Score Big With Markethold.

Take the viewer with you through your story with sound that inspires, creates anticipation, draws you in or wraps you in the boundless joys of the moment. Our composers will take your production to higher places, listen to our samples and let’s create our best work together!

Scoring Demo 1: Bach-esque

This piece was written for an educational client looking for alumni support. They wanted a video to show the accomplishments of their former students and had chosen a Bach piece as the temp score. The agency involved asked us to create a new piece in the same flavor of the Bach piece.

Scoring Demo 2: Xerox

This piece was written for a series of situational based radio ads for Xerox. The spots revolved around interaction surrounding the purchase of new Xerox office equipment. In the conversation, (between a boss and his associate) the associate demonstrates her knowledge of what is in the best interest of the office, to the astonishment of her boss she has saved the company with her investment in the equipment. The spot required a light “tongue and cheek” style on music as the actors playfully discuss the purchase.

Scoring Demo 3: Food Bank

This piece was written for a charity based around providing food for children in need. The layering of an innocent sounding piano line on top of the more serious piano line worked really well to capture the feeling of need and purity. The accompanying photos of hungry, young children used in the finished spot further solidifed an approriate sense of urgency to help in the viewer.

Scoring Demo 4: Hardwood

This score was written for a television spot about online shopping for hardwood flooring. It was important to demonstrate how easy and productive the online shopping experience is. The music is fun, light, and active. It also “dovetails” directly into the client’s branding music in the same key and tempo.

Scoring Demo 5: Red Cross

This score was written for a radio spot for the Red Cross. The concept of the spot was to encourage blood donation amoung younger people. It was important to make the listener feel like the process of giving blood is no big deal. The music has a bit of a carefree feel to it with a slight sense of duty and pride.

Scoring Demo 6: King’s Faith

These are excerpts from a King’s Faith, a film about a teen who is released from prison and placed in foster care in an upscale, suburban environment. King’s Faith is a powerful faith-driven story for teens and young adults starring Crawford Wilson, Kayla Compton, James McDaniel, and Lynn Whitfield. It’s an independent feature length film that directly poses questions that today’s youth grapples with: where do I belong, how do I maintain core values in a culture that doesn’t always respect them, where is the line between caring about friends and enabling their destructive behavior.

The music in this example is used to demonstrate his feelings of isolation and loneliness. The closing score includes a musical element designed to reinforce the faith-themed components of the film.

Read more about the scoring process of this film here and here.

A Resonating Success:

A jingle, meaning “song in an advertisement,” first attested 1930, from earlier sense of “catchy array of words in prose or verse.” It may sound a little boring when you read it. However, musical memory is a fundamental way of creating a lasting impression, one that can keep your business top of mind. We specialize in creating music for our clients that is not only truly unique, but also designed to reach its specific audience. After-all, you do want something original right? Not just a generic and tired sounding relic that could represent virtually any company. That’s why our customers choose Markethold. Our music scores build your brand awareness and become synonymous with your company and its key messages. We’ll have your customers singing your praises in no time!

Client: Alfred State College

In 2006, Alfred State College’s ad agency asked us to create a new musical identity piece for the school. They knew they wanted something upbeat and up-to-date.

Now, since music is subjective and difficult to describe, it is important to ensure that client and composer are on the same page. Adjectives can mean different things to clients than they do to musicians.

For Example: To a composer, “upbeat” simply means a faster tempo. But when a customer uses the term “upbeat,” it can mean bright, happy, or in a major key.

Client: Erie County Fair

Here’s a case where the customer came to us directly. They had their own internal agency and were tasked with sourcing an original musical piece to promote the annual Erie County Fair. The fair is an all-American tradition. With the branding line “A slice of America” already selected, we set out to produce a track that represents this tradition in an “Americana” style.

We selected our sound palette accordingly: Acoustic guitar, upright bass, mandolin, fiddle, and pedal steel, all topped off with a brushed/muted snare drum.

The result is good ol’ fashioned hoedown with a country-style vocal over the top. A fife punctuates each line, capturing that real “Americana” feel. The piece actually sounds like something that might be played at the fair… a group of musicians trading off riffs and licks.

“Erie County Fair: A slice of America” is a good example of writing specifically for the client’s needs. In doing so, this piece is unique and stands out amongst the other jingles you might hear on the radio.

Client: Leader TV

Leader TV is a Markethold customer that sells audio and video solutions for homes and businesses. We’ve actually used them several times for multi-media displays in our office, whoops, sorry for the tangent. Anyway, their real strength is home theater solutions and all of the associated set up and installation.

After speaking with the client we learned that one way they are able to help their customers upgrade is by allowing them to trade in older equipment for credit towards new equipment. They can do this because they are actually an authorized repair center for most major brands and routinely refurbish equipment and place it on their sales floor.

They wanted to let people know that this trade-in option existed through a TV/radio campaign.

We created this musical piece to describe the process and basically tell customers it’s an easy decision over just purchasing from a big box retailer.

Because we are introducing a new way of thinking and detailing a process for it the music has to be as “sing-able” as possible in order to get people to repeat it in their minds and understand the message. The simple message “if you could trade this, for this… wouldn’t you do it?” was developed and repeats throughout the piece.

Client: Tile Wholesalers

This is a client that we worked closely with an agency on. We wanted to distinguish the customer from the other advertisers in the area with a unique music score. We developed the branding line “Find your style at Tile Wholesalers” to address their extensive selection, a huge benefit over their competitors, especially the large home improvement stores.

This piece is probably closest example here to what most people think of as a traditional “jingle.”

We certainly can write whatever is needed for any client and in this case an inspiring, bright, empowering piece that motivates you to want to improve your home and surroundings was the order of the day. Since statistically, a majority of the decision for style in a home falls on the woman of the house, we selected a female vocalist as a friendly advisor to the potential buyer.

Hire Learning

Your training organization has just landed a major series of e-learning courses for a key client. While you’re busy writing the copy, thinking about programming, and filtering the customers feedback, we can assemble a crew of voice talent that will bring your courses to life.

We have all types of voices available for training and marketing projects including voices for radio, TV, online courses, DVD/CD-ROM presentations, documentaries, etc. We can quote a price that includes talent, recording, as well as editing while organizing all of your files and labeling them according to your exact specifications for easy reference.

Foreign Language & Translation

One of our major advantages is that we have developed a multilingual network of voice talent professionals that spans the globe. Is there a particular dialect that you cannot source? Markethold can track down the perfect voice to suit any need.

Looking for voice talent today? Check out our talent roster and explore the language options.

Not only can we find a native speaker, we can bundle the cost of translation of any training program in with your production estimate.

Production Press

Audio production and quality is essential to any multi-media presentation and must be looked upon with great importance in order to ensure the highest quality presentation is achieved. Listed below are the various steps of the audio production process and their significance in relation to obtaining this goal. This format is a standard process used to provide clients with quality audio presentations.

File Preparation

Because files come from a variety of sources such as shot video, client supplied video, library music and sound effects, flash files with embedded audio, recorded voice over, etc, it is important to prepare these files in a format that can be easily imported into the project or VIP. It is essential to use a common sample and bit rate when preparing files, as the project sample and bit rate should be established in advance. Many file formats are importable into the project including Wave, AIFF, MP3 etc. however, a standardized format of waves is the simplest format to use and usually provides the optimum sound quality. Once all audio files are prepared, a video file must be prepared for reference to visual cues and the overall timeline. The video file should include audio even this audio will not be used in the final audio mix. The audio from the video file serves as a timeline for the new audio being produced.

Creating a Virtual Project or VIP

Starting a new virtual project or VIP in order to produce the audio is as simple as opening a word file. A file location and name is given and the type of bit rate and sample rate is established. This new VIP is essentially a folder that will hold all of our files (assets) and project components. We now have a “blank canvas” with which to work on our audio project. The VIP name, date and file locations are coordinated in order to ensure easy retrieval for future modifications to the VIP or its files. This VIP enables us to manipulate our audio for the purpose of creating the best overall sound and mix.

Creating a Timeline/Video Sync.

The first file we import into our project is the video with its “placeholder” audio. The audio is extracted from the video file and resides on its own track in the VIP, usually track #1 for easy reference. The timeline for the project is now established and we can now scroll through our project to see exactly within 100th of a second how the video and audio coordinate. This time line/video sync, also enables us to place new audio to the exact frame in which they exist with the video. This is very useful for placing sound effects for example. If a door is closing we can scroll to the exact frame in which it shuts in order to place our effects.

File Importation

The next step in the process is to import all of our audio files into our new VIP. Since the files will all be processed and eventually mixed together, it’s best if they all come in a common format such as wave files. This, in reality, is often not the case however. With a little extra care all file formats can be used without any loss in overall quality.

File Alignment and Track Assignment

Once the files have been introduced into the VIP they must then be synced to the timeline or our “placeholder” file. This process requires extreme care and can be time consuming. The audio files are placed one on top of the other for alignment. Since the VIP syncs to 100th of a second an exact match can always be achieved. Once the files are matched, they are assigned their own audio track. This track is devoted strictly to that type of audio. For example our main voice over may be on track #2 and can then be reviewed individually, or as part of the entire mix. We are essentially recreating the sound one piece at a time. This allows us to manipulate each individual element of the sound and enhance it accordingly in the mix. Syncing and track assignment of the sound bites is the last step before the creative process can begin.

Normalization, Noise Elimination and Audio Equalization

The next step in the process is where we can actually begin improving and standardizing the individual audio files. We first establish a “unity gain” or common sound level for the various elements of the audio project. In other words everything sounds like it is at about the same volume. Any audio files that have background noise are treated for the elimination of the noise if so desired. If there is for example, static or traffic noise behind a voice, as in the case of some files that came from a video, this background noise may be able to be minimized or eliminated based on the file and recording quality. The next phase is equalization. In this phase we enhance or eliminate certain frequencies within a sound file in order to bring them out or suppress them in the mix. Equalization techniques are the mark of the true audio producer. By placing elements properly in the soundscape, an overall polished production is achieved.

Panning

Panning, in our case, is the placement on audio in a stereo mix. The way we see the world, and how the sounds correlate to what we see, is the basis for how panning should be used. The visual elements move in one or the other direction and the audio needs to match. Also, if for example we have two characters, each on either side of the screen talking to one another, we may choose to position slightly left and right in the mix, or the way we would hear them naturally. Panning can also be used to create room for another element. For example you can hard pan stereo music left and right and thus make room for a voice over in the middle.

Musical Composition, Sweetening and Sound Effects

The next phase in the production process is to see what areas we may enhance the project. We have now seen what we have to work with and it’s time to add some creativity where needed.

The most important aspects of sound design and composition are:

1. Always maintain the integrity of the project and remember the direction and objective the client is trying to achieve.

2. Always seek to enhance and not overpower. These creative elements are where the project is elevated to the next level.

Signal Processing

Signal processing is where various audio components are treated. Often time effects such as audio compression are used first. Compression is not used for file size like we are accustomed to when sending files on the computer. Audio compression lowers the ceiling on hot spots in the audio while raising low spots to even out the audio file. Audio compression is a key component to professional sounding mixes. It can enhance a voice over without changing its overall volume in the mix. Other signal processes include, reverb, delay, flange etc. They are used to manipulate the sound further.

Mastering

Mastering is the final process of the mix in which the project is evaluated for overall quality. The final tweaks are made to the individual track and an output gain is established. Equalization and setting to the final output are made on the master EQ of the mix. In some cases frequencies are minimized or enhanced for play in various mediums. For example a file that is being mixed for the web may have certain frequencies enhanced or reduced based on the type of speakers they will be listened to on.

File Exportation and Formatting

This is the final phase in the production process. The mixed components are highlighted and exported as a single, stereo, mixed wave file. This file can then be re-introduced into the finished video project. This completes the audio production process.

Vendor Overview & Fact Sheet

Click Here to Download This Fact Sheet.

Vendor Overview: Markethold Productions

Company Information:

Productions and Services:

We have all types of voices available for training and marketing projects including voices for radio, television, online courses, DVD/CD-ROM presentations, documentaries, etc. We can quote a price that includes talent, recording, as well as editing while organizing all of your files and labeling them according to your exact specifications for easy reference.

A full service audio/video production company:

General Information:

Equipment:

What is Message on Hold?

Message on Hold is about your image. You know how you keep your website up to date? How about when you shovel the snow from your front walkway or wear your best necktie to a meeting with a client? A Message on Hold program tells your customers that you care about them and their perception of your business. It supports the hard work you’ve done developing your brand and creates a positive experience when a customer attempts to contact you.

It’s funny how, as business owners we spend 94% of marketing resources trying to get the phone to ring, and only 6% on what to do after it rings. Message on Hold takes care of that part for you. It’ll keep your customers engaged and educated. Plus, it will prevent your callers from hanging up.

Your Message on Hold program reflects your personality. It can include everything from company history to trivia, or information about products and services. Markethold tries to make each Message on Hold program as unique as you are. We offer a wide range of voice talent and music, and develop crisp/clear copy for the best sounding programs that you’ll hear.
We’d like to welcome you to our family of satisfied customers, just tell us your story and we’ll transform it into a program that’ll enhance your callers experience and your image.

The Process

First, we sit down and talk about your business. What sets you apart? What is new and different around your company? We study the habits of your callers: are they the same people calling again and again or are they constantly changing? We discuss the update options in order to make sure your messages stay fresh and current. Once we decide on a package for you, it’s off to our writing department!

Writing is where all of the notes from our meeting blends with information gathered from your website and printed materials to form the creative stew that we call “the script.” The script is the actual copy that a voice over professional will read in order to produce your program. The script is then carefully reviewed and approved by both our customer service reps and you, the customer.

Our customer service team is the fuel for the engine that is your Message on Hold program. They contact you for approvals, remind you about updates, and ensure that your programs are delivered to you when they’re needed. Our customer service reps are available to answer any questions about your Message on Hold programs. They forward your approved script to our production department where the magic happens.

Our producers digitally record the voice talent representing your company. They listen for delivery style, pronunciation, and pace, to ensure that your program sounds great. After they review it and mix it with your music choice, the production is sent out for playback on your new on-hold system.

Equipment

We provide our Message on Hold customers with the latest MP3-based hardware. You can count on our equipment to be reliable and of the highest quality. All of our Made-in-the-USA digital players include a warranty, high-quality audio components designed for durability, and self-test features.

We support virtually all on-hold formats both proprietary and non, and we’ll work with the people who maintain your phone system to find a solution that fits your unique technological needs.

Rates

We offer a variety of Message on Hold packages to fit every budget or update schedule. Do you have a question about our rates? Don’t be shy, send us an e-mail.

An overview of our rates:

Script writing, dual voice production using professional male/female voice talent, music licensing, ongoing program consultation, customer service follow-ups, and a digital Message on Hold player are all included in our rates.

A la carte options:

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: We already play music, why should we switch?

Aside from being unproductive, the radio is often filled with your competitor’s commercials. In addition, playing unlicensed cassettes, CDs, MP3s, and/or the radio may constitute copyright infringement, bringing fines and legal action against your company by the record industry.

Question: Will Message on Hold work with my phones?

Most likely, yes. If your business currently has the radio or music playing as callers hold, your system is already Message on Hold compatible. If not, your phone system may still work with our system. Most newer phone systems arrive with Message on Hold compatibility out-of-the-box, but we’ve also had a lot of success with older systems as well. As part of our commitment to excellent customer service, Markethold will consult with the person who maintains your phone system, and determine what steps are necessary to make it work.

Question: What goes in to a Markethold Message on Hold Program?

We use a standard 6 minute program format. This format allows for 8 messages, 4 courtesies, and plenty of pleasant music for your callers’ enjoyment — without being repetitive or boring.

Before we even begin production, our writers and customer service staff work with you to develop a script, which is then read during the course of production. In production, we use professional male and female voice-over talent from the broadcast media. Plus, we use two distinctly different voices for each production, adding to the interest of the program and increasing the effectiveness of your messages.