The Ulster County Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its monthly Breakfast Briefings event on April 24, 2018. The meeting discussed how businesses can use or update their digital marketing strategies to reach larger audiences and connect with new generations. Jeremy Ellenbogen, CEO of Ellenbogen Creative Media, spoke about the ways businesses can use video content to market their services or products in the digital world. He presented the topic to representatives from the top businesses in Ulster County and provided them with insight into how digital video could connect businesses to audiences efficiently and effectively.

Jeremy discussed the answers to eight different questions companies may have when beginning to create video content. These ranged from why companies would need video to how they could start making their own content that would benefit their business. He then went on to explain how video content can bring consumers to an organization and boost product sales. For example, he stated that adding video to a company website or social media post could increase the chance of action from consumers and bring more people to a website or service. It was also suggested that companies should attempt to produce as much video content as they can to ensure that demographics can follow along with their everyday workings and stay relevant with the public.

According to the presentation, videos that manage to entertain, educate, and engage their audience will get consumers to pay attention to a company and their product or service. The best way that companies can begin to utilize video content is to simply start filming, and this can be done with any type of technology, ranging from smartphones to the latest and greatest cameras and sound equipment. Jeremy Ellenbogen also noted that the cost of creating videos has gone down since companies can share one video link on multiple social media platforms and even partner up with other companies to create video content that promotes the efforts of both teams, similar to cooperative advertising.

He also cited some examples of Ellenbogen’s past projects with local businesses and beyond to show how great videos can make or break a businesses digital marketing strategy. He specifically mentioned how a time lapse video taken of a mural being painted went viral and reached audiences all over the world, promoting the work of audiences in the local area. Ellenbogen also produced an infographic video with Crown Maple of Dover Plains, NY explaining the differences between traditional table syrup found in most homes and true maple syrup. This video also went viral and is a great example of how content made in a timely, inexpensive manner with simple information can bring the most attention a product.

The event ended with a brief question and answer session from Jeremy and the other speakers at the event, as well as a chance for the attendees to speak one-on-one with each other.

Ellenbogen is at it again! This time, the crew traveled to Albany, NY to spend the day working with Digital Marketing Training Group, also known as DMTG. Throughout the day, the Ellenbogen Creative Media Team filmed promotional content for DMTG which will be featured on their website. DMTG aims to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources to lead their own marketing agencies no matter what type of experience they have in the field. The organization holds frequent, in-person classes in topics such as Search Engine Optimization, Content Marketing, and building an online presence.

The video featured an on-camera discussion from upper-level executives about the services offered and the need for digital marketing in today’s economy through either a digital marketing agency in Denver, for example, or personal digital marketing conducted in-house. Founder Kris Roglieri and Marketing Director Joe Shaffer spoke directly about how digital marketing is important for all businesses when attempting to sell a service or product to the public, as well as how DMTG keeps up with the latest trends in the industry to serve their graduates and their clients in the best ways possible. The crew at Ellenbogen created a single camera setup for the videos and featured an array of sound and lighting equipment which produced smooth, clean content that will enhance DMTG’s online presence. They also utilized a Ronin-M gimbal stabilizer for b-roll footage of the staff working to achieve success in their everyday duties.

The team at Digital Marketing Training Group has over 75 years of combined digital marketing experience. Many of the program’s graduates operate out of Albany and the surrounding areas. Founder and entrepreneur Kris Roglieri saw a need for a program which could provide those looking to promote businesses through online marketing tactics with the sources they would need to launch their careers.The staff at DMTG provides graduates of the program with support in generating tangible results for their clients, which can include anything from web design to technical support and analytics. DMTG’s training encourages graduates to gain clientele and run their business at their own pace while having 24/7 access to the supports they provide after the end of the program.

Digital marketing is extremely important since many people are turning to devices such as smartphones and computers for their business, entertainment, and lifestyle needs. Consumers are using internet resources to become informed about various products and services now more than ever, which means many businesses have the opportunity to reach audiences who they usually do not target or reach in their campaigns. While traditional marketing methods continue to reach the same audiences with the messaging, digital marketing and advertising strategies may be the way to go when selling a product to future consumers.

To find out more about the Digital Marketing Training Group and their work, visit their website at https://www.digitalmarketingbusiness.com.

Ellenbogen works with the team at TeethTomorrow to help develop video marketing and Television campaigns for local Teeth Tomorrow franchisees

Teeth Tomorrow | Kenny Testimonial from Ellenbogen Creative Media on Vimeo.

Our new fall semester interns have arrived!  We are very excited to work with another great group from SUNY New Paltz!  First up is senior, Samantha Pritchard, Digital Media Production major.

“To say my first day interning at Ellenbogen Creative Media started off with a bang would be an understatement. Not only was I instantly greeted with the friendly and hilarious cast of employees; I also witnessed a very rare light bulb explosion (and minor fire thereafter)!

To be honest, I was incredibly nervous walking into the building this morning, since I have never had and internship before. Those anxious fears were not long-lived, though, because everyone working here is very helpful and kind. Everyone welcomed any questions I asked and I can tell they were eager to help me learn.

Originally I was expecting a slow first day filled with learning where everything was, doing my paperwork, and watching everyone else go about their daily tasks.

Boy, was I wrong.

Only thirty minutes into the day and I was already behind the teleprompter on a video shoot! I was able to watch Amanda, the Production Manager, work with it for a few minutes before feeling confident enough in myself so I wouldn’t mess up the flow of the talent: Josh Ratner.

The whole purpose of the shoot was to capture video segments for the Health Alliance of Hudson Valley’s series of helpful and informational videos about health and healing. The environment during the whole shoot was very calm and relaxed.

My first day wasn’t all explosions and laughter, though. I was able to sit with editor, Ricardo Pineda, so that he could teach me more about Adobe Premiere, the editing software used here at Ellenbogen Creative Media. It amazed me how patient he was with my incessant questions about the program and I learned so much in those two hours; more than I learned during an entire semester of an editing class.

Things here are very hands-on which makes learning a much faster and smoother process. Instead of them just telling me how to work the teleprompter or how to put away the different microphones, they actually had me DO these tasks.

My first day at Ellenbogen is almost finished but I can’t wait to come back next week for a whole new round of hands-on learning.”

If you or someone you know is interested in being an intern at Ellenbogen Creative Media, please contact us at info@ellenbogen.com

The summer semester is in full swing now and our interns are progressing very well! We have had each of them out on numerous shoots handling everything from loading the production van, setting up and breaking down of gear, running audio…we even have them prepped with cold water bottles at the ready for our DP, Zoli. (Just kidding! He likes his water room temperature.) They handle every task given extremely well and are a big asset to our crew!

This week’s intern insight is from Andrew. Andrew joins us from SUNY New Paltz. When we first met him he was interested in learning all aspects of video production, but now that he has had a taste of it, his focus is on lunch.

This week’s intern: Andrew Woltman.

“In my time at Ellenbogen Creative Media, I’ve met a wide variety of people from whom I’ve learned an even wider variety of things. From my first shoot at the Regeneron facility, to the latest day of editing projects for the Health Alliance, it’s been a wide range of hands on experience and learning from observation.

Having come from a school which utilizes AVID programs for its editing, the adjustment to Adobe Premiere took a little while to learn, but I felt more natural at using it as time went on. Going on shoots to different locations could be nerve wracking at first, but again time is the remedy.

The team at Ellenbogen has welcomed me with open arms. I feel comfortable enough to ask a question when I don’t understand something, and am given the guidance to solve problems to arise. It’s a small corporation, but it’s a very tightly knit community which interacts well with one another. I’m glad to have chosen Ellenbogen for my internship, and I will look back on my time here fondly.”

If you, or someone you know, is interested in being an intern with us, contact us at info@ellenbogen.com!

While filming a commercial for the powerful and efficient MetroVac Air Force Commander, a lightweight and portable pet hair dryer, Ellenbogen Creative Media got to work with some new gear and some very special talent: a slow motion camera and our new furry pawed friend, Prima! Let’s also not forget the very talented human actors on set that day as well, Cathy and Dylan!

Working with any type of animal can be a real hassle, but with the help of expert pet trainers, Ron Watson and Apryl Lea of Pawsitive Vybe, Prima was everything but a prima donna. Prima was on point and had high spirits throughout the entire shoot. She played in the sprinkler, rolled in the mud and especially enjoying being pampered with the Air Force Commander!

Focus Media has been handling the advertising and public relations needs of MetroVac for years and brought Ellenbogen Creative Media into the mix to work on their video productions. Director of Marketing Services for Focus Media, Bridget Clark, directed the shoot. “This is one of many videos we’ve collaborated on and it may well be one of my favorites! We had it all…dogs, kids, hired talent, specialty gear and even menacing clouds! We wanted to highlight the power behind this product and the only way possible is to show it in action. Bring on the dog!”

Metrovac has an incredible line of commercial vacuums and dryers available, and the Metrovac Air Force Commander, available in several new colors, is a stand out amongst pet owners! These dryers work so fast, the hardest part of the shoot was keeping Prima wet enough for continuity! No matter where the scenes moved, the dryer was easy to relocate due to its small size and its surprisingly low weight. Even six year old Dylan had fun with it making sure to test each speed level on his own hair!

Knowing the Air Force Commander’s potential, we knew ordinary camera shots wouldn’t be enough. We brought in the big guns with the Black Magic URSA in order to capture amazing slow motion footage. Which Director of photography, Zoltan David, loves the impact of slow motion in video, “I loved working with the URSA. It really makes a difference to the end product when you can incorporate images that are different or unexpected. Slow motion shots of a dog shaking and being dried off …where water is slowly spraying off of them looks phenomenal!”

What also looked great were the jib arm shots from above the action. Ellenbogen CEO, Jeremy Ellenbogen, always pushes for the extra-ordinary, “If we have access to the tools…we should use them. Create shots that are appealing to the eye and show the product in action. Anybody can point a camera and shoot…it’s what you do with the camera that makes the difference. It’s an art…and we have very experienced artists at Ellenbogen Creative!”

Just your typical Wednesday at Ellenbogen Creative Media!

…to go with the fancy label holders we recently created promotional videos for! Well not so much fancy as efficient, economical and a necessity for organizing everything from shelving units to entire warehouses! Aigner Label Holder was in need of product videos to supply their vendors with to promote the various products they offer. These videos will live on the websites of national office supply giants such as Grainger, Uline and Fastenal.

Although simple in concept, the Aigner line of label holders is vast and serves a variety of needs, especially when it comes to warehouse and distribution. Our job at Ellenbogen Creative Media was to showcase the ease of use, proper use and possible uses of the top ten holders that Aigner manufactures; a project we had to interview and bid for. Marketing Manager for Aigner, Denise Ferro, headed the project, “We interviewed a few production companies to work on these videos and were completely impressed with the quality of work Ellenbogen presented. We made the right decision to go with them!” Ellenbogen Producer, Amanda Popovich, worked directly with Denise to make sure all of Aigner’s needs were met, “There were some intricacies to the project that made this one interesting. Being Aigner is not a direct sale business, we had to create two versions of each video – one for their own website and trade show marketing complete with Aigner branding, and one for suppliers of the Aigner products eliminating all Aigner branding.”

Aigner utilized our green screen studio at Seven21 Media Center to capture all of the video. We covered the green with white seamless to create a simple, crisp background that would show off the product rather than the environment. Aigner brought in racks and shelving units for the displays and Denise even stepped in as hand model during the shoot!

As for post production, Ellenbogen editor, Andy Pidanick, says, “This turned out to be one of my favorite edits. The challenge of creating interesting video from a simple product line was fun! Denise was great to work with, she was open to our creativity and offered some really good input!”

Ellenbogen Creative Media CEO, Jeremy Ellenbogen, speaks to how effective these videos will be, “Having individual product videos is a smart move on Aigner’s part. There are so many uses from websites and tradeshows to social media and email. This was a smart investment on behalf of Aigner.”

Aigner Label Holder, out of Orange County, New York, provides a complete line of labeling needs to companies spanning the globe. Ellenbogen Creative Media is proud to have partnered with them for this project!

Aigner Labels Reel from Ellenbogen Creative Media on Vimeo.

One of our fellow residents here at Seven21 Media Center is about to launch a brand new app they created for businesses to more easily invoice, track and manage overseas packages…and they chose Ellenbogen Creative Media to create the video to help sell it!

The infographic was requested by software developer, VISCO Software. In order to start selling the app, they had to have a one to two minute video made explaining what the app does. The video would be placed on the online storefronts for financial management systems operations such as QuickBooks.

Having never created a video, VISCO Vice Presidents and brothers Tim and Andy Peck, called on Ellenbogen to work our magic. When shooting is not involved and the created video relies solely on graphics, creativity plays a major role in the success of the project. Fortunately, our staff at Ellenbogen thrives on creativity and a good challenge! Enter editor Andy Pidanick, “Infographics make me smile. I love the challenge of taking an idea and making it a visual masterpiece. This project in particular was fun as it involved creating 3D images of shipping crates and other transportation objects…not something we do on a regular basis. Myself, Amanda and Alex bounced ideas off each other to end up with strong visuals supporting the ITA app. It’s a piece we’re very proud of.”

Andy Peck couldn’t agree more! “Working with the designer directly was a huge plus for us. Being able to see our feedback implemented quickly and correctly made the experience exactly what we were hoping for. The whole team used their creative skills but was very open to our input and adapted accordingly.”

The video project started out in the hands of VISCO VP Tim Peck, who thought putting a video together would be easy. “I put together a simple video that looked like a powerpoint presentation…it wasn’t effective or entertaining. We realized quickly that we needed help if we wanted to make sales! I don’t do video…I create apps and software. It was obvious that I should take a step back and leave the video portion to the video professionals!”

Ellenbogen CEO Jeremy Ellenbogen most enjoys the fact that a fellow Seven21 Media Center business looked within the building for marketing help, “We are a media center filled with almost every marketing resource you could need. We all turn to each other first for help in areas we don’t cover ourselves. It’s nice to see the camaraderie and networking happening right here under one roof!”

If only everyone would look to their neighbors for goods and services local business would thrive. I bet there’s an app for that!

Recently our crew put on their ten gallon hats, rustled up their equipment and moseyed on out to the Rocking Horse Ranch in Highland, New York.  When they arrived they lassoed two wranglers and “Trigger”, the equine leading man, in the corral for a horseback riding safety video shoot. Fortunately for everyone involved, our crew left their six-shooters at home and shot the video with a SONY EX-3 camera.

The wranglers demonstrated the proper way to mount and dismount a horse, as well as how to control a horse while walking on a trail.  The video will be shown as a tutorial to all the cowboys and cowgirls waiting in line for their turn to ride.

Luckily for the Rocking Horse Ranch the Ellenbogen Group does not believe in the old saying, “never work with animals and children.”  Along with the usual hazards of working with horses (mainly avoiding the “land mines” they leave behind) there was a specific challenge during the shoot.  Audio & Sound Technician Brian Dyke explains, “Being that the shoot was entirely outside, we didn’t have to use lights but we did use a reflective board to brighten up some of the shots.  I learned the hard way that horses are attracted to movement and light when I was moving the reflective board for a shot.  I turned around and 6 or 7 horses were sneaking up on me; it looked like a very slow stampede.  Needless to say, from that point on I was very aware of my surroundings.”

Despite starting an impromptu horse parade the shoot got a resounding YEEHAA!  The Ellenbogen Group looks forward to showing up to the next showdown.