Thread Number: 26240
Tips for videos- |
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Post# 402882 , Reply# 1   12/30/2009 at 18:05 (5,229 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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Ok, 1) Show us the timer dial every once in a while so we know where we are in the cycle. (Shots of timer advancement are a BONUS) 2) No background music. We want to hear the machine. It's like test driving a car and the salesman turns on the soundsystem. 3) If using a tripod, don't forget to turn off the steady cam feature. Otherwise, the spin cycle will be jittery. 4) Be careful about lighting. Too much lighting is worse than not enough. 5) Have fun with it and learn as you go.... Malcolm |
Post# 403032 , Reply# 5   12/31/2009 at 14:31 (5,228 days old) by revvinkevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)   |   | |
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Speaking as someone who has not had a "video capable" camera until last August, there is definitely a learning curve for proper technique. My first video was not the best thing to watch. Everyone has their preferences, things they like to see and things they're less interested in. I agree with all the suggestions so far, but here is my 2 & 3/4 cents worth for creating a great video... PREPARE FOR FILMING: 1. Good lighting is VERY important! Having one 60-watt bulb in the ceiling behind you or way off to the side just doesn't cut it. Have a decent (but not blinding) light above the washer (for top load), or at front, obviously for a front load. After all, we do want to see the action inside the washer! 2. A good mix light/bright colored clothes or towels or sheets is BEST for the viewing audience… and/or also have a couple "darker" items in the mix for contrast so we can really see things moving around. 3. Have all of your additives, (detergent, bleach, softener, etc) pre measured and ready to add before you start filming. (for reasons mentioned above) 4. A tripod for the camera is always good. But if you don't have one, hold the camera steady and move it SLOWLY and SMOOTHLY. Try to avoid quick, sudden or jerky movements. 5. I agree, music at the beginning or end of the video is nice, but no music during the action is best. We want to hear the sounds from the washer and the water sloshing around, that's the most desirable. FILMING: 1. Do a quick test video, then look at is in your computer to make sure your lighting, angles and everything look good first before you shoot the "actual" video. 2. Again, slow, smooth camera movements are the best. 3. Dialog before and after is also best! If you make comments during the cycle, be brief, again, we want to hear the machine and the water. ALSO: if you are filming the "mechanicals" of the machine, don't talk as it's running because the noises from the motor, etc, drowns out your voice and we can't hear you! (I did this, I know!) 3a. Laundryshark's comment about being descriptive for the visually impaired is an EXCELLENT idea! Describe your machine, year, model, color, console and any lights, etc. Also what you are washing and with what laundry products you are using. (I recently received an e-mail from a blind man who frequents AW.org) 4. If you don't have the ability to edit the video after it's done, do your "editing" while recording. i.e. shorten the time (stop & start recording) while the machine filling, and/or neutral draining (it's boring). EDITING: If you have the ability to edit, that is the best time to remove undesirable parts of the video (long fills or drains). It's also a great time to add music or text, etc. Thank you for listening to my thoughts and have fun with your videos! Kevin |
Post# 404585 , Reply# 8   1/8/2010 at 11:26 (5,220 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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