Interview with Robert Butcher from the United States

My name is Robert Butcher, and I am a dedicated corporate video production professional, bringing over 12 years of experience in creating high-impact visual content for businesses. Based in Denver, Colorado, I specialize in crafting professional corporate videos that effectively communicate brand stories, enhance marketing efforts, and support corporate communications. I own and operate ProfessionalVP, our corporate video production company, as well as Morrison Digital Marketing.

My journey began with a deep passion for visual storytelling, leading me to earn a degree in Film and Media Production. Since then, I have refined my expertise in various facets of corporate videography, including promotional videos, training modules, event coverage, and executive interviews. My commitment to excellence ensures that every project I undertake is of the highest quality, aligning perfectly with the unique needs and goals of my clients.

I am known for my meticulous attention to detail, creative vision, and ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines. My dedication to client satisfaction and my ability to deliver compelling visual narratives have earned me a respected reputation within the corporate community.

I have always been a creative. Early on as a young entrepreneur I jumped right in to the specialty print industry. This allowed me to not only exercise my creative talents but it also helped me to understand how my work would impact production.

Outside of some time spent in sales, my entire career has revolved around creative design and the production of the goods the designs were created for.

I established Professional Video & Photography(ProVP) in 2011. ProVP primarily focuses on creating videos that market and brand our clients' companies, products, and services. We are renowned for producing meticulously crafted media that effectively targets and speaks to our clients' audiences.

The second company, Morrison Digital Marketing, handles the distribution side of our marketing services. We realized that our clients were not always fully leveraging the value of the videos and media we created for them. To address this, we developed resources and systems to help our clients market their websites, manage their online paid advertising, and enhance their social media marketing efforts.

Hands down, video production is my primary passion. More specifically, I am deeply committed to telling human stories. I believe that connecting our company, product, or services to our audience through authentic human narratives is paramount. These stories are among the most effective ways for a company's audience to connect and relate.

Additionally, I love helping people share their stories through video. Every production I've been involved with leads to new connections and provides the opportunity to learn something new.

To me, a "good" design is characterized by several key attributes:

Functionality: It meets the intended purpose effectively and efficiently. Good design solves problems and fulfills needs without unnecessary complexity.

Aesthetics: It is visually appealing and evokes the desired emotional response. This involves a harmonious use of colors, shapes, textures, and other visual elements.

Usability: It is user-friendly and intuitive. A good design allows users to navigate and interact with it easily, with clear instructions and minimal learning curve.

My design style is characterized by a strong emphasis on storytelling, clarity, and emotional engagement.

Story-centric: At the heart of my design style is a commitment to telling compelling human stories. I focus on narratives that resonate with audiences, drawing them in and creating a connection through authentic and relatable content.

Usability: Whether it's a video interface or the flow of a narrative, the design should be user-friendly and intuitive. This ensures that the audience can easily follow and interact with the content without confusion or frustration.

Consistency: Consistency with brand and in design elements like fonts, colors, and graphics helps create a unified and professional presentation.

Innovation: Good design incorporates fresh ideas and creativity. In my work, this might mean experimenting with new filming techniques or storytelling methods to create unique and memorable content.

Scalability: The design should be adaptable to different contexts and needs. For videos, this means ensuring that the content works well across various platforms and devices without losing its effectiveness or quality.

In essence, my design style is a blend of storytelling, clarity, visual appeal, and emotional engagement, all underpinned by professionalism, adaptability, and creativity. This approach allows me to create impactful and memorable content that effectively communicates the desired message.

1. Initial Consultation and Discovery:

Client meeting - I begin by meeting with the client to understand their goals, brand, and target audience. This includes discussing the project's scope, objectives, and any specific requirements.

Research - I conduct thorough research on the client's industry, competitors, and current market trends to ensure the video content is relevant and impactful.

Concept Development:

Brainstorming - I collaborate with my team to brainstorm ideas that align with the client's vision and objectives.

Storyboarding - We create detailed storyboards to outline the visual and narrative flow of the video. This helps in visualizing the project and ensuring that all key elements are included.

Scriptwriting - A script is developed to guide the narrative, ensuring that the messaging is clear, concise, and compelling.

Pre-Production Planning:

Planning and scheduling - We organize all logistical aspects of the shoot, including location scouting, talent casting, and scheduling.

Equipment and resources - I ensure that all necessary equipment and resources are prepared and ready for the shoot, including cameras, lighting, and sound equipment.

Production:

Filming - During the production phase, I oversee the filming process, ensuring that all footage is captured according to the storyboard and script. Attention to detail is crucial to maintaining the project's quality and integrity.

Direction - I direct the shoot, working closely with the talent and crew to capture the desired shots and performances.

Post-Production:

Editing - The footage is then edited to create a cohesive and engaging narrative. This includes cutting the film, adding transitions, and incorporating any visual effects.

Sound design - We work on the audio aspects, including sound effects, music, and voiceovers, to enhance the video's overall impact.

Review and revisions - The initial edit is reviewed with the client, and any necessary revisions are made to ensure the final product meets their expectations.

Finalization and delivery:

Final edits - Once all revisions are completed, the final edit is produced. This includes color correction, final sound mixing, and any last-minute adjustments.

Format and delivery - The finished video is rendered in the required formats and delivered to the client.

I draw my inspiration from a variety of sources, each contributing to my unique approach to video production. Nature's breathtaking landscapes often ignite my creativity, offering a palette of colors, textures, and lighting techniques that I seamlessly incorporate into my work.

Additionally, I find inspiration in the diverse stories and experiences of the people I encounter. Whether it's a heartfelt testimonial or a compelling narrative, I strive to capture the essence of human emotion and connection in my videos. Furthermore, I stay abreast of the latest trends and innovations in the film industry, drawing inspiration from the work of other talented filmmakers and creatives.

Ultimately, it's my passion for storytelling and my dedication to creating impactful visual narratives that drives my inspiration and fuels my creativity at Professional Video and Photography.

With the growing popularity of live streaming platforms, such as YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and Twitch, there's a trend towards real-time engagement with audiences. I am intrigued by the prospect of live streaming events, interviews, or behind-the-scenes footage to connect with viewers in a more immediate and authentic way.

Also platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels have fueled the popularity of short-form video content. You might be interested in exploring the creative possibilities of condensing narratives into shorter formats, leveraging quick cuts, dynamic visuals, and catchy music to capture viewers' attention in a fast-paced digital landscape.

Winning the 2024 Vega Digital Awards is an incredible honor for me, my company, and my entire team at Professional Video and Photography. This prestigious recognition validates our commitment to excellence and innovation in video production. It signifies that our hard work, creativity, and dedication to storytelling have been acknowledged by industry experts and peers.

For me personally, receiving this award distinction is a source of immense pride and validation of my passion for visual storytelling. It motivates me to continue pushing boundaries, exploring new creative avenues, and raising the bar for quality in our work. For my company and team, winning the Vega Digital Awards is a testament to our collective talent, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional results for our clients. It boosts morale, instills confidence, and reinforces our reputation as a leader in the industry.

Beyond the accolades, this award is a symbol of trust and recognition from our clients, partners, and the wider community. It reinforces our position as a go-to destination for innovative and impactful video production solutions. As we celebrate this achievement, we remain humble and grateful for the opportunities that lie ahead. We are inspired to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity, delivering outstanding work, and making a positive impact through the power of visual storytelling.

Nestled in the heart of Broomfield, Colorado, at 1145 E 13th Ave, Bal Swan Children's Center stands as a beacon of early childhood education and community enrichment. Since its establishment, Bal Swan has been dedicated to nurturing young minds and fostering holistic development in a warm and inclusive environment. With a rich history spanning decades, our center prides itself on its innovative curriculum, experienced educators, and commitment to providing a supportive space where every child can flourish.

"Our Story Starts With You" is a documentary spotlighting the teachers at Bal Swan Children's Center and their remarkable dedication to nurturing students each day. This intimate portrayal offers viewers a glimpse into the daily lives of these educators, showcasing their steadfast focus on providing a comprehensive curriculum that prepares children for their future endeavors.

Additionally, the film underscores the importance of social and emotional support within the classroom, highlighting how these teachers go above and beyond to foster a supportive environment for young learners. Their unwavering commitment to the well-being and growth of their students shines through, illustrating their genuine love and passion for enriching the lives of children.

The primary challenge of this project lies in its intimate setting. It required minimal equipment and a discreet presence within the classroom. My aim was to minimize disruption to the daily activities while capturing the genuine interactions between the children and teachers. Though my presence was acknowledged by both the children and teachers, I endeavored to seamlessly integrate into the classroom environment, hoping to fade into the background and allow for the most authentic portrayal of their activities.

Winning an award provides external validation of my work and expertise, enhancing my credibility within the industry. It serves as a stamp of approval from peers, clients, and industry experts, solidifying my reputation as a skilled professional.

It often leads to increased visibility and exposure for my work. It may attract media attention, feature opportunities, and invitations to speak at industry events, allowing me to reach a broader audience and expand my professional network. Additionally the prestige associated with winning an award can open doors to new career opportunities and advancement prospects. It may lead to job offers, promotions, or collaborations with prestigious organizations and clients who seek out award-winning talent.

In the digital industry, there are countless aspects to love, but if I had to narrow it down to my top three favorites, they would be:

Innovation and Creativity: The digital industry is constantly evolving, pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity. From groundbreaking technologies to cutting-edge design trends, there's always something new and exciting to explore. I love the opportunity to innovate, experiment, and create impactful digital experiences that captivate and engage audiences.

Global Reach and Connectivity: One of the most remarkable aspects of the digital industry is its ability to connect people from all around the world. Through digital platforms, we can reach audiences across borders and cultures, fostering global connections and collaborations. I'm fascinated by the power of digital technology to bridge distances, facilitate communication, and bring people together in meaningful ways.

Empowerment and Accessibility: The digital industry has democratized access to information, resources, and opportunities in unprecedented ways. It has empowered individuals and businesses to express themselves, share their stories, and pursue their passions on a global scale. I'm inspired by the democratizing effect of digital technology, which has the potential to create positive change and impact lives around the world.

The digital marketing industry is poised for significant evolution in the next 5-10 years, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer behaviors, and the increasing importance of data.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning will play a pivotal role in personalizing and optimizing marketing campaigns. These technologies will enable marketers to analyze vast amounts of data, predict consumer behavior, and deliver highly targeted content.

Video content will continue to dominate, with platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram leading the way. Live streaming, short-form videos, and interactive video content will become increasingly important for capturing audience attention.

Additionally influencer marketing will become more sophisticated, with a focus on micro and nano-influencers who have highly engaged, niche audiences. Brands will increasingly seek authentic partnerships and long-term collaborations with influencers.

There are many places for those motivated to increase their skill in digital content creation.

Firstly I would suggest the local community college. This is a great way not only to expand your knowledge in addition to meet and develop relationships with other creatives in your area. Building an tribe of like minded individuals will help you achieve greater goals.

Next, I would suggest LinkedIn Learning. I am an old school fan that was a member of this learning platform well before LinkedIn acquired Linda.com. The expense is nominal and the resources are vast. I personally have consumed hundreds of hours of education through this platform.

Also as an Adobe Creative Cloud user, I would recommend Adobe Creative Cloud tutorials. Adobe has many comprehensive tutorials to help you navigate their amazing applications and even hosts and annual event for the creative community.

I have made so many mistakes!

Now the truth is, I have been telling this secret the last couple of years as encouragement to the students that I teach at Red Rocks Community College in Lakewood Colorado. I have been telling this secrete because I think it is important for the newly emerging digital content creator to understand that unless we put ourselves out there and allow ourselves to be vulnerable we do not give ourselves the opportunity to grow.

If we stay in our comfort bubble we are still and become stagnant. When we stretch our skills we are bound to make mistakes and through those mistakes learn lessons that allow us to develop and grow.

My friend Danny Dodge. Danny is an amazing videographer, content creator and inventor here in Colorado. In addition to his exceptional technical expertise and his engaging storytelling style, Danny has made several contributions to the creative community like his invention of the Cinerails, a compact/ travel camera dolly system. Here's where you can check him out, DodgeMediaGroup.

My parting advice for emerging content creators centers on authenticity, consistency, and continual learning. It's crucial to remain true to your unique voice and vision because authenticity deeply resonates with audiences. Consistency in content production and engagement is key to cultivating and retaining a loyal audience. Lastly, in our fast-evolving digital landscape, it's vital to stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and platforms to stay competitive and innovative.