Pandemonium - Project Blog

What's a vlog and how to make one.

2009-05-07T17:04:00.008+02:00

YouTube and IPods are used more and more to view video content. IPods have made it easy to watch videos on the go and are becoming very popular, as are vlogs.

What’s a vlog I hear you say? Well, a vlog is basically a form of blogging which uses video as its medium. It’s a video with a story, comment or photo to go with it. Cool hey? Want your own? Of course you do!

Here’s how you go about making a vlog…

First you will need access to the Internet, a video camera or webcam and video editing software. Whatever you decide to record, make it fun to watch. If you need to rant and rave at least make it entertaining. When choosing a topic for your vlog, keep in mind people love to laugh.

Make sure your footage is easy to upload. YouTube has some technical specifications that can help you produce the best quality video out there.

The last step is to create a profile for yourself, tag your file and upload your video onto YouTube. Add a comment of your own, invite your friends to check out your video to start the ball rolling and have fun!

Please visit the Pandemonium YouTube channel and check out some of the videos from our productions.

For more, please visit http://www.pandemonium.co.za

Operation: Chicken Run

2009-05-06T11:14:00.009+02:00

Now most companies’ staff this time of year aren’t exactly motivated productive little hamsters. The majority are simply limping along until they officially close shop for the holidays. Like they say, “the wheel may be turning but the hamster is definitely not home”.

In fact, the hamster will only be available from the 5th of January but he kindly requests that you leave him a message and he’ll get back to you (after the holidays). This leaves me with the uncomfortable suspicion that the hamsters at Pandemonium Productions are the only ones still at work!

And it’s is a public holiday today, today is the Day of Reconciliation. Personally, that means sleeping late and relaxing. It means lying around next to the pool sipping cocktails and enjoying summer. It means ‘not working’ to anyone that doesn’t work in the media industry.

Until you get a call that is…

I’m asked to identify and secure three suitable characters for a production happening the next day. These characters are to have a ‘revolutionary feel’ about them. They must exhibit anarchistic tendencies. They must be macho, Marxist supermen.

And they have to be chickens. And they need costumes.

What exactly does a ‘revolutionary chicken’ look like?More to the point, what do ‘revolutionary’ chickens wear?

With my mission objects clearly defined, I set out to gain some intel…

After phoning all my connections (spies) in the pet trade, Repti Pets was willing to let me have a look at their detainees. I take some surveillance photographs. I very nearly lose an eye as one chicken takes a stab at me. I’m a little rattled so I head back to base.

My strategy on this mission was to stay as far away from the chickens as possible. I considered them armed and dangerous. In other words, approach with extreme caution.

It quickly became clear that avoidance was not an option. Chickens can smell fear.

Our production assistant discovered this first hand, as he tried unsuccessfully to restrain one revolutionary. After, much flapping and scurrying around in terror we cornered the suspect and subdued him with an old blanket. Apparently they won’t peck you if the can’t see you. Rubbish!

They can, they do - be warned.

Since I was the one to throw the blanket, clearly I nominated myself for the position of animal handler. So, with much clucking (from me) we continued with the shoot – with much success. No chickens were harmed, no staff where blinded and we got the footage we needed!

For more, please visit http://www.pandemonium.co.za/

Four Useful things to do when times are slow

2009-05-06T10:54:00.009+02:00

We all know that business is slower than usual at the moment. And like life, business also has its ups and downs and sometimes you just got to go with the flow. But this is no excuse to waste time twiddling your thumbs waiting for things to happen.

This time can be used productively to get your house in order. The following list is a good place to start:

1. Check all equipment

Make sure all equipment is ready for use at a moment’s notice. Camera lens’s can be cleaned, film can be restocked and batteries charged. The same goes for audio equipment. This is also a great time to have vehicles serviced. Check the oil and water levels as well as the tire pressure (including the spare). The last thing you want is to break down before you have even reached the location!

2. Admin

Office admin and filing is dead boring and everyone hates it. But making sure your books are in order is very important. This will make your life easier in the long run, especially when SARS pays you a visit!

3. Team building

This step is crucial (and the most fun). A good production runs smoothly because the production team works well together. So take some time off to play pool or foosball and have some fun.

4. Learn new things

Media and technology change constantly so now is the time to keep up with what’s new. I recently learnt some interesting stuff about the difference between HD (High Definition) and SD (Standard Definition). For example, HD is usually composed of 720 vertical lines of resolution format or more, where as SD comprises of only 480 vertical lines.

Anything and everything can and does happen in this industry. And we have learnt from experience that it’s always a good idea be prepared for anything.

For more, please visit http://www.pandemonium.co.za/

Four days in the Cape

2008-12-14T12:00:00.024+02:00

14 December 2008

Cape Town, South Africa

We have an action-packed four-day production starting tomorrow (Monday, 15 December). Yes, it does mean working on the 16th of December, which is a public holiday (Day of Reconciliation) in South Africa, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do, right?

It's the content capturing we do so well. Our crew will be doing their thing in and around Cape Town: going to Table Mountain, a sunset boat cruise, dinner at Baia Restaurant, adrenalin-filled quad biking, entertainment at Manneberg Jazz Cafe. They'll also be heading out to Pearl Valley Golf Estate for the Southern African Open Championship, and finally spend time at Le Franschoek Hotel & Spa in the picturesque Franschoek.

For more, please visit http://www.pandemonium.co.za/

Pandemonium - a click and mortar, new media production company

2008-10-13T15:37:00.007+02:00

From TV to AV.
From laptop to iPod.
From concept to script to final production.
We excel at smart, innovative storytelling.
Pandemonium is a click and mortar, new media production company.

We specialise in providing solutions to complex communication needs and are experts in creating content for new media.

The virtual reality of the Internet has created a global stage that has reconfigured the way we experience the world. Through the Internet, new media allows your brand to be everywhere, while remaining focused on the communities it serves.

We believe that effective communication begins with reaching people on an emotional level, and in a manner that we can all relate to – by telling stories. Innovative concepts, rich channels, and existing and new forms of storytelling are all a part of the Pandemonium way of life.

The powerful channels and social networks that the new media provide, present a golden opportunity to those who endeavour to maximise their potential. These places are where the world gathers to share their encounters.

We believe that our insightful and visionary approach to branding will truly establish a new industry standard that is evident in all our work.

For more, please visit http://www.pandemonium.co.za/

Busy like a bee...

2008-10-13T11:23:00.015+02:00

A day in the life of a 21st century consumer is pandemonium. From the moment the alarm clock goes off in the morning, we are inundated with thoughts, messages, input and chaos. An unpredictable myriad of information.

In this chaos, there are moments of clarity when the noise dulls, the mayhem abates, and a clear and simple message rings out.

This is what Pandemonium offers its clients: the opportunity to create clear, simple messaging that cuts through and makes an impact.

For more, please visit http://www.pandemonium.co.za/