HVS Top 5 Autumn Movies

Fall usually takes a starring role in movies set in that season. With nature’s beautiful scenery as a backdrop a mood is created that is perfect for cinema. Here’s our top 5 for the fall.

Rudy 
O.K. First things first. Fall means football. This story of a never-say-die kid who wants to play football at Notre Dame is based on a true story and is truly an inspiration. Plus the campus is georgous.

Scent of a Woman
 A kid from the other side of the tracks is wrongly accused of a prank that could get him booted from a prestigious prep school. He finds an unlikely ally in a tired, cantankerous, blind, retired military man.

Dead Poets Society
One of Robin Williams’ best roles and another campus movie. Williams’ character teaches his students to look beyond the surface of dull academia and live by “Seizing the Day”.

Autumn in New York
The perfect melodrama of handsome guy and beautiful girl in the autumn of the year and the autumn of her young life. And there is no lovelier city than New York in autumn.

St. Elmo’s Fire
The brat pack’s sophomore effort was a hit in the 80’s. And fall was the perfect time.

Back to School is Photo and Video Time

 Back to school time has its own special flavor. The wistfulness of a warm summer ending dovetails into the excitement of new friends, new teachers and new adventures. Each new grade level marks how quickly time passes. Yes, this time of year has become a sentimental favorite and the perfect setting for family video projects of all kinds. That’s why many back to school traditions have become popular.

What school day memories are you making that you can document with your still camera or your video camera to be enjoyed in the years to come? Here are a few suggestions for back to school traditions:

Photos & video – Taking photos and/or video is, of course, a classic tradition for back to school. But rather than just randomly shooting why not think creatively about what will make a good PhotoVideo Keepsake? Have your child hold a chalkboard with his/her new grade on it. Or think of another prop that serves as a visual time stamp. Another clever idea is to have your child pose in the very same spot every year. Imagine the fun of seeing them grow for twelve years (or more) sitting on the same swing? Or standing by the same tree? And don’t forget that friends are a big part of school. Take yearly photos and videos at the bus stop.
Family Movie Night – Before the hustle and bustle of the school year pulls everyone in different directions have a family backyard movie night. Set up lawn chairs or have the kids make cars out of cardboard boxes for a drive-in feel. Set up a big screen and enjoy the old memories of your family. Whether you have old tape formats or old 8mm movies we specialize in Video to DVD transfer and 8mm and 16mm film transfer to DVD. This is sure to become a favorite back to school tradition.
 School Year’s Eve – Mark the “out with the old grade” and “in with the new grade” with a School Year’s Eve party. Invite friends, put up decorations, have plenty of treats, maybe even have a DJ. Be sure to take lots of video, and when it’s over let us make a FamilyTime Video™ complete with titles, effects, or most anything you can imagine. Think of the joy of watching “School Year’s Eve – 2014” as your child goes off to college in 2023!
First Day of School Interview – The world changes so quickly. Children grow so quickly. Why not interview your child on their first day of school. Ask them about their classes and teachers. Ask about their friends. What did they learn about the world around them? What do they think about some current events? Then bring them to us for some light editing. Let us put all of your children’s interviews together. Or let us compile the years together.
If there’s ever an occasion to document the kids it's during back to school time. Call us today!

5 Ways Business Entrepreneurs Can Use Video

As Business Entrepreneurs, You Need To Be Different!

Starting a new business and managing it isn’t for everyone- but regardless of your profession, there is something to be stated for the “entrepreneurial spirit”. A little entrepreneurial zeal and creativeness can give you a distinct advantage in your career. For business entrepreneurs, you need something wowing, shocking and the “Ah”! Factor in your business to make it big. No doubt you are lifting the mantle of social media influence and gathering all the “likes” and “followers”, but have you got the moves to keep your customers intentness? Well, here are 5 ways you can use video to grow your business.

1.  Viral Video Marketing: It refers to those marketing techniques that use Internet technology and social networking services to try to increase product knowledge or to achieve other marketing goals. Business entrepreneurs use it to spread opinions and information about their products or services from person to person, that becomes popular especially through Internet sharing, including video sharing websites, email and social media. Your business can receive new orders through million views in few hours and you can still continue the buzz and help grow your business immensely.
2. To Create Brand Awareness: Creating brand recognition is indispensable part of a growing business- how familiar are your clients with your products and company is important. Quality, targeted videos of your mission, and your product will put you head and shoulders above the lot. You can utilize multimedia and design best videos to create buzz and awareness about your brand. The reason being videos are more appealing to the potential client, especially if they exhibit a product demonstration, offer original content and feature real people. Entrepreneurs can also present company executives through these videos, thereby allowing potential customers to become familiar with company representatives.
3. For Public Relations: You can create a video about something in your industry, something newsworthy or funny. YouTube can drive a lot of traffic to your site. But you must make sure it isn’t boring. People do not want to hear just about your business- they are searching for interesting, valuable and funny videos. And that is what is going to bring you traffic and also help you build good relationship with public.
4. Marketing: In the raise for customer eyeballs, online videos are a must have marketing tool. Entrepreneurs can have some professional videos made on their main website page. Since people want a more human connection nowadays, these videos can help businesses build something real and more authentic- just like a one-on-one conversation with everyone who visits their website. That is the kind of impact it should have and that is what will help in marketing your company and products.
5. To Introduce Yourself: People like to relate with people. Therefore as business entrepreneurs, you can introduce yourself by putting a name and face on your brand. Let the world meet the people behind your product. Who makes your gizmos and why do they like making them? Why did you begin making your gizmo and why do you wish to share it with everyone? Everyone loves a good story, therefore give them one.

Make video part of your summer plans

"Summertime is always the best of what might be." - Charles Bowden

Ahhh! Summer is here! And summer makes for great video. Bright outdoor shots. Lots of action and energy. Exotic locations. Yes, summer is the time for "doing stuff"! So make sure you're capturing all your "doings" on video and photos so you and your family can enjoy them for years to come.

Recently we asked some customers, representing all ages and from all parts of the country, "What stuff did you do in your ‘best summer ever'?" Here are some highlights:

Randi, 52, from Indiana: "That's easy. I backpacked through Europe, stayed in hostels and worked if I ran out of money. I was crazy."
Tim, 24, from Texas: "I was a camp counselor. We had no cellular service. We hiked and canoed every day and had campfires every night. I made incredible friendships."

Jenn, 32, from New York: "My best summer was right at home before I left for college. I cherished every day with my friends and family. It was more attitude than adventure."

Jim, 62, from Minnesota: "A few years ago I went to a baseball fantasy camp. I met the stars of my youth and got to hang out and even play a little ball with them."

 Now, what do you think all these people had in common? That's right! Oodles of photos and videos. And what did they do with them? The same thing you need to do as you plan your best summer ever. They called us to keep their memories safe and at hand for a lifetime of enjoyment.
What are you doing this summer?

Are you going on a dream vacation? Here's how we can help. Don't leave your adventures lying about on your cameras and devices. Bring them to life by telling a story with a PhotoVideo Keepsake. Where did you go? What did you eat? How big was that fish? Document it with titles. What were the top music hits? Nothing re-creates the time and place like your favorite music in the background.

Are you staying close to home with your family? Festivals, fireworks, beaches, barbeques and picnics. Your best memories are the simple ones surrounded by those you love. Why not add some flair with a short, edited FamilyTIME video of your summer highlights? You know all the jokes about home movies! It doesn't have to be that way. Let us help you make a snappy and interesting program that people will love!

Is your summer full of sports activities like baseball, tennis, or golf? We specialize in Sports Highlights videos. Let us take your videos and add some pizzazz with special effects, music, titles, narration…whatever you can imagine. Turn your kids' summer of Little League into Field of Dreams. Turn your Annual Charity Golf Tournament into The Masters.

Are your kids going to camp? Sports camp, music camps, church camp, cheer camp, dance camp…and they all have final performances and parent's day. Make sure it's all documented to enjoy for years to come with an Arts and Entertainment video.

Make sure you have precious family memories by preparing now to document the great summer that lies before you. Then call us to help you turn your creative ideas into reality. Call us today! 859-525-0305

www.homevideostudio.com/erl

Home Video Studio, Erlanger, KY Wins 2 International Awards

Blair and Deborah Williams

    Home Video Studio - Erlanger, KY, recently won 2 Hanley Awards at the 14th annual Home Video Studio Getaway in Orlando, FL. Home Video Studio is the world's largest international video production services franchisor with studios located in the United States, Canada and Sweden. Each year HVS hosta a gala "Oscar" type evening to recognize excellence within the franchise and the video industry as a whole.

The Hanleys, named after Robert Hanley, the founder and president of Home Video Studio, are awarded to recognize a studio owner’s work during the past year.  Studio owner Deborah Williams submitted her videos in several of the fifteen Hanley award categories, competing with fellow studio owners from across North America. 

   A judging panel nominated Home Video Studio – Erlanger, KY, for its submission in the following categories:

- Best PhotoKeepsake Video

- Best Long Form Video

- Best Company Promo

- Best Documentary

Home Video Studio, Erlanger, KY won 2 of these categories, Best PhotoKeepsake Video and Best Long Form Video.

   “We couldn’t be more pleased that our videos won,” says Williams, Home Video Studio owner.  “We strive to produce the best work for our customers and it’s nice to know that our colleagues are impressed as well.”

   Home Video Studio, Erlanger, KY was also awarded the highest honor as a Seven Stars Studio for Excellence. This award is presented to a limited select number of Home Video Studios throughout the world each year for their commitment to quality, service and excellence.

In addition to being an honored guest at the gala black-tie Hanley Awards ceremony, Mr. Blair Williams attended several days of continuing education in HVS’ proprietary marketing plan, where he sharpened his marketing and sales skills. Mrs. Williams attended several classes in audio, color correction, Motion graphics and video compression, all taught by internationally known video expert Larry Jordan. 

    HVS studio owners provide at least 27 different types of professional video services. Some of those services include video to DVD transfers, photo/video montage keepsakes, home movie transfers, videotape duplication, video editing, legal video services, and sports or music scholarship videos.

   To contact Home Video Studio – Erlanger, KY call 859-525-0305. For more information visit their website at www.homevideostudio.com/ERL

Codecs and Containers - the wonderful world of video files

There are sometimes questions regarding which video file format should you use if you are editing. We always want to select the correct container and CODEC to suit our needs the best. This video helps to explain what a container and CODEC is.

Video: Dedicated to the One You Love

 Is there someone in your life that you respect and admire so much that words alone aren't enough? If you ever wanted to pay tribute to that someone now is the time and video is the way to do it. There are several occasions this time of year where a video tribute is a perfect way to honor someone, living or departed, be it for Memorial Day, Father's Day, Graduation Day, or a wedding anniversary. There may also be birthdays or retirements in the near future where such a gift of love or adoration would be the centerpiece of the occasion.

We have many services you can utilize to recognize a loved one, from a custom biography called a LifeTIME Video to a simple PhotoVideo Keepsake montage. Did you know we can also do Video Prints where we grab still shots from video? What about simply editing together choice video clips of your subject? Do you want your video to be funny? Solemn? Inspiring? All of the above? You can! You're the producer!

When words alone fail there is likely to be many elements to pay tribute to a special person in your possession or available. What kind of media do you have? What can be easily obtained? Here is a list of some media that makes for a lasting tribute to anyone you want to honor. And the best part is you can use a few or all of them, depending on what you have, what you want, and how much time you have.

Photos - Pictures are usually the dominant media of any tribute. Whether a simple PhotoVideo Keepsake montage or a more complex presentation there's something about a photo that captures moments and emotions like nothing else. We have the best equipment and expertise to ensure your photos, whether prints or digital, will look the best they can.

Video - Old videos and home movies mixed in with photos will bring life and depth to your project. Imagine video of Mom dancing to Madonna in the mid-eighties. Or 8mm movies of Grandpa returning from Viet Nam.

Interviews - On-camera interviews are a great way to include friends, family members, or anyone who tells a good story. We can shoot the interviews for you or you can do them yourself and bring them to us. Heck, if the interviewees are far away you can even record them on Skype.

Audio - Did you know we can transfer audio from cassettes, reel-to-reel, and even old wire recordings? If part of your subject's life is available only on audio we can transfer it and find a way to mix it in.

Music - Music is the magic in video. As emotional shorthand it sets the mood, the time, and the place.

Titles - Whether it's dates, people, or places - whether ornate or simple - titles tell a lot in a video tribute.

Voiceover - Using first person voiceover narrative in a video production is a very personal way to get a message across.

Pictures, videos, home movies, audio recordings - all these wonderful resources are waiting and just need your imagination. With a professional production available at a reasonable price why not take advantage of today's technology to create a one-of-a-kind gift dedicated to the one you love? We have the equipment, experience, and creativity to make it the very best.

Call us today! 859-525-0305