Video Clips

[joe]

Greetings Everyone,

I'm getting ready to take a stab at making a few video clips on sign making. I'm wanting to place them on YouTube. This is my first venture with this media and not sure how difficult it will be. The major advantage is the ability to show, in real time, routing and finishing techniques. It seems like a natural progression.

It's amazing how much time it takes to write copy, take photo's and post them online. Perhaps this will be a better way.

I'd appreciate any tips and techniques. I've purchased the "I phone" in hopes it will be of assistance. One of the advantages is has some basic editing ability and it posts directly to YouTube.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Joe Crumley
www.normansignco.com (http://www.normansignco.com)

[blackhawk]

Joe - I can't give any help on using Youtube, but I am definitely interested in seeing any video that you make. Thanks for all your help past and present.

[phil_o]

Joe - I can't give any help on using Youtube, but I am definitely interested in seeing any video that you make. Thanks for all your help past and present.

Ditto for my reply.

Phhil

[dhunt]

If you can....shoot from a tripod.
and remember to pan slooowly, zoom slowly.

Fill your frame with useful information.
The object of our attention is not necessarily in the center of the screen.

[joe]

Thanks fellows,

I'm looking forward to this adventure.

David. Thanks for the suggestions, I keep them in mind. For these little clips I intend on setting up my Iphone on a tripod. Get it all ligned up and push the start button and charge out front. I have no one to pan, start and stop, or zoom. It's a low budget Disney type production.

Later on I'll have a couple of dancing girls in the background to keep everyone awake.

Joe Crumley
www.normansignco.com (http://www.normansignco.com)

[hunterland]

With your knowledge and expertise I doubt there will be a need for any danicing girls ! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I will watch for the link! Don

[tuck]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOpgL4mqEis :D

All in fun, Joe! The old song just came to mind.;) We're all looking forward to the clips!

[myxpykalix]

Joe,
As someone who has worked in both movies and television both in front of and behind the camera I can give you some good tips if you need them.

I won't go thru all of them here but if you need specific help I would be glad to help.

A few tips though.

Pre production prep is key- Write your script with bullet points and stick to it. Don't drone on about things that are not relevent. I use the "Joe Friday method"...you know. "Just the facts, ma'am, just the facts"

Have some cue cards made up so you can go to each point and not forget anything

Also have examples of each segment pre-prepared. Like they do on the cooking shows.
Here's how to make the pie, and here we put it in the oven and "WA-LA" here is the finished product.

By doing some of these things it will keep you from having to do a lot of post production editing, retakes or inserts. What will keep you interested in continuing this is if you can just run thru it without spending hours editing.

Another tip- At the end of segments or where you want to edit, when you are done speaking give yourself a visual cue that, that is a stopping point by doing something like the "fingers across the neck" cut cue so that you can run your video in fast speed to your end point and stop when you see that instead of having to watch it in real time to hear the end of the audio.:eek:

yeah..."act naturally":rolleyes:

[cowboy1296]

There are expensive programs out there that you can make movies with or you can use the one that came with windows. I am just now learning it. But you can do so much with it. If you are showing your machine running, we all know what a loud router sounds like so dub over it with narration. If you need to take several clips you can join them into one. You can shorten clips to make long cutting look much shorter. you can add still pictures at any point in the video

I am still a rookie with this software but its pretty cool. If you decide to use it and need some help feel free to contact me but remember I am just learning it to. there is nothing educational about my video but i was showing some guys in Houston what it looked like. this video was about five short clips and you can tell i did not take my advise and tried to talk over the machine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNJww8xFAdE

[dougo]

Sounds like a winner - videos from the best. Looking forward to watching and learning.

[joe]

Has anyone ever used the Iphone for video's? The demo I saw was quiet impressive. The phone allows some basic editing and when you're happy with the clip you only need to push the YouTube button and it's done.

Well-----That's the way it was demonstrated. Old folks, like me, will believe anything. We like it that way! Giezers Salute!

[scottbot]

I can hardly wait.
Thanks in advance.

Scott

[tuck]

Has anyone ever used the Iphone for video's? Giezers Salute!

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f332/Superfan52/Geezer.jpg

[joe]

Wow tucker,

You captured me perfectly. Must have been working from a photo.

Now tell us are you doing these illustrations in Photoshop, or what media. That is mouth slobering beautiful.

Joe Crumley
www.normansignco.com (http://www.normansignco.com)

[Brady Watson]

The Flip (http://www.theflip.com/en-us/) is $80

It's made to do exactly what you want...and it doesn't ring.

-B

[joe]

I have a flip I paid about $40 bucks. Mine doesn't post directly to YouTube nor does it have the ability to edit.

Joe Crumley
www.normansignco.com (http://www.normansignco.com)

[Brady Watson]

The one in the link I posted does post directly to FacePlace, Twit-ter and YouTube & yes, it does have software (Free) that will do easy, basic editing. Plus the video quality is better than a...ahem...phone :D

The $40 ain't fully cooked yet...You need the HD version

-B

[phil_o]

The Flip looks pretty cool, however in checking it out I came across this.
http://www.theflip.com/en-us/futureofflip.aspx

[bob_s]

Joe
We just used an Iphone 4 on vacation. The camera quality is quite good and the video is down right impressive. There is an Imovie software App that apple has for the Iphone that is very intuitive. This is basically an editing program only for movies shot on the Iphone or Ipad. The cost is $5. The most important part is the simplicity of the software. It really is easy to use. I have done some editing with mid-range software, and its like learning CNC from the beginning.
The Iphone must be a 4 - the newest one - to have this capability.
Having gone from being a photographer to a lecturing consultant at one point in my career, I totally agree with Jack it's all about the preparation before you start shooting. The wonderful part of digital is the ability to re-shoot, cut and paste, as long as the software isn't a bear to work with.
I am really looking forward to seeing them, this sort of learning oppurtunity is what makes this site great.
Bob

[tuck]

Wow tucker,

You captured me perfectly. Must have been working from a photo.

Now tell us are you doing these illustrations in Photoshop, or what media. That is mouth slobering beautiful.



Haha Joe, I didn't do the illustration. It's an image from the web that I found late last night that I thought might favor you indeed!:D I simply added the dialect in Photoshop.

[bleeth]

Androids do that too and also handle Flash.

[joe]

Dave,

I think an Android is great and a Flip is probably good too. I don't give a hoot about the equipment, I'm only interested in getting the job done.

I don't know how I get myself in these tight spots. It's gotta be, I can't say no to new orders. And the next thing I know there isn't time to do creative things like making a few movie clips or testing out a good idea.

OK, OK, "I'm not taking in any more work. Nada, None, Zip, that's it." Then there's a beautiful french speaking girl on the phone. She's from a movie production company in despirate need of dimensional lettering! And there's plenty more set desing work too. Now, ask yourself, what are you going to do? I had to set a wholesale 23K job back two days not to mention the Grand Opening sign due tomorrow.

100 degrees yesterday. Great working weather for an old codger. It's a good life if you keep learning and growing.

Joe Crumley
www.normansignco.com (http://www.normansignco.com)

[michael_schwartz]

A quick Google search turns up a number of tripod adapters for the i phone.

It would still be wise to get somebody to film you when possible even with a tripod. By capturing different angles, zooming, panning, etc... you can create a more interesting video.
If the lighting conditions inside of your shop are not up to par, try a couple of $10.00 halogen worklights on a stand. The kind that everybody has 5 of but the bulbs are all dead.
You don't need to please any critics here. Decent lighting, Steady use of the camera, and lack of background noise will go a long way.

[joe]

Thanks to everyone for all the good suggestions. Jees, this is will be a fun project.

Yesterday Gary C. gave me a call about using a cheap video camera which has a remote on and off switch. As he suggested that would save editing time. No telling what that entails.

Perhaps Scultp Nouveau or Texturing would be good one to start off. I'm definately open to topic suggestion. Please post your idea's. There's a slow spot in the schedule next week. Let me know what to do!

Joe Crumley
www.normasnsignco.com (http://www.normasnsignco.com)

[bleeth]

How about starting from the beginning Joe:
1. elements of design and font selection.
2. Materials and applications

[tuck]

I vote for Scultp Nouveau or Texturing!

[kevin]

Joe
A lot of your techiques are posted its huge

It think your finishing would work well with video ,Example expoye pour I had no clue you could do that or different colour stain at the same time .In pictures they look a little fuzzie on how to do.But in video would make a huge differnce

Thanks Joe for your time I can't thank you enough

[magic]

I would be happy to see anything you do especially finishing techniques.

[joe]

Thanks everyone for the good suggestions on the first video's. All of them are excellent. I'm trying to get my mind around which would be the easiest to produce. It seems to me a little discussion on Epoxy for background coatings wouldn't be too difficult. Then it would be a natural step to topcoat a few letters in preparation of gilding.

It's obvious this would intail doing close-up's in order to show the detail and I have no idea of how hard that will be. Our good friend Andy B. has volunteered to help on editing and putting it all together. I'll also let him do the final postings.

If you've ever tried to prep HDU for gold letters you know how time consuming and frustrating it can be. We'll cut that frustration down with the video and show how the epoxy will also leave a beautiful domed effect. That alone takes the letter to another level. Hope there will be enough time to gild a couple of letters.

[IMG]http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/jcrumley1/IMG_1863.jpg[/IMG (http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/jcrumley1/IMG_1863.jpg%5B/IMG)]


[IMG]http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/jcrumley1/IMG_1206.jpg[/IMG (http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/jcrumley1/IMG_1206.jpg%5B/IMG)]


[IMG]http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/jcrumley1/Hemingways.jpg[/IMG (http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/jcrumley1/Hemingways.jpg%5B/IMG)]


Ronl, my assistant, and I are finishing up a couple of larger jobs and will have some time to work on the film later on next week. Will keep you posted.

Keep those suggestions coming. They are not wasted. I need all the help I can get.


Joe Crumley
www.normansignco.com (http://www.normansignco.com)

[mario]

Joe, starting from the beginning would be nice: materials, basic techniques, or even small sample projects. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[joewino]

Looking forward to these. You are going to keep your clothes on...right? I would hate to think that these would end up on some porn site.

You know that I do have a professional video camera and all the editing equipment that would make your project very simple. All you need to do is drop me a signed, blank check and I'll be there in a New York minute.

Good luck old man. Try not to drool on camera.

[rej]

joe -
i saw the pic of the colored epoxy with the syringe.
how do you clean it when done?
i bought one and it was about 7.00, so i thought if they can be re-used it would save money.
thanks for all you do.

[bleeth]

Robert:
They must have seen you coming. Typically about a buck and a half a piece unless you go to the "custom woodworker" shops like Rockler. I've even talked Pharmacists into them. Here's one of many links out there:

http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/hca/hcahcar3785.htm

[marysvillesign]

Joe,
There are also a few photo timers available for the Iphone. Set timer for number of shots and continue on with your work as usual. Not a video, but can help get high volume of shots showing process in stills.

[joe]

Woops,

My photo's didn't show up. They are also prosted on http://www.signtalkforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=61

Robert.

The price for the syringes has doubled and they can't be cleaned up. I've been using small dixie cups. They work well with the help of Chop Stix. I'll be showing how that's done as well.

Joe Crumley.
www.normansignco.com (http://www.normansignco.com)

[garyb]

I buy the syringes at Atwoods in the horse supply section, the last lot were about 3.50 for a 6 pack. Use them and dispose of, after all they are in the cost of the job.
Gary

[geneb]

I've used both the original SD and newer HD versions of the Flip for all my videos. You can see them here - http://www.youtube.com/f15sim - just ignore the dork droning on the in the background. He doesn't know what he's doing. :D

g.

[srwtlc]

With the exception of the close up shots for showing details, this would be pretty cool.

Make your mobile camera follow you.....http://www.indiegogo.com/Mobile-Video-Accessory

[joe]

I agree Scott. Not too shure about the cost.

What bike is that in your Icon, a Road King? I want one.

Joe Crumley
www.normansignco.com (http://www.normansignco.com)

[srwtlc]

Joe,

No, it's a '98 Honda Valkyrie 1500 flat 6 with a "shoe horned fit" Harley fairing. ;)