Thanks. You're correct about the lighting. I'll try to do it more like a key + fill next time.

When you said any number of tutorials about, were you referring to correcting white point problem in Vegas? Or just how to light it better next time?

General lighting.

OK. Thanks!

Makeup?

You see, video clipping is just the same as audio clipping. In audio production, one must maintain <0.0dBFS in order to prevent clipping and distortion, as you already know.. In video delivery, one must maintain legal [16,235] levels in order to prevent clipping and destruction of chroma and luminance. It's that simple.

On the left is the clipped video you uploaded. On the right is corrected REC 709 (16-235). One would use the histogram and Levels FX to adjust, just as you would adjust audio gain. Do the flesh tones and levels on the right look different to you?

Also, in addition to maintaining best practices for lighting and production white point, your shooting and lighting angles are almost uncomfortably low, and I would do away with the scuba mouthpiece, relying instead on an unobtrusive overhead or lav mic. Is your lens also a bit smeared?

You said "On the left is the clipped video you uploaded. On the right is corrected REC 709 (16-235). One would use the histogram and Levels FX to adjust, just as you would adjust audio gain. Do the flesh tones and levels on the right look different to you?" Was there supposed to be a link somewhere? I see a blank space in your comment. Is it supposed to be in there?

You will know when the upload is successful. Patience please.

MusicVid has covered the challenging lighting design. I’ll concentrate on the following.

1) Get rid of all the different Transitions. Nothing shouts Amateur and unsure than multiple Trannies. Get rid. Read Walter Murch’s slim Book, “In the Blink of an Eye”.

2) Apart from “Scuba-Mic”, there’s an obtrusive object emanating from/out of the top of your head. And what are those Side Bars?

3) Your Lower Thirds need controlling and definitely need redesigning.

My comments may appear harsh, but I respect you coming here and showing us what you’ve done, KUDOS! I have other comments, but I’ll leave the stage.....

Peace and Love - G

Video above is now live. Please watch carefully.

Thanks! I usually do use a pencil mic out of the frame. But my new interface does not seem capable of enough gain for it to pick up enough signal from my voice. Since I just needed a quick video, I just put the mic up. I have acoustic foam on the walls, so the "sidebars" were just where the wall is visible on the sides of those. I think that was just my hair. What was it you meant by the "lower thirds needing redesigning?" Thanks again.

You see, video clipping is just the same as audio clipping. In audio production, one must maintain <0.0dBFS in order to prevent clipping and distortion, as you already know.. In video delivery, one must maintain legal [16,235] levels in order to prevent clipping and destruction of chroma and luminance. It's that simple.

On the left is the clipped video you uploaded. On the right is corrected REC 709 (16-235). One would use the histogram and Levels FX to adjust, just as you would adjust audio gain. Do the flesh tones and levels on the right look different to you?

Also, in addition to maintaining best practices for lighting and production white point, your shooting and lighting angles are almost uncomfortably low, and I would do away with the scuba mouthpiece, relying instead on an unobtrusive overhead or lav mic. Is your lens also a bit smeared?

Thanks for this! So can you clarify what "REC 709 (16-235)" means? Sorry to be thick.

Thanks for this! So can you clarify what "REC 709 (16-235)" means? 

Your video levels should be legally maintained between 16 and 235. They are VIDEO INDEX POINTS, just like Audio Decibels. REC709, also called YUV is just the name of the "Video Standard" you will use for delivery. Practice and Study.

https://www.vegascreativesoftware.info/us/forum/pc-to-tv-levels-a-comedy-of-errors--107325/

Thanks! I usually do use a pencil mic out of the frame. But my new interface does not seem capable of enough gain for it to pick up enough signal from my voice.

@Ken-Theriot - Sure. There’s plenty of affordable PreAmps out there.

Since I just needed a quick video, I just put the mic up.

@Ken-Theriot - Been there. Done that - now get the kit.

I have acoustic foam on the walls, so the "sidebars" were just where the wall is visible on the sides of those.

@Ken-Theriot - Make a plan! It does look naff 😏

I think that was just my hair.

@Ken-Theriot - Well, it’s not moving when you move your head about.

What was it you meant by the "lower thirds needing redesigning?"

@Ken-Theriot - Look up, Google Lower Thirds, they’re the SubTitles. Presently yours are appearing over-dominating to your visuals. Watch your video with the Audio turned off. It’s a trick I’ve learnt too.

Again, KUDOS for coming here and sharing. I’ve learnt that preProduction and preMonitoring are more important than pressing the Red Button. Monitoring visuals and audio had become my focus and obsession. Here, re-read anything hereabouts by MusicVid and you will learn loads - I have. Also do read his signature.

Thanks so much guys! I'm gonna use all this for my next video - or possibly re-do this one - and post the result and see if I've taken in my lessons :-).

@Ken-Theriot - You’re welcome. Great to have new creative input on this Forum, the commonality is VegasPro and a passion to do better.

Here, re-read anything hereabouts by MusicVid and you will learn loads - I have. Also do read his signature.

And with all that experience, I am arguably still the worst videographer on this forum. Some things just can't be taught.