One of the things our publisher does is have each of their authors create a short video about their book. A movie trailer of sorts – but for a book.
Artisan suggested we hire a little film/editing crew to do it, but like true DIYers we took it as a fun challenge to see how much we could do ourselves. So we came up with an outline, wrote a little script, hired a local video genius to shoot it for us (who also happens to be our brother in law) and edited it ourselves in Final Cut Pro back in March. And now that we’re two months away from the official book release date (Nov 6th, aka Election Day) we’re finally allowed to share it! Wahoo.
We had to finish the video so early because our publisher needed it for a spring sales conference in March, so as soon as we got back from Hawaii the pressure was on (see how bare the trees are in this pic?). Thankfully all of the projects were already finished for when we shot all of the book photography over three weeks at our house in February, so one day of shooting video and setting up little impromptu vignettes wasn’t too tricky. It was actually really fun.
The funniest thing is that we handed in our outline for all of the projects in the book about a year before this video was shot, so finally seeing the projects in real life in a polished format like this (since it was well before we saw any final book proofs) was kind of surreal. I guess it’s akin to baking a cake for a year or two and finally getting to taste it.
The weirdest part by far was recording our nerdy little voice over (while sitting in a closet using our iPhones) and layering that in there. Allow us to share this reenactment so you can picture it (Burger was playing the role of “Supervisor”):
And for those of you at work who can’t watch videos, here are a few still shots (there are a lot more sneak peeks of various projects in the video though):
We’re so relieved to finally be able to reveal some of the projects in the book – even if it’s only a small portion for now. Thankfully in less than two months the book will be out (you can pre order it here) so all those kitties will be out of the bag. Can’t wait! Free the kitties!
Have you guys ever written a video script and attempted to make a somewhat polished little YouTube ditty? It’s kinda fun, right? The clothesline concept was all John’s – and we love how it allowed us to squeeze in a few bonus project peeks. I’d say previewing 15 projects in a little over a minute is pretty speedy, indeed. You know we like to cram stuff in there (slash are terrible secret keepers). Woot!
I love this!! Well done guys! Can’t wait for the release! Seriously can’t wait! Your blog has been such an inspiration. I recently re-decorated our living room on a shoestring budget thanks to all your great trips. I’m talking around 200 bucks! How do you like them apples? ;) woohoo Keep up the great work guys!
Woah- that’s awesome! I love that.
xo
s
Yes! That right there is why you guys do such a great job…because the changes you make (besides deck building!!) are so attainable. That is where you are your most inspiring. Congrats Steph, and John and Sherry? Nicely done. Nicely done.
oh my gosh, HOW CUTE ARE YOU GUYS IN THAT VIDEO? seriously, Sherry, you’re gorgeous! haha hope that’s not weird.
It’s ok … my favorite part was the kissing because it’s so “awww” worthy, so I’m pretty sure I’m the superstar of the weird category. Ha!
Haha, we’re all in that category with you.
xo
s
Love it! Can’t wait for the book!!
Oh. em. gee.
I love it. Totally love it! Cannot wait for the book.
Aw thanks guys!
xo
s
Ahhh, this makes me so excited!!
That was amazing! It looks like a REAL MOVIE!
Yay for the Burger cameo…what a natural! I loved it, you guys are awesome!
Haha- he’s the real star of this show.
xo
s
I see the creeptastic eyeball cupboard knobs!!
Hahahhahahaha! Somebody’s watching me…
xo
s
Oooh what a great teaser! I’m all giddy!
SO EXCITING, love the dresser! You guys rule.
Trish
http://www.mash-upchic.blogspot.com
LOVE it! I’m so excited for the book to be released – it’s already preordered and sitting in my Amazon cart! So glad to have something FUN to look forward to on November 6th! lol
I’m loving those merlot-colored curtains that I caught a glimpse of and the state art and the pillow painting! And I’m seriously in desperate in need of the “conquering paint paralysis” tip!
As always – fantastic work you guys!
I’m so excited to get your book! I can’t wait to try some of the projects!
I seriously can not wait for this book. I think the last time I anticipated the release of a book was the last Harry Potter. I’m more of a “clearance shelf” book reader. :)
Haha, thanks Rosie!
xo
s
Oh I am so with you on that one!!!
Love it! I can’t wait to get my hands on it
Ekkkkkk sooooo excited!
Free the kitties! Made me laugh out loud at my desk.
That was seriously adorable! You guys are so cute! <3
And now I am buying it! Looks so awesome! Congratulations to both of you :)
Love It!! Congrats on the book….I guess that will be on my Christmas list!!
can’t wait to read it!!!
Awesome! I cannot wait to get my hands on the book.
Wow I love it! Cannot wait!
Yeah, definitely referring to November 6 as “Young House Love’s Book Release Day” from now on. None of this ridiculous political business. Looking forward to it!
That’s right, Jersey comes first!! Great video. Looked totally professional. You guys are talented.
Sorry to see that Project #244, “How to be a Successful White Rapper” didn’t make it in. Alas, maybe in the next printing.
Looking forward to picking it up!
Hahaha- next book maybe!
xo
s
Maybe a DVD for spring ‘Sherdogg: I did it my wizz-ay’
Hahahahaha. Done.
xo
s
So cute! You guys did a great job! :) Loving some of those secret book projects. My book has been on pre-order forever so I’m looking forward to getting it soon-ish!
I am soo excited!! Cannot wait to have the book in hand!!
First??
So cute, you two. Nicely done. Loved all the projects I saw!
You guys are so adorable. :)
Can’t wait for the book to come out, this stuff looks awesome!!
You guys are DIY’ers to the bone! Adorable and and can’t wait for the book! Love the gradient dresser!
This is so exciting! It looks great. I love that you even DIYed the video :)
Great video! Can’t wait for my pre-order to arrive — November is too far away!!
You two are just ridiculously adorable! I can’t wait for the book to come out!!
Ha, ha. Not first. Oh, well.
Are you using the gradient piece in your living room? Looks great. They all did though.
Aw thanks Anne! We do love that dresser but it won’t live in our living room (we’re thinking maybe Clara’s big girl room or the nursery if we shift things around). It’s one of the only projects that we did and paid for out of our own budget so we could keep it. As soon as we saw it (super cheap at a thrift store) we said “don’t take this out of book budget money, we have to buy it and keep it!” – haha. So we have a pile of secret book stuff waiting for a charity auction and that guy waiting to come live in one of our rooms :)
xo
s
Oh I’m so relieved! I saw that dresser and thought “They CAN’T give it away!!!”
could.not.be.more.excited. great video you two cuties!!
…i hope there will be a huge book tour so i can get my paws on an autographed copy!
or just come to south jersey. that’s where i live. HAHA! <3
We can’t wait to finalize all the tour stuff so we can reveal the deets! Hopefully in the next few weeks!
xo
s
Sooo awesome and adorable! And how did I just figure out that your publisher is Artisan? I’m sure you mentioned it before, but it only clicked today becuz I’ve been setting up our bookcase – with my favorite cookbooks published by Artisan on the top shelf. The French Laundry Cookbook, Ad Hoc, How Sour Salty Sweet, Mangoes & Curry Leaves – those are some seriously gorgeous books and I’m sure yours will be no exception! I can’t wait! And meanwhile, I’m so happy for you guys!
Aw thanks Danielle! We chatted with a lot of publishers and they were the best fit for us by far. So excited to work with such talented and passionate folks!
xo
s
BRAVO!!!! I swear my eyes just TEARED UP a little for you guys!!
Aw thanks Deb! That makes me do the ugly cry.
xo
s
I thought I’d be the only weirdo to tear up. Haha! I’m really excited about your book and cannot wait to own it! Job well done guys!
Aw thanks Karrie!
xo
s
Whew!! I’m so happy others teared up…
Such a cute video ~ so happy for you guys…. and can’t wait to get my pre-ordered book. Woot!!
Ohh, I totally teared up too! I’m such a sap! It was the kiss that did me in. I also cried when I watched Bonnie’s video for the Design*Sponge book. What can I say? The humanity behind design makes me cry!
xoxo
Aw, you’re so sweet. That doesn’t make you a sap, it makes you sweet.
xo
s
Put me on the teared up bandwagon!! It’s that Love part. I don’t think the Young or House makes us verklempt.
Aw thanks Shauna!
xo
s
Love the video…so fun and you can really see your personalities shine through. :) I’ve had a similar ombre dresser image pinned for awhile and now I really want to try it out! Best of luck with the book…what an adventure!
I can’t watch the video at work but OMG. That dresser. LOVE.
Can’t wait to get home and watch the video and get my greedy little hands on the book. :) Soooo excited.
Love this! So excited…already pre-ordered my copy!
WOW! that book looks amazing! I will be ordering! BTW, your house looks like from a catalog on the video! I mean it always does, but the camera color makes it so it, looks like a set or something!
haha!
Jazmin
Oh yeah, he had the best camera! The pros always come in and make us feel like… wow! It was so much fun to see our house through his lens.
xo
s
LOVE THIS!!!! Y’all are too cute, esp in the “state art” scene.
Must paint gradient. Must guild lamp. Must buy book. Good work you sneaky sneaks- I’ll bite. Consider it purchased.
Hahaha- thanks Marcy!
xo
s
Had to chime in here as a fellow Marcy. I’ve pre-ordered your book and I wish there was some voodoo I could do to make it come sooner. We’re moving into a new house and getting started on projects. Your book looks amazing!!!
Aw thanks fellow Marcy! Haha. Love you guys!
xo
s
Beyond excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The video came out super cute! I love all the sneak-peeks! The shelves, and the red curtains, and the gradient dresser are all awesome. I can’t wait to see the rest of the projects!
YAY!! FREE THE KITTIES!
Seriously, I’m so so excited for you two. I’m all giddy watching your video! I loved the sneak peaks and cannot wait for my pre ordered book to come in the mail come November!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Aw thanks Nicole!
xo
s
Who else wants a “FREE THE KITTIES!” tee-shirt to wear while we’re in line during the book tour, waiting to applaud Sherry and John? Just me?
PS – I teared up a bit too – I hope your parents don’t mind that we’re all also so proud of you two.
Hahahahaha! Someone do this. Please. It will make my life.
xo
s
If you’re able to make it to Iowa, consider it done. “Free the Kitties” t-shirt with winking eye airbrushed jeans ;)
Hahahhahahahaha, I would love that more than words can say.
xo
s
Wasn’t sure it was possible for me to be even MORE excited about your book, but I think this did it :) I love the sneak peeks we got to see! So excited!! FYI: your book link has been sent out to three family members to add to my Christmas wish list. I cannot wait to have it in my hands!
Thanks Jessica! You guys are so sweet!
xo
s
Seriously y’all are too freaking cute. Pre-ordering now. I can’t wait!
Ahh!! So excited! I love the projects you showed, especially that ombre dresser! Gorg!
Counting the days!
Only makes me want to hold it in my hands more! You guys are so adorbs!
Can’t wait to purchase the book!! Looks AMAZING!!!