Budget-Friendly Video Production: Tips for Small Businesses

In an ever-evolving digital landscape, video content has become a paramount tool for small businesses to effectively communicate their message, engage their audience, and drive conversions. However, for many small businesses in the UK, the prospect of video production may seem daunting due to perceived cost barriers. Fortunately, with strategic planning and resourceful approaches, budget-friendly video production is not only achievable, but can also yield impressive results. Define Objectives and Target Audience One of the first steps in embarking on a budget-friendly video production journey is to clearly define your objectives and target audience. By having a clear understanding of your goals, you can tailor your video content to resonate with your audience effectively. Whether you're looking to increase brand awareness, showcase your products or services, or drive website traffic, aligning your video content with your business objectives is key to maximising its impact. When it comes to actual production, there are several cost-saving strategies that small businesses can employ. For instance, leveraging existing resources such as in-house talent, equipment, and locations can significantly reduce production costs. Additionally, opting for simpler production techniques, such as using natural lighting and minimal props, can help keep expenses in check without compromising quality. Utilise a Creative and Engaging Story Another cost-saving approach is to focus on storytelling and creativity rather than elaborate production values. Compelling storytelling can captivate your audience and convey your message effectively, regardless of production scale. By prioritising authenticity and creativity, small businesses can create engaging video content that [...]

Budget-Friendly Video Production: Tips for Small Businesses2024-04-16T09:28:26+00:00

Intermediate Level: The Best Grip Choices For Camera Shots

In this new Alchemy of Film video course, Tom, Camera Operator and Editor at Shot Blast Media, will explain the different grip choices for filming your own content. He will show you the difference between using a hand-held camera, tripod and gimbal. Let us know what else you'd like to learn on our Alchemy of Film video courses this year! Back to courses Downloadable Content Members Forum

Intermediate Level: The Best Grip Choices For Camera Shots2024-01-24T10:06:53+00:00

The Creative Teams’ Favourite Filmmaking Equipment

In the exciting world of video production, our tools aren't just gadgets – they're the keys to our creativity. They help us shape stories and capture audiences. Quality filmmaking equipment directly translates to elevated production value. Crisp visuals, smooth camera movements, and innovative shots contribute to a professional and polished end product. The video production industry is highly competitive, and staying ahead requires a commitment to excellence. Employing the best filmmaking kit not only ensures that a production meets contemporary standards but also positions the team as innovators, capable of adapting to evolving industry trends. Meet the minds behind the magic: Tom, Camera Operator and Editor: Tom guides us through the dynamic capabilities of our tools, finding the perfect balance between stability and versatility. Byron, Camera Operator and Editor: Byron takes us to new heights with his expertise in drones, transforming how we see and experience storytelling. David, Creative Director and Producer: David reveals the subtle magic of reflectors, shaping light to add depth and vibrancy to our visual narratives. Join us on a journey through the gear that defines our craft, as we hear from these voices behind our stories. Tom, Camera Operator and Editor: “My favourite bit of equipment is the ronin gimbal rig because it creates a steady image while also being versatile and dynamic. You can change the settings in the gimbal to create a similar shot to a slider or fly around a room like a drone. However, as with all grip equipment, the [...]

The Creative Teams’ Favourite Filmmaking Equipment2024-02-06T14:16:03+00:00

Beginner Level: Top Tips For Filming Your Own Video Content

In this new Alchemy of Film video course, Maddy, Marketing Executive at Shot Blast Media, will provide you with some top tips for planning your own video content. Maddy's filming top tips include thinking about scriptwriting, costumes and props, locations, and clearing your background to look professional.Let us know what else you'd like to learn on our Alchemy of Film video courses in the future!Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Back to courses Downloadable Content Members Forum

Beginner Level: Top Tips For Filming Your Own Video Content2023-12-06T15:14:00+00:00

Intermediate Level: Setting Up The Perfect Interview Shot

In this Alchemy of Film video course, Byron, Camera Operator & Editor at Shot Blast Media, will show you how to set up the perfect interview video shot, including using the camera, utilising your lighting, and directing your presentor/actor. Steph, our Sales & Business Development Manager, will show you the best position to stand in and how to perform a good interview on camera. Let us know what else you'd like to learn on our Alchemy of Film video courses! Back to courses Downloadable Content Members Forum

Intermediate Level: Setting Up The Perfect Interview Shot2023-08-22T14:45:53+00:00

What Are The Best Video Production Apps For Your Phone?

In 2023, the power of video production is no longer limited to professional studios and expensive equipment. The advancement of technology has made it possible for anyone with a smartphone to become a video producer, and with a wide range of video production apps available, anyone can now create high-quality videos right from their phones. Video production apps have revolutionised the way we capture, edit, and share videos. These apps offer a variety of features that allow users to shoot, edit, add effects, and even create animations with just a few taps on their phone screens. One of the key advantages of using video production apps is their user-friendly interface. They are designed to be intuitive and accessible to users of all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced videographer, these apps provide tools and features that make it easy to create professional-looking videos without any prior knowledge or experience in video editing. Video editing capabilities offered by these apps are also impressive. Users can trim and merge clips, add transitions and filters, adjust colours and exposure levels, as well as overlay text or graphics onto their videos. Moreover, many video production apps also include animation tools that allow users to bring static images or text to life with dynamic movements. These animation features enable users to add engaging visuals and storytelling elements to their videos effortlessly. Here’s some of the video production and animation apps that we recommend. Aardman Animator is an easy to use [...]

What Are The Best Video Production Apps For Your Phone?2023-07-27T10:57:52+00:00

What Can You Learn on a Social Media Video Training Course?

Social media video training courses are becoming increasingly popular as more businesses and individuals are looking to leverage the power of video content. In today's world, social media platforms are constantly evolving and video content has become an essential part of any successful social media strategy. With the rise of video production, it's crucial to have the skills and knowledge necessary to create engaging videos that capture your audience's attention. Attending a social media video training course can provide you with the tools and techniques needed to produce high-quality videos for your brand or business. Why is video training important? This type of video training is important to complete if you’re a digital marketer or working towards increasing your engagement with your audience across your social accounts. Social media video training workshops provide an opportunity to learn the latest techniques and strategies for creating engaging video content on social media. On this type of course, you will learn how to plan, shoot, and edit videos that will help you reach your target audience and build relationships with them. At Shot Blast Media, we offer unique video training courses, specifically for social media. How does it work? We run the video training courses in small groups of 1-6 delegates from the same company. The small group size and individual training means candidates have more time for practical sessions with our video training expert, David, who is currently working actively within the video and media industry. Candidates will have a very [...]

What Can You Learn on a Social Media Video Training Course?2023-07-26T08:52:00+00:00

Beginner Level: How To Set Up & Use A Tripod Effectively

In this Alchemy of Film video course, Byron, our Camera Operator and Editor, will show you how to set up a tripod for your camera. In this video, he will also teach you different techniques, such as panning and tilting, as well as lowering the camera using the spreader. After watching this video, you will be able to use your tripod more effectively when filming content for your business. Back to courses Downloadable Content Members Forum

Beginner Level: How To Set Up & Use A Tripod Effectively2024-01-04T08:07:50+00:00

Intermediate Level: How To Colour Grade A Video On Premiere Pro

In this Alchemy of Film video tutorial, Maddy from Shot Blast Media will show you how to use colour grading tools on Adobe Premiere Pro. Colour grading is a really important aspect of filmmaking, and it will help your video content have a more professional look. Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the most popular software for colour grading videos, as it has a wide range of tools and features that can help you to enhance the colours in your video. You can easily adjust the brightness, contrast, saturation, and other parameters to get the desired results quickly. You can also use tools like curves and colour wheels to make precise adjustments. Watch our latest Adobe Premiere Pro tutorial here on how to set up a video project correctly. Let us know what else you want to learn in our upcoming Alchemy of Film tutorials! Back to courses Downloadable Content Members Forum

Intermediate Level: How To Colour Grade A Video On Premiere Pro2024-01-04T08:09:49+00:00

Beginner Level: How To Make A YouTube Shorts Video

On this Alchemy of Film video tutorial, Maddy from Shot Blast Media will show you how to create a YouTube Shorts video from your phone. You will learn how to upload a video, how to add music, text and filters, and how to schedule your video content. YouTube Shorts is a new feature by YouTube that allows users to create short-form videos up to 60 seconds long. It has been designed to help content creators quickly produce and share engaging video content on the platform. With its easy-to-use tools, users can easily upload and edit videos, add music, and share their creations on the platform. YouTube Shorts can also be used for marketing purposes as it provides an effective way of reaching out to potential customers in an entertaining way. Let us know what you want to see in next months video tutorial! Back to courses Downloadable Content Members Forum

Beginner Level: How To Make A YouTube Shorts Video2024-01-04T08:14:38+00:00