Framing Your Video Shot, Negev Desert, Israel

I am creating an introductory program to help you, guide you and teach you everything I do to create educational video to market your law firm. My new intro program is a step-by-step guide showing you exactly what I do. Hey, if I can do it as a solo NY Medical Malpractice attorney, so can you.

I walk you through exactly what I do from how I develop ideas for my videos to actually setting up my equipment and what equipment I use. I teach you different ideas about how to  create compelling content. Remember, it’s not the equipment that matters. It’s your content.

This program will be have different video modules including the pre-production phase, which is THE MOST IMPORTANT part of any video. That’s where I develop all of my ideas.  After that, you will learn all about the production phase, which is the actual video shoot. In this module I take you through the details of what I do, how many videos I shoot in one sitting and why.

The next video module jumps right into post production which is also known as the editing phase. I walk you through exactly what I do and how I edit my videos. You’ll follow me as I edit a video and show you the myriad of steps needed to complete one video. Once you’ve edited your video, you then enter the publishing phase which includes optimizing, creating keywords tags and uploading to various video sharing sites.

WHY

I created this brand-new introductory program because lawyers wanted to learn how to do this themselves. There are some very eager do-it-yourself attorneys who did not want to invest in a trusted video marketing program to have someone do it all for them. This program is for the do-it-yourself attorney who wants to learn how to do all this on their own.

This video training course literally shows you what I do so that you can model your efforts on what I do to create new video.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

If you are an attorney who takes action and implements what you learn, and you want to learn how to do this yourself, then this video training program is perfect for you. If however you tend not to implement and simply absorb and learn, then my best recommendation is that this program is not for you.

This video training is designed for the attorney who is willing to go out and implement what you will learn from my training. The only other way to learn this information is if you were to follow me around and sit by my side from start to finish. Since that is not going to happen, this is the perfect opportunity for me to show you exactly what I do.

When you choose to invest in my brand-new introductory program, you have an obligation. You owe it to yourself, your family and your law firm to take action. If you are going to invest the time, resources and energy to learn how to create video on your own, like I do, then your obligation is to immediately begin to implement and model what you have learned in your own practice.

If you fail to take action, then you are doing yourself a disservice. This program is only for people who are willing to take action and put those ideas into motion. So counselor, are you a little closer to the attorney who is eager and willing to take action or are you a little closer to the attorney who looks for a solution, finds the answer and then takes no action?

WHEN WILL IT BE AVAILABLE?

Look here in the the Lawyers Video Studio for pre-release announcements.

I have over 600 videos on YouTube. Good videos with educational content.

Last night, I couldn’t access the website at all. Nothing. Nada. It’s as if it wasn’t even online.

Scary thought.

I tried my iPhone, same result. Tried another computer. Same result. Tried Google. That website was working without a problem. Tried accessing YouTube videos from Facebook. That worked.

When I tried clicking through from Facebook directly to YouTube…nothing worked.

DANGER

Imagine what would happen if your great educational videos were all on YouTube. You then took the embed codes from YouTube and scattered them all over your website. Viewers loved your videos on your website.

Imagine that you only put your videos on YouTube and that’s where they were all hosted.

Then imagine that YouTube suddenly went down. No explanation, no rhyme or reason. You just couldn’t access the website. You had no info about why there was no access or service. Your website has blank rectangles where your wonderful videos once resided.

What do you do?

To be quite honest…you’d be screwed.

That’s exactly why you need to host your videos privately when you post them to your website.

I love YouTube. It’s a great website. However, it’s a free video sharing site.

I cannot explain why I cannot access YouTube tonight. I have no idea how long this will continue. Regardless, I have no real worries since the videos on my website are hosted privately. Make sure your videos are too.

Fostex AR-4i iPhone 4 Audio adapter

2012 Review of Fostex AR-4i for iPhone 4S

I use professional video equipment to shoot educational video for attorneys. I recently bought an iPhone 4S and intended to use it for quick video interviews and on-the-run educational video.

Overall review: Recommended

The AR-4i is an iPhone audio microphone adapter. It’s a piece of audio equipment that converts the built-in microphone on the iPhone into a true audio capture device to allow improved audio for your video.

If you shoot video using your built in microphone, you will get acceptable audio. Not great audio, just acceptable. The problem using your built in microphone is that you will also pick up all ambient sound. That’s why you never want to use your built-in mic when shooting video.

The Fostex iPhone audio adapter solves that problem by converting your iPhone into a true video camera. Instead of relying on the built-in mic, the adapter, which is powered by two AAA batteries (included) allows you to use two mini omni-directional microphones that provide stereo sound.

The closer you are to the camera the better quality and strength of your audio. The inherent problem with standing too close to the camera is that you begin to get a fish-eye effect with the micro lens on the iPhone. That’s the problem with using micro-optics.

Using these two microphone buds provides improved audio over the built-in microphone. Yet there’s an even better audio solution to get crystal clear audio using this really cool device.

The adapter has three microphone inputs. It only allows you to use two out of the three during video shooting. The adapter allows you to ergonomically hold the phone in a comfortable way and stabilizes the shoot by adding weight to the camera and adapter.
The adapter can be used in horizontal mode or vertical mode.

The best way to use this audio adapter is with a wireless microphone. Plug in the receiver into the microphone output and you will get ideal, crystal-clear audio.

Attach the adapter to a tripod and you’ve got a stable video platform where you can attach two wireless microphones for sit-down interviews.

One drawback to using this audio adapter is that every time I use it, I have to remove my iPhone case. Since I use a holster for my iPhone, it’s like removing a vise grip and very challenging.

Dismantling the device takes seconds.
Two other drawbacks:

You cannot play the video back and listen to the audio while the iPhone is in the adapter cradle. No big deal. Just slide the phone out of the cradle and press play to watch your masterpiece.

Prior to buying this audio device there were reviews online about audio playback issues using the iPhone 4S. In fact, the manufacturer specifically intended this device to be used for the iPhone 4. There is nothing on the manufacturer’s website about it being compatible with the iPhone 4S.

According to a few reviews, the playback issue on the 4S involved significant audio problems that made the video unusable. However, I watched a YouTube video review about this adapter and the reviewer used a 4S without a problem.

During my preliminary tests with my 4S I did not encounter any audio problems. It wasn’t until my 7th video test that I did hear a problem with the audio. I deleted it and started over. I heard the problem again on the 10th video test, but have not heard it since.

The manufacturer has a note on their website stating simply “We are aware of the audio problem associated with using our device with the 4S and are working on solving this problem.”

If you are looking for a different and unique way to create clean and crystal clear audio for your iPhone you will appreciate this audio device.

Cost: $119 at B&H Photo

YouTube Screen Shot

This is the coolest comment I have ever received from one of my videos.

You can see the screen shot to the right here.

The video: TESTICULAR TORSION

Views: 11,897

Comments: 86

In this video I discuss a case I handled involving a young boy. The doctors failed to timely diagnose a twisting of his testicle, also known as testicular torsion.

As a result, the doctors missed the window of opportunity to correct the twist. The blood supply had been cut off for too long causing the testicle to die.

In this video comment, this man actually said “…I had only six hours to live, but I made it through by surgery. Now I know what this was thanks to you…”

That is absolutely awesome. Who knew that an educational video, designed to help teach my ideal client and consumers could actually help someone with that particular condition. That is really, really cool.

I have also received comments in some of my videos where the viewer will start by saying “Thank you doctor for providing…”

I don’t play a doctor on TV or pretend to be one. Every one of my videos starts out by telling the viewer that I’m a NY Medical Malpractice & Personal Injury Trial attorney.

When a viewer leaves a comment on your YouTube video, make sure you thank them. It’s a common courtesy that generates good will.

This comment left a smile on my face all day.

Consuming Information From My Webmaster Guru Tom Foster at Foster Web Marketing

Think about it. We as attorneys crave information. Information about our legal niche, about new caselaw, about scuttlebutt in our industry and about things we are genuinely interested in. Do your ideal clients do the same?

Many of them crave information only when they have a problem or find a topic of interest.

Think about it.

• You go online to check your email.
• You go onto Facebook to see what your friends have posted and whether there are any personal messages for you.
• You go onto Twitter and LinkedIn for the same reasons.
• You go onto your YouTube channel to see if there are any comments.

This type of online activity is just to check for updates. You have not yet gone searching for any information yet. You don’t have a problem yet.

Maybe you check the news websites. You want to be informed. Maybe you check the weather. You still don’t have a problem.

Maybe you want to be entertained. You watch a movie online or watch the latest viral cat or dog video on YouTube. You still don’t have a problem.

Someone who has a problem wants information. They crave information. They want to become informed. They want to learn how to solve their problem. They want to know what to do. They want to see and hear about other people who have had the same problem and the solutions they used. That’s known as social proof.

Someone who has a problem is willing to consume information in written form and video form. They want to know more information. That’s your ideal consumer. The one who craves information.

If you can begin providing that consumer information that will help them become more informed, you now will have someone who will consume the content you provide. The more relevant content you provide, the greater (personal) bond you will form with your consumer. If you provide just enough information without giving away the store, your consumer will crave even more.

Who do you think your consumer is going to call for more information? You, who has gladly and cheerfully provided relevant information in the form of articles, blog posts, videos, books and more or your competitors who offer static websites with very little information and interaction?

Understanding why consumers crave information is the key to unlocking what they need  to learn. Want to learn more?

Come join me in a FREE online seminar that helps you understand why video is so powerful and how it can help you market your law firm online today.

Click here to register for FREE.

Communication is Key; Stand Out From the Crowd

You’re an attorney. You’re a solo. You’re a partner in a small law firm of 1-5 lawyers. You’re a marketing executive in a mid-sized law firm. Maybe you are a partner in a big law firm and attending a seminar and learned about how video can make you come to life and be different than your colleagues.

I know why you want to create video. Know how I know?

I’m just like you. I’m a practicing attorney and know exactly what you’re going through. How do I know?

I’ve been in your shoes.

You’ve tried other types of marketing. You’ve tried the yellow pages, radio, TV, classifieds, billboards, newspaper ads, networking and more. You’ve gone to seminars. Your case intake is down. Calls to your office are down. Your revenue is down compared to last year.

Your accountant tells you the bare-naked truth. You need more clients and cases. Your spouse tells you the same thing. You’re a good lawyer and well-respected in your field. Yet you’re seeing a worrisome trend. You’re not as busy as you used to be.

You notice you have more free time and don’t understand why. Your profit margin has decreased. Your net income is fluctuating precariously. You go home at night wondering where your next case is going to come from. You’re working hard but the results are not encouraging.

YOU’VE READ ARTICLES ABOUT VIDEO MARKETING

You read an article in your local bar association journal about the benefits of video. You read another article in TRIAL magazine or maybe the ABA Practice Management Magazine about the benefits of video marketing. Maybe you read a book about how really smart lawyers are using video to market their law firms online.

You read some articles at Law.com, Lawyerist, Technolawyer.com and LawyersVideoStudio.com about the benefits of video marketing for attorneys. You’ve gone to legal marketing seminars and heard some thin guy with glasses and thinning hair explain how he used video successfully to market his solo law firm in New York.

You heard him tell you how he has created over 600 videos to market his firm and how he gets calls and emails every day from people who watch his videos.

You learned this same guy had a free webinar that educated you about video marketing and you actually took the time to sit in and learn.

You found out this guy has gotten some great results from clients he took in after they watched his videos. Hundreds of thousands and millions of dollars. You listened to video testimonials from other lawyers who took this guy’s advice about video marketing. You even went so far as to call a few of those lawyers to find out what they knew that you didn’t.

You liked what you heard. You want to do the same.

You have content your viewers want and need. You believe that video is a great way to communicate. You recognize that video is a portal through which you can tell your ideal clients and consumers about how you can help solve their problems. That’s why you want to create video.

Want to know who that thin guy with glasses and thinning hair is?

The one who wrote hundreds and hundreds of articles about video marketing for lawyers. The one who wrote the book “How Really Smart Lawyers Are Using Video to Get More Cases.” The one who’s writing a second book “Secrets of Video Marketing for Lawyers in the Age of YouTube.” The same one who lectures to lawyers across the country to help other lawyers use video to market their law firms. The same one who still is a practicing New York Medical Malpractice trial lawyer. The same one who founded the Lawyers Video Studio to help lawyers create entire video libraries to market law firms.

This is the same guy who has four kids and a great wife who works much harder than he does. Who is this guy?

You know who I am. You’ve been reading my blog posts and articles for years. You’ve been watching my videos just as long. You’ve heard me at seminars. You’ve seen the testimonials from other really smart lawyers and from well-known legal marketing experts. You’ve seen the social proof and you’ve done your homework and due diligence.

You want video for your law firm. There’s an easy way to get it.

Do it yourself or hire a video marketing company to do it for you. I can’t tell you which one to choose. I can however give you a suggestion.

• Are you the type of person who fixes a broken sink or do you call a plumber?
• Are you the type of person who fixes a hole in your roof or do you call a roofing specialist?
• When your car breaks down do you put your car on blocks and fix it in your driveway or do you take it to your local mechanic to fix?
• If you need appendix surgery do you go to the library and learn how to do the surgery yourself or do you go to the best surgeon you can find?

Well counselor, I’ve reached the end of today’s article. I have a question for you though. Are you a little closer to the type of person who likes to do-it-yourself or are you a little closer to the type of person who prefers to have an expert do it all for you?

I know which I’m closer to. Which one are you closer to?

If you are closer to the attorney who wants it all done-for-you, then you need to reach out to my production manager kathleen@lawyersvideostudio.com and let her know you’d like to chat.

If you are closer to the lawyer who wants to do-it-yourself, then I have a treat for you. I’m creating an online video training program for the do-it-yourselfer that’s in the works right now. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for it right here.

Testing the Video Camera on the Left

Anytime you get a new piece of video equipment, the “newest,” “greatest,” “best,” “most advanced” equipment ever…you’ve got to play with it and test it.

The problem with testing is that you are never quite sure what quality you’re going to get until you fully test it.

I recently bought a new video camera to replace the one I was using. This had all the features I was looking for. A great lens, shallow depth of field, precision controls. I loved the way it looked and felt.

The problem was in the details. The settings were different than what I was used to. The frame rate was different. I was using a class 10 SDHC memory card, and the camera would not allow me to to shoot at the highest quality setting in the AVC HD codec. The purpose of getting this camera was to be able to shoot at the highest quality setting.

Once I tried to put the footage onto my computer, I noticed Error messages coming up while using Final Cut Express, my editing software. Weird errors. Never-before-seen error messages. This was not good.

I changed the settings, then everything worked fine. I changed them again and everything worked beautifully when playing back in the camera. The problem was getting my editing software to recognize the new settings. Still no good. Had to go to online forums to see if others had experienced a similar problem. I had to learn if there was a workaround to fix this.

What’s the lesson here?

Often, getting the newest, best or most updated piece of electronic equipment may not always be the best solution for your problems. Stick with what works and what you have before running out and getting the next best thing.

Behind the scenes in the Lawyers Video Studio…click the play button below.

What is Ischemia?

It was a great video. It asked an important question. I provided a great answer.

I was so excited since I had just created this video with my new video camera. I was very impressed with the video quality. I shot a series of videos in 45 minutes. I popped out the memory card and headed over to my office where I had a full day of phone conferences scheduled back to back.

In between my phone conferences, I edited my video and added graphics. I added intro music and exit music. It took all afternoon since I was only able to dedicate a few minutes between each call to doing this. Before finally processing the video, I always play back the video make sure everything is correct. Then I got on my next conference call.

Then I went to render the video into a QuickTime movie file. I was distracted by another phone call while doing this. I went ahead and clicked the ‘okay’ button to begin the process and then devoted my full attention to my caller.

Once the video was rendered into a QuickTime file, I always check to see how big it is and then must compress it. Once that is done I always play it back to insure that I have good quality video and audio. The problem is that I was multitasking. I did go ahead and play back the video but was concentrating on the next call without realizing that I had a significant problem.

Later on in the evening I went ahead and uploaded my video. It wasn’t until later that night when I went onto YouTube to check it did I realize my serious mistake.

I thought I lost my hearing. Then I thought it was a problem with the speakers on my computer. I put in headphones and thought my headphones were not working. Then I rebooted my computer to see if that was the problem. Then I played another video on YouTube that worked perfectly.

I had never done this before. I created a video and uploaded online without sound.

Unless you read lips, it would be extremely difficult to get any benefit from this particular video. I immediately deleted it from my account and vowed to find out what I did wrong the next morning.

Playing the video back to my computer I realized I processed the video without any sound at all. What a ridiculous mistake that was. I saw immediately what I did wrong. I forgot to click the ‘sound’ button. I fixed the problem, processed the video and have now uploaded it to YouTube.

You can watch the video below.

Have you ever done something similar? If so, let me know in the comments below.

In today’s video, we see a very creative way to make a $35 teleprompter. While watching the video, ask yourself if this is really worth your effort?

Frankly, I was exhausted watching all the time, energy and effort needed to literally construct the prompter from scratch. Even if I had all the tools needed, there’s no way I’d spend all that time and effort to create this.

My feeling is that as an attorney, you should work from outlines and never a script. Scripting is way too stilted and unless you’re a pro, it just doesn’t look and appear natural. What do you think? Let me know below.

Lawyers Video Studio

This is the concluding blog post in this series…

5. Video has marginal benefit and does not justify the cost

He’s right. For someone who does not understand how to use video; both tactically and strategically, I will agree with that video has marginal benefit.

On the other hand, let me give you a quick example of some of the benefits I have personally seen from using video to market my solo practice in the most competitive market in the country.

• $5.1 million settlement, brain-damaged baby case
• $1 million settlement failure to diagnose
• $495,000 settlement wrongful death from foot surgery
• $300,000 fall from bed resulting in trauma and death

This is just a tiny sampling of cases I have obtained from people who have come to me with valid cases because they watched my videos. My videos were the driving force that compelled them to pick up the phone and call me instead of my competitors.

For those lawyers and marketing experts who believe that video marketing doesn’t work, I’m going to tell them that they are right. It doesn’t work. It will not work for you or your law firm.

Instead, those lawyers and marketing experts should keep focusing on other methods to generate clients and traffic and leave the video marketing to people who understand how to use it effectively with proven results.

If you have your own video marketing myths that you’ve heard, leave them below. I’d love to see them!