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!
Ashley C. says
You guys are just too stinkin’ cute. Now I’m even more excited for the book!! :-D
Zauna says
I thought of you when I saw these glasses on etsy – so cute! http://www.etsy.com/listing/61775417/ultra-mega-crazy-super-bike-party-screen?ref=fp_recent
YoungHouseLove says
So cute! Love them!
xo
s
snosie says
Can I just say – love the sofa lamp. I wouldn’t, initially, but I realise your tastes are starting to influence mine! I even said to mum (looking at lamps), I like this textured metallic one – just like that blog I’m always reading! Trendsetters you!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thanks Snosie!
xo
s
Erica Rodack says
You should have a “virtual book release party”! There are some websites that allow you to have live shows that people can log into…I think blogtv.com is one of them. You should look into it! :)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a fun idea! Will look into it for sure!
xo
s
Shana says
Oh my goodness! My kids are napping and I’m sitting here at my laptop crying! Seriously, big embarrassing tears. What the heck? For 3.5 years now you guys have been my daily coffee time. I’m so happy to see this process become a reality. Yay for YHL!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh Shana, you’re so sweet. And now I’m all sniffly. Love you, girl. Thanks for the sweetness.
xo
s
Michelle says
I feel the same way as Shana! I have followed this blog for many years even before you announced you pregnant with Clara! I always mention you guys to my husband ” Sherry and John did this today, or look at Burger…” I feel like I know you guys. I am one if your biggest fans:) I am so happy for both of you! Congrats!
P.S. I’m preordering the book today!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Michelle! You’re so sweet!
xo
s
erika m says
had to say your blog is my “coffee time” read too! With 4 kiddos, my coffee time is sacred-so thats a huge compliment to you guys!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Erika!
xo
s
Sal from Australia says
That’s it. The clip was what finally overcame my procrastination; I’ve pre-ordered my copy. Our 1960’s house is in for a treat!!
lynn says
The video is incredible! Totally professional! Also, the song you chose is perfect, it has just the right lightness. What song is it?
I’m going to go pre-order the book this minute for my birthday present to myself :)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a song by Josh Woodward, we bought it from his site for commercial use, but it’s free for you to download to use it just for fun :)
xo
s
Melissa says
Seriously I could already not wait for your book to come out and this makes me even more excited. You guys are doing wonderful things, can’t wait to see it!
tracy says
Super cute video! Can’t wait for the book.
Jessibee says
So exciting and so cute (in the most professional way, of course)! I pre-ordered when you first announced it and now I can’t wait all over again!
Glad to hear that you are keeping that dresser…it’s pretty OMG!
liz @ bon temps beinget says
Could you pleeeease take a pic of whichever room y’all’ve (yea, I just ‘y’all’ve-ed’ you) been hiding all the projects in? I’d love to see your house ready for an episode of hoarders!
PS: Just pre-ordered mine! Can’t wait to see it in real life :)
PPS: This made me think of y’all :http://www.target.com/p/the-curiosity-shoppe-at-target-america-cutting-board/-/A-14119131#?lnk=sc_qi_detaillink
YoungHouseLove says
Hah, yes we have lots of photos of everything all jammed up in the sunroom and playroom for when we can finally finally reveal them! Oh and as for that cutting board, already bought it. Haha. John had to have it! Stay tuned for what we’re hoping to do with it!
xo
s
Carly says
I just pre-ordered! The gradient dresser did it for me.
Katie says
I love the video!!
I want to pre-order your book SO MUCH but I already got burned this year when I wanted to go to a book signing and the store wouldn’t let you go unless you bought it from them! So since I had bought the book already I couldn’t go. =(
So I’m waiting for you to announce your tour (you’re coming to Dallas, right? RIGHT?) so I can make sure I’ll be able to meet you!!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! Here’s hoping! We’ll share all the tour details as soon as they’re nailed down.
xo
s
Annie says
Can’t wait for the book!! My birthday is in a few days and I told my hubs all I want is a pre-order receipt.
(Side note: you two are seriously adorable.)
Kira says
You guys are so darn cute to begin with, and yet you somehow still always find ways to out-cute yourselves. Case-in-point: that trailer. Can’t wait for the book!
Renata says
This is so perfect! I already pre-ordered it and I’m just waiting for paper work and other stuff to close on a house! This book will help me decorate our first home :) Love you guys!
Sheri says
Awesome video! What am I waiting for?? I need to buy your book!!
Becky says
Great video! The part where you were (play) fighting over the state art made me laugh to myself, it was cute but not too cute and really showed your personalities. What a good job you have!!
I, for one, am jealous…in a good, non creepy way :)
Congrats!
Tarsier says
Im so hyped for the book already! By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask for awhile, What font do you guys use for the Young House Love logo? If im not mistaken, it was also in the video when the Ideas came up.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s Ostrich Sans. Love it!
xo
s
Alison says
pre-ordered. I’m so proud of you both. GROUP HUG!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Alison!
xo
s
Alison says
I see there are quite a few Alison’s posting. Seems I seldom hear the name. And you spell it with one L.
Alison
Lindsey says
Love this! Super stoked about the book!! But what a tease
Brittney says
Pre ordered a few weeks ago, LOVE the video, even more excited now :-) You have reached all the way to New Zealand, Love it !
Allyson M says
Seriously. I loved that. And I want your book for Christmas. And I think if my husband hears me talk about “Young House Love” one more time, he might go crazy. I hope he gets the hint! :) Because I talk about you guys so much (is that weird?), every time I say we should change something or do some project he says, “What? Did you see that on Young House Love or something?” haha!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I think we might be the bane of some husbands’ existence. Haha!
xo
s
Michelle (aka mybelle101) says
OMG!!! I can’t wait, I can’t wait, I can’t wait!! I’ve had this pre-ordered FOR-EV-ER (since you announced it was on Amazon), and now I’m even more excited! And excited for the auction!
Jessica F. says
what’s the significance of 243? I’m sure someone’s asked already or you’ve already explained it, but one more time for the lady in the back. :)
YoungHouseLove says
243 is old school pager code for we love you (it’s the amount of numbers in each word), so it’s a secret love note to you guys. Haha.
xo
s
Tracey says
Can you feel the love? You guys are great! It just shows you that being true to yourselves, doing what you love and opening up to share it with others = love love love. So excited for you both. You must be grinning from ear to ear. Can’t wait for the book tour. Please come to the Philly!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Tracey, you’re so sweet!
xo
s
Ofelia, México City says
OMG, I love the video, so cheerful and straight to the point. And that kiss… so sweet! I can’t wait for the book, but, my question is: are there some chances for a spanish version or books for sellers outside the USA?
YoungHouseLove says
They’re actually talking about that, so here’s hoping they do a spanish version! Will keep you posted!
xo
s
Sarah F says
I love it! I think you should do a giveaway with your book, early! I’m dying to get my hands on it :) congrats you guys, I bet that cake tastes good!
YoungHouseLove says
We’d love to do that! Stay tuned!
xo
s
Viv says
WOW! Of course you’d DIY the video, too! It looks amazing! Congratulations!
Krista says
This is absolutely adorable!! I can’t wait for your book to arrive!!!! :)
Kristen says
You guys are TOO freaking adorable! This makes me so excited for the book! I just pre-ordered two copies- one for me and one for my sister for her birthday or x-mas. Congrats! huge accomplishment!
Jennie M says
Oh you guys!! It’s perfect!! Please tell the book tour peeps that Toronto should be on the list!! Pre-ordering book NOW!!
On a side note…let the double “!!” at the end of every sentence above prove my excitement!!
Totally teared up!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Jennie! There’s talk of a Canada stop, so here’s hoping!
xo
s
Kate says
I hardly ever comment, but I just have to say how adorable this is. You guys should be super proud of yourselves :) Congrats!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Kate!
xo
s
Christine says
First off- what a tease!!
But secondly- every time I think I can’t love you guys more you give me the warm and fuzzies!! Can’t wait for this puppy to land on my doorstep!
(Did I see temporary bookshelf backing? I’m upholstering cardboard to back my bookshelves and having issues with it sticking… I may just wait for the Petersik bible to guide me…)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, yes there’s something along those lines in there for sure :)
xo
s
Debbie says
Adorable! You two are AMAZING and I look forward to getting your book.
Tara says
Just pre-puchased two of your books from Amazon! One for myself, and one as a Christmas gift for my sister. Looking forward to receiving them in November! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Tara!
xo
s
Missy says
Oh my gosh- video is adorable!!! Wow you guys are so cute together!!
Lindsay says
All I have to say is: YAAAAAY!
And….
I’m very excited for the book. The projects look fantastic!
ash says
yikes!! 11 pages of comments. you guys sure have a lot of love from your folks up here…
Count me in!! Ive seen the video 6 times already. And I am not known for my patience. Nov 6 is too far!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Ash! You’re so sweet!
xo
s
Michelle M. says
Aww you guys!! I know this sounds corny, but I’m so proud!! Congratulations!!
Amanda says
I absolutely love it! It makes me want to have the book NOW NOW NOW! “BUT I WANT IT NOW!” (Name THAT movie!)
YoungHouseLove says
Charlie & The Chocolate Factory???
xo
s
Amanda says
You got it! I love that movie … (the original and the new one)
Monika says
I’m even more excited for the book after seeing your amazing video! I’ll be patiently waiting until November 6. :)
Lil says
OMG! So cute! I have to watch it again. Book. Ordered. Months ago. Can’t wait.
Helen says
I have been following your blog for a quite a while. You have been my great inspiration when I decorate my house. I love the video clip you guys DIYed. It is natural, it is real and it is full of love. I am looking forward to your new book.
Kari says
As many of your long term readers have said, I almost feel like I know you guys in real life…and this video makes me so proud of you two!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Kari!
xo
s
Gia says
I wish it was coming a week before so I could get it as an anniversary present for my husband..love the sneak peek!
Colleen says
You guys are so adorable and awesome. Cannot wait for your book so I can use some of your great ideas for my own home. Also can’t wait for more of your silly, quirky selves. Congrats, you two!
Kari says
Curious — does the number “243” in “243 ideas” have any sentimental significance? Slightly disappointed those digits didn’t add up to 7 :)
YoungHouseLove says
43 = 7 (4 + 3) and 143 actually is old pager code for I love you (it’s the number of letters in each word). 243 = we love you, which is actually how we feel about you guys. Haha. So it’s a secret love message from us.
xo
s
Kari says
too sweet! knowing you guys are the sentimental type, i knew it couldn’t just be a random number! :)
pendy says
Have a couple on pre-order! Great gift idea, right?
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! Thanks Pendy!
xo
s
Shawna says
I have avoided jumping on the book bandwagon and buying all of the latest design books that it seems everyone has, but I will definitely be buying yours. Your video was the perfect sneak peek! What an accomplishment! Congrats!