My first DSLR video edited with FCPX

This was my first "paying" video done with my new DSLR and edited in FCPX. The client picked the music and the "vibe". I used a lot of advice from folks on FCP.CO so thanks! Enjoy. Comments are welcome as I am recently learning that constructive criticism is not public enemy number #1.

Nice job JDM. I'm certain the client's very pleased with this production. Everything works perfectly, the music's ideal, the bright colors, dancing, titles, darling children, what's not to love? Was a tiny bit puzzled by the wall of doors beginning, but the piece is so upbeat I soon forgot that. You've achieved the perfect balance of important information with fun variety. It's never dull & the pacing & visuals ensure we're engaged through the duration. Nor does it run too long. You'd be surprised how many fall into that trap.

There's one shot I wouldn't mind a titch more work on. When we see the wall of children & they all shout "We love the dentist!" The problem I have with this shot is it's basically static, but our line of little ones stretches off into darker shades. This is probably due to the proximity of the window & the light spill. What I'm proposing is a bit complex, but I'd really prefer a bit of camera movement here. However, I don't want to lose any children, so perhaps we could tighten in by a foot or two, then add a slight pan from left to right as you're zooming out. This way we don't lose any children, & as they shout we've fallen back to the perfect distance. The second time we see this shot a few moments later, I'd try the same thing in reverse. But here's the tricky part, you need to mask the right side to give about 7% more exposure to those in darkness, without getting into trouble with that window spill. This camera movement (pan by Ken Burns effect) & zoom in or out using Alex4D's free plugin , can all be done in post.

There's a brilliant scene when the dentist is talking about discussing dental hygiene with the children to educate them, as that audio becomes a voice over we see the little girl chatting up a storm with the dentist. That shot speaks volumes to parents, it's essentially the goal of the project (without ever showing a single drill or needle).

For a first timer, this is extremely impressive.
I expect you'll parlay this into continued success.
Good for you.
Thanks for sharing JDM.

Great advise Trix. Now, looking back at the video another time and examining the scenes you are addressing, I completely agree. I think movement is important and I will heed your advise for future projects. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. It helps me a lot.

Happy to hear you're receptive, JDM. Please look into the 2 camera movement methods I suggested you use during post production inside FCPX. You'll find the results far smoother & more subtle than what is easily achieved without expensive equipment & technicians during the actual shoot.

Hi, very good work. I just loved the part where you break up (just the opposite for what every expecting - for me at last) a stiff film/ commercial advertising spot part whit the dancing and the happy children.

I might rip you on this one. As far as editing and production value, the company got their money's worth. So, good job on that one. I don't know the end all for this production, but to me I don't see people sticking onto this video for longer than 20 seconds. Although I think you get the point across....is this place friendly for kids. YES. But, did the video need to be 2 and half minutes to get that across....no. I'm not saying it needed to be cut like a commercial. But it needed to have a faster pace to the editing. I cut a lot of videos like this for a local company I work for. Some things I do: involve 2 or 3 songs into the edit to make the video feel less monotone. Broll sound, Broll sound, Broll sound! I think Broll sound is important because its not a talking head which will already play a dominate roll in the video and it has a spur of the moment feel. I also try to start the segment on Broll sound because a talking head is going to give the impression that the following is going to be more of the same. I wouldn't sit the person down for an interview; instead maybe interview her while working (if thats even possible) or do a walking interview. Do still shots give the camera guy a little creativity with DOF...sure it does...but it gets boring again (especially since DSLR's got popular...everyone is doing it). Overall, for your first paid gig....good work. Better than my first paid gig!

Hey Klausre, Thanks for watching and commenting!

Muddygun, thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. I will take all of what you said into consideration for my next video. I appreciate the feedback.

Muddygun, what is Broll sound? This may be an amature question but I havent much experience in the Video world. Thanks in advance.

you involved some broll sound into your piece when the kids yelled. It's broll with sound. So if your showing clips over interview footage. thats broll. Sometimes when capturing broll you get a really good soundbite that can say more for the piece than an interview can. So, you would want to use that to give your piece flow and maybe give it more believability. there might be a better term for this than broll sound...but that is what i have always called it.

Oh I get it now. Thank you for mentioning this because during the shoot, I didn't even have a good mic set up to capture broll sound. I only got it for the kids yelling. This is a great piece of advise and I thank you again for bringing it to my attention. Everyday is an education for me with video stuff but it is an interesting hobby. Almost like an addiction ......an expensive one, I might add. LOL

Your client knows her business better than anyone. She set the parameters for good reason. Her wisdom & years of experience have taught her that the entire purpose of this video is to speak to the heart & mind of parents of young children. I guarantee your client is overjoyed with your production because you did exactly that, perfectly. Of course the children need to feel comfortable, but ultimately the parents still make the decision.








(PS - Muddygun is talking about B-Roll or secondary footage, not the primary visuals. So you're taking audio from some footage & letting it extend over other footage.)

Yeah. She ( the dentist and owner) wanted a video for thier website that would make kids want to go to the dentist while satisfying parents as well (like Kix cereal ) Kid tested, mother approved....remember that? LOL Anyway, yeah she was happy with it. I learn a lot from these comments and others. I know one thing Trix, it's game over if I ever stop learning. I try to apply that to all aspects of life, video included. Thanks Trix.