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Friday, January 20, 2012

New Graffiti Video created with trakAxPC Version 4

Hey Everyone,

Firstly, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all our users for their commitment, support and patience over the last number months. It has been a long slog for everyone involved and we are delighted to announce that the beta version of trakAxPC 4 is almost ready for testing. We are currently implementing our Nalpeiron protection software and support tutorials and once we have validated the beta version, we will be announcing the release date for the full version shortly afterwards.

With the release of the beta version of trakAxPC 4 imminent, I have created a new video to highlight some the new features available, as well as demonstrating the quality and professional output one can achieve with trakAxPC.  I also hope to prove that one can create a great looking HD video with very little money. The video was shot with a Kodak Zi8 ($179, .MOV), a tripod ($20) and edited with trakAxPC 4 (Beta). Below, I have provided a detailed description of the video creation process and hopefully it will provide some ideas and inspiration when creating your next video.

Background & Preparation

The reason I created this video was due to a conversation I had with a friend of mine. He is a talented graffiti artist and was telling me that they had a big project coming up and wanted to record the process to share with his friends and peers in the graffiti scene. Up until now, he had created some simply videos using time-lapse photography and photos, so I asked if I could get involved and create a video with him. He agreed and so it began.

Before I began any filming, I took it upon myself to do a bit of research. I spent some time browsing through graffiti style videos on Vimeo and bookmarked videos that I liked. By doing this, I was able to analyse each video and choose certain elements that I wanted to incorporate into my video, for example, the type of text used, angles and positions footage was shot at, cuts and transitions between different scenes, etc. This research gave me sufficient ideas and from there I was able to plan out my video and the shots I wanted to record.

Soundtrack

I knew I wanted to keep the video fast placed and did not want to make it too long. Most experts suggest a video should last between 2-4 mins at most; anything longer and you will begin to lose the interest of the viewer. Firstly, I began looking for a soundtrack that would be suitable (TIP: I believe it is much easier to edit videos when you have a soundtrack chosen, as you can edit and cut scenes to the tempo). The track needed to be up-tempo so that it would facilitate quick cuts and transitions. I would also suggest having a couple of soundtracks selected on standby and try different ones out. You will know when you have selected the correct track as it will just feel right.

Filming

As I had done some research, I knew the type of shots I wanted to record. I had hoped to give the video a bit of a storyline which is highlighted in the opening sequence and gives a location and background to the video. I also wanted to show the wall gradually building up from a blank wall to completion. Most of the shots in the video are close-ups of the artists themselves (well their hands anyway) as I wanted to highlight their skills and talent, as well as give a more personal touch to the video. The rest of the shots are more mid-range and long shots with pans which helped to build up the picture and show the progress on the wall. I also took some footage of the pub (who owned the wall and had given permission to use) and some street shots which I used to build the introduction and add to the story.

Editing

The editing process should take you as long as necessary; there is no point in rushing it. I had recorded a lot of footage so it took quite a while to go through and select the shots I wanted to use. I created different folders and sub-folders with category names to help organise the shots for ease of use. I also revisited some of the videos I bookmarked to refresh my memory with the type of edits the professionals used. This helped the editing process and inspired me to add straight cuts between the segments instead of automatic crossfades (I only used 2-3 fades between transitions). I also decided to keep each segment relatively short which I hoped would add to the concept of a fast paced, up-tempo video. To further enhance this impression, I placed the start of each segment to align with the beat of the song so each cut / transition was in sync with the soundtrack. Finally, at the very end of the video I added a transparent PNG trakAxPC logo to help promote our company (if you have a small business, this is an ideal way to promote your company).

This description is not a strict guideline on to how edit your video. These are just some simply tips which I believe may help you when editing videos.  I hope you find them useful and hope you will enjoy using the new version of trakAxPC 4. You can also view some of our other tips and tricks videos by clicking here.

Remember trakAxPC can be used for all your video editing needs. Take advantage of our special price - buy trakAxPC today for just $24.95.

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Posted by Colm in Tips & Tricks  TrakAx News  Development Roadmap  

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