Hey there... I read these boards often but I usually don't post anything, but fate has insisted I show you my new contest entry. I recently got accepted into the voting rounds for this contest, which is promoting sunflower seeds. We had two minutes to shoot a short, and we had complete creative control. Anyway, I hope that you guys would look at it and tell me what you think. Since the winner is determined by votes, I wanted to make something witty and fast-paced so it would gather lots of laughs and be somewhat original. I used Vegas 6 and After Effects to touch up some of the scenes. I was going for a ridiculous video that bombarded you with so many silly scenes that you would laugh just at the sheer snappiness of it all... tell me if I succeeded!

If you guys like it at all, it would mean to world to me if you would vote for it! You don't need to sign up or anything, just hit the vote button. You can vote 5 times a day until June 10th, so any help would be greatly appreciated!

We had two minutes to shoot a short

Awesome video! Only in two minutes???? Geez you must be good....O wait, there is no link to anything! I'm voting for the other guy.

Very well done!

I like the warm colors. They work very well for the message you want to get across.


Andre.

Oh, duh: http://www.grabembythesack.com/week/details.asp?VID=50 And yeah, two minutes long.

The rotary engine is pretty ingenious idea. I'm an aircraft technician and I know a company trying to get that engine certified on an aircraft which would be sweet. Nice car if you can get that dough together. Not sure what I want but for now I just want to shoot more high end cars. I'm hoping to get my A1 in a few weeks. But I want to thank you for your feedback, it helps a lot! Thanks again.

Thought it was great, camera work was impressive and the editing worked very well.
The music over the top didnt loop together at one point, but that might have been a glich with the movie film and not in post.

What kinds of programs have you used, if you dont mind me asking.

Really cool video. Where is the first part of the clip shot, close to Soquel High? Cool to see some local spots on these forums.

Hi there, sorry havnt replied sooner, been really busy with work and managed to drop my laptop and break it! Thanks for all the feedback, really helps. For this i prety much just used After Effects and Final Cut Pro, I used Trapcode Particular in After Effects to do the opening title. The Writing is a bit hard to see on this web version, on the full res version i have you can see it fine as it has another layer behind it which is black and then gausian blurred to make it stand out from the energy ball thing... Will change it for the web version, as its just so small the letters get lost. After getting opinions and feedback from people i am cutting a new snappier version, will try and put it up at some point. Thanks again

Right by Cabrillo College

Hello all,

I would like to see your suggestions for the best site to upload images & video for sharing/storage.

I'm new to the uploading thing. Is there one good server location you can recommend. Any helpful hints are appreciated. There seems to be countless sites available. I hope you guys can help.

Sorry if this post is in the wrong location

thanks in advance,

Tom Bufkin

ill be honest it was not for me but i will give you credit for your work from a video stand point.
well done keep up the work
MEKHAEL

Check out this video clip for a DVD on the World Arabian Horse Conference that was shot with XL-H1 in April.
Need High speed internet !!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.dragonflyproduction.net/waho.htm

Thanks

A bit of background cos I like to type somewhat.. I've been shooting video for about 5 years, starting with a $500 JVC consumer cam, then moved to a Sony TRV950 which I still used, and quickly up to a second hand PD150 which is my pride and joy. I kept with it because of my interest in filming bands in live situations, and have decent access at 200-300 capacity shows with fairly well known bands / local bands with good support. So I've filled a good 150 or so tapes with this kinda stuff and very little else.

A friend of mine runs a company who needed a video shot to show off a product they were selling, I needed some portfolio work because I would like to extend my range, but having a fulltime job meant I couldn't really jump back into fulltime study, and I had nothing to show potential employers so I jumped at the chance.

There's definitely issues.. which include but not limited to:

1. The text scroll at the beginning just looks a bit crap
2. I should've shrunk the logo down a bit as its very close to the safe areas on most TVs (but looks fine on monitors)
3. My tripod is utter rubbish and you can tell in that one piece of horrendous video I legally can't call a pan.

I knew nothing about the product bar the basics, so we went up to shoot it in operation in one night, then spend a few chunks of several nights editing and doing the audio. I had about 10 minutes of usable footage and shrunk it down to 3, which isn't a bad ratio in my book. The people doing the work knew nothing about video, so the beginning sequence is shot from 3 angles in 3 takes and none of the takes looked similar at all, but I think I might just have gotten away with it. My friend did the narration, my accent is awful!

Anyway, please let me know what its like.. bare in mind that whilst I have experience shooting live things, I've never "scripted" anything before, especially something with so little prior knowledge and no chance of a re-do and I did it for the price of a burger king meal. I'd be intrigued to know the kind of "market value" it would have, ie how much I could have charged a business for them to be happy with. I always suck at this because I hate not meeting peoples expectations. My friend is very happy with it so I'm leaving it as is despite the flaws.

Anyway.. the link! Clearflow Video (http://staff.southwalesmassive.com/jayx/clearflow.mov)

Hi Michael,

Are you planing to keep the short clips so short ??

I'd suggest at least 6 to 7 secs at least, it was hard for me to track with my slow eyes. Most of those items looked interesting, but not enough time for me to get a good sense of them. IMHO.

Harold

Hi Harold,

I did not want to show too much so people who were there at the conference ( around 400 people ) will be excited to buy the DVD.
It will not make sense to you, But It will for the ones who were there at the Conference.

Michael

Im new at this game so its important to get feedback, so here goes.

Im in the middle of doing a number of different film styles for an actor I know.
The first film was a period scene in the style of 'The importance of being Ernest' and the Jane Austen Films, such as Pride and Prejudice.

This is the first edit of the short scene and I hope people can take a look and let me know what they think.
Im looking to find out if the following are up to scratch:

Camera work
Sound
Editing
Acting
Script
Anything else


It is only 2mins and 50secs including name tags and the scene can be found here. http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=2035832750

You can also reach my myspace page by clicking here www.myspace.com/rjgfilm



Thanks in advance for the input.
Edit/Delete Message

ok,

I got the impression from the people using the machine, they didnt have a clue how to use it. Maybe you were trying to show them checking the equipment, but to me it looks like they are confused and how no idea what to do.
They also seem to struggle with the hose as if they were trying to remove it but couldnt, at this point I thought it was a comedy spoof sketch..

The logo at the start stays on for ages, i'd rather be looking at something more interesting than the logo. Also at the end, you describe the stuff coming out the back of the pipes 'for purposes of this illustration' all I see is the logo again. Instead rework this so that there are images of it venting the exhaust.

I understand that people need to know the name but it feels that you have overused the amount of time where the logo is on the screen.

Anyway, I hope that helps.

The way the narrative is worded, and some of the shots, leads me to believe this is a sort of training video. I didn't learn how to operate the machine, so it wouldn't work well with training. As a sales video, I would like to know how it would benefit my company to use this machine and maybe at least photos of the results.

James,

Here's my two shillings worth.

If your friend is happy with it, great. That is what is important. Is the customer satisfied?

I wouldn't use it for a demo for serious paying customers though. A lot of it isn't your fault. Your in an obviously confined space, under ghastly florescent lights. Consider it practice, and find another similar project. Do it free or cheap. If you have a day job, you really are only spending your time. You can cheat the 'pan' by dissolving a couple side by side static shots, or by keeping the camera wide and slowing down or re-framing in post. It's all about getting better. And the best way to do that is through experience. Soon you'll be able to charge the big bucks.

I shot a free industrial one 6 months ago that I thought was pretty good at the time. The customer loved it and still uses it, but I kind of cringe when I watch it now. I only really use it now to demonstrate how a flash player can be integrated into a website.

http://www.nanaimofoundry.com/machining.html

Shooting good industrial video is about adapting to weird and harsh environments. In the above case, I shot it mostly handheld because I couldn't set my tripod up on a caterpillar track. Also if you're shooting it for someone's website, you can ease back on the logos and branding, because the viewer is already at their site and the player is likely surrounded by their logo. A tradeshow video is slightly different, but...

I think the industrial/corporate sector will be screaming for this type of service as universal web video becomes more viable, and more and more companies explore the possibilities of how video can promote there business.

Keep shooting.

The Wh2orld.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jwc0OWDYgE

Shot in UK, in college.
Art exam - final piece.
Shot using Sony DSC-L1

Thank you for your time!

This short (10 minutes +) film is the result of a collaboration between myself and choreographer Drew Silvaggio. The piece was conceived as a film/dance hybrid and was choreographed, rehearsed, filmed, edited and presented in about 2 weeks. It was shot on an XLH1.

Influenced by films from DV8 Physical Theatre (london) directed by David Hinton, we shot it in the style of a 1960's teleplay: theatrical, but simple...think "Twilight Zone" without Rod Serling or all the psychological ambiguity.

http://homepage.mac.com/barrygoyette/FileSharing38.html

(Probably not for those looking for fabulous camera effects, color grading, or those with a short attention span, or a lack of interest in modern dance. The rest of you will hopefully enjoy it. :) )

Barry

I like the underwater juggling. I didn't expect it to look like that or even to work at all. If the guy riding the unicycle was weighted so he could ride on the bottom that would have been really impressive.

Thanks for the feedback guys, I knew you would have some good valid criticisms and thats exactly what I was hoping for.

"Direction" wise I didn't really have a lot of input, I asked them what they wanted and then shot/cut it. I was asked to do a 30sec logo still at the top end, so I put it in. It was all done in a matter of hours, and I think the priority was on a fast turnover speed and showing the gear in action. It's not for training, but I presume the people looking at the video will know something about the product already.. in all fairness, I'm not really sure what context its going to be used in!

So yeah, hopefully from here I can get more people asking me to do short things like this and I can give them more 'artistic' suggestions with regards to how to go about it, and hopefully improve each round.

Cheers!

My crew and I took up this challenge of creating a short in 12 hours. We didn't really get to develop a real solid story line...so sorry if confusing.

Enjoy, Living Action:

http://www.invisionitstudios.com/Livingaction.mov

Nice looking footage. Not bad for 12 hours. Some shots were better than others but considering the time restrictions, not bad. What camera did you shoot with? Looks like you used some effects in post to pop your whites and crush your blacks?

Barry,

I took a chance and really enjoyed it. I loved the rich textures in the room. The wooden plank walls and the concrete foundation walls, brought to life by the stark(ish) lighting. The B&W really works in this piece. I could see it playing as an ambient video in a gallery or cafe. Not too deep but visually interesting.

Thanks for the comment, Ken. I was beginning to wonder if anyone would make it through. You called it.... It was shot as a companion piece to a exhibit of my photos at a local gallery, and thematically it ties in with some of the still shots. the set is just the storage area of my studio (the building was 1920's era railroad grocery warehouse). Anyone interested in the photos from the exhibit can check them out here:

http://web.mac.com/barrygoyette/iWeb/Site%2010/Welcome.html

Barry,

very cool pix.

I think the problem with us these days is the need for instant gratification. Sadly we've become youtube-ized. We won't wait to download quality images. It's like, well I'll watch it if I don't have to invest too much time in it.

I have to admit, it's because it was shot on the H1 that I was interested. Then I saw the 111 mb file size and nearly didn't wait to see it.

Ironically, I both hate and love youtube. Seeing quality images butchered by compression versus the universal instant access...

yeh. I wanted to keep the quality as high as possible, as the upload was really for the cast members to share...and it looks so good in HD, I didn't want to compress the crap out of it in the smaller format. A few years ago, we all scoffed at big downloads like that, but since the hd cameras came out, I found myself downloading files of 100+ mb from the xlh1 sample page...and that was usually for only a minute or so of raw footage...I have a really hard time watching youtube...the compression is just annoying...I hear they are re-encoding everything in h.264, which hopefully will bring about an improvement.

Hey All,
Here are 4 videos I recently did for our local Chamber of Commerce. They're low res for web streaming, but I think you'll get the idea. You may have to click on the titles a couple times.

FYI - I directed, shot, and produced the videos and composed/performed/recorded the music too.

http://www.omahachamber.org/work/DestinationMidtown.aspx

Nice. Turning the camera upside down underwater had some real potential for dramatic shots...I wish you would have explored that.

Also...why no credits for the music? Who is it?

Longtime reader; first time poster.

I’ve been riding the learning curve toward producing a DVD for sale. Subject is fast driving techniques for getting max acceleration from powerful cars under race conditions. Pretty much a one-man operation except for a guest operator of my Sony HDR-FX7, while I’m driving the car.

With that as background, here is a first cut at a trailer for the DVD. Still needs some work; and would appreciate some constructive criticism by members. So please don’t hold back.

The trailer is here [480x270 7.1 mb], please, right click save as…. http://www.rangeracceleration.com/video_files/rangeracceleration_trailer_8.mov

Thanks in advance.

John

This is a short my friends and I did over the weekend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSRwmB1exgE

Hey All-

I had the day off of work and decided to try making a mashup trailer.

Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kayiYZiED6g

I'd suggest trying to make one if you haven't. It was a lot of fun.

-Sean-

hahahaha, that was awesome Sean! lol! I love the use of the dubbing!

Very funny!
~Gabriel

One word: Cute.

I really liked that. Very well done with very good acting.

Hey all! Just thought you might get a kick out of the gag reel for my movie "CASI CASI". Here's the link on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JfkRuSVX1w

Goofy fun was had by all during the shoot. Enjoy!

For videos on the internet (Something you're not making a profit off of) I wouldn't be concerned at all about it

I was 13 and I made some V-CD's with some commercial music I didn't get rights to... sold like 20 copies... just an event I filmed and edited...

Ok this is my 2nd music video and although many of you wont like the music I just thought I would post it here to see what you think of it, I have the clearance for it to be shown on 2 sky channels but would like any feedback for more productions in the future, Cheers

http://www.brightcove.com/title.jsp?title=1015659098

If interested there are some more videos, trailers and other work here:

http://www.brightcove.com/channel_all_uploads.jsp?channel=712914570&firstVideo=0

http://www.invisionitstudios.com/johnwoo.html

For a faster-loading flash version, go to:

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=2038987814

thanks for watching!

I thought it was a great short, I was entertained and it looked really professional. If I wanted to pick at it though, there was a little bit too much focus hunting for my tastes, but just a little bit too much. I do like the effect. Also, I didn't like the fake looking blood splattering on the lens.
What equipment did you guys use? Was all that done using just the natural light? Did you get permission to film in the lumber yard? How hard was it?
Excellent piece, awesome job.

I thought it was a great short, I was entertained and it looked really professional. If I wanted to pick at it though, there was a little bit too much focus hunting for my tastes, but just a little bit too much. I do like the effect. Also, I didn't like the fake looking blood splattering on the lens.
What equipment did you guys use? Was all that done using just the natural light? Did you get permission to film in the lumber yard? How hard was it?
Excellent piece, awesome job.

Hey Chris! SF, CA too huh? Anyway, I don't want to make excuses about focusing, but it's very difficult with the monitor i have. (varizoon) poor poor resolution doesn't let me "lock-on" as well as if using a nicer monitor. I've just got to practice more as well. I used a HVX200 w/ M2 redrock adapter and nikon lenses. All this was filmed in natural light. As for the lumber yard, they surprisingly just let us film. Really nice guys from Brisbane, CA. The problem wasn't anything close to the allotted time and scheduling with all the cast and crew. (People taking classes, other business, etc. ) Thanks for watching, Chris!

summer project for independent study summer class

http://rileyharmon.com/temp/graffiti.mov [quality]

or

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imUIZn-XUJw [speed + spam]

we had to document the work, so i just threw this together tonight real quick

Here is a short little music video I made of the races we attended 2 weeks ago. The yellow boat top speed is around 90mph, While the blue boat is close to 118mph!

ENJOY!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_6J2C2fPDg

My first attempt at dvd root menu creation.

This is intended to be the root menu for a dvd that will play back a single video of a performance. Scenario: customer purchases a dvd of their childs performance on stage: Video is burned to dvd, on the dvd the attached url to the root menu will play and loop until the person chooses to play video on their dvd player.

http://nationaleventphotography.com/RootMenu.mov
about 23 megs in size and reduced to 320x240 for this online example

Hello All,

Fairly new to this site and would like to share my latest project,
Dead Lonesome, (in two parts) now ready to be conformed to 35mm. I would really appreciate your feedback. Hope you Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nimxKk1r420

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHPVp-QuL4Q

Hello All,

Fairly new to this site and would like to share my latest project,
Dead Lonesome, (in two parts) now ready to be conformed to 35mm. I would really appreciate your feedback. Hope you Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nimxKk1r420

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHPVp-QuL4Q

Joe, to begin, I was only able to watch the first half, then just part of it.

Few people enjoy southern Utah more than I do, but what I saw was not very compelling. There was nothing there to hold my attention (and remember, I love prowling southern Utah). Much of your time lapse was not smooth and very jerky. Other shots seemed to have exposure variations throughout, which was very distracting.

Why do you feel it necessary to take this to 35mm?

Jay

All the jerky and exposure problems are low rez highly compressed.
The actual film and video transfer are pristine with no of the compression garbage.

Going to 35mm because it was shot on 35mm.

Nice. Turning the camera upside down underwater had some real potential for dramatic shots...I wish you would have explored that.

Also...why no credits for the music? Who is it?

Yeah. That was my mistake. This is 'Enigma'.