Simon Says Video

In this solo episode of Simon Says Video Podcast, Simon explores the impact of AI on video creation. Is it a game-changer or a creativity killer? He dives into the pros and cons of AI tools, their role in scripting, editing, and content repurposing, and how video creators can embrace AI while maintaining authenticity. Timestamps & Key Topics ⏱️ 00:00 – Introduction AI's rapid rise in content creation Concerns among creatives: Will AI replace creativity? Overview of the episode ⏱️ 01:06 – The AI Debate: Love It or Hate It? Polarised opinions on AI in the creative industry AI's undeniable impact on workflow efficiency ⏱️ 03:45 – AI in Scripting & Storyboarding AI tools for script generation (ChatGPT, Jasper, Copy.ai) How to personalise AI-generated scripts Importance of keeping your unique voice ⏱️ 05:35 – AI for Video Editing: Does It Work? Testing AI-powered editing tools (Runway ML, CapCut, Maestro) Challenges in AI-generated video edits Why human creativity is still essential ⏱️ 07:06 – AI Voiceovers: Are They Replacing Humans? AI voice generators (Synthesia, Eleven Labs, Murph.ai) Potential impact on voiceover artists Are AI voices convincing enough? ⏱️ 08:13 – AI for Content Repurposing Using AI to create short-form content from longer videos Tools like Descript and social media auto-editing apps ⏱️ 09:10 – AI in Enhancing Video & Audio Quality AI tools for video upscaling (Topaz AI Video) AI-powered audio cleaning (Adobe Podcast, Final Cut enhancements) How AI can improve production value ⏱️ 10:09 – AI Stock Footage & Animation AI-generated visuals: Are they realistic? Tools like Runway ML, Kaiber AI, Canva animations Current limitations of AI-created video assets ⏱️ 11:12 – The Authenticity Challenge Why AI-generated content can feel impersonal The importance of maintaining a human touch How to balance AI efficiency with personal branding ⏱️ 12:47 – Can AI Create a Video Without You? The reality of AI-generated video production Does AI lack creative intuition and emotional depth? Why personal presence in video content still matters ⏱️ 14:20 – Closing Thoughts Simon's take on the future of AI in video creation What AI tools have you used? Share your experiences! Links to mentioned tools & resources in the show notes Resources & Links Mentioned 🔹AI Writing & Scripting Tools: ChatGPT, Jasper, and Copy.ai 🔹 AI Video Editing Tools: Runway ML, CapCut, Maestro 🔹 AI Voiceover Generators: Synthesia, Artlist, ElevenLabs and Murf.ai ) 🔹 AI Content Repurposing: Pictory and Descript,Auto-editing social media tools 🔹 AI for Video Quality: Topaz AI Video, Adobe Podcast (for audio cleanup) 🔹 AI Stock & Animation:  Runway ML and Kaiber AI, Canva 💬 Join the Conversation! Are you using AI in your video workflow? What tools have made the biggest impact for you? Drop a comment or message Simon with your thoughts! 📩 Follow & Subscribe: Stay updated on future episodes! 🎥 More on Video Creation:  Visit the Website Buy the Book Work with Me  

Why Your Business Needs Video Brand Guidelines I am excited to share the latest episode of the Simon Says Video Podcast, in which I had an insightful conversation with my long-time colleague and video expert, Simon Holt. Why are video brand guidelines important? As video continues to dominate the digital landscape, it's crucial for businesses to ensure their content remains consistent, professional, and aligned with their brand identity. Yet, many companies overlook this vital element. In this episode, Simon Holt shares his 25+ years of industry experience to unpack why businesses should develop clear and effective video guidelines.  Here's what you'll learn: What video brand guidelines are and why they matter Key elements every business should include in their video style guide Tips on maintaining brand consistency across multiple platforms Practical advice on music selection, scripting, and video formats The importance of collaboration between marketing, design, and production teams  If you're looking to enhance your video strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights!  Download Our Free Guide on Video Brand Guidelines. Don't miss out on this valuable discussion. And as always, feel free to like, share, and comment with your thoughts or questions!  Connect with Simon Holt: Visual Culture LinkedIn Contact Simon: Visit the Website Buy the Book Work with Me

The 5-step process for creating effective video content In this short solo episode, I discuss why businesses need to create more video. After a recent poll, I found two main who businesses don't create consistent video content, firstly, understanding the benefits of video and second, the time it takes to create it.  There are many reasons why businesses need video for their growth, such as increased engagement and reach, improved conversion rates, enhanced customer experience, and increased return on investment.  Video can work for businesses if they have a plan and strategy in place. I outline my five P process for creating effective video content that maximizes return on investment and achieves business goals. The five P's are plan, produce, publish, promote, and Performance. I also share tips on making the most of your film day and selecting the right platform for your target audience and goals. Highlights:  01:23 Recent Linkedin poll findings and benefit of video 02:01 Reason 1: Increased reach and engagement  02:28 Reason 2: Improved conversion rates 03:05 Reason 3: Enhanced customer experience 03:21 Reason 4: Increased ROI 04:11 The 5 P Process 04:26 Plan 05:13 Produce 05:50 Publish 06:21 Promote 06:54 Performance  If you want to know how you can apply this process to your business when creating video content. Why don't you book a 15-minute discovery call with me? Contact Simon: Visit the Website Buy the Book Work with Me If you like what you hear, remember to click follow or subscribe, share with your colleagues and leave us a review so others can find us.        

How to create YouTube videos that convert with Tom Breeze If you're not promoting your videos with ads on YouTube, you're missing out on a huge opportunity to reach your target audience. While organic views and shares can certainly help your videos gain traction, promoting your content with ads on YouTube allows you to reach a highly targeted audience and increase your visibility in a competitive online space. Viewers tend to view brands that advertise on YouTube as serious and trustworthy. Similar to seeing ads during the Superbowl, it creates a mental shortcut that implies the brand is successful and has quality products. Videos on YouTube are also highly memorable and can significantly impact viewers, making it a platform that rivals no other. In this episode, I speak with Tom Breeze, a YouTube Ad expert who offers a unique perspective on the types of video content you should create and promote.  Tom shares his seven-step process for consistently producing high-converting video ads that aim to inform and sell simultaneously. Through the ADUCATE framework, he outlines his system for creating educational video ads. Aim Difficulty Understanding Credibility Action Plan Trust Exit Listen to the whole episode for all the details.  Highlights: 0.00 Why YouTube is such a big platform 1.55 Why is YouTube still relevant in 2023? 4.50 What are the advertising targeting options available to you on YouTube now? 19.15 Tom's ADUCATE framework 32.45 What's the ideal length for your video? 42:06 Type of campaigns you can run on YouTube and how to start Connect with Tom YouTube Ad Agency A free scan of your YouTube channel and insights on how your video content is performing - www.bidurk.com Tom's personal website Contact Simon: Visit the Website Buy the Book Work with Me   If you like what you hear, remember to click follow or subscribe, share with your colleagues and leave us a review so others can find us.  

The Smart Connector with Jane Bayler.  As the Smart Connector, Jane Bayler is a London-based business growth expert who specializes in helping B2B consultants and service providers increase their revenue and establish themselves as the leading authority in their industry. With a background in media, advertising, real estate, and marketing, Jane has a wealth of experience to draw from.  In this week's episode, she and I discuss why it's crucial to step in front of the camera and create video content to enhance your position as a "Smart Connector."  Jane is a passionate entrepreneur with a 20-year track record in the industry, and she is dedicated to helping other entrepreneurs achieve success and live their best lives. Show highlights: 01:55 What is a smart connector? 03:16 How does video help you become a smart connector 04:15 How I learnt to show up on camera 10:05 Why editing is the magic sauce 12:36 Want to connect with a younger audience, need to create video content 15:02 Create once and repurpose if different forms 20:25 Using video for the sales process 25.04 Jane's tips for creating videos 34:31 The trick with using auto-cue 37:07 How video is becoming more and more important in the marketing process Connect with Jane: LinkedIn The Smart Connector Podcast Website    Contact Simon: Visit the Website Buy the Book Work with Me   If you like what you hear, remember to click follow or subscribe, share with your colleagues and leave us a review so others can find us.

How to be confident on camera with Elisabeth Valentine Are you intimidated by the thought of appearing on video? You're not alone!  The fear of being recorded, evaluated, and judged by others is common. We don't like the way we look or the way we sound on video. And often, we get brain-freeze or tongue-tied as soon as the record button is pressed. But it's time to overcome this and harness the power of video. In this episode, join me as I interview Elisabeth Valentine, a renowned voice-over artist, singer, speaker, and performance coach. Together, we share expert tips and tricks to help you conquer your fear of the camera and deliver top-notch performances in your videos. As a thank you for listening, I have a special offer for you.  Learn how to Get Confidence on Camera with my online course. 80 minutes of training, organised in 9 modules.  Usually $47 - but 25% off with SIMONSAYS25 coupon.  Limited offer until March 31st 2023. Find out more on how to overcome your fear of being on camera. Get Confidence on Camera course Show Highlights: 04:14 What is it about being on camera which makes us feel uncomfortable? 08:37 Flirting with yourself in the mirror 11:52 Why you need to record and watch yourself back 15:49 Getting clear on why you are doing these videos 25:26 How to prepare yourself before you hit record 27:19 Practise makes perfect 30:30 To script or not to script? 38:21 Why it's important to learn to be in front of the camera 42:44 How to warm up your voice 49:09 Tips for speaking in slow motion and pronunciation 51:49 And remember to smile   Connect with Elisabeth Website LinkedIn Instagram Contact Simon: Visit the Website Buy the Book Work with Me   If you like what you hear, remember to click follow or subscribe, share with your colleagues and leave us a review so others can find us.

How embracing video has transformed my business Joining me this week is business owner Jim Prior, who runs a soundproofing company based in the Midlands, and since going all in with video has seen his business grow by 40%.  In the beginning, Jim couldn't see the value of spending money on video and be reluctant to get in front of the camera. But once Jim started working with me, all that changed. Jim has found that creating consistent video content has increased engagement and converted leads into clients. "I have seen a massive transformation in the conversions, the leads, and the way customers interact with me. When you meet customers for the first time, it's like they already know me. It's amazing. And I can't imagine my company now without video." - Jim Prior, founder QuietCo. Book a discovery call with me if you want to know how you can get the results Jim has obtained.  Show Highlights: 01:38 what brought you to start using video for your business? 02:37 How did you overcome your fear of being in front of the camera? 07:26 How video has increased turnover by 40% 09:45 The types of videos that are working 14:56 What have you learnt from using video?  Connect with Jim Jim's website - QuietCo - Watch the videos we have created for Jim  Jim's YouTube Channel Resources: How to Get Video Right Free Chapter Contact Simon: Visit the Website Buy the Book Work with Me   If you like what you hear, remember to click follow or subscribe, share with your colleagues and leave us a review so others can find us.  

Joining me this week is Lee Kennedy Washington. Lee runs an agency called Viral Seeding, and in this episode, we look at why you should be paying to get your video in front of your audience. In today's digital landscape, video is one of the most powerful tools for connecting with your audience and driving engagement. But to truly make an impact, your video needs to be seen by as many people as possible. That's where amplification comes in. Amplifying your video content means increasing its reach and ensuring that it reaches the right people at the right time. This can be done through various methods, including social media, influencer marketing, and paid advertising. If you'd like to learn more, you can connect with me using the links at the bottom and find out how I can help you put a successful video content strategy in place for your business.  Highlights from this episode: (02:10) What does Amplification mean? (05:43) How to Amplify Your Content (10:24 Is it possible to make a video go viral? (17:58) How to use video to get more views on your business (22:36) How to measure the success of your video campaign (28:52) Best platforms to start CONNECT WITH LEE  https://www.viralseeding.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leekennedywashington/ Contact Simon: Visit the Website Buy the Book Work with Me Resources: How to Get Video Right Free Chapter If you like what you hear, remember to click follow or subscribe, share with your colleagues and leave us a review so others can find us.

Revolutionising Content Creation: How ChatGPT is Transforming the Way Businesses Generate Content Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you would of heard of the AI Platform 'CHATGPT'. In this solo episode, I walk through how ChatGPT generates content. I will be taking you through the process of using ChatGPT to create high-quality written content for a video script and social media posts. If you want to see me demonstrate using the platform, follow along on YouTube. ChatGPT is a powerful tool that can help businesses automate repetitive tasks, improve customer engagement, and gain valuable insights from natural language data. If you're a business looking to stay ahead of the curve, ChatGPT is definitely worth considering. If you'd like to learn more, you can connect with me using the links at the bottom and find out how I can help you put a successful video content strategy in place for your business. CHAT GPT - https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt/ Book a 15-minute call with me to discover how you can use video to grow your business. Resources: How to Get Video Right Free Chapter Contact Simon: Visit the Website Buy the Book Work with Me If you like what you hear, remember to click follow or subscribe, share with your colleagues and leave us a review so others can find us.

Why you need a video brief with Christophe Stourton When creating a video for your business, having a clear and concise video brief is essential. A video brief is a document that outlines the goals, target audience, messaging, and other important details for your video project. Joining me this week is Christophe Stourton, better known as Chief-Of-Briefs. Christophe has managed creative agencies in the past and commissioned lots of video work, so in this episode, I wanted to get Christophe's insight on how best to use video for your business and the importance of getting the brief right before you make any video content. Highlights from this episode: (05:54) Let's make a video, how much are we talking? (08:41) How should business be using video? (18:58) One video, multiple pieces of media (25:18) Remember the 12% rule (28:42) Let's talk budget If you'd like to learn more, you can connect with me using the links at the bottom and find out how I can help you put a successful video content strategy in place for your business. Connect with Christophe Website LinkedIn Resources: How to Get Video Right Free Chapter Contact Simon: Visit the Website Buy the Book Work with Me