FROM THE EXPERTS
Story by LISA ANDERSON
26
localamag.com
Mike recommends doing your research before hiring someone: Look at their portfolio, read reviews, and ask people you trust about their experiences. “Whatever specific company you go with, make sure it is a perfect fit for you. [Don’t]
PREPARATION
Once you hire someone, don’t stress about shooting day. “Just be prepared to be comfortable and loose. Don’t be afraid. We’re here to help guide and direct you through the process. You know your business. Speak to the camera or director as if you’re speaking with a client or prospect. It’s the same process. It’s just that you’re being filmed. Have fun with it,” says Mike.
Photo by Lisa Anderson
Our phones are amazing. They help us capture our dayto-day activities in business. However, when looking to highlight your company or a special event, doing it yourself might not be the way to go. “It’s an art form and, definitely, a skill. As a professional, we have the fundamentals of what it takes to shoot something, such as lighting, editing, and filming,” Mike explains. If you don’t truly know how your phone or camera works, you won’t get the polished look or feel you were trying to achieve. It also takes time, and hiring a videographer could save you hours. “I’m not going to try to do plumbing by myself. I don’t know anything about it. I’m going to call a plumber. I’ve seen people [who are] trying to do it on their own, and they tell me, ‘Hey, I did this little thing,’” Mike describes. “They’ll tell me, ‘It took
CHOOSING A COMPANY
just pay money and hope you get a good product.”
•
I’LL DO IT MYSELF
me five hours just to figure out that one little cut and how to make it work.’ That’s too much time to be spending on something that’ll take [a professional] five seconds.”
ABOUT MIKE PALMA Mike is the owner of and Creative Content Strategist at Palma Productions in Ocala, Florida.
Phone: (352) 552-0727 FB: @PalmaProductions1995
Photo by monkeybusiness/EnvatoElements
M
arketing today has everything to do with telling a story, but how do you tell your business’ story in 60 seconds or less? Why should you spend the money on a professional videographer, when there are so many DIY apps? We reached out to Mike Palma, who has over eight years of film experience and a passion for helping small businesses. Mike grew up scrutinizing reruns and movies with his grandfather—sometimes ruining them for other family members. “[My grandfather] was a film editor and one of the pioneers in nonlinear film editing. When I got to high school, I was able to pick up a camera for the first time. I instantly fell in love with video and being able to express myself through that medium.”
