Storybuilt Media

27/03/2024

Adaptability. “It probably won’t work the first way you try it”
- The Production Gods.

A colleague once said, producing video is a lot like trying to push an elephant up a muddy hill. And he doesn’t even want to go that way. There are a lot of thing to overcome when creating. We’re not going to list the “things,” but we will say that the best skill in our kit is being able to adapt.

Change the angle, change the lens, adjust the wardrobe, modify the lighting, fix the script, get more background... Put that all in place – and then adjust again. That’s how its done. The best producers can work with what they are given and still create something amazing. Our best stories are the ones where we pull off something we were not equipped to do – and got it done any way.

17/03/2024

It’s finally ready for the unveiling. Welcome to the new StoryBuilt website. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Powerful Media Production.

15/03/2024

StoryBuilt on-site testimonial shoot controlling spill light with a wall of black. It takes tools and skill to control light.

11/03/2024

The most pleasing backgrounds for people for an interview or portrait photo occur when your background is blurred out. This isolates your subject as the most important object to look at, and provides a soft, organic feel to the shot. If all you are given small rooms to shoot in, try moving out into a hallway. They provide obvious depth in the background. You may have to dress the background up a bit with a plant to add some color.

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06/03/2024

Make your message count. Be direct. Be deliberate. Say what you need to say. Don’t add a bunch of fluff and create a long, drawn out story that is hard to follow because it’s full of unnecessary details. Just talk to your audience and let them appreciate your message. Because it’s simple and easy to understand, they will respond. And that’s what counts.

27/02/2024

StoryBuilt takes drone seriously. We love to fly. With 3 part 107 pilots on board and the latest DJI Mavic Pro 3 Cine. We can take your idea and capture it in a way that hasn't been done before.

12/02/2024

Flashback to the Vertical Freedom shoot in Nebraska with, Angelo Wiggins. Work hard, but have fun.

12/02/2024

Anyone impressed with Super Bowl commercials? Thoughts?

09/02/2024

Every member of StoryBuilt also works in freelance production. That is an advantage on so many levels for you as client. The greatest advantage may be that we have all learned to give more value than what we are being compensated for. This builds great trust.

26/01/2024

Flashback to the Vertical Freedom shoot in Florida with Sean Gilhooley. Work hard, but have fun.

22/01/2024

Drone photography and video has come a long way in the last few years. Using a drone can elevate any production. Here is a sample of some of our work. Contact us to elevate your next production.

12/01/2024

When trying to figure out an interesting background for your subject, look for vectors that would lead your eye to your subject. In photographic terms, a vector is something that leads or guides the viewer. Can you describe the vector in the tighter image of the interview? You may just win one million dollars. We aren't offering that, but it could happen.

15/12/2023

Video is a visual medium so it’s not a stretch that pretty things catch our attention. The balance, the light, the color, the movement. How it all lines up just perfectly. But, there is more to it. Lots more.

The moments that move you are not just visual. There is the sound, the feel, the weight of the conversation, the heat of the moment, the anticipated resolution - the result. Those are what define an experience and can inspire the next.

What inspires us? Well, everything. StoryBuilt aims to be present and observe the world around us. With five partners we have five different sets of senses to take something in. We discuss and present the most powerful way to share it through a screen to your audience.

StoryBuilt is made up of people that observe, listen and ask questions. We want to help you make your mark in a way that no one will forget.

08/12/2023

Product feature videos are a great way to showcase your unique product and connect with your target audience on a deeper level. By using engaging visuals and storytelling, you can create videos that educate, entertain, and inspire potential customers to learn more about your brand. Let us help you increase your brand awareness, drive traffic to your website, improve conversion rates, boost SEO, and build brand trust with a product feature video.

06/12/2023

You can also follow on Instagram to see more.

04/12/2023

Communication
Final installment

In this final installment, let’s discuss clear communication to complete the project.

While it may seem redundant or bothersome, while you are working on your project, be sure to touch base with your client on a regular basis. Sometimes, our clients are with us while we work, sometimes they are not. If it’s appropriate for your situation and using that checklist I mentioned earlier, share where you are in the process. Reassure your client you are being good stewards of their time and budget with regular updates. This should help to avoid misunderstandings that often creep when the conversation lags. NEVER assume anything! We all know what happens when we do that!

And, when you hand over the final deliverables, your client will be glad you took the time to understand their business, their goals and their needs.

While this is by no means everything you can or should do to keep the lines of communications open, they are good reminders for all of us!

02/12/2023

Communication
Third in the series

So, you had your phone or face-to-face meeting, asked the questions and are ready to get started on the project. Now what?

First of all, confirm, reconfirm and repeat to your client what you believe their expectations are for the project. This will give them and you the opportunity to clarify any cloudy areas BEFORE any more time is spent.

As anyone who knows me knows, I am a detail person. And, when there are multiple components to a project, that is a REALLY good thing. It’s the little things that will trip you up when you least expect it.

So get the details down on paper and SHARE it with everyone who needs it. Kind of a checklist to reference back to as you work. Before you get too far down the road, you can see if you are where you need to be based on the answers you got in your first meeting. Cool, huh?

For our final post, we’ll pass along communication tips to get to the finish line.

29/11/2023

Communication
Second in the series

We’ve all gotten an email or text and tried to decipher what the sender actually means. Are they upset? Joking? Being sarcastic?

We’re getting lazy – it’s much easier to type and hit send than to pick up the phone and talk to someone. But, by talking with that someone, we can ask questions, hear the tone of their voice and clarify what they need. Makes sense, doesn’t it?

First of all, and probably the most important, is to make sure you and your client are on the same page. Start by asking questions – and not just any questions, but the RIGHT questions.
1. What are you hoping to accomplish with this project? Increased sales? Brand awareness? Special offer? Other?
2. Who is your target market?
3. What is your budget? (And pretty much everyone has a number in mind)
4. What avenues will you be using to share this project? Print? TV? Social Media? Outdoor? Web Site? Other?
5. What type of deliverables are you needing? Hi-resolution JPEG? GIFF? MP4 file? Other?
6. What is the deadline for completion?
7. Who from your business will be involved in the project?
8. Who is the decision-maker?
9. Is there any other information you can share with me about this project?

And this is just the beginning.

In our third installment, we’ll keep the conversation going with what you can do during the project to keep the lines of communication open.

27/11/2023

We are starting a series on communication. Something as professionals we should be good at, right. Dort Keiper of StoryBuilt lends her 40 years of experiece to this series.

We’ve all heard of examples of how poor communication has created issues at work. From simple misunderstandings, to missed deadlines to damaged business relationships, it all hinges on communication (or lack thereof).

The definition of communication is:
The process of sending and receiving messages through verbal or nonverbal means. Seems pretty easy, doesn’t it?

So, if good communication is so important, why does it seem so difficult to achieve?

The best way to build a strong relationship with our clients – both new and those we’ve had the privilege to be with for a while – is to start talking. While written words can convey a message, it cannot and should not take the place of an actual conversation.

In the next part of our series, we’ll discuss some steps that can lead to good communication.

09/11/2023

This may look like an antiquated clothespin, but on a film set, it is a very sophisticated, absolutely essential part of probably every production. In fact, it's been given a very special name, the C-47. Legends abound about how the C-47 got its film set name. For instance, many claim it was named after the very versatile C-47 military aircraft used in WWII. Whatever the reason, the C-47 is a legendary film-set rename that turns some wood and springs into something much more notable.

06/11/2023

Did you know StoryBuilt Media does live events? We can provide single or multi cam set ups for any event. We can also provide live streaming to anywhere in the world. Drop us a note so we can discuss how StoryBuilt Media can best help you with your next live event.

02/11/2023

Diversity is the spice of life. Imagine eating the same bland oatmeal for breakfast every morning for the rest of your life. No thanks. Give me eggs today, waffles tomorrow and avocado toast the next. That’s kind of how we feel about productions at StoryBuilt. Different styles for different projects.

Our group doesn’t just work on commercials. We put our efforts into working on a bunch of different kinds of projects – like long-form marketing videos, live webcasts and feature-length films (have you seen Vertical Freedom yet? It can be streamed from a bunch of VOD providers like Amazon and iTunes).

We also do short social hits, product launches and service training videos. Don’t forget lifestyle and destination videos as well as documentaries. We even do live sports broadcasts with 27+ cameras. And we can engineer the computer network that allows the high-speed replays to get to the right part of the broadcast truck.

02/10/2023

PRODUCING A PRODUCTION.

Producing a good video is more than just point and shoot. It’s understanding the variables and MANAGING their outcomes into our favor. There they go again, talking about the variables….

It may seem like a humble brag, but it’s our specialty. Out of the thousands of results that can reveal themselves on set, we make sure the best opportunity shows its hand for the success of any project. This means more than managing the clock. It’s making sure everything is just right. That the talent’s clothes fit perfectly (with no wrinkles), to matching the color of a logo on a dinner plate. We even control the weather (OK maybe not, we are good a working with it. Sunrise for sunset anyone?).

The little things do matter, and we make sure to consider all of them to increase success when promoting your brand.

01/10/2023

StoryBuilt was proud to present Vertical Freedom to the SiouxperCon film festival in Sioux Falls last night! Great to catch up and be part of film makers discussion after the event.

29/09/2023

Looks like GVM, makers of prosumer video equipment such as motorized sliders, teleprompters and LED lights, is taking a run at Aperture, who has gained industry acceptance as the professional-grade LED light manufacturer. GVM has launched their Pro series of LED lights and loaded them with some very smart tech. For instance, GVM has provided a convenient option to match the source of ambient light in the room if you can't turn off overhead lights. You are also able to adjust the frequency of the lights to match any off-speed filming with the camera's frame rate. The lights are app controlled but also DMX capable. Constructed of tough aluminum alloy, they tout a high CRI and TLCI rating of 97 for accurate color reproduction with a price point far below Aperture lights of similar brightness.

18/09/2023

Remember that time we did a live stream from across the state of South Dakota, with multiple StoryBuilt crews streaming live from multiple aircraft? With the help of people out in their yards shining lights up into the sky, we came together as a state and lit up the night!
https://www.keloland.com/top-stories/let-it-shine-south-dakota-lights-up-for-healthcare-workers/

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Let it Shine South Dakota is in hopes to light up some hearts, during their event this evening.

15/09/2023

Friday Funny.
Who did it better? Andrew or our sound guy Steve.

11/09/2023

Capturing the good. The strong. The confident. The win. The success. The emotions that are unspoken.

Having an image say 1,000 words without uttering one at all. Building your story so there is no question as to what you are saying. That is what drives us.

We are StoryBuilt.