80sec VIDEO EXAMPLE: Cable television PSA. Features three spokespersons, including a local politician, as well as stock music.… Read the rest
How Much Does a TV Commercial Cost?

Few things have such a cost variance as television ads. For most people, what’s not surprising is how expensive they can be. However, what may be surprising is how inexpensive TV advertising can be. (Having said that, the least expensive options may not be the best opportunities, either).
Overall, the cost of producing a commercial … Read the rest
Call 211
30sec VIDEO EXAMPLE: Features stock video, custom graphics, motion graphics and voice-over. Primary message (“Call 211”) visible most of the time. Supporting messages visible for less time. … Read the rest
Visit Korea
60sec VIDEO EXAMPLE: Social media promo video to encourage South Korean tourism. Features stock music, motion graphic titles, stock video and visual effects (VFX).… Read the rest
The #1 Error in TV Commercial & Video Production

OK, yes, it’s true: there are in fact numerous errors that can be made when planning or hiring professionals for a video production. So how can only one be prioritized?
In my years of producing over 1300 videos for TV, web and social media, the #1 error that I encounter boils down to this: … Read the rest
Video and TV Interview Tips

Getting interviewed as a guest on a TV talk show or a video program is easy … or is it?
You might think it’s the interviewer who has the tough job. The person asking the questions is the one that is supposed to be in charge and keep things moving along, ideally in an interesting … Read the rest
Quest of the Keys
30sec VIDEO EXAMPLE. Web and social media promo video. Created with still photos and a custom music composition. Features visual effects (VFX) and motion graphics. High-impact titles convey the message.… Read the rest
The Three Essential Ingredients for Successful TV Advertising
Stew Birbrower is interviewed by George Alger on the the basics of advertising and successful TV commercials. This brief excerpt from the interview highlights some of the most fundamental points, including:
1) Catch their eye
2) Penetrate their mind
3) Warm their heart
He also notes that music is a big part of the … Read the rest
Soap, Sex, and Cigarettes
The above video illustrates the evolution of advertising from early newspaper ads in colonial times to today’s online advertising.
The video is hosted by Jared Bauer, who explores the topic of “Why Our Ads Are Different Now,” referencing the history of advertising from the book: Soap, Sex, and Cigarettes by Juliann Sivulka.
The book’s … Read the rest
Clothes To Wear For A TV Interview

Even if you’re the kind of person who pays little attention to what you wear on a day-to-day basis, it’s useful to know a few things about the nature of clothing as it relates to TV and video.
Bear the obvious in mind: cameras, computer monitors and TV screens are not people, they’re machines. And … Read the rest