Topic: Editing Mistakes to Avoid!

Well it really annoys me when people make simple editing mistakes that are so easy to fix even when they are in a simpler software like WMM or iMovie. So let's all mention a few pet peeves that we think people should fix so their film will go from awful to mediocre (or mediocre to amazing!! Don't lose hope!!)
Just saying, I'm going to make a musical of Sweet Bro And Hella Jeff, (pottymouth warning) so I am at the same time looking for suggestions on how to make something look totally amateurish and awful. Ironically, of course. A lot of Comic Sans MS.

So my first suggestion to go out to all of you is: If you are using Windows Movie Maker or iMovie, that's ok. Just don't use the default settings at all. This means, no Ken Burns effect, none of that obnoxious fade in fade out title with a black stroke around the white text. None of those stupid pre-made trailers that come with iMovie 11. To me, that says "LOOK AT ME USING IMOVIE." Change the fonts, colors, transitions, titles, to something appropriate to the project. And if you can't think of something good to suit it, cut it down to the bare minimum (make it more generic. A good font for titles like this is Futura.) of course this is not applicable all the time. However I still usually use iMovie but Ive known it for long enough that I can make it look professional enough.

Not really sure where I am going with this.

Re: Editing Mistakes to Avoid!

this could be a good thread for people to check, and check against their films and go, ah, thats what I did wrong...

Re: Editing Mistakes to Avoid!

Yeah that's what I was thinking kinda. Also to use for future reference.

I was watching some films from the AVP class at my school and while they're all really good they overuse "fade to black." So use that sparingly, like if you need closure.

Also, don't be afraid to linger a bit at the end of a scene. A few seconds of silence can make it all the more poignant.

Also, don't have obscenely long intros to your videos with fancy special effects and redundant titles ("John Poo studios presents: A John Poo Studios film; starring John Poo as John Poo") if your video is going to be only like a few minutes long don't make us sit through this stuff jsut because you got carried away.

Re: Editing Mistakes to Avoid!

I like the futura font.  Very 1970s indy.  I'll have to check, but I think that I used the font in my "Minimalist Association" brickfilm.

https://vimeo.com/channels/holdingourown      http://holding-our-own.tumblr.com

"None practice tolerance less frequently than those who most loudly preach it."

Re: Editing Mistakes to Avoid!

Looks more like Century Gothic to me which is also awesome.

Re: Editing Mistakes to Avoid!

Okay.  I can't remember whihc one I used.  I do remember that I intentionally looked fo r the font visually, knowing I had this font, but forgot the name.  I don't think it was Century, however.  I'll check when I have some of this alleged free time.

https://vimeo.com/channels/holdingourown      http://holding-our-own.tumblr.com

"None practice tolerance less frequently than those who most loudly preach it."

Re: Editing Mistakes to Avoid!

topitmunkeydog wrote:

Also, don't have obscenely long intros to your videos with fancy special effects and redundant titles ("John Poo studios presents: A John Poo Studios film; starring John Poo as John Poo") if your video is going to be only like a few minutes long don't make us sit through this stuff jsut because you got carried away.

Generally I would agree, though in some instances it's warranted. Like, take one of our films, "Lone Rangers" for example.[/self promo] I wrote the text "Juggernaut Pictures presents, an HW Film, 'Lone Rangers', starring..." I did that because I wanted to introduce the audience to the maker of the film, and then show who specifically worked on the film (H and W are the first initials of our last names; also, this would be titled differently if it were only 'H' working on the film instead of 'W'). While it may seem redundant, a long introduction can also be an effective way of reinforcing the viewers interest.

Hopefully my post doesn't seem like I'm ranting.

http://tinyurl.com/krwj4ek
http://tinyurl.com/kvxr6umhttp://tinyurl.com/kxofj4mhttp://tinyurl.com/k5fw3syhttp://tinyurl.com/m4rv8tf

Re: Editing Mistakes to Avoid!

I believe he was referring to instances in which one person makes a film and lists himself in every possible role (ie. Director: John Doe, Cinematographer: John Doe, Caterer: John Doe, and so forth). Really, anything beyond director/writer/composer is generally overkill on a brickfilm, unless you've specifically brought someone else in to fill a role. If a position isn't listed, I think most people are capable of assuming the director filled the role. Obviously if that isn't the case credit should be given where due.

Re: Editing Mistakes to Avoid!

Squash wrote:

I believe he was referring to instances in which one person makes a film and lists himself in every possible role (ie. Director: John Doe, Cinematographer: John Doe, Caterer: John Doe, and so forth). Really, anything beyond director/writer/composer is generally overkill on a brickfilm, unless you've specifically brought someone else in to fill a role. If a position isn't listed, I think most people are capable of assuming the director filled the role. Obviously if that isn't the case credit should be given where due.

Yes, I agree. I should have been more specific, seeing as there are three of us and we usually split each role differently.

http://tinyurl.com/krwj4ek
http://tinyurl.com/kvxr6umhttp://tinyurl.com/kxofj4mhttp://tinyurl.com/k5fw3syhttp://tinyurl.com/m4rv8tf

Re: Editing Mistakes to Avoid!

JP you have a reasonable reason to do this. Squash you are correct; that is what I meant. However if you are doing this for comedic effect and irony it's ok. It would be ironically bad though. If it is a really short film, I recommend writing at the end, 'a film by Karkat Vantas' or whatever your name is. If the film is longer and you would like to imitate the style of putting credits at the beginning, don't be obnoxious. It's not really a set rule so just do what feels right and be conscious of what you are doing. I was mostly referring to like 30 second videos with 20 second intros though it can be applied to most anything.

Re: Editing Mistakes to Avoid!

Watch the non-brickfilm animation BAMBI MEETS GODZILLA.

https://vimeo.com/channels/holdingourown      http://holding-our-own.tumblr.com

"None practice tolerance less frequently than those who most loudly preach it."

Re: Editing Mistakes to Avoid!

D: what did I just watch

Re: Editing Mistakes to Avoid!

topitmunkeydog wrote:

Well it really annoys me when people make simple editing mistakes that are so easy to fix even when they are in a simpler software like WMM or iMovie. So let's all mention a few pet peeves that we think people should fix so their film will go from awful to mediocre (or mediocre to amazing!! Don't lose hope!!)
Just saying, I'm going to make a musical of Sweet Bro And Hella Jeff, (pottymouth warning) so I am at the same time looking for suggestions on how to make something look totally amateurish and awful. Ironically, of course. A lot of Comic Sans MS.

So my first suggestion to go out to all of you is: If you are using Windows Movie Maker or iMovie, that's ok. Just don't use the default settings at all. This means, no Ken Burns effect, none of that obnoxious fade in fade out title with a black stroke around the white text. None of those stupid pre-made trailers that come with iMovie 11. To me, that says "LOOK AT ME USING IMOVIE." Change the fonts, colors, transitions, titles, to something appropriate to the project. And if you can't think of something good to suit it, cut it down to the bare minimum (make it more generic. A good font for titles like this is Futura.) of course this is not applicable all the time. However I still usually use iMovie but Ive known it for long enough that I can make it look professional enough.

Not really sure where I am going with this.

I agree, I don't think it is so bad to use fade in and fade out, but to use the particle title option, or any premade option that has a design to it...it looks bad. Fade in and fade out, is not that bad, because you can do it in all programs. But I really hate it when people use options that are exclusive to that program. Like you said, premade iMovie title fades, backgrounds and such are horrible, same with Movie Maker. It just looks unprofessional, you are using what everybody else uses. I find it better when you create your own edits, it shows orrigionality, and it makes your videos just that much more professional looking.

Moderator note: please do not use signatures larger than 400x100px.

>okay...

Re: Editing Mistakes to Avoid!

sorta related to this, is not Brickfilms, but, it relates to camera shots. with this one: my very first live action and the latest one from me: 'homecoming'
I'm trying to move away from static camera's completely. in live actions and in brickfilms, it just makes it seem much more interesting.

Re: Editing Mistakes to Avoid!

I made my opening logo in iMovie, with a simple Kens Burns effect. However, the camera moves so quickly over a long travel time that all you are ever thinking about is that piece of hair I mistakenly had in that photo mini/tongue

I also don't use the trailers that come in iMovie, but I plan to once I get most of the shots done in my film. I do this just so people can see what's coming up. I also like the music in it. I'm thinking of using some of the music on the iPad app's trailers.

Last edited by jasper (June 15, 2013 (06:57pm))

Re: Editing Mistakes to Avoid!

I don't think going nazi on the way people want to do there post production is good. It should be how they wanna make it, and shouldn't warrant yourself to say what they think is good and what you think is bad.

Re: Editing Mistakes to Avoid!

Another thing to avoid is trying to use every type of transition in an editor's arsenal.  May be fun, but it makes a video haphazard and inconsistant.

https://vimeo.com/channels/holdingourown      http://holding-our-own.tumblr.com

"None practice tolerance less frequently than those who most loudly preach it."

Re: Editing Mistakes to Avoid!

I agree...I avoid using all transitions except for the fade in, fade out and pretty much all fading ones.

Moderator note: please do not use signatures larger than 400x100px.

>okay...

Re: Editing Mistakes to Avoid!

HoldingOurOwn wrote:

Another thing to avoid is trying to use every type of transition in an editor's arsenal.

Does not apply if you are George Lucas.

But if you aren't, most transitions only need a simple cut. And rarely a fade to black/white or crossfade. But only rarely.

Re: Editing Mistakes to Avoid!

Lavamation wrote:

I agree...I avoid using all transitions except for the fade in, fade out and pretty much all fading ones.

other creative transitions are cool other then fading like if a wall got destroyed and you could make a piece fly at the camera and use that for a transition

http://i.snag.gy/E3VvB.jpg
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