February 2013
"Lone Wolf" producers wear many hats - in the February edition of Videomaker, learn how to travel with your gear and shoot video by yourself while on location. Plus tips to earn income producing talent scout videos, how to light wide shots and make a stellar demo reel. Also in this issue reviews from DV Nation, GoPro, Samsung, Sony Creative and Tiffen.
Features Stories
How to Make an Effective Demo Reel
Demo Reels - we all know we need one and most of us need multiple versions, but what makes an effective and motivating demo reel? It's your work but how do you organize it and make it sizzle, jump out and stand above the rest? How do you capture what is unique about you and your video production? Can you do it yourself or do you need an editor?
Staying Current with Post-Production
For video and film post-production, things were pretty stagnant for decades. In video you edited linearly, tape-to-tape from one deck to another. In film, you cut pieces of celluloid and taped them together to create edits. Currently, most editors have to upgrade their hardware and software on average every three years just to stay in the game.
DSLR Lens Buyer's Guide
Is there really anything more enjoyable than making videos? If you're like a lot of our readers, then you already know the answer.
DSLR and Camera Rigs Buyer's Guide
While smaller and lighter cameras have their advantages, there are some disadvantages too. For one, smaller camcorders are more difficult to stabilize. While proper handheld technique goes a long way toward achieving a more stabilized shot, these cameras cannot be shoulder mounted like their larger, heavier counterparts, to create a solid base.
Reviews
Sony Creative Software SpectraLayers Pro Audio Editing Software Review
Sony has long been synonymous with quality audio and video products such as the compact disc (along with Phillips) and others such as the Walkman and PlayStation. In the professional world, their OXFORD line of products are still in use and quite remarkable.
SpectraLayers Pro does introduce a few innovations, notably the use of 3D graphics and, true to it's name, the ability to layer sub elements within a given waveform.
Tiffen Steadicam Smoothee Camera Support Review
Easy to use, excellent video stabilization, and quite affordable, an easy upgrade to make your video something to remember.
Samsung NX1000 Compact Camera Review
If you're looking to enter the video-capable still camera arena, want the option of interchangeable lenses and the instant share capability of Wi-Fi, then you'll want to give the Samsung NX1000 your own test run.
GoPro HERO3: Black Edition Action Camera Review
The tiny GoPro HERO3 packs a punch for beginners to professionals, one that is currently unrivaled at its price point by any other action camera.
Columns
Lighting Wide Shots
Imagine an assignment that requires you to capture an entire room without panning the camera or taking cutaway shots. Doesn't sound too difficult until you arrive and discover that the room is too dimly lit for decent video and it's incredibly large. You can rely on the ambient light and turn up the gain and get marginal results or you can bring in your kit and light it yourself.
5 Reasons You Need More Than Just a Camera
Although they are wonderful devices that can do amazing things, you can't make great video with just a camera.
Producing Talent Scout Videos
Before the stars started shining on the big screen, playing field or concert halls, they likely came from humble beginnings, and most likely someone made a video for them.
Consumer Video Editors
Not all video editing software is created equal. We give you the skinny on the best beginner and intermediate video editing solutions.
Trimming Music for Time
If you've ever added music to a video soundtrack you know it rarely fits. The music is either too short or too long. If the video must fit the music, this usually means you have to cut out content you like or add filler you don't like. Of course, you could just cut the music at the end, or tack another song on to fill the gap, but that's not very elegant, is it? It's not hard learning how to make a video with music.
Shooting Video All Alone
A shoot always go smoother if you have someone who can tape down cables, get coffee, and move lights for you. But it's not always the case.
Viewfinder: Quality Over Quantity
We stress quality production skills in Videomaker. From mobile phones and video-capable tablets, to pocket camcorders capable of streaming video direct to the Web, to home movie archival footage converted for editing to video, focus has also been on the production planning necessary to ensure better quality content. Focus on preparations using storyboards, writing production scripts, developing shot sheets, determining budgets and more to keep better control over a production.
