So, onto the good stuff. Here’s a quick overview of each tool and some samples for you to check out.  Tiki-Toki and Dipity have free versions and BeeDocs offers a lite version for $20; it is a paid tool, but it allows you to re-purpose your work for a slick animation as well as exporting it in HTML for use on your WordPress or Joomla site. Let me know in the comments if you have used them or worked them into any presentations before.

1 Tiki-Toki

The Tiki-Toki timeline can be embedded in websites that Vision House develop for such as WordPress and Joomla

Tiki-Toki Highlights:

• No software to download with this one
• Everything from a single free timeline (with all the features) to paid accounts for businesses and bloggers.
• Nice, clean pop-up panels
• Embeddable timelines (requires a premium account)
• Can embed videos, audio, images, text (of course) and social media
• Free version is full featured, no ads and no branding constraints; but only one timeline.

Go see a sample Tiki-Toki timeline HERE check out their site

2 Dipity

Dipity has a great scaling tool for better context.

Dipity Highlights:

• Dipity has their own branding + ads on the free account.
• Not for commercial use on free version.
• Has a really nice magnification feature.
• Can also embed videos, audio, images, text (of course) and social media
• Collaboration tools are available.
• Really only allows for use on your WordPress, Joomla or as an iFrame on any blog. So, if you need it in a PPT or Keynote presentation it’s a no-go (unless you trust web availability during your presentation).

Go see a sample Dipity timeline HERE check out their site

3 Beedocs Timeline

Beedocs Highlights:

• Beedocs allows you to re-purpose your work into multiple formats.
• Use it in a video, embed it in a PPT or Keynote presentation, or export it for embedding in a blog.
• Of course… animation! Unique 3D Presentation style that is very compelling.
• Offers Cinematic Timelines with soundtracks; will output to MOV video for use in other video applications.
• The web timelines are quite a bit weaker than the other two offerings, but they do offer a “list” view which is handy.
• Remember, BeeDocs is Mac software only.

Go see more samples of Beedocs Timeline animations HERE check out their site

I plan on incorporating more of these visuals in my motion graphics work. Although some situations will require After Effects, I think many applications could benefit from implementing a timeline created in Beedocs Timeline, and wow the time savings versus manually creating in motion graphics suites. Some case uses would be for a fundraising banquet showcasing the progress and milestones of a non-profit organization over the years. Or, a review of sales highlights at an annual sales meeting that showcases top performers and completion of milestone projects.  Great potential.

Have any experience with these? Let me know in the comments section if you have used them or worked them into any presentations before…

Here is a list of 20 designer specific apps found in the Mac App Store.

PRODUCTION NEEDS ANALYSIS

1. Who is your target audience? (be careful they aren’t too broad… we can accomodate multiple purposes, but it must be thought out in advance and may cost more $$$)
2. What is your message? (what information do you want included… do you have ideas on how you want it presented?)
3. What specific action do you want people to take after watching the video? (it is important to be very specific… sometimes this betrays unrealistic multiple expectations)
4. How will you distribute the video to your target audience? (more detail on this in the next set of questions)
5. What venue/context will it be shown in? (trade show, company meeting, conference, television, home, office, web site)
6. How will you measure the success of your video once it’s in the hands of your target audience? Again, be specific… and maintain reality)
7. What budget constraints do you have? (we may be able to save money if we know in advance – ie stock footage may work sufficiently instead of shooting customized footage.)
8. What is the deadline? (rush jobs usually cost more… GOOD – CHEAP – FAST … pick any two.)

OTHER HELPFUL QUESTIONS

• Do you have sample videos you can show us that look similar to what you want?
• Do you have a script or summary of the video already?
• Do you need us to develop the message and script or just help rework what you have?
• If you have a script, we need to do a script review and comment on feasability. (Frequently clients have soaring expectations about a video w/o understanding the costs- a  script analysis allows us to verify that expectations are in line with the budget.)

DISTRIBUTION NEEDS ANALYSIS

• Explain your ideas on how you will show the video to your target audience.
• Will you personally hand your video to a member of your target audience?
• Do you want them to be able to watch the video on the Internet?
• Will you ever need to show your video in a sales presentation or in a meeting?
• Will your video need to be handed out at trade shows or sent via direct mail?
• Do you want the ability to put your video in a PowerPoint presentation?

SUMMARY OF A BASIC BUSINESS/MINISTRY VIDEO

Most videos will contain a mixture of these elemants:

• Opening logo animation with music and optional effects.
• Professional Voice Over talent.
• Interview clips with your executives or employees
• Interview clips with your customers
• Video footage and/or pictures taken in your offices, plants or warehouses
• Video footage of your employees serving customers or working together on projects.
• Video footage of your customers putting your product/service to use
• Graphic animations and special effects

When these elements are combined with a persuasive script and creative editing techniques, the end result is a video that will meet and often exceed your goals for the project.

Once the footage is handed off to an editor, he/she will review it and log all of the good and/or usable takes. The usable takes are then ‘captured’ by the editing system, storing each video clip on the computer’s hard drive. Once all of the clips have been loaded, the editor has the freedom to rearrange the video clips just as easily as you can edit and rearrange sentences in a word processing document.

A myriad of tools and special effects are available to the editor in order to edit your video to create the type of content, mood, pacing, etc. that you are looking for, which includes the creation of complex animated 2d or 3d graphics. We also have an extensive library of production music and sound effects at your disposal so that you can find the sounds to add the right feel to your video.

Once we’ve completed the first edit of your video, you can review the project and make changes as required. If you have a tight deadline and the final “say so” is out of town, we can encode your program into an internet streaming format and send your “final say so” a web address where they can preview your video online, to make changes or give final approval.

When your project is completed to your satisfaction, Vision House Studio will master your program to the video format of your choice to preserve the quality. We’ll also archive all of the elements of the project so that if changes need to be made at a later date, we don’t have to start all over. We’ll even store it in our Video Vault free of charge so that if you need duplicates, CD’s or DVD’s in the future, all you have to do is give us a ring!

Duplication

Now that your program is finished, it’s time to decide how you’d like to distribute your program. VISION HOUSE can make your copies to virtually ANY video format, audiocassette, CD or DVD. We also provide international standards conversions, so customers can view your program anywhere in the world.

If your looking for more tech-savvy methods of distribution, we can also encode your program for internet streaming or download, work with you on leveraging social networks and even upload to all primary video servers online (such as YouTube, Vimeo and dozens more.)  We can create interactive motion picture quality interactive DVD menus, interactive CD’s, iTunes syndication or Flash animations suitable for web deployment.

Distribution

Obviously, your completed video program is really what’s important—but the way your web streams, CDs and DVDs look on the outside will make that all-important first impression. We want you to stand out from the competition! That’s why VISION HOUSE provides you with the largest selection of packaging options available.

Both our CDs and DVDs are available in silk screen prints or, for shorter runs, in ink-jet printable discs, which means that we can print any artwork that you provide directly on the face of the disc using robotic duplicators. Or, if you don’t have the time or the resources, VISION HOUSE can design your artwork for you, using your logo or any other graphics that you can provide.

Grab attention with unique packaging options!

Want to try a business card shaped DVD or CD?  We’ve got them…Plus every sort of box, sleeve, jacket, case, colored shell, album or holder that you can think of (and probably some you can’t. Grab your customer or client’s attention with the packaging—then hold it with the message of your video. VISION HOUSE will help you make a statement in everything you do. We even offer custom packaging and labeling options, including full color label printing for DVD, Blu-ray, CD, video or audio cassettes, and direct printing on CD’s and DVD’s.

We can do it all ensuring the quality, technical superiority, program integrity and accountability from conception to completion of all your ideas.

Depending on your particular project, here’s some things to think about:

• To shoot a script in an artistic and intriguing way requires many shots and many different camera set-ups.
• If the shoot is to take place on location, please make sure all interested parties are aware of our presence in advance. This includes security and anyone that may appear in the video in the background or on camera.
• It is highly recommended that a contact person be in attendance at all shoots either on location or in the studio. This is especially helpful on location shoots; it speeds up the process when someone who knows the area is close by.
• It is very typical to shoot items out of order. (Unless, of course, we’re shooting a live speaker or a live event.)
• The shooting locations should be clean and orderly to properly reflect the business environment and/or mood of the scene. It’s also a good idea to know how to control the HVAC in the shooting location (if you can) and how the electrical outlets in the room are wired; our lighting kit demands a lot of electricity.
• Non-professional talent should be briefed on what their role in the video will be and what will be required of them. They should know their lines so that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
• Make-up on talent is a nice thing. It ads a little to the cost of the project but will make everyone in the video look professional.
• Certain clothes and colors look better on video than others. Avoid tight patterns and bright, saturated colors. Pick clothing that compliments your skin tone. Before shooting begins, talent will be “mic’d up.” This is where the production assistant invades your personal space and attaches a lavaliere (lav) microphone to your clothing.
• Sometimes a shot takes longer than expected. You’ll see that many times it takes longer to set-up a shot and get the lighting just right than it does to actually record the shot. (This is sometimes referred to as “Hurry up and wait”)
• If the shoot is an all-day affair, you’ll get more accomplished in the morning than after lunch. (This statement is based on past experience) When recording is taking place, watch the video monitor, not the action – after all, that’s what’s going to be in the final product.

Got Questions?

This guide by no means is a comprehensive guide to creating a video. Remember, we’re here for you! If you have any questions, please send us an email (project@visionhousestudio.com) or give us a call!

There are three major phases to successfully producing a video: Pre-production, Production, Postproduction. First up, Pre-produciton…

Pre-Production (aka “planning”)

Cauton - Don't Skimp Here!

This phase of video production can take some time, and many people want to rush through it, but don’t!  It is the most important part! Everything else is determined in advance by what happens here. A good foundation means a great result… but rush through and wing-it… not so much.  The more prepared you are going into the production phase, the more you save in time and money.

Pre-Production Meetings  This is where your video begins to take shape. Anyone can pitch ideas until they’re blue in the face, but at some point, decisions have to be made about what needs to be in your video. Often, the parameters of a video are established through a brainstorming session, performed either by yourself and/or your colleagues, or between your company and VISION HOUSE. This is the opportunity to examine all of the various elements that you could possibly include in your video, and then choose those elements that will best communicate your ideas to the target audience within budget.

If you can answer the above questions, then everyone involved should be well acquainted with the goals of the video project and how the project will ultimately be realized. Now you can begin to think about HOW you would like your video presented. To be honest with you, most people may have a couple of ideas of what they like to see in their video, but really don’t want to sit down and map out its structure. That’s where we come in; we’ve been doing this for years!

The Proposal  Once the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY and HOW’s have been determined, we’ll submit a proposal that’ll cover the scope of the entire project. If you desire, we can arrange a proposal meeting where we’ll explain every aspect and bullet-point of our proposal.

Scripting  Once the proposal is accepted, it’s time to script it. The script is the master plan that details the elements of your program, from the razzle-dazzle open to the final credits. (It’s kind of like a blueprint for a house!) If it’s in the script, it’ll be in your completed video. A script provides a point of common reference for everyone involved, from the crew to the video’s financiers. The script serves as a checklist and lets everyone know precisely what will be in your video. The more detailed the script is, the easier the following steps become.

Pre-Production Planning  Once a script has been completed and approved, it’s time for the pre-production planning. This is where we plan how to shoot every element in the script, and design a shooting schedule. Arrangements are made (when needed) for talent, costumes, locations, props, special equipment, transportation, etc. to make sure that your shoot will progress as smoothly as possible.

Once the script, budget and arrangements have been made, it’s time for: Production…. Part 2 in the series.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other common questions:

What’s the final product? How do I know which one to choose? The result could be a set of audiotapes, a book, an ethical will, a web site (with geneology) a CD or a DVD or a combination of these. Each choice has its own benefits and price range. A personal historian can clarify which products might suit your needs.

What do I get from CDs and DVDs? CDs and DVDs are computer disks on which you can store a lot of information digitally. Our professionals can help you tell your story in text, photos, audio, documents, and even film and video clips, all on one disk. Designed to give the computer user easy access, CDs and DVDs help you create a new form of storytelling that will be fresh in the eyes of future generations.

How much does it cost?  See our price guidelines here. Prices can vary widely, depending upon the length of the interviews, the services you need and the end result you want. They may range from several hundred dollars to many thousands for a complex corporate or personal biography, a large family or company history, or an intricate video production. A personal history project can be crafted to fit your budget. Often several family members who believe in the importance of preserving their family’s legacy can share the cost.

What are some advantages of creating a video? Video captures the subject in action, telling his/her life story in his/her own voice, showing facial expressions and gestures. Future generations can see the people and objects that are most important to the subject, as well as his/her favorite places and activities. Video production can be simple or complex, depending on the client’s desires. It may include music, sound effects, titles, opticals, or interviews with other family members.

“There was never yet an uninteresting life. Such a thing is an impossibility. Inside the dullest exterior, there is a drama, a comedy, and a tragedy.” <br>-Mark Twain

(Parts excerpted from the Association of Personal Historians web site.)

Don’t be limited to these suggestions, every person is unique, and you can probably think of some special things to talk about.

 The Sketch – $795.00 – A two hour interview conducted at our studio that offers a broad, but illuminating glimpse into the life of the subject. The Sketch is also a perfect format for company histories, veteran stories or encapsulating your personal faith journey… the ideas are unlimited. Personal photos (up to 40) and period music are used in addition to the interview to provide a 20-30 minute edited film highlighting the most poignant moments in the subject’s life. “The Sketch” includes:

• We will conduct (1) 2-hour interview of the subject at our studio.
• A professionally produced and edited 20-30 minute film on DVD, VHS or other format.
• Complete unedited 2 hour rough cut interview archive on DVD.
• Up to 40 photos presented documentary style throughout the edited interview.
• Complimentary CD-ROM with all scanned photos digitally preserved.

The Capsule – $1,495 – A four hour interview filmed at your home, in our studios or any other location you choose. This package goes deeper into the stories and life experiences of the subject and interweaves up to (60) personal photos, period music and period news reels into a 25 to 35 minute edited video with even more detail and historical context.

• We will conduct (2) 2-hour interviews of the subject on location.
• A professionally produced and edited 25-35 minute biography on DVD, VHS or other format.
• Complete unedited 4 hour rough cut interviews archive on DVD.
• Up to 60 photos presented documentary style throughout the edited interview.
• Complimentary CD-ROM with all scanned photos digitally preserved.

The Biography – $2,395 – This package offers a very thorough treatise of a single subject or couple by conducting multiple interviews with up to four different individuals at various locations or in our studios. “The Biography” provides a detailed treatise of the subject’s life with multiple perspectives including co-workers, friends, family members and community leaders… we will incorporate up to four hours of interview footage woven together with up to (80) personal photos, period music and period news reels.

• We will conduct (2) 2-hour interviews of the subject(s) on location.
• Up to three brief interviews with others at various locations.
• A professionally produced and edited 25-40 minute biography on DVD, VHS or other format.
• Up to 80 photos presented documentary style throughout the edited interview.
• Complimentary CD-ROM with all scanned photos digitally preserved.

The Heritage – $4,995– A truly wonderful gift for the entire family… your children, grandchildren and generations to come! This package takes all of the features of “The Biography” and increases the interview to 3 separate 2 hour sessions for the primary subjects and up to five other brief interviews with other family members, friends and colleagues. In addition, this package includes the digital archiving of up to 5 hours of home movies or videos from your family archives. We will transfer 8mm, super 8mm, VHS, Hi-8, miniDV, Beta or any common home video format and transfer them to DVD for a comprehensive gift of “Heritage.” Photos and period music are used in addition to the interview to provide a complete account of the most poignant moments in the subject’s life. Extensive research is done to place the video in historical context and some use of historical archive footage will be used as appropriate.

• We will conduct (3) 2-hour interviews of the subject(s) on location.
• Up to five brief interviews with others at various locations.
• A professionally produced and edited 35-50 minute biography on DVD, VHS or other format.
• Up to 100 photos presented documentary style throughout the edited interview.
• Complimentary CD-ROM with all scanned photos digitally preserved.
• (5) Hours of home movies (VHS, Hi-8, or 8mm and super8mm film) converted to DVD.
• (3) DVDs archiving your home movies with interactive, chapter accessible menus.

The Legacy – $6,995– For the complete, unabridged testimony of your life with the greatest attention to details that might otherwise be lost forever… we offer “The Legacy.” In order to provide a truly comprehensive biography we will conduct eight supplemental interviews in addition to a total of 8 hours of interviews with the primary subject. To complement such a thorough treatise, we add an additional 5 hours of home movies to be transferred to DVD for safe keeping into the future. This is an in-depth production process that includes genealogical research, historical archive research and extensive use of period films and photos in addition to personal information that is provided.

• We will conduct (4) 2-hour interview(s) of the subject(s) on location.
• Storyline concept and professional voice talent narrates.
• Up to eight brief interviews with others at various locations.
• A professionally produced and edited 40-50 minute biography on DVD, VHS or other format.
• Up to 100 photos presented documentary style throughout the edited interview.
• Complimentary CD-ROM with all scanned photos digitally preserved.
• (10) Hours of home movies (VHS, Hi-8, or 8mm and super8mm film) converted to DVD.
• (5 to 6) DVDs archiving your home movies with interactive, chapter accessible menus.

Please note that ANY PACKAGE ABOVE can be modified by adding “a la carte” services from the price list. Please feel free to customize these packages to better suit your story.

Biography Package Details / Comparison Chart

(Please use the “a la carte” items on the last page to customize any package below.)

	The Sketch	The Capsule	The Biography	The Heritage	The Legacy
Number of Interviews (each is two hours long)	1	2	2	3	4
Edited Film Length (estimated in minutes)	20-30	25-35	25-40	35-50	40-50
Shooting Schedule	2 Hours	3-4 Hours	4-8 Hrs	10-16 Hrs	12-16Hrs
DVD Biography Copies	2	2	3	3	5
On-Location Filming*	-	Single	Multiple	Multiple	Multiple
Additional Brief Interviews (friends and family)**	-	-	Up to 3	Up to 5	Up to 8
Home Movie Transfers	-	-	-	5 hours	10 hours
Number of Photos	Up to 40	Up to 60	Up to 80	Up to 100	Up to 100
Complimentary CD-ROM (includes scanned photos)	X	X	X	X	X
Library Case w/ Custom Color Label	X	X	X	X	X
Special Effects	-	-	-	X	X
	-	-	-	X	X
Heirloom Videography	-	-	-	-	X
PACKAGE PRICE	$795	$1495	$2395	$4995	$6995

*On-Location interviews are limited to time constraints per package.
**Brief interviews are to be pre-arranged and scheduled on the required shooting day(s) Brief interviews are approximately 15 minutes in length.  See “Notes & Clarifications” for more information.

ALL PACKAGES INCLUDE:

• High-quality 3CCD digital cameras used in broadcast applications
• Lossless digital to digital non-linear editing for the highest quality.
• DVDs with interactive, customized menus.
• Photo color correction and removal of minor defects and red-eye on all photos
• Heirloom Quality library case with direct print DVD (not stickers.)
• Complimentary CD-ROM with all scanned photos
• OUR GUARANTEE & PROMISE: Ask us about these!

Biography “A La Carte” – Add these to any package above or use them to create your own custom package.

• Add Additional Interviews & Editing – $200 / hour (If on-location, travel charges may apply see notes below.)
• Additional Brief Interviews & Editing – $100 each (If on-location, travel charges may apply see notes below.)
• Home movie Transfers – $400-$1500 depending on media (please call or see our web site.)
• Ceremony Coverage – $195 / hour
• Extra DVD copies – $49.95 each
• Extra VHS copies – $29.95 each
• Video Projector and Screen for Presentation of Film – $175.00 / day
• Raw Interview Footage – $150/hour (All unedited raw footage can be provided so you can see and hear every unedited interview.)

PHOTO/HEIRLOOM Options – Add these to any package above.

• ADD a Photo Montage – $150 (40 life history pictures digitally scanned w/ transitions set to chosen music)
• ADD extra photos, letters, diary entries, or newspaper articles – $10.00 each
• ADD Photo Touch-up – major flaws (minor flaws included in all packages) $10.00 ea.
• ADD Home Movie Video Clips – Clips of 1-5 minutes can be added. $35.00 /minute
• Changes AFTER APPROVAL are at $115.00 per hour.

SPECIAL EFFECTS / MODIFICATIONS  Options

• 3D Video Effects through images – $95/hour labor
• Animated pictures/sprites for humor or dramatic impact (on cover of TIME or in NASA video, etc.) – $10.00 /photo
• Heirloom Videography – $75 per set (in our studio using professional cameras and lighting)
• Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound (DVD only) – $150 / 2-hour session

NOTES / CLARIFICATIONS:

Heirloom Videography allows addition of current items to be used in the montage – must be done at our studio.
TRAVEL TIME: On-Location interviews include travel within a 45 mile radius of our office in Lebanon, OH Travel outside of this area will result in a minimum $50/hour travel charge.
PAYMENT TERMS: Please see “Terms and Conditions” / 33% Non-Refundable deposit and a signed “Terms and Conditions” statement are required to book a biography. The second 33% is due at completion of all filming. Final 33% is due upon delivery of the final package. Standard biography research and editing requires 10-12 weeks after filming is complete, may vary depending on the complexity of the package ordered, options and schedule.
*On-Location interviews are limited to time constraints per package.
**Brief interviews are to be pre-arranged and scheduled on the required shooting day(s) Brief interviews are approximately 15 minutes in length.

Great for these events:

 Compelling Video Productions… From Your Photographs.