May 12
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Drone UAV Preflight Checklist 3DR Solo

By Corporate Video Production, Info, Tips/Techniques

3DR Solo Flight Checklists What follows is our UAV checklist specifically for the 3DR Solo drone (or UAV).  We require all operators to follow the checklist to insure safe and proper operation of the aerial platform. Before Leaving Charge drone batteries Charge controller Charge ipad mini Ensure GoPro Hero 4 has card   Arriving Exterior Location PREFLIGHT Visually inspect area of operation, noting poles, antennas and other physical hazards Observe wind direction and approximate wind speeds Place props on motors (make sure they are tight) Put fully charged battery on drone Remove Gimbal foam, protecting gimbal during shipping Choose launch site—make sure it is a safe place for an emergency “return home” command Place drone on launch site (must be away from metal and be level) Power up drone Discuss with Spotter the flight path and flight plan Power up…

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May 10
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Corporate Video Shoot VS Movie/TV Shoot

By Corporate Video Production, Video Production

There are big differences when it comes to being on a TV or movie set or being on a corporate shoot. Both have their pros and cons. So, lets divvy them up shall we?   Movie/TV Film Set Corporate Video Set Breakfast is regularly provided and usually consists of hearty breakfasts foods Breakfast may or may not be provided depending on the call time, but if it is it can range from fast-food to coffee and doughnuts Buffet-style lunch, so you get whatever catering deems edible Usually ordering from a restaurant nearby, so you choose from a menu 12-15 hour days with short turnarounds Normally 8 hours or less 60+ crew members Anywhere from 2-20 people (usually an average of 4-8) Union and non-union Usually non-union Designated departments (i.e.- camera, grip, electric, wardrobe, etc.) and you can get in serious…

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May 07
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How to be a Spotter for a Drone Operator

By Corporate Video Production, Tips/Techniques, Video Production

Why Use a Spotter in Drone Shooting? Aerial footage is something that many clients request for a corporate video shoot or production. Whenever someone shoots with a drone (sometimes called a UAV – unmanned aerial vehicle), the person operating the drone is designated the drone operator. The drone operator is not there only to fly the drone. They are also responsible for the look, movement, and feel of the footage. it is difficult for drone operators to watch their surroundings, since they are also busy concentrating on the flight of the drone. This is where a spotter comes in handy. You may be asked to spot for a drone operator and there are a few things that you’ll need to know.  And for companies that get FAA approval for drone operations (a FAA 333 Exemption), a spotter is mandatory.  …

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May 05
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corporate video dallas with DJI Osmo

DJI Osmo Review – Great for Corporate Video

By Corporate Video Production, Info, Reviews, Tips/Techniques

Handheld gimbals are not new anymore, and the release of the DJI Osmo moves the handheld gimbal into the next generation.  Ever since we grabbed our small phantom drone, turned it on, and held on to it, moving around the location to get that “steadicam” effect, it was clear a new market (or call it a new tool for the videographer) was opening up. Several years ago, we here at SFilms in Dallas purchased a relatively cheap powered gimbal (sold by a US distributor, but clearly made in China).  It required a GoPro, but we used the device constantly in our corporate videos.  It was taken on road tours for a corporate retail client of ours, for internal communications, and we used it on construction sites and other places as well.  And it fell apart.  We had to take screws…

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May 03
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corporate video interviews

Top 3 Reasons People Love Their Corporate Video

By Corporate Video Production, Tips/Techniques, Video Production

Passion for the Dallas Corporate Video Here in Dallas, Texas, we enjoy nothing more than to see the look on a clients face when they see one of our extraordinary videos. Not only do sweat and tears go into every video we do, but our heart and soul as well. We take the client’s expectation and desires and then we try to go above and beyond the call of duty. This not only ensures that the client will be satisfied, but also that they will be calling us the next time they need a video done. We all love return business. So what are the elements that need to be in a corporate video to get a “call-back”? Well, besides being a pleasure to work with, here are the top 3 things that are must-haves in your next corporate video. Production…

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Apr 10
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corporate video teleprompter

The Corporate Video Soundbite

By Corporate Video Production, Info

You’ve been asked to be in the company video.  You’ve read our blog on what to expect and what to wear here.  There are a couple of different ways you will be shot and included in the company video.  In this article, we will discuss these different methods and how you can best represent yourself and your company. Most company videos are shot documentary style, the subject being interviewed by someone off camera.  Another method is to do a “stand up” looking straight at camera, like a news reporter.  There isn’t a best way, because all these are “tools” and sometimes you need a hammer, and other times you need a screwdriver.  So it all depends on what job you need the video to do.  So let’s discuss. Documentary Style You will usually sit down (occasionally you might stand), and…

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Apr 04
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Corporate Video Production Dallas

Building a Freelance Career in Corporate Video Production

By Corporate Video Production, For the Crew

Corporate Video Versus Movie Making For all those film students who are graduating from different colleges and some film schools, one of the first choices you have to make is money or art?  (It’s a trick question we’ll address below).  You’ve just spent two or four (or six) years studying film and video.  You’ve learned to shoot and you’ve learned to edit.  You might have learned how to work with a crew.  You’ve problem-solved and you are now looking for that job (career) you’ve invested so heavily in both time and money. If you’re driving goal, you’re burning obsession is to make narrative feature films, then really this article is not for you.   This is for the film and video professional who enjoys shooting or editing one person corporate stuff, or working with a three to five person crew in…

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Mar 28
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longterm construction timelapse

Longterm Time Lapse for Construction

By Corporate Video Production

Defining “Time-Lapse” (or timelapse) One of the services we’ve had an increasing call for is longterm timelapse for the construction industry.  And by “long term”, we mean a camera that is up for six months or more.  This presents a unique set of challenges. Timelapse Camera Placement First, the placement of the long term time lapse camera.  The best spots are usually elevated, as high as possible.  When we get the call, we look for a building overlooking the construction site.  Ideally, a camera placed inside looking out a clean window mitigates the necessity to weather proof the camera.  When we have placed indoors, we come prepared to battle glare issues off the window in front.  If we are placing on the roof, we have to weatherproof the camera. If a building is not available, we’ve had clients install a…

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Mar 22
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The FAA 333 Exemption for Drones

By Corporate Video Production

Okay– I’m starting to see more and more activity for the FAA 333 Exemption and want to throw some thoughts in there– especially to help those UAV operators who might consider plopping down some fat stacks to companies offering to help them with their 333 exemption. Now I’ll preface by mentioning it’s all changing anyway. But right now, if you want to legally operate a drone for commercial purposes, you have to either have a commercial pilots license, or you have to ask the FAA to give you exemptions from those rules. To be the Pilot in Charge of a UAV, even with a FAA 333 Exemption, the PIC must have some level of pilot’s license. Some people (I know a few), have applied for and gotten the 333 exemption without having a pilot’s license. What this means, is that…

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Jul 22
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Wayward Son Carries On

Wayward Son Carries On

By Corporate Video Production, Faith Filmmaking, Music Video Production

When we shot our faith-based movie “The Imposter” in 2008, we were fortunate to cast Kerry Livgren.  In the 1970’s, one of the biggest acts in rock music was the band “Kansas.”  Kerry Livgren, with the long blond hair, was one of the main songwriter/musician of the group.  He write their break out hit “Carry On Wayward Son,” followed by one of the biggest all time hits “Dust in the Wind.” Kerry is the real deal.  We sat down with him on the set of the movie and talked about his own personal journey.  Here’s that video.  Hope you enjoy!

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