how to add value to a dvd

[wan2no]

dis is my last one for the night

it has been brought to my attention that when i tell ppl dat i would do a dvd for them they automatically think that it's nothing much to do and they can do it themselves by just simply using a digital camcorder, filmin watever but it on their pc, show to whoever or put it on a dvd.
note that i do not mean that ya need a degree to author a dvd.
i want to know how i can really distinguish my product from those that are just camcording and puttin it on a dvd. i mean the menus should be enough but for some reason i don't think dat's enough

[guns1inger]

It is the transfer where you can make the most difference. Editing and colour correction, cleanup and restoration if the source is old - these are things that the average user cannot do easily.

On the DVD front, create original menus, don't use the stock crap that ships with the software, add photoslide shows. Make it special.

[daamon]

Also, use a tripod when shooting your footage - it's amazing how amateurish video looks when it's wobbly (even slightly) when compared to video shot with a tripod.

Use a decent microphone to get good audio - you may even need to place a microphone that's seperate from the cam and capture the audio to some kind of recorder. Again, excellent audio really shows against amateur efforts.

Be professional and creative with your shots - avoid zooming in and out. Learn how to frame shots, different angles etc. Don't be too flash for the sake of it.

When shooting and editing, think about logical cut points and don't use fancy transitions just because they're available - all signs of an amateur.

Finally - DON'T try to do too much too soon. Concentrate on getting the basics good, then focus on perfecting something new and then so on. It takes time to build up your expertise - this will then, ultimately, be reflected in your end products.

I find myself, when watching flims and TV shows, thinking about all of these things and incorporating them into my work.

Good luck!

[wan2no]

thanx daamon and guns1inger. so how would you manage to pull off a good movie production with an inferior camcorder. what programs are ideal for movie editing

[guns1inger]

If you are serious, you buy a better camera. You buy a good quality tripod. The spend some time learning how to shoot correctly. Once you have that down, then you can think about editing. Buy a good editor. For DV it is Vegas or Premiere Pro - Avid or FCP if you have more money than god.

You also need a good still image program - Photoshop
A good motion graphics program - After Effects/Combustion/Fusion
Access to a good supply of stock images and music
Some degree of skill

So what was your budget again ?

[daamon]

thanx daamon and guns1inger.

No problem.

so how would you manage to pull off a good movie production with an inferior camcorder.

Have loads of hot chicks in bikinis! Seriously though - I'd spend ages...

...learning video shooting basics.
...learning how to operate the cam you've got - it's strengths and weaknesses, when to and when not to use it.
...learning about good audio setups.
...learning about good lighting setups.
...experimenting with basic projects to cement what's been learnt.

I'd then get some people you trust to be honest to give you feedback on your finished project, so that you know where you can do better next time.

what programs are ideal for movie editing

What's your:

Budget?
Level of knowledge and experience?
End objective? i.e. something for your mates or a pro DVD you're looking to sell?

In short, editing apps range from "free" to "$$$$$ " - most of them are good at what they do, for the price they are.

Off the top of my head, I'd say to look at Avid Free DV - it's free but does most of the basic, and some advanced, stuff that payware tools do.

Good luck!

[wan2no]

i have a very small budget that could only cover the few apps needed, the dvds and the stationary. the inferior digital camera and camcorder, i have been included in current operations thus i have to look to replace them in the near future.

thanx y'all you've been a great deal of help

[daamon]

Always remember a basic principle for video projects - the more you can do better, and the earlier you do it better, then the easier your life will be later on.

It's easier to work with good footage (well framed, properly lit, good audio) than it is to try to correct this once you're in later stages, e.g. editing.

[Nelson37]

Get one of these projects done by someone else and show it side-by-side with your work. If yours does not obviously beat the other one, figure out exactly what you need to change to make yours better.

Some people are "wowed" by menus, some by packaging, editing, chapter breaks, musical accompaniment, slide shows, transitions. Some look purely at video quality.

Simply showing your work and asking "Is this good?", will probably not be enough. You quite literally want people saying "Wow!", particularly if you want them to reach for their wallet.

Sales tip - Say you are selling these for $50.00. Customer says "that's nice, but $50.00 is too much". Ask them "what would you think for $20.00". If they still say no, they are not a buyer and you are wasting your time, go on to the next guy. If they reach for their wallet, you have now established they are indeed a buyer, you just have to negotiate price.

[Brainiac]

Hi all

This is a great post. I have videotaped some of my son's school events for the school year and plan to sell some to parents/grandparents, etc.

I used a Sony TRV-350 camera. OK for consumer use.

The tips offered above are GOLD. Although I received positive feedback for the DVD of the kindergarten graduation I shot and sold last year with the TRV-350, I longed to do a better job. My videotaping skills are not where they need to be but are improving. As such, I sold DVDs of the graduation for $8.00, including printing on the DVD using the Epson R300, full-sized cases and case inserts. When I started taping the school events, the video was intended for my own personal collection.

Another parent offered me some constructive criticism. So did my wife. I listened to what they had to say and plan to get some more feedback.

That being said, I recently purchased a Sony VX2100 miniDV camcorder. It took me a while to take the plunge, but for the sake of quality video, I had to. I have been shooting video to learn the ins and outs of the camera. Crucial to creating an above average product instead of a mediocre one.

Braniac

[lordsmurf]

dis is my last one for the night
it has been brought to my attention that when i tell ppl dat i would do a dvd for them they automatically think that it's nothing much to do and they can do it themselves by just simply using a digital camcorder, filmin watever but it on their pc, show to whoever or put it on a dvd.
note that i do not mean that ya need a degree to author a dvd.
i want to know how i can really distinguish my product from those that are just camcording and puttin it on a dvd. i mean the menus should be enough but for some reason i don't think dat's enough

I wonder if their logic has less to do with the technology, and more to do with the educational appearance you give off. I don't want to sound mean, but you sound like an uneducated backwater hick from the 1960s South.

Maybe it's simply them thinking "if this idiot can do it, anybody can".

It is true that people think technology makes them "just as good" as an experienced person or pro. They get free space on geocities, and think they're a Web designer. They buy a digital camera and think they're a photographer. They buy MS Word and think they are a writer. This sort of mentality rarely last long, they quickly find out it takes talent, not just tech.

General consumers consider themselves stupid. If they see some other "moron" doing it, the "just as good" thought comes much easier.

[tmh]

Lordsmurf, there has to be a nicer way to say what you just said. I'm not sure what's up with the dude's grammer, but goofing on it really added nothing to the conversation.

Here's the problem with "adding value" to a video of a kid's event. If your video is primarily just the event, start to finish, then you must understand that the event itself is NOT really interesting to anyone! they only watch it because it's "their kid". Who cares what quality the video is? No one is going to say "gee, those cool menues really livened up that 5th grade rendition of Annie!"

If one makes a DVD highlight video of an entire school year, or an entire highschool experience, THEN value is added with editing, good footage, soundtracks, etc. Also a professional menu and case.

Also, non-video folks have NO IDEA the effort it takes to make a good video. I coach basketball and make a DVD of the season for the kids each year. It's about 15-20 min and contains some of each kid, good plays, funny plays, player intros (Voice over), soundtracks, etc. We watch the video at the end of the season on a projector AND each kid get a copy in a nice case with a cool team cover.

The kids and parents love it and show it to their grandparents, etc. HOWEVER, none of them would believe the effort in filming 20 games (just to get that one basket the worst player made all season!), capturing 20 hrs. of video, editing to the minute detail, matching to soundtrack, etc. I spend about 80 hrs. on the darn thing, and my wife spends 20+ camcordering.

The team showing lasts 20 min. Lots of "thank you's" and a few "how is it done", but only me and my wife know the effort involved....and that's OK! One has to appreciate these things for themselves. There is no way to make money selling this stuff because I'd have to charge $100's per DVD to make up the time!!!

[lordsmurf]

Lordsmurf, there has to be a nicer way to say what you just said. I'm not sure what's up with the dude's grammer, but goofing on it really added nothing to the conversation.

I'm sure there is. But I don't walk on eggshells or dance around when people ask for help, you get a direct and honest answer, no fluff. The fact remains that, no matter how good a product looks, if your salesman seems unprofessional (meaning uneducated), then you're going to run into a short supply of buyers.

Inversely, no amount of education will ever overcome a crap product.

You have to balance them. It's really that simple.

[whitejremiah]

quite honestly, most people will just use whatever crap comes with either their computer's caputre card or dvd burner, ect........just by poking around these forums your already one up on most people that convert videos from camcorders, your gonna wanna look into filtering if your video quality is lacking, also, your going to want to make very nice coverart (this is the first thing that the end person sees, before they even see the discs themselves) use photo paper if at all possible for this....creation of menus is the next thing in line, i'd suggest using either ulead or dvd lab pro for this and making up some motion menus...that will likely put yours apart from most others.......unfortunately, digital video conversion isnt something that can be PROPERLY learned in a short time...there's a lotta aspects to deal with and the main thing is to balance everything out so it ends up looking nice, but don't for example, filter the video to the point it ends up looking blurry as all heck.....takes a good eye to learn exactly where you gotta stop on these types of things.....another thing your gonna want to look into is media compatability if your really serious about this, because you dont want people calling you screaming that your disc didnt work in their player! just take your time and learn things slowly and learn them properly...i've been digging around in the whole video conversion thing for quite some time now (as you can see i joined the forums here some years back) and im still picking up on some of the more advanced types of things......much like riding a bike, it takes practice until you eventually get it right....

[tmh]

Lordsmurf, there has to be a nicer way to say what you just said. I'm not sure what's up with the dude's grammer, but goofing on it really added nothing to the conversation.

I'm sure there is. But I don't walk on eggshells or dance around when people ask for help, you get a direct and honest answer, no fluff.

There is a BIG difference between "not walking on eggshells" and being a self-important, judgmental, know-it-all. I hate to turn this guy's thread into this....but, your nasty "help" was so out of line that I feel it's time you were told to re-think your actual importance in the world.

Here's the bottom line - You are an amateur hack home video dude who happens to know a bit more than most other home video dudes on ONE topic. You're answers are rarely helpful because they are given with so much "your question is beneath me but I'll give you a word or two anyways" attitude. i rather doubt you are the suave salesman you wish you were, but more likely a person who's best friend is his/her computer. Pretty accurate, right?

There. Now i feel more important for having put someone else down! No more eggshells here either. Direct, honest, no fluff.

[Brainiac]

TMH

You are so right! People want to see "their kid". The event means nothing to most of them otherwise. That being said, I had to make absolutely, positively sure NOT to spend any length of time with the camera on one child. Wide angles with periodic zoomed-in pans are what work best for the events I shoot. When I get more cameras, a good product will get better.

Another word about "video quality", I didn't mean to imply that it was the end all. Quality is just one piece of a very large puzzle. I tend to be a perfectionist, so quality ranks high in my book.

Thanks
Brainiac

[jtoolman2000]

It's the typical internet way of speaking and typing. Makes you look dumber than you may actually be. Actually it is something that you really have to learn to do on purpose. It's an effort for me to type in that manner.

I agree with all comments about overall DVD product quality both in its technical and esthetics atributes.

I hope when you create your titles and other items that involve text, at least you make an effort to spell, use capitals when required and apply punctuation where needed. Even if you video is majestically shot, edited, and post produced, I would still not think much of you by the way you express yourself.

[SingSing]

b4 www u never write like these.

[wan2no]

thanks for all the feedback i appreciate it


lord smurf how does my grammar pertain to the topic. let us look at the topic again "how to add value to a dvd". i may have a problem with my english but you certainly have a problem with reading. which one is worst. It's like half of the people who read this understood what i was saying. may be they possess something you don't have common sense and maybe if i'm to consider selling products to morons i should consider you first.

geez man stick to the topic. i was exhausted and i just wanted to make shortcuts around some words. if my grammar offends anyone then just tell me i would type properly . my goodness you're worst than a racist. stop the discriminating and criticism which does not add to the conversation.

your point which i vaguely got was that i can not expect to big things just because i got whatever it is done in a simple program. it's like in the land of the blind the one eyed man is king. i understand to get a good sales pitch you have to make a good impression hence i would not be using ya wid ppl and those type of words around individuals who are very grammar oriented which i would have known about through surveys and interviews. so ok i actually something positive in your criticism. however, i find to be very discouraging for someone that is actually interested and is asking for input.
so please reconstruct your criticisms okay and i in the mean time would work on my english[/quote]

[Supreme2k]

I think what lordsmurf meant was that (at least) on this board, you come off as somewhat of an idiot. You may think it means nothing, but the way that you express yourself, even on a message board (especially one as top notch as Videohelp), means almost everything.

The fact is that no one here knows your "talent" level, so you may be a typical one-button-solution user who really isn't any better at video than the clients whom you are trying to gain.

Bottom line, it seems like you see video/dvd production as a "get rich quick" scheme. It's not that simple. You have a long way to go.

[bendixG15]

I have to say that if this were the first tread I ever read on this forum, then I would run like hell and never come back.

[wan2no]

I have to say that if this were the first tread I ever read on this forum, then I would run like hell and never come back.

as i said though. I am very sorry if my english offended you but the point is he strayed off the topic big time. To me, it doesn't matter if it's a "get rich quick" scheme, i'm just genuinely interested. If it was all about the money, i would not bother my head with all these questions. I would just make a dvd as best as i can and whoever don't like it then that is their fault. no that is not my number one priority, i'm genuinely interested.

anyhow please tell me how my english is. is it any better?

[Supreme2k]

It is not about the English language. What you were writing was not the English language, but rather internet garbage speak.
Your writing is much better. Your ideas come across clearer and you seem at least a little smarter. The best way to get a question answered is to be clear, concise and detailed. This "w3rD, d0oDz!" nonsense just discourages people from helping you since they may be unsure if you can understand.

I have to say that if this were the first tread I ever read on this forum, then I would run like hell and never come back.

That's too bad that some tips on grammar and how to present yourself professionally would cause you to "run like hell". Seriously, don't let things on a message board cause you fear (especially when it's not directed at you).

EDIT: fixed the quote

[wan2no]

That's too bad that some tips on grammar and how to present yourself professionally would cause you to "run like hell". Seriously, don't let things on a message board cause you fear (especially when it's not directed at you).

i was simply quoting what bendixG15 said that was not what i said. i simply laughed at what he said. let's make that clear.

another thing i would like to make clear, i don't mind negative criticism once it pertains to the topic because i would easily deem it as relevant information.

with regards to lordsmurf's criticism i don't have anything against the whole speak correct english because that is going to get your sales pitch thing since it pertained somewhat to the topic. However, it is quite evident that this was not his aim. He was just into discouraging me, someone who is curious of the dvd's and the field of work. no matter how you look at it, that is no way to inspire someone. Yes, i'm talking internet slang and that's not everyday language so i can easily maneuver. However inspiring someone has nothing to do with english now does it.

come let's end it as i was wrong for being unprofessional. if it wasn't for my unprofessional acts, the thread would have probably see alot more feedback, maybe not from certain people but nevertheless it would have gotten feedback. so i take blame.

ok let's move on

[garman]

I have to say that if this were the first tread I ever read on this forum, then I would run like hell and never come back.

as i said though. I am very sorry if my english offended you but the point is he strayed off the topic big time. To me, it doesn't matter if it's a "get rich quick" scheme, i'm just genuinely interested. If it was all about the money, i would not bother my head with all these questions. I would just make a dvd as best as i can and whoever don't like it then that is their fault. no that is not my number one priority, i'm genuinely interested.

anyhow please tell me how my english is. is it any better?

I am by no means a wizard of the English language or it's grammar. I'm very sure there are plenty of users here have a better grasp as I do. Anyway I have taken your words and arranged them to give it a little "intellect". I am not doing this to offend you, but I am a little anal when it comes to the English language and I believe "smurf" has the same sentiments. I grew up in the late 80's. I thought my English was weak when graduating from High School, but I hear graduates from High School and post Secondary graduates speak, it's awful to listen to. Also the written language seems to be just as bad. To make things worse I here some schools are teaching young children the wonderful world of "eubonics" Help us all.
One more thing, good language skills can help you ask or answer a question without any ambiguity.

As I said, I am very sorry if my grammar offends you, but the point of my original topic has strayed greatly. To me it doesn't matter if it's a "get rich quick" scheme, I'm genuinely interested.
If it's all about the money as previously stated, I would not trouble my thoughts with all these questions. I would prefer to make a DVD to the best of my abilities, and whomever dislikes my work is out of luck.
Profiting from DVD sales is not my number one priority. I have a genuine interest of pre/post production on DVD creation.

BTW I speak like that too, just to quicken my sentences.

-garman

[jimmalenko]

<looks around>

Did I mistakenly walk into www.grammarpolice.com ?

[lordsmurf]

You asked for help, not inspiration.

If English is not your primary language, say so. We'll work around it. But I did notice this:

Barbados has one of the highest ... literacy rates in the world

The official language of Barbados is English

You're asking about business practices here. Whether you want to acknowledge it makes no difference. But how you present the products and yourself are just as important as the product itself.

If you just want to know about the DVD itself, be clean. Follow design rules, use images and videos to your advantages. Learn to correctly create menus in something like Adobe Premiere, and/or Adobe Photoshop. Authoring software is for assembly of assets, not creation.

If you need inspiration, rent a lot of DVDs or borrow lots of DVDs and look at professional menus.

But, from what I have seen so far, I still think your bigger problem lies elsewhere, not in the discs themselves.

[daamon]

This "w3rD, d0oDz!" nonsense just discourages people from helping you since they may be unsure if you can understand.

That's strange - of the 13 individuals who've responded in this thread:

* 6 replied on topic and provided meaningful responses, one of which even saying it's a great post. This, to me, implies they understood perfectly what was being asked and weren't sufficiently phased, if at all, by the choice of spelling or grammar to not reply.
* 2 have taken umbridge at the choice of spelling and grammar, and have only commented on that without adding anything meaningful to the original topic of the thread.
* And the remaining 5 have jumped on the band-wagon that is this thread going headlong to nowhere, but definitely away from the original topic.

Your statement does not seem to match the facts of this thread. Your experiences across the forum may differ, though I doubt that one or two people's comments can be taken as representative of the entire community - it's just not a big enough sample.

And, to cap it all, there's the irony that was probably unintentional - saying that this "w3rD, d0oDz!" nonsense just discourages people from helping but it does appear to encourage, no - incite, people to make comment where none, in my opinion, was needed. This only serves to drag the thread away from the original topic.

The original comment on the use of the English, which some considered terse, was making a point - that perceptions are formed from observations. And, if the OP were to communicate in a similar fashion to their intended audience, then that intended audience may well get the wrong impression.

However, your "additions" were, to me, either cheap shots or just repeating what has already been said - contributory or otherwise. Despite this, wan2no has held his / her head high - for which I applaude them.

It's commonly said here, and in general day-to-day life, that if you have nothing relevant to say, then don't say anything at all. Who's the bigger looking idiot (to use your chosen word) - the one who uses slang, or the one who can't help but take it as an opportunity to ridicule someone?

Now, in an attempt to drag this thread back on topic, I believe the useful part of the thread had gotten this far:

i have a very small budget that could only cover the few apps needed, the dvds and the stationary. the inferior digital camera and camcorder, i have been included in current operations thus i have to look to replace them in the near future.

A good site for digital camcorder information is: www.camcorderinfo.com - it extensively covers many brands and models, has detailed reviews and well attended forums.

[Nelson37]

The sales presententation DOES "add value" to the product. Wearing a jacket and tie, or at least a tie, and speaking well, are simple, cheap, and effective things you can do to "add value". There are very good reasons that effective salespeople do these things.

It appears the OP is indeed capable of speaking in a professional manner and the original post was just the result of fatigue or laziness/sloppiness. Also that he is aware such an appearance will result in fewer sales. You are selling yourself first, the product second. There is some overlap here, but why not maximize everything you can?

Tripod has been mentioned, this should be emphasized. Absolutely the most cost-effective thing you can do to improve camcorder footage. Suggestions on highlights and outtakes or funny shots also good.

If you can't afford a better camera (I can't either), use the best film you can. Transfer direct from camera to PC, firewire if possible, playback from camera instead of VCR if not. Cap AVI and re-encode later, multi-pass, highest bitrate allowable. Use the best cables you can get if capping analog, $200 cables not necessary, but a 50-foot, $9.95 Wal-mart special will degrade the quality slightly. You may not see the difference in the initial footage or capture, but after encoding, the final product will loose some noticeable quality. Maximize what you can at every stage.

Don't forget to carefully adjust color and brightness so the final output looks its best, do NOT do these adjustments using PC preview.

Decide on a policy for copies and copyright ownership, this is a tricky point. Do not gouge the customer to make a copy, this is not where the money is. Remember word-of-mouth is the best advertising you can get, and you can't buy it, you must earn it. Do that and you will be a success.

[wan2no]

What are the top notch movie editors that are around? Before this whole escapade someone mentioned FCP and Avid. Are they anymore? What are the pro's and con's of them?

How's my english?