Blog

Knowledge is power. This blog is our little outlet to share our stories, lessons and challenges met. The hope is that we are able to provide some insight into what we've learned over the years. We'll try to be as helpful as possible.

Backing up Lots of Data Remotely - Dec 12, 2009 6:41AM - By: Chad Halvorson

Recently we started backing up a few of our workstations using BackBlaze. So far it works great; it consistently backs up all our project files to a nice, cozy off-site location.

Our company file server is another story. We produce a lot of video programs, website designs, code, graphics, animations, etc. So our storage needs are huge. With our file server being Linux, finding an off-site backup service that didn't break the bank was virtually impossible.

At this point we have roughly 3TB of data on our file server. We needed a way to get this data backed up to a safe location in an automated, daily fashion.

Weighing all our options we chose to build a second Linux file server and run it at a different location. After that it was fairly straight forward. We used "rsync", a free Linux based remote file copying tool.

Configuration took some thought. We chose to sync all files 3GB or less to the remote server. That would cover all project files and assets, however, most rendered and finalized videos would be left out. We were OK with that since all final renders and videos are backed up to disc and/or tape any way.

The initial backup took the longest. We closely monitored progress over the course of about 5 days. Yup, it only took 5 days to backup just under 3TB over a 10Mbit upload connection.

So far the results have been great. The servers sync every night, updating modified files, backing up new files and removing deleted files. The whole process now only takes 30 -60 minutes each day depending on how much data we transferred that day.

The upfront cost comes with the purchase of the second server. Ongoing costs are negligible; —additional storage when needed, broadband internet connections at each location, etc.

Shooting Small Devices for Tradeshows - May 26, 2009 1:44PM - By: Chad Halvorson

We produce a lot of video presentations for medical device companies which sometimes requires us to deal with very small products. The current trend for tradeshow presentations is to use a large LCD monitor that is rotated 90 degrees—giving the video presentation an electronic poster feel.

For one client, we've been shooting their products on a solid black background in HD 1080p. The goal is to showcase the product through video similar to how the product is represented in the printed brochure literature.

To accomplish this we rig the device on a turntable. The turntable has variable speeds so we can control how the device ebbs and flows visually. Most products, such as pacemakers, are stationary and can simply be secured to a small wire while rotating, however, some products have unique movements and function—this requires some unique rigging.

Certain products need to rotate on the turntable as they move through their range of motion. For this I'll use some fishing line material to assist in the movement expected from the product. Other times no assistance is needed and we can simply put the product in action using it's native mechanism—usually a handle or dial. The shooting process is the same, but it can sometimes take longer to get the right shot when there are moving parts involved.

Another challenge we're often faced with is getting the device to fill the video frame enough to highlight the detail and design of the product. A pacemaker lead for example is very slender and small at its tip. Showing something this tiny requires a combination of camera and post production planning.

For most small products we can flip the video camera on it's side so we can shoot the product as full frame as possible. In post we find that we can scale the footage up to 120% without a significant degradation in clarity—another option we've considered is using the RED ONE camera to capture a 4K image and then scale it down as needed to 1080p.

Overall it's a fun process and the end results are visually very satisfying.

Fresh talent anyone? - Apr 01, 2009 7:39AM - By: Chad Halvorson

anyone...

I recently attended a couple portfolios shows here in Minneapolis. Maybe my expectations are too high or I'm spoiled with the awesome people we've recruited thus far.

The talent market for interactive and graphic designers is extremely saturated. However, that doesn't mean it's easy for an employer to recruit talent. The thing is—weeding through the subpar prospects make finding the really good people like finding a needle in the proverbial haystack.

Case in point. Make sure your stuff is top notch—the problem with this is everyone thinks their stuff is top notch. Thus, just make sure your best stuff is available online. With the market as saturated as it is, having your best stuff online is your best bet for employers to see your potential and have you in for an interview.

You're launching a new medical product... - Mar 26, 2009 10:34AM - By: Joe DuBord

You’ve been asked to lead a marketing initiative on the launch of a new medical product. Now what?

You will need to provide tools for the sales force to educate physicians or medical professionals on the features and benefits of this new product. You are considering an animation, a surgical technique video, a PowerPoint presentation, some sell sheets and you will need to include product information on your company’s website. Ok, that seems easy enough… right?

First let’s step back and consider these "top 10 suggestions"

Start by writing down your primary goal for this initiative, for example - To educate, inform and create interest in ______ product.

Now identify the key objectives to meet your goal. For example, assemble a team to help identify strategies, identify exact materials needed for the product launch, identify timelines and assign individual responsibilities.

Other considerations: what do you want your audience to know about the product? What is the audience current knowledge of the product? What do you want the audience to do after they review these materials? How will the message be delivered? What is your launch date? What is your budget?

You should also have a clear understanding of your target audience. Is your target audience only surgeons? It could be investors, the sales reps themselves, hospital administrators, operating room personnel or other medical professionals, etc.

Write down the features and benefits of this product ie: ease of use, aerodynamic feel, minimally invasive approach, superior results, less recovery time, etc.

Considering a product demonstration animation? Are there CAD files available for the product to help in the creation of the “3D” computer animation? Does the product need to be demonstrated in the body? Put together a step-by-step outline of the animation steps to provide to the production company to achieve an accurate bid.

For the surgical technique video – Is there a product “champion” surgeon available? Is this person local, will this person look good on camera, speak confidently about your product, willing to be videotaped “live” in surgery, or sit down and be interviewed about the product? If so create a list of questions to ask which will draw out the responses you are looking for.

You may want to consider an interactive CD-Rom or DVD, which can hold a variety of media (video, animation, photography, charts and graphs, white papers, etc.). This medium will allow the user to select the portion of the information that is most important to them or their customer.

Think about what could be leveraged from one medium to the other - for example: Stills from the animation could also be used as trade show graphics or used in product brochures or used on the company’s website. The animation or surgical technique video could be converted and used in a playlist on the sales rep’s Blackberry or iPhone.

There are many production companies that provide these types of services. Look for one with experience and knowledge within the medical field. Interview each company and review samples of their work. Inquire what they are able to do in-house and which services they farm out. Ask for references and call each one with a list of questions including how easy they were to work with, did they fully understand your needs without to much handholding and did they meet the identified timeline.

By taking this information into account you will be better prepared and organized as you prepare your media assets for your product launch.