idea for on-camera talent to bring at least one alternate wardrobe so the director has some choices.
The background and the set colors also play a role in wardrobe choices. If you are going to use a green screen, the talent should not wear anything green – even an accent pin or earrings. If the set is pure black and the talent wears all black, it could require that the gaffer or lighting technician provide additional illumination to show the clothing texture.
Some fabric textures should be avoided. Satin can appear too shiny for the camera. Chiffon may be too sheer and revealing under a bright light. Any metallic-looking fabrics or those with beads or sequins should be avoided. Natural fabrics such as silk, cotton, and wool as well as fabric blends make good wardrobe choices.
Clothing should fit properly. A suit jacket with sleeves too long could make a man look like a boy in a man’s suit. Pant legs should be long enough and socks high enough that a man’s legs are not exposed when he sits.
On-camera presenters should be instructed that they will be wearing a clip-on microphone; they may need a collar to attach it to. If they will be standing, they should have a waistband or a belt to attach the transmitter pack. A collarless dress with no waistband creates a nightmare for the sound technician.
Here is another guest blog we want to share with you. According to Reel SEO,
“Not every small business will go viral with their online video, and that’s okay. Because most small businesses shouldn’t be trying to go viral–at least, not in the traditional sense. Because a small business, by definition, usually has a smaller audience. So, unlike Coke or Nike, who market their products to millions, a small business might only need a few hundred or a few thousand views for their online video to be considered a viral success.” Read the article below.
On the author blog, you can post comments and join the discussion about using video as a powerful tool for staff training, marketing products and services and documenting the company’s community outreach programs.
The book has a chapter devoted to social media. Nearly every major corporation now has a YouTube and Facebook page, and some even invite customers to submit user generated videos.
We thought you would benefit from reading this article from one of the blogs we subscribe to:
The Pros and Cons of YouTube Embedded Video for Your Business Website
YouTube is most popular free technology platform and user-generated content site for hosting, sharing, and marketing video today. But is YouTube the right solution for a company’s website video? Let’s weigh the pros and cons based on the needs of companies serious about having a
Give a gift certificate for video to DVD transfer, digital video editing, photo montage to DVD or family history videotaping. Gift certificates come in a variety of denominations and are wrapped in colorful packaging. You may pick them up here or we can deliver.
Focal Press has released Stu Sweetow's book, Corporate Video Production.
Get it at select Barnes & Noble bookstores and online at www.bn.com, www.amazon.com, and www.borders.com
“Thanks so much for pulling together a terrific training video for Nature’s Variety. The filming and editing were terrific – and I really appreciate the quick turnaround.”
Laura McLeod Nature's Variety
What a great team — I appreciated the pluck and energy of
the whole squad. What fun!
Here is another guest blog we want to share with you. According to Reel SEO,
Focal Press has released Stu Sweetow’s book, Corporate Video Production. You can read some sample chapters at his Amazon author blog 
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