The Energon Pub

Guys,

Is there any resource that explains how to do this? I'm talking about basics not just on lighting, but how to set up, seat yourself, etc. I recently did a video review, not to be posted, but just for my own amusement, and found out it was not as easy as I thought it would be.

For example, unless you have someone doing the filming, you basically need to either have a videocam with a remote control, or find a perfect spot to sit and surface to block off so you stay in frame. Doing a review can have the camera offset, or if it's done like how most reviewers to it,I'm guessing the camera has to sort of be between your chest and the table, and your arms sort of wrapped around... not easy if you're an overweight guy or have short arms. I've seen a review where the camera was placed ovehead so you can a bird's eye view, but that means you really need to know the boundaries beyond which you'll get out of frame.

Would appreciate any info. Thanks!

Well, most TF reviews don't have the reviewer visible at ALL.

Just focus the camera on the toy, which is what people want to see anyway. When it comes time to point out features, articulation, or transform it, just reach into the frame and do so.

Not to tear down you goal here, but I ignore video reviews.

I prefer it when someone takes the time to write up a detailed review about the figure. I hate sitting through a 10 minute video while someone shows off a toy. I think the write ups go over the detail of the toy a lot better and they make me more prone to buying it as I can get a good look at the figure and really enjoy reading through the details that I am looking for instead of seeing a pair of hands fiddle with a toy for 10 minutes.

Some tips:
• I'd rather see the toy and not the presenter. I've seen reviews where the guy is holding the toy in shot but the toy is so far from the camera you can't see what he is doing. It was like watching some dude play with a Transformer for ten minutes. If you want to be in the beginning and ending of the review that is fine, just not when going over the meat and potatoes of the review.

• Practice how to transform it before recording and explain what you are doing in each step. There is nothing worse than listing to somebody ramble on and on for fifteen minutes while they struggle transforming a figure.

• I prefer a serious review over that of a humorous one. I'm there to check out a figure to see if I want to buy it or not; I'm not viewing the review to be entertained, I want info. I'm mainly talking about the ones that try too hard to be funny/zany. If something funny happens and it adds to the story/presentation keep it. It just seems there are too many reviewers out there who want to be the next Dave Chappelle.

• Look into getting some image editing software for motion graphics. There should be some inexpensive versions on the web that will allow you to "splice" clips together. That way if you make a mistake, you can continue filming and won't have to start over from the beginning (instead of doing it in one take). Then you edit out the mistakes.


This is just my input of what I like to see and you can take or leave what you wish. Good luck.

As far as knowing the boundaries of the frame: put markers up just outside the frame. Also, don't do it in one take. Film it in sections and edit it together.

SnapTrap wrote:• Practice how to transform it before recording and explain what you are doing in each step. There is nothing worse than listing to somebody ramble on and on for fifteen minutes while they struggle transforming a figure.

Mykltron wrote:As far as knowing the boundaries of the frame: put markers up just outside the frame. Also, don't do it in one take. Film it in sections and edit it together.

To combine the two - the best place to edit is during the transformation. That way if something pops off, or if you forget a step and have to go back, you can edit that out to make it a smoother presentation.

Thanks guys appreciate all the responses. It certainly helps firm up some ideas I was mulling over.

Now as to how to actually set up.

Is there some information on the actual set up? How to sit etc? I realise from reviews that the reviewer probably has the camera between his chest and the table, and is somehow viewing what's onscreen with some sort of monitor... that's the kindergarten level I'm at!

If you're using a camera phone or camcorder in front of you, you should be able to see the display screen.