At the 2012 Fall Women Business Owners Conference I had the pleasure of giving the afternoon presentation with stylist Vivian Infantino.  We talked with business owners about entering the world of video.  As part of the program, one participant was awarded a sample video.  A video introduction for their web site.  We promised that we would share our progress as we created that video.  The winner was Vermont Lodging Properties Christine Fraioli.  We'll have the finished edit for you soon!

Vivian has written up the experience from her point of view.  In a future post, I'll share mine.  Thanks Vivian!

Our video shoot , which required coordination of the schedules of 3 self-employed women, finally took place on a snowy day in March.

So what does a Stylist prep for and look for when working on-location, let’s say, in the home of the person being photographed or videoed….. ? First of all, I look to see how the DP (Director of Photography), Producer, and/or Videographer (in this case Marion is wearing all three hats) has decided on and created a “set” or location for the video to take place.  

In Christine’s lovely home, it was easy to visualize what Marion had in mind, having Christine and her husband, John, comfortably seated in their living room, chatting about their business, Vermont Lodging Properties.

I also take a “broader” look around the location as it gives me lots of information about the person(s) being interviewed, the lighting for the day (if natural and/or supplemented)… in fact, I’ve found that I like to take ‘behind the scenes” photos as they help my muscle memory nail down what I learn about a person, and of course try to bring that out when selecting wardrobe and helping with grooming.  Christine’s  love of color in her home easily influenced our  wardrobe selection.

One of my favorite photos is that of Christine and John’s dining table juxtaposed against the full windows on each wall letting in cool (and snowy) winter light and the warmth of the room. I got the sense that Christine thoroughly enjoys entertaining and loves having friends and family at her dining table.  I also loved an entry way display, photos of Christine in the ‘70’s set against a lovely antique table and table décor.

With Marion’s guidance and relaxed interview process, I could monitor on camera as well as observe (pay attention) to all the details in the frame. Christine asked to include a dear friend’s testimonial , which “worked” from all points of view, including Bronwyn’s wardrobe selection which contrasted that of the Vermont Lodging Properties owners .  I always kept an eye on lighting, and making sure that “grooming” was in place

I've been shooting and watching the Death Race since it's first year when my friend athlete Doug Lewis joined the race thinking it was a 10 mile trail run with a few obstacles.  He was surprised to find there was almost NO running, but his competitive nature kicked in and he not only completed, but won the race.

This year as a videographer I was actually part of the race.  Each competitor had to demo a work out for the camera, later on they had to memorize a quote from Ernest Shackleton and recite it on camera. 

When not shooting video I managed to grab a few snapshots of the athletes.

Every year the race is different.  But every year the athletes and the stories that develop amaze me.

Some of the Death Racers and race volunteers have written about their experiences.  What does it mean to quit? to DNF? How does it help you grow?

My Muddy Shoes "To DNF is Human"
Vermont Scrubnut "Winter Death Race Insanity"
Race Ipsa Loquitor "The First DNF"
Fitness Overload "Winter Death Race 2013"
Nele Schulze  "Winter Death Race 2012"
Legend of the Death Race " Winter Death Race: Frozen "

Thanks Death Racers.

At this year's Fall WBON conference at the Basin Harbor Club business owner Christine Fraioli won coaching by Vivian Infantino and an introductory video from Madmotion.  We have been asked to report on the process of this project as a follow up to our presentation "You are your Brand - Presenting Yourself in Online Video."

Step one is coordinating 3 people with busy schedules.  That can be harder than you'd think.  We have a phone conference scheduled for mid November, with a shoot date at the end of the month.  In the meantime I've asked Christine to fill out a basic questionnaire to help her think about the video.  You can read it here.

This year WBON held it's Fall Conference at the Basin Harbor Club.  I've been looking for an excuse to hang out there for YEARS.  What a beautiful piece of old Vermont.

Vivian Infantino and I gave the afternoon presentation.  We introduced business owners to the world of online video and helped them understand the variety of options available to represent their brand.  It was a great audience with questions ranging from make up and style, to lighting technique, to google ranking for YouTube.  

The conference started with a keynote speech by Jeanne Morrissey.  Among other inspiring mind altering things, she reminded us all that even after success "I still don't have anything to lose except everything. When it's not working, and you've exhausted all the worldly steps toward resolution, the real solution arrives when you feel peace with your decision."


I had the good fortune to attend two of the "break out" sessions.  One by Markey Read "Who are your customers and how to find them."  She gave me new insight into determining who my primary customers really are. In the afternoon I listened to Kristin Carlson, Sarah Spencer, and Kate Paine describe the daily routine of a TV, radio  and print reporter.  Take away - If you want her attention, don't call a TV reporter in the last few hours before she goes on air.

For those of you who attended our presentation, you can see the "Prezi" and examples on our resource page.  In a few weeks we'll post the video we make for our contest winner there with notes about how we made it.

This week we spent  7 days of shooting with Firedancer's director Bob Griffiths and producer Sharon Shepard-Levine.  I could not have done it without my excellent crew: 
Rich Fredette, Geoff Eades,  Dan Mazur, Mike Turner, and Blake Farnham.

Special thanks to MISIMITPO and the color orange.

To look at his smile after completing the Spartan Beast at Killington you'd think it was easy.  

We picked Chris up just before 3am on Saturday September 22nd and drove him to meet Spartan Race founder Joe Desena at Killington.  By 4am, in the clear cool starry night, Chris began the 13 mile 35 obstacle race.  I set him up with a POV camera and followed him on and off over the first few miles through the dark.  While my crew (Blake) rushed back to base to pick up time lapse shots of dawn breaking, Forest Call walked the entire trip with Chris.  It wasn't until about 5:30 pm that we were able to walk Chris through the finish line.

We've put together a video for Spartan coaching following Chris on his entire 20 week experience here in Pittsfield Vermont at Spartan HQ culminating with his experience at the Killington Beast. 

Great job Chris, I can't wait to see what you take on next!
[videography: Marion Dane Abrams, Forest Call, Blake Farnham]

Have you heard about Chris Davis?  Not too long ago he was 700lbs.  He measured the distance he could walk in feet, and had to plan his route from car to office carefully.  He went to the doctor to see about gastric bypass surgery and was told he was TOO HEAVY.  Chris motivated himself, lost 100 pounds, had the bypass surgery and has not stopped pushing himself since.

Today finds him in Pittsfield Vermont, home of the Spartan Race "Spartan HQ," where he is training for next week's Spartan Ultra Beast.  It's a 26+ mile obstacle course on the face of Killington Mountain.  We've been documenting his progress in weekly videos for the last 20 weeks, and we can't wait to see him take on the Ultra Beast.  Go get it Chris!  We're rooting for you.

You can follow Chris on Facebook at the Project Chris Davis page. 

"Flood Bound" will air on Vermont public television for the first anniversary of Hurricane / Tropical Storm Irene.  We will also have DVDs available for purchase at www.FloodBound.com in a few weeks.

Watch "Flood Bound" on VPT:
Thursday August 16th - 8:00 pm
Monday August 20th - 7:00 pm
Saturday August 25th - 4:00 pm

Learn more at www.FloodBound.com.