Paradise Meow

Paradise Meow is a sound & video production company in Portland, OR.  We specialize in working with creative people and organizations, small businesses and non-profits to create dynamic educational and promotional videos.  With a background in the arts, we also document dance, theater and performance, utilizing an experienced crew.

This promo for the Institute for Contemporary Performance features the voices of students and teachers. Intimate rehearsal footage reveals moments of exploration and discovery. [Camera, edit, music: Seth Nehil]
This mini-doc for youth arts organization Young Audiences focuses on the creativity of students to show the impact of music and technology in an elementary classroom.  [Camera, edit: Seth Nehil & Kelly Rauer]

“Over the many years we’ve worked together, I’ve been impressed with their ability to capture creative projects with crisp precision. I’m always elated to see the final product, and there’s never a question that it will be exactly what we were looking for. Paradise Meow has been and continues to be the company I call whenever I need video documentation for any project, large or small.”    –Katie Watkins, Artistic Director, Risk/Reward Festival of New Performance

“There was such ease in the process, from discussing the scope of work that would accurately capture the performance and work within my budget, to creating a beautiful video document. Through his artful editing, Seth seamlessly stitched together the performance, allowing the viewer to feel like the audience.”    –Stephanie Lavon Trotter, Golden Organ

Questions about your upcoming project?  Need a quote?  Just ask!

Performance Documentation

Here are a few things to consider for creating a great performance video:

1. Clarify the goals

Deliverables

  • Are you looking for a full archival edit? A punchy showreel?  A filmic interpretation?
  • Raw footage can be shaped into multiple products.  From a full edit, we can easily create a highlight reel (especially if you choose the moments to feature).

Style

  • Are there certain kinds of shots or angles you really want to capture?
  • Do you prefer smooth continuity or expressive editing & camerawork?
2. Get the most from your shoot

Number of cameras:

  • 1 camera is good for archival purposes, or for gathering shots to create a highlight reel.
  • 2 cameras can provide a full-stage shot and a medium/close shot with a single cameraperson, for an affordable but effective document.
  • 3 cameras will capture a wider range of shots and close-up details for a more dynamic, exciting edit.
  • A 4th camera adds a wide-angle view of the entire venue, great for capturing audience reactions and impressive architecture.
  • Interested in more cameras? We can do that too!  Please contact us below for a current Rate Sheet.

Camera placement:

  • For proscenium seating, left, right and center are standard positions. A camera operator with tripod usually occupies two seats worth of space.  Positioning cameras in aisles or balconies can be good options.
  • For nontraditional seating arrangements, let’s think about how camera operators can avoid obstructing audience members and achieve a clear line of view to the performers. Roving, shoulder-mount cameras or other non-tripod options may be useful.
3. Refining the edit

First Draft Notes

  • Paradise Meow will compile and archive all the files, sync the audio and work to edit multi-camera footage into the deliverables discussed. The first draft will be as close to finished as possible, including titles, credits and color correction.
  • One round of feedback is included. Please provide comments or corrections within 30 days.  Are there are any details we missed or edits you would like to change?  Time codes for specific changes are most helpful.

Final Cut

  • We will provide 720p and 1080p files (or in some cases, 4K) in the format of your choice.
  • Finished edits may be uploaded to Google Drive or Vimeo, and/or delivered on a hard drive.
  • Raw footage can be provided on request.

Promotional & Documentary Shorts

Here are a few things to consider for a successful short documentary, educational or promotional video.

1. Focus your vision and purpose

Creative Brief

  • What are the key themes, concepts or ideas you want to communicate? Does this video have a specific function?
  • Who is your audience? How will they be viewing your video?
  • Is there a specific look or vibe you’re after?
  • Do you prefer to work from a script and shot list, or have Paradise Meow shape a narrative in the editing?
  • For more in-depth concept development and brainstorming, a phone call or in-person meeting is recommended.
2. Create exciting and dynamic content

Interviews

  • Do you have a visually-appealing (and quiet) location where we can shoot? A space that communicates something about the topic or person is great!
  • Wear clothing that can easily hide a clip-on microphone.
  • Are you looking for a conversational tone or something more formal?

B-Roll

  • Are there specific processes, materials or spaces you would like to feature?
  • What opportunities are there to focus on people and places in action?

Voiceover

  • A VO script can be the thread that weaves everything together.  We can help refine and focus your rough draft.
  • We provide audio equipment and studio space for high-quality VO recording.

Music

  • Music is essential for setting the mood and tempo of an edit. We can suggest options from a network of exciting bands and musicians.
3. Refining the edit

First Draft Notes

  • Paradise Meow will compile and archive all the files, sync audio and create an edit of the deliverables agreed upon.  The first draft will be as close to finished as possible, including titles/credits and color correction.
  • One round of feedback is included. Please provide comments or corrections within 30 days.  Are there are any corrections, details we missed or edits you would like to change?  Time codes for specific changes are most helpful.
  • More feedback rounds are possible for an additional fee.

Final Draft

  • We will provide 720p and 1080p files (or in some cases, 4K) in the format of your choice.
  • Finished edits may be uploaded to Google Drive or Vimeo, and/or delivered on a hard drive.
  • Raw footage can be provided on request.
Is there something special you’re looking for?

Our creative partners can provide additional services, including aerial videography, high quality live sound recording, art direction and scenic design, graphics and animations.