Can someone critique my AR video please?

[ghostman1960]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaKWMguGnog

Yes I know this one sucks ass but I want to get better. I know I made a couple of mistakes like showing the weapon was cleared at the end of the video instead of at the start. This one was kind of tongue in cheek as I’m just starting out but I would like some pointers on how to make a better one. Thanks.

[bleaman225]

Don’t use a loaded magazine in the weapon would be my advice.

[Animal_Mother556]

As far as I’m concerned, showing that the firearm is clear is for when people are actually PRESENT. As long as you are actually making sure it’s unloaded before you “finger fuck” it…I don’t see a need to show it in the video. But, I see that a lot of people get shit on youtube for not showing clear. My rebuttal to that would be something like, “dude, I’m pretty sure you were safe watching this in your mom’s basement.”

Other things…maybe go over a “script” or just have an outline sitting somewhere off camera. Just to give better “flow”. I’m not real big into doing video reviews, but it appears that you did okay. Better than a lot of other I have watched.

Maybe less of the little white “talk bubbles”. Doesn’t really add much, and just takes focus off of what you are saying.

[browneu]

I would ensure that you keep anything that you don’t want the viewer to focus on out of the field of view.

Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk

[MilitaryArms]

Here’s what I’ve found regarding video improvement.

1. Lighting is everything for visuals. For indoor video, get some 500w lights (2) and a couple of defusers. You can buy an affordable lighting kit from B&H Photo.
2. Audio is important too. Get a good external mic (shotgun) or lapel mic. I use a shotgun mic that allows me to get better audio both indoors and outdoors. I’m switching cameras here soon so I can do professional audio inputs with wireless lavalier mics.
3. Surroundings. If you look at my earlier videos and compare to them to more current videos, you will see a big difference in presentation. Lighting has improved, audio has improved (still working on this one) and backgrounds have improved.
4. Editing. Learn to use a good editor. Editing is extremely important to the finished product. I started off with iMovie on a Mac and moved to Final Cut Pro. If you’re on a PC, there’s all sorts of options available for you, I’m just not familiar with them. Google will help you there.

Stick with it. I find it fun and rewarding making Youtube videos. And… ignore the trolls. Youtube is full of them. If you respond to them, you only incentivize them to continue. If you ignore them, they get bored and go post on videos where the owner responds to them.

[Iraqgunz]

I agree. I also wouldn’t be video shy either. I would have presented it from a table or something instead of trying to balance it on the carpet.

@bleaman225

Don’t use a loaded magazine in the weapon would be my advice.

[Hatchie]

Actually not bad.
Personally I would place the gun on a table or work bench with an uncluttered background.
I agree with Animal Mother, I thought the dog and the “dialogue balloons” were distracting. Also a cheat sheet or an outline you could use to make sure that you hit all the points you want to make is a great idea. It would give your dialogue a more comfortable flow.
Seriously though I thought it was good. You went to the trouble to do it then ask for input.
Much better than I could have done I’m sure. I always come off sounding like Larry the Cable Guy…or worse!
I used to have to teach classes during In-Service and was a Firearms Instructor for our department for a while. Occasionally we would video and critique ourselves. I was always very comfortable and had the material down cold because we taught the same material to different classes but I would always cringe whenever I heard myself.
Good luck and I look forward to seeing more in the future.
BTW, nice rifle. Want to sell the DD 1.5?

[jonconsiglio]

Not bad. The only thing I’d add to what the others have said is speak with purpose and leave out any “um’s” as much as we want to use them as filler while we’re thinking. Also, try to hit key points from one end to the other so there’s a consistent flow.

Edit - I don’t know why my posts lately are showing before ones that were already there. My posts just appear in the middle of the thread for some reason.

[Surf]

Same answer from elsewhere. I mention what I think I don’t do correct, but I will mention here that again I personally am not a fan of doing reviews as they are a dime a dozen. However a very good review done right is a good thing. IMO the fella above, Military Arms, does excellent video’s. Well put together, well scripted, brief and to the point. Good speaker. He also shows that he knows how to shoot and isn’t just talking out his ass like many other gun reviewers who learn about shooting from reading on the internet and try to pass that off as practical knowledge but you never see them shoot. Or when you do see them shoot, you don’t want to be on the same range as them.

@surf

What I suggest and what I do may be different. I will use my channel to point out some things, especially some negatives. I never really intended to have a channel, it just sorta happened. Initially I shot video to self coach/teach and to evaluate the efficacy of changes in my style. Then the videos used to be private on youtube to share shooting / building tips with a brother and his shooting club in another state. Then the private viewing audience got too big and I made the video’s public. I do not blog, or network much. I am only on 3-4 sites with any regularity and my signature is about the extent of the networking I do to promote my channel. Properly networking is a good way to get views or noticed if that is what you want. I personally don’t care so much as I am not profiting from anything professionally.

Because of my take it or leave it stance or intent for my channel, my video’s are what they are. No fancy production, but simple windows movie maker, no scripts and very few takes. I mostly turn on the camera and roll. I don’t do too much fancy editing / effects, nor do I do flashy shooting video’s that people just get a kick out of watching for entertainment. Blowing up fruit, veggies and zombie targets is more entertaining than giving solid fundamentals type of content, so keep that in mind if you do shooting stuff. I personally stick with solid fundamental and shooting tips, but will not do hard tactics. Just depends on what you are trying to accomplish.

As far as your delivery, yes it needs work, but so does mine, but scripts and practice helps. Again I haven’t scripted a single video and shoot few if any retakes and it often shows. I just think about what topic I am discussing and turn the camera on. If you want to be polished, script it, do takes and learn video editing. I just try to let the content of my video’s show rather than being a “polished” channel. Personally it isn’t a priority for me, but being polished will definitely be a plus.

As for review types of video’s etc, I have done a few reviews but that really isn’t my interest. Reviews are a dime a dozen, but a good review of a product on video is a great thing. However there are some very good channels that do great reviews and in order to get followers, you gotta do it right. I too don’t like to hear specs etc that you can read off the manufacturer website, unless if you have something to add like a pro or con and why it is good or bad, or if you have more info on facts not listed by the manufacturer. I absolutely do not respect video review channels, especially in regards to firearms reviews, unless if I actually get to see the reviewer putting lead downrange. I like to know that the reviewer has a solid foundation, or base of reference to be able to give an accurate review of a weapon and its features. There are too many people who actually know jack, but speak like they are very much in the know. I do however respect when someone qualifies their statements by being honest about their level of knowledge or skill on a topic. However if anyone claims to be highly experienced or hints or infers that they are some type of an SME, I want that to be vetted at least on film. A truly knowledgeable person can spot a fake quickly. Lastly there are some guys who are very good at reviews and some that are charismatic enough to get a following even though their technical content / knowledge base is lacking. There is definitely no lack of ignorant viewers that can be sucked in by someone with a flashy channel, good production and charisma.

In any event, I question a few of your modification choices and it would help to understand your logic or reasoning as to why you went from one optic to another, different light choice / location to another etc. Your opinion doesn’t have to agree with me the viewer, but a good explanation as to why it works for you helps.

Shooting video isn’t easy. It is time consuming and often a target for people with personal issues. I very much have a matter of fact way in my personality which reflects in my posts. I will tell it like it is, or say how I feel in person or online. I say this because, when you start shooting video’s you almost need to start being nice to people or you might get video stalkers who will attempt to grieve their issues with you on your video channel. Childish yes, annoying yes, but some people have no lives and act like children. These are just a few things to consider.

[d90king]

Clear your weapon - Don’t contradict your own info two min after you make a statement - Get better lighting - Don’t bash (no matter how soft handed it is) other manufactures - Keep your pets out of your vid.

The above is a good start.

[ghostman1960]

Thanks for your replies and suggestions everyone. I will incorporate them into my next video.