For Moviemedia crew shooting onshore, offshore, up in the air or down on the ground is sometimes all in a day’s work, make that a couple of days work.
This time I experienced it too. I was asked to go with our crew for a 2-day off shore shoot.
First I thought it would be lots of fun and adventure joining the team for
this shoot but not for long.

Day 1:

We started off from our office straight to the port.  We boarded the boat (seems big enough for me) and arranged our stuff.  I was checking the sea and assumed that today it was calm.  As we set sail I asked the captain if the sea is ok and he told me that its ok but the sea is starting to swell and we have 1-2 feet of waves.  So in my mind I measured 1-2 feet and told my self that it’s not high.  Then after a few minutes I felt that the boat is quite shaky and asked the captain what’s happening and he said that its ok we are just experiencing small waves.

So after 1 hour of travelling I started to feel a cold sweat and started throwing up… whew it’s so bad that I just lay down and slept. While thinking what will happen to me in the middle of the sea Arul our cameraman rushed in and informed us that we are now approaching the vessel and need to go out and start video shooting.  Honestly, I don’t know if I could stand but fortunately I did.

By evening we had to transfer to the larger ship where we were to spend the night and return to the smaller boat early morning to complete the shoot. But transferring is not as easy as I thought it would be. Our transportation from one deck to the other was something I had never experienced before … it was on a Billy Pugh.

My initial nervous reaction was ‘why am I here?’ But I don’t have time to question, to ask and to complain just wear the life jacket and hold on tight… and I survived (I hope in flying colours=) We slept overnight on this big ship and WOW should I say the accommodation was like a five star hotel. It was very impressive.  This big ship is so clean and well-maintained even though it was not a passenger cruise liner. The food was good too and of course everybody on the ship was nice and very accommodating.

Day 2:
Woke up by 4 am to get ready since we need to be on our service boat by 6 am to start shooting.  Can’t eat much of the breakfast since I’m expecting that the sea would be like yesterday. The sea was little quieter than yesterday but still it’s like its rocking me up and down.  We need to start shooting since the operation has started.  George, our producer-director, asked me to eat something and then that’s it… the food I ate was in the bin again…

I drank some water and again back to the restroom… its now taking its toll to me… I thought I’m going to die…(actually I already called all the saints that I know) then I asked George if he is ok and told me that he is but I don’t see that on his face. I know he was struggling but we need to get good shots so the work must continue.

Wow how’s that for passion and commitment to get the job done right!  Then I heard the news that we cannot return to the port today but need to sleep one more night on the big ship… Back to the Billy Pugh. Sigh! So we finished the day wondering that what if our crew are not committed and just lay down and felt sick?

To be continued…
-Ody-

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Last Thursday, we had a visitor who came to our house to present something.  At first I did not get any brief about what they are selling but I know that they are selling some stuff. They came and opened their laptop, opened a power point. I listened carefully and tried understanding their view point and the important things that I need to know.  To cut the long story short, they presented it well and with flying colours but I told them that there is a better way of doing it… Video! Everyone knows the impact of videos.  If they had used a professionally produced product video it would have been easier for them to concentrate on the main points and explain more about their products. We have a vast range of products and services where we help SME’s to convey their message to their audience effectively. From a simple product video to a GM’s speech to a simple marketing video we can do it for you with simple budgets on simpleproductions. By the way we have some samples for you, just email us and we will send a link. -Ody-

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Probably you all know where to find videos. There is a proliferation of websites like Youtube, metacafe, dailymotion etc. who are hosting videos of all types… Be it in drama, comedy, action or even scandals are now being played there.

But how is the quality of the videos? Mostly bad!

I don’t have anything against people who are uploading their videos, hey that’s great if you want to share something with the world but I am referring to companies who want to share their goals and ambitions, who want to promote their products or services, who want to increase their product recall and branding…

If you are a company and would like to be “IN” with the world by having a video online please ensure that it is properly done, properly produced and made by a professional or else it will just go to waste or worse close down your business.

Many people think they can just point and shoot, write something (usually copy the text from their brochures) and edit it in house using their laptops.  Well if you are making a horror film you can but this is different.

Gaining your clients’ trust is key to your success.  The quality of your corporate video or marketing film will convey a subliminal message that your products and services are of the same standards. You don’t need to get a Hollywood producer to do your video but always think of getting it done by professionals - people who have the experience and the passion for it.

-ody-

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Sometime back I called some of our prospective clients.

To my questions whether they have requirements for a corporate video the answers ranged from “hmm let me think” or “Uhmn I don’t know” or “We don’t need it”.

Corporate videos can be a critically important for companies who are big and new.  It is also an important sales tool which is one of the most cost-effective and innovative ways to promote your company. 

Here are my top 5 signs that indicate you need a corporate video: 

Who are you? How do you present your company to your clients? 

Do you have a story telling strategy to tell your story for 15 minutes? 

Just think about this, you have two minutes of your client’s time to tell him who you are and what you do and playing your corporate video is a great way to introduce your company.  Moving pictures and music can make your prospective client watch, listen and understand who you are and make a difference. I’m pretty sure they will ask question afterwards.

Want to tell people that you are not a hole-in-the-wall operation?

You have a sophisticated and state of the art facility with highly competitive, talented and professional staff but how will you tell that to your client?  But will your client believe you if you just say it or write it?

I don’t think so, as they say ‘to see is to believe”.  So why not show them your facilities, staff and your location through your corporate video?  This is important to you so you can establish that you have the abilities to provide good quality service.

Do you have an extensive product range or products you cannot take with you?

Well, you can do so virtually through a video. If you cannot transport it physically do so via the video. Seeing is believing even if it is a virtual image.

You have plans of joining exhibitions, trade shows or an event.

Do you know that you only have 5 seconds to attract passing visitors to your exhibition stand?  Setting up TV screens in your stand showing your corporate, marketing or product video is an easy way to get people to stop and watch. Your goal is to grab their attention to learn more about you.

Testimonials

Do you have customers who are so happy with your services and products that they are willing to vouch for it?

There is nothing more convincing than having your satisfied customers talk about your products and services.  This is one extremely effective way to promote your business and to tell your target group that you’re the real deal.

I am convinced that videos are the best and cost effective way of marketing your company, products and services.  Don’t wait, start now! 

-ody-

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I am unashamedly going to use superlatives here but then everything about the Burj Dubai renamed Burj Khalifa warrants it does it not? It is the tallest free-standing structure in the world, the tallest building, the tallest tower ad infinitum.

Its opening ceremony on 4 January, 2010 was a jaw dropping event too featuring 10,000 fireworks, light beams projected on and around the tower, sound, light and water effects. Burj Khalifa is the centrepiece of a large-scale, mixed-use development that includes homes, hotels such as The Address Downtown Burj Khalifa, parkland, residential towers, the Dubai Mall, and the man-made Burj Khalifa Lake.

Arul our cameraman was excited on the day of the opening as most cameraman are when the subject is an iconic once in a lifetime event. He spent the morning scouting for suitable locations and by the time the inauguration got off to a start Arul had positioned Saju, his assistant cameraman at the Dusit Thani Hotel’s multistoreyed car park for close up shots since it is just across the Burj Khalifa. Arul stationed himself near the Business Bay bridge for an unobstructed view of the tower.
His efforts were worth it. Here is a brief video as well as some memorable stills taken by him and Saju and edited by Ramji our editor.

-Kokila-

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Our producer George brings his new year message from Dubai’s famed creek and on an ‘abra’ the traditional transport that is so unique to this city.

Why the creek?
The past year has been a tough one for many – some may have felt that they were up the creek without a paddle – but many of us are paddling on up and down the creek and have ushered in the new year with extra verve and energy.

On behalf of MovieMedia and dineoutemirates.com we wish to thank all who have been supportive over the years and with your blessings we have managed to put behind us 2009 with no upheavals. From all of us, sincere wishes to all of you for a wonderful 2010!

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Struggling? Or still alive and kicking?

Well here is your opportunity to tell them personally that you are stronger than ever.  Moviemedia has created the video greetings for just this purpose.

Why video greetings?

Click here to find out: 
http://www.moviemedia.tv/newsletter/newsletter1/newslettervideo.php

Don’t just sit there and wait! Make your move now and let them know that you are still in the game!

So what are you waiting for? Prices start @ Dhs 999 if you book before 16 December 2009.
For more details please click here

-Ody-

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Have you tried everything and still struggling to get customers? Have you tried all the traditional marketing tools and still you think its not effective?

Well, if your answer is yes don’t worry there are a lot of marketers who have the same answers and right now are struggling to survive the financial crisis.

Most of us now started marketing online, We believe that using the internet to market your product is the best and easiest way to do it. But using internet is not the only answer. The content should also be interesting if you want to be successful. Nowadays,nobody wants to read the whole specs and information about your products. That’s why video is one of the most viewed item online.  They just want to watch,listen and be entertained as well. They want to see the actual thing,they want it to be real and satisfy their needs and ideas.

Been there, done that…
Ok so you created your website, you have published all your products and specs. Introduced your clients and they have given you testimonials. Everything you have done is correct.  You hired SEO experts, joined social networks, published your daily blog etc.  You even used a home made video
about your products. But still not getting enough right?

What’s next?
Yes we agree that what you have done is correct except, the video part. If you want people to believe you and your company, a proper professionally produced video must be created.  Why?  Because you value your company and you need to project that you have the means and that they can rely on you. You need to tell them your story and prove that you only use the best ideas and things in life. You can also get some video testimonials for people to believe that these are real people… not like written testimonials… At the end of the day you need to tell your story effectively.

So grab your phones now and call us, maybe we can help you in that.

-Ody-

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Companies are still trying to survive the financial crisis.  Some say it will end soon but some say it will continue.  Experts are now coming out with some advice on how to get out of the Rat Race.

Racing to survive in these difficult times can be very tiring and very dangerous. Experts are right that you need to get out of it as soon as possible or else you will just go round and round and round… So instead of joining the rat race, be the cat in the rat race.

Start looking for rats
Start looking for hungry companies.  Give them ideas on how you can help them survive.  Don’t look for the rat traps since there is already a trap there but target a specific prospective client who may need your help.

Don’t wait, chase them!
It’s not easy to market, but if you have old clients and have a good relationship with them, this is the right time to meet them again.

Get ready for the KILL!
Once you see a buying signal, you should be ready for a kill.  No more doubts.  This is your chance, so be ready.

Every company has its own strengths and weaknesses but concentrate on your strengths and you will get a big meow out of it.

Happy hunting!

-Ody-

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I was watching a TV commercial yesterday and it said “6 facilities, 6 choices in one great place”.  I just thought if we will be making a TV commercial for ourselves here at Moviemedia, the same tag line would apply.
Why? Because Movie media is a complete script-to-screen video production house based here in Dubai.  It’s a one-stop-shop. We have the facilities, the equipments, the people, the experience and the best that we have is the passion.  You should see our guys working under the heat of the sun and laughing, you should see our guys staying overnight just to finish editing, you should see them on site enjoying what they do.  This is their passion, this is their entire objective, to finish and deliver on time.

Somebody asked me if we deliver on time, I usually say that we do and even if there are any obstacles we will ensure that deadlines are met no matter what. There will always be a solution and usually sometimes it’s a blessing in disguise.

-Ody-

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Many prospective clients ask us what cameras we use, what lights we have, the editing suite we have and others.  Some say they want a Hollywood production and should be on international standards.  Yes I agree with them but is that the only criteria for selecting a production house?

Experience
You should check out our experience, our capabilities and what we have done. We’ve been here for quite sometime and we have made a lot of films specially serious business to business videos.

Equipment
We don’t rent.  We have our own film and video production gear including edit suites.  This saves a lot of time and money for our customers/clients.

People
We don’t outsource and have a full fledged production team inhouse.  Our film crew are fully trained and skilled graduates from film schools.

Passion
We love what we are doing and we are passionate about our work.  

Standards
We are particular about the standards we maintain. We are our own worst critics. The productions have to meet our own excacting standards before they meet our client’s.

We work on the premise of being on time, on budget and to international quality standards. These are the things that matter most to us in ensuring client satisfaction.

-Ody-

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Moviemedia started dineoutemirates.com early this year. As of press time it is evolving and growing both in content and popularity. We are adding enormous amount of information, games and prizes.  We also have new restaurant videos and more tips and tricks videos.  Last month we added a new feature where members and visitors of dineoutemirates can download a discount voucher from participating restaurants and pay less when they visit that restaurant. dineoutemirates new home page itself has interesting additions like the ‘gourmet dictionary, did you know?, food funnies and featured restaurant’. All these are now online and active on the site.

dineoutemirates.com evolution is credited to the hard working Moviemedia team. dineoutemirates will continue to update and upgrade so visitors and advertisers will get additional benefits from the site. Rome was not built in a day, as they say. We keep building on the foundation as we reach for the skies.

Check out the site @ www.dineoutemirates.com

-Ody-

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We usually go out for a meeting or clients visit us here in the studios.
In all these we prepare what we call a marketing kit and bag.
Here are my tips on how to prepare for a sales presentation:

Believe and study:
Study all the products that you have, understand each benefit and its importance.
Believe in yourself that you can do this and you can answer all questions.
Believe in your product.

Prepare something new and engaging:
Tired of talking from start to finish and at the end of the meeting they just ask you again what you offer?
Try making something new that will engage your prospective client to listen and understand what and who you are.
Make a corporate video if you would like them to know about your company, make product videos to show them different products and show them the benefits, make a marketing video to tell them what you can provide and how good your services are.
You have a lot of choices it you are open to new things specially the power of video.

Triple Check:
I used to check all the things the day before the meeting but I check again before leaving the office. Why? Because it helps!
What if after you check somebody just borrowed something from the things you have prepared, what if something just fell off.
Triple check your things and make sure its all in the bag.

Who and Where:
Make some research about the company that you are going to meet.
Their goals, achievements and history.
Call and ask for location map or a route map.
Make sure you have the right one.

Be sure:
Before leaving for a meeting, (based on my experiences) call the person whom you are going to meet and confirm the meeting.
Inform him that you are now leaving office and will be there by such time of the day.
Once you arrive inform the secretary that you are there for a meeting if you are early inform the secretary that you are a little early and willing to wait.

Make sure you bring everything you need before leaving office or else you may just find yourself out on a limb.

-Ody-

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Are you wondering whether your business can survive this summer heat wave?
Everybody is on vacation and the heat is getting to you…
Stop pressuring yourself and start doing something to energize your business in summer.
Here are my business survival tips:

Be honest and plan again:
Is your plan working? Do you have a plan B?
This summer we should be realistic.  As they say “Honesty is the best policy”.
This summer evaluate yourself and your company.
Be honest and realistic about the situation identifying the problems.
Plan and develop new strategies on how to overcome these problems.

Plant now and harvest later.
Did you hear this phrase “ No Pain, No Gain” ?
Well I’m sure you did and in business this is also true.
Even during the downturn you need to invest in the future.
I call these wise investments.  Like for example, summer time is the best time to prepare your marketing power.
Make a corporate video or marketing videos (contact us we’ll show you how) which you can use in presenting your company.
Make product videos that can explain your products productively.
Invest now on such products.

Summer prices.
You always get good deals in summer, so look around and make use of such opportunities.
They are not available all the time.
Like MovieMedia, we have created SimpleProductions for simple budgets for simple product videos, GM’s speechs, invitations and web videos.

Ask the masters.
Have you watched a kung fu film/movie?
Remember that if the star has been beaten he automatically goes back to his master? Well, we should do that too.
We should have masters in our business.  The one who can give us advise.
Look for somebody who is in the business for a long time.

Eventually we have to be brave and wise if we want to survive this summer.
Be positive and pro active.
Listen to and learn from people who have been there.
Invest in good seeds and don’t forget to water them with love and passion.

-Ody-

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I have experienced summer heat for the last three years now and you know I still wonder how we all survive. With the intense heat one newspaper documented that they can cook an egg under the heat of the sun. hmmnnn… Don’t want to be like that right?

Summer in UAE means lean months, low business opportunity and almost everybody is going out of town for a vacation. Imagine summer in UAE + Global Crisis = No Business!

Why do we need to be negative? Why do we need to stop and put our plans on hold? Why do we need to feel that it’s the end of the world? Its not, so wake up!

Here are (for me) 5 things to battle summer business meltdown:

1. Hey are you still there? Well honestly, you need to tell your target group that you are still alive and kicking. That you are ready to serve and provide good service when they need it. Send a video link stating that you are still in business and will always be available. Tell them personally and assure them of your support. As they say - to see is to believe.

2. Anything new? If you have new products and if you have new services that you want them to know this is the best time to tell them about it. Make a new product video and send them video links so they can see your new stuff and new services.

3. Training makes a difference. Investing in your staff is the best thing to do while everything is quiet. Make some training videos which they can watch over and over again. Make your people confident and make sure that they have the tools to face business challenges.

4. Make some investments: This is the time to prepare your marketing campaign. Make a marketing video that shows your company and your products. Show them how they can get value from your products, how cost effective they are, how it will benefit them. Build credibility and trust and assure them you are always ready to extend a helping hand.

5. Keep in touch. This is important. Keeping in touch with your old clients and making sure that they are alright, and keeping in touch even with your prospective clients. There is nothing wrong in calling them every now and then, but don’t over do it or else they’ll just say “I’ll call you if we need you”.

Come on guys don’t just sit there and wait for the financial crisis to crush you. Give us a call (04 2683873) for producing that very vital marketing video enabling you to reach out to your client base confidently and effectively.

-Ody-

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“A group of people working together to achieve their goals”

As we finish a film and get ready to start a new one I usually wonder how it will work and what its impact will be.
To start a new film we need to consider a lot of things like date of shooting, time, place or location, people and clients’ availability.
CLIENTS need to be cooperative and active as well since they own the place and they know what they want to show.
Making a good film needs teamwork.
We (as professional film makers) work with our clients towards a common goal.
It shows since we are working with companies who value what is needed to be done, Who want to have an effective and productive film.

Do you want to team up with us and work together on your project?
Call us now maybe we can help…

-Ody-

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Ever wonder why we often hear people ask which country the goods they are buying are made from?

Well they are trying to check if it has been manufactured in a country whose quality standards they believe they can trust.

When I was young (actually I still am..) my relatives from the US occasionally sent us some gifts such as shirts, bags, shoes and other stuff. We called them ‘imported’ since they came from the US.  Once while I was inspecting one of the bags the stitches on its straps came undone. I said to myself, I think this is not class A or of a good quality. I checked where it was made and found myself in a state of shock. It was made near the place where I live!  

It is human nature to want the best quality, we should use the same yardstick when we are seeking services from companies. If you are a company requiring a corporate or marketing video how would you go about selecting a production house to do the job for you?

There are plenty of video production companies but how do you decide who you can trust to deliver the quality you desire? You will surely look for professionals and not just amateurs who just point, shoot and edit.I am glad that I am with the company who knows what they are doing, who have studied film making, who are professionals, who are doing their job with passion and dedication.

So before you decide who will make your corporate or marketing videos, check them out, check their credentials, the people behind it, their clients and ask yourself if they are passionate enough to produce a good film for you.

-Ody-

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As the skies darkened and lightening lit the sky we started showing the dineoutemirates.com introductory video .
I was on tenterhooks and kept praying that the rains would hold out until the video ended since it was an open air event at the Westin Hotel in Dubai. (http://www.dineoutemirates.com/DOE.html)
And it did. Whew!
But just as the Hot Hotelier team started to announce the winner of the raffle grand prize – which we at MovieMedia had sponsored – the heavens opened. Kabooomm…kawooosssshhhh…strong winds…then a deluge.
It was as if the rains had waited to shower blessings on the grand prize from us!
Some ran to the hotel… others just stayed braving the winds and the downpour.
Next thing we were all wet and smiling… smiling with relief that our presentation was not a wash out.
After the event I realized that if you have that single chance take it or
else the wind will just blow it away and the rain will just wash it away.
And I am once again reminded of what’s happening now.
The financial crisis.
Everybody is tightening their advertising and marketing budgets.
But I believe this is your chance… your chance to show your prospective clients that you are still in the game, that you will not sit down and wait till recession crushes you.
That you will survive.
This is your chance to look at the silver lining in the cloud.
As they say ‘the sun always comes out after heavy rains.’
If you want to give your business a boost contact us now for cost effective marketing videos called SimpleProductions.
- Ody -

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News Update : ” Bad weather for the next few days “
Last Wednesday, we presented www.dineoutemirates.com at the Hot Hoteliers networking evening at the Westin Hotel in Dubai.
We went early to set things up as we geared up for our first public presentation of dineoutemirates.com
As the evening got underway we saw some clouds gathering in the sky.
We fervently hoped it would not rain as it was an open air event.
And I was ready to even do a rain dance to prevent the threatening downpour (as our ancestors say ‘do a rain dance to stop the rain’).
The only thing that stopped me was the presence of 200 guests at the venue!
The wind started picking up and soon it was like a charging bull.
Then I felt a few drops of water.
Concerned about our camera and computer equipment I was ready to cancel the presentation.
But George, our producer and MD, was in a battle mode and not willing to give up easily.
Then… we saw lightning streak across the sky.
It reminded me of my mom telling me that “Lightning strikes only once.”
So I consoled myself and braced myself to get on with it…

To be continued….
-Ody-

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Previously, I wrote about SimpleProductions and well as of now we’ve got some real good feedback.
Click these links and you will know what I mean:
www.moviemedia.tv/6seconds/HomePage.htm
www.moviemedia.tv/jerome.html
These links are samples of a simple production, which we are promoting now to help companies convey their message with maximum impact and of course cost effectively.
From a simple product video to a general manager’s speech to an event invitation, we can do it for you on simple budgets.
So hey… what are you waiting for? Pick up that phone and call us now!
-Ody-

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