Category: blog

Can AI improve content using text prompts ?

AI has opened up exciting possibilities in content creation by transforming simple text into diverse forms of media. From generating images to creating 3D models, AI is revolutionising how we create and consume content. As we learn how to use AI tools we should always remember that authentic content is paramount. Therefore we believe that AI can be used in a way that enhances our creative ideas, but does not replace the need for human creativity and skills. So how can we use AI to transform media creation? Here’s a look at what is out there at the moment with an overview of what each tool…

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camera filming interview

How to film interviews

1. Prepare Your Interview Environment The setting you choose for an interview plays a significant role in the overall aesthetic and professionalism of the video. Here are a few tips to ensure your interview space is ready: Lighting: Natural light is ideal, but in many cases, you may need to supplement it with artificial lighting. A three-point lighting setup — consisting of a key light (the main light on the subject), a fill light (which softens shadows), and a backlight (which creates separation from the background) — is a great place to start. Make sure the lighting is flattering and not too harsh. Background: Keep the background simple…

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PICTURE OF A GIRL MADE IN AI

Exploring Runway and Leading AI Video Generation Platforms

Innovations, Debates, and Future Prospects Introduction The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed the landscape of video content creation. Platforms like Runway are at the forefront, offering tools that simplify and enhance the production process. This article delves into Runway’s capabilities, compares it with other prominent AI video generation platforms, discusses the arguments for and against AI-generated video content, and explores potential future applications and challenges. Runway: Pioneering AI Video Content Creation Runway is an applied research company building the next era of art, entertainment, and human creativity. It offers a suite of AI-powered tools designed to assist creators in generating and editing…

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Authentic Content 2025

https://vimeo.com/1047882202 In the dynamic landscape of 2025, businesses and brands are increasingly recognising the imperative of integrating authentic video and photography content into their marketing strategies. This shift is driven by the unparalleled ability of visual media to engage audiences, foster trust, and enhance brand visibility. The Power of Authentic Visual Content Authenticity in visual content resonates profoundly with consumers, bridging the gap between brands and their audiences. Genuine imagery and videos humanise brands, making them more relatable and trustworthy. This connection is crucial in an era where consumers are inundated with content and are adept at discerning authenticity from fabrication. Video Marketing: A Catalyst…

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screen shot of capcut

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating and Editing a Reel for Instagram or TikTok Using CapCut

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating and Editing a Reel for Instagram or TikTok Using CapCut Creating engaging and professional-looking reels for Instagram or TikTok doesn’t require expensive equipment or advanced editing skills. With just your smartphone and the CapCut editing software, you can craft captivating short videos that resonate with your audience. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from planning and recording your video to editing and sharing it on social media. Step 1: Plan Your Video Before you start recording, it’s essential to plan your content. This ensures your reel is cohesive, visually appealing, and aligned with your goals. 1. Define Your Purpose:…

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Video Marketing Guide 2025

It's nearly 2025 ! How are you planning on using Video Marketing in 2025 ? We've got a free Video Marketing Guide you can download here : Video Marketing Guide 2025 Or you can try listening to this AI generated version of it below. We experimented with the new AI Podcast creator from Google called notebookLM. Whilst we know it's in its early days we were quite amazed at how it took our document and automatically generated a conversation around the content. We'd love to know your thoughts on this. We are experimenting with AI tools cautiously ! https://vimeo.com/1033111154?share=copy Please get in touch to discuss…

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lady being interviewed

Why Testimonial Videos Work and Why they are good for Business

Brightcove found that video testimonials can increase conversion rates by up to 80%.  In today's digital age, businesses are constantly searching for effective ways to connect with their audience and build trust. Here's why testimonial videos work and why they are good for business. https://vimeo.com/852168779 A student testimonial video for University Authenticity Builds Trust In a world flooded with marketing messages, consumers crave authenticity. Testimonial videos provide this by showcasing real customers sharing their genuine experiences with a product or service. This authenticity helps build trust with potential customers, as people are more likely to believe the word of their peers over traditional advertising. https://vimeo.com/701971748 A…

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Nova Kicks

Nova Kicks Lyric Video

We recently worked on two lyric Videos for Nova Kicks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUp6tquDbnI For the new release 'The Right Way' the band wanted to use a mix of archival footage to create a montage of visuals to accompany the theme of the words. We combined a mix of royalty free footage and merged layers and effects to ensure that we modernised the footage, whilst paying tribute to the hard work of the previous talent from the days of the past. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfetbgulW7U 'Pieces of You' is a track from the Nova Kicks album; 'Maps'. For this lyric video we wanted a subtle and emotive feeling through gentle animation.…

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studio

The Power of Video

https://vimeo.com/379726938 The human brain is wired to respond and react to moving imagery, especially if it’s beautiful or emotional. Be honest, how much time do you spend on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube scrolling through mini video clips? Due to a global pandemic, video has become an even more important form of communication. It has replaced many of the physical, in-person exchanges we previously took for granted. So, in 2021 and beyond, getting your message across via online video will be crucial, whatever size or type of company you are. If you need evidence of how significant ‘film’ is now, witness the phenomenal rise of Live…

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The Rise of Live Streaming in 2020

Live streaming has been enjoying a healthy following over the last few years, but as 2020 has forced us indoors and online, its success has skyrocketed. Here's how and why live stream video broadcasts have been booming in 2020. The Stats Say it All Enforced lockdowns from the Covid-19 pandemic have seen swathes of events, meetings and activities cancelled this year. But, instead of writing these all off completely, businesses, providers and influencers have been turning to the internet to live stream their content instead. As well as providing an online alternative to many cancelled activities, many people stuck indoors during lockdown have watched live…

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VIDEO MARKETING OXFORD

Video Marketing 2020

This year will be another record year for on-line Video consumption. Check out our Video Marketing Guide for 2020 here. The teams at Studio8

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video production cv

Starting a Career in Video Production

We are very lucky at Studio8 to be working in a job that we love and you can can do it too! This article has been put together for students and anyone else thinking about making their way into film and video production.   A job in Video Production offers a diverse, creative and rewarding career full of unique experiences. There are plenty of different areas that you can look into which will suit your skill set. Perhaps you enjoy the idea of planning shoots, and therefore you may be suited to a career in Production (Producer), you could have a gift for composition and…

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Studio8 Oxford

Video Marketing Campaigns

With so many Videos being created, its important that your video not only looks the best it can, but also that your video has a marketing campaign behind it to help reach out to your target audience. Here are a few ideas on how you can do just that . . . Brand Stories Capturing emotive stories will help your business. Content that connects with peoples feelings can achieve a better overall film. Opening up to your audience about your passion and story will be much more captivating. Distribution  Once you have created your amazing video, its important to understand how you are going to get…

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Walkers Logs Brand Video

Walkers Logs approached us to help them create a brand video for their company. From their Cotswold yard, they are able to provide premium kiln dried logs throughout the UK. Our video was created to tell the story and help viewers understand the process of how the logs are obtained. It was important to Walkers, that the video highlighted their responsible tree harvesting and care for the wildlife and sustainability of the woodlands they work in compared to cheaper imports. The final shot of the film is set within a typical country cottage where two people can be seen to enjoy the warmth of a…

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David Attenborough

Recent Video Production by Studio8

Hi Everyone! Hope you are enjoying the lovely sunny weather we’ve been having.  Here’s a roundup of some of the latest shoots we’ve been working on at Studio8 - enjoy watching  :)   David Attenborough and Oxfordshire Pigeons   (Currently in Production) Our Drone team were hired out to film a sequence as part of a larger production for a forthcoming David Attenborough documentary. We were required to film David releasing the Pigeons from a wicker box and set them free. Our drone then had to follow the flock into the air as they took to the skies. A treat to work with one of…

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Christmas Gift Guide

Choosing a unique gift for someone is always tricky, but with a photography shoot, you can’t go wrong. It is the one present that keeps on giving. Whether you book a surprise shoot and include the receiver, or you create a great photograph for them, you’ll put a smile on their face, and that is a guarantee. At Studio8, we offer a range for shoots that are ideal as gifts. While we have a number of different people that book shoots for themselves, the majority of people book a shoot as a gift for a friend, family member or their partner. However, what options do…

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Drone Flying over Oxford

Why you should hire a professional for aerial drone filming

Drones have brought aerial filming within the reach of far more people than ever before. Instead of hiring an aeroplane or helicopter in order to film from the air, it is now possible to hire or buy an aerial drone for a fraction of the price. While aerial drones can be purchased for less than £1,000, there are a number of great reasons to hire a professional drone operator like Studio8 rather then attempting to shoot your own footage. Most importantly our Drone pilot has taken an extensive course to gain a license from the Civil Aviation Authority which is legally required in order to…

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iPhonegraphy

iPhoneography – what does it mean?

There’s an old saying in photography that the best camera is the one you have with you, which goes some way to explaining the massive trend in iPhoneography - using an iPhone to take photos. With the camera getting better with each passing generation, the iPhone is now capable of truly stunning photography. It still lacks the full technical capabilities of a DSLR, but it’s good enough and the fact that owners always have their phones to hand means that more and more moments that simply wouldn’t have been recorded for posterity are now finding their way on to Flickr, Pinterest and Instagram. However, it's…

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The top 8 cameras for home portraits this summer

The sun is in the sky, the burgers are on the barbecue, the cider is on ice and the kids are playing in the back garden. All you need now to commemorate the glorious British summer is a few snaps of you and your loved ones enjoying it. But what camera to use? This run down of the eight best compact cameras for home photography is here to help you decide. 8. Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II A pricey option it may be, but the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II is one of the best point-and-shoot cameras you’ll find. Users of the very…

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