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!
lrlockwood says
Can’t.view.at.work!!! so frustrating, may just have to go into the bathroom with my phone to watch…. he he! ;) I am absolutely in love with you guys (in a totally non creepy way of course!) Thank you so much for sharing and allowing us into YOUR lives. I can’t wait to see all of the other ideas! If they are half as good as the ones you just showed us then we are in for an AMAZING treat!
CHEERS to you both! (holding up my glass with phone in hand heading into the bathroom to watch the vid)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks! Three bathrooms cheers right back atcha. Haha!
xo
s
Meghan P says
I.Cannot.Wait!!!!! Thank you for including stills in this post for the folks at work who can’t watch videos! Come onnnnn November!!! Free the kitties!!!! PS – Burger’s a looker. Swoon.
marti says
Please come to Eastern Canada on the book tour! And what is the music underneath the video? Love it! We are redecorating our house…. into year 5 now…. and one day maybe it’ll be (slightlyolderpeople)younghouselove worthy. Our next project is tearing out our deck. I keep sending your posts to my husband but he doesn’t seem to get the hint.
YoungHouseLove says
We’d love to come up to Canada for the tour (there’s talk of it, so we’ll keep you posted for sure!). As for the music, it’s by Josh Woodward (we actually purchased the rights to use it from him since it’s a promo video). He’s so nice! And as for your house, good luck with everything! Hubby will get the hint someday…. hahah!
xo
s
Krystle @ Color Transformed Family says
The video turned out great and it’s wonderful to finally get a little peek at some of the projects. Someday I think you should blog about how you came up with so many projects… Google search, magazines, pulling ideas out of a hat. I can’t imagine sitting around brainstorming so many projects.
YoungHouseLove says
It was really a funny process! I had an old school notebook by the bed that we brainstormed with a few nights a week and just wrote things down. Sometimes they were the general suggestions/ideas that we wanted to explain in the book (like how to pick a paint color you love, etc) and sometimes they were these incredibly detailed ideas like tweaking coasters or stenciling something like a rug. One other method was walking around the house and looking at everything (and I mean everything!) and asking ourselves if there was a way to alter it or somehow make it more personalized/fun. That’s how we came up with some art ideas and other furniture tweaks (there’s a really fun painters tape desk makeover that we’re so excited about).
xo
s
Ashlea says
This makes me so happy!! Captures your personalities too! Definitely a fun sneak peek! Can’t wait! :)
Jenni says
I can’t wait! You guys are sickeningly cute!
Morgan says
Well, y’all totally made me cry. I feel like we’ve all learned a lot from you. About decorating, for sure – but also about being brave enough to live your life and share who you are with others. And now I’m tearing up again, hah.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh Morgan, stop making me cry. Haha. You’re so sweet! We couldn’t have gotten anywhere close to where we are without amazing readers like you. You keep us going, encourage us, and inspire us to no end!!! Sniffle.
xo
s
Lauren says
Now I’M crying. Haha we’re silly. Love!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, we’re a silly sniffly bunch.
xo
s
Morgan says
What is up with that?! Haha. We’re just so proud of yous guys!!!!! PS – 243 for “we love you”? Can’t even handle that. Looking forward to reading that sucker cover to cover and making awkward jokes with y’all at an Atlanta book signing (*crossing fingers for Atlanta book signing*).
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, you’re so sweet Morgan. Smooch. <-- (A kiss since we love you) xo s
Sara says
Well hot damn I love it! :) Great video, great little projects featured and I got very excited to see even though projects and trying them out so I am twitchin’ to get to see the rest of the book. Pre-ordering today!
Love you guys, and the kiddo and the pup :D
AviLynn says
I don’t like this trailer, I Luuuuurve it!!! (in the voice of the Target lady)
YoungHouseLove says
Yesss! Target lady in the house.
xo
s
Mizden Medina says
You made this video in a way that I’m already all excited about it! And the music is perfect! I know I’m like the 101,254th person to say it, but I love it! Definitely feels fresh and non blog related…can’t wait for you two to spill all the secrets you have been keeping from us haha
Great job you guys!
Melissa says
Loved the video, if I hadn’t already pre-ordered your book it totally would have sold me but i’m ahead of the game. ;)
The little sneak peeks were great and I can’t wait to see what all is in there.
Dayla says
FABULOUS! Ya’ll are just precious! The book will be my favorite thing to gift this holiday season!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Dayla!
xo
s
Claudie says
You know, I was planning on pre-ordering the book right after you announced it was available to do so then I promptly forgot. I must have been distracted or something. :)
Anyway, your adorable video has reminded me to do so. I don’t normally buy physical books anymore, but I’ll definitely be getting one this time so I can hug it because I know I’m going to love it so much! Great job, guys!
Jen says
OBSESSED with the gradient dresser!! We are having a baby in April and I think we will definitely need to try to incorporate that in the nursery.
Can’t wait to get the book!
amyks says
Two Words…Extra Awesomeness!!!
Grace Y. says
Congrats guys!!!!! I got married a little over 3 years ago and received The Nest with you guys on the cover and your blog info. HOOKED since then (still have that issue in my drawer) My new home is decorated without fear bc of you two adorable nerds!! I’ve already pre ordered my book and can’t wait to read it and be even more inspired!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man that’s cute! Thanks for reading all that time :)
xo
s
Ash says
I swear, if you two aren’t just the cutest thing ever! Watched the teaser 3x just cause it’s so smile-inducing. Can’t wait for the book, and if you come to Seattle (AHEM PUBLISHERS), I will be there!
Sarah says
You guys are a breath of fresh air every single day! Can’t wait to have this book!!!!!
Lauren says
Is it weird that my eyes are watery? Wowzers! You guys are adorable! :) can’t wait until November!
YoungHouseLove says
Totally not crying over here. Just kidding, you guys are totally making me cry. Haha. Thanks for all the love. It’s amazing.
xo
s
Anna says
Congrats!! Your blog is a little piece of happiness every morning before I start a long day of work. Can’t wait to see all the great projects in the book! The video was SO cute and SO professional!! Hope you come out to Portland on your book tour.
ps- I’m over my shades of white spray paint paralysis! Was having a moment that day. lol!!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, so happy you’re over white spray paint paralysis and having a moment. Hilarious!
xo
s
Sarah says
Yes! Very cute video. I can’t wait to see the Book for real! So excited for you guys.
Katrina says
i’m feeling a little psychic at the moment because i painted a gradient on drawers last week!! i posted pictures in this post on my blog: http://gratedexpectations.com/long-weekend-trip-to-the-sunshine-coast-of-bc/
YoungHouseLove says
So cute! I love them!
xo
s
Janet says
I might be biased, but the NJ art wins!
YoungHouseLove says
Woot!
xo
s
Stacey says
Love love love it! So well done. (The gradient dresser is awesome.)
tashia says
I’ve preordered your book on Amazon. You two have been part of the inspiration for a friend and I to start our own blog. http://www.thecrafterymn.org. We are still newbies so lots of changes to come, but for now it is great to have a reason to get all of those projects sitting on shelves done so that we have blogposts to share them with our friends and family! Thank you!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! I love it. Happy blogging!
xo
s
Kelly C. says
well that is just freakin’ awesome! can’t wait for the book.
Maria says
My mom is finally buying her first home and this little book will be wrapped pretty and sitting under her Christmas tree this year :)
Cannot wait for my own copy as well!
Emily says
You guys are awesome. Love the video! Love the glimpse at the secret projects! And I cannot wait for your book!! I’m not normally a book buyer… but I’m all about your book!! I added it to my husband’s Amazon shopping cart, so he’s buying it for me as a ‘gift’. Isn’t that sweet? :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, so thoughtful of him ;)
xo
s
Rachael says
Ack!! I can’t wait for my husband to give me this book for Christmas (after I email him this post and tell him it’ll be my Christmas present – he’s so thoughtful)! Y’all are going to get filthy stinkin’ RICH! And you deserve it. Love your blog.
Karin K says
I am so excited to get this book I can’t stand it. I don’t think I have EVER pre-ordered a book this far in advance. I had to laugh – in the still shot where John is walking through the study with his laptop, it looks like Burger’s face has been blurred out to protect his identity…..ahahah!
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah- he’s in the chihuahua protection program.
xo
s
skye @ neathering our fest says
OMGOODNESS I’m so excited for this book I could positively SQUEAL!! This little teaser was so fun and You guys (and your B-I-L) did a great job with the video!! I’ve preordered it!
Erin Kloosterman says
I don’t ever comment on blogs, but this was too cute for me to stay silent! I loved the video, and I am so excited for the book! The state art seems especially appropriate since my husband and I are from Michigan and Ohio–we were born to be rivals! Thanks for creating a blog space that is so positive and inspiring!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Erin!
xo
s
Jenna at Homeslice says
I loved it! I guess this must be the first of your videos I’ve watched because it was fun to hear your voices- is that weird to say? I’ve just read so much of what you’ve written… but never had a voice to go with it. Anyway- really cute video, so fun to watch and the few projects it showed were great! I love the lamp and pillow.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Jenna! You’re so sweet.
xo
s
Erin C says
That.Is.Awesome.
And adorable!
Can’t wait for the book!!!
Tamara says
YAY!
SO cute! I pre-ordered the book the first day :) You guys are awesome!
Christin says
The video is great! I am so freaking excited for your book!! Can’t wait!!! :)
Veronique says
Brilliant. Just brilliant. Your video has exactly the feel of your blog – funny, sweet, cute, and LOVE those project pics. especially the ones on the clothes line…can’t wait to see more.
I am doing preparatory work on my own blog (DIYish on my chronic illness, haha) totally inspired by you guys / your tone / your gorgeous website / the kinds of friends (comments) you inspire… and on it goes.
Thanks for being you and true to you and putting yourselves out there!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, thanks so much Veronique, you’re so sweet! Happy blogging :)
xo
s
LARY@ Inspiration Nook says
OMG!!!!!! It gave me goosebumps! Cannot wait for my book to arrive! Again, CONGRATS!!!! You guys are rock stars and so inspiring!
Charlene says
I just pre-ordered after watching your video. Awesome! And teal goes so well with my color scheme lol! Congratulations guys!!!
BeccaK says
That turned out really great! My favorite part? The two of you struggling to display your state artwork in front. Very cute :)
lizaanne says
Ok – so that got me all choked up!!! SHEEEEESH!!!!
Just so happy for you guys – so exciting!!!
Love the blog! <3
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Lizaanne. You’re so sweet.
xo
s
Emily says
Looks like I’m in the majority…have to say, the video is truly charming! I don’t even BUY books anymore…pretty much just try to check out from the library or find freebies for my kindle, but I sort of feel inclined to buy this book!
Cher says
Working at a library, I see tons of book trailers and this is one of the BEST. So adorable… and that dresser makes me weep, I love it so much!! As for the book-y’all already have more holds on the copies we preordered than we can handle, so we’ve had to order extra before it’s even released! Just from my little corner of the world in Chicago, you guys are well on your way to a book-breaking success. Here’s to hoping I get to post your book on our weekly NYT Bestseller list!
YoungHouseLove says
No way! That’s so amazing. Wow. That would be insane.
xo
s
Jess @ Crunchy Hot Mama says
So, at first I got goosebumps watching the video, then I got teary seeing ya’ll kiss :) You two are such an inspiration (like I always seem to say) and feel like I can relate to your family. My hubby and I have a strong, loving relationship like you and John, and we have a daughter 2 months younger than Clara who’s on par with her learning, etc.
I love how you keep it real and ‘crunchy’ at the same time. Thanks to my co-worker (when I was working) who turned me on to you guys, I’ve been hooked ever since! CAN’T WAIT FOR THE BOOK TO COME OUT!!!
Love the video, love the blog, and love you guys!
xoxo
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, love you right back Jess! We’re amazed at all the love and support you guys are showing today. Best readers ever!
xo
s
Laura says
So I know my husband has already pre-ordered it for me for Christmas (I can’t help but snoop…) but I don’t think I’ll be able to wait all the way until Dec. 25th. That just seems too long! I so can’t wait!! You guys are such an inspiration. I LOVE IT!!!!
Cherri says
My book is on pre-order; can’t wait for it! Adorable video!
Sam G says
Great job, I can’t wait to get my copy of the book. I’m swooning over the dresser already.
Cara says
That was totally wicked! I can’t wait for the book.
maribel says
I have not read thru all the comments so maybe you’ve answered this question…Any meaning behind 243?
YoungHouseLove says
It’s actually one of our favorite numbers (143 is old school pager code for “I Love You” – thanks to the numbers of letters in each word – and 243 is “We Love You”). And shucks, we do. Haha.
xo
s
angel says
So fantastic! Congrats to you all! Can’t wait to get my copy :)