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!
Linsey says
LOVE this! Just pre-ordered!
Michelle says
Seriously excited for you guys and this book! The amazon preorder link has already been emailed to the hubby for a Christmas wish. Also, loved that Burger made his way it. :)
Congrats!
Kimberlee says
Cannot wait for the book release! My copy has been pre ordered for weeks already! I would totally rock a “FREE THE KITTIES” tee…put some glasses on the kitties and it would rock my world!
molly says
Do you think your state art project would work well for colorado? Or does living in a rectangle-ish state make it not as fun.
I am so excited for your book! I will definitely being do the stenciled rug project.
YoungHouseLove says
Hah! I think it still would be cute with patterned paper ;)
xo
s
Kellie Hancock says
Holey Moley I am SOOO excited!! When is the charity auction?! I will make that 2hr treck just so I can say there is a bit of YHL in my home :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Kellie! We think it’ll be at the R Home event we’ll be doing here in Richmond on November 8th. Will have more details to share in a few weeks :)
xo
s
Kim says
AWESOME! I am soooo excited! I just found out that my sister pre-ordered the book for me as a gift (I have a GREAT sister)! Can’t wait for the day when it arrives at my door.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, so sweet!
xo
s
Allison says
I simply can not wait for your book to come! I’m so much more excited now. Congratulations and thanks for the sneak peek!
Ronnie says
Where’s my book I need it now……can’t wait for it watching for the mailman…
Alyssia says
I love your BLOG so much! It’s so aspiring. I will be one the of first people to buy your book. I’m so excited to see what awesome ideas the book has instore!
Erin C. says
Great video! I can’t wait to get my hands on your book. Someone recently told me that my house reminds them of your blog. The didn’t know I was already a dedicated reader. It was such a compliment because you guys have great style and are so down to earth.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, that’s so sweet!
xo
s
Amy P says
Cuuuute!!!!
Jennifer says
Yay I’m so excited! I already want to paint a dresser and a lamp!!
Please tell me you guys are keeping SOME of the projects that you made for the book… I personally would not be able to part with that dresser. haha. ob-session!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, the dresser is something we paid for out of pocket as soon as we saw it because we knew we wanted to keep it, and we might keep a few other small items (maybe 3 total) but the rest are all up for grabs at the auction (or were gifted to amazing folks who helped us make this book possible) so it’s a DIY lovefest around here. Haha.
xo
s
Ally says
GREAT video, guys! Love the “closet” movie magic. Lately, Jboom’s doing more reenactments, than the folks at 48 HOURS :)
Oh, not sure if anyone’s pointed this out yet, but I think good ol’ Tarjay has stolen your headboard fabric and turned it into a slipper chair! It looks pretty darn close?
Hope the link works…if not, use Avington Slipper Chair in their search engine :)
http://www.target.com/c/furniture/-/N-5xtnr#?lnk=gnav_t_spc_6_0
xox
YoungHouseLove says
Isn’t that funny?! Same exact fabric. I love it on the chair too! As for JBoom & his reenactments, you’re completely correct. It’s like a 24/7 crime scene show around here. Except no crime (unless you call Burger stealing a bite of Clara’s snack a crime, haha).
xo
s
Tricia B says
I finally pre-ordered your book, and it’s set to arrive on my BIRTHDAY!! Best birthday present I’ve ever bought for myself haha. I love you guys, and I can’t wait to get your book and devour all your awesome ideas!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, I love it! Thanks Tricia!
xo
s
Celia says
That is so exciting — you did such a great job with the video!
swarfel says
I love following your blog and all of the things you guys overshare with us. I have already preordered my cope of the book from Amazon, which means possible early delivery! I have a question or a proposal of sorts, I would love to hear about your clothes Sherry, what is your thought process or plan of attack, since the reason I love your blog so much is because y’all seem to have one for just about everything, when buying clothing for yourself? I would love tips on smart shopping! And maybe a tour of your closet?!?!? I have already super stalked your organization skills and cleaning out of the closet posts, I’m currently working on mine with those tips! So thanks! And keep up the AWESOME blogging!
YoungHouseLove says
You’re not the first to request this, so I was actually thinking about doing a little rundown like we did about Clara’s clothes (how I find deals, my staples, etc). I’m definitely not a fashionista but I stick to a small budget and love finding those great deals :)
xo
s
Jennifer says
Absolutely positively ADORABLE! You did an amazing job and I see TV in your future. So excited for you two!
Katrina says
The video looks very professional! I love the sneak peeks. That gray paint makes the perfect neutral backdrop for all of the projects. I love that color and it looks easy to live with and switch up – did you have the book in mind when you picked it originally or was it a happy accident?
YoungHouseLove says
Total accident! Although we did paint a bunch of walls (and do things to the ceilings too, haha) for certain projects that haven’t been revealed yet. Wahoo! Can’t wait.
xo
s
Lauren says
Love the video… and the background music. Is that another creative commons find, if so, do you have the artist’s name? Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
That was Josh Woodward (who we found through Creative Commons but actually paid to use this one, since it’s promoting our book so we wanted to pay him for commercial use).
xo
s
Kara says
You guys are so cute!
Betsy says
Can’t wait for my pre-order to arrive!!! I’m infinitely more excited about that than the election…
Lauren says
I love it! It is fun and totally reflects how you both are on your blog as well. Awesome job!
Dalia says
This is exciting! I’ll make sure to pick up a copy of your book myself. I’m young and don’t have my own apartment – or house, yet! But it’ll be great when I do have my own home.
PS – I love how you guys are so considerate and have pictures for those of us at work! haha y’all are awesommeee!
Louise C says
Naaaaaaawwwwwwwwww you guys are cute! Must get my pre-order on (a good end of university year present to ME? Why yes it is!)
Pamela says
WOW! LOVE the video! Even the music is charming! I cannot wait to get my hands on that book! Best wishes for much success!
jo says
OMG, that is the cutest video ever. Your book is on my Christmas list (my present to myself). Those are awesome projects – thanks for sharing the video with us! I can’t wait.
alisha says
Congratulations, Love birds!
I, too, am thrilled the book is making it’s debut soon and think this video is darling–genuinely happy smiles are totally contagious!
Also, LOVE the “free the kitties” t-shirt design idea, maybe a screen print/stencil design featuring a kitten with a fist/paw raised in solidarity? Please come to Michigan so I can sport one at the book signing (and possibly coax you over to my house for a book tour/house crashing/decorating geek-fest!?)!!!
Question: What is the name of the band you used in this video? I swear it sounds like one of our local acts =]
Random Music Tangent: I am reminded by my above musical inquiry of an amazing husband/wife music duo I’ve wanted to tell you guys about for months. The last time they played in MI I realized how much they reminded me of you guys–adorable, quirky, southern, & talented (seriously, she plays the fiddle WHILE drumming & he plays a keyboard with his feet while playing another instrument!) They are called Stereofedelics if you guys are interested. Seriously, last time I watch them play I thought “it’s like if John and Sherry formed a band!”
YoungHouseLove says
Wow- that sounds awesome! We’ll have to look them up! As for the music for the video, it’s a guy named Josh Woodward and we’re huge fans of his. He gives away his music for free via Creative Commons, but we paid to use this song “commercially” since it’s a promo video. Worth every penny!
xo
s
Rachel says
You guys are so cute, I watched it 3 times already trying to see all the sneak peaks!!!!
Erika says
Your video was wonderful. And you two are just gorgeous together. This Irish girl is very much looking forward to your book (and thinking of painting a chest of drawers now).
Congrats and well done
Lauren says
Love the video….you guys are so cute! Are you going to feature any of the book projects/tutorials on the blog or keep the two separate? I realize that you’re not going to put everything on the blog because then people wouldn’t buy the book :-)
YoungHouseLove says
It’s all going to be separate (we’re so excited to have done book projects exclusively for the book since they’d feel less special if we covered them on the blog as well). So other than some photos of some (and some behind the scenes stories about making-of-the-book stuff) the book is going to be a second little YHL world, haha.
xo
s
Brittney says
I am sooooo excited. I am seriously counting down the days until the book release!
Tara says
You guys are just the cutest!! I am forcing myself to wait until Christmas and somebody had BETTER GET IT FOR ME. Seriously, it’s on my list in 3 different places just for emphasis!
linda says
Love it! I already wanted the book before but the trailer convinced me to pre-order right now =)
can’t wait!!
Kate Podjan says
My favorite part was the kiss, too! Must be the sentimental fool/wedding photographer in me! Love your blog. Looking forward to the book.
Erin says
How cute was that!?
Mrs. LIAYF says
Looove!!! You guys are such an inspiration!
We are adopting a baby girl the end of October. We already have a 5yo boy, so we don’t have a lot of girly stuff. The first time I saw Clara’s room (in your mobile tour a few days ago), it seized my heart!! I will be “borrowing” a lot of ideas, including the pouf chair, the closet nook, the DIY mobiles. Our little addition will have a perfect little nest in which to land. :)
Paige @ Little Nostalgia says
YOU GUYS. I am so stoked. I feel like a proud parent, even though I’m 4 years younger than you. Who needs to worry about the space-time continuum anyway?
Rachel says
GREAT JOB!! That was so sweet! I think it captured the fun, the excitement and the love of YHL. No baby Clara, but you can’t always take your kids to work, right? I loved the clothesline idea for the Before and After pic/ project pics. Great music, too. You knocked it out of the ballpark! Really looking forward to the book.
Alice says
I sure hope you are already gathering ideas for Book No. 2!
Marisabel says
Cute video, Congradulations!! The little song in the video sounds like FarmVille, I thought it was cute.
Amy says
November 6th is my husband’s birthday. I might just have to buy the book for him (ahem) me. :)
Michele Daggar says
You guys! This was freaking adorable! This book is going to change your lives in such great ways and you totally deserve it. You’re both so talented and hard working.
I sound like I’m your old aunt or something with all my gushing, but seriously, I’m so happy for you. Now so many more people are going to be aware of all you do!
Love ya!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, you’re so sweet Michele. Thanks for all the kind words and support today, everyone! It’s such a mix of excitement and total-nail-biting going on (it’s so hard to explain how scary it is to spend so long on a book and smash so much into it and just hope hope hope the world loves your book baby as much as you do). All of the sweet words are so encouraging and exciting!
xo
s
Mrs Patty says
It is getting closer…I can’t wait to get my copy! So happy for you!
Mrs Patty says
P.S. I noticed in a couple of posts you mentioned something about a charity auction for all the secret book projects. What a wonderful idea to donate to charity. Will they be available to bid online? If I already missed your explanation, I’m sorry.
YoungHouseLove says
So sorry! We have been trying to figure out a way for everyone to get in on the fun in a national way, but shipping things has proven to be super expensive and would actually take money from the charity, so we’re going to do a local auction. More details when we get more info!
xo
s
Kristin says
Oh. My. Stars. You two are so stinkin’ adorable I just can’t stand it! Well done, Mrs. Copywriter and her husband John. Seriously … Outstanding. So impressive. And did I mention adorable? :)
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Sherry, I think you have a future career in hand modeling. Just sayin’. You guys are so stinking cute it’s sickening. Can’t wait to get the book!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man, you’re making me blush Chelsea.
xo
s
Kristin says
One more thing… The “Get Your Paws on It” on the sidebar… Brilliant. Fun. Witty. Love it.
(Sorry – I must’ve accidentally swallowed an extra dose of “Gush” today.)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thanks Kristin! You’re so sweet!
xo
s
how2home says
This video is great! The ombre dress looks beautiful. Cant wait to get the book!
Katherine says
Love the video and I am sure I will love the book even more! It will be at the top of my Christmas wish list.
shannon says
The preview/video is awesome. Congratulations to both of you. We can all see the hard work that you both put into this book. Can’t wait to get mine!! I ordered it weeks ago while lying on the beach. Gotta love technology :) Will you be signing any?
YoungHouseLove says
We’ll be signing them on the tour. Here’s hoping we’re out your way!
xo
s
Tamara says
Wow, what a great video – you two did an AWESOME job! I’d also like to say thank you for sharing your lives, projects, and ideas with all of us. I faithfully read your blog every day, am sad when it is Saturday and Sunday and no John, Sherry, Clara or Burger to visit with, and then absolutely ecstatic when you do have a Saturday posting! (Does that make me sound kind of pitiful? I hope not!) Anyway, keep doin’ what you’re doin’ because we love you! Oh, and I can’t wait for the book either!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Tamara! You’re so sweet.
xo
s