Creating videos can be a lengthy process with many tools and people involved. But when the pandemic hit, TorranceLearning had to adapt fast and figure out a way to make high-quality videos without having a team in the studio all at once.

In this episode of The Visual Lounge, we sit down with Megan Torrance, CEO of TorranceLearning, to explore how she's revolutionized video production for her small business. Megan shares her journey of adapting to the challenges posed by the pandemic, transforming her video setup into a one-person operation that's both efficient and versatile.

Megan dives into the nitty-gritty of her streamlined process, from using shot lists to expedite editing to leveraging review tools for collaborative work. She explains how this newfound efficiency has dramatically improved their turnaround time, allowing them to update course content, respond to client needs, and create marketing materials in record time. But it's not all business - Megan also emphasizes the importance of injecting fun and authenticity into their videos, keeping things engaging for their audience.

Learning points from the episode include:

• 00:00 - 00:52 Introduction
• 00:52 - 02:18 How the pandemic forced TorranceLearning to change how it produces videos
• 02:18 - 03:12 The benefits of streamlining the production process
• 03:12 - 04:54 Why it pays to inject a little fun into your videos
• 04:54 - 05:50 How TorranceLearning saves time with its new process
• 05:50 - 08:40 How her new process has enhanced her business
• 08:40 - 08:52 How to connect with Megan and TorranceLearning
• 08:52 - 09:09 Outro

Important links and mentions:

• Connect with Megan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megantorrance/
• TorranceLearning: https://www.torrancelearning.com/

Do you edit videos with your eyes or your ears? It may sound like an odd question, but hear us out!

Many video editors focus on visuals first, which are definitely important. But audio is just as (if not more) important to your videos. In fact, the number one reason why people stop watching a video is poor audio.

Joining this episode of The Visual Lounge is Sam Rogers, President & Principal Consultant of Snap Synapse, a content production company that specializes in learning and development. He’s also a musician, so it’s safe to say that audio is a big part of his life.

In this episode, Sam explains why video editors need to take an ear-first approach to editing videos. His approach isn’t just about audio quality. It’s also about whether that audio is helping your video tell a story, get a message across, and make your audience feel what you want them to feel. He shares some tips for leading with audio in this episode, whether that be voice, music, or sound effects, to help you make the most impactful videos.

Learning points from the episode include:

• 00:00 - 01:32 Introduction to Sam
• 01:32 - 02:55 Why Sam takes an ear-first approach and what it means
• 02:55 - 04:31 The role of things beyond voice in videos
• 04:31 - 06:32 The role of music in supporting a story
• 06:32 - 07:34 Tips for leading with the ear when editing
• 07:34 - 08:08 Outro

Important links and mentions:

• Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samrogers/
• Snap Synapse: https://snapsynapse.com/

What comes to mind when you think of workplace communication? Do your eyes glaze over when someone fires up the latest PowerPoint presentation? Sadly, boring workplace comms is pretty common, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Matt has a great conversation with Grant Crowell from Design Laboratory Inc, a Senior Training Specialist at Microsoft, and author of the book, GRANTASMS: Creative twisted words for cool people!

Grant explains his approach to making workplace communication more fun and engaging – and why that results in better information absorption. He explores why storytelling is so important as well as the use of visuals, video, and what he calls “playful mindfulness.” We also hear his thoughts on using AI and acronym-speak in the corporate world, plus why he prefers to come up with his own fun names for corporate terms.

Learning points from the episode include:

• 00:00 - 01:51 Introduction
• 01:51 - 03:21 Grant’s top tip for making images or video better
• 03:21 - 05:11 The importance of story in communication
• 05:11 - 11:53 Why workplace communication is often boring
• 11:53 - 17:12 Practical steps for transforming your communication style
• 17:12 - 20:42 How to help people overcome resistance and hesitancy to make communication more fun
• 20:42 - 24:59 The role of video in avoiding boring content
• 24:59 - 32:44 Speed round
• 32:44 - 33:21 Grant’s final take
• 33:21 - 34:29 Outro

Important links and mentions:

• Connect with Grant on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantcrowell/
• Subscribe to Grant’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/grantcrowell/
• Grant’s book, GRANTASMS: Creative twisted words for cool people!: https://www.amazon.com/GRANTASMS-Creative-twisted-words-people/dp/0578523469/