VIDEO is the theme for this year’s column and having a good one is an essential part of a bands promotional tool kit.

And when you consider digital downloads have almost made the album cover redundant the video is becoming the only way musicians can present their visual side.

So it is essential that acts get used to being filmed and a new Southampton company, Cauldron Media, might be able to help.

They demoed their abilities at the MintSouth launch last month in the Soul Cellar where they videoed and interviewed everyone on the bill.

The company is run by Lisa Calder and Jake Hawkins who met during a shoot for an episode of ITV’s 60 Minute Makeover.

Both directors were “blown away” by the quality and presence of the acts they filmed on the day but, as Jake pointed out, that while bands like Hijera have plenty of gig experience: “For new bands, who are gigging for the first time, it might be quite daunting to have a camera stuck in your face. But being able to see yourself back and how you are acting on stage, and your performance, will be a really big help.”

And Lisa added, “This is like a step-in for a band’s first video. We’ll shoot your gig on two cameras with audience reaction and then deliver the edited video on DVD or Internet ready so it looks great on MySpace”.

Find out more at cauldronmedia.net.