Rediscovering Switzerland
As I watched the mountainous, Switzerland come into view from the airplane window, a flood of nostalgia swept over me. Switzerland: my second homeland. So many of my technicolor childhood memories had taken place here. Yet, despite numerous visits during my lifetime, I felt the excitement of new discovery. I was about to look at Switzerland through a whole new lens; exploring its skiing roots.
Photo: Paul Morrison
I had the pleasure of being hired on contract by the brilliant S-Media to film episodes for SkiTV.
As I watched the mountainous, Switzerland come into view from the airplane window, a flood of nostalgia swept over me. Switzerland: my second homeland. So many of my technicolor childhood memories had taken place here. Yet, despite numerous visits during my lifetime, I felt the excitement of new discovery. I was about to look at Switzerland through a whole new lens; exploring its skiing roots.
Swiss Precision
Travelling with SkiTV, our task was to show the world just what Switzerland has to offer the serious skier. Ski culture in Switzerland runs deep. The Swiss are fanatical about their sport. The way Canadians love to strap on their skates for a game of hockey, the Swiss love heading to the mountains for a day- and they have some serious mountains! Every window of the hotel offered another breathtaking view of the Swiss Alps.
The outstanding scenery was just a foretaste of what we were to experience during our stay. Swiss Tourism, our hosts for this venture, hadn’t missed a single detail. Visuals to tell a sports’ story are top priority in Europe and as a result, we were treated like royalty. Our itinerary was laid out with Swiss precision, allowing us to focus on the creative side of production, without having to focus our energy on the minor logistics that often take up valuable daylight hours. Every stop, every meal, every detail they arranged was near perfection. From the meals cooked by a Michelin star chef, to the clean, contemporary designs of their 4-star hotels, to the stunning natural environment, Switzerland was taking my breath away.
Zermatt
Zermatt, the mountain resort world-famous for its skiing, is a pivotal location in Swiss ski culture. The town, which sits 1,600m above sea level, is nestled below the iconic, Matterhorn Mountain: the most photographed mountain in the world.
It was in Zermatt that I had my first opportunity to act as a SkiTV producer. Exploring Bahnhofstrasse, the town’s main street, we took in the boutique shops, elegant restaurants, bustling hotels and outdoor ice rinks. Then we took to the alps once again. I strapped on my skis and my camera and continued to capture some of the world’s premiere skiing.
Home
Although I really missed my family back home in Canada, the entire trip felt like a homecoming of sorts. At the end of my time in Switzerland I was able to visit my Nonna in hospital, and cousins made the journey to catch up as well. This trip was a uniting of so many things I love: family, sport and my art; it’s not one I’ll soon forget.
Content director and contributor: Jennie Hoekstra
Marketplace Series 1: What's Your Story?
When you meet someone new, you ask them questions about their life. Maybe it’s what profession they currently call their own, or where they grew up. We ask these things to draw out a person’s story, because their story is what makes them who they are today. I like to think of myself as a storyteller, only I’m not telling my own. I am a storyteller for businesses in the marketplace.
Film shoot #2 crew L-R: Cyar Hail (camera assist), Celine Richardson (photography), Scotty Taylor (location sound mix), David Stewart (director & camera), Hilary Janset (makeup artist)
Thinking outside of the cubicle
From the outside, the business marketplace can seem flat and impersonal. Often, creatives can feel stifled and uninspired by the numbers and nuts and bolts of corporate life. When I visit a new corporate client, however, I look for the story of the journey they are on. Where did it start and why? Who made it happen and how has their path evolved over time? It was with these questions in mind that DSM approached the making of a film for Alignvest. (Check them out HERE)
Alignvest is a leading international alternative investment management firm, with an impressive office in Toronto’s Financial District. Going in to Alignvest, I admittedly didn’t know a lot about investment market strategies. The language was new and that newness kept me on my toes.
Behind the scenes on production day #1
Every time I meet a new client, I have an opportunity to engage, learn something new, and then communicate that information and story, in a new and exciting way, to their audience. Alignvest was no different. Their story was an ambitious tale of expert investors who wanted to take their knowledge and skills and share them with their clients; so they built their business from the ground up with their own capitol.
Identify a problem and then solve it
The entire Alignvest Team was passionate about sharing their work and journey. Their vast experience in the field had allowed them to see problems with the typical investment portfolios clients were offered. They strategized ways to address these problems and built their business model accordingly.
I began to see parallels to my own journey with DSM. Typical marketplace promotion tended to be impersonal and static feeling. Many corporate videos had an unchanging look and feel. I saw the problems with classic corporate promotion and knew I wanted to do something different. I wanted to tell my clients’ stories with authenticity and humanity, while also creating something that was beautiful to the eye.
Making the marketplace beautiful
In practical terms, making aesthetically pleasing and authentic promotional work means spending a good deal of time listening to my clients’ stories and then organically exploring their spaces - whether it’s on hoverboard for the smoothest of motion shots, filming people in their occupational element, or taking time lapses of the outdoor environment around a corporate space. What I’ve been able to achieve with this approach to marketplace filming, is beautiful productions that tell a whole story - the stories of people who are using their talent and expertise to make the world better. We look forward to doing more of this exciting work in the future and hope you’ll follow along as we blog about DSM’s clients and the unique approach we’re taking to marketplace storytellig.
“David is fantastic to work with - he is professional, talented, friendly, courteous, creative and very flexible. David Stewart Media created a high quality corporate video for our firm and it was done quickly but with excellent attention to detail and was priced very fairly. David brought an excellent team on the day of the main shoot and each member of his crew was professional and clearly skilled. I recommend David without hesitation and plan to use his services again in the near future.”
Content director & contributor: Jennie Hoekstra
Photography: Celine Richardson
Adventure calls - SOUTH AMERICA
When you think about South America, you’re probably more likely to envision rainforests than ski resorts, but the truth is South America has a rich history of amazing skiing. Back in 1966, Chile hosted its first ever Alpine World Ski Championships. That championship was hosted at the Portillo Ski Resort, the same resort where I was headed to make some filmmaking dreams come true.
Capturing portillo
At the age of 4 I fell in love with the slopes. So when the opportunity to film for Ski Television in South America came up, I jumped at the chance to combine my two passions – filmmaking and skiing. For a week, my office was going to be the Andes Mountains. Adventure was calling my name and I was prepared to answer.
When you think about South America, you’re probably more likely to envision rainforests than ski resorts, but the truth is South America has a rich history of amazing skiing. Back in 1966, Chile hosted its first ever Alpine World Ski Championships. To this day, it’s the only one ever to be held in the Southern Hemisphere. That championship was hosted at the Portillo Ski Resort, the same resort where I was headed.
Landing is Santiago, Chile’s capital, was a surreal experience. While fall was just starting to show its face back at home in Ontario, the air in Santiago was warm and the palm trees were waving. We loaded up our luggage and gear and headed north, out of the heat and way, way up, into the Andes Mountains. After two and half hours, we arrived at the Portillo Resort. The resort staff were warm and welcoming and the whole crew quickly felt at home.
Adapting to the elements
The Portillo Resort sits at an elevation of 12,000 feet. I noticed pretty quickly how that affected my breathing. At times, the altitude even made sleep difficult. But sleep, or no sleep, we were going to be hitting the slopes and we were going to be hitting them hard. My love of skiing was about to marry my love of camerawork in a big way.
While in Portillo we were capturing footage of the Canadian Men’s Alpine Team, and on no ordinary terrain. The resort is nestled in the mountains next to the gorgeous Laguna del Inca O del Portillo lake, just west of the Argentinian border, with 35 designated groomed runs and endless open space for mountain skiing beyond those, craggy rock faces, and breathtaking views.
My skis became an endless dolly track. With a steady hand, my Atlas Camera Support and some creativity, I was able to follow the athlete’s doing what they do best- racing downhill at incredible speeds. It was extreme filming and I loved every minute of it.
The U.S. Women’s Alpine Team was also in Portillo. I had the privilege of capturing them in action too, at one point riding on the back of a snowmobile driven by Coach Paul Kristofic, to get the perfect shot.
All in all, the journey to Chile was an incredible one. With a whole new appreciation for the amazing skiing opportunities offered in South America, and having had the opportunity to use my unique abilities behind the camera and on the slopes simultaneously, I headed back to Canada a happy filmmaker, ready to do it all again.
Content director and contributor: Jennie Hoekstra
Photographs: Mark Kristofic, Claire Challen
Investing in a Video - Marketing Trends with Brian Hunt (Expert Series)
Video is the media of choice and will continue to be the way people prefer to consume information online
Marketing trends for video are only looking up! People are no longer strictly using Google to research information, some are going straight to YouTube. Studies show that video is the media of choice and will continue to be the way people prefer to consume information online (more to come in episode: "What Consumers Prefer").
About the Expert
Working in the world of video and film for the past 12 years, Brian Hunt got his feet wet shooting action sports films in his early 20’s. He quickly matured into a sought after Director and DOP. His understanding of storytelling at the post production level is a major influence in his shooting. Brian’s technical and creative expertise make him a valuable resource in today’s media landscape. Brian Hunt is a personal mentor of mine since the beginning so it is fitting to have him as my first guest in this series.
Investing in a Video - Advertising on Facebook with Brian Hunt (Expert Series)
Using Facebook for advertising is the most cost effective way for reaching a targeted demographic. Paying to advertise your video on Facebook is what we are recommending to many of our clients because it works so well.
At the moment, using Facebook for advertising is the most cost effective way for reaching a targeted demographic. Paying to advertise your video on Facebook is what we are recommending to many of our clients because it works so well.
About the Expert
Working in the world of video and film for the past 12 years, Brian Hunt got his feet wet shooting action sports films in his early 20’s. He quickly matured into a sought after Director and DOP. His understanding of storytelling at the post production level is a major influence in his shooting. Brian’s technical and creative expertise make him a valuable resource in today’s media landscape. Brian Hunt is a personal mentor of mine since the beginning so it is fitting to have him as my first guest in this series.
Investing in a Video - Next Steps: Talking to a Production Company with Brian Hunt (Expert Series)
If you are interested in having a video made for your business then next steps would be speaking to a production company or producer.
If you are interested in having a video made for your business then next steps would be speaking to a production company or producer. Have them explain exactly what they can do for your business. You can also ask them for a quote to see where the hard costs are.
Working in the world of video and film for the past 12 years, Brian Hunt got his feet wet shooting action sports films in his early 20’s. He quickly matured into a sought after Director and DOP. His understanding of storytelling at the post production level is a major influence in his shooting. Brian’s technical and creative expertise make him a valuable resource in today’s media landscape. Brian Hunt is a personal mentor of mine since the beginning so it is fitting to have him as my first guest in this series.
Investing in a Video - Get the Most out of your Production with Brian Hunt (Expert Series)
Many small business owners believe video production is expensive and cost prohibitive for their business when simply comparing to print ads.
Many small business owners believe video production is expensive and cost prohibitive for their business. Many argue that video costs compared to print ads are quite more expensive. It is important to remember that a print ad is only relevant for as long as the newspaper or magazine is circulated. Video, however, can be used for a longer period of time and on numerous platforms (ie. website, DVD, online ads, social media, etc).
Get the Most out of your Production
Next Steps: Talking to a Production Company
About the Expert
Working in the world of video and film for the past 12 years, Brian Hunt got his feet wet shooting action sports films in his early 20’s. He quickly matured into a sought after Director and DOP. His understanding of storytelling at the post production level is a major influence in his shooting. Brian’s technical and creative expertise make him a valuable resource in today’s media landscape. Brian Hunt is a personal mentor of mine since the beginning so it is fitting to have him as my first guest in this series.
Investing in a Video - Boost you SEO with Brian Hunt (Expert Series)
Since Google owns YouTube, videos give you a higher ranking in search results.
Having a video on the right channels will boost your SEO. Since Google owns YouTube, videos give you a higher ranking in search results. Help search engines find your business by adding keywords, aka "tags", in the metadata of your video.
ABOUT THE EXPERT
Working in the world of video and film for the past 12 years, Brian Hunt got his feet wet shooting action sports films in his early 20’s. He quickly matured into a sought after Director and DOP. His understanding of storytelling at the post production level is a major influence in his shooting. Brian’s technical and creative expertise make him a valuable resource in today’s media landscape. Brian Hunt is a personal mentor of mine since the beginning so it is fitting to have him as my first guest in this series.
Investing in a Video - Lifespan with Brian Hunt (Expert Series)
Use the video as a teaser to draw the customer through your doors or to your website. Tailor your video properly so it can be enjoyed for years to come.
If you want your video to have a longer lifespan then try and avoid speaking about specific products or services you offer, as those might change over the years. Rather, use the video as a teaser to draw the customer through your doors or to your website. Tailor your video properly so it can be enjoyed for years to come.
Working in the world of video and film for the past 12 years, Brian Hunt got his feet wet shooting action sports films in his early 20’s. He quickly matured into a sought after Director and DOP. His understanding of storytelling at the post production level is a major influence in his shooting. Brian’s technical and creative expertise make him a valuable resource in today’s media landscape. Brian Hunt is a personal mentor of mine since the beginning so it is fitting to have him as my first guest in this series.
Investing in a Video - What Consumers Prefer with Brian Hunt (Expert Series)
It's no mystery that consumers prefer video and "see it" as a better use of their time - no pun intended!
Ever notice that when you mention the word "video" in your email subject line that you have a higher open rate? Or that people spend a little more time on your website when there is a video to watch? It's no mystery that consumers prefer video and "see it" as a better use of their time - no pun intended!
What Consumers Prefer
Get the Most out of your Production
Next Steps: Talking to a Production Company
About the Expert
Working in the world of video and film for the past 12 years, Brian Hunt got his feet wet shooting action sports films in his early 20’s. He quickly matured into a sought after Director and DOP. His understanding of storytelling at the post production level is a major influence in his shooting. Brian’s technical and creative expertise make him a valuable resource in today’s media landscape. Brian Hunt is a personal mentor of mine since the beginning so it is fitting to have him as my first guest in this series.
Your Business Benefits from a Video | #4 Grow Your Business in the Right Way
Growing your business doesn't necessarily mean getting more clients but better, higher paying clients.
Growing your business doesn't necessarily mean getting more clients but better, higher paying clients. Maybe you're stuck in a rut, taking on clients that are not willing to pay you enough for your time or don't appreciate the quality of your work. Far too often, business owners feel cornered to accept this type of “low quality” work even though its going to put them in tough situations. Instead of trying to convince low quality clients to set the bar higher, you should focus on attracting "higher quality" clients. There is no magic formula that will attract them, and there is no way to ensure low quality clients will stop contacting you. However, a video can help position your business toward higher quality clients by increasing your exposure in the marketplace. As the video begins circulating, more attention will be attracted to your business, bringing a new problem on your hands: too many client and not enough time. When your business reaches this point you can become more choosy with which clients you want to take on. Having a video will help your business grow, but more importantly, in the right way.
4 Reason Why
#1 Doing a video makes you more approachable
#2 Your business thrives off of word-of-mouth
#3 Work smarter not harder
#4 Grow your business in the right way
Your Business Benefits from a Video | #3 Work Smarter Not Harder
A video can help you work smarter and not harder. If you find yourself needing to explain to potential clients how your business works or operates then video is the solution that you’ve been waiting for.
Entrepreneurs are always looking for ways to free themselves up from the "draining" aspects of business operations. Perhaps you want to spend more time working on what you do best and less time trying to generate new sales. A video can help you work smarter and not harder. For instance, if you find yourself needing to explain how your business works or operates on a day to day basis then video is the solution that you’ve been waiting for. You might say, “Well I already have a document on my website explaining my process, do I really need a video?!” Text on a website can be tricky since there are so many ways people can interpret what they read. A video takes the guess work out because people gain a better understanding of a product or service once they see and hear someone explain it. Creating a video saves you valuable time and effort in the long run and you won't have to repeat the same message over again.
4 Reason Why
#1 Doing a video makes you more approachable
#2 Your business thrives off of word-of-mouth
#3 Work smarter not harder
#4 Grow your business in the right way
Your Business Benefits from a Video | #2 Your Business Thrives Off of Word of Mouth
In our current social media age, videos can be shared with ease. Prospective clients are more likely to share and watch videos on the Internet than read text on a website. Word-of-mouth continues to be the main way that businesses attract new customers. So, for any business who relies heavily on referrals a professional, informative and fresh promotional video is an essential asset which will set your company miles apart from its competitors.
4 Reason Why
#1 Doing a video makes you more approachable
#2 Your business thrives off of word-of-mouth
#3 Work smarter not harder
#4 Grow your business in the right way
Your Business Benefits from a Video | #1 Doing a Video Makes You More Approachable
Chances are, youre in a type of business where it is really important that you engage with your customers and have a degree of openness with them. Well this is a great way for people to see you and get a sense of your personality.
If you are the face of the business then video is a way to introduce yourself to future customers. Chances are, you're in a type of business where it is really important that you engage with your customers and have a degree of openness with them. Well, this is a great way for people to see you and get a sense of your personality. It also helps a person gain a sense of trust in you and the products you sell if they can see you and create a ‘virtual’ connection. You’ll be able to connect more effectively with your potential customer by explaining what your business can do for them and why they should choose you over other competing businesses. Watching you on video will make you seem like a real person and that instantly makes you more approachable.
4 Reason Why
#1 Doing a video makes you more approachable
#2 Your business thrives off of word-of-mouth
#3 Work smarter not harder
#4 Grow your business in the right way
TIP #12 FOR FILMING INTERVIEWS - THE LAST QUESTION
At the end of going through all of our questions it's good to ask the talent if there is anything else they’d like to add.
At the end of going through all of our questions it's good to ask the talent if there is anything else they’d like to add. Was there anything we missed? The talent’s answers feel much more natural because they are speaking from the heart. It also gives them the opportunity to say anything that’s been burning on their chest. Usually the talent takes this opportunity to say something here.
Tip: Don't be in a rush to stop rolling once you are finished going through your questions. Sometimes the talent adds a great sound bite at the end that you won't want to miss.
#1 DO THE INTERVIEW FIRST
#2 SAVE THE QUESTIONS FOR THE INTERVIEW
#3 PRESERVE YOUR TALENT
#4 NAIL YOUR EYE LEVEL
#5 GET THE CLIENT’S APPROVAL
#6 ATTACHING THE MIC
#7 CLEAR THE ROOM
#8 MULTI-CAMERA SETUP
#9 HAVE YOUR EDITOR HANDY
#10 USING A HOST
#11 CONCISE IS KEY
#12 THE LAST QUESTION
TIP #11 FOR FILMING INTERVIEWS - CONCISE IS KEY
While a lot can be cut in post, its best to have a concise version of the answer so the editor has the option.
We are usually looking for short, concise answers. When time allows, we’ll go through the questions at least twice. The first time we let the talent go nuts with the answers, even if it is a bit on the longer side. This way they also feel like they've had the opportunity to say everything on their chest and we didn’t rush them. For the second round, we'll ask them the same question but get them to give a concise answer. For instance, “What would your answer be if you had to say it in 20 seconds?”.
Tip: Going through the questions twice also gives the editor options during the edit and can even cut from both answers.
#1 DO THE INTERVIEW FIRST
#2 SAVE THE QUESTIONS FOR THE INTERVIEW
#3 PRESERVE YOUR TALENT
#4 NAIL YOUR EYE LEVEL
#5 GET THE CLIENT’S APPROVAL
#6 ATTACHING THE MIC
#7 CLEAR THE ROOM
#8 MULTI-CAMERA SETUP
#9 HAVE YOUR EDITOR HANDY
#10 USING A HOST
#11 CONCISE IS KEY
#12 THE LAST QUESTION
TIP #10 FOR FILMING INTERVIEWS - USING A HOST
With the host it creates a different feel to the show - more of a conversation between people.
On a skeleton crew the DOP might direct the interview. Other times there will be someone else asking the questions off-camera. Another option is having a host guide the interview. With the host it creates a different feel to the show - more of a conversation between 2 people.
Tip: Frame your shots over the shoulder of the host so there is still a reference to them even though the camera is focusing on the talent.
#1 DO THE INTERVIEW FIRST
#2 SAVE THE QUESTIONS FOR THE INTERVIEW
#3 PRESERVE YOUR TALENT
#4 NAIL YOUR EYE LEVEL
#5 GET THE CLIENT’S APPROVAL
#6 ATTACHING THE MIC
#7 CLEAR THE ROOM
#8 MULTI-CAMERA SETUP
#9 HAVE YOUR EDITOR HANDY
#10 USING A HOST
#11 CONCISE IS KEY
#12 THE LAST QUESTION
TIP #9 FOR FILMING INTERVIEWS - HAVE YOUR EDITOR HANDY
If you have the luxury of having your editor on location during the interview then they can begin to have a sense of how they will want to cut it.
Either you will edit the project or you’ll pass the footage on to someone else to cut it. If you have the luxury of having your editor on location during the interview then they can begin to have a sense of how they will want to cut it. They will hear all of the best takes as well which will speed up the time in the editing room as they make mental notes.
Tip: Your editor can act as DMT on set and make sure all the footage is organized and backed up.
#1 DO THE INTERVIEW FIRST
#2 SAVE THE QUESTIONS FOR THE INTERVIEW
#3 PRESERVE YOUR TALENT
#4 NAIL YOUR EYE LEVEL
#5 GET THE CLIENT’S APPROVAL
#6 ATTACHING THE MIC
#7 CLEAR THE ROOM
#8 MULTI-CAMERA SETUP
#9 HAVE YOUR EDITOR HANDY
#10 USING A HOST
#11 CONCISE IS KEY
#12 THE LAST QUESTION
TIP #8 FOR FILMING INTERVIEWS - MULTI-CAMERA SETUP
If possible, have at least 2 cameras rolling with different framing during the interview so you are able to cut to the other camera in the edit.
If possible, have at least 2 cameras rolling with different framing during the interview so you are able to cut to the other camera in the edit. You don't need to go crazy with having different framing. You can simply set 2 cameras on top of each other - one capturing a wide shot and the other framed tighter.
Tip: If you only have 1 camera then you can go through the questions twice and adjust the framing accordingly during the second round of the questions.
#1 DO THE INTERVIEW FIRST
#2 SAVE THE QUESTIONS FOR THE INTERVIEW
#3 PRESERVE YOUR TALENT
#4 NAIL YOUR EYE LEVEL
#5 GET THE CLIENT’S APPROVAL
#6 ATTACHING THE MIC
#7 CLEAR THE ROOM
#8 MULTI-CAMERA SETUP
#9 HAVE YOUR EDITOR HANDY
#10 USING A HOST
#11 CONCISE IS KEY
#12 THE LAST QUESTION
TIP #7 FOR FILMING INTERVIEWS - CLEAR THE ROOM
It is a good practice to clear the room of any unessential personnel during the interview to make it less distracting for the talent.
It is a good practice to clear the room of any unessential personnel during the interview. There is nothing more distracting for the talent than to have people moving and making noise in the background while they are speaking on camera. If certain crew are needed to be in the room then you should introduce each of them to the talent and briefly mention their role during the interview. Your talent will feel more comfortable and understand why they need to be there.
Tip: If non-essential personnel insist on seeing the interview while it is being recorded then consider setting up a client monitor in another room for them to watch from there.
#1 DO THE INTERVIEW FIRST
#2 SAVE THE QUESTIONS FOR THE INTERVIEW
#3 PRESERVE YOUR TALENT
#4 NAIL YOUR EYE LEVEL
#5 GET THE CLIENT’S APPROVAL
#6 ATTACHING THE MIC
#7 CLEAR THE ROOM
#8 MULTI-CAMERA SETUP
#9 HAVE YOUR EDITOR HANDY
#10 USING A HOST
#11 CONCISE IS KEY
#12 THE LAST QUESTION