Audio and video are powerful tools to help communication and e-Learning.

But what is involved in producing high impact audio and video content for websites, webinars and podcasts? How do you commission and manage an audio-video production company? How can you save budget by being involved in production?

In the Audio-Video Production Workshop you will learn about the use of audio and video for a variety of applications, the equipment needed, and the key roles and steps involved in production and distribution.

The Workshop will comprise a mix of presentations, planning and hands-on filming and editing in the Focus studios.

No prior audio-video technical skills are required.

A new product launch scenario will be used as the basis for filming and editing a video. Delegates will work as a team to create a video script and shot list and then direct Focus technical staff in its production. The technical staff will then work with you to show how the video is edited and post-produced and made ready for distribution.

This will give you the background knowledge to plan and produce audio and video content as well as an understanding of how to shoot and edit video.

Using the technical facilities in the studio as well as practical examples you will specifically learn:

• How to plan and organise podcast production
• How to script, prepare and conduct interviews
• How to develop ideas for a series to help maximise the opportunity for community growth
• The practicalities of audio and video production in offices, studios and on location
• The value of audio and video in e-learning (internal and external) and employee communication
• About audio and video recording equipment – what to buy and how much to budget
• How to editing and finalise audio and video
• Post-production – the power of music, voice-overs and advanced editing techniques
• Engaging with the audience and crowdsourcing content
• How to use social media to help establish and grow communities
• The value and use of webinars and web video

During the session extensive use will be made of the recording and editing facilities in the studios and in-house technical resources.  Everyone will be actively involved in the production of a video to support a new product launch.

Case studies and practical examples will also be used throughout the session.

Everyone will leave with enough knowledge to be able to plan and start scripting audio and video content and to evaluate the value of web based video and webinars to their organisations.

Who should attend?

• HR Managers and specialists with a responsibility for employee communications
• Training/skills development managers and specialists wanting to use video in e-Learning
• Marketing staff wanting to learn more about using video for product launches
• Customer Service managers and staff wanting to help enhance customer satisfaction

The Workshop lasts 3 hours.  Refreshments are provided.

Cost – £145 plus VAT

Note: Due to time constraints this course should be considered an Introduction to Audio and Video Production and not a technical production or post-production course.

*  For details of our Advanced Presentation Skills course please see here

For the dates of courses in 2012 click here

The Social Media and Podcasting in Action session aims to give everyone a good understanding of when and why social media started to grow as rapidly as it has done (and continues to do so), what the usage patterns are across Europe and review a number of case studies to understand how other organisations – public and private sector – are using the various tools successfully.

The objective is that by the end of the session everyone will have enough knowledge to go back into their organisations and advise their management on what strategy (or not!) they should adopt.  We also ensure that practical experience is gained on how to use some of the most popular social media tools – Facebook, Flicker, Blogs, Podcasts and Twitter – to create and publish compelling content that will attract and retain audiences.

Briefing sessions are kept small – no more than 6 people – so that the case studies and practical side of using social media can be reviewed and discussed with every delegate relevant to their own organisations need.

Using a mix of case studies and practical examples delegates will learn how to:

• Develop a business case for senior management and boards
• Prepare a social media strategy and plan
• Provide usage guidelines/training for employees
• Maximise the value of communities for employee recruitment, retention and skills development
• Understand the dynamics of online communities
• Engage with influencers and ‘crowd source’ ideas and content
• How to use key tools effectively to engage with online communities (Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, Flickr, and Podcasts)
• How to integrate social media communication with traditional marketing campaigns
• How to set and measure/track Return On Investment
• How to plan, script, record and edit an audio podcast

The session will be interactive with exercises, use of internet resources and examination and exploration of case studies and practical examples from a range of public and private sector organisations.

Time will be spent in the studio recording and editing a podcast.

As an example check out the audio recording done with Charlotte Magowan of the Forestry Commission here

All delegates will gain enough knowledge and practical experience to either start or improve their organisations use of social media.

Who should attend?

• Marketing Managers and specialists wanting to use social media to enhance customer engagement
• Customer Service Managers and specialists wanting to use social media to enhance customer service and satisfaction.
• HR Managers and specialists wanting to understand social media and how to manage its use within the organisation and reduce risk

Lasts 3 hours.  Refreshments provided.

Cost – £75 plus VAT

For the dates of courses in 2012 click here