StormMaker Productions, Inc.

05/22/2024

A laugh to lift your day.

**A Funny Story from the Field**

Reposted with permission from one of our camera operators.

We were filming a TV show back in the day, and the majority of it took place outdoors in the backcountry. This setting presented numerous natural hazards we had to be cautious about. Our primary concern was preventing anyone on the production team from getting bitten by a snake. To mitigate the risk of ticks, we had everyone wear long sleeves and pants to make it harder for the ticks to latch on.

However, there was one hazard we didn’t pay attention to—stationary dangers. Here's the story:

It was a typical hot Southern California day, and we were deep in the brush, getting our last shots before lunch. The camera operator, hot and sweaty, had to take a small break between shots. Back then, cameras were massive, shoulder-mounted devices that weighed a ton, and after holding them in the baking sun all morning, they would get quite heavy. The camera operator set the camera down and took a knee while the director explained the action for the next shot. When it was time to shoot again, the operator put his hand on the ground to help himself up, grabbed the camera, and finished the last shots.

We all headed back to base camp, and the camera operator went straight to the port-a-john. Then the day proceeded as planned. Later that evening, the camera operator developed an intense, uh, itch down yonder. Understandably freaked out, he noticed a rash developing there as well on the side of his face. So straight to Urgent Care he went.

It turned out he had set the camera and his hand into poison oak during his break. The oils spread to the aforementioned areas.

The old motto "Watch where you squat" still applies to this day. Needless to say, we've added poison oak to our safety checklist when working outdoors.

Of all the hazards we encounter on our projects, like hanging out of a helicopter while filming or getting run over by NFL players, the last one we expected to face was a toxic bush. Stay safe out there, and let us know if you need any help with your outdoor projects—we’ve done them all.

05/20/2024

Silent Video Gains Momentum

It’s estimated that 85% of short videos viewed on Facebook are watched without sound.

Yet as much as 41% of video would be incomprehensible to viewers without sound.

This is why video marketers are using captions, context, and other “no-audio” tactics to convey information.

Audioless animations such as GIFs have long been doing just that.

Using captions, tell-through-action, and commonly known meme formats, GIFs convey ideas without sound. And their popularity has grown as a result.

Read more here.

https://explodingtopics.com/blog/video-trends

If you need captions for your website videos and/or help navigating the latest trends, contact us so we can help you out!

Here are 7 of the most significant video trends for 2024 and beyond. And the meta-trends, products, and companies pushing them forward.

06/23/2023

We are thrilled to have been an integral part of the Catalina Film Festival since its inception in 2011. It has been an incredible journey, and now we are eagerly gearing up for Year 13!

To celebrate this milestone, my team StormMaker Productions, Inc. Inc. have crafted a captivating video showcasing the enchanting beauty of this exceptional island and the unforgettable experiences offered at the festival. Sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the magic!