15:44 Sunday, February 1
I've come to the conclusion that many of my fellow amateur film-makers make unworthy videos because they lack some essential qualities in filmmaking. Let me count the ways.
- First and foremost, the storyline has to be coherent. I've seen too many videos where nobody knew what was going on. I was able to tell from people asking, "What's going on?" or "What's happening?" and other similar questions. If the audience doesn't know why things are occurring in your video, it's a failure. Of course, there are always exceptions. Some videos can get by with a random series of funny scenes. These videos don't particularly need plots, but, depending on the particular assignment [I assume these are for school projects], the video may require one. Gov videos, for example, don't necessarily need plots. But I find videos with plots more tasteful.
- The viewers need to stay interested. If you're going to make this happen, you can't have the camera in one spot for minutes at a time. If the audience can predict what the scene will look like thirty, maybe even ten seconds later, it's going to be ghastly. Multiple camera angles are a must! A must!! This is said assuming that editing is involved. If you're using a VCR to edit, then it'd be a hassle to have the screen go blank a million times.
- This little point isn't as necessary as the first two, but I think it's helpful. And since I used "I think," I think I'll make this point just of my opinion. Close-up shots. I know lots of people don't like close-ups, but the camera should get at least relatively close. It doesn't have to be to the point where a face fills the entire screen, but if it's any wider than torso and up, I would get closer. That's for people shots. For nonpeople shots, don't even think about a wide angle unless what you're shooting is substantially big. [And even then, I'd still use caution] Of course, the occasional wide shot is always needed. And also, people should not overuse the zoom! I would only use it when necessary or for minor adjustment. The best way to zoom is to get the camera closer.
That's all for now. I know I'm no expert, but if most of our videos have been receiving a generally good response, we must be doing something right. I guess the one general guideline I would go with is to watch professional movies and look at the different techniques they do. Of course, there are limitations, such as budget, technology, props, etc. but the more general stuff should be applicable. If you want to be innovative, though, you should go for whatever seems right.
As for yesterday: Cold and hot. Whalewatching was a blast. And, by blast, I mean explosively uneventful [for the most part]. Whales were off at a distance. No one saw anything great. People began to feel sick. The boat went around in circles. But it was only two hours. No big deal. We found ways to pass the time. "Would you rather be able to fly or explode?" Clam chowder was slightly disappointing because of unknown crunchy substances that go "crack!" in your mouth when you chew. The aquarium was quite beautiful. When I become rich, I want an aquarium room. The bus trips to and back were enjoyable. All an all, an unforgettable day. "So it's better to have no legs!" To Emily's for pictures.
No one knows what it's like.
