Carol Hand - Getting Paid to Produce Videos

Candace Payne, the Chewbacca Mom, became an internet sensation after she livestreamed a video of herself laughing uncontrollably in her Chewbacca mask.

But live video streaming is an exploding trend. In live streaming, video content is highly compressed and sent continuously over the internet. It is decompressed and viewed immediately upon arrival. The viewer sees it in real time (as it is sent), rather than waiting for the entire file to download. Not long ago, live video streaming was very expensive and required intensive hardware. But with new technology, events can be live streamed wirelessly over computers or smartphones. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities.

Professional applications of live streaming, including meetings, training sessions, seminars, conferences, and presentations, are becoming common. During conferencing, people view content and computer screens remotely, while talking directly with other participants. Live streaming of high school and university classes can replace commuting and bring education to remote locations. Often live streaming is combined with on-demand availability of classes, so students can access them at more convenient times. Recreational and cultural activities, such as sports and concerts, may also be live streamed. Live streaming instantly connects many thousands of people around the world.

Smart TVs, with internet connectivity, are already becoming part of everyday life. They have web browsers so they can be used as computers, as well as to use applications such as Netflix for content viewing. The trend suggests that, in the near future, you will receive your favorite television shows over the internet rather than over standard broadcast channels. Content for all of these trending technologies will be provided by tomorrows video producers.

THE FUTURE FOR BUSINESS VIDEO PRODUCERS

Writing for One Market Media (OMM), Jimm Fox provides insight into the future of aspiring video producers. He points out that some trends work against new producersthe low price of equipment and software makes amateur video production easier, and the rise of online production introduces competition from around the world. On the up side, a producer can turn professional with a minimal investment in equipment. Having expensive video equipment doesnt make you a good video producer any more than having an expensive pen makes you a good writer, Fox cautions.

There is an ever-increasing demand for business videos. By 2017, 69 percent of consumer internet traffic will be video based, and video-on-demand will have nearly tripled. Video-ondemand (VOD) systems allow users to watch videos when they choose, rather than at a specific time. As television and other mass-audience content gives way to mobile viewing on ones own schedule, business videos will target smaller and more specialized audiences. Producers will be asked to produce and deliver customized videos.

Business video producers will need to specialize. They might become experts in a certain business fieldhealth care or real estate, for example. They might become experts on a certain type or style of video, such as the two-minute explainer video ( 2minuteexplainer.com ) that helps people understand technology (or another product) before they buy it. Successful video producers must be able to tell a client how video can help solve a business problem. Also, there is a trend away from todays fake or staged videos toward real reality, or video that is not staged or only slightly staged. Unstaged videos capture peoples real reactions to products and services. The spread of smartphone cameras makes this much easier. According to Fox, Winning with fake is going to get tougher and tougher.