CrashBang Video

This Blog Is Moving...

2010-03-21T14:09:00.002-04:00

Someone finally lit a match under me, and I've moved all the entries from this blog to my new website: www.CrashBangDigital.com/blog/. All new blog entries will be posted there from now on.

Web Videos for Small Business

2010-03-18T09:26:00.001-04:00

Start Your Engines!

2010-03-09T19:43:00.003-05:00

If you want to be in the race for affiliate prizes, you better get started. Everything from cash bonuses to an Apple iPad are being offered to the affiliate marketers who refer sales of the Baby Boomer or Senior guide. Here are the contest details:

The UK-based author of the guide, Anna Bell, did a great job researching and writing the content. I think it's an affiliate product with true value.

Your Virtual Spokesperson

2010-02-26T17:48:00.003-05:00

The video speaks for itself...

and that's kind of the idea. Get in touch to learn more: rick.glasby@verizon.net

Finally, a Quality Affiliate Product

2010-02-23T14:09:00.005-05:00

A lot of Internet marketers have jumped into affiliate marketing, only to come away disillusioned. I personally think that's because many of the affiliate products out there are of dubious value. I just had the chance to produce several videos for an affiliate product that changes all that. A 750-page guide for seniors and baby boomers that covers everything from where to retire, to health and finances. It was extremely well-written, and professionally produced. I think it's going to be a real success story for affiliate marketers.

From Coast to Coast...

2010-02-23T13:56:00.004-05:00

That's the range of Canada's PrintingOnDemand. We produced this video for InViewMarketing, the Toronto-based website developer and Internet marketing company. They recognize the value that video has in compelling website visitors to take action.

Print On Demand | Instant Printing | Canada's Rush Printing Specialists from Print On Demand | Instant Print on Vimeo.

Grab a cold one and watch the game...

2010-02-11T09:24:00.005-05:00

If you're looking to enjoy the true "home theater" experience (and you're in the Toronto area), you should really contact Toronto Home Theater. We just finished a video for them that shows of their installations. Take a look!

Work Up a Sweat Defending Yourself

2010-02-07T10:06:00.007-05:00

Keith at Absolute Martial Arts in St. Louis commissioned us to create another web video for his business. In it you'll learn the questions to ask before selecting a school to learn mixed martial arts. A MMA class combines Muay Thai kickboxing and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Keith says after this high intensity cardiovascular workout you're guaranteed to leave class soaked with sweat!

The Boat Show!

2010-02-06T12:13:00.007-05:00

It was a snowy week here on the East Coast, but that didn't stop me from going to the boat show in Atlantic City. We were hired by the East England Company to produce video for their website, Sailboat-Secrets.com.

I roamed the halls of the convention center, and conducted short interviews with some of the vendors. We're in the process of editing them down to eight videos that will be available through Sailboat Secrets. Here's a teaser:

Ask, Listen, and Retain

2010-02-02T11:51:00.003-05:00

That's the name of a marketing campaign we're supporting with video for Compechek. They are a leading provider of customer satisfaction surveys (Ask your clients questions - Listen to their responses - and Retain their business). You can view the squeeze page video here: www.asklistenretain.com.

We've produced 20 videos so far in the Ask Listen Retain series. Five of them are longer, and describe the benefits of the Compechek process. The rest are shorter, and cover the FAQs and SAQs (Frequently Asked Questions and Should have Asked Questions). They were all recorded in front of my "green screen" so we could vary the background graphics. Here's an example:

Tanks for Everything

2010-01-26T16:27:00.010-05:00

My clients in Saskatchewan, Canada literally have a tank for everything. AGI Envirotank manufacturers tanks for everything from gas stations to agricultural products. Here's a video we produced for their line of modular gas stations. They are less expensive to install, and more enviromentally friendly than traditional service station designs.

Kick Yourself (out of loneliness)

2010-01-17T18:55:00.005-05:00

That's the title of the lastest video we created for WinstonHenry.com. The website offers a wide variety of motivational messages. The video is based on one: tips on how to stop being lonely.

The Perfect "Squeeze Page" Video

2010-01-12T18:09:00.007-05:00

We just created a compelling squeeze page video for Internet marketing guru, Fabian Tan. It combines all the attributes of a successful squeeze (free offer, "but wait there's more...," and a hint of controversy - Murder Your Job).

Fabian is ranked as one of the top five Asian marketers. He has spread his offers globally (how about 5,000 ezine articles!). His ventures include affiliate marketing, information marketing, and joint ventures with other Internet marketing gurus.

Moving On from a Failed Relationship

2010-01-05T18:25:00.001-05:00

It's always good to start the new year with positive motivational messages. And that's what we helped Winston Henry create. Based on his article "Moving On from a Failed Relationship," the video makes the point that you shouldn't forget the good times you had with your ex. But it's important to acknowledge the reason for the break-up, and then start focusing on yourself.

You can read more motivational messages on www.winstonhenry.com. And coming soon - another video: How to Kick Yourself Out of Loneliness.

Going Global

2009-12-31T10:08:00.006-05:00

The year 2009 saw a big increase in international clients for CrashBang Digital. As the map above shows, they're located from France, England, and Romania, to Malaysia, Australia, and Singapore (that one dot isn't in the middle of the Atlantic - it's the island of Aruba. I was really hoping for an on-site meeting there... ) I suspect it's because we offer one thing that can't be outsourced overseas: an American accent. Most of the clients are building Internet businesses that need an average American spokesperson (me!).

To aid in my goal of teletransporting myself internationally, I set up a "green screen" studio here. That way I can easily switch backgrounds in my videos. It's a large (5x7) backdrop that's hung behind me. It's the same technology that the TV weather guy uses to point out things on the weather map. Now if I could just get the teletransporter function working. Aruba - here I come!

The Heart-Healthy Avocado?

2009-12-12T19:48:00.005-05:00

When you think of healthy foods you don't normally think of avocados. But maybe you should! According to a video I just produced for www.all-about-lowering-cholesterol.com, the avocado can actually help you reduce your cholesterol level.

Although the avocado is high in fat, it's mostly mono-unsaturated fat (the good kind that helps lower cholesterol). The government recently revised its nutrition guidelines, and now encourages Americans to eat more avocados.

The avocado video (below) is just one of 12 I've produced for Artin Vaqari at www.all-about-lowering-cholesterol.com.

Sailboat Secrets

2009-12-02T19:27:00.000-05:00

I've always had an interest in sailing, so this project seemed a natural. Matt Sims of the East England Company in London hired me to create multimedia content for his website, www.Sailboat-Secrets.com.

I created several audio interviews with experts in the field (a marine surveyor, a yacht broker, and a sailboat dealer). I asked them pointed questions about buying and maintaining a sailboat. We also produced a video that recommends the best boat for a beginning sailor. Here's an excerpt from the video:

If you want to find out which boat Don recommended, you'll just have to visit www.Sailboat-Secrets.com!

A Service Station Where It's Needed

2009-11-22T08:11:00.007-05:00

A company in Saskatchewan, Canada has a great idea for remote or small communities who don't have a gas station. It's a self-contained, unattended service station that can be drop-shipped to a site and set up in days. It's the Ghost Station from AGI Envirotank.

They've installed about 40 of these true "self-service" gas stations across Canada. It's a real life-saver for small towns that have lost their only gas station. Jeff from AGI shot some great handheld video that I combined with product photos to explain the concept.

Multimedia to the Max

2009-11-15T09:54:00.003-05:00

We just shipped the master discs for another financial course for Wealthpire, Inc. The Last Hour Trading course consists of five DVDs, five audio CDs, and two printed volumes. It's based on the book by Josh Hawes, and we incorporated webcam interviews with Josh to enhance the content.

We did editing and layout for the two volumes of the book, recorded voiceover, created graphics, edited the videos, authored the DVDs, and even created the artwork for the packaging (I guess we did it all - except for developing this unique method for trading stocks during the last hour of the trading day).

Get Healthy While You Wait

2009-10-31T20:32:00.006-04:00

It was our pleasure to produce two DVD programs for a pediatrician's office in Phoenix, Arizona. One DVD program provides an assortment of health tips interspersed with fun facts. It plays continuously in the waiting room of the Desert Ridge Children's Center.

The second DVD program is being given to new parents as a take-home resource. It offers guidance for new mothers on everything from breastfeeding to vaccinations. We created the scripts based on content already available from the center's website. I think what made the programs really engaging were the great photos that Dr. Ajarwal had taken of his clients and staff. The doctor is also an artist, and had decorated the waiting room with animal illustrations which we used as the basis for the fun facts on the DVD.

Fight Fog Eating

2009-10-31T17:29:00.004-04:00

I just finished editing a series of audio podcasts for weight-loss coach Brooke Castillo. The podcasts consist of actual coaching phone calls with Brooke's clients. In the premiere podcast I learned about "fog eating." I think it's the act of subconsciously eating just to be doing something. The next podcast touched on the sensuous subject of licking your fingers after eating ribs. Here's a link to Brooke's podcasts so you can hear for yourself!

Charlie Black - Undercover Agent

2009-10-18T08:10:00.001-04:00

I just finished creating interstitials and foley for five more episodes of the audio dramedy, The Adventures of Charlie Black. The creator of the series, Xavier Paul Cadeau, is a nationally known voiceover talent. He not only writes the scripts, but also provides voices for some of the characters. Terry Derkach recorded the sessions and did the final mix at his studio in Manhattan, Vrtcl Entertainment.

BTW: Interstitials are the music clips that tie the dialog together. And foley are the sound effects. Let's hear more chainsaw!

Pennsylvania Oil Town

2009-10-09T13:50:00.000-04:00

My great-grandfather created illustrations for newspapers in the late 1800's. One of the stories he contributed to was about an oil boom in a small town in Pennsylvania (McDonald, PA). I created a short video, based on his drawings and text from the newspaper article, and posted it on YouTube a few years ago. Since then, I've gotten some thank-you emails from residents of the town. This week the president of the McDonald Borough Council get in touch. It seems that they have a Welcome Station & History Center there, and wanted a copy of the video they could play there. I sent them a DVD for that purpose today. They are also requesting the state erect an historical marker on the site of the oil field, commemorating what the residents back then called "the great excitement!"

Real Relief

2009-10-07T19:48:00.000-04:00

A medical practitioner contacted us about creating a DVD mailer. We worked with him on the script, recorded voiceover, and edited the video.
The video featured interviews with patients and the tag line: Real People. Real Pain. Real Relief. Here's an excerpt from the DVD:

Training for a Triathlon?

2009-09-22T07:31:00.002-04:00

Not me. But maybe you? If so, here's a great training tool from fitness expert Ben Greenfield: The CEO Triathlon Dominator Package. It's targeted at triathletes who have a life outside of athletics; maybe a family or a job that they don't want to neglect. You get a training plan that gets you in shape to cross the Ironman finish line, without spending a good chunk of your life getting ready. Learn more about the product by visiting: http://triathlondominator.com

Sharing Photos

2009-09-14T21:43:00.001-04:00

Do you have digital pix and vids trapped on SD cards? If so, FOTOBOX from Honestech may be your solution. It converts your digital media to cool slideshows.

We just created this video for our friends at Honestech down in Austin, Texas:

To Serve and Protect (and Be Protected...)

2009-09-12T08:56:00.000-04:00

John Meyer and his wife Michelle operate an e-commerce site dedicated to providing emergency services workers with the equipment they need to do their jobs safely. They asked us to create a web video to promote their site, MJ's 911 Store.

Maximum ZZZZ's

2009-09-09T09:02:00.000-04:00

We just finished another video for CloudNine Lifestyle. This one for an herbal remedy for insomnia. The video combines stock video and photos with my voiceover and graphics. I'd tell you more about it, but I feel a nap coming on...

It's Here...

2009-09-09T07:39:00.000-04:00

Based on the success of the teaser video for the High Velocity Market Master, Netpicks asked me to create the marketing video for the product:

It's Coming Soon...

2009-08-18T09:14:00.011-04:00

I've always wanted to create a "teaser" video, and just got my chance thanks to NetPics.com. They are releasing a new software system shortly to help traders profit from any market. NetPicks wanted to generate some excitement prior to the product launch, so I worked with their marketing specialist, Suzanne, to create this video:

A Little Help from Mother Nature

2009-08-14T13:55:00.009-04:00

We just completed a marketing video for a herbal supplement that helps you fight anxiety, stress, and depression. They say the natural ingredients in Mood Relief help you feel great, sleep well, and enjoy life again. You can learn more about the product at www.CloudNineMoodRelief.com.

Optimize Your Conversions

2009-08-09T08:16:00.006-04:00

That's Internet marketing talk for increasing the percentage of people who visit your website, and then actually buy something. If you'd like a quick lesson on affiliate marketing, squeeze page development, and "hero shots," you might visit FabianTan.com. Fabian is an Internet marketing guru who provides a lot of good tips and techniques on his website.

We created a video for Fabian based on his article on three simple steps for building a profitable home business:

The Impact of Obamanomics

2009-08-06T11:28:00.007-04:00

If you'd like to hear what the experts think the results of President Obama's economic policies will be, there's a conference this September just for you: The Underground Trader's Conference. The keynote speaker will be CNBC's Guy Adami. The focus of the conference will be on the Wall Street and the stock markets. To learn more, visit www.UndergroundTradersConference.com. Or watch the video we just finished:

Economy Got You Down? Time to De-Stress!

2009-08-06T11:08:00.005-04:00

Did you know that you have 60,000 thoughts a day? And most of them are negative...

If you're looking for some practical tips and techniques to change your thought patterns and reduce the stress in your life, you might try the new book, D-Stress by Meiron Lees. We just finished the "book trailer" for it. This is our second marketing video for an Australian client; word-of-mouth must travel fast down-under.

If you'd like to read a sample chapter from the book, just visit www.innercents.com.au.

Texans Trapped

2009-08-05T17:52:00.004-04:00

The new term I learned this week was Deferred Adjudication. I created a video for a group in Texas that is advocating reform in the judicial system there. Over 2 million Texans have accepted Deferred Adjudication for an alleged crime, with the understanding that their case will be dismissed when a probationary period is over. It seems it doesn't quite work out that way. Learn more by viewing the video:

Getting Back to my Roots

2009-07-29T07:40:00.005-04:00

I got my start in voiceovers back in the late '70s. I was working at a radio station in Daytona Beach when I got a call from a local military contractor. They hired me to record narration for their training videos. (If you were training to be a naval aviator in that period, I'm sure you suffered through some of them.)

This week I returned to my roots by recording voiceover for a training video on how to operate a cool piece of equipment that picks up shipping containers and loads them in aircraft. The script was so well written that I feel I could operate the "CLT Dolly Set" sight unseen.

That's a Lot of Discs!

2009-07-23T19:56:00.002-04:00

Manny Backus at Wealthpire sent me this photo of the DVDs and CDs we produced for his multimedia day-trading course, The Morning Hours Trading System. It totals five DVDs and five audio CDs, plus two volumes of the book, written by Bob Joiner. You can learn more about this approach to trading stocks at www.MorningHoursTrading.com.

Trading Stock Options

2009-07-20T09:46:00.006-04:00

My financial education continues, thanks to Manny Backus at Wealthpire. I'm creating a new multimedia course for Manny, based on a book he wrote about trading stock options. I'm producing a series of DVDs and audio CDs designed for those just getting started in trading options. Options present an opportunity for higher profits than trading the underlying stocks, but at a higher level of risk.

The multimedia course will join an alert service on options, also called Options Insider. I'll provide a link for more info when the products become available. In the meantime, here's the opening animation for the DVD:

YaTrader, you bet.

2009-07-05T13:34:00.006-04:00

We just finished two tutorial videos for the new website, YaTrader.com. If you have a passion for financial markets, YaTrader was created for you. When you join their global community, you can meet other YaTraders in your area, compete in free weekly contests, and win YaDollars (virtual money you can redeem for some very cool prizes).

Here's one of several tutorials we produced for new users of the website (many more can be viewed at YaTrader.com/tutorials.php).

Morning Hours Trading

2009-06-27T14:58:00.002-04:00

I learned about a new strategy for day trading recently when I produced a new multimedia course for Wealthpire, called Morning Hours Trading. It's based on finding stocks that show a large gap in price between the previous days' closing price and the opening price the next trading day. Typically these stocks are good candidates for day traders (folks who buy a stock and then sell it the same day).

The Morning Hours Trading course consists of five DVDs and five audio CDs, and is based on the two-volume book written by Bob Joiner. You can learn more about the concept by visiting www.Weathpire.com. Here's a short clip of the introduction from the program:

Laptops Gone Missing!

2009-06-25T19:28:00.006-04:00

Now there's a solution to the 12,000 laptops that are lost or stolen. SafePatrol Solutions is offering a line of cutting-edge products that helps you locate your laptop, recover important files, and then destroy confidential documents. Mobile SafePatrol will even remotely activate the webcam on your missing laptop, and send you a photo of the person trying to access your files. Cool stuff.

We produced a marketing video for SafePatrol Solutions that tells the story with animated graphics, audio, and photos. You can learn more about Mobile SafePatrol by visiting LaptopMobileSecurity.com.

Click the Red Record Button

2009-06-14T07:52:00.005-04:00

Video tutorials on how to use a software product or website can be fun to create, particularly when the product is as cool as VHS to DVD 4.0 Deluxe. It converts all your old media, such as VHS tapes and vinyl records, to a digital format and then burns DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and CDs.

We used the Jing software to capture the VHS to DVD application screens, and then combined HD footage shot by the client (Honestech, Inc.) with voiceover and LiveType in FinalCut. When I produce tutorials or screencasts, I usually record the narration first, and then match the action to that (as opposed to talking while using the software). I think it makes for a more professional video (that, and I can't walk and chew gum at the same time...)

Unlock and Share the Memories

2009-06-12T09:29:00.007-04:00

We just finished a marketing video for our friends at Honestech, Inc. in Austin, Texas. The spot promotes the latest version of their consumer electronics product that converts old VHS tapes to DVD (and now Blu-ray discs too). If you'd like to see how it works, I'll be demonstrating the product on the QVC network next Saturday morning (June 20th).

The folks at Honestech shot the HD footage for the spot, and we recorded the voiceover, created the animated titles, and edited the video. The clip was designed to take advantage of the high-def video player now available on YouTube:

Affiliate Marketing Resource

2009-06-01T07:37:00.004-04:00

If you're considering entering the world of affiliate marketing, I know of an excellent free resource: the Affiliate Marketing Answer Book. It was written by James Martell, the affiliate marketing guru, and is available from www.jamesmartell.com/newsletter.

I worked with James to create a video to promote the book. He scripted the video and provided the voiceover; I did the video editing. It's great to work with a client who knows what they want and knows what works.

Do You Know Where Your Customers Are?

2009-05-28T13:44:00.006-04:00

We just completed a series of eight video tutorials for a unique web application that helps companies locate their customers on an online map, and then route their delivery trucks. MobileIQ's Headlight is an online suite of fleet intelligence tools that service and delivery companies use to take better care of their customers, manage their fleet and routes, and grow their sales.

The project also introduced me to a new screen capture tool, ScreenFlow, that I found more intuitive than some of the competing software products for creating software tutorials. You can see the results in a tour of Headlight.

Recording Studio Summer Camp!

2009-05-21T16:53:00.002-04:00

I wish someone would have offered this when I was a kid. Instead I hammered leather to make were supposed to be wallets.

JT of the Music Technology Tour hired me to do the voiceover for a video to promote the summer camp he runs out of his recording studio in Maryland. He focuses on helping "at-risk" youths by getting them involved in creating music and videos. Learn more about his efforts at www.musictechnologytour.com. And sign up your kid at StudioSummerCamp.com. What a cool idea!

Arrange Your Vacation

2009-05-15T16:42:00.005-04:00

I'm working on a series of marketing videos for ArrangeYourVacation.com - a vacation rental portal that provides free listings for vacation home owners. I always love projects where I can include photos I've taken on my vacations - see if you can spot them in the video:

The Top 100

2009-05-06T08:01:00.002-04:00

This week I broke into the "top 100" service providers in the multimedia category on ELANCE.com. I've found many of my clients (or they found me) on this website for freelance service providers.

This week I was ranked #100 out of 16,398 multimedia freelancers on ELANCE. Credit actually goes to my clients, since the scoring criteria are things like client recommendations, repeat business with clients, job acceptance rate, and total earnings. Thanks, guys!

Don't techno for an answer!

2009-05-01T07:58:00.005-04:00

I've had some techno audio loops hanging around in my GarageBand library waiting for the right project. HeadsUpPro is it! Sean wanted a propulsive audio track for his web marketing video, and I think I met the goal.

HeadsUpPro.net provides personalized coaching to those who play online poker games. Since most online players have only a basic understanding of the game, a little help from HeadsUpPro will greatly increase your chances of winning. (And you get to wear those cool wrap-around shades!)

Fountain of Youth

2009-04-30T14:47:00.006-04:00

We just created another web video for Nathan's Natural, the nutritional supplement company. This spot was for their anti-aging remedy, Vitager. I combined some photos of a public fountain we'd taken in Paris with artwork of a fountain of youth from the 1500's to tell the story.

Vitager is said to help your body produce more HGH, a growth hormone that is winning the battle against aging. Visit Vitager.com for details.

Free Tub of Worms!

2009-04-30T14:37:00.006-04:00

I now consider my career complete. I finally had the opportunity to say "the first 150 families get a free tub of worms." It was in a voiceover for a spot for the Missouri Department of Conservation being created by Wooly Bugger Productions.

If you want your free tub 'o worms, show up early for the Kids' Fishing Fair, May 16th in St. Louis.

Look What's Hatched...

2009-04-21T17:01:00.003-04:00

I'm working with the staff at Prometheus Research to create a video presentation that highlights the features of RexDB, the Research Exchange Database. Biomedical researchers across the country use RexDB to keep track of the data from their longitudinal studies. The video combines animated graphics and screen captures to demonstrate the power of the database.

Hollywood's New Slimming Secret

2009-04-17T07:51:00.005-04:00

Here's another genre that I've always wanted to create a video for: the faux news report of an amazing scientific breakthrough.

This week I got my chance. It's a web video for Crevax, an all-natural weight loss product from Nathan's Natural. They provided some great footage, and I created the "breaking news" report. You can learn more about this revolutionary fat burner by visiting www.Crevax.com.

Solution for Depression

2009-04-02T11:39:00.008-04:00

I suspect that more and more Americans are suffering from depression these days. We just finished a web video for an all-natural solution for depression: ViLift. It helps boost the levels of serotonin in your body, without all the nasty side effects of prescription drugs. Take a look at the video, and if you'd like more info, visit ViLift.com.

Portfolio Problems?

2009-03-27T09:23:00.004-04:00

If you're like me, your stock portfolio has taken a nosedive over the past year. One of our clients has a solution: swing trading. This is the alternative to the "buy & hold" approach that has hurt so many of us recently. Manny Backus at Wealthpire creates a custom portfolio of stocks to buy and sell. If you copy his trades, you're much more likely to profit in these turbulent times. We produced a web video for Wealthpire that describes the approach. You can learn more by visiting PortfolioCrafter.com.

Wanna Be a Landlord?

2009-03-21T08:19:00.004-04:00

I've started recording interviews with folks who are investing in multi-family real estate (think apartment buildings). The First Cornerstone Group provides guidance to investors looking to enter this lucrative field. I talk with their clients, who share their first-person stories about becoming landlords. Listen to one of the interviews, and find out what they do about those 2AM phone calls from tenants with a backed-up toilet...

Marketing Video for Book Release

2009-03-19T15:20:00.008-04:00

We just finished a video for our first Australian client - Ian Segail of McKenzie Sales Tutor. He's written a book to help companies increase (or at least maintain) their sales during these tough economic times. Entitled "Bulletproof Your Sales Team," the book provides the five strategic strategies that business owners and sales managers should implement to weather the economic storms ahead.

Do You Know Mac D?

2009-03-09T20:00:00.004-04:00

No, you didn't go to college with him. MAC-D stands for Moving Average Convergence Divergence. It's one of the indicators that traders watch when selecting a stock to buy. And it's the subject of the latest edition of the Trading Tips Video Newsletter.

We are producing periodic editions of this video podcast for Manny at Wealthpire, Inc. Each newsletter covers a topic of interest to swing traders in the stock markets.

Flash and DVD Tutorials

2009-03-05T16:45:00.006-05:00

We just completed a 6-video tutorial and DVD for a web-enabled application that helps organizations manage their mentoring and coaching programs. COMP (The Complete Online Mentoring Program) matches mentors and proteges within an organization, and then monitors their progress in the coaching process. You can view the six videos on the clients' website.

We used the JING technology to capture the screencasts, and then edited in FinalCut so the videos could be rendered either in Flash for the web or QuickTime for the DVD. If you'd like to try out COMP, there's a 15-day trial available from Predictable Success.

Affiliate Marketing Videos

2009-02-26T15:18:00.008-05:00

I've been working with Ross of STG Limited to create a series of marketing videos that will drive web traffic to some of his affiliated sites. Although I don't totally understand the details of affiliate marketing, I think you get paid for selling product from someone else's inventory. Kind of like the "per inquiry" spots that run on late night TV. At any rate, Ross, who lives on the island of Aruba, is selecting affiliate opportunities that he thinks will generate enough cash so he can spend more time on the beach (or at least less hours at his day job). We've designed videos that are very inexpensive to produce, but hopefully will divert enough eyeballs to the affiliate websites. Here's an example (gotta love the '80s disco synth bass):

Going Thru My Second Childhood By Playing With Action Figures

2009-02-22T16:39:00.012-05:00

We just produced a series of three video tutorials for a software product called Claymation Studio 2.0 from Honestech. It's a fun application that lets you easily create stop-motion animations using your PC and webcam. For the tutorial, I played with action figures. Then added backgrounds, dialogue, and sound effects.

This project was produced in HD format (1280x720) to take advantage of the higher-resolution videos now possible on YouTube. I also used Jing by TechSmith which allows you to do video capture of on-screen action like mousing, clicking, menus, and value selection.

Just who would win in an ultimate deathmatch - GI Joe or Gumby?

You Can Take the Day Off!

2009-02-11T18:32:00.013-05:00

That's the promise made by Manny Backus' First Hour Trading System. Many of his subscribers make enough in the first hour of trading on Wall Street to take the rest of the day off. Some have called First Hour Trading "training wheels for day traders." The premise is straightforward - you buy a stock when Manny says buy, and you sell it when he says sell. And it all happens within one hour, each day.

I've provided a variety of multimedia services to Manny over the past couple years, including authoring educational DVDs, creating Flash tutorials, and hosting weekly webinars. This week I created a marketing video for First Hour Trading. Now that YouTube is allowing HD videos, I've started producing web videos in the 16:9 format.

Nifty-Clicking for Fun and Profit

2009-02-09T07:35:00.006-05:00

I've been creating short video tutorials for a website called NiftyClicks.com. NiftyClicks is the creation of maverick marketing guru Andrew Lock. It offers video reviews of hundreds of web resources to help entrepreneurs get more done. Each video provides a guided tour of a web resource using screen grabs and informal narration. Frankly, a Nifty Click video is fun for me to create, and I usually end up learning about a web resource I can use. NiftyClicks.com is a membership site, but Andrew has allowed me post one of my videos here to give you a feel for the site.

Time is of the Essence

2009-02-06T07:58:00.004-05:00

Most of our video projects are for the web, and run a couple minutes in length. If the client wants to add something to the copy, the video just runs a little longer. But for broadcast spots, 30 seconds is 30 seconds (actually 00:29:29). We've produced several TV spots for Danielle of Exigent Productions. They run in the Chicago market on the Comcast and Viamedia cable channels.

There's a couple things we can do when the copy runs a little long. First, I remove all the breaths from the narration. If that doesn't do it, I can speed up the audio a little (while digitally maintaining the pitch). Here's a spot that uses both techniques. Can I take a breath now?

But why do they always come at dinnertime?

2009-02-04T08:34:00.006-05:00

We just finished producing a marketing video for a system that automatically places out-going telephone calls. The message in the video is that now you too can profit from telemarketing. The cost-effective video was created with still photos and "live" text composited over animated backgrounds. You can learn more about the product at www.themagicbuttonbook.com.

The Roadkill Cafe

2009-02-04T08:22:00.004-05:00

Hungry for some possum stew or cockroach soup? Just mosey on down to the Roadkill Cafe in Elberta, Alabama. You can learn more about this epicurian oddity in a video podcast we just created for the website, RVingAndMore.com. Our favorite snowbirds, Jerry and Linda, head south with their RV every winter. They love eating at mom & pop restaurants. Linda talks to the owners and takes some photos and videos with her Flip camera. And the results are posted as video podcasts on their website. I just help out with the audio and video editing. You'll have to view the podcast to find out what's actually on the menu at the Roadkill...

Making Your Mortgage More Manageable

2009-01-23T11:13:00.009-05:00

The self-help program we produced for Loan Relief Services is now available. It consists of a DVD, two audio CDs, and a printed guide on how to modify your mortgage. We created the DVD and audio CDs based on the printed guide provided by Justin of Loan Relief Services.

If you're having mortgage problems, this program might make sense for you. It provides tips and techniques on how to lower your mortgage payments and hopefully avoid foreclosure.

Here's a short video clip we produced to promote the program.

You Pay Only Shipping & Handling!

2009-01-15T08:16:00.008-05:00

It's the type of commercial I've always wanted to create: a new, amazing breakthrough helps you live a healthier life. Toby at Wonderful Wellness, Inc. hired me to create a web marketing video for his all-natural sleep aid, Wonderful Sleep. It was fun incorporating all the cliches of the genre into the spot. BTW: My free sample is being rushed to me right now - I'll let you know how I like it!

Going to the Chapel...

2009-01-11T15:42:00.003-05:00

You're going to get married? You might want to attend one of the Bridal Sampler wedding expos, happening this spring in the Chicago area. Exigent Productions had us create the 30 second TV spot for the Bridal Samplers again this year. Catch it on one of the Cablevision channels in greater Chicago-land.

My Great-Grandfather on FOX TV

2009-01-07T14:08:00.010-05:00

I was contacted by the art department of the FX TV show Damages, asking if they could use an illustration created by my great-grandfather about 100 years ago. It's a drawing of the New York Custom's House that appeared in Harper's Weekly. They wanted to enlarge it, and hang it on a wall of a judge's chamber behind Glenn Close. I guess they contacted me because I maintain a website dedicated to the artwork of my great-grandfather (www.ejmeeker.org). Unfortunately, I don't hold the rights to any of his work; it was all work-for-hire, mostly for the newspapers and magazines of the late 1800's. I was tempted to give them permission (not for the usage fee, but for my great-grandfather's memory), but thought better of it. I don't need any lawsuits for copyright infringement.
UPDATE: The FOX copyright clearance guy confirmed that Harper's still holds the rights to the drawing - so they used a photo of the building instead. Sorry, E.J.

Green Marketing a Podcast

2009-01-06T07:03:00.009-05:00

The latest edition of the GetEcoNow podcast has been posted. In this one I had the pleasure of interviewing the person who wrote the book on green marketing... literally. Jacquelyn Ottman is the author of Green Marketing: Opportunity for Innovation. In the podcast she talks about companies who have successfully marketed their products to ecologically-minded consumers. And the companies who failed at it. Learn the five simple steps your company can take to connect with earth-friendly clients. Just don't be guilty of "green-washing."

Kickboxing Video

2009-01-03T17:28:00.011-05:00

I'm starting the new year with a new project - a marketing video for a kickboxing school. Absolute Martial Arts in St. Louis provided me with some great photos of kickboxers. But I was also able to incorporate some photos that I had taken in Thailand about ten years ago. Muay Thai kickboxing dates back about 1,000 years. It originated in the ancient Thai capitol of Ayutthaya. While working in Bangkok on a United Nations project in the 1990's I was able to visit the ruins of Ayutthaya, and take some photos. They seem to blend well into the marketing video.

Taking Off with a New Podcast

2008-12-23T14:09:00.010-05:00

My friend, Benét Wilson, has just started a new blog and podcast for Aviation Week (the McGraw Hill publication). Her previous podcast, Towers & Tarmacs, was on a Top 50 Travel Blog list, so she was rewarded with a new project: This Week in Business Aviation. Congrats, Benét! You can subscribe to her blog and podcast at AviationWeek.com. I was hired to produce custom introductions, bumpers, and exits for her podcast, and the Check 6 podcast.

Nifty Resources for Entrepreneurs

2008-12-16T19:35:00.007-05:00

Today I started contributing video tutorials to NiftyClicks.com. This website is the creation of maverick marketing guru Andrew Lock. It offers video reviews of hundreds of web resources to help entrepreneurs get more done. My first video covered the multimedia tool available at SproutBuilder.com. Sprouts are widgets that you can create without knowing Flash or even HTML. It seems like a fun tool, and in fact I think you'll see it "sprouting" on my website soon...

Forward Into the Past

2008-12-13T14:00:00.006-05:00

This morning I walked back in history to tell the story of Haven's Homestead in Brick, NJ. Built in 1827, the Homestead was occupied by the Havens family until the 1990's when it was donated to the Brick Township Historical Society. I was the on-camera "talent" ( a term applied very loosely in my case) for a web video being produced by Eric Joseph of Life Mosaic Studios. The Homestead was one of four stand-ups I did during a whirlwind tour of Brick, NJ.

Recreational Eating (Where Shrimp is King)

2008-12-08T07:29:00.005-05:00

I just finished editing a video podcast for the website www.RVingAndMore.com. The clients, Jerry and Linda, turned their love of traveling across the country by RV into a website offering tips to other RV owners. The video podcast is a new feature for the site, and the first episode takes you inside Big Daddy's Grill in southern Alabama. Linda talks with "Big Daddy" about his love of decapod crustaceans. They captured all the content on one of those inexpensive Flip video recorders, and I edited it down in Final Cut. Jerry reports that they avoid the chain restaurants during their travels, preferring "mom & pop's."

Getting Debt Free

2008-11-30T07:47:00.007-05:00

A lot of Americans are facing the same challenge these days - trying to reduce their personal debt. A few months back we created a four-CD audio book with tips and techniques on eliminating debt. The audio book and print version are now available from the Consumer Publishing Group. It's a worthwhile resource for the financially challenged. And you get to hear the spoof commercial we created for "Coffee on Credit - for those who don't have the cash for caffeine..."

Making Like Kermit The Frog

2008-11-28T14:41:00.009-05:00

We just started producing a series of podcasts to help small business go green. The podcasts complement the website, GetEcoNow.com. For the first episode, we talk with Mike Andreano, the founder of GetEcoNow, about the resources currently available on the website, and what the future might hold. This sure seems like a great niche market to be targeting; big companies have been implementing eco-friendly initiatives for a while now, but small businesses are late to the party. The podcasts will offer some simple steps they can take to go green, for a very minimal cost.

Video Answers Questions About Outsourcing

2008-11-14T12:03:00.006-05:00

Based on the success of the Outsource This! audio program, Daven Michaels had us produce a marketing video that answers the top 10 questions small business owners ask about using outsource workers. The video incorporates photos of his call center in the Philippines, and audio clips of his actual outsource workers. The 10 minute video will drive viewers to the OutsourceThis.com website for more detailed information.

An Unwanted Visitor at QVC Network!

2008-11-07T13:55:00.002-05:00

I've met several celebrities during my appearances on the QVC network (from Joan Rivers to Marie Osmond), but the other night an unexpected visitor crashed the QVC studios. A deer broke through an office window at the QVC campus and ran amok through the corridors, scattering staff in its wake. Unfortunately, the buck had suffered serious wounds and had to be put down by animal control officers. Sections of the studios were still cordoned off when I showed up for an early morning appearance today. Next week, I'm off to Canada to appear on the Shopping Channel up there - I hope the moose are more tame!

What to do in today's volatile market?

2008-10-30T16:58:00.003-04:00

Today I hosted another in a series of webinars for Manny Backus at First Hour Trading. He provides guidance and support to day traders in the stock market. We fielded questions from the members of First Hour Trading from around the world, and an expert in the system provided the answers. Today, the participants checked in from Maine to California, and from Canada to Malaysia. Although these may be grim times for us "buy & hold" investors, day traders can profit from volatility in the stock market. As Manny says, "Make enough in the first hour of trading to take the rest of the day off..."

Outsource This! The Audio CD

2008-10-25T13:31:00.005-04:00

We just finished producing an audio book on the topic of outsourcing customer service jobs to overseas workers. There's no doubt that we now live in a global economy, and small businesses in the U.S. will have to become more efficient in order to compete. One way to do that is to outsource lower-paying "back-office" jobs to qualified workers in other countries. The audio CD is based on the lessons learned in outsourcing by best-selling writer, producer, entrepreneur and founder of 123employee.com, Daven Michaels. He shares tips for selecting the best countries and companies for outsourcing in this hour-long audio program. You should be able to pick up a FREE copy soon at OutsourceThis.com. Now if I could just find an outsource worker to wash my car, I'd be a happy man.

New product to pitch....er, that is "present"

2008-10-22T14:27:00.009-04:00

It looks like I'll be presenting another new product on the QVC shopping channel in a few weeks. That's me, Mike Romanies (President of FUEL Marketing and Sales, who represents Honestech at QVC), and Jay Choi (Managing Director of Honestech) standing outside QVC after a morning meeting with their electronics buyer. Jay is smiling because the QVC buyer agreed to add another Honestech product to their offerings. I'm smiling because I know that lunch is next on the agenda. Mike is smiling because he's not paying for lunch.

Blogger Hits the Airwaves

2008-10-13T10:33:00.005-04:00

Today I mixed several promos for Doryn Wallach - she's the prolific blogger behind Doryn's Dish. Her blog provides "the scoop on anything and everything useful." She shares the latest products in a variety of categories from food and fashion to gadgets. How about a travel coffee cup with a built-in clock? Starting this week, Doryn is leveraging the popularity of her blog to become the host of her own radio show on WGCH. Listen in every Tuesday from 9-10AM.

You Are What You Wear

2008-10-10T09:56:00.000-04:00

We just finished editing a series of audio programs for Stever Robbins on what to wear for business. The series is called "Dressing Up and Down: Comfort and Style for Men in the Workplace." Stever interviews Julie Foley, a fashion guru for men, who provides a wealth of information on the best attire for business. Stever shares that he favors two types of clothes: jeans, and ripped jeans. Julie recommends that all business slacks be made of wool. I am starting to itch just thinking about it. But there are a ton of good tips on everything from what to wear for an interview to what is really meant by business casual. The program will be available on both CD and downloadable MP3 files soon at www.SteverRobbins.com.

Once upon a time, before there were pixels...

2008-09-28T11:04:00.007-04:00

In my spare time I maintain a website dedicated to the artwork of my great-grandfather, E.J. Meeker. He was an illustrator for the major newspapers and periodicals in the late 1800's. That was before they could easily reproduce photos in the newspapers. I collect his work by scouring eBay for old issues of Harper's Weekly, Frank Leslie's Illustration Newspaper, and Century Magazine. Then I scan in his artwork, and add some of the text from the article to the webpage. Right now I have quite a backlog of articles to post, but you can view some of them at www.ejmeeker.org. I also take some of the more compelling (or weird) articles and turn them into YouTube videos. His watercolors of Cuba at the turn of the last century seem to be particularly popular on YouTube.

Here's a view of the "financial center of the world" (Wall Street) in 1902. I wonder how much longer that title will apply?

The Gift & Home Channel

2008-09-16T14:12:00.019-04:00

I guess I need to get out more... Until I voiced a script for the Gift & Home Channel, I wasn't even aware of the hot new product for your bathroom, called Poo-Pourri. Their slogan: "Spritz the bowl before you go, and no one else will ever know." Poo-Pourri is available in original scent, Royal Flush, and No. 2.

And that was just one of the best new products lauded in the three videos now available on Gift & Home Channel web portal. How about EyeSlices? They are disposable eye treatment pads, said to be "hi-tech cucumber slices."

Thanks to Brittany at the Gift & Home Channel for selecting me for the voiceovers. This b-to-b website provides independent retailers with a whole library of educational merchandising videos.

The Power Man's Three

2008-09-13T09:58:00.014-04:00

If you want to get more out of your workout, you might want to take a look at the video we just completed for HBC Nutrition. It covers the three best supplements for power men and weight lifters.

John at HBC had a common problem - he wanted to take advantage of the popularity of YouTube to market his product but didn't want to spend a fortune doing it. We applied our proven approach of forgoing motion video for animated text and graphics to tell his story. Now he's going to pump you up! (Sorry - ancient Saturday Night Live reference)

Doing My Bit for Auto Dealers

2008-09-05T14:21:00.007-04:00

Umm.... no, I didn't buy a new car. But I did encourage others to! It was a busy day yesterday for recording voiceovers for car commercials. Pinnacle Advertising in LA hired me for spots for Miller Infiniti in Van Nuys and Miller Toyota in Culver City. And for WoolyBugger Productions, I voiced a spot for Reganis Auto Center in Scott's Bluff, Nebraska. I feel for auto dealers and the situation many are facing right now - too few buyers and too many cars on the lot. Maybe the spots will inspire some folks to make that big purchase.

Unlock Those Audio Memories

2008-09-01T08:14:00.017-04:00

My friends at Honestech (Jay, Sunny, and Mike) just introduced a new product for capturing the audio locked on your old vinyl LPs and audio cassettes. Audio Recorder lets you easily convert the music into CDs or MP3 files. We created a promo video for the product that will run in a kiosk at BJ's Wholesale Club. BJ's has about 120 locations in the Northeast and South. My partner, Clayton, was the "hand model" for the video. The QVC shopping channel also just picked up the product, so I should be making appearances there soon if you'd like to see how the product works.

A Better Way To Build

2008-08-31T07:57:00.010-04:00

We just completed a 30-minute marketing video for a innovative building product - the RASTRA Wall System. Designed for homes and commercial buildings, a RASTRA wall is made of 85% recycled stryrofoam and concrete, and therefore provides a much higher R-value than traditional wood frame walls with fiberglass insulation. And not only is a RASTRA home more energy-efficient, but it also stands up to severe weather much better. Next hurricane, I'm looking for a RASTRA-built home to hide in!

Canadians Not Loose With Their Loonies

2008-08-25T14:40:00.016-04:00

We learned something about Canadian consumers during this past weekend's appearances on The Shopping Channel in Toronto. They tend to carefully consider a purchase. When we present a product on QVC in the States, people call in during the show and immediately buy the product. On the Canadian Shopping Channel, the calls tend to come in after the show is over. So, I assume the buyers are doing a little research before plunking down their hard-earned loonies. The sales were respectable during three showings on Sunday, so I guess I'll be heading back for another appearance soon. That's a good thing, since I was hoping to visit the Canadian side of Niagara Falls during this visit, but got side-tracked by visiting a great winery (or 2 or 3!) along the shores of Lake Ontario. (Can you see my blood-shot eyes in this photo?)

Podcast Breaks Into the Top 20

2008-08-20T17:14:00.022-04:00

Congratulations to Lisa B. Marshall! Her latest series of podcasts, the Public Speaker, just broke into the iTunes Top 20. Lisa was one of my first podcast clients almost two years ago. Her podcasts offer quick, practical tips that help you become a better public speaker. You can subscribe to the podcasts (and hear my recorded intro/outro) at Lisa's site. Quick and Dirty Tips is owned by the multi-national publisher, Macmillan & Company, and publishes the podcasts for another of my clients, Stever Robbins.

Real or Fake?

2008-08-11T08:53:00.015-04:00

Can you tell from looking at this pic of me on QVC this past weekend? No, I'm not talking about my hair (that's real, thank you). Is the tan real or fake? The truth is that the QVC stylists usually spray paint your face with this brownish gunk to give you a golden glow. You wouldn't think I would need it since I live at the Jersey shore, and get to the beach a least a couple times a week .

My knowledge of stock trading is growing again. I'm working on a new course for Manny Backus at Wealthpire on swing trading. We're creating a DVD, several audio CDs, and a companion book. Swing trading sits somewhere on the trading spectrum between daytrading and buy & hold. We go over the technical indicators found on a stock chart (before we started on this project I had thought Bollinger Bands were either a musical group or some obscure disease).

Criminal Justice Files

2008-07-26T15:46:00.020-04:00

The first two episodes of the Criminal Justice Files are now available online. Matt McClain and his crew did a super job on them - the video production values on them are network-level (my narration, not so much). The shows are a take-off on all the cops shows (with an underlying educational value). Check 'em out!.

E-mail Overload

2008-07-17T08:37:00.008-04:00

This has been an active month for audio books. I just finished editing a 3-CD audio program for Stever Robbins on how to tame your email inbox. Stever, the executive coach and Get-It-Done Guy podcaster, provides some clever tips (and some devious methods) for taking control of your email. If you want to know how to declare "email bankruptcy," get a copy of the program. It's now available here.

QVC Overload

2008-07-15T13:32:00.009-04:00

I may be a victim of over-exposure on the QVC shopping network. I made my 9th appearance there tonight, and the sales of the product I represent were less than stellar (ok - sales sucked). Could it be that everyone who needs a product to transfer VHS tapes to DVD has one now? We have sold hundreds of thousands of dollars of this product in the last couple months, but, come on, it's a big country! Speaking of countries, Mike at Honestech has lined up my next shopping channel gig for August - and it won't be in the US but just across the border. Will I be selling beaver pelts or tortillas? Stay tuned to find out!

The Secret Banker

2008-07-03T10:07:00.003-04:00

I've been working on an audio book for Jay and Brian at Consumer Publishing Group for the past month or two. The topic of the CDs is how to reduce your personal debt (certainly a timely subject). Yesterday, I had the opportunity to record an interview with a bank loan officer. He spilled the beans on many of the tactics banks employ to increase their profits (while increasing your level of debt). Here's a hint: have you ever really read the loan agreement that the bank shoves at you? Ever wonder why you suddenly qualify for a larger loan that you really wanted? I had to disguise the Secret Banker's voice (I applied some GarageBand filters to his track) since he's still employed by a financial institution, and would prefer not to lose his job.

Voice of an Irish Blogger

2008-06-28T11:13:00.008-04:00

Well, I've been assigned my first blog to narrate by FirstBlogMedia, and I got a good one - a personal development blog, written by a 28-year-old Irishman named Gleb Reys. He lives in Dublin. I recorded the first podcast today, and the subject was procrastination. It should be posted soon to Gleb's blog. I am scheduled to create a new podcast every two weeks for Gleb.

Charlie Black - Secret Agent

2008-06-25T14:58:00.007-04:00

I had fun over the weekend editing the next episode of the radio dramedy “Charlie Black - Secret Agent.” In this episode Charlie must thwart an evil Brazilian scientist who has aimed an “asteroid timebomb” at Earth. Xavier (X-man) Paul provides me with the voice files, and I mix in the music and sound effects. This time I got my old cohort Bob Hunt involved as the episode announcer. The screen grab on the right shows the complexity of the mix of sound effects, music, and actor's audio.

I just voiced three scripts for “The CJ Files.” This take-off on TV reality crime shows (think Dateline NBC) is being produced by Matt McClain in New York. He’s shooting over the next week or so, and I’ll try to provide a link to the videos after they are produced. Matt has been working in TV since the turn of the century (dramatic pause), and is currently producing educational films that kids will like watching. As he says " I avoid using the word EDUTAINMENT... Oops, there I said it."