The Busy Creator Podcast, episode 27 with Online Video Producer Christopher Sharpe

Christopher Sharpe (@csharpe)is a writer, director, designer, blogger, and builder of internet things. Following an early career in traditional filmmaking, he’s currently the producer of two popular online video shows, Yoga With Adriene and Hilah Cooking.
Our conversation focuses on the nuts and bolts of producing video with a limited crew, as well as the inevitable drama that comes from working full-time in online video. Christopher’s work can be seen on his website, ChristopherSharpe.com, and you can see check out his book, YouTube Black Book.
Listen to the episode below and click through for examples of Chris’s video series.
 


 
 

 
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Hilah Cooking: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe

Yoga with Adriene: 20 Minute Yoga Flow for Detox and Digestion
Show Notes & Links

Chris started with the traditional filmmaking route. Short films and commercials.
Sex Machine, Chris’s first feature, on Netflix
Shannon Morse, previous guest on The Busy Creator
Are commercials an art form?
No feedback on broadcast media, e.g. “What’s up with that Pampers commercial?”


Permission Marketing by Seth Godin


Luke Sullivan, the 75-mile-per-hour billboard


Hey Whipple, Squeeze This by Luke Sullivan


Advertising is annoying, especially when you’re used to watching online (Wayfair, I’m looking at you)
Contextual advertising on YouTube
Chris and Hilah have created several Cook Books through Kindle and in print
Brand integration content
Producing content for other companies
Scripps Network launched uLive
TasteMade YouTube Channel
The phrase “recurring theme” seems to be a recurring theme
Libsyn, host for The Busy Creator
Consistency is rewarded in the YouTube algorithm
Chris & co. didn’t earn any money for the first year, but they kept going
Don’t forget to visit the website for Starship Design, Prescott’s design company
Manager’s Schedule vs. Maker’s Schedule by Paul Graham


YouTube Black Book by Christopher Sharpe

Tools

YouTube and Vimeo, video platforms
Canon C100 and Canon T5i, for main and supporting cameras
Final Cut Pro 10
Adobe Audition
iMacs
Basecamp
Google Apps

Techniques

Examine the audience and make an educated guess, then rework the content based on the platform
Record your show in real-time, and punch in “beauty” shots
Examine your workflow and look for ways to save time, such as in editing
Offer information as an effort to build traffic
Offer a free PDF (The Breakfast Taco Book) to get them on the mailing list
Seek to get the audience away from YouTube and onto a platform you control and can monitor
Release three types of videos aimed at different audiences and reactions: one search engines, another for quick sharing on social networks, and a third for the YouTube Community itself
Continue to interact on the comments for your blog posts and videos

Habits

Get into “The Zone” early in the day. Writing and creative planning.
Email and stuff before lunch, then to the office for editing/post-production
Block work responsibilities into chunks of time (whether it’s 45 minutes or 3 hours)
Be your own manager — chunk out your own time