Book Trailer for Solo By Choice: Proof of Concept and Work in Progress
Here’s a video trailer that I created for my upcoming book, Solo by Choice: How to Be the Lawyer You Always Wanted to Be. It’s a proof of concept in learning how to use my iMac software. Unfortunately, I’m still learning how to use the editing tools, so the transitions aren’t entirely smooth and there’s a very, very long dead space at the end, because I couldn’t figure out how to cut the audio clip. But I’d spent so much time on the video, that I decided to put it out here in beta, and solicit advice from readers on how to fix some of these problems. So please send your input below.
I wish I knew something about the editor you’re using, but I use Adobe products and have never used a Mac (don’t hold that against me though!).
With time I’m sure you’ll master the technical side of making a book video.
In the meantime, since you’ve asked for input, I’d be happy to give some.
As a disclaimer, I am the CEO of the top producer of book trailers in the US. That doesn’t mean I know everything, but it does mean I’ve been at it longer than most. lol
You should be able to find a “Dummies” book for your editor. I love those books (Dummies and Idiot’s Guide books). I find them very helpful when I don’t have the time to read the 1000 page manual that comes with most of the new technology I buy.
istock is a great place to go for royalty free photos. We use them often. For music I can recommend shockwave-sound.
Here’s some food for thought about your video-
1. Leave the words up longer to ensure that we who read slow can still keep up with what you’re saying.
2. Be sure that the pictures you use don’t clash with the font color. Sometimes it can make it hard to read.
3. Don’t use the lower 1/3 of the screen to put important images or text. YouTube, Crackle, Veoh, VideoEgg and other popular upload sites are currently doing pre-roll on the lower 1/3 of videos. That means they are showing advertisements over user generated video uploads. Bummer, but it’s to be expected.
You chose some really good pictures and a recognizable theme song. That works in your favor.
All in all, a good first try! Keep up the good work!
I’m in the same boat, really. I’m a Mac user, and I have been for a while, but I haven’t mastered Apple video software yet. To my eyes, it looks like you made a really good first cut.
I’d be tempted to go to the nearest Apple Store for help, and it may be worth spending the money for their Pro Care service ($100 a year, IIRC). It’s my understanding that they offer one-to-one tutoring for things like this.
Picking good music is really important, too (leaving aside for the moment any applicable copyright issues). Witness the Apple ads, which use music so effectively. The “Cheers” theme is familiar and pleasant, but I’m wondering whether there might be a more recent song – something inspirational and fast-paced – that might be a good choice, too. I’m probably not the best guy to ask for a specific suggestion, though. Most of what I listen to is 30+ years old!
Following up on my post below, the song should capture that feeling you have the moment you decide to open a solo practice.
I’m so excited for you Carolyn. I found your blawg after I had been in solo practice for some time. I immediately related to you because I also had two daughters at home and was trying to balance a career with my family responsibilities. I found your blawg very inspiring and replete with useful information. Although I closed my practice last year to begin a very satisfying and rewarding government job, My Shingle is still my homepage and I will purchase your book “just in case” I decide to go solo again. I wish you much continued success!
Carol: The music doesn’t work for me. I’d change it to something more soothing. And the video ended at 48 sec. Not sure if there is more but your really don’t need anything longer than 30 sec. If it were me I’d figure out how to cut it down to 15 sec for the entire commercial. Also I’d consider opening with a quick reference to the book itself. Like trial work it’s tell us what you’re going to tell us; then tell us; then tell us what you just told us. You might show a happy and smiling face of a lawyer reading your book or have it hanging out of a brief case of the lawyer who is in court or in a hurry from one courtroom to another or a young lawyer in the large firm law library, with the firm name “Large FIRM” etched on the library door glass and they are hiding behind the books stacked 15 high in front of them reading your book. A though bubble comes up from their head with the word “Solution!”. And here is your book. Nice try for a first attempt. Good luck.