Friday, May 30, 2014

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #126

China 2001:  Ming Tombs



The Ming Tombs are one of China's cultural treasures.  But one of my joys when editing a vacation video is to disrespect institutions in a humorous way.  So ...

...did you know that Flash Gordon's nemesis, Ming the Merciless, was an ancient Chinese ruler?  I discovered that little-known fact while doing some research for this video.  Some old episodes of Flash Gordon are available on YouTube; I used scenes from one to create this chapter of my trip DVD.  You'll also notice little touches like substituting a movie poster for an Angelina Jolie movie for the name of the mausoleum -- "Changling".  And R&B legend James Brown is the resident artist at the site's "Soul Tower".

Frankly, we were underwhelmed by this tourist attraction.  But I really like the video!  If you want a good laugh, check out the helmets worn by Ming's guards at 01:18.  Also notice that the pink hat gag from the Summer Palace chapter reappears at 1:30.


Lessons Learned:
Use video unrelated to your trip to create an entertaining chapter.
Use running gags to surprise your viewers and provide continuity between chapters.  

Suggestion:
If the chapters are posted separately on the Internet, a viewer who watches only this chapter will be confused by the running gag.  "Whats with this pink hat?" ... you might consider a special YouTube cut that omits the running gag.
Be careful when disrespecting a nations treasures.  My work is intended to be light-hearted, inoffensive, and humorous. 

FYI:
All of the China trip vignettes are already loaded onto YouTube.  They may be viewed on one of my YouTube channels: HENBCtravel
I have three other channels that might be of interest:  HENBCvideo (miscellaneous videos that try to look professional, with particular respect for copyrights), RAGEAIR (advertises the licensing availability of my newsworthy videos), and this YouTube Channel of Shame (an odd collection of stuff, not respectful of others’ copyrights).



Copyright Considerations:
This original audience for this video was friends and family who would view the DVD in my living room.  It contains identifiable video and 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.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #125

China 2001:  Rewriting Chinese History



Which invader got through the Great Wall of China?  We had no idea.  And what does that have to do with Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan?  Our lack of knowledge was obvious during this conversation which was recorded as we walked on the wall on May 1, 2001.

It's a decent 46 seconds.  The live video portion is inconsequential, but there's a conversation going on that was worth remembering.  (It's original and witty enough to provide material for the writers of a snarky television show like Community.)  I used some simple graphic overlays to emphasize what we were talking about.

Lessons Learned:
Hey, if it's short and it's funny, it probably earned the right to be in your video!

Suggestion - Alternate edits:
It's great to be an editor.  We can can alter space and time!
Let's assume we wanted to use this dialog, but not extend the length of the program.   This sound could be placed under other scenes of the Great Wall.
Or we could set up an event that never happened.  Find video footage of the tour guide explaining something, then make it look like we posed these stupid questions to her.
... or ... do you have another idea?



FYI:
All of the China trip vignettes are already loaded onto YouTube.  They may be viewed on one of my YouTube channels: HENBCtravel
I have three other channels that might be of interest:  HENBCvideo (miscellaneous videos that try to look professional, with particular respect for copyrights), RAGEAIR (advertises the licensing availability of my newsworthy videos), and this YouTube Channel of Shame (an odd collection of stuff, not respectful of others’ copyrights).

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #124

China 2001:  Great Wall



It's the first day of May, 2001.  In the Peoples' Republic of China, that's the Workers' Holiday.  Vacationers from throughout the country make a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to their capital city, and complete an emotional climb on their Great Wall.

Our tour guide suggested an early start to beat the crowds; the bus left the hotel at 7:00AM! It was an exciting day for us too, but we had no expectations regarding the exciting buzz created by the domestic tourists.  We were first to arrive, enjoying an almost solitary walk along the wall.  Vendors were just opening; guards were just waking up.  But walking back we met excited crowds of early-arrival families -- adults and kids -- making their pilgrimage.  Hence the music selection:  Pilgrim performed by Enya.

I always enjoy this video.  The clip placement and cuts were instinctive and work well.  The story unfolds in a logical manner:  Approaching the wall; Our climb upward; Witnessing others' climb.  I like the pan of a still photo at 01:01 -- Art is standing high on the wall; pan down to see Linda halfway up the stairs.  Enya's music is, of course, inspirational.  Unfortunately I do not have a copyright release from her, but perhaps there is a "fair use" here since I posted the video for educational purposes.

Lessons Learned:
Tell a story.  Don't forget establishing shots to begin.
It's moving video!  Consider the use pan-and-zoom to provide motion when using still shots. That's how director Ken Burns wins Emmy Awards!

Suggestion:
My experience with obtaining clearance for the use of commercial music tracks is not good. But you need to consider the ethics if you intend to post your video on the Internet.

FYI:
All of the China trip vignettes are already loaded onto YouTube.  They may be viewed on one of my YouTube channels: HENBCtravel
I have three other channels that might be of interest:  HENBCvideo (miscellaneous videos that try to look professional, with particular respect for copyrights), RAGEAIR (advertises the licensing availability of my newsworthy videos), and this YouTube Channel of Shame (an odd collection of stuff, not respectful of others’ copyrights).



Music Copyright Considerations:
This original audience for this video was friends and family who would view the DVD in my living room.  It 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.


Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #123

China 2001:  Beijing Snake in a Bottle


After the Szechuan Restaurant we stumbled into this supermarket, and discovered snakes in the liquor department!  Get the BIG snake in a GALLON container, or the baby snake in the pint bottle.
It's somewhat humorous and just 35 seconds.  The ZZ Top music almost pulls off the gag.

Lessons Learned:
I'm not sure about this one.  For the trip DVD it's short, inoffensive, and a nice memory.  Not sure about YouTube ... maybe it could go viral?

Suggestion:
This one is a judgement call.  Ultimately I decided to include it in the DVD, but if my captives friends were time-constrained it could easily be skipped.

Hint:
If your software allows you to add chapter marks to video files, use them!  If you are playing host, you'll have the ability to skip to the next chapter -- or return to a previous one -- whatever the "public" demands. 


FYI:
All of the China trip vignettes are already loaded onto YouTube.  They may be viewed on one of my YouTube channels: HENBCtravel
I have three other channels that might be of interest:  HENBCvideo (miscellaneous videos that try to look professional, with particular respect for copyrights), RAGEAIR (advertises the licensing availability of my newsworthy videos), and this YouTube Channel of Shame (an odd collection of stuff, not respectful of others’ copyrights).



Music Copyright Considerations:
This original audience for this video was friends and family who would view the DVD in my living room.  It 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.