tips for my first corp video going nationwide?

wwjd wrote on 8/8/2014, 7:57 PM
making a 20 minute "installation guide" video at my job that will be used across the USA.
never done this kinda of video before... ANY tips from you pro guys to make it the best it can be?

- the audio is great, but it was un scripted and winged by the installer, so I am cutting the dead spots with simple quick crossfades

- it was mostly lit decent with 2 large LEDs

- I filmed and added extra close up shots to mix it up a bit

- watched a bunch of similar youtubes, most were pretty bad basic camcorder deals

- added subdued rotating background, and slow moving logos up front and some basic bed music at transitions

ANY input on this sort of thing? Tips, tricks, things you learned in the field?
corp video is not my thing at all, but it is sort of fun editing video on the clock :D

Comments

Byron K wrote on 8/8/2014, 9:41 PM
Sounds like a fun project.

Corporate assimilation videos I've had to watch were all just straight J or L cuts no transitions. Nothing fancy except for maybe the intro and out-tro.

musicvid10 wrote on 8/8/2014, 10:47 PM
One tip: add a little more audio compression than you normally would for "cinematic" use.
wwjd wrote on 8/9/2014, 12:03 AM
I had to look up what J & L cuts were. :D Seems I am already doing that, so that is good.

Compression: good one! I have this crazy good fix-all audio tool that is just the best. Makes everything sound great, super simple to use. I know how to manipulate audio, but when something can save me time and get there, I'm all in.
http://www.vst4free.com/free_vst.php?id=548
(sorry, windows only)

Compression is usually lacking in most amateur videos... but many times I'll over do it. :) But it sounds good.
ushere wrote on 8/9/2014, 12:05 AM
trainers - KISS

make sure any text is LEGIBLE, and on for long enough for the slowest reader to read. i usually do a slow read twice...

fx are really not necessary, what is is clear story telling, both in vision and script.

if there's vo, make sure it's clear and well enunciated.

good luck
wwjd wrote on 8/9/2014, 9:25 AM
yes, doing the read twice thing - learned that from you guys on here. :)
Thanks for the input, it is MUCH appreciated!
musicvid10 wrote on 8/9/2014, 10:28 AM
I tried that plugin on some good raw audio.
The presets add a lot of echo and the limiting is too harsh for my material.
And we already have custom limiting, compression, stereo phase shift in Vegas and Forge.

Maybe for dry speech like your voiceovers it would work.

wwjd wrote on 8/9/2014, 6:00 PM
yeah, it's definitly not PRO, but it fills a niche for quick fix ups.

confused about the "Echo" you mention since that is not one of its abilities... do you supposed that is caused by the "DENSITY" setting? Where it tries to beef things up?
I never heard echo out of it
winrockpost wrote on 8/9/2014, 6:24 PM
Just make sure we can install after watching the video....that's number one....close ups of each step involved instead of just telling us, that's huge also... and no crazy effects to jazz it up good clear audio ,steady, clear camera, and the viewer can install after watching. my opinion
good luck!!.