Rob Log - Up to April 2013
Contents
Tuesday 4/30/2013
Working on the script for "6 Machines in 60 Days"... at the same time finding the visuals to use for now. Will film along the way and replace with the documentation of the actual event.
Will be playing in the "Sandbox" and learning the programming.
Third track will be working with OManual for Instruction Manuals.
Also reviewing my many notes from the wonderful Jam Weekend. Tremendous learning experience and very interesting people.
Tomorrow I'll be firing up the Drobo drive. I noticed one internal drive wasn't seated properly so there probably is more room than we thought. I'll also look into getting a drive for the remaining slot and organizing the video material.
Sun Apr 28, 2013
Started Rob Sandbox.
Tuesday 4/23/13
Working my way through the Vimeo channel videos. Lot's a great footage.
Enjoying "meeting" some of the characters.
Monday 4/22/13
Some very valuable thinking in Tristan's OSEdit plan.
Wondering if some of the local resources in Kansas City and surrounding areas have been explored>
• Art Institutes in KC appears to offer a good Video Production program:
Whether it’s movie screens, TVs, smartphones, or computer monitors, our technology now gives us more options to get the programming we want, in the way we want it. Writers, producers, directors, camera operators, lighting technicians, and others are modern storytellers with a knack for putting that technology to work, taking projects from concept to captured images. Video editors and digital video effects designers are among the specialists who then add their talents and imaginations to help bring the story to life. Our audio and digital filmmaking and video production programs can help you learn the same digital media, lighting, camera equipment, and editing software used in TV studios, movie sets, and editing suites. So you can tell your own stories and help meet the industry’s demands for new media professionals.
Also offer programs in Programming, Web design, Animation etc.
• Kansas City Art Institute offers Digital Filmmaking, digital media, animation, graphic design, and more.
• Certainly curious about University of Missouri.
These schools seem to have good tools for production and editing.
- Definitely need to further discuss the open source tool set question.
Saturday 4/20/13
Rob: see also OSEdit which Tristan proposed
Documentation Notes/Thoughts/Plans
VIDEO ARCHIVES
A key first step is to find, view, log and organize all video assets - Edited videos and Raw Footage.
All this material should then be included in a SEARCHABLE DATABASE that can be accessed online. Ideally all text entries and video material will be available to download, at least, in low resolution for use by remote editors/collaborators.
Then a system needs to be put in place to get them high resolution versions for final editing. This is similar to the system used by stock footage houses.
As new material is shot it should be immediately logged and entered into the Database. It would be great to adhere to this policy as it can easily slip away and logging becomes overwhelming...and doesn't get done (I know this from personal experience!). I can't express how valuable having well logged and accessible video is for short term and long term.
This is a big project that might be a good collaboration with Colleges/Trade Schools that teach Assistant Video editing, Library Science, Content Management etc.
NEW VIDEOS
I've reviewed the original DISTILLATIONS series and a solid goal would be to create new versions of these.
Of course, I'd like to meet with all departments to determine the immediate priorities for videos to help them achieve their goals.
“Message” videos will probably require “language” but all videos should be approached with “language agnostic” in mind. At the very least we should create all videos to be easily re-versioned for foreign language. (discrete audio tracks and textless versions of graphics)
It would be good to create a unified graphics package for all videos and offer this within the Video Archives. The idea is not to inhibit creativity of the collaborators, but to simplify creating a professional look and feel.
We also need to solidify the system for creating 3D models, graphics and animations that will be critical for instructional videos. Remote collaborators and new tools like 123D catch will be important. I also may have access to some powerful tools related to a video game we created... (these tools may apply to many aspects of OSE).
Videos should try to capture “stories” and “characters” to be entertaining as well as informative. Addressing "real world" problems and showing our creative and cost effective solutions should be featured.
REMOTE COLLABORATORS
This is another first priority topic - Getting camera people, editors, graphic artists in place as soon as possible. Volunteers would be great, but perhaps our strongest offer is projects for schools.
We also need to create a SIMPLE system for users and builders to document their efforts. These case studies will be so important and, of course, the more they can contribute the better... but it has to be easy.
I don't want to short change the critical PRINT documentation. I'm impressed the work of the Noun Project and the goal would be to create language agnostic instructional materials in the Ikea style.
Ikea offers their instructions online and it's very interesting to review their materials. Below is [1] one without the need for text the other [2} has multiple languages when words are critical:
The Wiki system is great, but I'm imagining non-computer people who need to access all this.
PRINT/AUDIO
I wonder if there would be a need to create an audio file that matches the print document. Maybe a little inexpensive player or iPod rig that lets you listen to audio that goes along with the print pages, and allows you to easily jump to the spot you need. This could be easily offered in any language. Also much easier to use in the field.
Sunday 3/24/13
Video is complete, although I have a zillion disclaimers and things I'd fix. I've had so many problems doing the output, so I'm going to leave it alone for now.
Obviously, it's technically primitive, to say the least (definitely haven't learned the Title Tool yet). I'll detail all my thoughts on that below.
It's up on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy5V5RELtAU&feature=player_embedded
(I can't believe YouTube grabbed this frame. It looks like I made a math tutorial)
I worked on two tracks to create the video. 1) the content for the video 2) the technical side of creating it.
CONTENT
My idea in producing it was to essentially document a "case study" of building the Paper Model, then create the Instructional to reflect the lessons learned in the process.
I was the guinea pig. I took Marcin's basic instructions and then set out to complete the task. I made notes on what happened along the way and built my script to give others the benefit of my experiences.
An interesting challenge in producing a video that involves web research is how best to guide people to the information. This is something I never really thought about. Many (most) links are pointless say, or write out in video, so I think the best bet is to pass along search terms. Probably means it's a good idea to offer very clear links... and/or links to the links.
Also a side note... It's probably just me, but I kept having trouble getting back to the same spots on the OSE site. I needed to do a better job of bookmarking when I found important locations, but I never imagined I'd have trouble returning. I wonder if this is unique to me?
This obviously wasn't a very visual assignment, so I decided to start with the fun time lapse video of the brick press.
I also wanted to treat this like a real, complex building project, but I resisted doing a demonstration of how to operate a scissor... although I thought about doing it.
I tried to break down the process into very clear, simple steps. I included everything that was a stumbling block for me, and showed how I solved it. For instance, downloading a DXF viewer... and then having the initial files display white on black. Also the numbering of the DXF files caught me a little off guard at first.
It wasn't really necessary for this but I wanted to show closeups of different tasks, as needed. In a real video there would be lots of closeups (and extreme closeups), slow motion and plenty of detailed, explanatory graphics. (More on web explanations in my technical side.)
I think there might also be a need for graphic "tips" that would be in addition to the main through line of the script. It would be nice if all the graphics were a unified style and we could supply a graphics template package to remote editors etc.
As for narration, I tried to make it very simple and clear. Fancy writing is not a value here. -- I often tell the story of my first boss/mentor in television told be that for TV writing, no sentence should be longer than 13 words... he was kinda kidding, but not really.
The CEB Press video has a narrator with a British accent. The accent always makes them sound smarter. My Long Island accent doesn't have the same impact.
I also included a section at the end inviting people to support the effort and share their knowledge. I'm sure I don't have the right language for that, but it's an important point that should be stressed whenever possible.
Script attached here:
media:Hopper_Script_v1_3_24_13.odt
(loses formatting when it opens in Text Edit)
TECHNICAL
The technical side was very challenging, but also very eye-opening and a lot of fun.
I've spent many years making films and videos and I am a very hands on filmmaker. It comes with the territory in the low budget, documentary world. That said, I typically do work with camera people and editors.
The goal of this project was to do it as a complete "one man band" -- and to use open source and easily accessible tools. As I've written earlier, I found it difficult to get open source editing going on my Mac and installing Ubuntu on a PC laptop allowed me to install the Kdenlive editing program. I'm experiencing a serious love/hate relationship with the program.
I got use to basic editing pretty easily but haven't learned the shortcuts and quick keys etc. Overall it seems good. -- However, there is some frightening instability! There's nothing like the feeling of losing all your work after a 15 hour edit session.
I definitely need to join the Kdenlive "community" and start finding some experienced people who can offer good advice.
As for the filming. I already wrote about my disappointment with the iPhone. I know there's a community of people trying to use it for larger projects, but it must involve a lot of after market gadgets to really make it viable in any kind of real production environment. I'm curious to learn more about it. --- So, bottom line, the live shooting is downright crappy... especially trying to be the cameraman and the subject at the same time. Tried to be stable on tripod, but eventually did some handheld just to cover what I needed. (you'll see one shot that's even upside down! I hope you think it's artistic, but it just came out that way... and I didn't want to stress the rendering any more than I had already and didn't flip the shot)
In my effort to be as bare bones as possible I also tried shooting computer screens with the iPhone but after editing it all together I scrapped the idea and started from scratch. I then went with a program called iShowU. You may already know it, but it records the screen and can also show mouse clicks with a Halo or other effects. It was my first time using it so I didn't really maximize it's functions. I'm sure it can look much better than what I have in the cut. ---- It's not an open source program but I've checked a little and it appears there may be alternatives...not sure yet.
Overall, this was a great exercise in learning the pitfalls for a team of inexperienced shooters and editors. I'm confident there can be a complete "style guide" and tutorial that will help them succeed in the field.
=Saturday 3/23/13
Long day. I hoped to have everything completed today but was frustrated by my lack of experience on Kdenlive. Progress was very slow but made it through. Then a big blow at the end when the project wouldn't render.
I've been on the forums but no luck yet. Hopefully a simple setting will solve the problem.
Still feel good about the edit system as a viable tool but....
More in the morning.
Friday 3/22/13
Completed the Production phase, all the shooting and now deep into Post production, editing, sound work, titles etc.
After becoming enthused about using the iPhone as the camera, the frustrating reality set in. Main problem is the lens. Getting closeups on an instructional is critical and the basic lens is not really capable of easily getting in tight.
I downloaded an App called VideoZoom2 and it created a digital zoom function. Not bad, but diminished quality and focus was soft. Also a different file system that's a little clunky and builds much larger files that filled the phone quickly. Any viable system is going to need some form of external storage.
Will complete project Saturday with full detail.
Thursday 3/21/13
I'm working on creating a very simple "one man band" production studio that can be replicated by anyone in the field.
Important aspects of these tests for me are:
1. Ease of use for one person... allowing them to even shoot themselves, if necessary. (that's what I'll be doing)
2. Sound quality. This is so important in any video. Relying on the just the camera microphone can spoil even the most visually compelling imagery. In professional settings we have access to all types of microphones. I usually like an inexpensive radio mike. Simply clip it on the subject and you can follow them anywhere. I'd always recommend having a couple of these around. Obviously I won't use one for this project.
3. Stable imagery. A tripod is very nice to have... especially in an instructional film when you might need to shoot very closeup to show a process. Also I'm going to be shooting myself in this video without a camera person so some kind of tripod is critical. Fortunately, I have one.
I've experimented with three cameras at three different levels.
First I tried a Sony Z1U HDV camera. This is a "Pro-sumer" level camera that I've used as the "B" camera on many television programs. It's very easy to use and not much bigger than a home video camera. The image quality in my "set" is very nice even with low light, but, of course it's not viable as a tool for everyone. This camera allows for connection to professional grade microphones.
Second option is an old Canon ZR10 basic home video camera that I've owned for at least ten years. Super simple. OK image quality and has a thread on the bottom to attach to a tripod. Tough to get good sound. -- Most point and shoot still cameras nowadays shoot video at much better resolution than this old workhorse. I'd consider shooting with one of these still cameras, but good sound is usually an issue.
So... the best option for what I'm doing here is... you guessed it... my iPhone 4. I have a little plastic stand that came with the protective case I have for the phone. I attached it to the tripod with a rubber band. The Facetime view allows me to set it on the tripod and see what I'm shooting... really handy. And best of all... the earphones that come with the iPod have a microphone and a pretty long cord... so I can tape it to my shirt and have a very nice lapel microphone, with very clean sound quality.
Video files from the iPhone imported easily into Kdenlive. Although, in my first test the image was upside down... so had to turn the iPhone the other direction (button on the left if you're facing the screen.)
I know there's a very active community in iPhone cinematography, with lot's of cool tools. I need to explore this more... and other phones too. Some simple tips and perhaps a few extra tools could be a great way to many involved in good quality production.
Wednesday 3/20/13
Practiced with Kdenlive. Comfortable with my tools so tomorrow will move from Pre-Production to Production Phase.
Focus now will be the actual building of the Hopper... writing a script around that...then shooting to the script.
More to come.
Tuesday 3/19/13
Breakthrough day. After knocking my head against the wall trying to install and run open source editing programs on Mac and PC, I've discovered that the secret is Linux. Tried to get Ubuntu running on the Mac and didn't have much luck. But was able to get it running side by side with Windows 8 on a PC laptop and then install of Kdenlive was easy. Only "trick" was needing to Boot in Legacy mode.
Continue to be impressed with the Linux world and especially Ubuntu. Kdenlive appears to be a solid editing program and I'll be able the write the script now in LibreOffice Writer.
Have to admit I'm very excited about getting all this working. Actually kinda giddy!
Monday 3/18/13
Downloaded and reviewed all the models and plans. All went very smoothly. System looks really good.
Worked this evening on installing Ubuntu. My first Linux experience. Very impressed with their tools and instructions. Will try some Linux editing options tomorrow.
Sunday 3/17/13
Spent the day experimenting with various open source editing tools on Mac and PC. Very interesting and challenging day. Can't say that I've come to a conclusion on what is the best solution or, in fact, if any of them are really viable for the general purpose editing with material coming in from a wide variety of sources. -- I'd certainly love to hear from anyone who is experienced with these tools.
Here are a few of my observations. -- I got Avidemux running on a Mac with 10.6.8. Ran well but doesn't seem to have the appropriate editing tools. (unless I'm missing something)
I tried Lightworks on a PC (Windows 8). It's a program with a long history. I like the interface and it appears to have the tools, but because of licensing it seems to have trouble importing a lot of very standard video formats. There is a "Pro" version that allows for these formats. I think it's about $60. Supposedly they're soon to have Linux and Mac versions available. -- More testing to come on this one.
From videos online I like the look of Kdenlive. I'm working on getting that running now. Looks like it involves some scripting. Certainly not my expertise...but we'll see what happens. Learning a lot!
Interesting note that I'm not sure I know any editor here in Hollywood that would know how to deal with these tools. Most use high end AVIDs or Final Cut Systems...many started editing film. I find that often the best editors have a music background and they are not necessarily highly technical people... they know rhythm and pace and, of course, have strong visual senses. - Different parts of the brain than programming. They'd probably have their assistants get the program working and then step in later.
Saturday 3/16/13
At 3:50pm I set out on a Test Assignment to create a 1.5 minute video to explain how to build a model of a GVCS component.
An important goal for me in this process is to learn to navigate the OSE wiki system. First I want to start my Work Log. I stumbled upon "Rob Log" that is already set up but it requires a login.
I’m not experienced with using a wiki, so I’m very curious how quickly I can get this going. This may be important as I’m not sure all OSE users will be experienced in this process either.
It’s now 4pm and I’ve scouted around... but I’d sure love to see a clear “laymans” page on how to get started!
In “Join” I’ve found the Wiki Contributors section. Let’s see...
4:15... I'm in! Open ID has nice instructions.
Back to the assignment. On Tuesday, March 12th I first received info on the assignment. I clicked around to get a sense of it. Lot's of interesting elements here.
My instinct is to approach this like any video or television project. There are three stages... Pre-production. Production. Post-Production. Pre-production planning is critical to the success of any project. Pre-production starts now.
In this stage I'll learn the topic, create my production plan, write a preliminary script and gather the necessary tools.
I use a standard two-column script format for these kinds of project. The two columns are Audio and Video. I also include a thin 3rd column for numbering. (I'll work on embedding an example.)
I'm very intrigued with reviewing and testing open source editing software. Hopefully I can find one that's user friendly.
10:15 PM Spent several hours with open source editing tools... at first look I'm worried they may actually be a barrier to editing for the "non-welder" but I'll reserve judgement until I get more data. -- This is important. It will be first up in the morning.
