You know you have to get and hold attention with your videos. And one tactic that everyone is using these days to do this is the jump cut.
But many are taking it too far, not realizing that when they do, they actually accomplish the opposite of that which they set out to do in the first place.
But no fears. There are some simple principles involved here that make it look awesome or when you ignore them, make it look ridiculous.
Let’s make yours look awesome, OK?
And after you’ve watched the video, please leave a comment below on your biggest challenge in holding the attention of your audience, or your favorite way to keep their attention! We might expand on it in a future video.
Thanks!
**************************
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
I had discovered your doing this as I studied your past videos. Very helpful, especially the percentages. I am currently in the process of producing a 52 video series. Each video will be between 25-30 minutes in length. I have been playing with this idea as I am starting to cut the first one. As always, all your material is helpful and user friendly.
James Tollett
James Tollett Ministries
Sounds like a labor of love, James! Glad to be of service…
Always enjoy your videos Steven. Especially when little Stevie makes a cameo appearance. Probably every bit as effective as a jump cut. BTW, I have never watched an episode of Downton Abby but since Stevie likes it so much I now feel compelled to give it a look.
Thanks for all you do.
Stevie wants you to call him when it’s on and also to start the buttered popcorn 10 minutes before he arrives.
I know…I don’t have the heart to tell him he’s a holodeck character. 🙂
Great video. I think the best use of it is to enable you to cut some parts of the testimonial without having to use b roll scenes. Or isn’t?
Nice one, Renato! A quick fade to black, some white text with the new question, and you’re off to the races!
Enjoy your programs very much; you’re providing a great service. You asked for comments on this technique: I use the same method you do, but apply it a little differently. Here’s a video I made just last week. Please take a look. I hope you’ll want to help me get it out to as many as possible when you see what happened: http://www.screencast.com/t/dlb4ZCCVSCWF
BTW… I take from your comments that you use Final Cut Pro? I’m an AVID man (bought my first Media Composer in 1987…at an unbelievable $120,000 ! My last upgrade cost me $1,495. I’ve always thanked Apple for coming out with Final Cut Pro; Sure made AVID re-price their product!
Now days, I’m doing more production and editing with Camtasia Studio 8. My AVID sits there…idle most of the time unless I’m doing something that will go to DVD Video.
Keep up the good work…
Mel Hardman
Holy smokes, what a saga! Thanks for this public service and I’m sure many older folks will want to investigate the protective measures you’ve focused on.
Fantastic…
Thanks for a really clear explanation of how to make video move along with editing technique.
Vernon
De Nada!
Thanks for the tips Steven.
I’ve recently started making videos for beginner woodworkers. I used to use jump cuts but they look really weird when there are tools or timber in the shot, which I can’t avoid. As you say – jump cuts only really work with a blank background.
So, I tried using two other techniques. After a section of instruction, I leave the camera running while I’m sawing or nailing or whatever but not looking at the camera. Instead of cutting those boring sections, I speed them up by 500% then cross-fade into the next section of instruction. Do you think that’ll be as effective as a jump cut?
Thanks again – I really appreciate the freebees.
Jeremy
Ah, the Speed-Up. One of my favorites. The way you’re using it is perfectly suited to your video. It’s best employed after a process has been explained and demonstrated, so well done!
Great video! This one was actually more helpful than many of them (which are still helpful) because it included some examples along with specific percentages to go with. (The example in Final Cut Pro is also a plus!)
Good invaluable advice and good knowledge to brush up on even if you’re not new to video editing.
Glad you found it helpful, Rachel!