Friday, December 27, 2013

Deep Thoughts About Editing Vacation Video: Lower Thirds Titles

During these discussions of vacation video editing techniques, I've frequently mentioned pacing, mixing of shots, background music, and narration.  Titles seem so mundane and obvious that perhaps I've neglected them.  So here are some thoughts about titles you've seen in the chapters from my Asia Cruise DVD.

Many scenes have explanatory titles that are placed at the bottom of the screen.  These are called "Lower Thirds", and are a great way to orient/educate your audience without interrupting the natural pacing and flow.  For instance, anyone who watched the video chapter from Seoul, Korea heard me try to narrate the name of this marketplace.  "Namdaemun" is quite a tongue-twister, but with this title the word becomes quite understandable.
Example of Lower Thirds Title

Titles are infinitely customizable; you can change styles, colors, and fonts at will!  But I recommend maintaining consistency within each project.  For instance, viewers of the Asia Cruise DVD quickly become used to seeing lower-thirds like the one above.


Monday, December 23, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #99

Asia Cruise 2008:  Beijing & Flying Home

This is the last chapter of the Asia Cruise DVD.  After a month overseas, we were certainly ready to fly home!  We transferred directly from the ship to the airport, so the video contains no real content from Beijing.  (Lucky for you, Beijing is featured in the upcoming series of blog postings -- "China 2001" which was edited in 2010.)


The video is short; a simple farewell narration with a just few still photos and titles.  The airplane moving across the map was done with Apple's Keynote presentation software (today I would accomplish the same thing in Final Cut Pro X).  Andy Warhol's iconic portrait of Mao was found on the Internet.  Auld Lang Syne played by a traditional Vietnamese band is not something you want to hear everyday, but it was a reasonable choice to end the DVD.

Note: I trimmed closing titles and credits from the end of this video for the purpose of Internet privacy.  In the unseen credits I named and acknowledged all of the music artists, and thanked those who appeared in the video chapters.  I also placed my own copyright claim at the very end.

Lessons Learned:
Remember to protect your own copyright with a simple statement, like:
©2013 HENBC.COM

Suggestion:
The conclusion is often anticlimactic.  Keep it short.


HENBC.COM is here to help those of us who have already taken hours of long boring vacation video.  It's too late for advice on how to use your camera; you need help to transform your boring footage into something that friends will enjoy watching!  WWW.HENBC.COM

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #98

Asia Cruise 2008:  Seoul

We walked from the cruise ship terminal to a commuter rail station, and enjoyed a half-hour ride from Incheon to downtown Seoul.  The capital of Korea is a thriving, vibrant place. This video depicts a huge variety of fun things that can be experienced just by walking around!

The video starts out with a stupid gag -- I could't resist inserting a scream from James Brown every time the "Godfather of Seoul" hears the name of his city!    Other sights and sounds include wedding processions, protestors' hip-hop, the raucous shopping district, horrible food, and a canary on the subway.

There were some good original video clips to work with, which simplified my job as an editor.  I focused on pacing, mixing shots (establishing, medium, close-up), titles, and sound balance.

Lessons Learned:
This blog is about how to transform poorly-done raw footage into something that's entertaining.  In this case, I had a good mix of shots to work with.  (I think my camera skills had improved since 1989.)

Suggestion:
If you need a wide-angle or close-up clip, but forgot to shoot one, done forget that you can use one or more still pictures as a substitute.


Music Copyright Considerations:
This video contains a few bars of identifiable music that is regrettably used without permission.  
Today, with digital distribution, artists' rights deserve more attention.  Since this video is intended for non-profit illustration and educational purposes only, I believe that valid arguments can be made for its "Fair Use" in this situation.  Please understand that I do not encourage improper use of copyrighted material.

HENBC.COM is here to help those of us who have already taken hours of long boring vacation video.  It's too late for advice on how to use your camera; you need help to transform your boring footage into something that friends will enjoy watching!  WWW.HENBC.COM

Friday, December 13, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #97

Asia Cruise 2008:  Shanghai

The cruise ship was our hotel in Shanghai for two nights.  We had a great time behaving like tourists.  This video has some great clips, including: the chop-a-magic demonstration guy; riding the MagLev and commuter trains;  the Oriental Pearl Tower elevator announcement; and pigeon-on-a-stick.

There's one subtle editing trick I'd like to point out.  At the 5 minute mark we return to the ship where a dixieland band is playing Midnight in Moscow (in the style popularized by Kenny Ball & His Jazzmen).  The ship begins to execute a dramatic U-turn on the Huangpu River, there's some narration, then the music becomes a dramatic operatic version of that same song.  Unfortunately there's a small hitch in the soundtrack, but I think this has the  makings of a professional-style edit!

Lessons Learned:
My goal is often to create a three-minute vignette. After ruthless cuts and edits, this chapter is twice that long.  It could easily have been six hours of boring nap-time video, but the pacing, narration, music, and content seem to flow well and entertain the audience.

Suggestion:
I narrated this video in a very straightforward way.  There are a few wisecrack gems buried within the script.  Wonder if I should add a laugh track?


Music Copyright Considerations:
This video contains identifiable music that is regrettably used without permission.  
Today, with digital distribution, artists' rights deserve more attention.  Since this video is intended for non-profit illustration and educational purposes only, I believe that valid arguments can be made for its "Fair Use" in this situation.  Please understand that I do not encourage improper use of copyrighted material.

HENBC.COM is here to help those of us who have already taken hours of long boring vacation video.  It's too late for advice on how to use your camera; you need help to transform your boring footage into something that friends will enjoy watching!  WWW.HENBC.COM

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #96

Asia Cruise 2008:  Nagasaki

Nagasaki was the target of the second atomic weapon used at the end of World War 2.  We were pleased to see the vibrant welcoming city that has emerged from the ashes.

This video chapter is a longer production compared to other elements of my Asia Cruise DVD.  There's a nice narrated introduction that establishes the location, then we quickly move to the memorial peace park.  Admittedly this section feels a bit "preachy" but I was honestly moved by the visualizations of tragedy and hope.

Music by Martin Denny marks a change of pace, bringing a humorous look at baseball, food, gambling, and toilets. It's more-or-less a video montage of the sights and sounds of modern Nagasaki.  Then the video ends with a nice view of the Peace Fountain whose water jets form the shape of angel's wings.

As the editor, I know I'm biased.  But I really like the way this chapter turned out!

Lessons Learned:
It's OK to have a social message.  In this case I tried to shape it so that it fit within the less-than-serious nature of the rest of the project.

Suggestion:
Perhaps the peace message is meaningful enough to stand alone as a shorter YouTube video.


Music Copyright Considerations:
This video contains a few bars of identifiable music that is regrettably used without permission.  
Today, with digital distribution, artists' rights deserve more attention.  Since this video is intended for non-profit illustration and educational purposes only, I believe that valid arguments can be made for its "Fair Use" in this situation.  Please understand that I do not encourage improper use of copyrighted material.


HENBC.COM is here to help those of us who have already taken hours of long boring vacation video.  It's too late for advice on how to use your camera; you need help to transform your boring footage into something that friends will enjoy watching!  WWW.HENBC.COM

Friday, December 6, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #95

Asia Cruise 2008:  Kagoshima & Chiran

Kagoshima is the southernmost major port in Japan.  Chiran, a village in the nearby hills, is home to an airstrip that was the launch point for many kamikaze pilots' final journeys.

The cruise ship was welcomed by a Taiko Drum corps, which provided some excellent video footage as well as a great three-minute soundtrack.  Our visit to Chiran is illustrated with still photos since the camcorder batteries were drained.  Once again the narration provides some concise thoughts about the region's history.

Lessons Learned:
Make sure your batteries are charged.
But just-in-case the video opportunity fails, remember that still photos can save the day! 

Suggestion:
We've written about this before -- don't just think about the video that's being recorded.  Live sound lends credibility to your production.

HENBC.COM is here to help those of us who have already taken hours of long boring vacation video.  It's too late for advice on how to use your camera; you need help to transform your boring footage into something that friends will enjoy watching!  WWW.HENBC.COM

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #94

Asia Cruise 2008:  Taipei


Taipei is the capital of the island nation that calls itself the "Republic of China".  We took a short tour in the morning, and then took a meandering "self-guided" walk in the afternoon.

The video starts with a geography lesson, that plays very well as an establishing scene.  Medium and close-up look at the honor guard is well done.   I like the comments about food, and the concluding scene of the "Disabled Motorcycle Entrance" at a hospital.  In my opinion it's a pleasant 3 min 45 seconds, that stands alone or fits well as a chapter within the DVD.

Lessons Learned:
Pleasant is good!  Keep your vignettes tuned-in to the theme of the overall project.

Suggestion:
The narration provides a concise and informative bit of history.


Music Copyright Considerations:
This video contains a few bars of identifiable music that is regrettably used without permission.  
Today, with digital distribution, artists' rights deserve more attention.  Since this video is intended for non-profit illustration and educational purposes only, I believe that valid arguments can be made for its "Fair Use" in this situation.  Please understand that I do not encourage improper use of copyrighted material.




HENBC.COM is here to help those of us who have already taken hours of long boring vacation video.  It's too late for advice on how to use your camera; you need help to transform your boring footage into something that friends will enjoy watching!  WWW.HENBC.COM

Friday, November 29, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #93

Asia Cruise 2008:  Hong Kong Is
land


My previous post included a long essay about the dangers of using copyrighted music as a "placeholder".  But sometimes a song just screams at you, begging to be included.  Such is the case with Screamin' Jay Hawkins' aptly-named Hong Kong.

This song is hilarious; I knew before I left home that it would become part of the permanent record.  Of course that was before I became a copyright advocate.  This video is placed here for your education.  Music used for non-profit educational purposes or which is obviously transformative (consider this a music video?) may qualify as "fair use".

As a video enthusiast I occasionally enter my creations into club contests; "Fair use" might work for something being shown at a club meeting, but organizers of larger contest are likely to demand an actual artist's release.  I am hardly an expert, but suggest you begin your own research into this topic here on Wikipedia.

The video consists of scenes that were mostly taken on Kowloon Island.  But I also re-used some scenes from the previous chapter (Hong Kong - Kowloon).

Lessons Learned:
Be aware of copyright restrictions when you choose commercial music.  (Note: YouTube put up a violation flag for this video.  I am neither disputing nor acknowledging the alleged violation.)

Suggestion:
If I change the music I would need to completely re-envision this video.  At this point in time it will stand, unchanged.  I would not have posted it onto YouTube except to illustrate this blog on henbc.com


HENBC.COM is here to help those of us who have already taken hours of long boring vacation video.  It's too late for advice on how to use your camera; you need help to transform your boring footage into something that friends will enjoy watching!  WWW.HENBC.COM

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #92

Asia Cruise 2008:  Hong Kong Kowloon
Kowloon is the mainland side (as opposed to Hong Kong Island).  It's small, everything is easily accessible from the cruise ship terminal.  This is fun, short look at a few scenes from our walk-around.  I love taking video in traditional markets when we travel, this is no exception.  The butcher shops seem sanitary, but look at how they keep the fish fresh!

I used Final Cut Pro 5 to accomplish the preliminary edit while still on-board the cruise ship.  There was some limited music available on the small hard drive of that white MacBook, hence the less-than-obvious choice of John Lee Hooker's Boom Boom for background music.  Copyright considerations aside, that song seems to work pretty well. 

Lessons Learned:
Be careful when choosing temporary "placeholder" music.  It's much harder to choose an alternative soundtrack once your mind links that sound to the video.  Plus you might be tempted to infringe upon an artist's copyright.

Suggestion:
If I want to change the background music I'll probably need to enlist a friend's help.  Play the video silently, then apply music.

Music Copyright Considerations:
This video contains identifiable music that is regrettably used without permission.  
Today, with digital distribution, artists' rights deserve more attention.  Since this video is intended for non-profit illustration and educational purposes only, I believe that valid arguments can be made for its "Fair Use" in this situation.  Please understand that I do not encourage improper use of copyrighted material.



HENBC.COM is here to help those of us who have already taken hours of long boring vacation video.  It's too late for advice on how to use your camera; you need help to transform your boring footage into something that friends will enjoy watching!  WWW.HENBC.COM

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #91

Asia Cruise 2008:  Cruising on Oceania's Nautica
We were on-board Oceania's Nautica for twenty-four days.  This video is less than a minute long; rather than focusing on the ports it tells the story of the ship.  The cruising portion of  the DVD has sixteen chapters.  I placed this right in the middle, at a logical break point after the Vietnam segments.

It's short and informative, with some attempt at humor.  Listen to my wife eating in the dining room.  I created that ugly sound by holding a microphone near my mouth while chewing a stalk of celery.  She hates it ... exactly the reaction I was hoping for!

Lessons Learned:
Try making your own sound effects.  It's easy and fun!
As an editor, the sound effects give you immense power.  Try not to make your wife too angry!

Suggestion:
A short segment like this can provide a nice breather in the middle of a long production.  If you're hosting an audience, this is an obvious place to hit the "pause button".  Give them a time-out for refreshments, bathroom, questions and comments.



Music Copyright Considerations:
This video contains a few bars of identifiable music that is regrettably used without permission.  
Today, with digital distribution, artists' rights deserve more attention.  Since this video is intended for non-profit illustration and educational purposes only, I believe that valid arguments can be made for its "Fair Use" in this situation.  Please understand that I do not encourage improper use of copyrighted material.


HENBC.COM is here to help those of us who have already taken hours of long boring vacation video.  It's too late for advice on how to use your camera; you need help to transform your boring footage into something that friends will enjoy watching!  WWW.HENBC.COM

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #90

Asia Cruise 2008:  Hanoi



This chapter of the Asia Cruise DVD takes viewers to Hanoi.  The tone of the opening narration makes it pretty clear that I was displeased with the ship's tour.  Nevertheless the video consists three fairly interesting minutes of scenes taken in the former capital of North Vietnam.

Pace and sound mix are good.  Still photos are well mixed with video clips; sound consists of narration with subdued live background, very little music.  The DVD has five chapters in Vietnam.  This chapter is chronologically correct, and well placed as the last of five. 

Lessons Learned:
The tour of Hanoi was not all that I had hoped it could be.  But there were some gems among the clips and stills that comprise this video.  I'm glad that I didn't use this entire three minutes to complain about cruise-ship packaged tours.

Suggestion:
I'm still wondering about adding a laugh track.

Music Copyright Considerations:
This video contains only a few bars of identifiable music that is regrettably used without permission.  
Today, with digital distribution, artists' rights deserve more attention.  Since this video is intended for non-profit illustration and educational purposes only, I believe that valid arguments can be made for its "Fair Use" in this situation.  Please understand that I do not encourage improper use of copyrighted material.



HENBC.COM is here to help those of us who have already taken hours of long boring vacation video.  It's too late for advice on how to use your camera; you need help to transform your boring footage into something that friends will enjoy watching!  WWW.HENBC.COM

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #89

Asia Cruise 2008:  Ha Long Bay


This video is more "perky" than the previous two from Mekong Delta and Da Nang.  This is important, since the videos are each chapters in my chronologically-organized DVD collection of the trip.

Why does this video seem faster paced than the previous two?  Music!  If I played traditional Vietnamese music, the editing would be virtually indistinguishable.  But Baja Marimba Band's Brasilia is a bright uptempo piece that lightens the mood.  (see comment below regarding music copyrights.)


Lessons Learned:
A wise choice of background music can make your video more fun to watch.
Help your viewers journey through the chapters of your production by using a variety of musical styles.

Suggestion:
I like to divide my vacation videos into chapters.  The simplest chapters form a chronological sequence, then your audience has a trip experience that matched your own.  But sometimes a group of clips form a theme that is non-linear.  For instance, you could create a chapter titled "Interesting People That We Met On The Cruise". 


Music Copyright Considerations:
This video contains identifiable commercial music that is regrettably used without permission.  
Today, with digital distribution, artists' rights deserve more attention.  Since this video is intended for non-profit illustration and educational purposes only, I believe that valid arguments can be made for its "Fair Use" in this situation.  Please understand that I do not encourage improper use of copyrighted material.


Saturday, November 2, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #88

Asia Cruise 2008:  Da Nang & Hoi An


This video is similar in many ways to the previous one from Mekong Delta.  Three big differences: more close-ups; I convinced my wife to act in a couple of scenes; and it's two minutes longer.

That extra length is a bit worrisome, since this is once again a low-energy video. Nonetheless there are several elements that keep it interesting: the narration is well done; there are some surprises like when a smoky motorcycle rides through the middle of vendor stalls in the market; and the sight of an old lady hand-scooping noodles for sale.  I also laugh at seeing women laboring in street construction while men play cards at a table next to them.

Lessons Learned:
Good mix of clips keep this video interesting.
Encourage the people who are traveling with you to take an active roll in the video.  I often warn my wife, "If you keep waking ahead, all we're going to see is your back!"

Suggestion:
Look for ways to trim 15-30 seconds from the edit.

Friday, November 1, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #87

Asia Cruise 2008:  Mekong Delta

Oceania's  Nautica was docked in Saigon for two days.  This little video shows the highlights of a tour to the Mekong Delta.  This is not a high-energy video, reflecting the relaxed nature of the tour.

Starting with the frilly pink curtains on the tour boat, there are a few interesting scenes of candy-making, paddle boats, and strange food.  A local band played during lunch, this provided background music for the video.

This is a likable little video.  Good cuts, clear audio, lighthearted narration.  It's only 2-1/2 minutes; could possible target the candy factory scenes to tighten it up by a few seconds.

Lessons Learned:
An enjoyable travelogue does't have to be action-packed.  Nevertheless, keep it moving with well-paced editing. 

Suggestion:
Close-ups work well in this video; for instance the scene where a huge knife is used to cut the candy.  While you are on vacation, try to remember to vary your shooting distances.  I find it more fun to edit when I have a good mix of camera positions to choose from.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

**UPDATE: HOME FROM VACATION**

UPDATE:  WE ARE HOME FROM SPAIN !!!!
I am preparing new blog posts; look for them beginning November 1, 2013.

If you would like to see some photos of Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, Granada, and Sevilla check out my travel blog:  http://www.sayunclegeorge.com


=====================================


Have you missed reading HENBC's Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video?
Well, I'm traveling right now .... Shooting more vacation video that you'll see in a future post.

We'll get back to discussing the videos from my Asia cruise in November.  Meanwhile it's a good time to review some of the tips and techniques revealed in the first hundred blog posts.

Happy editing!


Hotel Regina - Madrid, Spain




Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #86


Asia Cruise 2008:  Saigon



Our itinerary on Oceania's Nautica included a number of ports in Vietnam.  First of them was Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).

We booked this one-day ship's tour that was informative and mostly fun -- but I have to admit that I was creeped out by the war exhibits.  I elected to end the narration with a more serious tone, and you'll notice that in some of the later chapters.

Listen closely to understand the tour guide; it's worth the effort.  Video quality is good, not very shaky.  In the Cu Chi tunnel our guide shot the video using my camera and a flashlight -- that crawl was not easy!
No professionally recorded music was used, just a few seconds from a live performance.  Chapter length is a bit long (7-1/2 minutes), but I took a risk since the subject was interesting.  I think I own this video too much, need an independent opinion on how I could tighten it up! 

Lessons Learned:
Ask a friend to preview the video.  Value their input regarding video length, pacing, narrative style, and script.

Suggestion:
Maybe use subtitles to assure the tour guide's words are understood.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #85


Asia Cruise 2008:  Ko Samui


After returning from Cambodia to Bangkok we were welcomed aboard Oceania's Nautica.      The ship was our hotel for twenty-four days, including this first night in Thaland's capital city.


This second chapter of my Asia cruise video/DVD takes place on the island of Ko Samui.  It's a cute two-minute look at some island highlights.  I especially like the way the bells are rung at the Temple of the Giant Buddha ... almost sounds like they are part of the background music.  (By the way, that music was borrowed from Baja Marimba Band.)

Nice narrated video with good camerawork and sound mix.  The animated map and lower-third titles establish location.

Lessons Learned:
As in my previous article, make sure the video establishes location.
Light cheery music sets the mood.

Suggestion:
Are you ready to give some of these tricks a try on your next vacation video?


Music Copyright Considerations:
This video contains identifiable music that is regrettably used without permission.  
Today, with digital distribution, artists' rights deserve more attention.  Since this video is intended for non-profit illustration and educational purposes only, I believe that valid arguments can be made for its "Fair Use" in this situation.  Please understand that I do not encourage improper use of copyrighted material.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #84

Asia Cruise 2008:  Bangkok



After returning from Cambodia to Bangkok we were welcomed aboard Oceania's Nautica.      The ship was our hotel for twenty-four days, including this first night in Thailand's capital city.

I divided the Asia cruise video/DVD into 16 chapters, narrating most of them.  This one introduces the ship, shows some sights and sounds of Thailand, and pokes fun at the hurry-up nature of ship's tours.

It's less than three minutes long, and well paced.  The sound mix is good ... you clearly hear the tour guide, ambient noise, and studio narration.  I created a countdown clock with sounbd effects which helps sell the joke that ship's tours are on a tight schedule.  Video is stable, and stills are mixed to fill-in any gaps in motion coverage.

I think this is a good opening for the cruise chapters of my Asia trip DVD.  It establishes location and sets expectation for the format and pacing of upcoming chapters.

Lessons Learned:
Make sure the video establishes location.  Use still photos or scans of postcards if you don't have the video coverage.
Pacing.  We come back to this often when discussing vacation videos.  Never let your audience get bored.  Show the video to a test audience; if their eyelids drift shut then pick up the pace and cut ...cut ... cut! 

Suggestion:
I narrated this video in a very straightforward way.  There are a few wisecrack gems buried within the script.  Wonder if I should add a laugh track?


Music Copyright Considerations:
This video contains a few bars of identifiable music that is regrettably used without permission.  
Today, with digital distribution, artists' rights deserve more attention.  Since this video is intended for non-profit illustration and educational purposes only, I believe that valid arguments can be made for its "Fair Use" in this situation.  Please understand that I do not encourage improper use of copyrighted material.



Sunday, August 11, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #83


Cambodia 2008:  Apsara Women

The temples in Cambodia are decorated with many depictions of the legendary Apsara Women.  Soft-pornography from the fifteenth-century?  We were inspired to see the Apsara show on the last evening of our visit.

Brick House by the Commodores is a perfect musical accompaniment for this 2-1/2 minute slideshow, however it is used without permission.  This is the longest vignette of the trip DVD's Cambodia portion.  In retrospect I know it is about twice as long as it needs to be.

Lessons Learned:
Mix still photos with video to create a slideshow.

Suggestion:
I regret having started with copyrighted music.  Once you place a familiar song with a home video they become linked, making it hard to do a re-edit.


Music Copyright Considerations:
This video contains some identifiable music that is regrettably used without permission.  My apologies to The Commodores.
Today, with digital distribution, artists' rights deserve more attention.  Since this video is intended for non-profit illustration and educational purposes only, I believe that valid arguments can be made for its "Fair Use" in this situation.  Please understand that I do not encourage improper use of copyrighted material.

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #82


This is the 99th post I've written on HENBC!
Thanks for taking a look!!!!


Cambodia 2008:  One-Tooth Lady


The video is actually four short scenes of about twenty-five seconds each.  Quick looks at: street vendor kids; a lady selling homemade candy; some kids fascinated by the video camera; and a narration-free look at their fresh water well.  The sound is recorded live in camera.

This video is actually a montage of short clips that I liked too much to edit out of the DVD.  In retrospect I think that the project could have been one hundred seconds shorter.  Although they are not unpleasant to watch, these scenes add very little.  Also my opening narration seems a bit "preach-y."

Lessons Learned:
Pride of ownership is not necessarily a good thing when it comes to editing your own video.  Once you have taken the time to edit and narrate it is especially hard to delete your work from the project.

Suggestion:
Get someone else to critique the pacing and help you to determine what makes the cut.
If you've already spent a lot of time creating a scene that needs to be deleted, add it onto the end of the project as a "spaecial feature" or "director's cut".
I regret having started with copyrighted music.  Once you place a familiar song with a home video they become linked, making it hard to do a re-edit.


Learn how to add excitement to that boring video that you shot on your vacation!  Cambodia, Angkor, Phnom Bakheng, Asia, Oceania, video, amateur, travel, henbc



Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #81

Cambodia 2008:  Ta Prohm (Lara Croft)



Natural sound from another location (Banteay Srei) accompanies my narration of this visit to a temple that seems almost overrun with vegetation of the Cambodian jungle.  Then we discover that this is where Angelina Jolie filmed Lara Croft on location.   That piece of trivia is illustrated by compositing some elements of the movie trailer and a still from the video game onto my own footage.

In less than a minute my audience sees where we've been, gains a bit of knowledge, and is ready to move on to the next vignette.  It's fun and fast, continuing the snappy pace of the short videos that form this trip DVD. 

Lessons Learned:
Don't be afraid to relocate natural sound from one part of your footage onto a different segment that you are editing.
Narration that "Lara Croft was filmed here" is somewhat interesting.  But I think that borrowing a bit of hollywood to illustrate that statement is more fun to watch.  Note that I used a few seconds from the movie trailer not from the movie itself.  The trailer is freely distributed on the Internet and I feel that good arguments can be made for its fair use.  However, if there were any commercial intent, then I suspect that the borrowed video as well as the few bars of music from Steppenwolf would require artist releases.

Suggestion:
When I recorded my video I knew I would likely use images of the Lara Croft character.  So I made sure to get some footage with a very still camera that would be suitable for compositing.  

Music Copyright Considerations:
This video contains some identifiable music that is regrettably used without permission.  
Today, with digital distribution, artists' rights deserve more attention.  Since this video is intended for non-profit illustration and educational purposes only, I believe that valid arguments can be made for its "Fair Use" in this situation.  Please understand that I do not encourage improper use of copyrighted material.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #80

Cambodia 2008: Banteay Srei 




Cambodia 2008:  Angkor Wat

This ruined temple is vastly different when compared to Angkor Wat.  I like the close-up of a Vishnu incarnation who decorates one of the surviving doorways.  Especially touching is the ragtag orchestra of musicians who are land mine victims.  I used their music for the background of several of these Cambodia videos.

This chapter is just sixty seconds long, yet it tells a complete story.  This type of pacing should serve to maintain viewers' interest.

I should also note that the camerawork is quite steady!  My walking stick has a threaded post on top, which turns it into a monopod.  That one small technology resulted in a much higher percentage of potentially usable footage.

Lessons Learned:
I'm increasingly fond of rapidly-paced short vignettes to keep my travel stories entertaining.
A clean recording of local sound (music) allowed me to avoid using copyrighted material.

Suggestion:
Consider investing in a walking stick that doubles as a monopod.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #79

Cambodia 2008:  Angkor Wat


This post will look at two different edits of my footage from Angkor Wat.

The first edit lasts only 45-seconds; I edited this using my MacBook on cruise which followed this land tour.  Uploaded in 2008, it wasn't prepared properly for display on YouTube.
(It is possible that this video will not play on iPhone and iPad due to the incompatibilities of Adobe's Flash player.)

The guide's narration is briefly included.  At the end all the viewer has learned is that the videomaker went to Angkor Wat.




The second version is thirty seconds longer.  It adds narration and historical perspective; the viewer learns a litle about Cambodia with still photos augmenting the video.  As we exit the temple the narrator prepares viewers for an upcoming chapter of the trip's DVD.


I obviously prefer the second edit.  It's more fun to watch and follows the pace of other video chapters in this series.

Lessons Learned:
Consistency of titles and narration style keep the viewers comfortable.
Pacing keeps the viewers from leaving!

Suggestion:
Good example here of using live sound as background music.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #78

Cambodia 2008:  Angkor Thom



Those who watched my collection Asia vignettes on DVD were now taken us to the magnificent Angkor Thom temple in Cambodia.  This movie works well both in the DVD context and independently on YouTube.  It's a fast-moving and fun peek at the giant faces carved into the stone walls and columns.

Once again I was inspired by music of The Who.  In particular, the solo Face The Face by Pete Townshend.  Still photos and video are mixed to the beat of the music.  Staccato zoom into still photos and some admittedly goofy sight gags.  No narration, the video speaks for itself.

The video is improved versus the previous Phnom Bakheng, but my camera skills are obviously not up to the challenge of Cambodia's strong mid-day   Nevertheless I think this well-paced video keeps my audience entertained.  (We're seven minutes into the DVD and hopefully no one has fallen asleep yet!)

Once again, repeating my excuse for using copyrighted music:  edited this video during the trip, I didn't have much hard drive space on my MacBook.  Just a few songs in iTunes, most notably my collection of The Who.    Once you place a familiar song with a home video they become linked, making it hard to do a re-edit.

Lessons Learned:
Pacing.  Cut to the music, and don;t feel obligated to use the entire music track.

Suggestion:
I regret having started with copyrighted music. 


Music Copyright Considerations:
This video contains some identifiable music that is regrettably used without permission.  
Today, with digital distribution, artists' rights deserve more attention.  Since this video is intended for non-profit illustration and educational purposes only, I believe that valid arguments can be made for its "Fair Use" in this situation.  Please understand that I do not encourage improper use of copyrighted material.


Friday, June 28, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #77

Cambodia 2008:  Phnom Bakheng


After the short introduction (which can be seen in the prior blog post.) my Asia trip DVD moves on to several short segments from Cambodia.  We visited the city of Siem Reap which is home to many temples; this video looks at Phnom Bakheng.

It's only 1-1/2 minutes long.  The narration wastes no time, viewers quickly climb the temple steps with us,get a glimpse of typical temple architecture, our guide, and the sunset.  Cinematography-wise I didn't do a good job with the natural lighting; people's faces are cast in deep shadow.  Good reason to keep it short!

I edited this video during the trip, using Final Cut Pro5 on the first generation MacBook.   Didn't have much hard drive space.  As a result, this and other edits used songs by The Who    that happened to be available on the MacBook.  Narration was recorded into Garage Band, then imported into FCP5.

This is a pretty good video, considering the problems with lighting.  It grabs the audience attention.  Since its so short they didn't have a chance to become bored ... yet.  

Lessons Learned:
Pacing.  It's over so quickly that most users barely notice the facial shadows.

Suggestion:
I regret having started with copyrighted music.  Once you place a familiar song with a home video they become linked, making it hard to do a re-edit.


Music Copyright Considerations:
This video contains some identifiable music that is regrettably used without permission.  
Today, with digital distribution, artists' rights deserve more attention.  Since this video is intended for non-profit illustration and educational purposes only, I believe that valid arguments can be made for its "Fair Use" in this situation.  Please understand that I do not encourage improper use of copyrighted material.

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #76


Cambodia 2008:  Introduction & San Diego to Siem Reap



Now let's take a look at a sequence of short movies that became the video record of our trip to Asia.  Several nights' land tour in Cambodia followed by a cruise on Oceania.  There will be eight Cambodia segments, followed by sixteen more that illustrate each port of the cruise.

This clip introduces our travelers, uses still and motion graphics, plus throws in a little humor at the expense of Cambodian immigration procedures.

Editing was accomplished in 2008, the same year as the trip.  Map and moving ship animation were done with Apple's Keynote presentation software.  You could accomplish the same thing by exporting a movie from Microsoft's Powerpoint.  Additional graphic elements were then overlaid in the Final Cut Pro 6 timeline. 
I recorded the narration using Apple's Garage Band, then added some audio enhancements to enhance my voice. 

This is a nice introduction; it does a good job of establishing location and preparing the audience for upcoming "entertainment".

Lessons Learned:
Establish your location, prepare the audience.

Suggestion:
Keep the introduction short.  Don't use up the audience's goodwill in the first sixty seconds.  Visualize them on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the great show to come!


Music Copyright Considerations:
This video contains some identifiable music that is regrettably used without permission.  
Today, with digital distribution, artists' rights deserve more attention.  Since this video is intended for non-profit illustration and educational purposes only, I believe that valid arguments can be made for its "Fair Use" in this situation.  Please understand that I do not encourage improper use of copyrighted material.


Thursday, May 30, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #75

Mr. Slinky Goes to Sea


Mr. Slinky Goes To Sea is the second of two videos that I created with our nieces' help during a cruise in 2007.  It was edited at home following our return, using a PowerMac with Final Cut Pro 5.  I found video of the original Slinky television commercial on the Internet, and borrowed the music, Magic Trumpet, from Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass.  (See comments below regarding copyrights.)

It was a fun family effort to shoot this video.  We used an inexpensive wireless microphone, and spent hours searching for shots on the ship's decks.  While editing I extracted some natural sound of the ship's horn and Slinky spring, then enhanced a bit with FCP's audio tools.

The family loves this little video, and it received some nice comments when I showed it to my videomakers' club.

Lessons Learned:
Involve your friends and family, invite them to participate when you shoot the original footage of your travel video.
An external microphone really enhances the sound versus your camcorder's built-in sound capture.

Suggestion:
The videos made with my nieces are actually exceptions to the rule.  I usually arrive home with a lot of unplanned shots that need to be "rescued".  These were planned in advance, so editing was pain-free.



Apology
My apologies to those who attempted to watch the YouTube clip that was attached to my previous post, Pompeii In Ruins.  I had forgotten to enable it for public viewing.


Music Copyright Considerations:
This is a short excerpt from one of my older edited videos.  It contains some identifiable music that is regrettably used without permission.  But remember the time this video was created; in 2004 the audience for this production was usually sitting in my living room.  "Fair Use" allowed me to use the music without consideration of copyright.
Today, with digital distribution, artists' rights deserve more attention.  Since this video is intended for non-profit illustration and educational purposes only, I believe that valid arguments can be made for its "Fair Use" in this situation.  Please understand that I do not encourage improper use of copyrighted material.




Sunday, May 19, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #74

Pompeii 2007:  In Ruins



This is the first of two videos that I created with our nieces' help during a trip to Italy in 2007.  It was edited on a MacBook laptop computer with Final Cut Pro 5 while we waited for transportation at the Civitavecchia cruise ship terminal.

We had staged a few shots while touring the ruins.  Learned how to use the speed control tool in Final Cut, added some Pointer Sisters, and we had a fun 49-second video.


Lessons Learned:
Experiment.  Try something crazy.  Keep it short.
We actually planned some shots in Pompeii so there was some raw material to work with.  (That's not typical for most of the movies on this blog.)  This video is as fun to watch as it was to make, and the girls enjoyed participating in the edit decisions.


Suggestion:
Our video editing programs are incredibly powerful, it's difficult to unlock all of their potential. Learn about one tool at a time by practicing on a short video.  In this case, I worked the time tool to slow, fast, and reverse some of the scenes.


Music Copyright Considerations:
This is a short excerpt from one of my older edited videos.  It contains some identifiable music that is regrettably used without permission.  But remember the time this video was created; in 2004 the audience for this production was usually sitting in my living room.  "Fair Use" allowed me to use the music without consideration of copyright.
Today, with digital distribution, artists' rights deserve more attention.  Since this video is intended for non-profit illustration and educational purposes only, I believe that valid arguments can be made for its "Fair Use" in this situation.  Please understand that I do not encourage improper use of copyrighted material.


Sunday, May 12, 2013

Editing Vacation Video: What makes this hobby fun?

Video as a Hobby?  Why?
  
Monsters Of The Amazon was recently awarded some prizes from a small club that showcases amateur videomakers like ourselves.  But even this small recognition made me pause and think about why I pursue this hobby:

  1. Preservation of irreplaceable personal & family history.
    I've re-discovered sights and sounds from all sorts of wonderful moving-picture memories while digitizing my old tapes.  Family members, pets, friends, travel destinations, etc.
  2. The technology is fun.
  3. It stretches my creativity.  
  4. The fun of seeing friends and family react to my newest creation.
  5. The challenge to avoid mediocrity.
-----

Friends sent congratulatory email when they learned about the awards; many of them took the time to actually watch the production.  I loved their reactions, my cousin Bob sent this:

Well, the reviews are in.  Here are a few:
     "I fell sick to my stomach"  Caitlin, Shippensburg University
     "I'll never go to the amazon (not that I could afford it)"  Sean, Bloomburg University
     "So realistic.  I will never be able to sleep again!"  Kathy, North Wales
     "You must wonder what's going on in the mind of this genius?"  Bob from the home 
     "When is there going to be a sequel?"  Kevin, North Wales

Yes friends the question has been asked, "When will  this young (maybe?) Alfred Hitchcock director, who seemed to come out of nowhere, produce his next movie?  And if so will it come under budget?  Or is this just a one-off?  OR PERHAPS HE HIMSELF WILL  BECOME  ANOTHER VICTIM OF THE MONSTERS OF THE  AMAZON ???????

-----

In the past months I've re-watched hundreds of hours of my home and travel videos.  I've come to the conclusion that I have been a horrible cameraman!  Recent improvement in my technique doesn't help those old videotapes with the precious memories.
So this blog will continue to document my mission of finding ways to transform horrible amateur footage into entertaining memories.  

KEEP READING!  
There's a lot of fun stuff coming up, including the story of how my nieces ruined the already ruined ruins of Pompeii!

Monday, May 6, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #73

Rehabilitated Cottontail Rabbit Released Into the Wild, 2006


My wife is co-leader of the "Rabbit Team" at Project Wildlife.  The organization's mission is rehabilitation, education and conservation; our home is often host to baby and junior bunnies.  Some are so young that they require hand-nursing!  Success means that the animal can be re-introduced into the environment, near the area in which it was found.

This video documented one of Gloria's earliest success stories.  I edited in a way that could be used for education and training, as well as a public service announcement.  Music is a warm royalty-free selection from SmartSound.

The cuts are simple.  The ending is almost a tear-jerker, as the bunny leaps away into its new home.  I love this video's simple elegance.

Lessons Learned:
Non-profit groups may be happy to give you a chance to help publicize their mission.
Match the style of the video to the message of the organization.

Other Notes:
This was one of the first videos that I edited with Final Cut Pro on an Apple computer!  After years of struggling with crashes and underperforming software on Windows I had finally taken the plunge and found tools that really worked.  I used that G5 Power Mac until 2010.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

"Monsters of the Amazon" wins awards!

Monsters of the Amazon has been awarded two prizes by AMPS!!!!

I was pleased to learn that my pseudo-travel-horror production "Monsters of the Amazon" was awarded two prizes in contests hosted by the American Motion Picture Society (AMPS):

  • "Best SciFi" in the American International Film & Video Festival
  • [One of] "Ten Best 2012" in the North American Movie Makers awards





















The judges comments are interesting, drawing attention to my "amateurish camerawork" among other things.  But that's the point of this blog, isn't it?  Making something entertaining out of the mind-numbing, horrible, amateur video that you shot on your vacation.  (I'm sure the judges were also impressed by discontinuities like when my companions are killed by monsters in one scene yet appear in the next!)

-----

I feel validated by these awards.  Those hours of footage from 1999 were completely un-watchable, yet I didn't want to throw the memories away.  This off-the-wall storyline became a crazy, psychotic, but fun vacation video.  You could do the same thing! 

This blog is slowly pacing its readers through my videomaking history; most recently we have been examining edits from 2004.  There's lots more to come, but maybe you've already found some usable ideas for your own movies?

...meanwhile... if you'd like to jump forward by eight years, check out Monsters of the Amazon below:







Sunday, April 28, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #72


France 2004: Closing Credits
Every serious production deserves opening titles and closing credits.  This short video has it all:  Photos to identify the "talent"; acknowledgements of copyrighted music that was, ahem, "borrowed"; identification of the cameramen/producer/editor, copyright notice, and even a dedication.

I like that this is well-paced.  I especially like the captioned still photos that were used in the credits.

Lessons Learned:
Don't forget to take credit for your work!  Be proud; take responsibility; grab all the praise you can get!
Suggestion:
I posted this video to YouTube three months ago, but didn't look at it until today.  Surprised to discover that the sound is totally out of sync!  So I've had to delete and re-upload.   Make sure that you always check your on-line postings before providing the link to your "fans".

Friday, April 19, 2013

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #71

France 2004: Manoir de Bellerive
I previously said that the video of the cooking class (History of Vacation Video #69) "really captured the spirit of our travel group."  This video "really captured the fun we had during our stay at Manoir de Bellerive".  Messr. & Mdme. Clavenot have sold the property, but we will always remember their hospitality, the staff, and the fabulous farewell dinner.

The proprietors were totally unprepared for the ease with which we combined a lack of formality with our genuine appreciation for their efforts.  When they lead a chorus of Auld Lang Syne all language barriers drop; you can feel genuine affection and a sense of regret when we drive away.

I like this video.  Candid clips of guests and staff enjoying their last night together.  And the J-edit that places sound of the farewell song under all video used in the edit's closing moments.

Lessons Learned:
Most of my edited movies tend to be light and humorous.  While this chapter has humorous moments, the mood shifts to sentimentality.  And that was effective.
Use J-cuts and L-cuts to extend the audio from adjacent clips. 

Suggestion:
Don't be afraid to occasionally create a sentimental video.  It's not a bad thing for your audience to know that you were sad to leave.


Music Copyright Considerations:
This is a short excerpt from one of my older edited videos.  It contains some identifiable music that is regrettably used without permission.  But remember the time this video was created; in 2004 the audience for this production was usually sitting in my living room.  "Fair Use" allowed me to use the music without consideration of copyright.
Today, with digital distribution, artists' rights deserve more attention.  Since this video is intended for non-profit illustration and educational purposes only, I believe that valid arguments can be made for its "Fair Use" in this situation.  Please understand that I do not encourage improper use of copyrighted material.