Knowledge Corner
Stock Sound Effects – Royalty Free Audio Samples
On a recent project, time got the better of me and I neglected to record some key audio samples whilst onset and decided to hunt around on the internet for some royalty-free stock sound effects. I came across Audioslug a royalty-free audio sample website which specialises in stock sound effects. A simple search from the homepage revealed the FX sound required and I was then back in post layering the new sound effects into my video project. No matter how much you plan when filming you always remember something later that will make the production so much better. If you need additional sounds to lift your production, give Audioslug a go. Here’s a list of useful links I used to navigate Audioslug and a post that helped – How to find stock sound effects for your next project. BUTTON FX SAMPLESDOMESTIC FX SAMPLESFREE FX SAMPLESFUTURISTIC FX SAMPLESGAME FX SAMPLESINDUSTRIAL SFX...
Further ReadingHow to produce a low cost movie/video
With the development of video streaming platforms and compact cameras, it’s easier than ever to produce great video content. Start your next video project using the examples below: How to find low-cost video examples Write a movie script Filming with your smartphone Editing your movie How to find royalty-free music Downloading free stock sound effects How to find low-cost video examples If you think of a great idea, the chances are it’s been done before check Vimeo or Youtube for inspiration. Write your first movie script Not always necessary but if you are working with a large group of people this can be invaluable for keeping a day’s shoot on schedule. Filming your movie with a smartphone Can I produce a low-cost video using my smartphone? Course you can! You’ll need a sturdy tripod, possibly additional lights and way of recording external sound. There are plenty of stock music and...
Further ReadingThe secret to producing a successful marketing video
Creating a marketing video to showcase your company and products is a great way to attract potential customers. See below for my tips and tricks for creating a great marketing video. Keep it short and to the point Don’t make it too technical or pushy Focus on your potential customers’ needs and desires Layout the content in your introduction Add music to your video project to create the mood Above all be honest and educate your audience. Wait don’t get the clapperboard out just yet Considering the following steps will save you time and money and give your project focus. Outline the key features of your product Find someone within your organisation who appears well on camera Write a short script and agree with critical members of your organisation Once you’ve finalised your idea its time to consult a professional, someone who can help dot the I’s and cross...
Further ReadingHow to choose the right music for your next video project
When you are planning your next marketing video project, it’s always a good idea to decide on the right music. Music can convey a particular mood. It can also add direction to what the viewer might feel. A music piece with lots of minor chords might add tension and suspense, while uplifting music or major chords convey a sense of fulfilment or completion. Finding the right music isn’t always easy and usually comes at a small cost depending on the length, popularity and audience size. There are plenty of free music sites, but from personal experience, the client will require something a little bit special and won’t mind paying the extra price. Audio Network is an accredited music website. They have thousands of songs, and you can search for music by style, mood and genre. If you find a track, you like it can be downloaded and tested in your...
Further ReadingPoster design collection
Designing a selection of posters for Sports and Welfare – A members-only club exclusively for serving and retired employees of the West Midlands Fire Service. Advertising theatre, shows and events across the UK Poster design needs to be simple, eye-catching and informative and follow a similar theme. Choose a strong iconic image and position text around that image always makes for a cleaner design. Always build a poster using only the bare essentials and allow the text to breathe. When designing a collection of posters try defining a grid. It will help the placement of images and text and allow for a faster workflow later on when the deadlines tight. Always design using the grid but don’t be afraid to break out should the design require it. Use bold complementing colours and experiment with different typefaces. If the image is pleasing to the eye then use complementary colours to lift and highlight text....
Further ReadingA new look for Sports & Welfare
This week sees the launch of the new look web design for Sports & Welfare – A members only ‘club’ exclusively for serving and retired employees of the West Midlands Fire Service. This collaboration between Two Birmingham design agencies lead to some inspiring creative ideas. Vivid provided the slick design & Ant Powers Web Development the all important CSS and backend coding. Please click to view the Sports and welfare...
Further ReadingCrowd Funding movie for New Outlook – My Guide project
This short film is set in Birmingham at New Outlook Chatham Place. We follow Phyllis over a week in order to highlight the need for help and support for the partially sighted. More about the project and the people New Outlook support New Outlook support people with sight loss to get out and about on their own terms, reducing isolation and community disconnect. There are over 27,000 adults who are registered blind or partially sighted living in Birmingham and this figure is set to double by 2050. Many people with visual impairments also suffer from another long-term illness or disability. Over 40% suffer from depression, with sight-loss having a negative effect on mood and lifestyle. As well as reduced mental health, sight loss results in decreased social functioning. Having a visual impairment is associated with lower social relationships and poorer connections to family and friends. Over 50% of people with...
Further ReadingFilming and editing Cruse Bereavement Care – 40th Anniversary
This project was filmed and edited for Cruse Bereavement Care 40th Anniversary. Cruse is a leading national charity for bereaved people in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. They offer support, advice, and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies. The project was filmed and edited in two days. Thank you to Cruse for allowing Vivid to film the celebrations and thanks to Aaron Manning for helping to capture some great footage of the day. Chris is a film and movie producer/editor. You can see my most recent work at: VividShare on Vimeo. If you require any help or advice please visit my contact page for further details, Do you need help, with your next video project See our Video Editing...
Further ReadingBenefits of POP3, IMAP to Exchange Server
Have you ever wondered what happens when you set up an email account on your computer, or how email is sent from one computer to another? If you’re confused by those prompts you sometimes get for an incoming or outgoing server password and want to know your ‘pop3’ from your ‘SMTP’ for example, then this helpful and informative little blog is for you. POP3: – Post Office Protocol 3 Emails are past from server to server regardless of the email handling method or service in use. This is an industry standard protocol that enables emails to be sent and received with ease. You can connect to POP3 accounts using popular email systems such as Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Outlook Express, Mozilla Thunderbird and Apple Mail. These systems connect to the POP3 and download any emails to your computer. Most POP3 applications have a default setting not to delete downloaded emails...
Further ReadingSMTP Error Codes – what do they mean?
From time to time you may experience error message when sending emails. This can be for a number reasons. Below is a list of the most common errors. SMTP 550: Permanent Failure for One or More Recipients? The most common generic error message. It means the email could not be delivered. This could be for a number of reasons. The users mailbox is full The users mailbox doesn’t exist anymore Blocked by spam due to the content or by the senders network The senders network maybe blacklisted. What can you do? If possible, try to contact the recipient by other means. If the error message points to a specific blacklist or spam filter, do try to contact the list or filter administrator. Failing all this, you can always explain the unfortunate situation to your email provider. They may be able to contact their colleague at the receiving end and get the...
Further Reading