I have produced two videos in the past few years, and have recently become involved in digital video editing. These videos were prepared to support marketing activities:
Autocad 2000 Announcement Video
(Click on picture to play video)
This 2 minute "commercial" was used at the Autocad 2000 product launch, where it was seen by over 10,000 people. It was originally intended to be a 30-60 second piece dedicated to Compaq and used in the vendor section of the event. After being viewed by Autodesk, it was used as an introductory piece to a major part of the launch.
Featuring a young engineer, an experienced engineering manager, and "the finance person from hell," the video used humor and a low-key approach to get across key messages around performance and the true cost of computer systems.
As project manager, I was responsible for developing (and selling!) the initial concept, writing the script, and producing the video. The video was shot by a professional crew using professional actors.
One interesting note: we had an ongoing need for "people and product" pictures. Since we had a full setup of systems and several actors already lined up, I had a still photographer come in and shoot pictures around the video taping. The result was several hundred high-quality images obtained at very little incremental expense that we used in many other projects.
XP1000 Launch Video Demo Reel
(Click on picture to play video)
Real Time Animation is covered in detail on the RTA page. After using RTA at several trade shows, and working with Modern Cartoons on the development of their studio with a large green screen stage, I proposed producing a test video combining live actors, RTA, and information backgrounds.
Since this was at the time of the AlphaStation XP1000 l chose to develop an XP1000 launch video. The basic approach was to use product and presentation slides from the launch as a video background, and have a live actor and a cartoon character jointly give the presentation.
I wrote the script and developed/modified slides for the background. Since this was a demonstration vehicle, I also served as the live actor. The shoot was completed in 6 hours in Modern Cartoon's California studio.
The resulting video achieved all goals. All technical elements worked -- both live actor and virtual character were on top of the PowerPoint presentation. The result was quite attractive, entertaining, engaging, and showcased what could be done with this technology. The presentation was effective -- much more effective than a traditional "talking head" PowerPoint presentation.
Unfortunately, video was never adopted as a major tool by Compaq. Video can be an effective, powerful tool. Approached with a good understanding of its characteristics, it can be done at a reasonable cost.
Alpha Singing Video
(Click on picture to play video)
The original RTA example, this was captured from a live performance at a trade show. It was an unplanned, impromptu performance between scheduled presentations. The actress we hired did an excellent job, so I saved this clip!