Video Marketing

Steve Stockman In Video Marketing, Teaching and Training, Feature Film, Television, For Pros, Your Questions Answered

Getting Started in a Video Career

Hi Steve,

My Dad gave me a copy of your book to help my roommates (all of whom are filmmakers at NYU) make great films in their classes. It’s been a really helpful guide for them! I was just wondering, since I’m majoring in acting, if you have any tips for actors trying to get into these “videos that don’t suck”.

Do you have any advice on how to find projects to work on without being one of those desperate wannabe actor people who annoy every agent and production company in the city trying to get some kind of work?

… Read the rest

Steve Stockman In Video Marketing, Teaching and Training, Feature Film, Television, For Pros, Your Questions Answered

Get Serious to Attract Actors

I have an idea for a short film. I have a camera, I have a story, and I have a job, so filming and money aren’t a problem. My problem is that I have no idea where to find a cast that can make the film what I want it to be.

Any advice on where to find actual actors/actresses who will take my project seriously and listen to what I tell them?

–Jack

The way to get actors to take your project seriously is to present them with a serious project. That may seem simplistic, but it really isn’t.… Read the rest

Steve Stockman In Video Marketing, For Pros, Press

Respect the Process Podcast

I just discovered commercial director Jordan Brady’s podcast, Respect the Process. I discovered it when he invited me to be on it, but it turns out I’m late to the party– he has a ton of subscribers and some really great guests.

The podcast is now up. Jordan’s beat is creativity and (surprise!) process in film, video and entertainment, which I’m always happy to talk about and learn more about. We covered a lot of information– about shooting video, how to get started in unscripted television, and how he once shot a spot in my garage.

You can see … Read the rest

Steve Stockman In Tips and Tricks, If you’re new to video, Video Marketing, Feature Film, Television, For Pros, Your Questions Answered

Shooting like the Pros

I am a professional videographer, and your advice to “shoot short shots” is totally misguided. Pros shoot more than they need so they can make their video perfect in the editing room. Turning the camera on and off is an amateur move. How have you made a living in this business?

–Chris F., New York

Watch any film or TV show and you’ll see a series of very short shots (read why here). I argue that most people should get out of the habit of running the camera non-stop when shooting. And every so often I get a letter … Read the rest

Steve Stockman In Tips and Tricks, Video Marketing, Teaching and Training, For Pros

Free Download: The Power Of Story

Have you had this experience?

You grudgingly agree to watch a friend’s video. You click on the link. The first few shots are good. Cute kids. But about 10 seconds in you start to get a sinking feeling. This video isn’t about anything. It’s a bunch of shots that aren’t leading anywhere. And you’re stuck having to watch enough of it to lie to your friend about how much you loved it.

You are watching a video without a story. Your friend took out a camera or phone, pointed without thinking, and shot for a while, also without thinking. The … Read the rest

Steve Stockman In Video Marketing, For Pros, Press

News: Brew Dogs, a Free Story Guide- And More!

The only thing worse than a blog post cobbled together out of all sorts of short things you don’t really feel like fashioning into a full blog post is a post explaining why you’ve been too busy to post lately. So here is the second-worst blog post I will ever write. Although, to be fair, there is a lot of free stuff in this one:

1) Craft Beer Fans can rejoice at the return of Brew Dogs! Season three starts Wednesday, April 1 at 10pm on the Esquire Network. If you haven’t seen the show, it’s sort of … Read the rest

Steve Stockman In Video Marketing, For Pros, Your Questions Answered

Intent vs. Results

Hi Steve,

Ordered your book from Amazon and devoured it in 2 days; awesome stuff.

I have a question on chapter 2 re: intent. Coming from an internet marketing background I am unfortunately ingrained with ‘results’ driven approaches (increase conversion, ROI, etc). I was wondering if I could give you some examples of intent just to clarify if I am on the right track.

The video I will be shooting is in fitness. One intent I brainstormed was ‘Inspire viewers to workout’. Is that a result because viewers work out later at some point after the video is done?

Ryan

… Read the rest

Steve Stockman In Tips and Tricks, Video Marketing, For Pros, Your Questions Answered

Making Interview Videos That Hold Their Attention

I made a recent job shift from corporate training to being the “video guy”. I am responsible for capturing “Success Stories” of customers who have installed and use our products.

The biggest thing that I’m struggling with now is telling a story that intrigues people and keeps them watching. I just finished your book, and as I think back through some recent edits I completed, I now know the intrigue wasn’t there.

How do I find the the most intriguing way to present customer stories in interview videos?

–Ken

I am going to give you the secrets of intrigue right … Read the rest