Happy New Year everyone!
We’re gearing up for a solid 2009, over the next few weeks we’ll be showing you some of the new things we’ve been working on to help us all have a prosperous new year!
Best Wishes from the team at Video Openhouse!
Video Openhouse
74502 Kitsilano RPO
Vancouver, BC V6K4P4
Phone: (604)732-7070
Real Estate Video and Photography
http://www.vopenhouse.ca/blog/166/happy-new-year/
Comments Off on Photography and Filming – Home Preparation Tips for Your Shoot
15 Aug, 2008
Curb Appeal: It can attract or deter buyers at first sight; a polished look goes a long way. Here are some tips to prepare you, or your clients home for video and photography.
- Exterior: Sweep the sidewalks and decks. Remove trash cans, recycling bins, toys, garden tools and hoses. Ensure seasonal decorations and lawn ornaments are put away. Grass, hedges and flowerbeds should be manicured. Remove vehicles from driveways. Take pool covers off.
- Interior: Maximize light, by replacing burnt out or missing light bulbs. Make your windows and mirrors sparkle. Open all the blinds and curtains. Turn all lights and lamps on, even in the day light. Turn ceiling fans and televisions off.
- Kitchen: Clear counters of dishes, dish racks, cleaning products and small appliances. Remove all magnets, messages, pictures, etc. from fridges. Shine stainless steel appliances, sinks and faucets. Conceal dish towels and all throw rugs. Relocate trash cans out of sight.
- Bathrooms: Clear personal hygiene items, medications, and cosmetic products from countertops, bath tubs and shower stalls. Close toilet lids. Shine mirrors, faucets and countertops. Tuck trash cans, toilet brushes and plungers out of view. Open shower curtains. Remove bathmats, rugs and toilet seat covers. Display clean towels.
- Bedrooms: Make all beds and tidy bedside tables. Hang or fold clothes and put away. Relocate laundry baskets and hampers to closets.
SPECIAL THANKS TO
JACKSON WEST from
Reveal Estate
Reveal Maximum Appeal
www.revealestate.ca
604-839-1478
To download this as a pdf please click [here].
http://www.vopenhouse.ca/blog/165/tips-for-preparing-your-home-for-photography-and-filming/
We have a team of talented editors here in the office, many of whom have independent productions that they are working on. So in an effort to support local talent we are happy to support & sponsor the Impromptu Film Festival. Here is some information from the organizers of the event:
The Impromptu Film Festival (IFF) is a one-off Impromptu international film festival featuring films from around the
world, in this one day celebration of getting films seen and off the ground. This festival aims to promote filmmakers with future projects in development, showcasing what they’ve created in the past.With submissions from around the world, this one day event will be held at the Vancouver International Film Centre, in their state of the art 175 seat facility. Year round the Vancity Theatre presents Vancouver audiences with some of the best cinema from around the world.
The proceeds from the festival help fund pre-production costs of independent films (up to $2500.00) and other costs of
independant film makers.
The festival will be July 6, 2008. Come on out and support local talent, pass this on to any budding film stars, see you there.
http://www.vopenhouse.ca/blog/164/impromptu-international-film-festival/
A few quick things…
First, we’ve just finished producing our first company video, check it out on our newly revamped website: http://www.vopenhouse.ca/
Second, come visit us at the Real Estate Board Trade Show today at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre (999 Canada Place)! Shane and Troy will be on duty, stop by and say hi!
http://www.vopenhouse.ca/blog/163/real-estate-board/
Our colleagues from HipVP (Hip Visual Properties) recently informed us that they were leaving the Vancouver market and heading for a warmer climate … Portugal! We first contacted Carmen Mattoli and Natalie Olszowy about a year ago to welcome their company to the real estate market in Vancouver. Home video tours are still in their infancy and we appreciate anyone that is dedicated to encouraging the use real estate video. We especially liked their multimedia window and their neighbourhood videos.Â
Before they left, we acquired their stock video footage from the many landmarks around Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. We will be launching our new neighbourhood video service soon that will allow our clients the option of having an additional video tour of the neighbourhood to complement their Video Openhouse Tour. It’s great way to give additional context to any virtual home tour.
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http://www.vopenhouse.ca/blog/161/real-estate-video-in-portugal-good-luck-hipvp/
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About a year ago, we wrote a post titled, “Blu-Ray or HD-DVD“. The article was about the 2 high-definition formats competing for the hearts and minds of consumers. This past week, events occurred that would seem to signal the death-blow to the HD-DVD format. Hollywood movie producers, Warners Brothers, decided to back the Blu-Ray DVD and cease to produce high-resolution DVD’s in both formats. Rumours have the Blu-Ray discs outselling their HD counterpart by a 2:1 ratio. Many of the industry players have been waiting for clear market momentum. Warners actions have made backers of the HD-DVD to “rethink” their loyalty.
Unlike the Beta vs. VHS faceoff in the 80’s, the winner was not determined in the marketplace by the consumers.  The ultimate format was decided in the boardrooms of the major studios that were invested in the outcome of this battle. It may not be long until your Video Openhouse Tour is available in hi-def on a Blu-Ray disc!
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http://www.vopenhouse.ca/blog/160/and-the-winner-is-blu-ray/
Comments Off on Should Realtors Take Their Own Photos? Not If You See These
12 Jan, 2008
I am always amazed at how terrible the photography is for listings on the MLS. With over 80% of buyers starting their search for a new home on the Internet, I cannot stress the importance of having great images. Some are so bad, I would argue that the owner would be better served by not having any photos online.Â
I wrote in a previous blog post that near professional quality equipment is available to the average consumer at affordable prices. Unfortunately, great equipment doesn’t necessarily translate to better content for the Internet. The analogy that I like to use is – I own some great power tools but I wouldn’t attempt to renovate my clients kitchen in West Vancouver. As Shakespeare once said, “A $1000 DSLR camera does not a photographer make.” Just because you are physically able to point and shoot a camera doesn’t mean you should … and I have some great examples. I recently found an incredibly entertaining website that posts photos taken from the mls.Â
After seeing these photos, you should consider using Video Openhouse to photograph your next listing. We are affordable, only $49 when you get a video tour produced. A small price to pay to guarantee your home looks its best! Oh, that photo at the top of this post, just tip your monitor to the right..
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http://www.vopenhouse.ca/blog/159/should-realtors-take-their-own-photos-not-if-you-see-these/