If you live in the Smith Mountain Lake area, you will be interested to know that we have launched a new website at SmithMountainMedia.com. The site showcases local business promotional videos for the Smith Mountain Lake area.

To Take a Chance from Abandon Films on Vimeo.

To Take a Chance was recognized for “Best Graphics” at this years 48 Hour Film Project in Richmond. 

The illustrations, by Alan Canode, were integrated into the opening and closing credit sequences of the film, uniquely capturing elements of the story.  Our team competed with 32 other film crews at the festival, writing and producing a movie in 48 hours.  There was some really excellent work showcased at the screening the following weekend.  Virginia has some talented filmmakers!

Last weekend we took a team to Richmond to compete in the 48 Hour Film Project and produced a short film in two days.  Here’s six behind the scenes images from the sleepless weekend.

Video is a great way to give people a deeper look into what you do.

A good video is a perfect public relations tool, and can be used to strengthen your message and leverage your time. Here are five types of videos that can go a long way.

1. Product Demonstrations - demonstrate the product or service you sell and increase exposure by putting the video on your website.
2. Visual Mission Statement - turn your mission statement into a graphic driven animation, or have it said aloud by the faces of your organization.
3. Video Tour - give a virtual tour of your building or property.
4. Video Testimonies - customer and client interviews sharing how they value your organization
5. Short film - a creative way to generate buzz and exposure for your organization.

Our short film Cereal, which won third place in the 24 hour festival we took part in back in March, has been adapted for the church market and is now available on Sermon Spice. Check it out here.

Description:
This quirky short film works on many levels, and can be used as a sermon illustration, a discussion starter for small groups, or even as a stand alone film. Cereal is both entertaining and thought provoking, and may demand to be watched more than once.

A short sermon illustration video called Sacrifice is now available for download here.  Cost is $10.  Get it while it’s hot!

A Vision Video is a customized production comprised of interviews, supporting video footage, music, and creative elements.

A great public relations tool, Vision Videos leverage your time, helping you to cast your vision to all potential supporters that otherwise might not be reached with your message.

AF Creative has done a lot of work for local churches over the years. Here are five kinds of videos that we have seen churches using for their ministry.

1. Website Welcomes – a welcome video welcomes visitors to your website and tells them a little about your church. Although there are no set rules, most people seem to value a personal welcome from the pastor, as well as showing footage of Sunday mornings so visitors have a better idea what to expect when they come. Click here to watch an example of a welcome video.
2. Video Testimonies – allow a changed life to tell their story with a “talking head” interview. Many churches will play a recorded testimony before a baptism or put interviews with church members on the website to share what the church has meant to them.
3. Promo “Trailers” – a fun way to promote an event or ministry is to create a promo video in the style of an epic movie trailer.
4. Vision Videos – cast your vision for your church plant or ministry campaign with an inspiring documentary that informs and compels people to action. A vision video is designed to strengthen your message and extend your reach. Click here to see an example of a church planting vision video.
5. Lead-ins – a lead-in is a thematic introduction for a sermon series that plays before the sermon starts. These can be illustrations or just a stylish animated graphic. For more about lead-ins, see the post Branding Your Church’s Sermon Series.

AF Creative’s Justin Rossbacher has posted a storyboard comparison of his 2006 film Focus. This is a good look into the storyboarding process and how it sometimes changes by the finished product.