The new office space has a large stock room to store all our video production needs, such as, tripods, dollys, booms, lights and lighting rigs and a range of JVC/Panasonic camera equipment. It even has enough room for us to make up a complete tracking system! There will also be a blue screen set up to cope with the increased demand in web videos. This will also be greatly aided by the whole new Apple Mac system we will be getting.

Also our recording studio will have a new vocal booth four times the size of the one we currently have, and a 5.1 surround mix room.

Additionally, the move will improve our capabilities as a video production company. Coming provided with its own kitchen, bathroom facilities, conference/preview room and seating area. Moreover, this office space was once home to the Ricky Gervais sitcom ‘The Office’! The CEO is growing a goaty and actually plans to have his picture taken lying on a desk (I may take the day off).

What’s more this space will be shared with Dr John Emmett’s research and development production company ‘BPR’, who create specialist video production equipment, so, we will have first pick of their state of art product the line.

Although the image below looks more like a car boot sale, it’ll soon become our new office and studio space. Currently the new editing studio is being built and all new equipment has arrived, so keep your eyes peeled for more news to come!

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Furthermore, Nostairway Media will be donating to the Capital Rocks event in late 2012. At an ultimate star-studded evening in support of helping a Capital child, with live performances coming from Capital DJS and such hit music artists as The Wanted, Stacey Solomon and Chipmunk (who all performed at the 2010 event). This appeal is to support disadvantage children and young people, affected by homelessness, disability, abuse and illness, by providing small grants to hundreds of local projects/groups.
What’s more, as we are a video production company, we have proposed to record this event for public distribution. So watch this space!

It is very easy to donate to this charity via the Capital FM website, or to get involved by holding your own fundraising event. You can also apply for Nostairway Media’s fantastic opportunity by placing a bid on the Capital FM website. Moreover you can follow the evenings event from the Charities official sites page at: http://www.capitalfm.com/charity/ and follow Capital FM via their Twitter account at https://twitter.com/#!/CapitalOfficial

Additionally, you can help get this message out by re-tweeting this blog!

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As we are all aware media technology is rapidly changing and consumers are demanding faster access to this said content, creating continuous room for growth. BVE have over 370 exhibitors including some of the biggest names in the industry displaying world-exclusives of the newest and best equipment coming out onto the market. For example JVC are displaying the worlds first handheld 4K cam recorder, the new GY-HMQ 10. This camera records at four times the resolution of normal HD cameras with high-speed signal processing and a ½-inch CMOS imager with 8.3 million active pixels. A revelation to the video production industry. PEC are displaying the ‘Pico Flex Dolly’ the smallest camera dolly on the market and the ‘Swivi’ an innovative location swivel LCD monitor. Nikon are exhibiting the revolutionary Nikon D4 Digital SLR which is believed to change the face of photography with its 16.2 megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor that allows up to 11 fps, making it the fasted Nikon camera yet. Most excitingly though are the 3D cameras and software being displayed by such companies as Sony and Vizrts. Sony showcased a range of semi-pro, prestige and essential HD 3D cameras and reminded us that video production companies (at an avoidable price) have the opportunity to explore new concepts and go were only once film production companies were able to go. While Vizrts demonstrated the new Viz Ticker3D a highly flexible piece of software which allows its users to create tickers of live data, animated 3D objects, images, and text. Heslington Studios, Hire a Camera, and Portaprompt, will also be showing the latest developments in the film and production arena of 3D.

Additionally, over 15,000 fellow professionals will be present at the event to further discuss the technological developments of the industry. With such presentations coming from the award-winning make up artists Shaunna Harrison, who shared her tips on how to create perfect make up for 3D TV and SFX, Framestore chief executive William Sargant, who spoke about the 3D revolution. Revealing that the ‘hype phase’ of 3D is now over yet fully cemented as a major part in the movie industry, and DP/Director Philip Bloom (who specialising in Depth of Field Adaptors and Video DSLRs) had a successful session about sensor camcorders. Furthermore there have been several hand practice sessions on editing, CGI and motion graphics every day, allowing video production companies to have their own little taster of what could be install for their company. As quoted on their website ‘BVE really is THE place for broadcast and production professionals to see, learn, experience and network.’

Being the only UK event to offer a comprehensive showcase of products and services you know that if you were impressed this year, you will be blown away by the next. We at Nostairway Media are for one!

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Furthermore, Nostairway Media are pleased to announce that we are expanding to a larger office within the grounds of Teddington TV Studios. This is a fantastic chance for us to not only expand as a recording studio, but for us to improve on what we as a professional music production company can offer you as the public. We are very excited about the new business opportunities this will create, especially as we’ll be sharing the space with the Broadcast Production Research (BPR) company. BPR are an engineering and perceptual research group who specialise in the design of broadcast hardware, developing such media production tools as jibs, dollys and many more. Over the passed 12 months Nostairway Media have done some research and development for BPR and are extremely impressed with the work they have produced. One of our favourite inventive media tools which BPR have created is the revolutionary LED ring light, which will change the face of video production in several different ways. To understand what we mean, check out the video below.

So watch this space for more Nostairway Media news, as this year can only get better and better.

If you would like to get involved in our Twitter Competition then add us on https://twitter.com/#!/nostairway or go like our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nostairway-Media/163337460429321?sk=wall

Nostairway has seen an increase in demand for web video production of over 40% in the past 6 months and this trend is not going to reverse.

However, web video production is still a dark science. Many feel that they can grab a camera and make a video for their site. In a way, they can. But if the content of your web video is not as polished as a professional video production, what does it say about your business.

Even if you have the most amazing video footage to cut into a montage, how does it sound?

Too many web videos fall foul of low rent production values. Remember your customers won’t tell you if your video looks or sounds rough, they’ll just switch.

And, while you’re at it, consider this: If you think professional are expensive, try hiring an amateur.

Happy vidoeing, check out one of our latest.

Delivering Growth Through Technology Excellence from rob marshall on Vimeo.

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As a professional recording studio we believe that the top three tips to always remember with a demo are: variation, relevance and preparation

BE VARIED IN THE SONG CHOICE

Pick three different styles of song which showcase your abilities and range as an artist. As a recording studio we usually suggest a current, pop and classic/commercial track, perhaps even motown or something from musical theatre. Ballads should be avoided when possible, as even though they may be one of your favourite sing along tracks, they are hard to pull off and have a narrow audience.
Seek advice from those who will give you a true answer on your best tracks. Don’t just rely on songs you love yourself.

KEEP IT SHORT – KEEP IT RELEVANT

Recording studios never have the time to listen to a whole album, and the harsh fact is, if you don’t catch the listeners attention within the first 10-30 seconds of a song, your demo will be turned off and put into the bin. We suggest that you cut out any long intros included in your song choices and only showcase around 30 seconds to 1 minute of each track. This is enough time for the listener to engage with the song and to decide if you have potential as an artist without boring them if the song is not to their taste.

BE PREPARED

Preparation is key to any form of success in this industry, as if you can think of something which may go wrong it more than likely will. You must be prepared for anything and everything. However, it isn’t just the equipment and software you need to make sure is fully working, it is also your mental attitude. Before you reach the recording studio you need to know your identity as an artist – what is your style, who are your audience, what are you trying to achieve?

When you have fully understood your place in the industry let the recording studio (where you will be recording your demo) know exactly what you want to achieve before you visit. As the engineer of a recording studio is now your final key to success. Be open to take suggestions and be prepared to change your style/format of your demo if necessary. It doesn’t matter if it is your favourite track, a professional recording studio knows what sells and what doesn’t. Furthermore, never assume an issue can be solved in post-production, if you can fix it there and then, do. A professional recording studio will be more than happy to do another take than produce a poor demo and a bad reputation.

Our last bit of advice is make your demo as professional looking as possible. If you can visually intrigue a recording studio/client then they are more than likely to want to listen to your music.

Finally, and most importantly, self determination and devotion to continue to practice and put yourself out there is vital to your success…so practice, practice, practice!

And if you really want to know what NOT to do in a recording studio, watch this artist.

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Spirit Agenda have performed throughout the UK and aboard, becoming quickly known as world class musicians. Which is why we at Nostairway Media were more than happy to create them a promotional web video. We at Nostairway Media have been creating a lot of web videos at the moment, with our recent contracts with Intellect UK and D-media, and it is something we are very keen to continue with. As not only are promotional web videos a quick and easy tool for us as a corporation (and for our potential clients) to generate new business ventures, they’re always a lot of fun to create; allowing us to get involved in the music production process.

To produce Spirit Agenda’s web video are team were invited to attend one of Spirit Agenda’s gigs and get a feel of what they as a band believe makes good music production. It was clear from getting to know the artists, that enthusiasm was key to their success and that a relaxed friendly working environment helped create the fervent flow they aimed to achieve in their music production.

We at Nostairway Media believe that great music production comes from, not only what has been stated above, but from continuous persistence, knowledge and appreciation to the music you produce. A good way to improve your understanding of music production is to go watch other bands and get a feel of what the song is actually about, trying not to get distracted by the visual but remaining captivated by the message in the melody. Remember though that every viewing environment and audience is different, so to achieve a successful music production you must know your market and develop your own unique trade mark.

For us at Nostairway Media music production is incredibly important, seeing as we originally started off as a music production company over 13 years ago! In fact, our name (No Stairway) is a direct link to this, working as a reference to the popular connotation of newbie guitarists going to music stores to play the classic Led Zeppelins ‘stairway to heaven’.

That is why we were more than happy to take on the notion of helping the local G.C.S.E students from London academy with their music exams. This involved advising them on how to set up a professional recording studio, how to use state of the art musical equipment and editing software and actually listening to what they could produce as individual artists. We at Nostairway Media were overjoyed by their appreciation for the arts, willingness to try new things and their talents in their own musical area of interest – whether it was from rapping, signing or heavy metal production. Allowing us to safely reside in the faith of the success of future music production.

Once again, Spirit Agenda have been a joy to work with and are available for bookings throughout the year. If you like what you’re hearing then wait till you see them in action! Just check out our video below.

Spirit Agenda from rob marshall on Vimeo.

Furthermore, you can check out our Nostairway Media’s 4RFV account by following this link. Our 4RFV account is a quick easy way for other media corporations to find out our background and hire us for future work in music production or web video/video production.

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Intellect UK is the leading trade association which represents members in the technology industry. Allowing companies across the market in electronics, communication, design, defence and space-related IT to have a single powerful voice in developing and improving their sector. Intellect UK promotes the strength and need for technology in today’s environment by engaging with the government and regulators to create the most favourable environment for growth and employment, to help maintain the UK’s reputation/strategic importance and promoting best practice by providing insights into markets and supply chains.

We at Nostairway Media understand Intellect UK’s mission and were thrilled to be asked to create a promotional web video displaying the need of technology excellence and growth. Nostairway Media have created said web video to demonstrates through all sectors of private, corporate and government organisations the benefits of technology, whether for business or personal use. Such as, the impact portable technology has had on farmers, allowing those to reach their clients and record crop data while in the field. Furthermore it has allowed hospitals to achieve life-saving medical equipment/software that were once unheard of and has allowed everyone on a global scale a voice of communication.

Another interesting concept that has come out of technological expansion is the ‘Mirri Ad’. Mirri Ad is a fascinating concept that allows advertisers to place their product within suitable stages of video content. I.e. during the Television show Neighbours when some characters are sat in Harold café, a supplier such as, McCoy’s crisps, can electronically product place their item into the shot. Allowing the audience to subconsciously take in their product and hopefully boost McCoy’s sales. This will greatly help the advertising community as it will target an engaged audience through a local, regional or global scale through content that powerfully matches the brand campaign.

Nostairway Media are always happy to promote web video production and video production in general, especially when it promotes the best practice of technology. That is why Nostairway Media are a member of the D-media network. D-media is a fellow supporting society to technology innovation, focusing on connecting talent and expertise to create an exciting community of opportunities. D-Media achieve this by keeping tabs on things which could affect their clients business, such as market intelligence, industry policy, government funding schemes, jobs, projects, talent, technology, innovation, finance, international trade, and training across the digital spectrum of film, television, games, music, software, interactivity, social media and mobile. Whether for entrepreneurs, large-scale corporations or the public sector. Over the past six years D-Media have helped contribute to government policy, stimulated £100million foreign investments, provided funding and development to over 5,000 companies and have created the digital content sector consortium for the South East of England (SEMN).

To see more on how Technology can impact yours/or your companies life, check out our promotional web video for Intellect UK below.

Intellect from rob marshall on Vimeo.

Nostairway Media have also created a promotional web video for D-Media, which can be further viewed below.

D-Media from rob marshall on

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- ADR
- Advertorial video
- Audio production
- Audio dubbing
- Digital media
- Event videos
- Film production
- Music creation
- Promotional work
- Voice over production
- Video production
- Web video production

The upgrade to this app is Doddle PRO which takes this concept one step further, allowing organisations to create their own digital and interactive call sheet. Permitting its users to check the current weather for the shoot, the GPS of the shooting location and see all the local emergency departments, contact information on crew members and artist profiles.
It is incredibly easy to use and has changed the way we as an organisation run our company. It allows us at Nostairway Media to have all vital information in one format in a quick and accessible way, and has allowed us to seek out new business ventures through the search engine. This is definitely one app that lives up to its name!

To view our profile, check out Nostairway Media’s page on Doodle

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Blippar is an app that uses the in-built camera on your smart device to recognise a brand image then it provides a selection of augmented features. This includes competitions, promotional videos, games, visual graphics, music and interactive and you don’t even need a wi-fi connection.

It works by holding up, say your phone or tablet, to an item in the real world and allowing the owner of that said item to extend the advertising for their product. Allowing us, as the public, to ‘explore, experience and connect’ on a completely new scale.

The app is completely free and easy to use, allowing a new form of connection between the market and consumer. Which is great news to video production companies as ourselves. As it will allow NSM to broadcast our work, any coming competitions and basic information, in an easy, quick and fun way to our potential cliental. Improving not only our work flow, but connection to you as the public as well.

Every day new content is coming available to view and share and seeing as Blippar wasn’t broadcasted till September 2011, it will be amazing to see how quick it will grow to new markets and devices. So watch this space guys!

To learn more on how Blippar is used and to witness the quality it can produce, check out the link below and watch their web video.

http://blippar.com/

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