Promote your business with video!

Most people have the tendency to watch videos over reading text so you might want to consider using video to promote your business. Video has the ability to give your potential customers a stronger sense of your business and position your company or brand higher in search results. And that means more sales. The video approach also is more effective in reaching out to younger audiences. MHP can help you communicate your message effectively and get proven results!

YMCA of Northeast Louisiana "Strong Kids Campaign 2011"

We recently wrapped a non-profit video project with Ross Creative Services for the YMCA of NELA. Please volunteer your time, resources or make a donation!

Have you visited the MHP YouTube Channel?

B&H Photo Video Pro Audio iPhone App!

Get your gear on the go!!

Download the free B&H Photo iPhone App to search, browse, and purchase from their entire inventory of the latest in photo, video, pro audio, computers, home and portable entertainment, binoculars, scopes and much more!

Get it here!

Six Things Cheapo Video Production Companies Don’t Want You to Know

I came across this blog on www.thedvshow.com and just had to share...

With editing software and equipment purchased for pennies on the dollar from ebay, a full camera kit (with tripod included) bought at any consumer retail store and the free video production articles and training on the internet, any Joe-Schmoe can call themselves a “professional” overnight.

Cheapo videographers want you to think they can create the same content a pro can create- for less. Even though they look and sound professional, using all of the buzzwords and technical jargon to impress you, there are some details and traps being concealed under the sheep costume they’re wearing.

A cheapo videographer sees the potential to make quick cash producing a video for you. They don’t want you to go elsewhere- stooping to levels of offering outrageous discounts and package deals to undercut the professional competition just to get your business.

“Cheap” and “professional video” is all you hear before the venom starts to take it’s toll.

Before you reach into your wallet thinking you’re going to get the best bang for the buck, here are six things the cheapo video production company doesn’t want you to know:

1. They can create a video for you - that’s it.

Professionals not only create a video- they can tell a story. Professionals know the special techniques, the formulas and triggers that will sell a product or a service. Professionals have the experience and knowledge to weave together and create something compelling enough to keep a viewer interested without distractions getting in the way of your message.

2. They are not technical geniuses - pressing play and record on the camera is the extent of their knowledge. How to shoot in low light or no light, creative angles to use and getting excellent audio, to them, is the camera’s responsibility.

Professionals don’t rely on what they see in the camera’s viewfinder. They use a light kit with 3 points of light, light meters tell the temperature of the light source so your subject matter will have the correct skin tones or color. Professional know how to get rid of a shine on a bald spot.

Professionals use a lapel microphone to capture leveled audio and they hide it well - so it doesn’t look like an obnoxious black dot on your chest. They know sound from a microphone’s camera doesn’t cut it.

Professionals know what angles keep your video interesting.

3. Their equipment was bought at a consumer retail store - purchased from the open box aisle with a coupon. Final price: $175 and it included a bag and tripod. No thought was given to the technical details of the lens, lux rating, HD or SD? Unbalanced color temperature? The manuals are nothing more than alien code language and quickly ignored.

Professionals save their money for a camera they know they need. Their equipment perfectly matches the type of video work they do.

The video camera is a delicate tool for the video professional. It gives them the ability to take the creative ideas in their mind and craft a well designed, professional looking video.

Professionals take great care, time and thought in making an equipment selection. The tools they chose are considered an extension of who they are.

Like a successful company interviews dozens of applicants and there is only one person qualified to do the job right, the professional does the same when choosing his/her camera.

Like a woodcarver carefully creating a delicate, exquisite wooden chair - he/she chooses the best tools for the job - the same goes for a video professional.

4. They don’t really know how to edit - He’s over here, now he’s over there! Cut. Cut. Cut. Cut. Cut. Fade to black. Add music. Done. This is all they can do with the free editing software that comes bundled with their computer.

Professionals know when to cut and when to dissolve. They know when to use a closeup and when not to use a closeup. Transitions are used at the right time - not just thrown in because it “looks cool.”

Free editing software limitations are lifted with their use of professional editing software.

Professionals have dozens of editing add-ons and tools at their disposal to add that needed effect to your video.

Editing is an art. Not a bunch of paint splashed on a canvas.

5. This is the first time producing a video they’re actually getting paid for- sure, they did Aunt Elsie’s wedding and Sister Sue’s birthday party- Uncle Joe’s used car lot ad for cable - and now you hired them to do your corporate marketing video campaign targeted at thousands of your loyal customers.

The professional videographer not only produced weddings but moved up to corporate and commercial videos. They volunteered for local TV access stations, produced free videos for smaller businesses and even networked with people to produce more. He/she cooked slowly to perfection and knew it was time to start charging more after years of experience working in the trenches.

6. They have another full time job - most cheapo video production companies are one man bands. He/she is going to be editing your video alone, in their free time - after hours and on weekends. Producing your video is just a sideline job to make ends meet. They’re not really focused or concerned about building a business, buying additional equipment or training to enhance their craft.

When you make a call for changes or to check on progress, expect a quick email or phone call made during their lunch break.

For the professional, your video is top priority.

They can’t wait to get up in the morning to start production - this is their passion. They are driven to complete the video in a timely fashion to your complete satisfaction.

Professionals make followup phone calls to schedule appointments, they want you to be updated on their progress, they want you to be involved in making changes or updates that will lead to a final video you will be happy with.

There are many more reasons why a cheapo videographer wants to withhold information about the video they’re producing for you.

The work many of these cheapo videographers get are later cleaned up by professionals AFTER you realize it wasn’t the best bang for your buck.

Do what you love and love what you do!

When was the last time you had fun buying a vehicle?

Over the years, we've had a blast producing TV commercials for White Ford in Winnsboro, LA. In that time, we've acquired several blooper reels and decided to produce a few TV spots to allow customers to enjoy the fun that makes the work we do so enjoyable. In this spot, Cloid and Robert John are proof that buying a vehicle from White Ford can be fun...

White Ford: "White Brothers" TV :30 from Mike Healey Productions, Inc. on Vimeo.

Behind the scenes

Here's a few behind the scenes shots while shooting a new media campaign for Johnny's Pizza with French Creative Group. Photos courtesy of Brad Arender