CONNECTED & CONFIDENT with Melissa J Scott

02 Video marketing, passion and creativity with James Lopes

March 04, 2020 Melissa J Scott Season 1 Episode 2
CONNECTED & CONFIDENT with Melissa J Scott
02 Video marketing, passion and creativity with James Lopes
Show Notes

Our guest on the CONNECTED Podcast Episode 2 is James Lopes, the award winning and celebrated videographer, cinematographer and marketer extraordinaire from Arc Shot Media and Heretic Creative Agency.

James’s story is interesting because he was a mechanical engineer for 25 years with Bluescope Steel in Wollongong. He also toured the world with his band The Cherrypickers as the main songwriter and lead guitarist, and when he turned his hand to video production ten years ago.

When you consider that 78% of people watch videos online every week, 55% watch every day, and 80% of the internet is dedicated to video, it’s incredibly important that every business owner makes video a very important part of their marketing strategy and even more importantly… gets the messaging right.

Here are some of James’ expert tips:

1. When you create video… remember, pants on!
Ok, so we’re joking obviously, but the point is, if you’re trying get a cheap laugh, don’t.

2. Prepare your script – whether it’s notes or a full script, practice and be prepared
Tell your story succinctly, write your script, write it again, share it with people who you trust.

3. Know who your target audience is and address them personally
Address your target audience personally or directly with the word ‘you’ in the opening lines so they feel engaged, and try to create a pattern interrupt to captivate your audience.

4. It’s all about knowing your points of difference and getting them across
There are 300 hours of video downloaded to the internet every minute. You will only cut through if you are true to who you are and know what it is about you that your audience will love.

5. Practice at becoming an engaging presenter
A lot of people are so uncomfortable in front of the camera that they prefer an interview style shot. As opposed to a more direct presenting style which is addressing the camera directly down the barrel and where your focus should be.

6. Sound and Lighting are extremely important
Direct sunlight is harsh and unflattering, and conversely dark or weird shadows across your face can be disconcerting so be aware of your surroundings.
Bad sound can even be worse than bad vision when it comes to a video.

7. Get comfortable in your own skin
The second you become comfortable in your own skin it doesn’t matter what you look like. The camera is an amplifier of how you are feeling and it can pick up if you’re being fake or ‘pretending’ to be someone you are not.

8. If you don’t have the marketing budget to use professionals, you can still produce good content with your own phone
Focus on the details, prepare the script and know what you want to say. Consider the sound and light. You can buy an affordable microphone to ensure that your sound is clear.

And if you want to continue the conversation, this is where you can find us:

https://melissajscott.com
https://divinecreative.com.au
https://hereticcreative.agency
https://www.connectionmar