FAQ (Frequently-Asked Questions)

This is the top query we receive. It may be interesting for you to note that Crystal Pyramid Productions has been producing Explainer Videos since the early 1980s, the infancy of professional video production. At that time, they were called Industrial Videos, since they were very costly to produce and only the larger corporations could afford to create one. These industrial videos generally lasted from 12 to 15 minutes, and many times longer. They were videos explaining the company’s services and/ or products. 

Modern Explainer Videos

Today, Explainer Videos are affordable to most small businesses and entrepreneurs. They can range from 30 seconds to a minute or longer. Now, instead of producing one 15-minute video, a video production services company can theoretically produce 15 one-minute videos for a client which can be placed on their website home page or Youtube channel at designated times. It is wise for someone who wants to produce an Explainer Video to jot down everything they want the viewer to see in the video, and then consult with a top video production company with a good track record, who will be able to create the video you want in the most resourceful way. Always compare apples to apples when comparing various video production companies. Do not make the fatal error of trusting your Explainer video to an amateur. One mantra to keep in mind when producing your Explainer video is this: “Good, fast or cheap – pick two.”

Video production crews know very well the caveat “Safety first,” and this is what sand bags are all about. After all, you do not want your hefty light fixture to fall on the talent’s head, and you don’t want someone tripping over the extended leg of a C-stand. (If that happens, in all seriousness, you had better have some good video production insurance.)

This is where sand bags come in. If you are traveling to a different city to shoot video, it makes no sense to bring sand bags. It’s a good idea to rent them as needed from local grip equipment rental entities. A quick Google search will yield some good results, for instance “sand bag rental” in whatever city you are looking. We recommend checking out Sharegrid for sand bags and other grip supplies.

Today’s demand for video to advertise your product and/or service has only increased over the years. It is interesting to reminisce about the early days of corporate video production (late 1970s and early 1980s) when we had to make cold calls to various companies to CONVINCE them that video would be good for their ROI. Now everybody knows that video is the best pathway for your business to attract customers. Think of all the social media platforms that are voracious for content.

If you explore SEO more deeply you’ll find that photos indeed attract “eyeballs,” as a picture is worth 1,000 words, as the old motto goes. But video is even more popular than still photos. And if a picture is worth 1,000 words, then a video is worth tens of thousands.

Green is the color most used by video production service companies as a background when the purpose is to subtract the background color and add a different background, such as a forest, an ocean scape, a carnival, or anything the client wants that will deliver the desired message of the video. Why neon green?

Other colors can and have been used, but neon green is a color that people seldom wear, so there won’t be as many complications in the editing bay. You’ve seen weather people on television; that’s a population that uses green screen on a daily basis. The editor keys out the green background, and you can then see the weather graphics. If you are observant you may see a very thin green outline on the meteorologist, if the keying is not perfect.

It was a surfing trip that motivated Nick Woodman in 2002 to create a small camera encased in a waterproof shell that would record his Point-of-View on a surfboard. The first GoPro Hero led to a POV revolution. But prior to the GoPro, there were other helmet cams that recorded action in various films going back decades.

Our own Mark Schulze innovated a helmet cam for use in mountain biking videos, beginning with the world’s first instructional mountain-bike video, “The Great Mountain Biking Video” produced by New & Unique Videos in 1987.

If you are just starting out, then this is the perfect example of a Catch 22. Because the way to get corporate video clients is to already have corporate video clients.

One of the best ways for amateur videographers to procure a client is to intern or volunteer your services on one or more shoots. This way, you will build trust and a network of potential clients. You’re going to need to create a demo reel aka splash reel of clips that you have shot, produced and edited. You’ll have to keep on “massaging” that reel by adding newer and better clips as time goes on. This is the video that you will use as a marketing tool, sending it off to potential clients.

The Dreaded Cold Call

It’s clear that video production is something that you’ll need to market in various ways. Direct marketing, social media marketing, cold calls, direct mail and networking are all spokes of the wheel. And you’ve got to keep on rolling the wheel in order to generate business. Corporate video production has been our “bread and butter” for over 40 years now. It’s not as glamorous as shooting a theatrical film, but it takes as much skill and imagination.

This is a really broad question. Some camera operators are happy, and others are not. And it shows in their work. If you have asked this question in order to assess whether operating a camera is a career choice you want to make, then it’s best to ask a bunch of camera operators how they feel about their livelihood.

Our Director of Photography, Mark Schulze, loves operating a camera. It’s his passion. He is an entrepreneur who started his own company fresh out of college, and he has been honing his skills for over 40 years now. What makes him happy about this profession? Videography is his art that he can share with clients while making money. Each video production gig is different with different locations, different teams and different content. The video production industry is all about problem-solving, and Mark is the MaGyver of video production.

The easiest way to determine whether operating a camera makes you happy or not is to actually go out and operate one. Keep in mind that “operating” your iPhone camera is not the same as operating a large broadcast camera rig. Do you have a gift for framing a shot? Do you understand how to zoom in and out, how to focus and how to use the iris? Are you a “people person” who can get along with anyone? Do you know how to communicate well? If the answers to these probing questions are “Yes,” you just may have what it takes to be a happy camera operator.

Teleprompters are devices that display text in a way that allows a speaker to read from it while looking directly into a camera or at an audience. They are often used in television news broadcasts, political speeches, and other public speaking events.

The teleprompter typically consists of a screen that is mounted above or below the camera lens, and a computer or other device that displays the text to be read. The text scrolls up the screen at a speed that can be controlled by the speaker or an operator, allowing them to read the script while appearing to make eye contact with the audience or camera.

Teleprompters are often used by professionals who need to deliver speeches or presentations that require precise timing or wording. They are also useful for people who have difficulty remembering speeches or who have a fear of public speaking. In such cases, it is wise to hire a professional teleprompter operator who can put the talent at ease and make it fun for all.

Finding a good video production company can be a daunting task, but there are several ways to ensure that you are choosing the right one for your needs. Here are some tips to help you find a good video production company:

1. Look for experience: Check the company’s website to see how long they have been in business and what type of projects they have worked on in the past. This can give you an idea of their level of expertise and whether they have experience working on projects similar to yours.
2. Check their portfolio: Look at the company’s portfolio to see examples of their work. This can give you an idea of their style, quality, and level of creativity.
3. Read reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients. This can give you an idea of their level of professionalism, communication skills, and overall satisfaction with the services provided.
4. Check their equipment and facilities: Make sure the company has the necessary equipment and facilities to produce high-quality videos. This can include cameras, lighting, sound equipment, and editing software.
5. Consider their communication skills: Look for a company that communicates clearly and promptly. This can help ensure that your project is completed on time and to your satisfaction.
6. Ask for references: Ask the company for references from previous clients. This can give you an idea of their level of professionalism and the quality of their work.

By following these tips, you can find a good video production company that can help you create cost-effective high-quality videos that meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Call on Crystal Pyramid Productions today to assist you with your video production. (619) 644-3000