Eight Interactive

20/09/2023

BIG NEWS: It’s been a while since I posted here and thought it was time to share my big news.

For the last 4 months I’ve been taking an extended career break. Tired of the constant juggle of life, parenting and running a business I decided to stop…breathe and focus on me, my family and recharge on a deeper level.

I honestly don’t know where the last 4 months have gone! I’ve been keeping busy with home projects, summer holidays and spending quality time with family & friends.

The past 4 months have given me the time to reflect and realise that… it’s time for a change.

So after 25+ years in video and digital content creation (17 of which involved running my business), it’s a wrap on this part of my career. Time for a new career direction.

I’m not sure what the new direction will be or what I want to do. I’ve got a few ideas that I’m mulling over. And I might even take up golf!

Here’s to a new chapter!
X

13/05/2023

Think you need expensive kit to get your video lighting right in your videos? Think again.

Here's my advice on getting the lighting right for yoyr videos

1. The most important element is that your audience needs to see the subject. The subject might be you. Your product or something else you're showing. So focus on getting the subject lighting right.

2. Work with what you have got - ceiling lights, lamps, natural daylight.

3. Face the window if you're speaking on camera.

4. Always record a few seconds to check the light before you the actual shoot - even if you film in the same place. Light is variable and can change from hour to hour with the weather. And this will affect the light inside and outside.

5. If you do need to buy any lights to help, there are options to suit every budget.

With these tips, there's no excuse to get the lighting better. It doesn't have to be Hollywood studio perfect, but good enough that we can see you.

Hope this were helpful. What else would you like to know more of when it comes to video marketing and creation?

12/05/2023

VIDEO TIP: Does video marketing work?

Well in short. Yes, absolutely.

I'm not stating the obvious here that video content is a great way to get your message out there quickly and easily.

But how can you find out if people are watching and how effective your videos are.

Check out my video for more info about how video marketing can help your business grow.

04/05/2023

Great to coffee catchup today with Steve Gill The Training Fox and get to know him and his business.

The Training Fox is an independent training company, covering a range of subjects, from First Aid through Health and Safety and Mental Health.

Steve is one the warmest people I have met and has a natural flair for training. He can deliver on site health and safety training in 13 different areas, and also has a huge catalogue of elearning courses allowing clients to learn anywhere anytime.

Steve and I have met a few times at networking events and attended a presentation I delivered on video marketing for SMEs.

Little did I know that this presentation has inspired Steve to start thinking about using more video for his business.

So I was humbled with a lovely surprise today when Steve turned up to our session with his Video Planning Ideas notebook!

I was only too delighted to give him several ideas and tips for making his first videos.

Thanks for great meeting Steve - look forward to seeing your videos soon.

11/04/2023

I came across this quote and it struck a chord.

In this quote Abraham Lincoln is referring about the planning process. Sharpening the axe to make sure he's fully prepared so that the chop is accurate and as clean cut as it can be.

I live by a good plan in all areas of my life - including work.

If the video project is planned well, the creation process will go more smoothly.

Many clients have thought that I can start creating quickly (if it's animation), or turn up and start recording (for film based shoots).

Nope! Not the case at all.

Planning is everything. If I don't know what I'm creating or where and what I'm filming before hand, it won't go well and likely to take far longer.

Never ever will create before I plan. My approach is to

1. Draft a video plan.
2. Check it.
3. Discusss it with the client.
4. Finalise it.
5. And then I can start to create or press record.

Right now I'm off to plan the rest of our day.

Are you a planner in life? How much planning goes into your area of work (or life)?

06/04/2023

A common goal for using video is to WIN NEW CLIENTS!

And I've seen success in my own business when I use video with this aim.

So I was delighted when a client wanted to use video for the same purpose.

They knew that video would help the business stand out more if used as part of the proposal process.

Read on to find out more about this client project.

Would you like to use video to WIN new clients?

Get in touch to have a chat about how I can help.

22/03/2023

My week so far…

✅ 3 videos signed off

✅ Won a new client needing animated video

✅ 3 new prospect conversations for some very interesting projects

✅ Discussing possible collaborations

AND

It’s only Wednesday!

PLUS

The sun came out!



How’s your week so far?

08/03/2023

What a wonderful honour to be part of TBE most inspiring women on International Women’s Day, thank you The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire.

So chuffed to be sharing this with these fabulous women Tracy Marland Elizabeth Donovan Yvonne Parker Hypnotherapy and many others .

Happy ladies x

Celebrating Swindon & Wiltshire's most inspiring women on International Women's Day!

Today we put the spotlight on Pam Jones Founder of Eight Interactive

Read it here👉http://ow.ly/8WYl50Nc4Sw

08/03/2023

International Women's Day - where do I begin?

So many AMAZE BALLS women in my life. Most of you I have got to know through past work or the business world.

Let's give ourselves a bloody round of applause as we lead, inspire, motivate, encourage, support and do our thing. All of this whilst juggling family life, wiping tears and bums, cooking, endless washing, managing our homes, partners AND ageing parents who also need our support.

There are too many of you to thank for your support to me personally. Who know who you are.

But one person who I have to mention.

My mum! I wish I could tag her but she's not on LinkedIn :-)

She's the most inspiring woman in my life - someone I look up to EVERY day. She's the first person I call when I'm up or down or need guidance. And even at the age of 89 she can stand her ground and still makes a mean curry and samosas.

Truly international she left India, to live in Africa and then came to the UK as a refugee. Like so many refugees, she had no choice but to start over again. She has led our family with peace, patience, inner wisdom and love.

Thanks mum for EVERYTHING!

Today I'm capturing IWD on a very snowy day and looking forward to an event hosted by .

See you there if you’re planning to go.

07/03/2023

Are you investing your time and energy in making evergreen videos?

If not, then I highly recommend that you do.

There are SO many benefits to making evergreen video (and other content) which include:

1. Longer in length

2. Are more edited to give a professional finish

3. Can be used across platforms

4. Searchable on Google - the ultimate search engine

For that reason evergreen videos tend to have a LONGER shelf life. And because of this longer shelf life, your videos will go further for longer.

Thats why I think it makes sense to focus more on making evergreen videos.

So instead of focusing purely on short social videos, give evergreen videos a try.

Need any help with this?

DM for a chat to find out two ways I can help you with your evergreen videos.

02/03/2023

What happens when two videographers have coffee ?

We geek out and talk video tech!

Great to see you Nick Ruddle Film - thanks SO MUCH for the gazillion tips on sound, gadgets and the art of backups!

28/02/2023

It’s been a busy start to the year filming and creating promotional videos for clients.

And I realised it’s been a while since I created some vlogs for my own business.

So today I did something about it.

A 3 hour shoot where I stepped IN FRONT of the camera again to record 4 videos.

This is going to give me valuable evergreen content that I can share over several months.

And because they’re evergreen I can use these videos many times.

How about you?

Does your business need evergreen videos? Videos which deliver value for your prospects and customers helping you to win work?

But you don’t want the technical hassle of filming and editing?

Then I can work with you to plan, film and edit a series of videos which builds your library of video content.

You focus on delivering your message, I create videos you and your audience will love!

Get in touch if you’d like to find out more.

https://lnkd.in/e6EDegY7

Off to start editing the newly filmed videos.

Watch this space.

24/02/2023

Behind the scenes from a shoot earlier this week filming a series of vlogs for LK HR Services.

Lizanne was fab to work with and embraced the whole process.

We had so much fun!

Looking forward to editing the videos and creating the blooper reel!

24/02/2023

A very exciting end to the week planning the first One Shoot with Donovan

- a combined video and photo shoot

A pre-shoot visit with the client ignited so many ideas for planning the shoot.

One Shoot will be used to film and photograph a range of visual content for a recruitment campaign and will include headshots, team shots around the business' values and testimonials from carers.

It's going to be a busy shoot with lots of scenes and people to capture.

Need to get more photo and video content for your business?

Then consider One Shoot where you'll get video and brand photos for your business in - yep, one shoot.

DM if you'd more information about One Shoot.

www.eight-interactive.com/one-shoot/

10/02/2023

What an honour to be part of Wiltshire’s most inspiring women 2023.

It’s even more special to share this with so many talented business women that are also dear friends.

06/02/2023

In case you missed it, I have recently joined forces with to offer a combined photo and video shoot.

It's called One Shoot and does just that. 🎬📸🎥🎞

One shoot to get images and one video.📸🎥

Here's an overview of how One Shoot works and what you get.

Interested? DM to schedule a chat.

01/02/2023

Who else has had the January Blues?

I certainly have.

Now it's February I'm ready to blow away the blues and start a fresh new month.

I'm looking forward to finally seeing the lighter days - spring is almost here.

Happy Wednesday.

How was your January and what are you looking forward to in Feb?

30/01/2023

Video Myth: It takes too long to create video.

The truth is that the time it takes to make a video for your business depends on two things:

1. How long the video will be
2. What kind of video you want to create.

Has this stopped you from using video as part of you marketing strategy? Then don't let it.

Every business can and should be using video in their customer and propect journey.

Work out how video fits into your strategy and then plan videos around this.

Was this helpful?

20/01/2023

Is it just me or has the first couple of weeks of 2023 been totally exhausting!

For the weekend I'm looking forward to some gym sessions and then having a "not doing much" time. Always tricky with a hectic 9 year old. But I can only try.

Last bit of work to wrap up and then it's the school run.

Happy Friday!

How's your week been?

13/01/2023

WHAT HAPPENS AT A VIDEO?

It's a good question.

The first thing to say is that having a video shoot isn't just about turning up on the day with the camera and filming a few shots.

There's a lot of planning that happens before the shoot. This is so necessary to help the shoot run as smoothly as possible.

A minimum shoot needs at least 3 hours so there is plenty of time to set up and film.

After the shoot...there is of course the editing and then further support.

Swipe for an overview of what happens before, during and after the film shoot when you work with me.

Any questions about this, DM me.

Happy Friday.

12/01/2023

Great to see One Shoot making another online presence about our new partnership with Brand Photography by Elizabeth

Thanks Business Leader for publishing this article.

Brand photographer Elizabeth Donovan has teamed up with videographer Pam Jones to launch One Shoot, combining photography and video.

10/01/2023

Ready for something new? Launching new service for 2023.

I’m thrilled to be sharing that I’ve teamed up with the fabulous Brand Photography by Elizabeth to launch ‘One Shoot’, a combined photography and video into one session.

We know how time-consuming it can be to prepare, get ready, and participate in a shoot. So, with One Shoot, rather than going through all this twice – once for photos and once for videos – you can just have ONE session.

We’re looking for our first One Shoot client, and will be offering the service at the discounted rate of £850. The full price is £1,050.

With One Shoot, your business will receive a gallery of photos, and a business promotion video to use on your website and social channels.

For this offer you must be a Wiltshire or Gloucestershire based businesses. We may open this up further afield later in the year.

Watch the video for the criteria for applying. (SOUND ON FOR MUSIC).

Please share/tag if you know anyone that would benefit from this in
2023.

06/01/2023

After a two week festive break it was back to work this week. I've had to ease into things VERY slowly due to severe jet lag.

This morning I actually woke up feeling refreshed and not shattered like I needed another 8 hours of sleep.

To ease into things gently this week I've been:

1. Planning my marketing content for Jan
2. Storyboarding a new video for a client
3. Scheduling prospect calls and video shoot for the month ahead

How's your 1st week of 2023 been?

25/12/2022

Merry Christmas! Wishing you a festive day full of love and fun.

14/12/2022

I saw this popular quote and thought geez...I've fallen off the wagon of planning content and videos in recent months.

I keep thinking I needed to make some videos but honestly not had the time.

Why? Because I didn't plan my video content properly. I had the right intention ...but the week would whizz and before I knew it.

All good things start with a well thought plan right?

A builder doesn't build a house without an architect's blue print. He needs to know how many rooms are being built. Where. What size they are. How they will be used. And so much more.

If you have a service based business, then you too are likely to have a planning process for your clients.

Think about this whenever your planning your video content.

Why do you need to use video?

What types of videos do you need to make?

Where will you be using AND sharing them?

How does video fit into your customer AND prospect journey.

Answer these questions first before clicking that record button and consider if you can plan a video day to create that content.

Hope this helped.

14/12/2022

Who loves this time of year? 🎀🎊

One of the reasons I love this time of the year is because it's an ideal opportunity to practice your video making skills.

Think about all the lovely things you're doing beyond work and capture those on video.

Your audience can get to know you from a different angle and join in with the conversation.

You can make these as Stories or Reels either with a series of photos or short clips that you can string together to make a longer 60-90s video.

So if you're stuck for video ideas, here are a few to help you:

1. Your office and/home decorations

2. Festive events you're attending - capture who you're with, where, what you did etc.

3. You're preparations for Christmas e.g. Christmas shopping trip, wrapping presents

4. Be brave and record a short thank you video to your customers and followers (NOTE TO SELF - must remember to do this too).

5. Give a tutorial or create a vlog that has a holiday twist.

6. Share any seasonal offers

7. Feature any achievements of staff and /or the business

What else have you made a video about that's not on the list? Share them below so I can add them to my list.

Happy Wednesday.

13/12/2022

One of my latest reviews which was so lovely to receive.

Thanks for your kind words.

It was a lovely surprise to see the video being used at a recent business event too.

Swipe to see the photo of us at the event.

09/12/2022

[Top Video Marketing Trends to Jump On in 2023 from 36 Industry Experts].

Wave Video asked 36 Industry experts what will be trending in video for 2023. Here's are the highlights that caught my eye.

Check Stories for a link to the full article later.

08/12/2022

Fab day today at Business Women in Big Event catching up so many amazing business friends. A festive atmosphere on such a bright frosty day.

And even more special to see a client using a video we created for their stand No Name. Extra Brain.

16/11/2022

Another lovely review from a happy client.

Happy Wednesday.

11/11/2022

Last week marked my 15th year in business. And over 20 years in creating digital and video content. That's A LOT of content creation!

When I reflect on what matters with creating impactful digital and video content - here's what I've learned:

1. There needs to be purpose behind the content and how fits into your business and marketing plan. Creating for the sake of creating does not work.

2. You have to keep the message simple - say too much and you'll lose your audience. Don't say enough and you dilute your message which means no one gets it.

3. Engaging is subjective. What's engaging to one might not be engaging to another. Which is why I really hate that word...So focus on what you want to get across with the video content. Create video that feels right for your business.

4. No-one is born video ready....it takes practice and confidence to be in front of the camera. And everyone can learn this.

We are in the video era. There's no denying that. If you've not jumped on board yet...then it's time.

Who's in?

Get in touch for 121 chat about how we can create video together which you'll love.

06/11/2022

Where to film is something I'm discussing a lot with clients for their business video shoots.

Many of them are small businesses and home based, so there's a feeling they don't have the right space.

Some don't want to be filmed at home. And some would prefer to use another venue for the filming.

In actual fact - either of these spaces can work well. So here's a list of pros and cons I go through with my clients when deciding whether to film at home or another venue.

If it's at home often it's about finding the right corner of space that will be in the video and giving it a bit of tidy.

A venue give more space and options but there is the added cost.

Having seen this list, where would you prefer to be filmed?

28/10/2022

Happy Friday! It's almost the end of another week and I'm looking forward to the weekend.

Today I have two meetings, then finishing off with some video editing for a video I filmed a few weeks ago.

Then into the weekend where I'll got a couple of gym sessions planned and then some shopping.

What are your plans?

Have a great weekend whatever you do.

Pam

27/10/2022

[The ONE video platform many businesses forget]

I see lots of business pour their time and energy into creating social media videos but, I think they forget about one crucial platform most businesses have.

What is it?

It's not Instagram.

Not Facebook.

Not LinkedIn.

But.... your website.

Sharing video content on your website is just as important as all your other social channels. And here's why.

1. Your website is your shop window which you spent lots of time and money creating. So it needs just as much love if not more, than social channels. Add video content to give your website that love.

2. Like many social media platforms, search engines are also favouring video content. Video is great way to improve your SEO and get found online easily.

3. Research shows that having a video on your website looks really good and indicates that this is a professional business.

4. Video is proven to keep your visitors on your site for longer. Who doesn't want that right?

So remember to create a solid video strategy as part of your marketing so you can plan the right types of videos for your website.

Think video blogs, promotional videos and how to videos.

So tell me, does your website have relevant video content? If not, why not?

04/10/2022

Finally the website has been updated! You can find an updated portfolio of work showcasing the brilliant clients I've made videos for.

Here are just some of the businesses I've had the pleasure of working with and the videos I've made:

- Business promotion video for brand consultancy

- Business promotion video for chiropractic client

- Animated explainer video for software company

- Software demo video for IT procurement business

- Animated explainer video for financial services business

Here are just some of the businesses I've had the pleasure of working creating videos for.

https://www.eight-interactive.com/portfolio/

Fed of dappling with video yourself and ready to have a professionally made video for your business?

Get in touch to have a chat. I have a range of video approaches and budgets to suit every business - anything from

1. Animated videos

2. Demo videos

3. Business promotion videos

4. Batch filming video blogs for you

Which of these does your business need? .

04/10/2022

Loved meeting up with Brand Photography by Elizabeth to find we were wearing almost identical outfits! Completely unplanned. Great positive meeting planning new venture on all things video and brand photography - watch this space.

28/09/2022

My first video to camera for my business was a disaster. I was planning my first vlog - thought I knew what I wanted to say. Thought it was easy. How wrong was I?.

It took nearly day to film. There were TOO many takes. I had no clue what I was doing. What I wanted to say. And was exhausted at the end of the day.

In fact I'm pretty sure the video ended up in the trash folder.

Putting myself out there on video, wasn't as straightforward as I thought.

I started to doubt myself. It was too hard. I can't do this. Why should I bother? Video is taking too long - I've client work I actually need to get on with.

But I had a business coach at the time advising me that I should be using video to promote my business - which after all is about video.

And she was right. It made sense.

After a few months of testing and researching I put some video making foundations in place. Then developed my own process for creating videos blog more efficiently. Videos:

- Which didn't take me all day.
- Which looked great and suited my business.
- Which I felt confident in.
- Where I didn't waffle, umm or ahh.
- And more importantly, didn't end up in the trash folder.

That process is my Video Implementation Programme (VIP). I now use the skills in this process to any kind of video making. And so can you. It's there for you to use in instantly.

DM if you'd like more details on this process. Or check out the VIP link here
https://eight-video-training.thinkific.com/courses/vip

26/09/2022

Many moons ago, video needed a bigger budget so it was only larger businesses that could afford to invest in videos.

Not anymore.

There are cost effective tools, apps and software for every budget.

Some are free so you can try before you buy.

So set a budget, get shopping for that budget and learn how to make the best videos you possibly can with that budget.

I'm continuously learning to improve my own video making skills - there's always new techniques and approaches to discover and that's the joy of being creative with video.
If you're looking to get help with your video making and need something professionally created for your business, then let’s chat.

We have various video approaches with packages to suit various budgets.

So don't let budget hold back your video marketing.

DM if you'd like a chat about video for your business.

12/09/2022

Kick starting this week with this gorgeous client review. 😀

Loved making these software demo videos which showcased their asset management software. And looking forward to making more for them later in the year. 🎬💻

Happy Monday. 😀

07/09/2022

There are two best things for me:

1. First it's when a clients sees a version 1 of the video I've created and the simply says "We love it!".

Like all content, video always starts as a germ of an idea in a business' mind. They're nervous and uncertain about what will be created. What the video will look like. Will I get it. Taking it through the video design and production process it then becomes an actual video which clients love. Getting that feedback and see them breathe a sigh of relief is best number 1.

2. Secondly it's seeing business owners finally use video through one of my video courses or a conversation we've had. They've previously felt nervous about using video but after our chat/course they've jumped into video.

For some it might just mean using video in their Instagram stories.

For others it might mean setting up a YouTube channel and going all out with making regular video blogs.

Everyone has a different starting point and it's a joy to see them make that start into video.

So what about you❓❓

How would you answer this question for yourself?
Drop a comment below.

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