How long have you been a book video designer/ graphic designer?
I've been doing book videos for about a year and a half, graphic design for about 20 years, chiefly in broadcast television.
Please tell us a bit about the book video process.
I work closely with the author or publisher to determine what they want to communicate about their book and how we can best achieve that within the confines of book video. I like to try to present the book as if it were a film; I think that in today's visual-oriented-YouTube society it's the best way to convey a sense of why they should buy the book.
Where can people see examples of your work?
Why do you think it's important for an author to have a book video?
A well-done trailer can generate excitement and enthusiasm for a given book and be seen by tons of potential buyers for relatively little cost.
Typically, how do you work with authors for the production of their video?
It depends. Some authors/publishers know exactly how they want to present their book and it's my job to collaborate with them and refine their vision to produce a trailer that's technically feasible and "watchable." Others aren't so sure what to do so I work with them to extract the essence of the book and figure out a consistent, thematic structure to the trailer that best serves the book. I like to ask the client if their book was a movie, what kind of movie would it be? That helps to focus and we get a lot of good ideas that way. It's a lot of back and forth and throwing ideas around.
Do you work more often with publishing companies or directly with authors?
Mostly with publishers; I usually work directly with authors only if they're self-publishing or working to promote the book apart from the publisher's efforts.
There are many programmes out there that people can use to make their own video's. Why should an author consider using a professional like yourself instead?
Well to be blunt, professionals such as myself have more experience and know how to use the technology (no offense authors!). Although to be fair I've seen some author-produced trailers that look pretty good. Plus I think there's a value in collaboration and having someone to bounce ideas off of.
Where can people find out more about you and your work?
Anything else you'd like to add?
Thanks for your interest!
