Most companies that are just starting up are typically at a loss for knowledge and resources about how to shoot good product videos. Luckily, we've got a secret weapon: Jeremy. We're sharing his knowledge and insight with you!

In this half of our two-fold episode (check out part 1 here), Fred and Jeremy discuss techniques and tools for ways to make great product videos: places and times to get great shots, post-production tools, and more. You may want to grab a notepad and a pen for this one. Go ahead, we'll wait.

In This Episode

• 01:51 Keep it short
• 03:06 Cut the crap
• 06:20 Does your story make sense?
• 08:38 Use manual focus and have an AC help you
• 10:44 Don't use out of focus footage, be better than that.
• 13:14 The Magic Hour: When to shoot outdoors
• 14:34 Go to pretty places
• 16:03 Talking heads techniques
• 17:48 Have other methods for recording audio
• 19:07 Shoot at least 2 angles on an interview
• 19:50 LOTS of B-Roll
• 21:45 Expect problems and learn from them
• 29:08 White background techniques
• 30:18 Common mistakes in product videos
• 34:03 Low-budget options
• 36:09 Post-production tools
• 37:00 Create a story and don't steal music
• 38:12 Where to spend money
• 41:10 If/When to hire an editor or post-production service
• 44:35 Word to the Wise

People On This Episode

• Jeremy Michael Cohen
• Fred Perrotta

Links from This Episode

• Power Trip 011a - The first half of this podcast episode (Hacking Product Photos)
• Nike commercial - Beautifully shot commercial directed by David Fincher
• FiLMiC PRO - Apple used this to shoot their iPad commercial
• ZOOM H4n, Lavalier microphone, Dictaphone  - Devices for recording audio
• Fast 50 portrait lens - 50mm lens for DSLR cameras
• The Tree of Life - Movie with great style to emulate for filming/editing
• Marmoset - Great source for stock music
• VoiceBunny - Where to find professionals for voice-overs

Word to the Wise

• Jeremy: nvALT - Plain-text note-taking app, also makes organizing and searching for your notes super easy
• Fred: Noto - Note-taking app that allows you to quickly take a note and send it to email

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