Eiger Safety promo video goes live

After a year in the making I was really pleased to get the Eiger Safety promo video signed off last Friday.

The making of this musical-short promo video

The brief for this promo video was very simple…. Create a 3-minute video, cut to music, that visually represents the range of services and products offered by Eiger Safety – which will be used as the opening audience-settler within sales presentations. That sounds easy enough on paper – as does most other promo video briefs – but there were a couple of unusual challenges with this job.

Firstly, the very nature of Eiger Safety’s work would mean that I’d have to film pretty much wherever they work. Whilst I’ve never knowingly suffered from vertigo I wasn’t absolutely sure how I would handle filming under these conditions. I knew it would be safe, but it was clear I’d have to film over the edge of some pretty impressive buildings and structures.

Working on the edge for a promo video – walking the chains at Clifton

The second challenge was picking the right locations and activities that would accurately convey what Eiger Safety do. Whilst some of their work involves regular testing and certification of height-safety systems (such as window cleaning eye bolts, latchways, roof hand & guard rails and abseiling points), the really impressive stuff is usually one-off installations and annual inspections. This meant we were never going to be able to shoot this in one hit but rather spread the filming out to capture a typical year of Eiger Safety’s work.

Costing the Promo Video

Whilst we had a plan of around six sites and projects that Eiger Safety MD, Paul Jaffe, wanted to include he also knew there would be other projects that would come up over the year that he would just have to have captured on film. However, by the time we had it in the can we’d covered fourteen different locations, some of which were visited more than once.

Corporate and business-based films are never easy to cost but this one was almost impossible to give an accurate total cost from day one. To overcome this we agreed a daily filming rate along with an understanding that each filming day would increase post production time too. We also agreed a significant initial payment with interim invoices to be issued when needed. This worked for both of us – giving him control over the budget and keeping me in pocket whilst the project progressed.

Filming at locations all over the UK – The Eden Project

Location, location, location
One thing I have learnt over the past year is that Eiger Safety get to see things from a very different point of view – literally. There are very few people who have access to the parts on buildings that they have to access in order to do the things they do. Sometimes they are working in places that have not been accessed for many years – sometimes since the building or structure was first constructed.

Whilst we are all at the mercy of the weather, when it came to filming this project we was more reliant on good conditions than others. There were some locations where we were prohibited to work if there was strong winds or icy conditions atop the structure. The wind conditions are especially important and as we all know these can change quite rapidly and are almost impossible to predict. This did result in a couple of abandoned filming days – in particular the footage shot on the Clifton Suspension Bridge. When we did actually get to film there we had a brilliant couple of days but still had to constantly check wind speeds to make sure we were operating within the bridge authority’s regulations.

Whilst Clifton Suspension Bridge was certainly the most dramatic location, some of the most spectacular views for me were those that the guys at Eiger Safety get to see almost every day. As the regular rope access company for many of London’s top hotels, office developments and structures, they get a view of our capital city like nobody else. There were some locations where I could have spent a whole lot more time just taking it all in.

Filming over the edge at the Dorchester Hotel

Feet back on solid ground

With the short musical promo video now complete I’ll be turning my attention to a longer-form documentary version based around a studio interview I’ve filmed with Paul that will give the viewer a much better understanding of what they do and the requirements of those working on rope access. This wasn’t part of the original brief but I think it’s a story that needs to be told and maybe of interest to a much wider audience. I hope to get this out there in the next month.

But this is definitely not the end of my video work with Paul and the guys at Eiger Safety. There will be other must-have projects they’ll need filming in the coming years – and I’m also certain they’ll want alternate-edit versions of the video to match the needs of prospective clients. I’m also helping them to set up a new website with a blog and vlog to capture and share the more unusual views they experience. I’m sure this will be something that will get a good social network following from those interested in views from height.

So…. not the end – not even the beginning of the end – but perhaps the end of the beginning of my work for Eiger Safety. A big thanks to Paul and his main men, Illya (L) and Nasco (R), for putting up with me and my numerous retakes! Thanks chaps – it’s been a privilege working with you.

Showreel

Video Production Showreel & Samples

This is a showreel of recent works by Video Artisan. Films will be added to as and when they are signed off by clients. Please contact us for additional showreel samples which are not in the public domain. All works are copyright of Video Artisan unless otherwise stated.

Gellyball!

Gellyball is fun, action-packed party activity for kids and adults. Using mess-free water-based gellyballs as ammunition, this indoor/outdoor activity is perfect for ages 8 to adult. The low-impact, gellyballs work with interactive scoreboards via protective vest sensors to create a really competitive and fun activity. For more information, visit www.gellyball-kids.co.uk now.

Beat the Media

Beat the Media is a Media Training presentation combined with a highly focussed team-building activity – with each team acting as a TV news gathering unit. Your delegates will be the people in-front and behind the camera; tasked to produce an entertaining 2-minute News Package.

Infinity Gazebos – Introducing their Premium Range

This short SEO Video was produced to highlight the features of Infinity Gazebos’ Premium Range of products. With plenty of still images of installations, Infinity wanted a video that would demonstrate the mechanical features and moving parts of their luxury gazebo range.

M&IT Agency Challenge 2022

The M&IT Challenge events are all about audience engagement – the modern way to use fun and competition to get sales messages remembered. It’s all about high energy, inspiration and creativity. Suppliers present their messages to the entire audience of agency professionals while our hi-tec knowledge tests ensure maximum engagement between audience and presenter.

M&IT Awards 2021

The M&IT Awards is the leading awards event for suppliers and buyers in the corporate travel, events and incentive travel industries. Held at Battersea Evolution in London, hundreds of event professionals gather each year to celebrate the very best in the industry. This short documentary gives an incite into the event and is used to attract sponsors, participants and attendees.

M&IT Agency Challenge

This short documentary gives an insight into the 2021 M&IT Agency Challenge event held at Wyboston Lakes Resort. This is a unique networking event for event and corporate travel agencies which fosters greater understanding between them and their providers. Video Artisan not only shoot this documentary over the two days but also provide one of the most popular team challenges. Each team has to create a 2-minute film on a given subject – which are then judged and screened as part of the final gala night dinner.

Trinity Catholic High School – 2020 Enrollment Film

Faced with the challenges of running their normal enrolment open-day amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, this film was produced to give potential students and their parents an insight into the values, principles and benefits of attending this very well respected Church school.

Haynes Group – The core of your connected future.

This is an example of what can be achieved using just stock images only – coupled with some scripting, a professional voice (by Andy Ivy) and an appropriate music score. It was created in just three days and will be used by the Haynes Group as part of their sales presentations and also for online distribution.

Smith’s of Loughton – At your service!

Here’s a short video we’ve just completed for this local high-end kitchenware, tableware and giftware retailer. Pretty much everyone in the local area will be familiar with Smith’s – but if not, this short film will give you a good idea what they’re all about.

M&IT Agency Challenge 2019

This short event documentary explores the benefits to MICE agencies and sponsors of participating in CAT Media’s M&IT Agency Challenge.

Kainos Evolve – Paperless Healthcare – Customer Reference Film

This short customer reference film tells the story of Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals innovative drive towards delivering a paperless healthcare system to their local community.

M&IT Awards 2019

Video Artisan were, once again, commissioned to produce a short film on this amazing awards ceremony. This event celebrates the very best in the UK’s business meetings and events industry.

Siemens – The Culture Difference

This short investigative documentary was produced for Siemens Financial Services (Region North) to demonstrate the positive effects of cultural change within the business. Used as a recruitment tool, this film prepares delegates on the company’s expectations of everyone working within the business. (see full story here)

Handheld Vs Shoulder-Mount Video Cameras

This is a short documentary about the benefits of using a shoulder-mount camcorder over one of handheld design. Sponsored by JVC Professional, this film concentrates on the features and benefits of their GY-HM850 camera. (see full story here)

M&IT Agency Challenge – Landmark Hotel London

This short documentary tells the story of the M&IT Agency Challenge – an event which brings together buyers and suppliers within the corporate travel industry who participate in a range of activities and presentations to create an atmosphere of learning whilst having fun. (see full story here)

25-years of the Supadance National League

This short event documentary tells the story behind the success of this amazing ballroom dance league and it’s finals that took place this year at the Norbreck Castle, Blackpool. (See full story here)

Nipper Clipper at the Baby Show 2013

This short video diary covers the first exhibition showing of the revolutionary Stylfile baby and toddler nail clippers – The Nipper Clipper and its accompanying Timmy Tickle Baby distraction app.

Same-Sex Dance Festival Documentary

So you think you know all there is to know about same-sex ballroom and Latin dance? This short documentary will certainly give you the bigger picture and supports the view of same-sex dance being incorporated into mainstream dance.

Robertson Sumner – IT Sales Recruitment Specialists

This is a good example of how simple and effective a website promotional film can be. Running for just 1-minute 44-seconds, Robertson Sumner’s managing director, Marc Sumner, gives an introduction to their specialist IT sales recruitment business based in Gerrards Cross.

BT Workstyle Managed Service – Short Version

A short film produced for BT on the adoption of their Workstyle Managed Service by South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (SEPT). Called WorkSmart internally by SEPT, BT provided a comprehensive planning, integration, support and hardware solution which enables the Trust to adopt mobile working practices.

CAT Publications – iScream Norway Challenge

This short film was produced for CAT Publications to promote their Corporate Away Day event services. Video Artisan also supported the event with filming kits for delegates to create their own film as part of the activities. A more detailed blog on this job can be found by clicking here.

Stylfile Nipper Clipper Promo

2-minute (or so) website promo film introducing the innovative Nipper Clipper nail clippers and the Timmy Tickle distraction Ap. Shot in a day – edited in another.

Eiger Safety – Musical Short

This short video was commissioned by Eiger Safety to act as a introduction to their sales PowerPoint presentations to give the audience a quick overview of the range of height safety systems and services they provide. A longer form documentary is also in production that gives a much more in-depth view of the company and their work.

Supadance – Shoes for Dance

(winner of Best Open Category at the 2012 IOV Awards)
Website short which had a simple objective of showcasing Supadance as a UK/London based dance shoe manufacturer. The video is used as part of the video SEO activities and screened on their stand at various ballroom/latin dance competitions and events throughout the year.

Bees & Wasps

(2nd place in Best Documentary Category at the 2012 IOV Awards)
Short website documentary about the relationship and differences between the honeybee and the wasp. Used as part of SEO activity for www.beemovies.net

Supadance Same Sex Open

(short-listed in the IOV’s Video of the Month for January 2013)
Another one of five videos produced for Supadance in 2012 as part of their video SEO activities. This short film gives an insight into this pioneering event and explains why Supadance were one of the main sponsors.

Supadance National League

An insight into this major Ballroom and Latin Dance competition finals held each year in Blackpool. The purpose of the video was to give a brief explanation of the competition and how to enter. It is used by the organisers to attract dance schools to the competition and also by Supadance as part of their video SEO activities.

February 11, 2013May 8, 2013

Filming in London – a rooftop view from Corinthia Hotel

We couldn’t have picked a nicer day for the final day’s filming in London for Eiger Safe atop one of the city’s most prestigious hotels – the Corinthia. With sleet coming down sideways and almost freezing temperatures, I guess this illustrates that Eiger Safety work in all conditions to ensure safety of their clients – not to mention that Video Artisan work in all extremes to get the shoots that tell the whole story.

The job at hand was capturing the installation of a handrail systems which are installed on rooftops and high-level walkways. This forms a major part of Eiger Safety’s work these days as well as their periodic testing and re-certification.

High-level filming always has its dangers – but even more so in wet, windy and cold condition. When you’re filming in London you are never too sure what the weather is going to throw at you so you’ve pretty much got to be prepared for anything – at any time of the year. Thankfully when you work alongside a company that’s made its name through reducing the risk of injury (or more serious consequence) you feel pretty confident that every measure has been taken to ensure you don’t get blown off a roof.

Rooftop view over London — A cold, wet and windy day rooftop filming in London

Eiger Safety are also no strangers to the demands of film crews having worked in all the major UK film studios and provided height safety services on many of the big blockbusting movies that get shot in the UK each year. Over the years they’ve got up close and personal with the biggest stars of the screen when rigging them up with harnesses and flight-wire systems. And yes they do have some stories to tell. : )

Filming in London is always a privilege and somehow the weather today made it even more special. The only downside to the shoot was that it was the last location day for the Eiger Safety’s film. I’m sure there will be other “special” projects they’ll need to record in the future but I’m now going to be concentrating on cutting a short piece set to music for them to use in sales presentations in order to illustrate the wide range of services they provide. A little later on I’ll be filming an interview with MD, Paul Jaffe, that will reveal more about the company and the rarely seen world of the abseiling and height safety professional.

February 1, 2013January 22, 2017

Cine to DVD – achieving the best conversions

We’ve been getting more cine to DVD enquiries lately – as well as tons of VHS and videotape to DVD conversions. There still seems to be reels and reels of cine film out there just waiting to be loved again so I thought I’d better update my conversion process to match the interest.

I’ve always tried to retain as much of the original film quality as possible during the transfer process. I don’t claim to do a piles and piles of cine to DVD each year but the stuff I do carry out is done with tender loving care. The final result makes the whole family archive viewing process much more enjoyable… just pop the DVD in your player and you’re off. No more family arguments as everyone struggles to set up a screen, projector and then feed in sprocket-chewed cine film. More often than not these days the client simply doesn’t have a working projector so those precious memories never see the light of day.

I don’t have the throughput to justify the highly automated frame-scanner converters but believe I still turn out a pretty reasonable job using the much-used projector and video camera system. Basically, the film image is projected through a mirror set at 45-degrees and then on to rear side of an opaque screen – which is then filmed from its front side with a video camera.

I use a Canon DSLR as my capture camera which gives me a full HD video which is then edited, tweaked, cropped, compiled and then output to a standard definition DVD. Capturing at full HD does give me the option of supplying it to the client in Blu-Ray format too – but the vast majority end up on DVD.

The results from this method can vary quite considerably depending on how the system is set up and the quality of the mirror/screen combination. There are also some modifications to the standard projector that can be made to squeeze a little bit more out of the film stock.

Cine to DVD Projector Modifications

The vast majority of cine films that I convert are either Standard 8mm or Super 8mm (I can convert any gauge though). The sprocket and frame size differ on these formats but a dual-gate projector can play both back happily. Switching the projector between formats engages the correct sprocket gearing and alters the gate size within the projector so that the projected image has a nice and clean frame edge. This is great for projection but the process also masks off part of the exposed image on the film.

Filing out these gate frames enables me to capture more of the original film content. I can then crop the video files and re-frame the image in post production to ensure every little corner of the film is on screen.

Another modification to the projector that helps is to alter the quality of light coming out of the projector lamp. These lamps tend to produce a very focussed source of light which is great for projection but not so good for cine to DVD conversions. Diffusing this light source helps smooth out any hot spots and helps create a more evenly exposed image.

Projection Perfection

The really rudimentary method of cine to DVD conversion is to simply project your film image on a wall or screen and then film that with your video camera. This has one major disadvantage as your projector will have to have a slightly different angle of approach to the wall/screen than your video camera (they can’t both be in exactly the same position). The image will therefore never be truly square and your focus will vary slightly from one side of the image to the other. You’ll also have to do this in darkness as your room lights will need to be turned off in order to get a clear image on the wall/screen. It works, but it’s not brilliant.

You can of course buy a purpose made cine to DVD conversion screen – and they will help you to get a better conversion than the method above. However, the cheap conversion screens have a fundamental flaw in that the mirrors are generally standard back-coated. Light passing through the mirror will split when it hits the front surface of this glass – part of which passes through the mirror and back out to the rear side of the opaque screen and part reflected directly off the mirror front surface. This causes a slight double-image to be projected on to the opaque screen and a conversion that isn’t as sharp as it could be.

Good quality cine to DVD conversion screens overcome this problem by using front surface mirrors. All of the light from the projector therefore bounces through the light path as one image – giving a much sharper conversion.

Cine to DVD Black Box

Excluding light from the projected image is important too to help you capture the widest possible contrast. Some of the basic converters have no light exclusion at all, whilst others acknowledge the problem but only provide minimal hooding over the front surface of the opaque screen. A simple rule – the more light excluded from the front surface the better.

To get the very best quality conversions I’ve built my own cine to DVD black box unit as there didn’t seem to be an off the shelf solution that solved all the problems. This includes a porthole suitable for most projectors, made to measure front surface mirror and opaque rear projection screen – all housed in a light exclusion matt black box with enough hooding to enable me to operate it in a fully lit room.

Cine Black Box — Cine to DVD Black Box – with roof taken off

The front surface mirror was specially made for me by Vacuum Coatings Ltd of Walthamstow who specialise in all kinds optical coatings and scientific mirrors (they provide the glass for Autocue too apparently). They also hand-frosted the front projection screen for me too. The box construction is MDF.

So now the system and process is all tested, tweaked and ready for the next cine to DVD job to come in. I’m not the cheapest guy around for this service but I like to think I do a good job. You can get it done a lot cheaper in fact, but I think those guys know their worth better than me so I won’t comment. ; )

For details on our cine to DVD pricing please click here. If you are not sure how much film you’ve got please give us a call for a quote.

January 16, 2013December 15, 2020

Eiger Safety promotional DVD nears completion

With Oyster Card in hand and lightweight shooting kit on my back I was off to film one of the final locations of the Eiger Safety promotional DVD today. This time I was heading towards the Hilton London Metropolitan in Edgeware Road. Being up at the crack of dawn for a 6:45 rendezvous at Marble Arch was no fun – but at least I wasn’t suffering on my own. Everyone on the tube at this time of the morning (and more so at this time of year) rarely look like they want to be there – so I snapped it on Instagram.

Apart from signalling the nearing of the end of this year-long promotional DVD filming schedule, the subject of the day’s shoot was vital in telling the story of Eiger Safety as we were capturing their guys performing two of their most frequently performed tasks – namely eye-bolt installation and testing.

Health & Safety regulations touch us all these days and one of the major areas is height safety systems and procedures. Eiger Safety cover pretty much everything within this sphere. These eye-bolts provide a safe tethering point for those working near to height hazards. Whilst they are installed in many different locations and for different height risks, the ones I filmed today were being installed in hotel rooms to enable the staff and contractors to safely clean, inspect and maintain windows and openings.

Apart from installing thousands of these anchor points each year they all have an annual re-testing requirement too. It was therefore important to get a fair bit of the guys doing the final test on the newly installed eye-bolts. It might not have been as exciting as some of the other locations and activities I’ve filmed for them (Clifton Suspension Bridge was my favourite) – but nonetheless the film would be incomplete and almost pointless promotional DVD without it.

Eye bolt test — The all-important testing stage for the promotional DVD

The next location shoot will be the last (mind you – they’ve said that before) and will cover the installation of handrail systems – another huge part of Eiger Safety’s work. These are pretty much all outside locations so I’m praying for the weather to warm up for that day. After that it’ll be some studio work in filming an interview with the MD to use as a narrative for a longer form version I’m producing for them. This is in addition to the original brief of creating a short 3-min piece set to music that will form the opening part of a PowerPoint sales presentation. I love it when jobs expand! : )

Category: Video Artisan

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