Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: advice

Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: advice - Recent Topics http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: advice - Recent Topics en Fri, 17 Feb 2012 03:19:15 +0000 composite1 on "Amateur to Amateur Advice...." http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/amateur-to-amateur-advice#post-63964 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 22:14:10 +0000 composite1 63964@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ As one of the many Pro and Intermediate Gurus here in the forums, I've given tons of tips and advice to tons of Amateur and newbie videomakers. It's always cool to find an Amateur or Intermediate who has the chops to put out good info that even we pro's can find useful. Here's a vid by Dave Dugdale on 'How to Greenscreen with Adobe Premiere CS5'. <a href="http://vimeo.com/16953620">How to Key Green Screen DSLR Footage in Premiere Pro CS5</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/dugdale">Dave Dugdale</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. C.D.P on "Requesting Feedback" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/requesting-feedback#post-74087 Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:47:40 +0000 C.D.P 74087@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hi, if you could take a moment to check out our work and offer some advice, I'd be very grateful. We're beyond beginner, but have taken a real interest into making videos. So any pointers, advice good or bad, would be great. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/cavedemonproductions">http://www.facebook.com/cavedemonproductions</a> Thank you and all the best Cave Demon Productions. Robin on "DSLR vs. Prosumer Camcorder?" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dslr-vs-prosumer-camcorder-1#post-72368 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:25:16 +0000 Robin 72368@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hello, I am a student filmmaker and I am about to purchase a new camera. I am debating between a DLSR (something like the Canon 7d) or a prosumer camcorder (like the Canon XA10.) My budget is around $2,000 or so. I already have a digital camera (the Nikon d80, which is decent) so I am leaning towards a camcorder. I feel that since if I am trying to be a filmmaker and not a photographer a DSLR is not the right direction to go. However, a lot of my friends have and recommend them because they are versatile (in terms of lenses and whatnot.) Any comments or advice? Is there another brand that I should consider? Do you have any other recommendations for cameras? (Just a note as far as my post production goes-- I edit on final cut pro 6 and have a 1 TB external hard drive.) milkyc on "Interview Lighting, Softbox & Reflector Advice Needed" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/interview-lighting-softbox-reflector-advice-needed#post-63683 Tue, 23 Nov 2010 05:03:33 +0000 milkyc 63683@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hi, I will be filming some interviews this weekend which are personal recollections from the past. Please could someone advise me the best way to light my subjects to create a less-corporate look and to create something more warmer without losing too much loss of light to help maintain video quality. ~~~~~~~~~~ The equipment I have: CANON XM2/GL2 CAMERA 2 X 40cmX60cm SOFTBOXES WITH (2x 125w 5400k ra>90 daylight bulbs) 1 X SILVER/GOLD REFLECTOR KIT REFLECTOR + STAND DYNASUN RE2018 SILVER/GOLD 70x110 on eBay (end time 18-Dec-10 15:27:47 GMT) 1 X SMALL PAR SPOT ~~~~~~~~~~ Any advice/techniques are more then welcome. This will be filmed within a hotel's meeting room which I'm guessing (but not yet checked) will be quite clean/white/brightly lit before my lighting is added/replaced. Many thanks in advance Mike sevieman on "Need help choosing a camcorder" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-help-choosing-a-camcorder#post-63025 Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:14:08 +0000 sevieman 63025@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I am totally new to camcorders. I administrate a group called Guitar League <a href="http://guitarleague.com/">http://guitarleague.com/</a> I want to buy a camcorder to accomplish the following: 1. We have performances and presentations on guitar related issues. I want to be able to video them. They run about an hour. 2. I want to be able to edit and upload to YouTube. 3. I want to be able to video my own rehearsals to use as a practice tool. 4. I want the unit to have the capability to record external audio, either from a mic, or from a direct feed from a mixing board. I have researched a lot of info on the subject but it is like reinventing the wheel for me and the more I read, the more confused I get. I am looking for someone in the know to tell me basically what camcorder to buy, and what editing program to download. My budget will be in the $500 to $1000 range, though price is certainly an issue. In other words, I need to get a camcorder to meet my needs, but at the lowest price possible. Thanks, Sevieman joelcp on "Need advice on promoting my video services" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-advice-on-promoting-my-video-services#post-60175 Fri, 09 Jul 2010 09:02:03 +0000 joelcp 60175@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hello, I’m looking for advice on the best way to write up a general proposal for potential clients, essentially making "cold calls". I recently moved to a small town from a large city where I had 6 years of consistent work in video editing. Now I have all my own gear to do full-scale HD productions, but I am wondering the best way to get clients. I’m considering typing up a one page description of the company and services and just going around to local business with it. What information should I put on the proposal? Does anyone have experience doing this type of advertising? Anyone have experience especially in approaching lawyers to produce their ads? Thanks in advance for any advice. Robertr on "What is best computer for Adobe Creative Suite 5 Production Premium" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-is-best-computer-for-adobe-creative-suite-5-production-premium#post-59136 Thu, 27 May 2010 19:13:25 +0000 Robertr 59136@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I've decided to bite the bullet and buy Adobe Creative Suite 5 Production Premium. What do you think is the best computer and/or computer configuration for this software? The computer will be largely dedicated to video production work. speedyg41 on "How to fog a pond" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-fog-a-pond#post-58767 Wed, 19 May 2010 16:31:01 +0000 speedyg41 58767@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ How would one go about putting a low mist over a section of a pond? I have shot where someone walks backward into a pond and we will reverse it in post so it looks the guy walks out dry. I would like to cover my ankles or a little higher in mist or fog. Thanks composite1 on "Editing: Advice" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/editing-advice#post-56688 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 08:18:19 +0000 composite1 56688@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ There are constant questions on the forums about editing but most are strictly about technical aspects concerning a particular software. Rarely do I see questions about the 'process of editing' , 'how one tells a story' or 'how editing really works?' These are pretty important questions to know and without them in your answer bag just makes learning to edit on your own that much more difficult. To give forth some answers to those questions and many others, here is a segment from the "Editor's Lounge" with some of today's top flight editors from the Hollywood, Television and Corporate Video production communities. <a href="http://www.studiodaily.com/main/videosplash/#ooid=M5amZpOhWXB4_Fi8Q0vFRiN7Aox1DZ5G">http://www.studiodaily.com/main/videosplash/#ooid=M5amZpOhWXB4_Fi8Q0vFRiN7Aox1DZ5G</a> chip on "teleprompter suggestions" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/teleprompter-suggestions#post-54976 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:32:00 +0000 chip 54976@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I am looking for advice on a good teleprompter to use with a Panasonic 100A or 200A video camera. This if only for occasional use in a corporate setting so I don't want to sink a ton of money into something. I am hoping to get by for less than $2,000. Any suggestions? Prurealtyaz on "I need advice for starter equipment and software" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/i-need-advice-for-starter-equipment-and-software#post-54945 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:18:56 +0000 Prurealtyaz 54945@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hello and thank you in advance for the help. I am getting prepared for my video campagne for my business, and some personal interest, I need to shoot green screen, primarily for updates promotions and interviews, and flash. My question is do you have any equipment recomendations? ikow I need: 1) green screen, lighting, camera, mic, software. it is all so overwhelming when you are new to this, and trying to decide. I especially need help in choosing a camera, I have a budget of about $700 and may be able to squeez out $900. rtimusic on "Aspiring videographer seeking advice" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/aspiring-videographer-seeking-advice#post-34375 Mon, 31 Dec 2007 08:25:50 +0000 rtimusic 34375@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Â I'm an aspiring videographer who hopes to penetrate the market of video coverage (audio visual presentations, music videos, & wedding coverages).Â I've been reading and researching a lot and I'm finally about to buy a Panasonic agvhx200.Â I'd like to ask for help on what kind of secondary videocam (something that's below $1500) I can get so my video quality doesn't differ too much from the agvhx200.Â I plan to use the secondary camera as an unmanned camera for my wide shots. Â Also, what kind of mics (I was thinking of a lapel mic & a boom mic -- what's a good affordable brand) & lights should I get initially? What kind of accessories should I have for a start?Â Thanks. rolando99 on "Format to sell HD footage with fx1000" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/format-to-sell-hd-footage-with-fx1000#post-52539 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:16:16 +0000 rolando99 52539@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hi all I have an fx1000 and i would like to upload video footage to sell, im flying to southamerica next year 4-5 months recording everything i can, from people, landscapes, towns in the sierra and forest, etc.. I would like to sell some of the footage i would be recording on some of the sites like Pond5 or another if you guys can suggest me some of them. I have premiere cs4 and vegas also but i just bought this camera and please i really like to get some help from you guys on how i can get good quality videos to sell and the format i should export the videos. Thanks in advance and sorry for my grammar ( english not being my 1st language ) Take care ! Rolando A. Skye on "Short Music Video -opinions?" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/short-music-video-opinions#post-51696 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:01:11 +0000 Skye 51696@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Been making short music videos for about a year now this is my latests one. Would appreciate opinions, comments, advice, <span class="Apple" style="widows: 2; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; border-collapse: separate; font: medium 'Times New Roman'; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: #000000; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><object width="579" height="391"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=7213052&amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portrait=1&amp;color=ff9933&amp;fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=7213052&amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portrait=1&amp;color=ff9933&amp;fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="579" height="391"></embed></object> flaubert on "Newbie needs advice" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/newbie-needs-advice#post-51118 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:04:47 +0000 flaubert 51118@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hi, I intend to shoot an instructional video staring myself and an associate. I will edit the footage myself, and create the final product. The video will be shot indoors and outdoors and focus on do-it-yourself home improvment issues. Consumers will purchase the video and either download it online or recieve a dvd in the mail. I don't want to rent, so I will buy a camera and a mic. My budget for the camera is about $700. Question #1 - should I buy an SD or HD camera? Will HD footage need to be converted to SD in order for consumers to view it as a download or dvd? Is it difficult to convert HD to SD? Question #2 - Do I edit once it is in SD format? Regardless, what software should I use? Question #3 - I need voiceover (or dubbing - not sure of the correct term here) as well as live sound. How do I do this? Will this complicate the conversion to SD? Will it complicate the editing process? Question #4 - Should my file be an mpeg format, or something different? What is the most popular format? Should I care at this point? Seeing that I am a newbie, I want to buy a camera that will make this whole process as simple as possible. Thanks. heartzz on "Camera, interchangeable, mini35 and more. ADVICE!" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/camera-interchangeable-mini35-and-more-advice#post-51050 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 05:29:33 +0000 heartzz 51050@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hello everyone, I am currently looking into the possibilities of buying my own camera, i have made some shorts and stuff, but i am tired of not being able to just go out and shooting when i want to because you need a camera. So what i am interested in? well my budget is about 6000$, I have and still do make independent funded short films of good quality, so i really need the best in my category. Some people say that with good lightning a cheaper camera can be better than a Hdv with bad lightning. I know, i have good lightning people to back me up. I have used the Canon XL H1 with a PS technik mini35 and a 50mm lense, i really had a good DOF and it looked very grainy and filmic. So i am really interested in a interchangeable camera where its possible to mount a mini35 adaptor to get better DOF. What cameras do you suggest i buy? Some other questions: What a the difference between the canon XL series, which one is best? What is the commonly known best mini35 adaptor and which one to i get the most out of in terms of price? Btw I am thinking of buying a used camera if possible to save money. MazdaMan on "Low Budget Tech Videos (Follow Up)" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/low-budget-tech-videos-follow-up#post-49466 Sat, 25 Jul 2009 11:29:07 +0000 MazdaMan 49466@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Ok guys, about a month or two ago I posted up my first 3 quicky tech videos for cretique. Here is the first one I ever did: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llCvyymzBn4" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llCvyymzBn4</a> After getting some feedback, watching some professional tech programs on TV, watching some behind the scenes footage of some movies and a LOT of shooting, reshooting, practicing, and reshooting I've finally gotten the next video done. Here it is: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGg3UTxfSuk" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGg3UTxfSuk</a> Keep in mind this is being done on an almost non-existant budget. I will be getting a camera mic soon because I know that will be a big help on the audio. Budget for the microphone will be between $45-$75 I will put up another topic on the microphone before I purchase. What do you guys think? randynoland on "Need General Advice-JVC HM100u or Canon XHA1S & other questions" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-general-advice-jvc-hm100u-or-canon-xha1s-038-other-questions#post-49850 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 01:50:57 +0000 randynoland 49850@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Forgive me for boring you with these quick background details but here goes: I travel globally as VP of Business Development and Director of Machine Control for Carlson Software, Inc [<a href="http://www.carlsonsw.com/">http://www.carlsonsw.com</a>] and also am managing editor of <a href="http://www.MachineControlOnline.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.MachineControlOnline.com</a>, an online trade publication working towards advancing the positioning industry. We use RTK GPS, axial sensors, computer, sofware, DTM Surface models and hydraulic controls and other such whatnots to monitor and position heavy equipment. See my rough videos below <a href="http://machinecontrolonline.com/content/view/5759/180/">http://machinecontrolonline.com/content/view/5759/180/</a> <a href="http://machinecontrolonline.com/content/view/5594/180/">http://machinecontrolonline.com/content/view/5594/180/</a> <a href="http://machinecontrolonline.com/content/view/5569/180/">http://machinecontrolonline.com/content/view/5569/180/</a> Our budget is small and I do so much traveling I thought I would work toward amassing some skills out of necessity I write music and have fronted rock bands most of my life so videography is akin to other creative outlets I need. Okay, thats a brief background. Now my problems and I will bullet them: <ul class="MailOutline"> <li>Bought Canon XL2 in Dec 07</li> <li>Bought Canon 30D in Dec 07</li> <li>Bought Mac Pro (8-core Intel) with twin 24" Apple Cinemas Feb 08</li> <li>Bought Adobe Master Collection CS3 March 08 (upgraded to CS4 Nov 09)</li> <li>Bought late model MacBook Pro unibody 2.8dual core intel in Nov 08)</li> <li>Bought Panasonic HD consumer HDC-SD9 Feb 09</li> <li>Bought Canon SD750 Powershot April 09</li> <li>Bought Final Cut Studio 7 last month July 09</li> I believe I am buying to bits and pieces to achieve a balance between quality without going to far. I have found Adobe to be overwhelming and the XL2 doesnt give me near as good a quality as the little consumer panasonic. The videos links above are iMovie 09, Panasonic and Screenflow to capture software video. I have signed up for a Lynda.com Premium account and have gone through about 10 hours of training on Final Cut Pro. The JVC GY HM 100u was attractive to me over XL2 Canon because of size, its HD and records direct to Final Cut Pro - saves me a lot of hotel time downloading/capturing/converting so I can go straight to editing. Again, I have other business on these trips. So there you have it Philip. Is the JVC right for me? Should I spring for Sony EX1? Should I continue my final cut training and perhaps take a videography field lab course? Should I hire a professional for a shoot and tag along to learn? I am attending the Travel Channel Academy Film School (12 hours X 4 day for 2000$ [ <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/Academy/Academy_Home?refcd=tca_com">http://www.travelchannel.com/Academy/Academy_Home?refcd=tca_com</a> ] in September so I am sure I can learn from there. I suppose I am an AUTO mode shooter for the most of it and hope to get better. But I need to shoot footage of decent quality with amateur production, at least for now to get done what I need. I appreciate any help or pointers or perhaps a sympathy card :-) Thanks and I hope to hear from you. composite1 on "To Build or not to Build...." http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/to-build-or-not-to-build#post-45237 Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:59:58 +0000 composite1 45237@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Lately in the post threads I've been getting questions concerning the benefits / drawbacks of building a custom system versus buying a pre-built system for Non-linear Editing. To keep from taking over other posts I've opened up this one to specifically address these issues. Up front I am not a computer engineer by any stretch. However, since 1998 I've upgraded and built PC's and Mac's out of 'self-defense' because either it was too expensive to send out for repair or if I didn't do it, it wouldn't have gotten done. My current depth of knowledge leans strongly toward PC because it's still 'legal' to build them on your own. However, now with the resurgence of the 'Hackintosh' I am again taking an interest in 'mac clones'. So with all that in mind please bring your questions / comments about building and upgrading pc's and mac's, but spare us the PC' vs Mac' debate. Thanks. rudi_drendel on "Need Tips!" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-tips#post-47059 Thu, 21 May 2009 15:40:00 +0000 rudi_drendel 47059@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I'm doing my final year at school, and im creating a short film about drugs. Anyone have any helpful tips/advice about certain camera and editing techniques? Would be a great help =] enridge on "Need a Photo to music or montage software referrals" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-a-photo-to-music-or-montage-software-referrals#post-46323 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:42:39 +0000 enridge 46323@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hello, I currently have a MAC and I have been making some great photo montages for friends etc and I would like to make it into a business. I have found a website that I think has some good montages on it and I'm curious if anyone is aware or could figure out what program this company uses? The website is <a href="http://www.cinemashopvideo.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.cinemashopvideo.com</a>. I'm also interested in any advice anyone can give me with going into this type of work? I have a couple questions on how you can make sure they can't be reproduced. Ihave also been taking a lot of photography and some classes. How can I make it so that people can't reproduce my work? Thank you in advance!! Kelly7189 on "What should be done to get the most out of a new battery" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-should-be-done-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-new-battery#post-44742 Thu, 12 Mar 2009 11:04:48 +0000 Kelly7189 44742@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Â Is there something I should do with a battery I just bought (haven't used it yet) to maximize it's ability? I heard that you should charge it all the way up, then use it until it's completely dead. Is there something else I should know? Text-to-Art on "A Web Site Marketing Tip, especially if you don't have a site yet!" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/a-web-site-marketing-tip-especially-if-you-dont-have-a-site-yet#post-44507 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 08:27:46 +0000 Text-to-Art 44507@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I just posted this to another question, but you will never find it with the particular header, so I thought it would be helpful to give it a more descriptive header: Here are some every day marketing issues we all face and how you can easily solve them: <ul> <li>If I don't have a web site yet, how can I include a simple, short web address on my literature so prospects can easily view sample footage?</li> <li>Or maybe, all I have is a myspace web site. Can I use that as my web site?</li> <li>What if I don't have any web site? Can I upload my sample footage as a YouTube video and use that as my site? But that is going to be a really long url!!!! No one is going to type all that in. Is there a way around this?</li> <li>I eventually want this particular URL, but for now, I only have one of these other sites (myspace, facebook, YouTube, etc.). How do I get around having to reprint all my literature (business cards, brochures, etc.) twice? Once with my current url and later when I build my new web site?</li> </ul> ------------------------------------------ Here was my post to Rob: ------------------------------------------ A myspace site, YouTube Video, or the like, may be better than nothing at all, but in all cases, make sure you design your site to be client centered and not "I" centered. <img src="http://www.text-to-art.com/images/graphics/number-1.png" alt="Electronic Business Card, Video Business Card" />If you look through your bio, it has "I did this" and "I did that." I would suggest changing that to, "In 2004, so and so came to us and we developed a video for them that helped them to . . . The following year, the video we created for ____ won 3 awards that directly brought them 12 new clients . . ." Talk about the types of things your prospects can expect to receive from you once they choose to do business with you. In other words, what's in it for your potential clients. I realize that you have that in a round about way on your site, but it can be more direct. Instead of, "Look at what we have achieved," say, "Here's what we will do for you." <img src="http://www.text-to-art.com/images/graphics/number-2.png" alt="eBusiness Card, Video Business Card" />You also may want to consider replacing the photo of your editing desk with a professional photo of yourself. People like to see and feel like they know those they are doing business with. Remember, they will assume many things based upon your photo so make it professional and sharp. You could also take a photo of you in action, but look sharp and have your subject look like they are having fun. Every one is smiling and laughing. <img src="http://www.text-to-art.com/images/graphics/number-3.png" alt="eBusiness Cards, Video Business Cards" />A Marketing Tip! consider placing your video on a <a href="http://www.text-to-art.com/">Video Business Card or Electronic Business Card</a> and handing that out instead of your regular business card and include this little trick! First, decide on a domain name and come to us ( <a href="http://www.text-to-art.com/">Web Design at Text-to-Art</a>) or any web hosting company, purchase the domain name and set up an account. You don't have to create a web page at this point, just the account, BUT WHAT YOU DO IS create a redirect from your domain name to your myspace page. Here's how this helps you. When they view your CD and click on the link to your web site, instead of ending up on a regular web site, they will be redirected to your myspace site. Then, in the future, when you have time to develop your web site, you just remove the redirect and any time they type in your url, they come to your new site instead of your myspace site. Once you purchase your domain name and set up your redirect, you can print your web address on all your literature (brochures, business cards, etc.) and not have to worry about reprinting your marketing literature later when you get your new site. Whatever you do, you have to remember that prospects are trying to decide who to do business with and they base their decision on what they see. Of course, they base their decision on your video samples, but also on how you present yourself and your company. If they view you as some guy who does some good work, they still aren't sure if you are going to show up on time and do an equally good job for them. You have to present yourself as one of the top professionals in your community. Unfortunately, people often assume professional companies have such things as, a professional web site. So, yes, a myspace site 'MAY' be better than nothing at all, but you may still loose business because of it. Prospects see your myspace site and then your competitors professionally designed site. If you are pretty close in pricing, who do you think they will choose? Here's how I tell clients to think about it, Text-to-Art can <a href="http://www.text-to-art.com/">design a professional web site</a> for far less than what it is going to cost you in lost sales. In other words, companies pay for a web site one way or another. The only difference is some companies pay once and end up with a web site that generates new business. Other businesses opt to not have a web site, but they pay for it anyway over and over and over again in lost business. It's something to consider. Brad Simon <img src="http://www.text-to-art.com/images/graphics/T2A-Logo-100-39.jpg" alt="Electronic Business Cards / Video Business Cards" /> Rambler on "student needing advice" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/student-needing-advice#post-43929 Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:09:55 +0000 Rambler 43929@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I'm a sophomore in highschool and I am enrolled in the video production course at my school. I love whaat I have learned so far and am seriously considering video production as a career choice. I have already entered a few contest and am looking forward to entering more. My friend I are awaiting the results from a state-wide student PSA contest, but I have recieved word that we are at least in the top ten. My class uses Gl-2's and Macpro's with FCS 1, but I only have limited access to them. If I wanted to put together a bare-bones setup of my own, computer (maybe laptop) camera, editing software, what would you recomend? I love the final cut software, especialy motion, but it(along with the computer I would need)is waaaay out of my price range. As cheap as posible would be best, and even then this is more just wishing. I am currently saving for a trip next year through school to greece, (lots of shoveling and mowing in my future), but I would absolutely love to have access to materials at any time to both help me advance in my understanding and give me more time to find/enter contests. jeffreyc on "Beginner needs advice on equipment and producing dvd" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/beginner-needs-advice-on-equipment-and-producing-dvd#post-41684 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 15:09:53 +0000 jeffreyc 41684@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Â Hi all, I'm new to this but want to produce a children's dvd. Â The plan is to hire some kids and record them in their daily routine in normal situations--kitchen, playground...And I'll also record in all white background..Thus: 1. Can I produce dvd quality film with a Canon Vixia HG 20(it has 1920 by 1080)? Or will I need to buy a bigger one ,say Canon XH A1? 2. Any software editing software recommendations?Â 3. Is it standard fare to record with multiple camcorders? 4. WIll I need special lighting when I record the kid's in the white background? If so any equipment recommendation 5. Can I rent the equipment instead, and where are good places to buy in the LA area? 6. Any other suggestions? 7.Thanks so much, Jeff C.Â meh2424 on "New AV Studio - Need Advice for Hardware" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/new-av-studio-need-advice-for-hardware#post-35724 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:01:29 +0000 meh2424 35724@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I was granted money at work to build a simpleÂ av studio.Â About $20,000.Â Â Until now I have been producing videos with a consumer level camera, a wireless mic from Radioshack and Pinnacle Studio software.Â I will be scrapping all 3 in favor or a more professional approach.Â Any equipment a MUST?Â I was thinking a mixer of some kind and multiple cameras.Â We do a lot of talking head shots.Â Lighting and mics, any suggestions?Â Camera suggestions?Â Thanks, I am new to the site but would love to collaborate going forward. barbaralaketahoe on "PLEASE CRITIQUE MY TWO VIDEOS. NEED YOUR ADVICE." http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/please-critique-my-two-videos-need-your-advice#post-39260 Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:16:16 +0000 barbaralaketahoe 39260@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ PLEASE CRITIQUE MY TWO VIDEOS. I just found this forum last night, and am new to video making. I truly love it, and want to learn all I can. The tips & tricks page seems to be a really great place to start. I have been learning Pinnacle on my own since January of this year when I have a chance. I would like to make travel aid DVDS for Tahoe and Reno, etc... for sale on eBay, so, when I do I want them to be high quality with great effects. I would like to speed up my learning process now. I could use anyone's advice, and would appreciate it. I have a Michael Jordon & Tony Romo video that I need to - hold my breath -Â edit together, and get up for sale. I find the still photo videos so much easier, and just plain fun. Video videos much harder. Thank you to anyone & everyone who replies back!! <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyFHgeHS-JY">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyFHgeHS-JY</a> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxO3xTWA-Ps&feature=user">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxO3xTWA-Ps&feature=user</a> pestocat on "Online Video--Quality Level" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/online-video-quality-level#post-38756 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:29:58 +0000 pestocat 38756@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ In the last few months, Videomaker has published articles on making videos for online publication. The information missing was on the recommended rendering format in order to get the best quality level. I tried 512kbps and even 1mbps videos, butÂ once uploaded look bad on Google's blogs. Vimeo seems to do a better job at their processing. I've seen videos sent out from commercial sites with excellent performance. What data rate do they use. So the questions is: 1. What web sites are recommended for not compressing the hell out of the video. 2. What format is recommended for rendering. 3. What data rate should be used in the rendering. I use Vegas 8.0 for editing and in looking at the Vimeo recommendations, they say to useÂ H.264 Codec compression protocol, but Vegas has no reference to this item. I'm sure there is enough unknowns here for a Videomaker article. Thank you NewbsNetwork on "advanced camera suggestions wanted" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advanced-camera-suggestions-wanted#post-38360 Wed, 16 Jul 2008 05:03:00 +0000 NewbsNetwork 38360@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Greeting, all. Â I'm in the process of setting up a commercial production studio, and I'm looking for advice from other video producers on my choice for primary camera. Â I'm pretty much sold on the Sony PMW-EX3. However, I have to admit I don't know as much about Canon, JVC, or Panasonic's products as I should. The EX line gets so much press, it's hard to know what other comparable cameras I may be missing out on if I go that route. I know what features I want in a camera, but I'm not entirely sure which cameras (besides the EX1/3) will meet my needs. What I'm looking for: -1080/720 24/30/60p -3 chip (CMOS or CCD) -records to file (HD or card) -native FCP compatability (ie not AVCHD) -4:2:2 capable -XLR mic jacks with switchable +48V -manual focus/iris/zoom -priced under $10k Bonus points (but not required): -changeable glass -shoulder mountable Other than the EX3, are there any other cameras that fit those requirements that I should look into? Thanks in advance, -Jeff yboc2000 on "Surround sound?" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/surround-sound#post-36154 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:05:54 +0000 yboc2000 36154@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I was wondering on how would I do surround sound in this program, do I need like a specific camera for this, or can I just use any ordinary one, I was thinking about helping my friends with a music video but I have no clue on how surround sound works, anyone got tips or a place I could go to learn how surround sound works in Premiere? thanks