Communicating in the City

Food for thought - on video!

One of the things I love about New York is that at any moment, you can have your 15 minutes of fame. That's exactly what happened to me yesterday as I sat on a bench on Irving Place while waiting to meet a Production friend of mine for lunch.

As I was enjoying the lovely September sunshine, two young women approached me to see if I was interested in being interviewed for a video that would appear on the FoodNetwork website. 

Of course, I just had to chuckle at the irony. Usually I'm the one going up to people and soliciting them for a video interview! Now the tables were turned and instead, I was on the receiving end signing releases and posing for the camera. (It's a good thing I was wearing my favorite dress!).

To add to my amusement, I noticed the girls were using a Flip Video camera - the very one I recently reviewed on simply-communicate that's taking the world of employee communications by storm. Apparently, it's not only being used inside of companies but externally as well - even on the website of a major cable TV channel. That just goes to show when it comes to video on the Web - especially man-on-the-street footage - quick, easy, down-and-dirty is definitely the way to go.

And what about my interview? Being the video professional that I am, I gave the girls snappy sound bites about what shows I watch and why...and I'm guessing my comments should probably make the cut. Of course it helped that I actually do watch the FoodNetwork!

The month that was...

Wow, I just realized that I haven't posted any entries in about 3 weeks. Sorry, folks. Guess that's what happens when you're trying to juggle multiple freelance gigs - jobs that I'm grateful to have considering the crappy economy.

While things continue to be busy at simply-communicate (check out the new teasers on the home page written by yours truly), I've been balancing the remainder of my time at an innovative ad agency in the Village where I've been helping to oversee various audio and video projects.

Now that I'm back in an office environment, I've come to appreciate just how precious certain items can be, namely staple removers (when you need to FAX or copy 23-page documents), blank interoffice envelopes, as well as those much-coveted bathroom keys!

It's also been interesting experiencing a role reversal where vendors call me to inquire about payment for services they recently provided, or to see if there's any future work available. As a freelancer, it's usually myself who does the inquiring!

While on the topic of vendors, people can't do enough for you these days - from hugs, smiles to Starbucks gift cards, it's nice to see that people appreciate the business. Now if only customer service can always be like that!

And lest I forget just how small the corporate video production biz really is, how great it was running into several of my old colleagues at a mini-reunion that took place last week at a classic Chelsea watering hole. It may be 3 years since I've gone freelance, but that night it felt like old times!

As for next week, I'll be busy starting my next (independent) video project - producing a new fundraising piece for a New York State not-for-profit client of mine. Time to get out my new shotgun mic and begin prepping for what should be another busy week...

Uniting with Fellow Freelancers

Yes, it's time for another shout-out; this one goes out to the Freelancers Union whose events I recently had the pleasure of attending.

For anyone who is self-employed or working as a freelance employee, the Freelancers Union is truly a valuable resource. Not only does it offer useful seminars (one of which I attended last week on website marketing), it also offers information on health benefits, as well as different opportunities for freelancers to connect. Last night, for just $10, I attended a bustling networking reception - which included two drinks and gratuities. It was a real bargain, considering most people wind up paying $10 for merely one drink at most New York City hot-spots.

Being self-employed myself, there was something comforting about coming together with people in similar work situations; many working from home while trying to create buzz for their businesses. Last night alone, I met dozens of creative types - from writers to editors to composers - all of whom I may wind up hiring on a project sometime.

There's something about networking which really makes me come alive. Most people I know despise it, having to work a room filled with crowds of people at the risk of being shut out of various cliques. Since I'm a natural people-person, I don't mind flashing a smile and making eye contact when I have to - especially when I'm inspired by entrepreneurial people who aren't afraid to take risks, much like myself.

Speaking of which, it's been exactly two years since I made the move to freelance life. As I continue to take on new projects in a number of different areas, I can honestly say I don't regret leaving the cubicle life for one minute.

Ethics and Production

I'm working on a fascinating story for the May edition of simply-communicate , one that's sure to interest anyone working in the Production industry. It's a story about how one Mid-west production company is now licensing and selling footage of a former client's corporate video archives. I had the chance to speak with someone at the agency to hear his side of the story. Hear what he has to say, as well as comments from other industry people weighing in on this hot topic, when we publish next week.

The piece is sure to spark an ethical debate on whether or not it is appropriate for a production company to sell material that they've been commissioned to record. Even without a contract determining the rights to the footage, does that still give an agency the right to capitalize on what could be sensitive, confidential material?

What do you think? Post a comment or e-mail me at kelly.kass@simply-communicate.com.  

A "Faery" Nice Night of Film and Theater in New York City

I always try to support up-and-coming filmmakers, especially works that dare to be different. Last night, I rode the 1 train and headed to the 78th Street Theatre Lab for a screening of "The Queen's Dream" - a prelude to "Titania", written and directed by Lisa Stock.

The film is the first in her Medisaga trilogy and is based on the Armless Maiden fairy tale. Visually stunning with moving performances, "Titania" tells the story of a young faery queen facing her greatest fears after the kidnapping of her son. Shot on location at the old Marshall Field estate on the Gold Coast of Long Island, the film has an artistic, mystical feel as Titania embarks on a journey of healing after violently losing her wings. Adding to the experience last night were live performances by two of its actors, Victoria Hay and Keith Chandler.

"Titania" is a shining example of the quality work that can be produced on affordable, user-friendly digital camcorders and at-home editing software. I'm looking forward to the next part of the trilogy (production resumes this winter).

For a look at Lisa Stock's other works, visit her on MySpace.  Stay tuned for exciting things from this young New York filmmaker!

Turning the Tables

As I adjust to seeing myself live and in color on my brand new webcam, lo and behold I've encountered myself in a video on MyRaganTV .

Having been used to being behind the camera, what a funny switch it was to be in front of the camera with a microphone in my face for a change! The experience gave me a new respect for all the people I've ever interviewed on-the-fly. There really is an art to thinking on your feet and coming up with snappy, informative sound bites. In my case, I tried to be informal and conversational, and thankfully, I was over my London jet lag at that point!

As of today, the video has received over 1,600 views! (not that I'm bragging, of course)...

A Banner Evening

It was a proud moment in my career last Thursday night when my promotional video compilation for the Independent Living Association was presented at their big Fund raising event at the Harbor Links Golf Course on Long Island. After producing so many web-based videos these last few years - typically played on smaller-sized computer screens - what a thrill it was seeing my 6 1/2 minute video projected live on a large screen in front of 200+ guests.

Whereas web-based videos may allow for the opportunity to post written comments, there's something to be said about immediate, face-to-face feedback. After attendees watched the moving piece depicting an overview of the not-for-profit agency, each one passionately applauded, prompting the Executive Director, Arthur Palevsky, to ask me to stand up and take a bow. I modestly obliged, giving a humble wave and a satisfied grin. Seeing months of hard work, countless interviews, edited cuts and voice-over narration pay off with such glowing reviews is a video producer's dream.

More importantly, the video played a large part during the event - it set the stage for a very successful evening; I'm told thousands of dollars were raised as a result of the Fund raiser.

This week I'm off to London where I'm presenting on video podcasting during Steve Crescenzo's multi-media workshop presented by simply-communicate and Ragan Communications.
Stay tuned for some entertaining blog posts from across the pond. Cheerio!

You Look Mah-velous!

Whenever a person appears on camera, it's understandable that they may feel a bit self-conscious. Even I, the New York Videogal, sometimes become uneasy when asked to go before the lens. Therefore, I'm always supportive if my subjects feel uncomfortable about their appearance.

"Should I have shaved more?", "Is my tie crooked?", "Am I sweating too much?" are just some of the concerns I've heard during recent video shoots. The solution to anxious interviewees? Just hold their hand and walk them through it.

Always assure your subjects that they look great on camera. Keep smiling and always be patient. If they see you're calm, they will be, too. Surround them with compliments and be as positive as possible. After all, everyone loves to receive praise!

Petty Cash Indeed

Was having lunch with a producer friend of mine discussing the gall of crew members who try to expense supplies for their own personal use. In her case, someone billed a new set of tools to the job she was working on till she (rightly-so) put him in his place and refused to sign off on his expense report.

I've seen a few ballsy things in my time - last year, an editor I hired hinted at charging her new editing system to the job (it was a not-for-profit client!); not to mention the fact that it was her original system that had broken down! In another instance, one of my crew members left a pair of scissors on a shoot and tried to bill me for them.

Our story-swapping led us to debate the items which people should be able to charge to a Production job. We came up with the safe bets (all very fair): tape stock, transportation and certain meals (within reason) were at the top of the list. To my surprise, my friend told me that expensing breakfast is not allowed at her agency. Her boss' reasoning is that it's the employees' responsibility to eat before a shoot.  Now that is debatable. While I usually try to grab something before a job, in some cases (as my friend pointed out), there just isn't enough time. Frankly, I've seen plenty of Starbucks lattes billed to jobs while I was working the agency circuit; I don't see how $3.00 for a bagel and cream cheese would make much difference.

In any event, I always try to be fair with my clients when it comes to expense reports. As a freelancer, I'm grateful for the work and never want to take advantage of people.  Keeping a good rapport with my clients is more important than nickel-and-diming any day.

Back to Work!

Had the chance to interview a really interesting guy recently - Larry Mark, the Director of Employee Communications for Merrill Lynch. Hear what he has to say about running one of the most successful intranets in the industry in my article/video in this month's edition of simply-communicate.

Spent yesterday shooting a video for a well-respected New York State not-for-profit organization. Kelly's Video Tip of the Week: When it comes to filming multiple interviews, always try to vary the framing and backgrounds.  If there are items available to beautify the shot, don't be afraid to move around a few things. One vase came in particularly handy yesterday; the shot looked lovely if I do say so myself!

Hats off to the interviewees who braved my hot lights for the day. Tip #2: Always have a handkerchief nearby, as well as some pressed powder to reduce the shine. Of course, make sure you have plenty of bottled water on hand during a shoot. Not only can your subjects get cooked under the lights, they'll need to keep their throats moist when speaking for long periods of time. Of if you're lucky like I was, there'll be someone to squeeze you homemade cantaloupe juice. Thanks, Laura!

Tip #3: If you're conducting interviews in a non-corporate environment, be sure to remind your subjects to wear collared shirts or blazers if possible. It makes life a lot easier when it comes to attaching the lavalier microphones!