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!
Kelly T. says
I pre-ordered the book in June and feel like I’m waiting for Christmas in November. I’m even more excited now that I’ve seen this video. Can’t wait to read it!!
Jillian {Her Split Ends} says
Obsessed. Such a great video!! can’t wait to get the book!!
Cheers
~ jillian
http://www.hersplitends.com
Brooke says
YAY! Just pre-ordered my copy! Can’t wait for it to arrive/ can’t wait to use it for inspiration/ and REALLY can’t wait for the tour dates to thank y’all in person for all of the inspiration!!
I started reading your blog while I lived in Richmond and moved back to Philly about a year ago and have LOVED catching up on Richmond via your blog. THANKS!
Kim says
Love it!! It looks great! Like I needed to be more excited for your book to come out! :)
Hilary says
Finally went a pre-ordered! So excited and now it should arrive at the perfect time to be the best birthday present to myself in a long time. Can’t wait!
Tamryn says
really cannot wait for my book to arrive! early christmas gift to myself :) well done YHL!
Jessica says
i have a dresser that is shaped exactly like that and i have been trying to figure out what to do to make it more exciting. i love that idea! doing it!!!
also i hate how stinking adorable you two are. well actually i love it, but it makes me mad because i want to be that cute too. that state art “fight” you guys had is the cutest darn thing ever! oh i just love you two. which might be creepy since i don’t actually know you, but who can help it with adorableness like this?
Christina says
I loved the video and the sneak peek at some of your projects . I already see one or two things I’d like to try making. I especially liked the stenciled rug.
Lilli says
Love the video! So excited for the book!!!
Ellen says
Hey, we painted a gradient on a dresser for our son’s nursery! http://www.kellyandellen.org/house/2012/05/nursery-reveal/
YoungHouseLove says
Love that so much!!
xo
s
Crystal says
Great video- it was just perfect! Professional and totally fun and a little quirky. Definitely makes me want the book even more! Congrats!
Nancy says
This is great!! I don’t think anybody could have done it better. You’ll probably be publishing your next book yourselves, too. You’ll be coming to Michigan on your tour, right? ;)
YoungHouseLove says
We’d love to! Still getting things ironed out, but we’ll spill all the beans as soon as things are finalized :)
xo
s
Kristi says
THIS IS AWESOME-SAUCE! LOVE IT!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Kristi!
xo
s
Diane says
Sherry
My local public library has your book on order. Does yours?
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! I’m not sure. Gotta check that out :)
xo
s
Jasmine L. says
You guys are just too darn cute! Congrats to you both and I will definitely be purchasing the book.
Nicole @ Post Grad says
Yay! It’s funny – I know you’d told us, but I was still like “Eeeeeh do I really need to buy the book? I mean… I read their blog religiously.” Seeing the video made me realize how much I absolutely have to own the book as well. So many great projects!! I just went and pre-ordered a copy on Amazon. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Nicole!!
xo
s
Tashia D says
Is it weird that I’m really proud of you guys even though I don’t know you in “real life”?!
This book looks awesome and I can’t wait to receive my
pre-ordered copy! Thanks for all the inspiration!
Rebecca says
Love the sneak peak!
You guys probably can’t answer this question, but maybe someone else can. I pre-ordered your book in August from Amazon and just selected the free ‘super saver’ shipping (I ordered some other items too). The estimated delivery date for the book says November 13-16 which is kind of a bummer. Before when I pre-ordered a video game, the delivery date was set so that it was delivered on the release date. That was from Amazon too and I didn’t select any special shipping.
My husband has free two-day shipping from Amazon right now, so maybe I’ll cancel my order and order again from his account so that I’ll at least get it on the 8th.
Has anyone else noticed that?
YoungHouseLove says
Anyone else notice that or have tips? Sometimes when you use super saver shipping, they group everything you’re ordering together and ship it all at once, so if something else is being released later (like a video game) they might hold the book so they can ship them together. Hope it helps!
xo
s
Nicole @ Post Grad says
Strange. I just pre-ordered mine today using my free 2-day Prime shipping and the estimated delivery date in my confirmation says 11/7. I’d definitely do that if you can. No sense in waiting any longer than you have to! :)
Angela Busick says
What an accomplishment! It looks great and I love how your personalities aren’t lost in translation. Yippie!
Tracy says
You guys are too adorable. Fantastic video. As someone who does that type of work for a living, I’m incredibly impressed with the quality.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Tracy! That’s so nice of you to say. Off to tell smarty pants John! He’s quickly becoming a jack of all trades :)
xo
s
Jennifer says
This makes me SO exited for the book !!! I guess that is the intent of the video huh? ;) I’m going to place the pre-order now.
The sneek peeks are so fun!
Steph H says
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited!!!!
We’ve been hankering to make some updates on a budget…can’t wait to test the book. Love the gradient dresser and gilded lamp combo. I might look for a spot for that tonight. Seriously, congrats to you two. What an awesome accomplishment! :)
Sophie says
LOVE the video and now I’m even more excited for the book! You two are getting so professional nowadays!
Missy G. says
L-O-V-E. So happy for y’all. The video is great! And YAY for sneak peeks!!
Anika says
AHHH I’m so excited!! Already pre-ordered the book, and I second the comments for book tour details asap!
I’ve heard about these trailers for books before and yours came out wonderfully – you can really get a glimpse of your personalities. I’m so glad you guys are getting such great responses to this new venture and are enjoying the crazy process. Thank you for sharing it with all of us!
Michelle @ Lifewithacrazypup says
I can’t wait for my copy to get here! Maybe Amazon will send it early? Hey, a girl can dream! It’s so funny to see the spaces we see every day (and are already back to normal) completely different! The curtains… the built ins… nuts!
YoungHouseLove says
We actually hear that if you pre-order sometimes you get things before they’re out in stores! Wahoo!
xo
s
Cori says
I LOVE IT!!!! Aaaaaa, I’m so excited for the release! I just watched the video like three times in a row! You guys did a great job!
I work as the marketing/media “person” at a small nutritional and wellness center, so I’ve had to DIY my own videos a couple of times for the company. I totally get the whole hide-in-a-closet-to-get-the-best-voice-over-recording thing. I’ve shut myself in my laundry room and my car to record myself. While I hate listening to the sound of my own voice, I do love to see the finished product come together, all polished and pretty.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, so true! I hate the sound of my voice completely. But sometimes you just have to get in the closet and press record. Hahah!
xo
s
Leanne says
You guys are so stinkin’ cute.
Hubs and I just bought a house and I can’t wait for the book so I can plop it onto a new (and hopefully DIYed) coffee table!
Sayward says
Best Video Ever!!! I’m so excited for you guys, and I’m no stranger to recording audio in a weird quiet space on my iphone. (God Bless you, iphone).
If we meet on your book tour here’s how I see it going down: I tell myself I’m going to play it really cool. I’ll even plan out what cool, normal things I’m going to say in advance. My weird side will buy adult care bear underwear for the occasion, and I’ll totally wear them, but it will just be my little secret.
When we meet up all my cool, normal phrases will fade into the background as I shout a flustered string of words like “Care Bear Stare! Underpants! I brought you matching ones!”
You’ll be mortified and try to help me recover by flailing your arms. My Jersey Italian side will kick in and my own hand gestures will take control. Against everything in me, I’ll try to SHOW you part of the Care Bear underwear. We’ll knock over a table. I’ll be humiliated and turn really red, and mumble something about owning one bra. Then I’ll go home and update my Facebook about the new greatest moment of my life.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahahahahahahhhahha, comment of the day for sure. Please do exactly everything you have described here.
Waiting impatiently,
Flail-y
Sayward says
I’ll take that baby to the market.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahahahhah. Deal.
xo
s
JessicaB says
SO great! Can’t wait to get the book. I LOVE the gradient painted dresser!
Rebekah says
LOVE IT!! You guys are too cute! I can’t wait to get your book!
ashley jensen says
You guys are naturals in front of the camera! Brother in law did a great job at filming too. I will be so excited excited to finally crack open your crisp new book! Hopefully you guys will be able to tour in the Oklahoma region (Tulsa) so I can be my dorky nervous self and shake your hand! Oh and Burger is just awesome in all the little clips!
Mama says
I am super excited about your book release… like over the top can’t freaking wait excited… and I mean that in a totally non-creepy way.
Katie says
This was so cute! I totally want to buy your book now!! ;-)
Brenda says
Sooo excited! Pre-ordering at least one copy is on my to-do list as soon as I get my security deposit back from my recent move.
Milly says
OMG! I knew you finished the book and I was super excited and happy for you guys but when I saw the video I felt so much more…like super super excited!!!
I was smiling like a weirdo the entire time thinking “Yes my fabric scraps do need to be framed!”
So excited, I wish it was out now but I am so sure it will be worth the wait!
You guys rock!
Crystal says
LOVE! If it were possible for me to be more excited for book release day (doubtful) then I am now. November 6th I will be swimming in my 5 pre ordered YHL books. haha ;) I’m so excited for you guys you should be so proud of yourselves, you are great examples that if your willing to put the work in you can achieve anything. Keep up all the hard work.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Crystal! You’re so sweet!
xo
s
Whitney Dupuis says
I love the video! I think it is fantastic that you guys chose to do it yourselves. It just feels so personal. Is it weird that all of us (readers) get so excited for you guys? I am just so excited that things are going so well for you. Congratulations!
YoungHouseLove says
No way, it’s awesome. We have the best readers ever. Is it weird that we love you guys? Yes, that’s weird.
xo
s
Vanessa Gasca says
I cannot wait- I have already pre-ordered it.
Ginny @ goofymonkeys says
You guys are ROCKSTARS!! Congrats and the video is fantastic!
Jillian says
John and Sherry this is like seriously amazing. I am head over heels in love and excited for the two of you (or 4 including the little peeps)! Congratulations you deserve it! Love,
Jillian
Stacy says
I just love you guys! I’ve been reading your blog for years and I’m so excited for the book. Yay!
Jennifer W says
I updated some coasters with some of the exact same paper from Michaels! I love them!
YoungHouseLove says
No way! I love that!
xo
s
Cara D says
The video is so cute. Love the coaster idea. The clothesline idea was really cute. Can’t wait for your book. I just got a stencil from royaldesignstudio and some metallic paint so I am planning on starting on the hall this weekend. Our hall is too narrow for frames on the wall so I am hoping this will add interest. Hope it turns out as great as your office.
April B says
I am beyond excited for you guys!! I hope your awesome DIY masterpiece will be available in Canada too?! ;-) I don’t mind paying for extra shipping charges just to get my hands on a copy!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, it’s available in Canada through amazon! We might even have a Canadian stop on our tour! Wahoo!
xo
s
Kathryn says
So I probably wasn’t going to buy the book, only because I’m cheap. What can I say I’m Dutch. (But I really do love you guys!) But those sneak peaks have convinced me otherwise! I am going to lay down my dutchiness and get it!I may have to wrap it in plastic, though, because I think it’s drool worthy! AWESOME!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thanks Kathryn! You’re so sweet!
xo
s
Jessica C. says
Love the trailer video, such a cute idea!!!
Christy says
I was already super excited to read your book, but now I am over-the-moon excited. :) The clothesline concept was great and I love that your personalities came through in such a short clip. Nicely done! You and your blog are such an inspiration; I can’t wait to see what else you put together for the book.
Elizabeth@ wake&gather says
Is it weird that this totally made me tear up? Officially I’m blaming the pregnancy hormones but unofficially I will say that I’m so proud of you guys! Crazy how much can happen in a few short years.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, you’re so sweet Elizabeth. Now you’re making me cry.
xo
s
Bianca H says
I just pre-ordered from amazon UK. Cannot wait for the book tour details… I will be in California in Dec ’12 and I am really REALLY hoping that the stars will align and I will get a signed book! Also, my hubs watched the video and was all up on that gradient dresser… HA!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, yay for hubby approval!
xo
s