One of the classes I am taking this semester is Video & New Media. One of the class assignments requires me to create a series of video podcasts. Last week, I successfully produced my first video ever. The video will eventually be used for my first podcast, which, barring further technological catastrophies, will be syndicated and posted shortly. The overall experience was pretty interesting.
I'm not a big fan of being taped, so it took me a minute to get over the fact that I would be broadcasting myself (theoretically) to the world. Likewise, I'm not a technology whiz, so seriously using a camera, and then editing film was also intimidating. Thankfully, two of my classmates and I got together and spent a Saturday afternoon taping and providing emotional support to one another. Ultimately, I learned that being on camera isn't so bad, and that editing is pretty fun. Getting to play around with what I've taped, and morphing it into something that resembles a professional piece was rewarding. I'm looking forward to working on my next three podcasts and refining my admittedly pitiful skills.
Like any new venture, there were problems. My biggest challenge for future projects will be to tape for editing. By that, I mean including things will make editing easier, and also produce a better piece. I will definitely be sure to insert lengthy pauses in between different sections of my discussions. After discussing the experience with a classmate, we agreed that using takes in between scenes or sections of a script would also be beneficial. My other major problem, was learning the editing software and basic editing techniques, like splitting audio and cutting between scences. I anticipate that both of these problems will slowly begin to resolve themselves over the course of each future project.
Finally, the experience was not all bad. I did learn that things are not as difficult as they may seem. Being on camera, setting up shots, and cutting and pasting everything together was not as difficult as I had anticipated. By no means am I remotely efficient or effective at any of this stuff yet, but I do feel more comfortable with the process. Now...if I can just beat RSS and get my podcast going....
6 comments:
Wendy -
I definately understand what you were saying about the time put into making these podcast. Your podcast turned out great though - so no worries on the rest of the series! I really liked how you set up the background to be clean so that there were no distractions for the camera. You spoke well and seemed well rehearsed. Your Broll footage was appropriately timed and fit well with the scenes you put them in. As far as suggestions for the next podcast, perhaps music or background noise could be added. You defiantely do not need to add anything though - it was great! Hobbies, on the other hand, I have no suggestions. I enjoy spending time by the pool with a good book in my free time - but this really isn't the time of the year to take that up:) Your podcast was interesting and I look forward to more!
Wendy
I agree with you about having no experience and not being the most comfortable in filming this! Having said that I think you did a great job. I like the plants in the background and the feeling like we were talking in a kitchen just chatting. The change in camera angle was interesting and ‘spiced-up’ the video, good thinking. I was impressed with the pictures you put over of your adorable dog; I haven’t mastered putting still photos in- maybe next time! The only thing I noticed about your film that I might change would be how much you moved your hands on the table, it was slightly distracting. Other than that I enjoyed your candor and discussion of your previous experiences and getting to know more about your transition into the doctoral program at Tech. I look forward to hearing more about your final paper in the upcoming podcasts. Good luck with the filming and the hard drive! (I got mine to work on my home computer but not on campus, too- weird)
Wendy,
Your podcast is not awkward or horrible that you mentioned at the beginning. You did really good!!!. Two different camera angles were a good approach to show different perspective. I like it because actually I can see and focus the different perspective in different angle. It seems like somebody was interviewing you. It’s good to hear that you like cooking. I really want to learn different kinds of dishes. So, if possible, please let me know, I’d like to learn from you. Your paper topic looks fascinating. It is interesting that your perspective of new technology hoe that affect individual and society as well. I can’t wait to see the different ideas you brought and how did those ideas get together.
Now, I can understand a little bit what you are talking about being as a doctoral student how difficult to have outside events. Most of time reading and researching…Anyway, congratulation finishing your course work and good luck for your dissertation!
Wendy,
I totally agree with you that we tend to underestimate the amount of time that a video project will take to shoot and edit. However, don't think that it will always be like this project. As you learn the cameras and the software more, you will get faster and more efficient.
Overall I liked your podcast. You spoke with a good pace and your dialogue did not seem forced. Your b-roll was well timed and placed. Properly timing b-roll and images can be the hardest part of a podcast, so you did a really good job!
Your framing was good overall. My only complaint would be to tell you to zoom in a little more while still keeping yourself on that right-third of the screen. The reason for this would be to take that plant out of the shot a little. While the plant did add something to the white paneling in the background, it fought for dominance in the picture because of its size.
Overall you did a great job!
Justin
Excellent.
Wendy, the framing looks good, though you could probably shoot a bit tighter. When you cut to the second camera, you may want to look a bit more towards the camera, the shot you are cutting to works better if you are talking with someone. The audio breaks up a bit on some of the cuts, you may be clipping some of the audio off. Be careful about background noise. There is a hum, not sure if it something in the house or the camera. Overall, it came out well.
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