Birthday Tribute Video Case History: My Brother’s 60th

Birthday Tribute Video Case History: My Brother’s 60th This Memorial Day my annual family gathering was dealt a horrible blow: RAIN! So although we cooked outside under the eaves, we had to eat and celebrate inside, which can lead to a fairly dull time without access to a sunny outdoors and frolic in the pool. […]
Did Ken Burns Invent “The Ken Burns Effect”?

Did Ken Burns Invent “The Ken Burns Effect”? I think it Actually Was Invented Across the Country by Early Slideshow Makers https://elements.envato.com/watching-television-at-night-PSKMEF3 Ken Burns has been credited with devising the “smooth moves on stills” tv effect that has permeated his various award-winning productions. But, for history’s sake, I’d like to claim that this effect was […]
Why I Wrote “Make Tribute Videos”

Why I Wrote “Make Tribute Videos” There are moments when large groups of people expect something special. The perfect toast. The sacred moment. The encore. The motivational speech. The crowd applauds, then roars. We all have these moments, if sometimes on a smaller scale. But they are just as important. The wedding. The anniversary. Retirement […]
“Make Tribute Videos” Book Out Now!

“Make Tribute Videos” shows you how to make videos honoring friends, coworkers, family, and others to celebrate anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, retirements, and more. Nineteen chapters are devoted to the basic tools, techniques, and technology needed to make your first tribute video. Once you know how, you can create and show this video to an appreciative […]
That’s Not Noise, That’s Art

Tony Schwartz (1923-2008), was a master of electronic media, created more than 20,000 radio and television spots for products, political candidates and non-profit public interest groups. Featured on programs by Bill Moyers, Phil Donahue and Sixty Minutes, among others, Schwartz has been described as a “media guru,” a “media genius” and a “media muscleman.” His […]
Starter Camcorder You Can Build a Business Around

When you decide to start a freelance or larger business, there are many concerns. How to build a demo reel. How to find business. What equipment do I need? When you get your first job, depending on the budget, you’ll have a choice: hire a shooter or be the shooter. This of course depending on […]
The Quick Guide to Making Your Family Tribute Video

Here’s a bullet by bullet overview of the tasks at hand when editing family tribute videos. The goal is to go for the audiences’s heart, and these pointers should help. Collect materials. These includes pictures, video, misc, interviews if you plan them. Import materials into your computer and video editing program. Select your first piece […]
How Often Should I Change the Music in My Video?

1When I feel Like It? 2When the previous music runs out? 3When the subject or mood changes? The answer is (3), WHEN THE SUBJECT OR MOOD CHANGES. What we’re describing is most appropriate for longer-length videos, where multiple concepts or subjects are being deployed. It’s bad enough that YouTube videos of almost ANY length uses […]
Video Producers: Be RELENTLESS!

Storytelling: Still in Style

It’s still the way of the world: Young beats old, new triumphs over the status quo. I know. I was young once, and part of a generation that was taught to not trust anyone over thirty. Okay, 40 MAY be the new 30. but the attitudes still prevail, and moreover, we live in a world […]