McElroy Films LLC Expands to New Location: Maintains Quality and Affordability

Burlington, MA – In today’s climate, it is more important than ever for businesses, organizations, and individuals to set themselves apart from their competitors. A video, whether for broadcast, social networking, presentations, or other means, can be the catalyst that allows a business to reach the next level or the non-profit to successfully fundraise.  Since its inception, McElroy Films (http://mcelroyfilms.com) has provided quality, affordable high definition video production with those needs firmly in mind.  McElroy Films has created content for everything from advertising and public service announcements for corporate, non-profit, and educational use to memorable wedding videography, special events, music videos, and independent film.

“I went into business for myself, first, because I have a passion for filmmaking and, second, because of an overwhelming need for inexpensive, but quality video in a region where video production costs continue to rise,” said Ben McElroy, owner of McElroy films.

After becoming a mainstay in central Massachusetts, McElroy Films was ready to bring its affordable high definition video production and commitment to customer service to the heart of a broader business community; Burlington Massachusetts was the natural fit.

“I wanted to be both more accessible to our clients as well as increase our presence in the Boston Area,” extolled McElroy. “Now clients can visit our easily accessible location and see our production processes first hand. It’s exciting to see video production come together and our clients can share in that excitement.”

McElroy’s mission is to render high definition easily accessible to everyone without sacrificing quality. He achieves this by customizing every project to each of his client’s specific needs. In addition to using his expansive knowledge and experience, Ben McElroy has a network of professionals in the field with which he can confer to create the best possible product. That being said, Ben makes sure that the client is there every step of the way and has full understanding of every element of the production process.

McElroy Films uses all professional quality equipment at every level of production. Cameras, such as the stunningly sharp Canon 7D, record HD video to cards rather than tape to streamline the editing process and get the content onto DVD’s, Blu-rays, and the internet faster and with greater precision. Sound is taken care of by wired and wireless ‘on-subject’ microphones; the same devices used for television and cinema. Once reserved only for high budget productions, McElroy also uses equipment such as dollies, GlideCams, sliders, and professional grade lighting to get that cinematic ‘look’ for any production. With the use of green screen technology, clients can even be interviewed at the new Burlington location and be digitally placed against any background right in the studio.

“Video is no longer limited to distribution by television or DVD,” explains McElroy. “The Internet has evolved into a communal environment where a company’s message can be spread to millions over social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, but that message has to be easily found on search engines such as Yahoo, Bing, and Google to be truly effective. In addition, companies have to find a way to keep users on their site long enough to hear out what they have to say. What better way do grab someone’s attention and get your message across than with embedded videos on home pages and blogs?”

To learn more about McElroy Films LLC, visit their website at http://mcelroyfilms.com, call (888) 303-2744 x703, or visit their new office at 101 Cambridge Street, Suite 300, Burlington, MA 01803.

About Ben McElroy

Ben started his career in high school as a documentarian, filming abroad in Turkey, Israel, Greece, and India for Open Air Campaigners, His Land Israel Tours, and The People’s Baptist College and Seminary. His college experience included the New York Film Academy, Full Sail University in Orlando, FL, and UMass Lowell. Ben won the National Press Photographers Award for outstanding photography during his time with the Lowell Sun and also spent time with the Associated Press, Manchester Union Leader, and Time Warner. His recent corporate videography includes pieces for Fenn School in Concord, MA, the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America, etc.

About McElroy Films

McElroy Films LLC is a professional producer of high definition video for corporate, educational, non-profit, wedding, music video, and independent film use. Serving the Massachusetts and New England area, McElroy Films’ mission is to keep high definition video affordable without sacrificing quality. Ben McElroy and his staff take pride in their client-first approach and personalized attention to every project.

Below you’ll find a list of some of the Top 10 canon 7D accessories we have found useful for our company. This is no way is supposed to be a comprehensive list. Just some of the new tools we’re using. We’re also not paid to advertise for these companies.

First, you’ll need the actual camera body itself. The prices are dropping and you can probably pick one up for about $1500-$1600

Top 10 Canon 7D Accessories for Videography

1. You’re going to need some lenses. Start with one of the most popular lens. The 17-55mm 2.8 IS. Even though it’s not an L series lens we like the fact it has image stabilization. Most EOS L series lenses don’t have IS until you step up to the telephotos.

2. Another great lens is the 70-200 L f4 IS or the 70-200 L 2.8. Obviously the 2.8 is more expensive however the f4 has served us just fine. Unless your using it in doors you can get away with the 4 instead of the 2.8.

3. Once you have all your lenses and body, you’ll need to be able to mount it on a tripod. Red Rock Micro offers a number of DSLR rig kits. You can even build your own. You’ll need a base plate with rods. We’ve had good luck with our set up.

4. Your rig is not complete because you’ll need some sort of focus assist. A good place to start would be a follow focus system. Again, Red Rock Micro offers a great option if you’re looking to save some money. Their follow focus version 2 is great and reasonable priced for the quality and build of it.

5. You’ll still need more focus assistance while shooting with the Canon 7D because of the small screen. You can either go with a Zacuto viewfinder or you can go for a full blown LCD. We suggest both given your shooting conditions. The viewfinder for the 7D is very good and the magnification helps greatly.

6. If you want to do it right, go with an LCD. Marshall offers a great option. The Marshall V LCD651ST is one of the best HD LCDs on the market and as of today’s pricing they just lowered it from $1,695 to $1,394.95. Can’t beat that!

7. Almost done. Your rig is just about there. Once you have all this sweet gear you’ll need media to record to. We suggest getting at least 16GB CF cards with a minimum of 60mb/s. You’ll Probably need about 4-8 of these bad boys.

8. You’ll need a professional source of audio because the canon 7D has auto levels which means it’s not that great for audio and will clip everything. Get a H4n zoom recorder for all your audio needs it comes with two XLR inputs for wire/wireless mics.

9. Speaking of wireless mics you’ll need a pair of Sennheiser mics. I suggest getting two because you never know when you could need both.

10. You’ll need reference audio as well. We suggest the Rode video mic with a 3.5m mini plug for the Canon 7D. It records fantastic audio which is great for reference and if you’re lucky you might be able to use if for some natural audio in your project.. that’s if the auto levels don’t ruin it first.

11. I know this is a top 10 list. However, you’ll probably need some other basics such as additional batteries, cables, cards, headphones, on-board lighting and such. Stay tuned for an updated list.

This is just a handful of useful pieces of equipment we use. Feel free to leave your comments and suggestions.

Andover, MA. We had a small crew with great talent. We chose to shoot the video on the Canon 7D because of it’s portability and lens options. We’re sad that it’s over but we’re excited to be apart of this great journey with Gary Vincent.

About Gary,

International recording artist Gary Lee Vincent makes his debut into Contemporary Christian music with his newest album, Somewhere Down the Road. Vincent’s music can best be described as a combination of country and soft rock, intertwined with Christian/soul influences. His sound is best compared to the likes of Keith Green, David Meece, and Mickey Gilley.

The first single, The Man Behind the Mask is an emotional tapestry, displayed by the feeling behind the vocals and the representation of the lyrics. It has a darker and more morose sensation that allows it to cross over into different musical genres, with hints of a Jim Steinman/Meat Loaf sound.  It features several guitars, the keyboard, soothing background vocals, and the drums.

Click here to watch the video on YouTube.

Click here to watch the video in HiRes.

Video Credits:

Crew

Kathy Farrelly, PreProduction & Producer

Benjamin J. McElroy, Producer & Director

Stephen Troy, Director of Photography

Jonathan Barbato, Script Supervisor

Brittney Marvin, Production Assistant

Talent

Gary Vincent

Krystal Spoon, Pianist

Laura Pizzuti-Gamache, Actress & Vocalist

Terri Nobleman, Actress & Vocalist

Vanessa Leigh, Actress & Vocalist

Rebecca Dennis, Actress & Vocalist

Don’t miss the season finale, MON 5/17 at 8/7c on Fox.

Check these blog entries on the ‘little brother’ of the 5D, the Canon 7D.

http://mcelroyfilms.com/canon-eos-7d-sample-footage

http://mcelroyfilms.com/canon-7d