The Motion Source Video Production Blog

"Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.”

- Benjamin Franklin

February 23, 2018

Simple Tips for a Successful Audition

By Michelle Maslanka • Producer

As a production company, we cast on-screen talent quite often for roles in everything from industrials to commercials to music videos and short films. Holding auditions allows us to meet and connect with actors on a more personal level compared to simply reviewing resumes, reels, and video submissions. Based on my experience coordinating casting calls and sitting in on auditions, I have put together a few tips to keep in mind to give you the best chance of success!

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February 09, 2018

4 Key Elements to an Emotionally Compelling Story

By Michelle Maslanka • Producer

Everyone aspires to tell an engaging story these days. Creating an emotional connection with the audience can be a challenge, but it is going to give you the best possible chance of drawing them in and building a relationship. From a video standpoint, there are key elements to consider. I called on the expertise of Creative Director Craig Bass and Senior Editor and Hunter Kallenbach for their insight into the world of visual storytelling.

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January 26, 2018

The Superhero Sensation: From Comics to Film

By Steve Brown • Project Manager

Chances are if you're going to see a movie this year, it will either be a movie based on a comic book, or you will, at the very least, see a poster or trailer for a movie based on a comic book. A total of nine superhero blockbusters will be released this year, and while that number may seem high, it's certainly not a new trend. 2016 supplied seven movies based on comic books, while 2017 handed out eight; superhero movies are on the rise.

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January 12, 2018

New Year’s Resolutions (For Your 2018 Video)

By Michelle Maslanka • Producer

New year, new New Year’s resolutions to make. But let’s be honest, those don’t typically last very long, right? While we won’t be able to help with your resolutions per se, we can help with your 2018 marketing goals. Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular New Year’s resolutions in terms of video production. Whether or not you follow through with your personal goals, these resolutions can help keep your project goals on track.

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December 29, 2017

The Making of: The Motion Source Holiday Video Card

By Michelle Maslanka • Producer

Many people send out greeting cards of good wishes this time of year. Seeing as video is our specialty, we chose this medium to spread holiday cheer! Featuring holiday food and drink favorites like peppermint bark, hot chocolate, and homemade cookies, this year’s video card set out to whet the audience’s appetite. Go behind the scenes with us as we share with you how the video was cooked up. ‘Tis the season to be joy-full!

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December 15, 2017

Client Profile + BTS: The Andrew Weishar Foundation

By Michelle Maslanka • Producer

Motion Source and The Andrew Weishar Foundation teamed up for the second time to create a new video for their annual fundraising event, WeishFest. It was back in 2015 when the two organizations met and partnered to produce their first video sharing the story of the foundation's namesake, Andrew, and their mission of "Paying It Forward." This time around, we had the opportunity to tell the story of a young girl's brave battle with cancer.

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November 17, 2017

Lessons Learned from Timed Film Competitions

By Michelle Maslanka • Producer

Film competitions are increasingly popular, especially in the independent filmmaking community. These online contests allow for indie filmmakers around the world to create and showcase their works in the company of their global creative peers. Subcategories have splintered out, including timed film competitions: the premise that, within a given timeframe (48 hours being the most popular), a team will write, shoot, and edit a short film. A few members of the Motion Source team recently participated in a 77-hour film competition and came away with not only a completed short film, "The Golden Lion," but with lessons that can be applied to future productions.

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November 03, 2017

Motion Source Wins Four Vega Digital Awards!

By Michelle Maslanka • Producer

Another #WeekOfWinners in the books! Over the last four days, we have revealed our four Vega Digital Award-winning videos. Now, to round out the week, we want to give you some background information on this year’s competition, introduce you to the key players behind these projects, and share with you their insight and reaction to winning these awards.

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October 20, 2017

Motion Source Takes on Movember!

By Michelle Maslanka • Producer

Have you ever heard the terms “No Shave November” or “Movember” before? Their popularity has increased rapidly over the years- and for good reason! These annual campaigns take place over the month of November to raise awareness of (and funds for) men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide...all through the power of a moustache! This November, Motion Source is joining the movement by putting down the razors and standing up for men’s health.

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October 06, 2017

How To: Select the Best Interview Setup for Your Video

By Michelle Maslanka • Producer

One of the most common ways to deliver information in a video is through interviews. Once you have decided on an interview-based video, you'll want to think about the type of interview style that works best for your message and location. Here are four different interview setups to consider for your next project.

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September 08, 2017

Location Logistics You Don’t Want to Overlook

By Michelle Maslanka • Producer

Ask anyone in the production industry, and they will tell you that thinking on your feet is crucial during a production day, and that’s not necessarily due to bad planning. There are simply items that land out of the client and crew’s hands causing day-of changes. With that being said, there are certainly logistics that should be coordinated and in place before the production day to keep surprises to a minimum. Each on-location production presents a unique set of challenges, but here is a list of just a few simple, yet occasionally overlooked logistics. Address these items before production, and it will set your day up for success.

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August 25, 2017

Industry Insights: Dog Training with Julie Nelson

By Michelle Maslanka • Producer

Welcome back to our blog series “Industry Insights”, where we interview members of the production world that we have had the opportunity to collaborate with! This week, we are stretching the realm of production to include a Chicagoland dog trainer we recently teamed up with for a project. Working with animals on set can be "ruff", but not with this dynamic duo. Meet Julie Nelson (and Wyatt)!

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August 11, 2017

Not-So-Rotten Tomatoes: Movie Reviews Rotten Tomatoes Got Wrong

By Michelle Maslanka • Producer

Have you ever read a negative review about a movie that you actually really enjoyed? It can certainly incite some confusion, annoyance, and even outrage. But with so many differing opinions out there, it is bound to happen. We decided to conduct an experiment, and took it upon ourselves to actively search for movies we like that received low ratings on the website Rotten Tomatoes. To our surprise, we found A LOT more than we thought we would. Take a look at the “rotten” movies we chose to defend and our own positive reviews of them.

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July 28, 2017

The Vlog Blog: History of Vlogging

By Michelle Maslanka • Producer

Video production is a broad term used to refer to the process of creating a video by capturing moving images. Productions range in size and shape, from commercials to business marketing to music videos to films. But what about homegrown personally-produced videos? They may not hold as much weight in terms of production value, but with the increase in consumer cameras, GoPros, smartphones, and laptops, this subcategory has boomed, allowing for a new type of video production: video blogs, or vlogs.

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July 14, 2017

How To: Select the Right Music for Your Project

By Michelle Maslanka • Producer

Studies have proven that music affects our mood. So choosing the right music track for your video is vital in evoking a specific feeling in your audience. But aside from the right feeling, your music track should fall in the right budget. Different types of music licenses come in at different price points. And with so many options, how do you choose “the one”?? Here are a few points to keep in mind when contemplating music options that will help you in the selection process. Now, doesn’t that sound like music to your ears?

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June 30, 2017

The Making of a Music Video: “Empty” by Sleeping With Spiders

By Michelle Maslanka • Producer

Adapting a Shakespearean classic such as Macbeth is no easy task, and placing this retelling in the condensed confines of a music video only adds to the challenge. But that did not deter the cast and crew involved in the latest Sleeping With Spiders music video; in fact, it was a challenge gladly accepted by all who were ready and willing to get their hands bloody...I mean dirty...for the sake of the video.

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June 16, 2017

Client Profile + Behind the Scenes: My Green Mattress

By Michelle Maslanka • Producer

We learned there was a lot more to My Green Mattress than just mattresses. Family is at the heart of this company; in fact, it was owner Tim Master’s daughter who served as the inspiration behind the all-natural line. We witnessed firsthand the attention that goes into these products, each handcrafted with genuine passion, and we showcase that care in their recently-released web commercial.

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May 26, 2017

Repurpose Your Video Content With Purpose

By Michelle Maslanka • Producer

Everyone knows the three R’s of the environment: reduce, reuse, and recycle. But did you know there are three (unofficial) R’s of video production too? 

Repurpose. Repackage. Redistribute! You invest your time, energy, and money into capturing footage for a video project--why not make the most of the content you create? Here are a few ideas on how to best utilize your video material prior, during, and after your project is completed.

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