I just got a tip about Animoto from Scott Quillin (am I giving away your trade secrets, Scott?) of New England Multimedia. As part of our package to redo my site and integrate the blog inside, he was going to take all my cool world-travel snapshots from the website and package them into a slide show/video.
I had no expectation what that would look like; in fact, it made me nervous. Late two nights ago, Scott turned me loose on Animoto. I first attempted the free unlimited :30 clips; then I upgraded to Plus and finally took the nosedive to the Pro version (all in 30 minutes) to create this video below — Hire Soulati Media.
I used my own photography to create each screen shot — I’d like Sean McGinnis to watch for some pickle action in this movie! I added text to tell the story and transition to each image. Where there were too few images, I combed my collection for something else handy, but went off to Fotolia to purchase three extra images. (I also love Fotolia for blog images, website photography and now my first professional video.)
I also owe a huge thanks to eCairn for the image of my cloud tag shared in a blog comment recently by Arthur Huynh. If you haven’t checked these guys out; they’re worth a few visits. eCairn is doing some amazing work in the sector.
With no tutorials or hours spent trying to figure out what to do, I built my minute-long movie in about five hours total (tweaks, embedding code, waiting for software kinks, buying images, writing text, etc.) The initial phase of the project was the most fun – selecting a background template and music to coincide with the images. The Pro version provided the most versatility with these important elements – more templates in high definition and certainly hundreds more songs to choose from.
I had no idea what I was doing; had never done anything remotely similar. It was like making a scrapbook – you look at a blank canvas and start. I’m going to try my hand with a few more of these, and then take a closer look at client needs. Animoto is a wonderful find; I hope you’ll check it out, too.
And, Scott? I think you unleashed a monster.
You did an amazing job, Jayme! When I created the short 30-second preview, I knew you were going to dive right in and create something that not only fit you perfectly but also had that “wow” factor!I can’t wait to see what else you come up with!
@Scott Quillin | Web – Video – Original Music! Thanks for coming over, Scott! I appreciate everything you’ve shared; your expertise is fabulous.
I like it very much! I actually learned about Animoto a while back from ericaholt who used to guest post on WUL, but I’ve never tried it… been focusing on iMovie more recently. Really nice job, Jayme!
@Shonali ericaholt Thanks, Shonali!! Great kudos coming from one of the best; thank you.
Hahahaha! That pickle was AWESOME! Next time you’re back I have one that’s even BETTER!
@Sean McGinnis OMG, I hate to imagine…LOL, Dude.
Man, I missed the pickle, but you know me–I love the message. You carried your brand through this one very well, and I thought the presentation was classy. I’ve been considering something like this, but didn’t know where to look. Thank you for sharing!
@ShakirahDawud Dude. Just watch it about 39 more times like I have!!! LOL — Seriously, you gotta see the pickle courtesy of @Sean McGinnis over lunch one day in Chicago!
@ShakirahDawud Shakirah? Did you see the pickle? Huh? Huh?
GIRL I NEEDED SOMETHING LIKE THIS!!!!!!!! Thank you!
@jennwhinnem OH, NO. I shoulda become an affiliate right away!!! Hah.
@jennwhinnem PPSS — Animoto allows you to put video footage into their video template! I’m going to try that next…do I dare do one About Jayme? OMG…that would be and it’s going to be highly embarrassing. Dang; that’s the next one. Oh, boy. That’s making me scared.
WOO-HOO!! Wow, Jayme. We knew you’d be amazing at this, Ms. Creative. And we can’t wait to see more! Well done!
@New England Multimedia Awesome kudos from the multimedia gurus themselves. Danke sehr. (German, thanks a lot)
@New England Multimedia P.S. @jennwhinnem is suggesting a favicon for me! I’ve developed one before; have you guys? (Love that suggestion, Jenn!)
Loved this Jayme! The pics were gorgeous and I really liked the music. Was that from the site too? Is it royalty free ?
I’ve just been playing with Adobe Premier Elements, which I’m finding very intuitive.
I think we all need more video in our little corner of the blogosphere @New England Multimedia @jennwhinnem suddenlyjayme
@jonbuscall@New England Multimedia @jennwhinnem suddenlyjayme Dude I am creating lots of video! What a learning curve. There’s definitely a blog in that. https://www.youtube.com/user/CTHealth?feature=mhee if you’re interested…look at more recent ones though.
Also @Soulati | B2B Social Media Marketing is @New England Multimedia going to get you a favicon? I think it would look pretty.
@jonbuscall@New England Multimedia suddenlyjayme @Soulati | B2B Social Media Marketing I am proudest of this one if I may brag https://youtu.be/-CKBsDB6Isw slideshow in the video!
@jennwhinnem @jonbuscall@New England Multimedia suddenlyjayme May I make a suggestion, Jenn? Focus on the background first; you have about five vertical lines behind this woman’s head and it distracted me. I couldn’t figure out the backdrop until I realized she was in front of a corner and wall. She’s a pretty woman in a bold lime color, except the background did nothing for her.
When you next watch the news shows where they are interviewing someone, look at the backgrounds — always books, plants, some vase, but nothing sticking out of their heads. You get the picture.
I like how you faded to a question and then she answered. Are you able to change camera angles when that happens?
@Soulati | B2B Social Media Marketing @jonbuscall@New England Multimedia suddenlyjayme If only you knew the story of why we went with that background.
@jennwhinnem @jonbuscall@New England Multimedia suddenlyjayme OK, so what’s the story? This should be good.
@jonbuscall@New England Multimedia @jennwhinnem suddenlyjayme Thanks, Jon! Coming from a major multi-media man that you are. I took all but 3 of the images in various spots in Europe, Caribbean, U.S., and the music is royalty free on the Animoto site. The Pro version provides 1100 songs from which to select! That’s an amazing process. The beat determines the pace of the images scrolling, and there are a few other tricks, too, I learned.
I first started playing with Animoto in 2008 – making tear-jerker snippets featuring my daughter being adorable. I haven’t thought to use it for marketing purposes, but now you have my interest piqued. Might have to do some playing around! 🙂 TKS for the nudge to take another look.
@suddenlyjamie feel free to share the video you made of adorable daughter.
@jennwhinnem 🙂 I’d love to, but I’m not sure how to access it. Lives on my old (now disconnected) iPhone. I’m sure I can find online somehow … but I’ll have to investigate. 😉
@jennwhinnem @suddenlyjamie Yeah, Jamie, AHEM, feel free.
🙂
@Soulati | B2B Social Media Marketing@jennwhinnem I tried … I never synced with their website. The videos live only on my old iPhone which is now a glorified ipod touch for same adorable daughter … not connected to anything & I’m afraid to sync with laptop.
Maybe I’ll have to make a NEW video … 🙂
@suddenlyjamie @Soulati | B2B Social Media Marketing @jennwhinnem Yes, more videos ! I love the possibilities but it does take time and the learning curve can be steep. Animoto sounds awesome
@suddenlyjamie @jennwhinnem Uhmmm, YES!
@suddenlyjamie I have never been ready for anything like this at all. It’s so cool to see the possibilities once you integrate everything and get serious about SEO. My goodness. I know, though, it’s all about the journey; it takes time, then tech.
OMG, I love you guys. I’m so excited to host you in my new digs!!! It feels so much more vibrant! Thank you, thank you!
Very nice Jayme! Impressed that you made it in 5 hours also, that’s really not bad. I messed with iMovie for a little under 2hr my first time and got nowhere close to those results.
Good stuff!
@adamtoporek Thanks, Adam! I think the whole clue is the images you have in your stash. I have actually written video script before; like a tweet, these are limited. Very fun from all sides. I can see good customer service video happening for you!
Yeah! I really liked this. Went and looked at the Animato right away. Thanks Billy
@Billy_Delaney I think I should become an affiliate! So glad all you guys are loving Animoto enough to go sign up.
Outstanding @Soulati | B2B Social Media Marketing !! Really! Love the new look here…love the video….love the suggestions for Animoto (just signed up thanks to you) and Fotolia. I’m SO glad I stopped by today! What a treasure trove of information!
Claudia
@SocialMediaDDS Hurray, Claudia!! I’m psyched about that — being a resource to you. I can see incredible opportunities for you and teeth for your practice!
Well done Jayme! I learned more about you, felt your vibe – and it was great!
Cheers to Soulati Media!
@Mark_Harai Thanks, Mark!
Hey Jayme – did I hear favicon? It’s tiny but it’s there! You like?
OK!! I see FAVICON!!! RockHot!
Thanks for the mention @Soulati ! =]