In Box: Readers' letters (page 2)

Finding Good Videos on YouTube

Matt York's recent Viewfinder columns talk about his desire to see online movies that have a good story. One terrific movie is George Lucas in Love (http://youtube.com/watch?v=STRja-ABexU). While it is primarily a Star Wars fan film, and you may need to have at least watched the films for a greater appreciation, I think it is terrific. I just have to say that it is expertly done, and it was obviously not a small, quickly made project.

Now a question: Most of your articles that offer assistance with filming events are very much focused on preparation. Now, that's all well and good, if you have time for it. I don't know about everybody out there, but I cannot be the only one out there to have had this happen to me:

I am relaxing during a perfect summer afternoon, watching a good movie. It's around 4:00 PM when the phone rings:
"Hello. Is this Luke?"
"Yes"
"Good. I'm so-and-so, and I hear/know that you film things for other people, right?"
"Yes, that's correct. Do you have need of my services?"
"Ahh...yeees, I do, that's what I was calling about."
"OK, I'll need to ask you some questions about the event, but first I need to start recording this conversation so that I'll be able to remember everything. Is that okay?"
"Yes."
"Okay: What is the event?"
"A [Insert Event]."
"When is it?"
"In two hours."
"................................."

Could you help us out? What are your tips for the rushful surveillance of the building? How do you go about payment, and the asking of other particulars for the DVD? Usually you cannot do it before the event, because he/she that wants the DVD is the head organizer of the event, and they are as busy as a beaver. How do you go about discussing with them what they want on their video after the event has taken place? An article on this would be extremely helpful.
Luke Letellier
via email

Use the Force, Luke. Follow your feelings. (Sorry, just had to throw that in!) Actually, the answer, Luke, is be prepared. If you take on spur-of-the-moment clients, then always have your gear at the ready: batteries charged, lens cleaned, lights working and everything neatly packed and ready to go.

Besides having your gear ready to run, you might think about creating a pre-made contract that states price differences for such an event, with blank spaces to hand-write notes in the Who, What, When, Where style while you're on the phone or when you arrive. Have them sign it and agree to trust you to capture the best of the moment.

You might also advise them that acceptance of the assignment is contigent on you checking out the venue upon arrival, in case you might not own the proper lighting, for instance, for a dark concert hall.

Above all, know when to say no, that there's no time to prepare or that you can't do it due to time constraints, prior commitments or funding. That's the hardest part for most video producers to be able to do!

Look for helpful articles coming up this year on Time Management and Production Planning on a Budget.­
- The Editors

Videomaker Saved my Bacon

I am a new subscriber to Videomaker. My first issue (November 2007) has saved me. (ed. note: Articles included Marketing and Distributing Your Video, by Mark Bosko and The Reel Deal, by Morgan Paar) I had just prepared a DVD containing all the best videos I have made at all studios and production companies in order to find work. But thanks to your issue, I realized how great of a mistake I would have made. Thank you so much for teaching me something very important. Now I feel even more hopeful.
Oscar
via email

Correction

Our special winter Videomaker Video Gear issue that came out in mid-September inadvertantly swapped the names of two products with their photos. In the Unsung Heroes Camcorder Support System Buyer's Guide, we identifed the photo of Tiffen's Steadicam Merlin as Jony Jib's Jonyjib2, and the Jonnyjib 2 as the Merlin. We apoligize to both companies for the error.
- The Editors

Correction

The December 2007 issue's review of Tiffen Dfx inadvertently contained the same information for the system requirements for both Windows and Mac OS in the Tech Specs. You can find the corrected stats on our Web site.

We also pasted information from a different review into this review in error, under the weaknesses section, "Range may be exaggerated" has nothing to do with this review. We apologize to Tiffen for the misinformation and inconvenience that may have occurred.
- The Editors