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Video tips for track events

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Old Nov 25, 2004 | 08:58 AM
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Default Video tips for track events

I'm starting this with the intention of posting tips about how to make high quality videos of car events. (Yes, I'm hoping to have this made into a sticky.)

I'll start:

to not pulling an "MTV" and tilting the camera this way and that. Don't make people sea sick.

Regarding music, imagine watching an MTV video where you can't hear the band because someone overlayed a car engine soundtrack on it. Doesn't make much sense does it. So keep the music to a minimum, or at least don't have any when cars are moving. If we want to hear AC/DC we can do that on our own - it's a car video, we want to hear engines.

Use a tripod! It's a cheap way to make a so-so video into a high-quality product. A tripod is cheap, no excuse not to use one.



Modified by kb58 at 6:42 PM 11/25/2004
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Old Nov 25, 2004 | 12:09 PM
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there's a software application out there called SteadyHand that does wonders for taking the bumps out of an incar video, or for when your camera man has the shakes
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Old Nov 25, 2004 | 12:18 PM
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Default Re: Video tips for track events (kb58)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kb58 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Regarding music, imagine watching an MTV video where you can't hear the band because someone overlayed a car engine soundtrack on it. Doesn't make much sense does it. So keep the music to a minimum, or at least don't have any when cars are moving. If we want to hear AC/DC we can do that on our own - it's a car video, we want to hear engines.

Modified by kb58 at 6:42 PM 11/25/2004</TD></TR></TABLE>

Well, maybe if you had to actually sit in the car for something like. say a 4 hour enduro, and you had to hear the constant whine of an 8000 rpm like weed whacker you'd want some music in your video.

It's about half and half. Half like the music I add to my in car race videos and half don't so I switch back and forth between music and no music.

Cheers,

Jon Kofod
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Old Nov 25, 2004 | 04:42 PM
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Default Re: Video tips for track events (FLATOUTRACING)

Fair enough, I need to clarify. I'm referring to videos that are posted on the web for general viewing. Sure if you want to add music to a four-hour taped session you're going to watch at home, great. It's unlikely however you'd be posting 4-hr videos to the internet, and that's what I was referring to.

You know, it's like a car pulling up next to you at a light with obnoxious music playing. He's making the big assumption you think he and his music are cool. Very often that's not the case and you don't want to hear it. I'm saying it's like that with car event videos, very difficult to "assume" what the viewer wants to hear. Everyone expects to hear engine sounds... not "I like big bottoms" by Spinal Tap.
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Old Nov 25, 2004 | 04:45 PM
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Default Re: Video tips for track events (kb58)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kb58 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You know, it's like a car pulling up next to you at a light with obnoxious music playing. He's making the big assumption you think he and his music are cool. Very often that's not the case and you don't want to hear it. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Its his car, and if thats what makes him happy, then who cares? You hear it for what, 30 seconds and then you forget about it.
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Old Nov 25, 2004 | 05:05 PM
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Default Re: Video tips for track events (.RJ)

Well if we go down that road it means anyone can do anything they want... that wasn't the intent of this thread at all. It was making suggestions of how to make enjoyable videos. I guess if you don't mind driving away 99% of viewers by doing obnoxious things, as producer, that's your choice. The logical conclusion is that no one will watch anything you make. So maybe a little consideration of others is appropriate?
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Old Nov 25, 2004 | 05:09 PM
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Default Re: Video tips for track events (kb58)

It all depends on what you made the vids for. If you're making them for your sponsors, then maybe some music and creative editing is better.
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Old Nov 25, 2004 | 05:49 PM
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Default Re: Video tips for track events (.RJ)

Fair enough, if sponsers like them, then that's that. Of course sponser's also liked "Baywatch." I thought good taste, common sense, and politeness played some part in making a fun-to-watch video. Guess that's why I'm not a Hollywood producer...
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Old Nov 25, 2004 | 06:07 PM
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Default Re: (Chris Sawatsky)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Chris Sawatsky &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">there's a software application out there called SteadyHand that does wonders for taking the bumps out of an incar video, or for when your camera man has the shakes</TD></TR></TABLE>

I leave the "bumps" in my videos.. It helps the veiwer to know what is going on.
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Old Nov 25, 2004 | 08:32 PM
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Default Re: Video tips for track events (kb58)

IMO, music makes it more "entertaining", and that's what posting videos is all about for me. I actually get bored watching 20 minute race videos without anything to mix it up a little. So far, I haven't heard any complaints about the stuff I post.

I usually only post highlights anyway and lately I'm not the only featured driver in the video. I think the right chioce of soundtrack can make or break the message you're trying to send (as well as how well things are edited). Jon's videos are great fun to watch, and so are everyone else's. Make videos the way you like to make videos.

Since it's the off season, should we have a creative video posting contest? Who can make the most entertaining video of 5 minutes or less?
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Old Nov 25, 2004 | 08:35 PM
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Default Re: Video tips for track events (kb58)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kb58 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> to not pulling an "MTV" and tilting the camera this way and that. Don't make people sea sick.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Depends...

the unusual angles tends to give the viewer something different to look at, rather than the same ol' "in-car". If it's a compilation video, i HIGHLY suggest using different angles.

On video that is showing a line, a specific situation, or an accident... angles are not good.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> If we want to hear AC/DC we can do that on our own - it's a car video, we want to hear engines. </TD></TR></TABLE>
I completely disagree except for educational purposes (ie. "Here's the apex.")

For entertainment purposes, music sets the mood and the tone of the video you're watching. Sometimes, you can pull it off WITHOUT music and have a great scene (Bullitt).

The CHOICE of music is what's tough.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Use a tripod! It's a cheap way to make a so-so video into a high-quality product. A tripod is cheap, no excuse not to use one.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Agreed.


Added points:
try to get the raw footage if at all possible. don't use compressed video when making your creation.

Also, IOPortRacing has a great rollbar mount. $99.

FISH angle lens only work for 5seconds of any video.

Wide angle lens that don't blur the edges help get the entire dash for in-car shots.

If you can, never use the digital zoom.

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Old Nov 25, 2004 | 09:11 PM
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Default Re: Video tips for track events (Driven)

How bout this...

What is the biggest file size that you will download? Is 96megs way too big?
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Old Nov 26, 2004 | 06:38 AM
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Default Re: Video tips for track events (jisu009)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jisu009 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Is 96megs way too big?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yes. File size should never go beyond 20megs for a 5min video.

Unless you're looking for DVD quality.
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Old Nov 26, 2004 | 06:55 AM
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Default Re: Video tips for track events (.RJ)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It all depends on what you made the vids for. If you're making them for your sponsors, then maybe some music and creative editing is better.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Exactly.

He says to not make the video boring, but don't tilt the camera. I find that contradictory.

I'll have to agree with keeping the camera steady. The videos I hate are when someone is holding the camera. That's naseauting.

I also like a little mix of car noises and music. Although most of my videos are autocross so the video is only 40-60 seconds long and not worth putting music with it.
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Old Nov 26, 2004 | 07:37 AM
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Default Re: Video tips for track events (jisu009)

Depends on how the viewer downloads it... if they have a cable modem versus 56K. How long do you want them to wait? Another issue is, what's your bandwidth limit on your server per month? How much do you want to pay to host free videos?
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Old Nov 26, 2004 | 07:45 AM
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Default Re: Video tips for track events (CivicSiRacer)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CivicSiRacer &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
He says to not make the video boring, but don't tilt the camera. I find that contradictory.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I never said that, and I don't think anyone else did either. You're making the assersion here that if you *don't* tilt the camera the video is boring? Get off the MTV crack pipe. There are tons of exciting racing videos, and not one with the 45deg tilts like you're on the North Atlantic in winter. Please don't say you actually enjoy watching "Tuner TV" or whatever that nauseating show is? Ick.

But I will agree if it sells, it works. I just suspect there's a much larger potential viewership potential by being subtle, rather then the constant sensory overload of the MTV in-your-face experience, but maybe I'm the only one with this view.
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Old Nov 26, 2004 | 08:42 AM
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Default Re: Video tips for track events (kb58)

I think some of the issues here are your "tips" are closer to your opinions and preferences on how a race movie should be instead of actual tips on how to make/better one.
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Old Nov 26, 2004 | 08:58 AM
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Default Re: Video tips for track events (kb58)

I thought I only liked videos when it was max. 50% music min. 50% engine until I watched JohnG's videos.His last one was 100% music 0% engine and it was excellent,especially with all the different camera views.It takes a knack to make an entertaining vid IMO
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Old Nov 26, 2004 | 10:58 AM
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Default Re: Video tips for track events (StyleTEG)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by StyleTEG &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I think some of the issues here are your "tips" are closer to your opinions and preferences on how a race movie should be instead of actual tips on how to make/better one.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Thank's for being constructive, helpful, and contributing to the thread. Easy to criticize isn't it, especially when you don't add anything for tips. Where's your backbone? Of course if and when you ever post your tips, we can just as easily apply your own negative comments, they're just your opinion, instead of actual good tips as though the two are mutually exclusive.

I had good intentions in starting this thread. Apparently video production is like art. There are those who put a trash can in an art museum, call it art, and ask $100,000 for it. Of course there are certainly a lot of starving artists too. Whatever, but I thought a list of common helpful tips could be a good resource, instead of useless "that's your opinion" comments. So is the "logical" conclusion is since it's art, there are no guidelines? I've had enough, I give up.
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Old Nov 26, 2004 | 11:36 AM
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Default Re: Video tips for track events (kb58)

I wasn't criticizing, just pointing out the truth.

You may not like MTV angles and music in racing videos, but I do. See its a difference of opinion/preference.

However, pointing out places to mount cameras, suggestions of possible angles, different ways to transition between clips, ideas like side by side inside/outside shots, etc are tips.

Spazing out because I disagree (and if you read the thread many others do also see a place for music) gets no where and helps no-one as well.

We could all list what we like to see in a racing video, and they would all be different. How does that help anyone?
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Old Nov 26, 2004 | 12:35 PM
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Default Re: Video tips for track events (johng)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by johng &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Since it's the off season, should we have a creative video posting contest? Who can make the most entertaining video of 5 minutes or less?
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I'm in... I just got my new PC!

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Old Nov 26, 2004 | 08:15 PM
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Default Re: (Chris Sawatsky)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Chris Sawatsky &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">there's a software application out there called SteadyHand that does wonders for taking the bumps out of an incar video, or for when your camera man has the shakes</TD></TR></TABLE>

Who makes the software? never heard of it can it be burned on differen't formats like Mpeg, AVI, Dvd, VCD, add music other opitions like that?
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Old Nov 27, 2004 | 04:37 AM
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Default Re: Video tips for track events (kb58)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kb58 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Well if we go down that road it means anyone can do anything they want... that wasn't the intent of this thread at all. It was making suggestions of how to make enjoyable videos. I guess if you don't mind driving away 99% of viewers by doing obnoxious things, as producer, that's your choice. The logical conclusion is that no one will watch anything you make. So maybe a little consideration of others is appropriate?</TD></TR></TABLE>

I think the ultimate test of how good your video is can be seen by the demand to view it. You state your opinion that music has no place in a race video or should be kept at a minimum but I don't agree with your premise.

The opening introduction to any race broadcast (F1, IRL, ALSM, Speed World Challenge) always starts with some race highlights with music interjected. Look at an F1 "Year in Review" and the end of each tape always has awesome race highlights with appropriate music to match the action.

Secondly, I highly doubt anyone here on this board is making "production Quality" videos for sponsors.

All my videos are created and posted for the enjoyment of my fellow racers and the people here on Honda Tech. Judging from my bandwidth useage I'd say my videos are pretty popular (some more than others) including the ones with music that you seem to think will turn everyone away. I had one 45 second clip use up 100 gig's of bandwidth in just two days.

I am also confused as to exactly what you mean by "race" video since your title for this post is about "track events". Nothing against track events (I did afterall participate in them for 5+ years) but there is rarely anything exciting enough in your average track event to add cool music to or to even make a hihglight video out of. Unless it's some track event with hyper exotics (see my track video below w/ MUSIC) a track event isn't going to look exciting enough to add music the way wheel to wheel racing does.

http://flatoutracing.net/movies/cd5/TestA.mpg (right click and save)

Just straight music may not be the best way to present a video, but with the right volume levels between the music and the engine note you can make some good videos.

An exciting video is not made or broken because of the addition of music. A great video is a result of good content (i.e. exciting cars, exciting racing, good driving.....). That is why it's hard in most cases to make a good track day video unless the car is really fast or there is some close wheel to wheel action (not likely given the rules at most DE's). Adding music to a video between a run of the mill 3 series chasing down a VW aint gonna get too many people excited.

I don't agree with your tip on music and I gather that the majority on this board don't either juding from the number of videos most HC people post here with music.

Cheers,

Jon
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Old Nov 28, 2004 | 09:15 AM
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Default Re: Video tips for track events (FLATOUTRACING)

The opening introduction to any race broadcast (F1, IRL, ALSM, Speed World Challenge) always starts with some race highlights with music interjected.

Yes and in my opinion the music sucks


Jon you know how i feel about music on race vids
if the music is not to the taste of the viewer it can ruin the vid
motor sounds are they right way to go

ian
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Old Nov 28, 2004 | 12:21 PM
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Default Re: Video tips for track events (icarp)

I am more of a fan of the motor sounds and squeaky tires and "hey you running PFC 90s?" sounds I am a big music fan but find it hard to believe that other folks would like the music I would choose to accompany racing clips (and likewise, I am that unlikely to like the music others put to their action). The motor and tire and brake (and other car) sounds to me are perfect.

I think angle is the most important - getting that angle that points straight out the front glass so you don't seem to be looking from the headliner nor do you seem to be looking out from the e-brake - when it appears to be from your eye level out, thats the one I like the most.
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