Thousands of new web sites are created daily that compete for the Internet user's attention. Because of this vast array of information, web site visitors are becoming highly selective in the way they gather information from a website. A recent study by the Nielsen Norman Group shows that only 16% of users actually read the text on a website. Most users quickly scan a web page looking for interesting and meaningful information. If something does not catch their eye, they quickly move on.

A short web video, unlike a simple static text web page, presents information in a far more dynamic, high impact way. A web video makes it easier for the Website visitor to obtain information - they simply have to click and watch.

What should my Web video be about?

A web video is first and foremost a visual medium. A good web video should send a strong visual message to the viewer reinforcing the overall objective of the website. This might consist of any number of things, ranging from strong visual cues (a client's offices, equipment at work, etc.) to "talking head" scenes that communicate appearance, manner, and personality.

One of Stylus Communications' strengths is our experience and expertise in creating, writing, and producing Web videos. We work with our clients to understand their existing website, their audience, and their key communications objectives to determine the best way to enhance the website message in a cost effective way.

What's the first step?

When engaged by a client, Stylus Communications will prepare a "blueprint" or "treatment" for a Web video that spells out in detail the goal of the video, the creative approach that the video will take, whether a script is required, the length and number of camera shots, etc., We review this blueprint carefully with our clients to insure that our plan meets their expectations and accomplishes their objectives.

Does every video have a script?

Not all videos require scripted narration. Sometimes, impromptu (but well planned) interviews of principals, employees or customers are great sources of information. In some cases, the focus of the video might be on equipment operation or procedures. Keep in mind however, that a scripted narrative allows a client to deliver the exact message they intend.

A script can be delivered in a variety of ways. The script could be read off camera by a professional narrator, or delivered directly on camera by a key person in the firm or organization.

Can I write my own script?

Certainly. However, our experience with clients shows that writing video scripts can be significantly more difficult than other kinds of writing.

One of Stylus Communications' strengths lies in the network of writers maintained by Stylus. A professional writer from Stylus meets and "interviews" clients to help determine the focus of the message that will convey the strengths of their firm. Stylus will draft a suggested script for use in the video. After the draft script is created, our writer will review it with the clients in order to fine-tune the message and truly make it their own.

How will I "get it right" in front of a camera?

If it is determined that a script will be used, Stylus provides the script to the client in advance of the video shoot. The script does not need to be memorized. The clients only have to familiarize themselves with it, and become comfortable speaking it. A teleprompter allows the client to read the script while looking directly into the camera. Our producer will be there to help provide advice. Remember, the goal is for the clients to look natural and act themselves.

I own a home video camera. Can I shoot my own video?

In general, a high quality video delivered over the Internet by streaming media requires quality far superior to that available in less-than-professional cameras. Stylus' professionals use commercial-grade digital cameras, lighting and sound recording equipment to give a client's message a professional look and sound.

How long does it take to make a video?

The Stylus process includes meeting with the client to determine the best message to highlight in the video, creating a production plan, drafting a script for the video, and determining the best camera and audio techniques to use. Shooting can last from a few hours to a day or two. After that, we will edit and encode the video for the client's website. From start to finish, Stylus can usually produce an Internet video in two to three weeks.

How will the video be seen?

The digital video used by Stylus allows us to encode and format a video to a streaming media file while maintaining the highest resolution and audio quality. The file can be converted into the most widely used formats available today. Stylus works with a client's website hosting company to incorporate a link to the video clip so that viewing the video clip will be a "one click" step for a viewer.

I know some viewers will use dial-up modem connections and some will use high speed broadband. Who will be able to see a video on my website?

Depending on your website viewing audience, Stylus will enable the video clip to be seen by clients using telephone "dial-up" connections or those with faster "broadband" connections. Stylus accomplishes this by encoding the digital video file at several different speeds, thereby ensuring that no matter what speed your viewers connect to your website, they will be able to see your video.

Who will host my video?

In some cases, the company that hosts a client's website can also host a video. Often, a hosting company's computers are not configured with the proper protocols to host a streaming video. Stylus will determine whether a client's hosting company has the capabilities to store and stream the encoded video. If this is possible, Stylus will usually recommend a client use their own website hosting company to host their video also as this is usually more cost efficient. In instances when a client's web hosting company cannot store and stream videos, Stylus maintains an account with a national premier hosting company for the sole purpose of storing and streaming client's videos.