This has become an increasingly pertinent question that businesses and individuals have to ask themselves.  The Internet is getting more saturated with consumers and videos each and every day.  In December 2011, 182 million U.S. Internet users watched online video, averaging 23.2 hours per viewer. Just one year prior, 172 million users watched a measly 14.6 hours on average.  This is interesting because that means the number of viewers increased about 6 percent, but hours watched increased almost 59 percent! [1]  Bottom line, people are seeking more and more video content on the Web.

Naturally, the most common way people found videos online was through Google searches; they led the way with 157.2 million unique viewers.  This, of course, makes sense, considering that Google owns YouTube.  According to datasphere.com, “Google LOVES videos. Studies show that businesses with videos on their own website are 50X more likely to appear on the first page of Google results! (Forrester Research, 2009).  And because your video is also on YouTube, you are more likely to rank higher than your own website.” [2]

Here are a couple more statistics, this time from Nielsen:  “On the Web, four-in-10 respondents rely on ads served alongside search engine results, 36 percent trust online video advertisements, and one-third believe the messages in online banner ads—an increase of 27 percent since 2007.”  Also, “Display ads (video or banner) on mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones are trusted by one-third of global respondents, which is slightly higher than the reported consumer trust level of text ads on mobile phones (29%). While the reported consumer trust level in mobile phone advertising is still low, it increased 61 percent since 2007 and 21 percent since 2009.”[3]

Without a doubt, videos make a website more interesting, dynamic and eye-catching.  They keep viewers on your site longer, and encourage them to explore more, as well as being able to convey multiple messages quickly.  Video can be a tremendous tool in showing who you are as a company or as an individual. On camera body language is a seriously powerful tool.  It’s human nature to want to relate to someone, and when you can relate to someone, you’re more likely to want to do business with that person.

Here is a great article on About.com that explains different uses for website video, and how each type can benefit you:

http://desktopvideo.about.com/od/webvideosforbusiness/tp/use-video.htm

Read the full press release here. http://pressmediawire.com/24755/The-Best-Video-Production-Companies-Ranked-by-topseos.com-for-April-2011.html

The Top 10 Video Production Companies for April 2011 are:

1. Studio Center

2. SkyStorm Productions

3. BeanoVision Productions

4. Innovate Media

5. Independent Media Productions, Inc.

6. Eyecon Video Productions

7. Indigo Productions

8. Levy Production

9. Seven Pictures

10. Video One Pro

Excerpt: “This past year has been incredible for McElroy Films,” extolled president and owner Benjamin J. McElroy. “We have been able expand every service we provide while still maintaining affordability without sacrificing the quality of video production.”

With a Telly and a Davey awarded for excellence in emotional videos produced for Fenway Health and the South Shore Habitat for Humanity respectively, there is no doubt that quality products continue to emerge from Ben’s growing video production company. McElroy Films’ wedding division has also won praise having received the distinction of ‘Best of the Knot for 2010’ and has seen a 50% increase in bookings for 2011.

“It’s very gratifying to be rewarded for the things my team and I do day in and day out. Focus on quality and great client communication and the awards will follow.”

Please visit PRWeb to read the full version. http://www.prweb.com/releases/boston_production/online_video_trends/prweb5078274.htm

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.

Ben McElroy of Massachusetts based McElroy Films explains the top elements to look for in cinematic style videos when hiring a video production company.

Leominster, MA (PRWEB) February 9, 2010 — The recent movie making excitement in Massachusetts has started New Englanders thinking about translating their lives in slick Hollywood fashion. Wedding, corporate, nonprofit and music videos can all be approached in cinematic style. Video production companies, such as Massachusetts based McElroy Films, are now producing videos using techniques from the movie industry.

“The demand for better looking video is on the rise and Hollywood films are synonymous with a high quality look. Movie industry techniques can be found in most high-end video productions. Cinematic style wedding videos are so popular I now refer to them as ‘wedding films’ to distinguish them from other wedding videos.” explains Ben McElroy of McElroy Films.

“Recently we were approached by NIKE who specifically requested the use of the Canon 7D. The Canon 7D is a new High Definition Digital SLR camera. They wanted the cinematic look of this camera. Clients are starting to think differently about video. They want the look and quality of a Hollywood film but not all of them are clear about what elements they are looking for. I work with them to get them the look they want.”

McElroy explains the top elements to look for in a cinematic style video:

- Storytelling
Cinematic films require pre-production, including research and scripting. Most use interviews, voice-over narration, or both. The video production company you hire should have a skilled producer to write a compelling script, create interview questions that bring out emotion and drama, and who is able to put interviewees at ease so they come across in the best way possible.

- Imagery
The videographer must be familiar with film industry standards for subject placement and composition. The filming should not only be visually beautiful, but capture true emotions. It is the feeling the audience gets from watching a film that will compel them to take action or connect them to your story.

- High Definition Equipment
Not all “high-definition” equipment is the same. To create a cinematic style video, HD cameras with 1920×1080 resolution need to be used. Most modern HD cameras shoot in “progressive mode”, which is essential for encoded video on the Internet.

- Lighting
Lighting is an important element for cinematic videos. The right lighting creates the mood and depth seen in Hollywood films.

- Movie Industry Speed
Hollywood uses a 24 frames per second (24p) frame rate. This eliminates the amateur “home-movie” look and will automatically give a professional cinematic feel.

- Glidecams and Dollies
The use of Glidecams gives a smooth cinematic look. It allows the camera to stay steady even while the videographer is walking or running. A dolly allows a camera to move smoothly to and from a subject.

- Professional Audio
Sound quality is essential to creating a cinematic video. Wireless microphones, booms and a good audio technician should be used on productions to create crisp, movie quality audio.

- Multiple Cameras
Having multiple cameras allows the production company to have a variety of camera angles and perspectives to work with when editing a cinematic video. The final product will have a more interesting and realistic look.

- Music
Good quality music from a music library is another important element in cinematic videos. Music helps to move the video along and sets the mood for different scenes.

- Cinematic Editing Techniques and Special Effects
All movies have a movie “trailer” which shows exciting highlights of the full-length feature film. Video production companies can borrow this technique from Hollywood when editing your video. Popular techniques for cinematic videos are color correction, black and white and soft focus.

About McElroy Films
McElroy Films LLC is a professional high definition video production company serving Massachusetts and New England. Specializing in corporate, educational, non-profit, wedding, independent filmmaking and music video production, McElroy Films provides a high quality product at a fraction of the cost. McElroy Films prides itself on its client-driven results and boutique-like service by affording each project the attention it deserves.

NIKE’s SPARQ Training division stands for Speed, Power, Agility, Reaction, and Quickness. They were in MA this weekend evaluating some of the North East’s best high school basketball players. Each player evaluated receives a score based on five simple tests. The score is their SPARQ Rating which shows athletes exactly where they can improve their athletic performance through training.

Shooting in the Basketball Hall of Fame was pretty exciting. Standing beneath hundreds of photos and life-sized replicas of some of the greatest basketball players that ever lived was very moving.

To learn more about SPARQ Training click here.