You have a lot of choices for video production. And not all media companies are created equal. Here are some questions to ask any person or company offering to film your bed and breakfast.
Who will own the copyright on the video, and are there limits on how I can use it?
Most of us would assume that if we pay for a video service, we would own the end product, but this is not always the case. Ideally the video would be “work for hire” and you would own the copyright on the video. But many photographers and film makers keep the copyright on their work, and give you a limited use license, primarily so that they can charge you any time you want additional copies, or use the footage in different marketing campaigns.
Inn-Pictures and Stompbox Creative produce work for hire. That means you own the copyright on your video, and can use it however you like in the future.
Will there be any copyright issue on footage, model release, graphics, music and sound design?
Many “professional” videos on the web violate other people’s copyrights by using unlicensed popular music, pirated graphics, or footage that has not been cleared for model release or copyright. This can leave the business owner liable as publisher in any intellectual property dispute.
Inn-Pictures uses fully legal, royalty-free visual and audio content, cleared of any copyright issues. All people identifiable in the videos will have signed model releases.
What resolution is the equipment and the video?
A beautiful video is of limited use if it is the size of a postage stamp, or if it plays back blocky and pixelated. Some videographers use consumer cameras and software. You should request at least DVD quality created with professional equipment throughout the process of shooting, editing and playback (480p resolution).
Inn-Pictures uses professional HD (high-definition) video cameras, editing and delivery methods, providing you with lifelike realism in your video, which can play back in stunning full-screen detail even on the latest plasma and LCD TVs and computer screens.
How will you deliver the video to me? Will I get a master copy?
Some providers of video merely provide you a link to an online stream, which doesn’t allow you to use the video offline, or to make your own copies. Others will send you away with a VHS or DVD and require you to create streaming video yourself.
Inn-Pictures will provide you with a DVD for offline playback and duplication, a full resolution HD digital file, as well as a video optimized for streaming on the web.
How can I use video to grow my business?
Is your videographer an expert in your industry? Do they know the web? SEO Marketing? Can they help you grow visibility for your inn?
Whether it’s SEO or Web 2.0, DVDs or tourism kiosks, mailers or media blitz press releases, Inn-Pictures has knowledge, experience and partnerships to help put your inn front and center. As part of Stompbox Creative and in collaboration with InsideOut Solutions, we can advise you and help you implement a marketing promotional campaign to get your video noticed, and get heads in beds, which after all, is the goal, now, isn’t it.