Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #157 - Scandinavia Cruise (#2 of 10)

Scandinavia Cruise 2005:  Gdansk, Poland (#2 of 10)

The quick pace of Chapter One is followed-up with another lively two-minute video.  A distinctive opening with a map & newsreel-style music will apparently introduce each chapter.  The narration tells a couple of quick facts about Gdansk, famous Polish person Lawrence Welk appears and it's Polka Time with Myron Floren!    (I did not request copyright/usage clearance from the Lawrence Welk Show.  The images and music were lifted from YouTube.  See copyright notes below.)
Gdansk is a very enjoyable city with lots of photo opportunities.  The polka provides a lively accompaniment, and Im having lots of fun teasing my nephew!

Comments:  

• No fancy editing tricks were used in this chapter, proving that you don't have to be an expert to create an entertaining travel movie.
• Although each chapter will have its own character, I like the idea of a consistent opening.  Instantly recognizable map, music, and narration will be a type of "transition", and should help to bind the ten-part project together.
• There's a lot of jokes; obviously this video is less about Gdask and more about the travelers having fun together.
• The last twenty seconds is a still & video montage that is a bit jump and could benefit from some re-work.

Lessons Learned:

• Pay attention to pace; don't lose your audience's attention. 
• Use a consistent transition so the audience can identify and anticipate major shifts in the video's location or tone.

Suggestion:

• What do you remember most about your vacation?  Try to communicate that memory to your video audience.  In this case I remember more about the fun we had, and less about the specifics of an ancient Polish city.
• Sound quality becomes more important if you want to include interviews of your travelers.  Get your microphone next to the person you are talking to; if you are using the on-camera mike, then use close-up video!

Next up:  We travel to the home of Swedish Meatballs.  

FYI:

All of the Scandinavia trip chapters have already been loaded onto YouTube.  Individual chapters may be viewed on one of my YouTube channels: HENBCtravel
The combined 30-minute video is also available here.

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 and commercial video 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.