Aerial Video Edit

Hello all. Here is a video I've worked on for these past few weeks. It is for an Aerial Video contest. Although I played around with FCPX for a few months, this is my first "serious" edit.

The contest is based on "thumbs-up" so please thumb it on youtube if you find it deserving.
Thanks!

Thanks for sharing your video, Jorge. Aerials are among my favorites so I was eager to see this. The beginning works well with the dramatic musical build, though I feel the entire piece could be trimmed down to about 3 minutes instead of 5. Content is king & some of your shots are pawns, expendable.

But let's start with the positives. What a gorgeous part of the world you have to enjoy! The color treatment you did in FCPX showcases it beautifully. Your flybys over rocky cliffs with crashing waves are what quadcopters are made for, some of the structures, graveyard, & especially the old battlements are ideally suited for the sweeping coastal camera movements you've captured.

As for trimming the duration, I feel there are a lot of shots that are less than spectacular. Do we really need to see so many shots of the boys on the skimboards? Keep the best, discard the rest; 1 or 2 of the most dramatic rides is all we need. Most of those weren't that captivating. Same thing with the opening shots. Not really sure why we need to see the the little aircraft, I'd prefer that how you got your aerials is kept a mystery. Maybe you had a real helicopter camera team onsite... The very idea greatly ups your value, until we see the RC toy. The fantasy is broken.

With that in mind, I care much less for the shots where I see the drone's shadow moving along the sand. A camera operator's shadow or reflection basically ruins any shot, same with any piece of film gear appearing in frame.

There's another slight issue with framing. Most of the shots are of a similar long shot frame, which is great for the scenic flybys, but when we have some action like the boys on the boards or the trikes going downhill, it would be nice to use the little copter for some closer work too. One of the final shots in the trike scene has us come in closer & our interest levels begin to peak. Alas there isn't enough of that, nor does it get close enough. Some of those exciting spins, or the 2 wheel pass would be very powerful if we were in a medium shot. Granted, I expect to capture that kind of shot would require an advanced level of expertise on the flying unit.

Again with our surf scene, all basically the same long shot framing throughout & with a lot of not so great surfing. Remember, from a POV looking down at such a long steep angle, all waves look tiny. Hovering lower, catching a surfer as he mounts the wave & comes towards us as we're barely above the height of the wave is a very dynamic shot that ignites a lot of surfing movies. Perhaps the best ride we see is one we just catch a glimpse of as he exits out the bottom left of our frame. Though I did laugh with the freeze frame sea turtle alert.

Not really sure if the speed ramping works elsewhere. Since the dawn of time man has always longed to fly, the smooth soaring aspect has appealed to our sense of wonder. The rapid jerky pans you have in some sections here seem to break the graceful vista view we have. Perhaps a different kind of music video would be more suitable for that move. Similarly when we fast track in on the castle battlements, there is a bit of a jitter that could be smoothed out in FCPX.

For me, a mix of flying along side a boy jumping on his skimboard, then sweeping up & around the wave he glides into would provide a balance of near & far that your drone can uniquely deliver. This framing format utilized also for the trikes & the surfers could enable us to connect more with the people & the stunts, feeling their thrill maximized by the camera's incredible movement, truly giving us an eagle's POV. When I say "a mix" I'm speaking of our natural human desire for variety.

More thrills, more connections on more levels makes for contest winners.

Have a look at this video I posted in the quadcopter thread. Note his variety of shots, & how he varies his frames near & far, sometimes very close to his subjects, also not just sweeping aerial pans, but ascending, descending, stationary hovering or very slight rises, also the variety of tracking speeds combined with speed ramping, so a fast track can be slowed in post to provide the slowmo of the bird flying. Imagine that with your surfers.




This video too has some excellent shot variation as well as containing not only sweeping flybys but breathtaking fly-throughs.





For someone who says they've just started with FCPX it's a very impressive piece of work you've submitted. Can't wait to see what you'll come up with as your familiarity with the software & flying gear continues to develop giving your creativity even broader wings.

Thanks for sharing, Jorge.









J. Matthew
Global•Watch•Media•Consulting
www.GWM2.com

@GlobalWatchM3

Thanks for the critique J. Matthew. I really appreciate you taking the time to write it. I agree 100% with everything you said. However, there were some hard constraints and considerations for this project that affected the end result:

1. I had to shoot and edit the whole thing in three weeks (while working another full time job and having a family). I could never schedule a shoot, this was mostly just me stopping on my commute to or from work if the wind was low. This does not make any of your points invalid, but it is an explanation of why I could not get those perfect shots.
2. This video entry is really to promote the DJI Phantom quad.
3. I do not have First Person Gear, or a gimbal (stabilizer).
4. It is currently not surfing season in Puerto Rico.
5. The speed ramp pans were really a cover up for an otherwise unusable shots. See #1

That’s a really nice video you linked. Again, I appreciate immensely you taking the time to critique my work and will keep all of this in mind for future projects.

Thanks for the update, Jorge. Your gentile attitude is also much appreciated. As I often say, one's attitude determines one's altitude (in this case no pun intended). We all feel a deep emotional attachment to any art we produce. The ability to graciously receive even the slightest critique, is another art-form all together.

Ahh, yes the constraints. Indeed, constraints of many sorts plague every filmmaker, even on big budget features. A good philosophy is to do the best with what you have while being thankful for what you've got. Over the years I've probably encountered thousands of industrial city gridlock traffic jam commuters who could only dream of your daily trek thru paradise.

Hey I’ve got a different type of question for you:

I’m not generating “likes” at the rate I had hoped (currently only at 38). I am considering submitting the video to GoPro because they feature a “video of the day” on their website. The thinking is that hopefully they would post the video in one of the coming days and generate more traffic (and likes) for my video. But the thing is, their agreement basically makes my video theirs to do whatever the heck they please with it. The same goes for DJI, the company to which I already submitted the video to compete.

I can see now why so many people watermark their videos. I didn’t watermark mine because it degrades the aesthetic. But in all honestly I would not be happy to see my footage used or altered without me getting credit. I’m feeling kind of stupid already for entering this “contest” which is nothing more than free advertising for companies that are already rich. Not that I didn’t realize this going in; and the experience I’ve gained by being forced into this tight deadline has been invaluable. But the fact remains that they would benefit off my hard work and I would get nothing in exchange from them.

What are your thoughts on watermarking your videos? What are your thoughts on granting all the rights of your video to other companies in exchange for nothing basically? I know I’m just starting out with this aerial/video editing stuff, but at 35, I’ve grown weary of the prevailing “working for free to create a portfolio” advice you hear in any new business venture. I’m too old to be an intern.

We're at a very exciting time in filmmaking history. Exciting new opportunities are birthing right before our eyes. The emerging technological, social networking & distribution avenues that are opening up offer new projects, audiences & revenue streams that were heretofore unimagined.

All of this empowers the creative artist with the ability to develop his craft & realize the true expression of his art, his way. If you have the confidence you can go it alone, forging into areas that didn't even exist yesterday.

Entire industries are being turned on their head right now, while the indie producers are saying "About time!"

Right now, one of the biggest music acts on the planet is completely unsigned, & while grossing close to $50 mil a year, has absolutely no plans to change that successful business plan.

However, whilst going it alone affords creative freedom, we have to recognize the true value of network partnerships. So get your stuff out there. The more big corps use your stuff the more they begin to recognize you as a valued contributor. Don't overprice yourself out of the market before you're even in the market.

Don't buy the anti-corporate spiel, they're not all greedy evil empires, they need us too. We've had some filmmakers here that were chosen by GoPro for special paying projects. Win corporate favor with the quality of your talents, true art gets recognition. Seeds don't grow in a day.

Do you know how much free work I've given out over the years? Yet nothing is wasted. It takes a special individual or team to recognize your value, not everyone gets it. The more branches you've extended, the higher your chances of making the connections that matter.

Have I been burned? Sure. Am I bitter? Not at all. I'll still take the time to rework a kid's script, or help with a kickstarter campaign.

When you walk into a tall tower big corp meeting with a ton of that beneficent pro bono work under your belt, you can gently, warmly, quietly, confidently, own that room.

Just let your art shine, man. Get it out there.

Watermarks? Can't stand them. In fact, I loved your "degrading the aesthetic" line so much, I'll be using it later.

A generous spirit reaps great rewards. But have patience, Jorge. 35 is young in this field, play the long game, it's how you finish well.

I never thanked you for the inspiring words J. Mathew. So Thank you. I submitted my video to GoPro on the day you wrote that. Still no word from them but they must get thousands of videos.

I am happy to report however, that this video has landed me my first paid gig! I’m super excited about that! Hmm… I wonder… does this mean I’m now a video professional? I certainly hope not, otherwise I’ll have to stop using my beloved FCPX! All kidding aside and before anyone here cringes, I’m well aware I’m not even in the same universe as a professional. But I can’t deny the elation I feel as I pass that threshold when someone values you work enough to pay you a fair wage.

Contract is not yet signed but the client is pretty stoked so I doubt he’ll back out. Certainly something to celebrate! :lol:

That's fantastic news, Jorge! Congratulations!!!

Sometimes it's our talent or being in the right place at the right time which can land us our first job. But it's our attitude & willingness to learn which gets us called back again. Professionals choose to work with people they like to work with. If I have a chance to team with someone with a ton of experience but a prideful arrogant air about them, versus someone who may have little to no experience, yet is eager, & hungry for knowledge, I'll go with the latter every time. Their attitude helps me to learn too. Also they will teach me patience, a valuable asset in any business or art form. Look forward with expectancy, planning to learn something from every job you do. Take notes, keep a journal. The future is very bright for those who continue to acquire valuable traits.

We're happy for you, Jorge. Keep us posted of your developments.
You're right about GoPro, they get a sea of submissions. Don't worry about that, your energy wasn't wasted. You banked it, & gained much by the experience & are already on to the next.

Of course a very special thank you for your kind words of encouragement.

TrixTrax,
I submit to you my second (and last) project shot without a gimbal on my GoPro 3 heli, and with an iPhone 5 for land shots. I have the gimbal on the way, and am looking at getting a good camera+lens when/if I get another gig.

Hopefully you can critique it like you did my first one. Many of your original critiques like crappy surfers and some long shots still stand. Keep in mind this video was made to showcase a property and nearby natural attractions, as opposed to the first one which was a video contest. When I get to do this again I will try to budget in some quality narration talent. I would also be nice to include an occasional model, but that adds to the budget and complexity of the project.

Anyway looking forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Jorge

Thanks Jorge. As the summer is rapidly culminating where I'm at, your film looks even more alluring. What a gorgeous place! Film-wise, this is a big step up from the last one, seems much more professional. The constant gentle camera movement meshes ideally with the beautiful music. You've showcased the property in such a way that it appears as a much coveted destination.

Seems like you're really getting the hang of working the flying machine, some of your aerial tracking shots over the hammock then the length of the pool, really showed the smooth control you're developing. The following long trek to the beach highlighted the unit's impressive range. I might have sped that section to get us to the water quicker. The framing of 80% green went on a bit too long. Without a gimbal or pan/tilt head, not sure if we could have seen more sky there.

Putting myself inside the mind of the prospective visitor, the dreamy quality of swooping over the pool, then flying in only seconds to the beach & vast sky is an experience bordering on the spiritual.

Continuing with the potential guest in mind, I wasn't in love with the earlier interior bedroom shots. Specifically the in camera action that leads to the room darkening as we shift our attention to the exterior thru the window. A room darkening connotes many emotional negatives. What I would've really loved here is some gentle camera movement perhaps bringing the POV down across the bed in a slow zoom towards the window, then (if it can't be done in one shot) an extended crossfade to the balcony doors as they open for us & we move thru the door frame into the glorious exterior. You could even use a flash transition after that shot if it works there.

Your first opening shot is magnificent & the ideal soaring POV to capture the paradise vista. However, I feel we spent a little too much time under the rocks. Fascinating as they are, a little less here is more. Likewise with the underwater sequence, which began marvelously but began to drag a bit.

I enjoyed the surfing more this time, though one shot seemed a tad dark, I know you were trying to capture the sunset. Maybe we could lose a couple of those clips. With all these scenic accessories, we only need a couple shots of each; sea shaped rocks, colorful fish, lads surfing, the main star is the house & location, all these other actors are merely bit players or extras.

Earlier when we leave the rocks to walk backwards thru the jungle brush, there's a nasty bump in the middle of what was an almost silky smooth tracking glide. Have you tried smoothing those knocks with FCPX's stabilizer? I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by its power of taming off-road terrain.

The waterfall location was gorgeous & with that ethereal music, man.. that's my kind of church.

Overall, if it were trimmed by about a minute to minute & a half, I think you'd have an even more engaging piece, but as it stands your wow factor is definitely increasing. I predict you'll soon be the go-to-guy in Puerto Rico for stunning videos.

In a property piece like this, there are two shots I wouldn't mind auditioning, probably both would have to be speed ramped. Ideally it's two main views tracked in one shot. If we could start in the low circular tracking shot around a corner of the building, but we're far enough back & angled up to capture the entire house as we glide low to the ground. Some out of focus trees, shrubs or other objects gliding by in the foreground would only add to this shot. So we start slowly as we circle the building then perhaps rise up & we finish our circle looking down, seeing the entire building in its surroundings, then we're up facing the sea, we tilt upwards so our frame is closer to 30/70 with the sky predominant, then we have our rapid flight to the beach.

Mmm... a rapid flight to that beach sounds absolutely perfect right about now...

Thanks for sharing, Jorge.

Wow! Thanks for detailed post and praise. I’m thrilled that you see progress. I’m so pumped up about producing video it is basically all I can think of. I’ve become obsessed; the wife says this is officially my midlife crisis.

The weak link I’ve found in all this process is finding good music! I even purchased the Sonicfire Pro scoring software thinking with this software I could make the music fit the video (the ads on their website suggest as much). I’ve never been more wrong in my life. That may work for orchestral music where there are no beats, but it is impossible when you need to keep a beat going. I think that may be the difference a “score” and a “soundtrack”? Out of necessity I introduced my brother, a hobby musician, to the royaltee-free and stock music markets. For future projects we may work something out where I pay him to compose music in the style that I need and he can then post it in the royaltee-free or stock music markets.

Moving on to your observations, I would have loved to include the tracking shots you mention, but there are a few buildings near the property that are not up to par compared to his property, so the owner preferred not having shot with those buildings in them. I agree with him on this. The bump in the off-road shot was something I kept postponing and I guess eventually got used to seeing it, that is something I definitely need to try to fix. The project has already been delivered though. Another thing you mentioned about darkening the room vs. moving the camera. This is something I simply wasn’t prepared for the day of the shoot. I was thinking something like a dolly shot, which in my case would be handholding the RC heli with the powered gimbal when I have one. But probably the exposure adjustment on the GoPro will not look good. Most likely it will expose for the outside before I want it too. Your cross fade/flash transition idea sounds good, but ideally I would like find a way to do everything in the same shot. This is a problem I need to solve experimenting at home to be ready for next time.

Moving on, when a shot lingers on too much or there are too many shots it is due to:

1. Me trying to please the client who paid for shooting locations a,b,c,d,e,f, and g.
2. Trying to cut to the music.
3. Simply poor judgment on my part.

Since this was my first client; this was also the first time I’ve had to cut with consideration of someone else’s wishes. He is an extremely cool person who went with me to all the shoots. I was able to do my thing mostly, but I did consider all of our talks from the very beginning. I suspect the client for this type of video will generally be less imposing than someone with prior experience because most of the time they will not really know what they want anyway.

Not sure if you are into shooting as well. But if you are, I’d love your opinion. I’m looking into cameras and fell in love with the image of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera. The problem is that it is still trickling down the distribution chain so if I were to order one today I would need to wait from 2-6 months to get it. I’m also considering a Panasonic GH3 which is readily available. Lastly, do you think it is worth it to spend that kind of money? ($2k for camera and lens) Can I just continue to use my iPhone 5 for this type of work while the price of cameras continues to drop? I just don’t think my tripod with a shotgun mic and an iPhone 5 will cut it for much longer. Image-quality wise, it may be sufficient for this type of work (would love to hear your opinion), but showing up to shoot with an iPhone I think it portrays my business in a bad light. Would you agree?

Thanks for all the feedback and encouraging words, really.
All the best,
Jorge