Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Making Your Visual Presentation

The ability to make videos has been around for years now. In 1951, the first video tape recorder captured live images from television cameras by converting the information into electrical impulses and saving the information onto magnetic tape. Since then the world has advanced drastically in its ability to stop and record time for a few minutes at a time. Now we have web cams, digital cameras, and even cell phones that have the ability to record pretty good videos incredibly quick. Most of these devices record in either the .AVI or .MPG formats, both of which make the video shot easier to upload directly from the device to a computer or any other source of memory.

The actual process of making a video hasn’t really changed much since the 1950’s, or has it? Do you think that now, because of all the utensils we have at hand, is easier to make “good” videos? What do you think would be the components of a good video? What do you think would be the components of a not so good video? What is it that keeps you watching it for its full length?

Also, how do you think you would a make a video? Would you use props? What exactly would you do to make your viewers interested for more?

14 comments:

  1. I think there are a lot of factors that go into making a movie interesting. I think plot is a big factor. If the movie is dull and doesn't have a good storyline many people aren't going to want to watch it. If people are expecting a climax, they are going to watch to see what that climax is. The people in the video are important as well. If you know people in the video you are more likely to watch it. This also goes hand in hand with professional movies. Many people go to see movies because their favorite actors/actresses are in the movie. I think the use of props depends on the video you are making. I think to make my viewers more interested, I would make sure the movie is interesting right off the bat.

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  2. The process of making videos has the same foundation but an entirely different format. It is easier for people to make videos nowadays because of video cameras that came with special features, as well as computers having programs where people can edit videos to cut out parts, add music or special effects. A good video must have a good plot as well as maintain the audience's attention. I watch a video for its full length if I find it entertaining, informative or important.

    I would make a video with props and friends. I find that many people like to watch videos if they know the people in the videos; however, that doesn't have to be the case. I would try and keep a fanbase by making more videos to keep them coming back to watch my videos. I would also try and stay in one area: making either funny, serious or sad videos.

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  3. I think that it is definately easier to make a "good' video these days. There is so much technology out there that can aid you in making a video, not to mention green screens and photoshop, when used right, that can put you in a totally different environment then you actually are. I think the most important components of a good video would have to be good digital quality and entertainment. If the video is poor quality it is hard to see what is going on and you lose interest fast. The video has to have some form of entertainment usually the ones that contain "stupid humor" do the best. When I watch a video for its full length its because I know what its about or I'm very itnerested in what its about. I particulary like funny videos and if it keeps me entertained then I'll watch the whole video.
    If I was making a video I would make sure I had a decent quality camera and it was in a good environment. I would also try to make it humorous in some way because I feel that funny videos are more successful.

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  4. With such little personal knowledge in the whole video making department, there is no way for me to tel if video making has gotten easier over time. Sure, technology is far more advanced but there are many new effects that can be added. All I've ever done to shoot a video is press the "record" button on my video camera and well, there I go. I guess it is easier to make good videos now then it was when it first came out.

    A good video should make a point, should be funny or express an idea. A good video may be eye-catching but that shouldn't be the exact point. Some bad things in a video is to not be boring, or skip over a topic, or have a total lack of interest. What keeps me watching is popularity or word-of-mouth. If a video has enough hits, I'll probably watch the thing through.

    I'm not so good with making videos. I would use anything for props, mainly stupid stuff. To make viewers more interested, I would make a video of unique things.

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  5. I personally have never made a video. The only videos I have ever made have been off my phone, and it was recording a friend saying something ridiculous. I would assume that the same principles of movie making have remained the same while technology has increased the quality of movie making.
    Technology is not what makes a good video, it can add to it. Excellent camera work, and special effects can not alone make a good movie. If the plot, dialogue, costumes etc. are poor the overall movie will be too.
    As stated above, I have no experience making videos, and I do not think I would be particularly good at it. I believe if i was to contribute to a movie it would be the dialogue. I feel as though I would be able to write something suitable. Any other part of the process, I would need help.

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  6. The actual process of making a video hasn’t changed that much since the 1950s, except for the technology involved in the process. Because of the technology that has been invented since that time, we now have an easier means of creating videos and sharing them with the public. I think good videos appeal to the audience. They feature something the audience can relate to, whether it is something they like or dislike. Good videos often feature the same types of components as effective writing: humor, reliability, and emotion. While not all viral videos are funny, many of them do feature something comedic. Personally, I keep watching a video if I can relate to it. If there is something in it that I can identify and find entertaining, I keep watching. I personally am not very good at making videos, so I don’t really know what I would put in one. I would most likely try to include humor and something that the audience can relate to. I might use props, depending on the type of video I was making. In order to make my viewers more interested, I would try to keep a common theme in my videos and include something to keep the audience watching.

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  7. The only process of making a video that has not changed since the 1950s is the desire to create. The advancement of technology changed many times over those years and has developed to the point where editing, special effects, and overall quality are much easier for the general population. Absolutely, it is easier to make good videos with the utensils we have at hand. For example, the digital process is much less cumbersome and time consuming than the video cassette. For instance, you don't have to fast forward or rewind through long spans of footage to find your spot while editing. It is now done with a click. Storage of footage is much more compact as well. The components of a good video would start with a good idea. The actual recording conditions, such as lighting and sound, should be effectively coordinated. Costume or clothing are a consideration, as are angles, scenery, movement, dialogue, and music. A video that is not good would have been unsuccessful in appealing to the audience it was addressing. Short cuts on any of the technical aspects I've listed above would effect quality. Doing sloppy or not your best work, or not taking the time to double and triple check everything would effect the success of the video. To watch the full length of a video, I have to be fully engaged in at least one aspect of the video, be it story line, music, the need to get the information, or because I enjoy the actor/actors involved. If I were making a video, I would focus on the points I listed above for making a good video. I would most definitely use props. To make viewers interested for more of my work, I would give them just enough to leave them hanging. I don't want to overload them. I want them to wonder what else I can do and what is coming next.

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  8. I don’t think the process of making videos has changed, just the technology used to make the videos. I also don’t think that using technology guarantees a ‘good’ video. One can use various special effects and expensive cameras but it is still possible for the movie/video to not be entertaining. The components of a good video, in my opinion, are something that has substance as well as something that catches your eye. Big explosions can catch your eye, but you can only watch so many before you become bored with them. Having an original story line is another component of a good movie/video. After all, if you know how the movie is going end and how it gets there, what’s the point of watching it?

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  9. Good is a subjective term that could be applied to almost anything shown in the right light. I think a 'good' video is one that moves you emotionally on some level, whether it be through laughter, joy, horror, concern, awe, amazement or amusement in some form. Nowadays, good videos can come from the common person using a home recording device rather than only from big shot producers in Hollywood, and I think that's a good thing. Homemade videos can often be much more artistic, gutsy and revolutionary than the watered-down, politically correct, often shamelessly censored films that the major movie and television corporations would have you pay to watch. The fact that independent films such as "Marcel the Shell With Shoes On" and "There Will Be Brawl" exist for people to watch for free is the perfect remedy for the monopolization of art by business and political interests.

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  10. I think that making a good video is easier today than it was before. Our standards have changed quite a bit, too. With more and more exposure to realistic graphics and tons of imaginary lands or creatures made "real" through the technology of a green screen, we expect a lot from videos- more than just props. I think that a lot goes into a good video. I think everything from the lighting to the sounds to the music to the actors/actresses to the most important, the storyline. Videos that are not good are usually poor quality all around. It is easy for us to tell the difference between a low budget film and one that cost millions these days. Box office hits are the movies that cover all aspects of what it takes to make a good video. With just one key component missing, the whole video can be considered bad. When all key aspects are there, I'm interested for the full length.

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  11. I believe that making a video has changed because there is new technology. Good components of a video are that it has something to catch the public’s eye, that it’s funny and entertaining, and that it’s enjoyable. Not good movies are the exact opposite of what I just mentioned; they’re boring and not interesting. A lot of things can keep you watching a good movie, good music, pretty colors, or a plot.
    Making a video…I do not have a lot of experience making a video except for doing speeches for a high school class. I would definitely use props because you can use them for anything and everything. By doing anything stupid or funny or ridiculous would keep any audience interested.

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  12. I think that with all of the new technology being introduced into society now days making a visual presentation is becoming a much easier and more advanced task then it was before. To me, the components of creating a good video would be having a a good plot or story line, interesting charecters, and special effects. Components of a not so good video would be lackluster effects, poor editing, vague storyline, and less than interesting characters. The components that I mentioned before would be a good mix to keep me interested, entertained, and watching for the full length. I also like to feel a sort of connection to the story and it's charecters, or just having a good laugh would keep me from getting bored. To make my own "good quality" video I would use props, special effects, and a funny or stupid storyline. To make my video go viral and gain viewers I would probably make a video incorporating something that is popular and going viral at the moment.

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  13. Although I am by no means gifted in the area of making/creating a video, I can say that the process of making a video has dramatically changed. The advancement of technology today is far beyond anything imaginable in the 1950’s, 70’s, 90’s or even the early 2000’s. Since there are so many aspects to creating a “good” video now, I believe it is much more difficult to create and edit an entertaining video. People expect so much more today due to all of the things you can do to create an ultimate “good” video”. Back in the 1950’s, for instance, videos included less than ideal acting, black and white pictures, and sometimes not even any audio. With the technology that we have today, the options of a video are endless. The components of a good video rely heavily on what sparks the interest of young users. These individuals make up the majority of those who are “surfing the internet”. The exact components of a “good” video are unknown; they are very much different from video to video. The one thing that most of these videos have in common is their ability to make the viewer laugh. This can include a variety of situations: animals, kids, people falling or getting hurt, etc. Videos that catch my attention are those that are not too long and can make me chuckle a few times. Ones that would not catch my attention are long, redundant and random videos, which do not make me, laugh at all. It becomes very difficult to actually pick out a type of video, which would not be successful in the world of YouTube. After trying to make a funny video in class, I have come to the decision that I am not one to create a video that would be considered “good”, but that doesn’t mean that I won’t go browsing YouTube for ones that spark my own personal interest.

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  14. The process of making videos has evolved greatly since the 1950's, due to the unbelievable advances in technology. I have never made a video myself, but comparing qualities through the years of videos I have seen, show how much quality has improve. As for what makes a good video, I feel that is all in the eye of the beholder. A video I watch may be considered great, but it doesn't catch my interests so I will probably not watch the whole video. I think it viewers watch what interests them. This also relates to Youtube and why things go viral. A good video needs to contain many elements that appeal to the viewer. No one wants to watch someone stand in front of a blank screen just talking. There needs to be action, a storyline and interesting effects that help draw people in. Props are definitely needed for a successful video, in my opinion. It helps to explain what it is the producer is trying to say to the audience. Plus, it helps engage the audience and helps to let them know what is going on.

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