A Day In The Life

[wweman150]

I'm in Gr 12 and I'm taking a digital tech class so we made this video. Not great, we mostly fucked around. Thought it was worth posting, though. It was fun because I've always wanted to make a video but just never had the equipment. Hope you like the video. I did all editing and storyboards btw so if you DON'T like it, it's probably my fuck-up.

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=W23p1WFsnSU

I just realized how awesome of a film maker I am. At least I ADMIT I'm full of bullshit.

[Tasty Human]

Good Job.

What the hell was up with the volley ball at the end? I laughed because I couldn't help but think of a fat kid in gym class.

Advice on editing- Show up late, then leave early. For example, there is no need to show the guy at the locker entering the combination. Instead show him at the locker. Picking up the lock. Opening the locker. 

Although this is something I still struggle with, know that jump cuts are OK.

[wweman150]

First of all, thanks.

Whenever I was watching through all of the raw footage looking at how I was going to put it together there was a section where we were trying to get the camera in the right position and forgot it on or some bullshit, so a volleyball just rolled by. It was so perfect that I had to use it. We watch these in class eventually so I figured something like that may make someone laugh.

I really like that idea. I want to try editing the footage together again this week differently to see what else I can do. I can't do anything in class anymore because we moved on to digital audio. I think we might be coming back to videos sometime, though. Anyway, I want to try experimenting with video and since I've banked some money with my job I'll have to try getting some equipment. Once I make my first real video I'll probably post it here too, but that's a while away.

Also, what did you think of the music? I thought the timing was pretty good with the video although I could've cut a little here and there.

[Cannon Fodder NJ]

I made some sh&t in my time - and I have to ask what was your meaning for the video? I mean you say you made storyboards - which is part of your pre-production. I mean this seems to have been shot without any thought at all of what to do with the footage.

I made a really weird video back in 1993 of myself with some weird artistic meaning cut to short Jean Michel Jarre track. Back then I was shooting on Hi-8 with the ability to frame-accurate edit. I understand, this being your first video (and you do show potential), but your timing with the music was not as "pretty good" as you think.

Sadly, from what I understand, these "digital tech" classes teach the technology behind the art.. which from one aspect is good but it's backwards. You should really get familiar with shot compositions and listen to music - and not just for the sake of listening, really listen to it.. watch a few music videos - even the weird experimental stuff. Not just fast paced, watch slow music, see how the camera moves, how the edit works with the inter-points of the music. With this basic knowledge working in video digital tech and audio digital tech will give you a better understanding of not just HOW to do something, but also WHY to do it.

Most of all, you can have fun and shoot serious at the same time. Get those friends together - the ones who actually think it is fun doing this video stuff - write a small video (anything that follows a story), give it some lines of dialogue, some conversation between "actors", storyboard it, shoot it on a weekend when you have nothing to do but hang out... have some snacks & some soda (or healthy substitute depending on individual tastes).. and don't just settle for what you get the first time, if the shot was badly framed, reshoot it.. don't care about the acting ability (that may never come) - just as long as the pace is comfortable. When you get a chance cut it together and see it match the original plan.. watch it develop from shot-to-shot.. not for public viewing, just get your feet wet. Don't attempt to work with just music - music is easy to cut.. it's composing shots to follow a story, now that's difficult.

[wweman150]

Thanks for taking the time to give me some advice, sir/ma'am.

We didn't really have a "meaning" for this video. I have kind of a free mind and I was stuck working with someone very restricting who only half paid attention to my storyboards. A lot of shots weren't even done, unfortunately. I've been listening to a lot of different music lately and I've been interested in figuring out what music should go where. I'll definately remember what you said next time I tackle a video.