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

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