Silvertip Films Production Blog

Guest Blog - Jonas Hurst talks Presenters Inc

2011-11-04T11:45:00.000Z

Once a month, Presenters Inc run a 2 day studio TV Presenter course in West London with the Silvertip Films crew studio managing the course. We have up to 7 clients booked on to each course and they're always varied in terms of age and experience.

The 2 day course is essentially a Presenter Training experience, taught by Sally Gray MBE and Jonas Hurst -both former TV Presenters themselves. The course is designed so the clients will cover all skills that may be required of a TV Presenter. The studio is a well-equipped studio used by the likes of the BBC and Channel 4.
Presenters Inc puts the clients in real situations, so they gain a real and beneficial experience. After the 2 days, they will be comfortable and capable when using talkback/earpieces, autocue, multi-camera-use, outside broadcasting/reporting, interviewing and co-presenting. Also ad-libbing, presenting to time and leading in and out of VT's. Each section is filmed to the standard of a real TV show, directed by Jonas and Sally in the gallery with a professional crew. The footage is then sent off to Silvertip Films who edit together high quality TV Presenter Showreels for each client.

When starting out as a Presenter, a showreel is essential and you want one that will stand out from the crowd. They are always works in progress and need to be updated as one collects more footage and gains more experience. It is probably the most important part of the presenter package.
For more information on Presenters Inc, visit their website HERE

Jonas Hurst and Sally Gray

The Undivided "Wasted Time" Video Shoot

2011-08-12T13:22:00.000+01:00

The Undivided are an up and coming rock band from Wales. Combining sterling guitar work with powerful vocals and insightful lyrics, the band look set to go places.

Looking to shoot their second video, the band came to us to bring them to screen. They wanted a performance video which was dynamic and exciting and reflected the energy of the song but, they didn't want to repeat the kind of visual setting that they had seen in videos their contemporaries had used - woodlands, derelict buildings etc and so the idea of a car / metal scrapyward was developed.

The look of the car scrapyard is striking and couples the recognisable shapes of cars - in various states of damaged - with the chaotic, unrecognisable shapes of scrap metal. It also reflects the harder edge of the bands sound which has an influence of metal and indie rock to it.

The band brough in stylist Ani Dee to give them a newly developed look and based on their Welsh heritage, each members clothing reflects their personality and subtley incorporates the colours of the Welsh flag in items of their clothing.

Shooting on the Canon 5D in full HD, we spent a day in the blazing sun, shooting the bands performance set up. Each member was shot twice at least, with one take being more refined and steady with the intention of those shots being used on the verses of the song where the song is more calm and then they were shot again in a more frantic style and at a shutter speed of 250 to create a slightly juddery, action film style look to the performance, with the aim of using these shots in the more energetic choruses of the song.

We also utilised the Glidetrack to give us some short tracking shots of the band in action as well as doubling up as a shoulder mount for ease of shooting in a handheld style.

The video is currently in post and will be a fast paced, dynamic blur of the band in action coupled with shots of the car scrapyard at work.

The video was Directed by Ben Milner and Geoff Cockwill.

With thanks to Aldershot Car and Scrap Metal Yard.

All photos by Tony Hollands.

Look out for it soon...

Luke Potter - I'm Coming Home

2011-07-12T09:51:00.000+01:00

We recently shot two videos for up and coming singer / songwriter Luke Potter, the first of which - "I'm Coming Home" - is now viewable online.

Shot in one day using the Canon 5D, shooting in HD, the video features a performance by Luke in simple, striking black and white to contrast with the narrative shots. We utilised the focal range on the camera lens to create depth to the shots and move Luke in and out of focus as he performed.

The narrative, loosely based around the song lyrics, features actor Henry Douthwaite struggling with a separation from his partner, for reasons we don't quite know but ones which he realises can be overcome.

Shot on location at the Inn of the Hill in Haslemere and at the Mark Langridge Photography Studio, the video was a great shoot and both involved in front of the camera gave their all and created a moving, emotional video to back up the song.

http://www.facebook.com/lukepottermusic for more info...

Ringo Starr Live

2011-06-05T13:58:00.001+01:00

Ringo Starr recently announced his upcoming 2011 European tour live over the web in an exclusive performance and Q&A broadcast via MUZU.tv.

Production company Silvertip Films partnered up with MUZU.tv to cover the event live for the stream, bringing in renowned live director Steve Price who has worked with acts like Beyonce, Razorlight and Alicia Keys, to work with the Silvertip team on the shoot and using equipment from Creative Technology for the multi-cam vision mixing. The unlikely venue was a warehouse in Dunsfold Aerodrome where, incidentally, Top Gear is filmed.

Ringo performed a few songs with his All Starr Band as part of the press conference – including of course a few Beatles favourites. Journalists had flown in from across Europe to listen to the band and ask questions, while fans around the world watched live online at www.muzu.tv/ringostarr, where you can also watch clips of the gig if you missed it, and check tour dates.

Ringo Starr’s management and PR decided to partner exclusively with online video site MUZU.tv for the live stream (rather than, say, YouTube). MUZU.tv launched in Ireland and the United Kingdom in July 2008 and opened a London office in 2010. It was one of the first legally licensed online music video sites and is the only dedicated online music video company to be fully licensed by all four major record labels. The company also powers music video for over 100 sites in the UK, including NME, Express Group, AOL, 4music, HMV, and Mama Group. You may have seen that MUZU signed a content deal with Metacafe in April this year to make content available to an additional 45 million people worldwide.

Ciaran Bollard, Founder and CEO of MUZU.tv says: “It doesn’t get bigger than The Beatles so we are honoured and excited to be the exclusive global partner for this unique event with Ringo and The All Starr band.”

Footage of the show will also appear on www.silvertipfilms.co.uk.

Press Release by Emmanuel PR

Silvertip Films Testimonals

2011-04-12T16:02:00.001+01:00

We receive quite a bit of feedback on our work and below is a selection of feedback on a number of videos we have shot...

“The video is great ....got really cool response at youtube...thanks to the whole fantastic team.”

Chris Boltendahl

(Grave Digger)

……………………………….

“The video is doing very well, must be good work by the film crew!”

Axel Ritt

(Grave Digger)

……………………………….

“I’m absolutely buzzing now, I couldn’t be happier. the filming is so edgy and smart, and the sound is just how I wanted it-punchy, big...just right.”

Sean Ryder Wolf

(Swing Kid)

“Thanks very much for yesterdays shoot. You guys were all highly professional and we cannot wait to see the results soon!”

Goosebumps Band

……………………………….

“First and foremost I am really, really pleased with it …won our first bit of business off of the video 2 weeks ago.”

David Orr

(OnTarget Telemarketing)

“Just to thank you and your team for your efforts and enthusiasm last night!“

Marco Moretti

(Supercharger Band)

……………………………….

“Thanks for all your lovely filming.....it's great for us to have for the MySpace etc and to send to our mailing list.”

Helen and Amy (Heroes of She)

Live and Unsigned 2010 Grand Finalists

……………………………….

“(The videos were…)Rocking…Kicking…Banging and Glamtastic! Thanks very much. I enjoyed watching.”

Ben Fuller

(Thin White Duke)

……………………………….

“In our experience, Silvertip Films are a friendly and competent media company. Like us, they are professional and passionate about the quality of their work. This comes across very well in the final version of Navin Kundra's "Zinda Hoon" music video. We are delighted with the excellent feedback received for this music video and certainly intend to work with Silvertip films again in future projects.”

Manny Kay

Fortunis Management (Navin Kundra)

……………………………….

“So glad we found you guys!”

Bad Pollyanna

……………………………….

“Nice one…video looks wicked!”

Swift it Major

……………………………….

“It's great! Love it! Thank you so much again. It was a really fun day and the video turned out amazing. I hope we'll get to do something together again soon!”

Nina Beste

……………………………….

“I am very happy and very impressed, thank you for the grading and magic you have brought to the final version, loving it a lot!”

……………………………….

“Silvertip Films manage to capture the passion, power and therefore the essence of every project beautifully. We believe this is because they are passionate about every project also. The sign of true artists. Great fun to work with. Always professional and with 100% successful results every time.”

Renato Paoli

CNR Records (Draven)

……………………………….

"Having worked some 40 years in the Rock N' Roll industry, I have seen many changes to its promotion and PR side. Firstly, the ground breaking video, and now the DVD that is absolutely vital for today’s CV. Professionalism, creativity and value for money, plus a great

team who care and get involved in the project, can only be Silvertip Films.

My video's were great, and I would have no hesitation in working with Silvertip Films on my next video project, thanks guys."

Pete Mitchell alias Stratmaster

……………………………….

"Silvertip Films always go out of their way to give their clients everything they need. Not only a great production but a top class one from start to finish. Always a pleasure to work with."

Leon Mitchell

OceanFall Promotions

……………………………….

“I am thrilled with the reel and will certainly be recommending you to my friends and using you again in the future for sure.”

Amy Jackson

Actress

……………………………….

"Great guys to work with in a wonderfully professional set-up. Patient, helpful, knowledgeable, full of ideas - I'd recommend Silvertip Films to anyone!”

Jessica Jay

Actress

……………………………….

“We have used Silvertip Films for all our film needs. They are a great company - great price and fantastic results - on time, in budget and outstanding. We wouldn't go anywhere else.If you want good film done well call him and forget about anyone else.”

Phil Ryan

(Storm Group of Companies)

Grave Digger

2010-09-01T17:52:00.000+01:00

We are pleased to be making the latest music video for Austrian Heavy Metal band Grave Digger, who are due to release their new album "The Clans Will Rise Again" later this year and will be releasing "Highland Farewell" as the lead off single.

The video is to be a combination of performance by the band and a historical themed battle.

Set in medieval times, we follow the journey of a young Scottish boy, torn from his family against their wishes and thrust into a battle that he has no chance of succeeding in. As the battle rages, Death comes looking for victims...

Shot on location in Surrey, the shoot saw us spending two days battle the weather - both the sun and the rain - and shooting some heavy metal band action before the re-enactors arrived and the story shoot began.

The video is now in post and will be appearing online soon in conjunction with the bands album release.

The beginnings of Grave Digger date back to 1980. After various appearances at small festivals, the band, comprising Chris Boltendahl, Peter Masson, Willi Lackmann and Albert Eckardt recorded a song for the compilation album “Rock from Hell” in 1983. A year later, Grave Digger released their debut album “Heavy Metal Breakdown”.

In 2000, Grave Digger celebrated their 20th anniversary. To mark the occasion, they performed a sold-out concert at the Zeche in Bochum. This concert marked a defining chapter in the band's history.

The Clans Will Rise Again" presents a band that has managed to mark their 30th anniversary with yet another musical milestone.

Live and Unsigned and other new projects

2010-06-30T11:08:00.000+01:00

Live and Unsigned finished a few weeks ago and all the band videos are now online at Muzu.tv and have amassed over 2 and a half million views today, which is great news for the bands involved.

All that remains for this year is the Grand Finale at the Indigo at the o2 in London - a very exciting show for all involved and is sure to be fantastic!

We recently shot live videos for the swing jive band Goosebumps and the high energy covers band Supercharger, both of these are being edited now and will be online soon to view.

We have a number of music videos being developed right now and news on those will appear online soon as well.

Live and Unsigned Update

2010-04-29T14:11:00.000+01:00

Live and Unsigned is still going strong and we have been at venues across the country each weekend and editing and uploading videos each week since then.

All the videos are uploaded to Muzu.TV and so far they have clocked up over 570,000 video views so far as the bands battle it out to win the MUZU Exposure Award: a trip to Dublin for a video session and a support slot at leading Dublin venue.

Over 290 acts have performances on the Live and Unsigned channel featuring both cover versions and their own material.

Check out the Top 20 below. Winners will be announced on July 1st.

1. Halfway Home Buoy: Kids / Straight Line
2. Capstin Pole: One More Day With You / Theres Goes the Fear
3. Fuel for the Fire: Poker Face / In Two Minds
4. Dress to Kill: Empire State of Mind / Desire
5. Indescisive: Crazy / I Feel Fine
6. Hot Ice: Wipeout/My Life
7. Frances Wood: When Love Takes Over/ As Good As Us
8. Folake Fadojutimi: MISTY BLUE
9. Raging Jupiter: Jolene / 4.50 an hour
10. Afro Symphony: Fly Away/Inside Of Me
11. Verax: Propane Nightmares/ I Just Wana Burn
12. A ME B: Tik Tok/Get Me Out Of This Box
13. Southpaw Saints: Senorita / Empire State of Mind / Fire / Deliver
14. Area 51: Are You Gonna Be My Girl / You Decide
15. Chris Mac: Iris / Frail
16. Basic: Wrong/ Twisted Heart
17. Crash & Berney: Fresh Prince / Doo Doo Doo
18. LA Davis: Funky / Mercy
19. Bloxed: Pass Out / Bass People
20. Lucy Kitt:Times They are a changin/ Loud and Clear

Live and Unsigned - Glasgow and Manchester

2010-03-19T16:59:00.000Z

The Live and Unsigned tour still rolls on with our cameras capturing great bands across the length and breadth of the country!

Here is a selection of photos, by Andy Benge, of some of the acts in action from Glasgow and Manchester.

Videos are appearing on Muzu.tv now and playlists will be appearing on here soon as well...

Live and Unsigned @ Hayes

2010-03-10T13:23:00.000Z

So Live and Unsigned 2010 is now in full swing, great bands, great venues all over the country!

Our videos will soon be appearing online but in the mean time, here are some photos from the first show in Hayes, taken by the fantastic Andy Benge...

New Live Showreel

2010-02-02T12:57:00.000Z

The blog has been quiet for a while now due to our being busy on various projects including the Mark Gleave "Nobody Else" music video, the Muscats "Face Up" music video and prepping for the Thin White Duke and Musicquarium live shoots.

We do a lot of live filming and this is our new showreel featuring bands at festivals, theatres and other venues. All audio is multi track recorded and mixed afterward.

Navin Kundra - Mehbooba

2010-01-11T12:11:00.001Z

We recently collaborated with Purple Haze Productions on our third video with Navin Kundra and his song "Mehbooba".

Following on from the smash hits "Tere Liye" and "Love Thing", "Mehbooba" has been a hit in the Asian charts as well.

The video, like "Love Thing" is a CGI focused video, all the work done by director Bharat Goel.

Check out the video below...

Open Mic UK Manchester Final Videos

2009-12-27T10:07:00.001Z

The edits are now complete for our Manchester Open Mic UK Final videos. You can now see these all on the Open Mic channel on MUZU.TV as well as on YouTube now (address below). We are now gearing up for the Live and Unsigned competition next year...perhaps we will see some of the Open Mic entrants there too!

Open Mic - Kortni Turner on MUZU

Open Mic - Libbi on MUZU

Open Mic - Felix Ngindu on MUZU

Open Mic Channel on Muzu.tv
Open Mic on YouTube

Open Mic UK Portsmouth Finals

2009-12-15T18:11:00.002Z

After a fairly massive edit period, our videos for various contestants in the Open Mic UK Portsmouth finale are now online at http://www.muzu.tv/openmic?country=gb but you can see various videos from the three age categories below. The Manchester videos are coming soon...

Open Mic - Open Mic Finals 2009 on MUZU

Open Mic - Paparazzi Open Mic 2009 on MUZU

Open Mic - Lady Marmarlade Open Mic 2009 on MUZU

Open Mic UK - Southern Finale

2009-12-01T09:02:00.000Z

We spent saturday last week at the Guildhall in Portsmouth, covering the action at the Southern finale of the Open Mic UK competition. Three age groups performed - Under 18's, 18 - 25 and Over 25's - and the quality of the acts was very high indeed.

We are currently editing the footage now for the acts who wanted their performance on DVD - there are some 18 hours to capture first though!

We are up to Manchester this weekend to film the Northern Finale, so good luck to all taking part there and congratulations to all in the Southern Finale.

"Markings"

2009-11-20T14:25:00.005Z

We are starting pre-production on a short film script entitled "Markings", written by our good friend Phil Ryan. You can see in action in his other role as musician in our LIVE MUSIC area where we have clips of him at the Phil Ryan Show.

"Markings" is a creepy, spooky little script...it takes an everyday sighting and turns it on its head. A little like "Blink" from Doctor Who...

Our regular colleague Ben Milner has put together a test for the creature in the film...you can get a glimpse at it here...

Welcome to our Blog...

2009-11-18T16:17:00.003Z

This is our new blog which aims to give information on our projects as and when we shoot them.

There will be news on the production itself, the run up to the shoot and how the edit is going. This will be about the crew, the band or artist and cast with them, the locations used, kit on the shoot, ideas and thoughts behind the video and so on.

Currently, we are in post production for a number of live shoots including...

Draven at Freakfest 2009 (Originals band with 4 camera shoot with mixed audio)
Booty Live in London (Covers band with 4 camera shoot with mixed audio)
Funk Soul Sister Live in Brighton (Covers band with 4 camera shoot with mixed audio)
John Albert Live in London (Blues Guitarist with 4 camera shoot with mixed audio)

We are currently prepping a music video shoot for Blue Soul Pharmacy which will be a green screen and studio video.

We are also prepping live shoots for Rachel Silva in December as well as covering the finales of the Open Mic UK competition and getting our passports out for a trip to Italy with Grand Prix Legends.

Each of these shoots and more will be covered here in the future!