durph Loc: Long term assignment in Europe

Hi all. I just recently started taking video on photo shoots and am interested in this section. Recently I started running video after taking a photo for the heck of it and now I'm hooked. I've been learning premier pro and have started doing some editing. I am fortunate to be working in Europe so I get to go to a lot of places for sightseeing. Now some of my best shots have a video to back them up. I'm still pretty green but am Looking forward to learning more. I find myself watching TV a lot differently now.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Hi Durph,
Welcome. I also enjoy the challenge of editing with Priemere Pro. There is a lot that you can do with changing the zoom, speed, and lighting in the editor, especially if you have a hig res HD clip to start with. Looking forwared to hearing more from you.
Bob

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

Hi Durph, I'm in the USA. I did a career in broadcast television videography in news, sports and general production... all of it behind the camera. I'm now retired but my love of video hasn't changed.

You say you're looking at television differently? That happens to any videographer who cares about his/her work because now they understand what it takes to "get that shot", or "make it work". Anyone with no knowledge doesn't see half of what went into making that production.

One example that comes to mind in a particular movie I have, there is a horse and rider running out of frame and there's a very obvious dolly shot that goes with them.
Some one I know was watching the movie with me one time and didn't even see the dolly shot... even after I played it time after time - disappointing. But to the uneducated eye I suppose it doesn't matter.

So look differently. As you watch these people's work you'll begin to appreciate more and more what it actually takes to "make that happen".

Good luck

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Hi Jim and Durph,
I find myself looking at the way dramatic tv shows are cut.
Cutting back and forth from one story line to another to advance the plot from the viewpoint of different characters.
One scene with the good guys, the next with the bad guys, advancing the story from two angles, knowing that the story lines will converge at the climax. A good story needs good writing, good acting, good photography, good sound and good editing. They all contribute equally to the effect, and any one can ruin the piece. When they are done extremely well, I think they become "invisible" as the audience gets lost in the story.
Bob

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

Absolutely to all you've written. Anyone can ruin the peace by not paying attention to detail, sloppy work or just plane lack of talent. To me though no one is more critical than the editor. Even if he/she has wonderful material to work with the piece can be ruined in a heartbeat.

Yes video / film in Hollywood or in our back yard is a different animal.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Hi Jim,
I wonder if it has to be? I am thinking, what would the back yard video look like if cut in dual story lines like a drama?
Bob

durph Loc: Long term assignment in Europe

Thanks Jimmy A
That must have been a fun career. I'm using a 5D MIII and it takes some great video. The 14mm ultra wide angle lens is my favorite for video, it gives great perspective and it is a fast lens. The only problem now is deciding what I really need to make good videos beside the experience of course. I have been watching a lot of instructional videos online to get started. I have tons of footage taken in the last 2 years of travel and want to edit them just for the experience, 1 year all over the US and 1 year all over Europe. I was also fortunate at work because they paid me to take training videos and they turned out really nice. It took 3 weeks to film and edit the videos and it was a lot of fun and a great learning experience plus I got paid my regular wage and even worked overtime on them.

durph Loc: Long term assignment in Europe

BobSpez
I also like the dramatic effect of switching from scene to scene. You are right, if done correctly you get lost in the story. Just like acting, if done correctly you get lost in the story and forget they are acting.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

Broadcasting is a burn out career but yes, I had great times over the years... thanks.

I use my 18-55 for video for a couple of reasons. 1. it's the only IS lens I own and that helps a great deal with the hand shake that all humans have, especially with a camera as lite as a dslr. Heavy TV cameras hold steady on your shoulder much easier than a dslr out in front.

I also use this because it really helps with steadiness because it gives me a third point of contact. Also it shades the screen which then becomes an excellent view finder.
I also do all manual focus because auto is not dependable.

http://www.amazon.com/NEEWER-DSLR-Foldable-Viewfinder-Magnification/dp/B004HD3G6Q/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2L5XGAAI88VIT&colid=4QE79IOCVUL7

Then I have two microphones, one a shure top mount shot gun that gives me excellent natural sound and a lav mike for interviews.

Together it all works just great and makes me feel almost like I'm back in the business again.