First attempt at editing

[Nightfire]

Put together a short video montage for a short presentation in our church.

Theyre shots from a recent trip to Cuba to visit different churches and meet with leaders of the churches.

Any comments, criticisms welcome.

[ame="http://vimeo.com/3412901"]Churches in Cuba 2009 on Vimeo[/ame]


Mike

[scotthampton]

Hey Mike.
You've captured some nice footage there. Crisp shots, nice movement, nice color, nice variety.

Is Cuba always so colorful? I love the architecture!

Now, did you stretch the footage horizontally? Looks like it was, instead of having the top and bottom cropped off...

[voodeux]

Not bad for a first time edit. I've got a few issues with the shot lengths (they can all be shorter), and the use of natural sound (there should be more of it), plus the stretching issue that was mentioned. If you take the entire piece down to 2 minutes, it would be twice as enjoyable. Always remember that your audience has a SHORTER attention span than the filmmaker. We think all of our shots are precious.
As for camerawork, good overall (watch for white-balance changes, or fix them in post), stay on tripod/monopod when possible (unless you are experienced with steady-shooting), get a variety of coverage in each shot. Perhaps start on a wide, go medium and tight (holding each shot long enough so that you can cut away in post). Better yet, forget about the zoom lens and GET IN CLOSE. As you saw with the last shot, there is MUCH more energy when the camera is noticed (or played to).
Cheers!

[Nightfire]

Scott,

thanks for the comment. Yeah Cuba is always that colourfull. Its the paradox of old dilapitated buildings painted over brightly, old cars held together with nothing but chicken wire and tape but sporting a colourfull paintjob. Seems like the only shimmer of hope in a country that is failing to meet it's citizens needs in every possible way.

Voodeux,

thanks for the advice. To be honest I have no clue how to properly adjust white balance or what to watch out for. Subsequently, I also have no clue of how to fix in post. This was my first real attempt at both shooting video and editing (except a home movie for my brother for Christmas shot in auto mode) and I clearly have lots to learn. Thanks for the critical view, I appreciate it.



Mike