RJVS recently had the pleasure of producing a recap/highlight video for Abraham Security and Training Services (ASATs, Inc.).
How We Approach On-Camera Interviews
If you are a business owner or service provider in need of a professional video, chances are you will need to sit down and be interviewed on camera as part of the production process. For some people, this can be a nerve-wracking, if not downright scary prospect.
However, in our experience, interview subjects almost always do very well, despite any reservations they may have had before starting the interview. This is not surprising when you think about it. The very fact you are being interviewed for a film usually means you are an expert and engaging spokesperson for whatever your business or product is.
Think of that: You are a recognized expert on the subject you are being interviewed about. If you weren’t you probably wouldn’t be doing the interview. This alone should put you at ease—You know this stuff! You’ve got this!
RJVS uses several strategies to help get the best out people we interview for films. First, we always try to put the subject at ease by reminding them they are experts. If they seem apprehensive about something, we explain that we are going to edit the interview so that they sound and look great, so they should just relax and be themselves.
Also, we usually begin interviews with a series of easy questions and gradually transition into the more detailed ones. Our goal is to do this so well that the person doesn’t realize the interview has even started.
We do recognize that interviews don’t always go as smoothly as we’d like them to. Sometimes, when subjects are nervous, they get caught up in second guessing themselves and striving for perfection in every sentence.
This may cause the person being interviewed to “get into their heads” and start worrying about phrasing and pronunciation. If the subject begins to get flustered or bogged down, we try to get them to imagine they are talking to a close friend.
This is a simple but effective technique. You see, when we speak with people we are comfortable with, it never occurs to us that every word has to be perfect, or that we should point our finger in a certain way when we say a certain phrase.
So, If we can get an anxious interview subject to relax and imagine they are talking to a close friend, we can almost always get a great “performance”.
If you need to make a film to explain your product or service or capture and preserve an important event, please contact RJVS and let us help you, “Put Your Best Film Forward!”
Our Services
The term “Corporate Video” can describe various kinds of films, from training videos, to promotional spots and even live event coverage. The common factor between them is that each of these films are marketing tools. Far from just assembling cool shots and motivational music, RJVS strives to craft video solutions to real world problems. Whether you need to train your people, tell your clients about your product, or set your business apart from your competitors, RJVS can help.
RJVS believes certain events should not only be recorded, but captured in a stylized way perfectly suited to the occasion. If you will soon celebrate a wedding or birthday, or are planning a special musical or cultural event, let RJVS help you “Put your Best Film Forward”
We are tasked with spreading the good news and being faithful servants. Powerful video can help your ministry reach more of the faithful than ever before, but Houses of Worship have needs and guidelines that other organizations may not. Contact RJVS for unobtrusive, professional creative services that won’t disturb the worshipful spirit at your House.
Love the Hair You Wear 4
RJVS was delighted to provide video coverage for the 4th annual Love the Hair You Wear event, which took place on June 10 2018. This year's event was held at Studio 52 in Washington DC. As usual, the event, founded and hosted by Vecoya Banks, featured natural hair products, styling demonstrations, an expert panel, and area make-up and fashion vendors.
At this shoot, I switched up my usual operating procedure. Instead of using my tripod-mounted FS100 to grab wide shots of the event, and my small PXW-X70 to grab B-roll, I reversed roles.
The X70, as always, provided crisp, colorful, contrasty footage. I found the FS100, coupled mainly with an Sony E-Mount F1.8 50mm Prime Lens (a nifty fifty) really grabbed smooth, creamy cinematic shots with all the shallow depth of field you could want. I was very pleased with the results.
I positioned an Aputure Amaran HR672S about 45 degrees off to the right of the main presentation area to bring up the light levels a bit. A second HR672S shooting through an umbrella did admirable duty as a key light for the interview I did with Vecoya. Rounding out the gear list for the day, I had my Sony PCM-M10 connected to an RCA out from DJ Infinite Sounds' rig.
RJVS BTS--Working on 3-point Lighting Setups
This past Friday during some much needed down-time, I set up my "mannequin head" (don't laugh--it used to belong to my daughter when she was a little girl) and worked through a few 3-Point Lighting Setups.
I particularly liked they way this one looked:
I used two Aputure Amaran HR6272S LED panels for my main instruments. The one with the umbrella is my key light. The one in back is being used more as a hair light.
To the right you can see a smaller 316 LED panel. It was dimmed down to where it was barely on; just enough to add a bit of fill to the right side of the face. I kept it dim enough to portray contour and modeling which makes the face more 3-dimensional.
Suspended above is the Rode NTG-2 Shotgun Mic. My trusty Sony FS-100 HD camera is visible in the foreground.
Here is what the camera saw:
A Legacy of Zero: Building a Culture of Health
On Wednesday, 13 December, RJVS captured an informative community outreach event called "A Legacy of Zero: Building a Culture of Health". The educative summit, which took place at the Hotel at Arundel Preserve, was sponsored by the Maryland Department of Health's Minority Outreach and Technical Assistance Program (MOTA).
It featured two informative keynote speakers, a spoken word performance, and a Q&A session led by a panel of experts. Marsella Haskin-Hare and her team from, Maryland Hands of Hope organized the event, which was moderated by Bishop Dr. Abraham Shanklin, Jr., lead pastor of New Life Fellowship International Ministries.
One of the most important aspects of the summit was the chance it provided for medical, social services, community activists and other interested personnel to network and begin the process of brainstorming solutions to the Opioid epidemic and the twin scourges of HIV and Hepatitis.
They say you are judged by the company you keep. RJVS was honored to be a part of this important function led by such an assortment of dedicated individuals.
The Little Church in the Dell
My Aunt, the Reverend Cynthia Laurie, is the pastor at a charming, historical church in Chesapeake City, Maryland. The secluded little house of worship is tucked between several racing horse farms and pastures down a long, tree-lined lane.
It's so beautiful, and peaceful. I've always wanted to make a film about it, and over the last three Sundays, I was able to travel the hour and half or so to up I-95 to do some interviews and shoot b-roll.
The mini-doc is in the works, but I was so excited about the material, I just had to put together this little teaser trailer. I can't wait to see how the rest of the project turns out!
Shine a Light on the Next Generation
This event was a collaborative effort between several organizations including: AIMn4 Partnership, the Mid-Atlantic Hunger Games Youth Movement, MMHD Minority Outreach and Technical Assistance (MOTA), and Anne Arundel Medical Center.
It took place on November 11 at the Pip Moyer Community Center, and was designed to provide a fun, yet educational event to help the next generation learn more about Lung Cancer.
Robert Jenkins Video Services performed production, including filming and remote audio recording. We also provided post-production including editing, music overlay and titling.
This was actually a very fun event to shoot, and we look forward to working with MOTA again.
A Gorgeous Country Wedding
Last weekend, RJVS had the pleasure of filming a charming country wedding that took place on 3 and 4 November, in the heart of Virginia.
Michelle and Mark tied the knot amid a host of family and friends in a down-home country-themed ceremony. Festivities on the 3rd included the bride's and groom's preparation, the ceremony, family photos and a catered dinner and reception.
Activities on day two unfolded at the serenely beautiful Grey Horse Vineyards in Midland Virginia. RJVS arrived on scene well ahead of the family members, and took time to capture quality b-roll footage of the vineyard and it's environs.
We then collaborated with Elizabeth Marie Photography to capture images of Mark and Michelle against the backdrop of the rustic winery and wonderful fall foliage.
Of course RJVS worked closely with DJ Nate Clancy to get an audio feed to ensure crisp audio for the speeches and toasts scheduled for later that evening.
Although it began raining just as the festivities began, the celebratory vibe was not affected in the least. Besides, they say rain at a wedding is good sign!
“Robert was so extremely easy to work with! He made us feel comfortable right from the start. We had a long weekend celebration as our ceremony and reception were on two separate days in two separate locations and Robert was able to capture it all and it exceeded our expectations. There was so much going on around us and many missed scenes which Robert was able to capture for us and we could relive in our hour long video. Robert was extremely professional and patient. He took the time to travel to the winery and capture footage before any guests arrived. Thank you so much Robert for allowing us to relive our special weekend for years to come!
- Michelle”