So you blow into town and need a presentation filmed for future use. Or maybe you need to create a training series for your employees? All of these possibilities exist and with today's multimedia experience there is no excuse not to do it.

We strongly believe that the trend to disseminate information in today's world simply does require multimedia. Simply handing out hard copy just doesn't quite cut it anymore. Aside from not killing lots of trees, you will find that in general, people from all walks of life prefer to get their information visually. The simple fact is that the retention rate is tremendously higher through visual communications. Simply understanding the old phrase; "A picture paints a thousand words" just doesn't apply anymore. Now it is "moving pictures" and one can only guess how many words this can paint and all in a matter of seconds. Here is a little example of what we mean:

In text format, your employee handbook may have a statement along the lines of:

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination. The legal definition of sexual harassment is “unwelcome verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is severe or pervasive and affects working conditions or creates a hostile work environment.”

The problem with simple definitions such as the one above, in many cases is very vague and misconstrued. It lacks the impact that it should have. However, if you were to show what this means, it could look something like this :

Please note: this is purely a demo cut. We put this together for demo purposes only using portions of our Royalty Free Stock Library. You can purchase the various clips used in this demo directly and use them to your heart's content and even make your own video.

Or what if you would like to make more of an impact for a presentation, promotion or simply a web video about what you do, your company's specialty, or your offerings? Here for example is a promo for a television show that originally was shot, edited and composed for the web, but now also is used on the show itself:

The Bunny Rap from VaderVideo on Vimeo.

Or maybe all you need is a really cool and exciting way to show off your corporate logo for whatever reason, there are many things we can do for you:

Sample logo special effect - demo from VaderVideo on Vimeo.

Regardless of your corporate needs, most likely we can come up with some pretty nifty stuff for you with lots of creativity. In any case, it never hurts to ask. So why not contact us and simply throw out your ideas to us. We don't have outrageous egos and fully understand that you most likely have thought about this type of thing, but were too afraid to even ask. We welcome you, your questions and will most likely even give you lots of information to help you along the way of making the right decisions when it comes to this world of promotion and production. Go ahead, just call us (520-647-2901), email us (vader@vadervideo.com) or connect with our wonderful online form.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we talk about productions, basically we consider everything we do a "production". But in this case, we mean productions that we do for practice, for fun, for competitions and sometimes because it simply means; practicing our skill set simply makes us better. Andreas, the owner, has many times verbalized that he feels "withdrawal symptoms" if he doesn't get behind the camera for too long. As humorous as that may sound, it really isn't. What this really means is that there is this one little factor that can make all the difference. It's called "passion".

Whether it's for a competition (this one made it to the top 10 and did win a prize!):

Or if it's simply a case of being at the right place at the right time with camera in hand, where the Pima County Sheriff asked if we could video this for the news as the news crews couldn't make it to the scene in time:

Or whether it's simply for practice and because it can be something beautiful to look at (okay, and again for a contest.):

We do it all and for various reasons. By constantly challenging ourselves, we tend to think outside of the proverbial "box". Isn't this what you would want with your final product? We believe this to be more true than anything. Call us (520-647-2901) or contact us (vader@vadervideo.com or via our contact page) and see just how far we can take your ideas as we work on the process together.

If you are an actor, actress, comedian or model then you really need to understand what this is all about. For starters, we recommend you read this particular blog about what a demo reel should be.

When it comes to so called "demo reels", many make a big mistake before they even get started. They ask, "What do you charge for a demo reel?" - If we actually could answer that, we would. But we can't, so don't ask. Sounds nasty doesn't it? But would you rather have a fixed quote and get garbage or do you want to actively participate in the process and get not just one, but maybe several reels for several purposes? After all you are an actor. Do you only play one character? We thought so. Most likely you have a few specialties and also a few special sequences that show off your stuff.

If you are concerned about price, then the biggest way to save money on this process is to be ready. Here is what this means:

1. Don't come to us with a stack of tapes and DVD's and... and.... and expect us to search through them all for your "cherry" performances. We charge by the hour and would gladly do this for you, but it would be very counterproductive.

1a. Do come to us with all those various tapes and reels and DVD's and ... and...and most importantly a clear list of minutes, seconds and maybe even frames of clips on those various media so that we can get right to it. When it comes to tapes, you may even want to park the tape at the first such location. (It saves us from having to fast forward etc...)

2. Think about what you are trying to promote - not what you think is awesome and pretty footage of you that is irrelevant, the sunset, the moonlight.... yada yada yada..

2a. Instead, bring out the actual scenes that show you at your best. Even if it is only a second or two. Casting directors don't care about anything else. They usually don't even look past the first 30 seconds. (see Blog)

3. Don't ask us for a "fancy schmancy" - DVD menu system on your final product. We won't do it and strongly advise against it.

3a. Casting directors could care less. They don't look at the packaging, they don't like 3 levels of menus to go through to get to "Play" and they absolutely love popping in a DVD and seeing it display one thing; "Play now!"

4. Make sure we have all of your vitals. Okay, what does that mean?

4a. Contact info. And make sure it is up to date!

5. Don't have a head shot?

5a. See our section on head shots by clicking on the tab above. This is actually important as well as we will most likely integrate it into your demo reel. (Both types too. - Commercial and theatrical)

Now if you are not offended by the bluntness of the above statements, then most likely we can work on your demo reel. And most likely we will be doing this several times throughout your career and for a variety of auditions. Still think this might get expensive... you might be right. But think of it this way... how much was that tuition at school again? How much did you spend to get that degree? And now you want to skimp on actually getting some work to pay back all that? You may as well go buy a Mercedes with a VW engine in it. Because that actually makes more sense. I know - blunt as hell. But it's the truth and it's un-avoidable.

Here is a sample of what can be done. Note: This reel was solely for the purpose of getting a "western genre" roll. Also notice that this reel actually is dated and shows for what time period it is good for. Kind of important, as the best foot forward is always to show "what have you done lately".

Demo Reel of Bobbi Jeen Olson 2009 - 3rd Quarter from VaderVideo on Vimeo.

Need more info? Call us and talk to us about anything on your mind regarding demo reels. Chances are we can enlighten you and finally get you on the right track. We are expert editors and as they say on the set, "it's the editor that makes you or breaks you." - Scary huh? :)

Call and ask for Andy - 520-647-2901 or email him directly at vader@vadervideo.com.

Don't have any footage of yourself at all? We may have a really cool and fun solution for you. Talk to us and we can make it a win/win for both to get you on the right track.

So, you are and actor, actress, comedian or a model and require head shots. You may have had several of them done already. Are you satisfied? Can you reprint them? Are they up to date? Did you get both types?

Most in the industry do a double take on that last question; "Did you get both types?" - If you don't understand what that means, then you better read on.

When we bring you in for head shots, we do both types. "Huh? What do you possibly mean by this?" You ask. Ok, here it comes.

There are two types of head shots that any pro should have on hand at all times. They are called "Commercial Head Shot" and "Theatrical Head Shot".

What for? Never heard of that! You got to be kidding me, right? Wait, I only have ever gotten one head shot. What?

These are the typical responses I have gotten from all kinds of actors, actresses and models. And surprisingly enough, many other photographers as well. You see, very few short of the "Hollywood" elite photogs will ever tell you this because quite frankly, a lot of them don't know any better.

Yes, you need two head shots of your mug at all times. And they need to be ready to go when you need them. Too many times people send in the wrong type to an audition or to a casting director.

For example, if you were auditioning for a chewing gum commercial, you don't want to send in a head shot of you showing your fangs in the last vampire flick you did.

On the flip side, if you are supposed to be a mean diva vixen, you don't want to send in a head shot that portrays you as the girl next door that keeps smiling regardless of the world ending.

 

Each type of head shot has its place - and yes, you need both. Like it or not, if you don't have both, you can easily get rejected for that simple little fact of not having both.

So let's talk about these two types of shots. No, forget the talk and have a look instead. We'll start with the commercial head shot:

 

and here are some theatrical ones:

Hopefully you see and somewhat understand the difference. If not, no worries, we will take care of it for you when we do your shots. So give us a buzz and see what we can do for you. Just call and ask for Andy (the guy that shot these samples) 520-647-2901 or email him direct at vader@vadervideo.com and ask him to get your head on straight.

Commercial or theatrical? You decide.