Think Like a Maximizer
Maximize. If you’ve been on vacation with me, you’ve heard me say “We need to maximize our time, people!” (Insert the kids' eye-roll - haha!) This doesn’t mean over-scheduling… don’t get the two confused. I don’t over-schedule vacations on purpose, but I do like to maximize the fun! No time is wasted. I strategically plan our trips and itineraries so that we accomplish what we plan to do for that vacation day. I’ve been known to make a color-coded vacation spreadsheet. I know, I’m not normal.
While life is so fast-paced with work, kids, school, and hobbies, time is of the essence. Some days there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything “done.” There are several points in the day where we are multitasking, whether it’s good or bad for us: making dinner while folding laundry, or listening to a podcast while emailing - we all do it. For me recently, it’s been vacationing and shooting b-roll video. Let me explain b-roll for those not familiar.
What is B-roll?
By definition according to Google, “In filmmaking and video production, B-roll refers to supplemental footage used to enhance the main narrative, or "A-roll,". It's the footage that isn't the main action, including shots that don't feature the primary subjects interacting or talking. B-roll is used to establish scenes, smooth transitions, cut out imperfections in A-roll footage, or add context and visual interest to the story.” You might not notice it much in videos, but think “the slow pan”…
Having a Vision
I’ve found myself while on vacation, taking B-roll for Strong Minded Agency and our production department, which will be used for certain clients at a later time. Most often, this footage is much needed but requires a plane ticket to far off destinations. Video from other sources is copyrighted and therefore we cannot use. So naturally any footage we take ourselves is best.
In our line of work, we are always needing high quality graphics, high resolution photography, and atmospheric b-roll. And if I'm thinking like our clients would and picture their next project, I take advantage of my time (even on vacation) and take a quick :15 video. This also requires knowing what the client wants and being on the lookout while walking to our next adventure. I’ve always had an interest in photography - a picturesque landscape or a sharp angle, artistic shot excites me. Capturing that moment is time, just as things are for that split second sometimes makes me get all sentimental. But I digress…
Our Client, Jim Hill Media
We have the honor of working with Themed Entertainment client, Jim Hill Media, which is a collection of entertainment writers, bloggers, podcasters, and theme park historians – documenting news and stories involving the Walt Disney Company, Pixar, Lucasfilm, Universal Studios and the world of collectibles. Strong Minded provides Website Design & Development, Social Media Management, Content Marketing, Creative Services & Video Production. From editing podcasts to creating YouTube and Patreon videos, we are always in need of visual media to support the storylines and help produce amazing content for such a high profile client.
Several of my b-roll videos have been used in supporting video for various projects this client has been working on, most of which can be seen on the Patreon platform https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. And, I’m earning those videographer credits on IMDB. Bonus!
A B-roll Mashup
Here’s an example of some of the b-roll I've taken over the past couple years. It’s quick but can really support and broaden any storyline that helps support the main topic. This was taken in Disneyland California and Disneyland Paris, 2 theme parks that are very similar yet very different from each other too. It’s fun to compare the park offerings in two different countries as well.
Just in Case
I think to myself, I’ll shoot this video because it’s interesting or I spot beautiful scenery, not even knowing when or how it will be used in the future. Then offering and sharing said video with my co-workers has led to more opportunities, more engagement, new introductions, and broadening my career.
Flex that Creativity to the Max
So stop to take the really amazing shot with beautiful lighting. Think about your vision for the next personal or professional project you are working on. It just might be career-changing. Maximize your time wherever you are - and don’t turn off that creative mindset, just because you are on vacation. I maximize that creativity and proudly get a videographer credit, too.
How will you maximize your time, your skills AND your creativity? What day-to-day events will you maximize? Maybe it will be something that changes your life for the better.
