http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Forums » Forum: Production Techniques - Recent Posts en Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:06:25 +0000 http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/depict-book-titles-in-video-legal#post-52460 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:44:53 +0000 HappyCatFilms 52460@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks for the replies, gents. Earl, my research indicates you're correct - a title in itself can't be copyrighted, but a stylized logo or photo representation of that title can be... I'll likely do the shots to blur the books a little. Composite1, you're right that that's probably the simplest path in the long run.</p> <p>Keep shooting!</p> <p>- Rob.</p> <p> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/depict-book-titles-in-video-legal#post-52439 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:45:24 +0000 EarlC 52439@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I haven't researched this recently but at one time it was legally observed that book titles are NOT copyrightable. The cover art, etc. perhaps, and maybe even as far as "trademarking" a custom font used, but not the actual title. This, if it still holds true, should provide for books on shelves in the background of a shot where ONLY the title shows on their spines.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/depict-book-titles-in-video-legal#post-52438 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:14:55 +0000 composite1 52438@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Since you hopefully didn't focus on the books themselves and showcase them, technically you could make a case for 'fair usage'. </p> <p>However, in any case of copyright infringement the burden of proof that you didn't infringe falls directly on you and it's much harder than you think. The safest thing to do is just throw a background mask over the scenes where the books are and blur them enough to where they aren't legible. Much easier than trying to prove you didn't infringe....</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/depict-book-titles-in-video-legal#post-52436 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:56:42 +0000 HappyCatFilms 52436@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>A scene in my current narrative short film takes place in a library, with the book title spines visible and legible. Is this fair use if the books are not the subject of the film but part of the background and location?</p> <p>Thanks in advance,</p> <p>- Rob.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/live-streaming-video#post-52430 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:00:25 +0000 Jazzboymontreal 52430@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>This is how I webcast successfully on a PC : </p> <p>Canon XH A1s (in SD 4;3 mode)<br />PC with Windows 7 Ultimate (64 bit OS) and quad core processor (takes a lot of ressources to webcast)<br />Adobe Flash Media Encoder 3.0 (free download)<br />Adobe Flash Player - latest version (free download)<br />Ustream.tv account and creation of webcasting event (with the provided embedded code you rebroadcast live on any url)</p> <p>Of course you need a good wifi or wire internet connection with a min of 300kbps upload</p> <p>I don't know how to add graphics using Ustream.tv but a quick search should help you</p> <p>The workflow is a bit tricky but I can give more info if interested...</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/roving-camera#post-52427 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:50:45 +0000 Derek_Sine 52427@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Check out <a href="http://www.glidecam.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.glidecam.com/</a></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/roving-camera#post-52420 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:27:13 +0000 Eventvideoguy 52420@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I sometimes use this effect. I leave the camera on the tripod and use it to give me a shot that looks like it is on a jib crane.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/roving-camera#post-52412 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:03:02 +0000 newberry94005 52412@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Might be too late for this one but....</p> <p>A steadycam is most likely the answer.  I work for a fortune 500 company with a minimal budget(how does that work) and I had to create my own steadycam. </p> <p>A quick google search for $14 steadycam may just be your answer.  I use it and can say it really works and it well worth the $14!!!</p> <p>Here is the link just in case you dont want to search google.....    <a href="http://steadycam.org/" rel="nofollow">http://steadycam.org/</a></p> <p>Good luck!</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-should-i-shoot-monologues-standup-pieces#post-52411 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:52:38 +0000 newberry94005 52411@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I agree with EarlC and Grinner....</p> <p>I like the shoot it twice with one camera approach. Try setting the camera off to one side while still looking ahead.  Use this angle to cut away from the front view.  This will create the illusion of a second camera. Even more, if you want, dont look at the camera when it is at the second angle.  This will create a little ease for the audience (they are not being looked at the whole time). And feel free to add some flair to the second angle(if your not looking directly into it).  Add some tone or go Black and White with that angle.  It changes it up but keeps it from being too distracting.</p> <p>This is a common approach to a project of this sort.  It has not been overdone yet, so I say go for it.</p> <p>Add in some "cutaways" like showing something that pertains to what you are talking about or some extreme close-ups of your hands or feet(during an action-putting in pocket, expressing).  These cut aways can be shot at any time and depending on your original angle you may not need to worry about continuity. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/live-webcastingkinda-new-to-this#post-52407 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:45:04 +0000 EarlC 52407@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>You COULD throw money at NetTek's Tri-caster. If I had it to spare I'd have one in my backpack and use it until it fell apart literally.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/live-webcastingkinda-new-to-this#post-52390 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:26:38 +0000 addison 52390@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> </p> <p>Hi,</p> <p>If you want to get into live webcasting then the services provided at<br /> TalkPointCommunications.com will help you out. The programs offered here are<br /> extremely user-friendly and also don't require any special software<br /> downloads.</p> <p> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/shooting-daylight-car-interior#post-52355 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:27:54 +0000 grinner 52355@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> waiting?</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/organizing-video-clips#post-52352 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:18:58 +0000 grinner 52352@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> In each project, I have a bin for sequences, one for talking head, one for b-roll (or multiple bins per location, sunject, ect.) a bin for graphics and a bin for audio. I sometimes have a seperate bin for saved effects and such. t depends ont he project. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/shooting-a-live-theater-performance#post-52338 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:51:23 +0000 composite1 52338@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Gerald,</p> <p>You get around the 'lack of control' by shooting as many dress rehearsals as you can. You also use dress rehearsals to get those close-ups your clients desire because camera set-ups are infinitely easier without the audience present. If you notice, in Ian's piece there are slight variations in exposure between the main shot and the different cut shots. Since live performances aren't exactly the same each time there will be differences in performance, where the light hits the talent and a host of other stuff. So it'll never be perfect, but you can narrow down those variables considerably by shooting the dress rehearsals. It's more work, but it justifies itself when it comes time to get busy in the editing bay.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/organizing-video-clips#post-52333 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:17:25 +0000 birdcat 52333@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Sony Vegas has a facility to do this built in - Don't know if any of the other NLE's do.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/shooting-a-live-theater-performance#post-52328 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:01:32 +0000 geraldprost 52328@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>The videographer has nailed the exposure and composition. You normally can't control it as well as it is controlled here. I shoot a lot of live theatre. I think this is excellent but most of my clients require more close ups. Gerry in Calgary</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/organizing-video-clips#post-52321 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:05:54 +0000 SargeHero 52321@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Ellesgaard:</p> <p>To organize your videos/files/clips you need to categorize folders. Using folders by date is not the best of ideas,<br /> unless the day is relevant to the content of your videos. In my case (for the weather forecasts) I make a folder with the date of the forecast (12 November), inside of it I make sub-folders by categories (weather maps, the forecast, anchors clips, etc. Each sub-folder with its own footage and graphics) All of this is inside another folder, the month (November). All of them are inside a "Master Folder" by the name of the weather channel name "Juracan TV".  It seems confusing, but its quite simple:</p> <ol> <li>Juracan TV (Master Folder)</li> </ol> <ul> <li>November (Folder) <ul> <li>10 November (Sub-Folder) <ul> <li>Weather Maps (Sub-Folder) <ol> <li>United States Radar</li> <li>Atlantic Satellite</li> </ol> </li> <li>Anchor Footage (Sub-Folder)</li> </ul> <ul> <li>  <ol> <li>Take 1</li> <li>Take 2</li> </ol> </li> <li>Forecast (Sub-Folder) <ol> <li>USA Video Clip</li> <li>Atlantic Video Clip</li> <li>Puerto Rico Video Clip</li> </ol> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>I told you that categorizing by date is not a good idea because you will have so many folder of dates and you will rather not remember what was on it. The trick to categorized folders is naming them with something you can remember easily. For example for a short film that is name "Events" you make a master folder name "Events", you keep making sub-folders inside (Footage Sub-Folder, Special Effects Sub-Folder, Music Sub-Folder, etc) and put the clips in their corresponding sub-folders. Put the master folder in My Documents and if the folder is really important put color labels to them. Also, keep your desktop as much clean as possible. I only put files and folders in the desktop for projects that I'm currently editing. After finishing the project I move the files to my documents and clean the desktop for the next projects. </p> <p> I haven't found a software to organize my clips. I think I don't need it but, it will be interesting to see the features.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/organizing-video-clips#post-52315 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:24:32 +0000 ellesgaard 52315@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi all!</p> <p>I'm sorry for my english, I'm from a little country called Denmark . I hope your understand my question.</p> <p>How do you organize your clips?</p> <p>I have my clips on harddrives, in folders by date. But I have trouble finding things now, after my library have grown a lot.</p> <p>What do you do?</p> <p>I have tried to find some software like FC SERVER, but I can't find some, anyone knows a good piece software (client/server)?</p> <p> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/shooting-daylight-car-interior#post-52311 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:24:49 +0000 XTR-91 52311@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>From what I've heard about LEDs, I'm certainly waiting for them to hit the market. Battery-powered, or even a camera mounted LED light will work with a creative setup of diffusion material.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/shooting-daylight-car-interior#post-52288 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:58:30 +0000 composite1 52288@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Andrew,</p> <p>Battery powered LED's or Handheld Florescent lamps are your best bet. Just make sure they are balanced for daylight. You can get battery powered handheld flourescent lamps at your local hardware store, Home Depot, Lowe's or Wal-Mart in the lighting department for really cheap. Make sure when you buy bulbs for them (which you will have to do) that they are marked 'Daylight'. These will have a harsh white-blue light and are completely distinguishable from regular yellow-reddish tungsten (indoor) lights.</p> <p>If you don't buy dedicated led lights like Litepanels or similar products, you can get away with LED flashlights if they have that harsh white-blue light I mentioned. Whatever you get, you'll also need some diffusion material to tone down and spread out the lights to make a more natural look inside the vehicle.</p> <p>Grinner's also right about leaving the 'Generator home'. If you're shooting out in the field, those battery powered lights in sufficient number will get your through your shoot (just make sure you get enough AA's!) If you're going to go through all of the trouble to put an Omni inside the car, you might as well do the shoot indoors and put up a greenscreen background and use available AC power.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/shooting-daylight-car-interior#post-52287 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:39:17 +0000 grinner 52287@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> battery-powered LEDS are yer buddy, man. Leave the generator at home.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/shooting-daylight-car-interior#post-52286 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:11:50 +0000 andrewzpi 52286@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello; i'm shooting a car interior, front two seats with two subjects during the day and wanted to know what kind of light would suffice.  Obviously, there's the sun but this isn't enough as it constantly moves throughout the day and of course, the car interior provides a lot of shadows.  </p> <p>As we're going to be out in the field would certain battery powered LED's or flourescents be powerful enough during the day to add some consistent illumination to the face?  </p> <p>Also, I was thinking of purchasing the Black and Decker Electromate 400 amp for power...  would this be enough power to (if I had to) use one lowel light (preferably the Omni Light, 120v / 500 watts)?</p> <p>thanks for your time!</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/making-a-motion-graphic-with-little-elelements#post-52285 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:00:05 +0000 ProJuiceTV 52285@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I recently edited a TV special on the Australian National Junior<br /> Motocross Competition. In the program they interviewed the current<br /> world champion in the 85cc class. While were promised a series of<br /> photos showing him with his winning bike and trophy… they never arrived.</p> <p> So at the eleventh hour I had to quickly make a graphic to end the<br /> segment with him. With only about 45 minutes to make something from<br /> scratch this is a tutorial showing what i came up with…</p> <p><a href="http://www.projuice.org/TitleDesign.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.projuice.org/TitleDesign.html</a></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/shooting-a-live-theater-performance#post-52284 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:48:48 +0000 composite1 52284@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Not long ago a member was looking for info on how to shoot a live theatrical performance. He got some really good advice, but sometimes it's just better to 'see' how something should look than to just read about it.</p> <p>Here's a video by Ian Lucero discussing how he shot a live dance performance. He gives some good tips on what to do to round out your shot list so you'll have plenty to work with during post.</p> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/414391">Shooting Live Theater (music, dance, etc.)</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/ianlucero">Ian Lucero</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/pal-and-ntsc-recording-simultaneously-and-converting#post-52283 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:02:10 +0000 akashnegi 52283@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>thanks XTR-91 for the link and I agree with that 24p is old here.. but i am required to do so by the shoot choreographer.. and the place of shoot is a mountainous area in BHUTAN where even taking a 2 wheeler is a struggle but somehow the eqipment has been dispatched and now only we have to get there and begin..</p> <p> </p> <p>The TVs in BHUTAN get PAL signal and are primitive 1950s TVs as compared to USA. still well under 17". So as you said, the TVs should convert automatically, I don't think that would  be possible given the technology.  And one more thing..</p> <p> </p> <p>If I shoot at anything and rely on automatic conversion  then wouldn't the video be faster or slower than usual?? </p> <p>so basically I will have to shoot @24fps 1080p and then use the original footage here.  but also release it there in BHUTAN. The main priority is USA so i will shoot in HD (BHUATN doesn't have HD). then convert or do something to make it PAL TV compatible.</p> <p>What can I do to achieve the expected results?</p> <p>thanks! </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/pal-and-ntsc-recording-simultaneously-and-converting#post-52275 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:21:27 +0000 XTR-91 52275@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>PAL and NTSC are simple standards for video frame rates. NTSC shoots the standard 30 fps frame rate, while PAL is 25 fps. Most United States and European TV sets will most likely convert your video to a compatible frame rate before displaying.</p> <p> </p> <p>Shooting 24p is better thought of as a down conversion from the standard rates of 30 and 60 frames that camcorders can record in. 24p can be thought of as achieving a special motion affect (e.g. imitating an old time scene), but does not "enrich" the quality to make video look like film. Film has many advantage, such as light sensativity and shallow depths of field. People often get the idea that shooting 24p advances video toward looking like film. Film has its advantages, but proves its worth by the least amount in terms of frame rate. I'd take a look at this article first. My advice is not to shoot at 24 frames unless it's an essential rate that's demanded by your boss.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://videomaker.com/community/blogs/videonews/2008/10/4083-opinion-24p-must-die/comment-page-1/">http://videomaker.com/community/blogs/videonews/2008/10/4083-opinion-24p-must-die/comment-page-1/</a></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/transferring-analog-8mm-to-digital#post-52274 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:18:51 +0000 Kemper 52274@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I should note though that my footage looked fine on the original and on the timeline. But once I exported to DVD it developed the shaking. Reversing the Field Dominance didn't effect the timeline but did improve the footage on the exported DVD.</p> <p>Cole</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/transferring-analog-8mm-to-digital#post-52273 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:17:09 +0000 Kemper 52273@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I don't think that Windows Movie Maker has the function but you might need to reverse the fields by selecting "Lower Field First". I don't know how much the videos mean to you to convert properly but you may want to look into some consumer level editing software like Adobe Premiere Elements. It is around $100 and gives you more options (including the field dominance preference) I had the same problem converting and this helped me some.</p> <p> </p> <p>Cole</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/video-of-cooking-demo#post-52264 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:34:45 +0000 Kemper 52264@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Depending on the layout maybe a 12' Jib Arm. If you are in a studio with enough room above the cooking area you can go off axis to stay out of the way. Then just zoom in. If you are off to one side make sure you set up cooking ingreeients, utensils, etc to not block the view. I have worked on a cooking show and for the first season they had an HVX mounted with a clamp just off to one side looking down over the cooking area similar to the one DOn suggested. It doesn't need to be right above just plan out the cooks moves accordingly. And make sure if you use the clamp to use a safety tether like a chain or something similar.Unless CCD's are in the ingredients!</p> <p> </p> <p>Cole</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/pal-and-ntsc-recording-simultaneously-and-converting#post-52263 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:02:40 +0000 akashnegi 52263@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>hi guys, I am a beginner in video. I had a question about PAL and NTSC formats..    I have a project that i will shoot in a region where PAL is used. However, I will need to bring the footage back home and then release it in USA in NTSC format. I will be doing 1080p 24p Native for "cine look".. </p> <p>Will I need to convert anything?? I believe NO, because I will be recording in 24fps, and that is different from PAL and NTSC. so it should not matter. However, I could be wrong and I have not considered anything except the fps.</p> <p> </p> <p>Please let me know how to resolve the issue, if it is actually an issue..  </p> <p>THANKS!</p>