Kevin Riley Inc

Posts Tagged ‘video studio’

I’ve finished building the new video studio, and I’m in love with it. Just standing in it makes me feel creative. Some fantastic stuff is coming out of Riley Productions in the next few months.

And … I’ve devised a fun contest in which you can win a great prize. Be sure to scroll down to the bottom to see the contest directions.

A BARE SHELL

I signed a lease on what is called a one-room apartment. That’s a rather tiny box that some unlucky people have to live in, but it’s a perfect size for my studio. Here it is — the bare shell — a first floor room with the large water tank taking up the view.

THE BONES

First, I built a framework of Sunsan (35mm x 35mm wood). This will give me the backdrop.

THE SKIN

Then, it was time to put up the sheets of Sekouboado (drywall, gypsum board, sheetrock). Since we don’t use regular drywall mud in Japan, I kept the holes small by using my finishing gun and wood glue.

A LICK OF PAINT

First, I had to fight with the basically unsandable wall putty we use here (Japanese houses are wallpapered), and be a little artistic in my treatment. Then, it was time for paint and roller. A dark chocolate brown on the front counter, and a deep chili-powder red on the walls (Had to experiment with mixing chocolate brown into a basic red).

CUT DOWN THE NOISE

During the day, you sometimes get trucks with loudspeakers, fighting cats, and housewives thrashing a futon — so I filled the space between backdrop and sliding glass door with bats of insulation. World of difference.

READY TO ROLL

After 5 coats of paint, I was happy with the outcome — a deep, rich red. And, I attached the beautiful woodblock counter. This could have been arborite, but I love real wood.

High on the opposite wall, my main camera sits on an adjustable stand I created. With shelf brackets, it can be moved up and down, and the big clamps let me move it laterally. A mini tripod was bolted to a piece of plywood for the stand. The camera is a Canon HV-30 high definition prosumer camera which will let me shoot semi-broadcast quality video (I have Tony Blake to thank for all my equipment info).

Attached to this camera is an Audio Technica ATR-55 shotgun mic which is placed above me to catch voice.

Lighting is provided by halogen lights — this one a 300W. Behind it is the second camera for angle shots, and a second mic for ambient sounds.

THE CONTEST

OK. I’ve been quite secretive about what this studio will be used for. I have a new venture debuting in September, and I really don’t like to reveal what I’m doing until I can present it properly. So … I’ll keep it under wraps.

That allows for a fun contest. It’s simple. Guess what kind of videos will come out of the new Riley Productions studio (Note: No connection to what I do at Product Creation Labs). The first 5 correct answers will win the first new Product Creation Labs product that I bring out in fall.

Here’s how to enter:

1. Make a comment below and take one guess (only one — multiple guesses will be disqualified).

2. Leave your real name, or the name you market by.

3. You must be a Product Creation Labs member to get your notification of winning. If you aren’t, sign up at:

http://ProductCreationLabs.com

GOOD LUCK & GOOD GUESSES