We have something fun for you today, (hard work aside).
Ever wanted a book trailer? Even tried to make one? Yeah...I know, me too.
Well, maybe, just maybe, I have the perfect solution for you.
Let's meet "O".
No, no...not Oprah, Opal!
Could you share a little about yourself and how
you started making book trailers? A number of years ago I worked for a very small non-profit and they
wanted videos for their website but we were on a budget....so I started playing
and began making all their videos. One of which won a contest and appeared on
the Pursuit Channel. (Admit it, that's cool!)
How much of your life is set aside for this
work? Between actually making
the videos and promoting the videos and myself I set aside about 6 hours a day. So basically, remove lunch and 2 union breaks, and that's pretty close to full time.
Could you tell us a little about the process
when it comes to creating these clips? The first thing I do is lay out the text that has been selected to
appear in the clip. THEN I move to music. After that it’s all about the images
and timing. (Pssst, readers, she says that as if it compares to picking out a pair of socks in the morning! Raise your hand if you have had to write a blurb, or describe your book in 5 sentences...yeah, reality check.)
How difficult is it to grasp the author’s
vision and set it to a short clip? Depends. Most authors are really great about sharing their vision for
the video. Occasionally one or two just aren’t really sure what they want it to
look like so I just run with it and we change anything they don’t like J
Do you try to read the books you create
trailers for? I do not try to
read the books for a number of reasons. 1. I simply do not have the time to
read them all no matter how much I want to. 2. Readers haven’t read the book
either and if the trailer can pull them in and make them WANT to read it...I
have done my job J Wow, now that's a cool way to look at it, as opposed to trying to create a resume without giving anything away.
Is there a message behind the video story you
create? Is it something the author asks for? Sometimes, yes there is, but not always. I have had several videos
where the authors had very specific ideas and messages they wanted to convey
and they were FANTASTIC about giving me enough info to bring their message to
life.
How much information do you require to create a
book trailer? How detailed is the information you ask for or receive from the
author? I ask for taglines,
blurbs (or text if they want it different than the blurb) I ask for music feel
and ANY other information that the author feels lends to the book. The authors
have always been WONDERFUL about providing me with plenty of info J
How do you go about finding or choosing video
clips and music for these trailers? I have several thousand downloaded to my big work computer but if I
can’t find what I need there I search the database of my video and music
subscription place J Now wouldn't that be nice to have access to...
Could you tell us how you go about putting the
lot together? I remember using Adobe Pro, which had 90 layers of video and 90
layers of audio…a little daunting when you have never used it. The programs I use layer also and depending on
how much action I have going on as to how many layers there have to be.
Sometimes it gets pretty hairy J When I have 10 layers to make one scene it can
get tricky making sure the timing, fades and placements are all in the right
spots J
(Which is why I have turned to O for her help...)
What was your first trailer, and how does it
differ from what you create now? My very first book trailer was basic....I’m talking VERY basic. It was
nothing more than the cover, blurb and music. THEN I found a stock place where
I could get clips and backgrounds and everything changed J I am still learning tips and tricks, new methods and ways to do things
and I am ALWAYS excited to keep learning new techniques.
How much of an impact do you find book trailers
make on the sales of books? As
with ANY form of promo or swag it’s not that a trailer will sell books FOR
you....it is simply another form of advertising that you can use to promote and
advertise your book. They work well when you are on book tour or blog hops.
EVEN if you just want to see if blogs will “spotlight” your trailer. EVERYONE
is looking for new ways to reach readers and sometimes a short punchy trailer
on a blog hop works better than a guest blog or spotlight. Mix it up when you
set up your tours. Don’t JUST have guest blogs or interviews. Add in cover and
trailer spotlights to keep your stops fresh J
Now make sure you have all taken note on that!
How do you handle marketing your work? Do you
have a plan, a publicist or just take one day at a time? I really just take it one day at a time. I make
connections and network A LOT! Plus I offer a referral program J If you refer 5 new clients to me and they make a purchase.....YOU get a
free video J I also have monthly giveaways on my Facebook
page J
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| This is a screenshot from USA Today, they were showcasing a book and this clip shows the trailer made for it by O. |
Do you have any advice for authors who attempt
to create their own trailers? Don’t
be scared to try something new. Don’t be scared to ask for help or tips from
others J When I first started making trailers VERY few people used video or
moving backgrounds. I wanted to be different so I found a stock place I could
afford and made it happen.
Static images can be a challenge when you don't know what your doing...video layering with audio in the mix...You Go Girl!
Could you tell us what you’re working on now? LOL I have 7 videos that I am currently working
on as well as some action effects for a commercial for a publisher J
I want to see them!
OK, so now that you just HAVE to see O's videos, I have included the links to her creations.
You can hook up with her HERE
Did you get that popcorn ready? Because now we can sit back and watch all of her trailers, teasers and so forth. (Just click on the YouTube link above).
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