We decided it's time we start to mess with video production fairly seriously.
So we picked up this camera this week. I hadn't really thought about it, but this is actually the first video camera I've ever owned.
This is actually the exact same camera that Ryan has, but of course, Matt and I decided we needed one for ourselves. Even though we've shot video and edited and produced things in the past - I think now we're going to start really focusing on refining our own production style from here on out. There's sort of a formula for what we're about to do - and it's actually applicable to almost any craft - it's something along these lines:
I. Identify those who are successful and whose style you admire.
This part is fairly easy. Don't be fooled by success alone - make sure they have a unique quality to their work. Be very discerning - copy only from the best.
II. Analyze their work and determine the formula behind their success.
Study both the authors and their work carefully. I think this is the part that people screw up on the most. It's easy for people to recognize if they like something but hard for them to discern what it is they like about it. You have to really be able to analyze things and break them into their component parts. Reproducing something of professional quality to any degree of accuracy is extremely difficult. It takes meticulous attention to detail. I always joke with people that Matt's the best at forging documents but it's true. The skills you need to replicate things correctly (like NBA tickets or college parking passes, for example) starts with analyzing how they're made and that practice is extremely useful when applied to other subjects.
III. Learn the fundamental skills required to be proficient.
I hate the technical sides of cameras. I like almost all other parts of making movies and videos but I don't like messing with all the camera settings and thinking about the math associated with all the different lenses etc. Luckily Matt already bought a couple 7D technical books this week. I don't think he necessarily enjoys that side of things more than I do but he's much more thorough than I am and also less lazy.
IV. Create your own stuff using a blend of elements from those who you studied.
You don't want to completely copy someone's entire style - since that's obviously lame, so you have to mix it up a bit. Take different parts of all the techniques you analyze and blend them together. If you do it correctly, your finished product, whatever that is, will look good. And since you didn't copy from any one specific source, people will be fooled into thinking that your work has a style all it's own and that you're actually innately talented.
Anyway, I hope that formula can be useful for someone else someday - I feel like we've used it for just about anything we've ever messed with. In terms of video production, Matt and I have already knocked parts I and II off our list. Now I'm just waiting for those nerd manuals that he bought to teach him which dials to turn and buttons to push. After that, it's on.
I'll keep you guys posted on how it all works out.
