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goodtimesfreegrog imokaywiththis.gif from Darkmere Since: Oct, 2010
imokaywiththis.gif
#1: Aug 8th 2010 at 8:28:59 AM

So, long story short, I kinda made a thread in this vein before, but I'm kinda tossing around the idea of getting my stuff together and writing and filming a pilot episode for a Video Review Show.

Any advice on how to get started, or any pitfalls I should be dodging?

READ THIS COMIC. | Read along as I play through my games collection!
Ronka87 Since: Jun, 2009
#2: Aug 8th 2010 at 9:14:18 AM

Groggy, my man!

I've dabbled with the idea myself, and my main pitfall has so far been sitting down and actually writing a script. :P But I did some research to prep, so here's my (remember, unfounded) advice:

  • Don't sweat the first few episodes; concentrate on getting stuff done, then on making it great. Most reviewers have a start-to-good time of about four episodes, so don't get discouraged if your first few vids aren't what you think they should be— you will improve with time.
  • Invest time on script— try not to go off on boring tangents (interesting tangents, on the other hand...), keep the review together, and aim for wit.
  • Invest time on performance— practice your lines several times before going on camera, and do several takes. Try to eliminate stutters, false starts, stuff like that.
  • Make sure your review area is well lit. just bugs me
  • Don't sweat the technical aspect at this point. A basic editing program and moderately good camera with sound should be enough for you. If you decide you want your video show to go somewhere, get better tech down the road, but don't blow your budget this early on.
  • JUST DO IT. The biggest hangup for a video show is not making it, so make it.

(Links: Here's the old thread grog's talking about, for those who want to know. This thread from the TGWTG B-Squad has some helpful hints for becoming a reviewer, too.)

Ana Since: Jan, 2001
#3: Aug 8th 2010 at 9:25:45 AM

Get a decent sound setup. This just bugs me the hell out of me. For some reason a disturbing majority of internet reviewers seem to think seeing their ugly mug in HD totally compensates for sound equivalent to a tin-can-telephone next to an airplane turbine. It doesn't. In fact, video clips of the reviewer doing funny faces and hammy acting is the last thing I care for in a review.

goodtimesfreegrog imokaywiththis.gif from Darkmere Since: Oct, 2010
imokaywiththis.gif
#4: Aug 8th 2010 at 9:32:07 AM

Duly noted, Ana, and thanks Ronka.

What I've noticed in a lot of peoples' first video reviews is that the very first thing a lot of video game reviewers tackle is one of several "legendary" bad games, like Superman 64, ET or Big Rigs. I want to avert that a little by maybe starting with something that's not so bad, but hopefully a little obscure too, and kinda keep that vibe where I can review games from up and down the scale.

As for the technical aspects, I hope it won't really hurt if I use an HD webcam to film the review for a test, because a good-quality HD webcam runs really cheap. And no, I will not use the webcam's own mic. I've also got a gamebridge I can use, but right now getting it to work is a little finicky.

edited 8th Aug '10 9:35:52 AM by goodtimesfreegrog

READ THIS COMIC. | Read along as I play through my games collection!
goodtimesfreegrog imokaywiththis.gif from Darkmere Since: Oct, 2010
imokaywiththis.gif
#5: Aug 8th 2010 at 12:27:07 PM

Also, a couple of questions about ideas and such:

How much copyrighted music do you think I can use in a review and get away with it, legally speaking? Should I hedge my bets and use music that's freely available on the internet, or music from various games?

And relating to that, I want there to be a title sequence to go with the reviews, but I don't know just how long that sequence should be. I'm thinking maybe about 40 seconds, but content-wise I want to do something a little different for a title sequence than what most game critics do, which is just slicing gameplay footage and reaction shots. Any suggestions?

READ THIS COMIC. | Read along as I play through my games collection!
DragonQuestZ The Other Troper from Somewhere in California Since: Jan, 2001
The Other Troper
#6: Aug 12th 2010 at 2:48:45 AM

I just made my first review, so while I'm not calling myself an expert, these are things I've learned from other people's advice about videos. They were for Abridged Series, but they still apply here.

  • Get a good mic. It doesn't have to be expensive. Logitech has a good headset that goes for just $20 (assuming you live in the US).
  • Get plenty of storage space. It's best to store all the files you will need in as good a quality as possible.
  • If you aren't that good at ripping and editing videos, screencaps will do at first. Even Windows Movie Maker can work with those (assuming Windows is your OS).
  • Avoiding background noise is obvious. I found that just having a strong fan on can create even a noticeable amount of noise on the video, making it seem as though you are constantly blowing into it.

"How much copyrighted music do you think I can use in a review and get away with it, legally speaking? Should I hedge my bets and use music that's freely available on the internet, or music from various games?"

I'd avoid that at first, just to be safe. Then see if you can get permission from people to use their music.

"And relating to that, I want there to be a title sequence to go with the reviews"

Well you probably won't need one at first, as a lot of review series tend to add one later.

edited 12th Aug '10 2:50:47 AM by DragonQuestZ

I'm on the internet. My arguments are invalid.
Roundy210 Since: Apr, 2009
#7: Sep 9th 2010 at 6:46:20 PM

bump

I'd like some tips too. My plan is to review terrible children's shows, in particular Disney Channel/Nick Sitcoms.

edited 9th Sep '10 6:46:30 PM by Roundy210

Indigo_Dingo Since: Dec, 1969
#8: Sep 9th 2010 at 8:52:23 PM

But what if I'm so incredibly untalented that I feel tha if I try to make a series I could end up making something so terrible it would cull human civilisation as we know it?

Ronka87 Since: Jun, 2009
#9: Sep 10th 2010 at 8:57:45 AM

If it makes you feel better, the more likely outcome is you'll spend days getting it ready and stressing over its release, then get one or two lukewarm reviews and no subscribers and eventually abandon the idea, leaving the reviews on a YouTube account you'll forget about where they will remain unwatched forever.

It it makes you feel better.

BatDan Since: Nov, 2009
#10: Sep 10th 2010 at 11:05:59 AM

My suggestion? Look at what The Irate Gamer does and do the opposite of that.

Roundy210 Since: Apr, 2009
#11: Sep 14th 2010 at 9:13:46 AM

so, how do i avoid getting my ass sued over the reviews?

Wackd Since: May, 2009
#12: Sep 25th 2010 at 8:17:10 AM

They're fair use, to a point, so it should be fine. However, the only completely fail-safe way is to either not use any clips, screencaps, or audio from your subject. Another good way is to never develop a fanbase.

Maybe you'd be less disappointed if you stopped expecting things to be Carmen Sandiego movies.
Acritdy Since: Dec, 1969
#13: Sep 26th 2010 at 11:53:22 AM

I've been tempted to make a show called The Critic Critic.

NateTheGreat Since: Jan, 2001
#14: Sep 26th 2010 at 2:21:24 PM

We already have a Reviewer Reviewer on You Tube.

Acritdy Since: Dec, 1969
#15: Sep 27th 2010 at 2:19:52 AM

We're in a thread about making video reviews. I don't think anyone really cares about a bandwagon already rolling.

Roundy210 Since: Apr, 2009
#16: Sep 29th 2010 at 8:22:06 PM

(activate look like a dumbass mode)

...why?

Sati1984 Browncoat from Hungary Since: May, 2010
#17: Nov 24th 2010 at 7:56:17 AM

My thoughts on the matter (originally from another thread)

- Good, quality mic. Cheap $5-$10 mics won’t give you quality sound which you will need if you care about production value.

- Fraps or something to record your own footage from games, if you plan to review games too.

- Video editing software - I recommend Sony Vegas as it’s intuitive and simple to use.

- If you don’t have something to record your voice externally and you plan to do it on the computer, you need to decide if you’re going to do the review (of a game) on-the-fly or would you rather record the game footage first and comment on it later. If you want to record even parts of your review on-the-fly (as you play), you’ll need as powerful computer too. Unless we are talking about games from the 8-bit or 16-bit era.

- And of course, for a video show, you’ll need a camera too. I recommend one that records on a HDD, connects to your comp via USB and records into a format that Sony Vegas can recognize directly, if you don’t want to lose much of your precious time converting pieces of footage you will edit out upon realizing you didn’t really needed it in the review in the first place… I myself use a JVC Everio GZ-MG 330, which is a great piece of technology, records in a quality what is enough for me (not HD, but pretty good in the SD department), and has 30GB space, which allows me to record more than enough. Oh, and another upside of having a camera is that it has a good enough mic to record your sound, so if you have one, you don’t need to buy a quality mic for your computer.

- A tip regarding the camera: It might be a good idea to have it running constantly, because this way you won’t miss any accidental but good bits you might improvise. And in the case of game reviews, you can record all of your running commentary with it, without killing your computer while recording the audio commentary while it records the game footage. And even if your computer is capable of this, it might still cause some sound issues. It’s always better to have two separate tracks - one is your commentary and other is the game footage, complete with sound. Later on in the editing software, you can do anything with them.

- Tip #2: you absolutely need to write a script first or at the very least an outline of the review. Write down everything you think and want to say about the movie/game/book/whatever you’re reviewing. It’s better to write a structured script because then you can do some test recordings where you can react freely on what’s going on, without the constant inkling in the back of your head which bugs you constantly not to miss telling X thing about it.

- And another tip: if you want to create an unique style, you need to have standards, and permanent points. For example: if you always examine the era and the context in which a given work came out, and talk about that at the beginning of your videos, in time, it becomes part of your style. Not to mention, that such things provide structure, which you will need if you don’t want your reviews sounding like you are all over the place. And it certainly helps you writing the scripts too!

- Most importantly you’ll need TIME. Lots of it. Even without additional video footage, you’ll need to edit a 10 minute video for at least 4-5 hours to make everything right - even if you’re not a perfectionist and just want to have an OK video up…

"We have done the impossible and that makes us mighty." - Malcolm Reynolds
Roundy210 Since: Apr, 2009
#18: Nov 25th 2010 at 5:13:35 PM

Soon my first one shall be complete.

moocow1452 Since: Jan, 2001
#19: Nov 25th 2010 at 8:43:11 PM

@Dragon Quest Z That is awesome for your first go at it. I mean, a bit of the jokes fall a little flat, but your tone is pitch perfect. IMO, Try for less jokes where you "misunderstood" the film, and more Strawman Has a Point jokes about stuff that actually went down.

And host it on Blip.TV, no time limit, you make a penny of a penny on every view, and it's easier to podcatch.

edited 25th Nov '10 8:43:34 PM by moocow1452

Bananaquit Since: Jan, 2001
#20: Apr 10th 2011 at 1:45:45 PM

Well, here’s a good a place as any to spam advertise my new video movie review show. Even if I’m kind of iffy on letting too many people see these early reviews as they kind of suck. I’m getting the hang of editing but my delivery needs a lot of work; sounds really stiff a lot of the time, too much pausing and stammering. Not to mention San Francisco traffic noise. The harsh lighting needs to be issued but that’s something I need to discuss with my partner in crime at my next taping (if he ever gets back to me).

I promise my next review will be much, much better. I have my next two scripts pretty much in the can but I’m only filming one of them at my next session with David. I’ve learned my lesson about doing two videos at once, believe me!

Lapsedtreker Call me Lappsed from Internet Since: Apr, 2011
Call me Lappsed
#21: Apr 30th 2011 at 2:05:22 PM

I also intend to review bad kid's show's but have very poor pronunciation and a high voice even by 11 year old standards and as an 11 year old have no money for editing eqiptment any advice

edited 30th Apr '11 2:44:38 PM by Lapsedtreker

Proveing 12 year olds are the filthist people around
Ronka87 Since: Jun, 2009
#22: Apr 30th 2011 at 5:22:08 PM

I don't want to sound rude, but if you're 11, you shouldn't make a video review show. Practice writing, make some videos for private viewing, and wait until you're at least 17 before you post to the internet.

Lapsedtreker Call me Lappsed from Internet Since: Apr, 2011
Call me Lappsed
#23: May 1st 2011 at 10:48:35 AM

Why not I've seen AVGN NC LINKARA Spoony yatzee (or however you spell it)AJ. Is it a voice issue beacause I asked for help with that

Proveing 12 year olds are the filthist people around
Kerrah Since: Jan, 2001
#24: May 1st 2011 at 11:02:09 AM

I guess what Ronka means is that it's unlikely an eleven-year-old can write good enough material to gather a large following online.

I'm inclined to agree, to a point. I started planning out my fantasy book series when I was 15, and by now I've had to abandon most of my original plans. However, if I'd hadn't started the writing process back then, I would never have progressed beyond that point of skill.

My suggestion: If you want to make it into comedy eventually, then do write stuff, get feedback from people on what works and what doesn't. If you find that you can entertain people, then go for it.

Lapsedtreker Call me Lappsed from Internet Since: Apr, 2011
Call me Lappsed
#25: May 1st 2011 at 11:54:24 AM

True but I am working on that and want advice on being funny enough for a fanbase

Proveing 12 year olds are the filthist people around

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