1. Why do you call it The Post House?
2. How much does a video/interactive program cost?
3. Where is The Post House located?
4. Why should I use video now, when there are so many other marketing options available?
5. What else will I be able to do with the footage? Is there a way I can leverage my marketing dollar when creating a video?
6. What are some things we can do to save money?
7. What is non-linear editing?
8. What’s all the hype about digital video?
Why do you call it The Post House?
This is by far the most frequently asked question. And one that we like to answer because it really sums up what we specialize in. In the video business, "post" refers to post-production -- the editing process where we take all the media elements we have created and turn them into a finished product -- sort of like taking a bunch of ingredients and putting together a gourmet meal. We take pride in putting the finishing touches on your program and we do it using whatever media we can get our hands on, from your printed materials, web site elements or digital graphics, to custom video, music, and professional narration.
Besides, we just liked the way it sounded -- warm, friendly, comfortable -- a place you'd like to sit and visit for a while.
How much does a video/interactive program cost?
A: The second most frequently asked question -- and one for which there is no short answer. A lot depends on the subject matter, number of shoot locations, your timeline, the amount of "wow" you want to put into your presentation, and the sophistication of your audience. Every video or multimedia presentation is different and there are no longer any easy formulas to accurately "ballpark" a production. It's always best to meet face-to-face to get all the questions answered, then get an estimate that will fit within your budget. For a better understanding of some the issues, or to get a rough idea how much your video will cost, check out our Useful Information page.
Where is The Post House located?
We are located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin at Banbury Place, a unique multi-tenant facility located along the banks of the Eau Claire River and the former site of the Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Factory. Today, the facility is home to over 100 tenants ranging from gift shops to light industry. Please refer to this map, and feel free to call us for directions if you're not familiar with the area. We are just a few blocks from beautiful downtown Eau Claire on the north side of the Eau Claire River, just west of Business 53 and the new U.S. Highway 53 Bypass.
Why should I use video now, when there are so many other marketing options available?
Here is the question we like to talk about the most. These days everybody is pushing toward instant gratification. Mobile computing, cell phones, and wireless Internet services are just a few of the trends in the business world today. So where does a supposedly "old" technology like video fit in? We believe it's "right smack in the middle". The recent advances in video compression, faster speeds in "broadband," and the lower costs anticipated in cable modems have made video more available to your clients and more feasible to you than ever before. You are no longer limited to expensive airtime or low-quality VHS tapes. Now you can put your spot or program on your web site, CD, or DVD for your clients to view at their desk or in the comfort of their own home. No more waiting for the conference room or showing it on the weakest link in video -- VHS. For a demonstration on how video can work for you, contact us to request a free interactive DVD.
What else will I be able to do with the footage? Is there a way I can leverage my marketing dollar when creating a video?
Definitely! The best part of using video is its ability to be used and reused for a variety of programs. Although many might think that video is expensive, it is still the most influential and effective medium available. Why not leverage your marketing dollar by shooting for a variety of purposes? A long form sales program, a local TV spot, an Internet commercial and a direct mail CD. Once we've got your program "in our system" we can save you money by avoiding the additional setup fee and finishing your program in any of the above formats.
What are some things we can do to save money?
First and foremost -- plan. Then hire a competent producer who has a proven track record. Several of the awards we have won were in "budget categories." Check out our Useful Information page to help you determine what you want to accomplish and how to get it done efficiently. We save money for all of our clients by simply being prepared and efficient. We often shoot with several programs in mind when on-location and can easily create several programs from a single day of shooting. Other ways to save money include using local talent for voice-overs, using friends and employees as "extras," writing the script yourself, using graphics and other materials that are already available, using royalty-free music or obtaining permission for copyrighted music, and being present during the critical stages of videotaping and editing.
What is non-linear editing?
If you remember typing class in high school or had to use a typewriter during your career, you've probably come to appreciate what word processors can do (and if you're young enough to have missed all that, you're lucky). Do you recall what happened when you missed a sentence in the middle of your letter? You had to re-write everything from that point forward to or start over altogether. Now do you remember how cool it felt when you learned to delete words or sentences in the middle of a letter with a word processor? No more white-out or starting over.
Traditional "linear" (tape-to-tape) editing and "non-linear" (disk-based) editing are the video equivalents to the typewriter and word processor. Back in the old days, if you had to make a change in the middle of a program, you basically had to re-edit everything else past that point. Nowadays, that section can be removed with a click of the mouse and the rest of the program stays intact. This has literally saved millions of dollars -- not to mention a few gray hairs -- and is the best thing to happen in the video post-production business since, well, ever... as far as we're concerned. What it really does is allow more time for creativity, so we can concentrate on giving you more bang for your buck.
At The Post House, we've been working on Avid digital editing systems since they were first introduced in the Chippewa Valley in the mid-1990s. What does this all mean for you? Unparalleled speed and versatility, saving you time, money, and a lot of headaches.
What's all the hype about digital video?
Video production is a very competitive business and the rapid changes in communication technology are dizzying. "Digital video" is simply another new tape format, or in this case a bunch of new formats, that offer better picture quality and less generation loss, which is the degradation of picture quality when dubbing from one tape to another. These problems are more apparent in consumer and prosumer markets that rely on VHS, 3/4-inch and SVHS formats. Nowadays, digital video technology allows current video professionals to offer more and better services to their customers, while also allowing video producers to own equipment that only a few years ago would have been financially impossible.
Unfortunately, it has also broken down the barriers of entry into the video production business. As the cost of video gear continues to come down, more and more people are buying equipment, printing business cards and calling themselves production companies. But many of these so-called "video production companies" are not qualified to serve people like you. Make sure you put your company in the best light by using the right people, who use the right equipment for the job. "You get what you pay for" is more apparent than ever in the video business.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |