Vidding Round-up 2009

[ash48]

Now it's my turn. It truly surprised me when I was compiling this that I had made so many this year. For some reason it didn't feel like it.


January
Where Do We Draw The Line

February
Who Are You?

March
None

April
The Look of Love
Violence & Sex

May
None

June
Supernatural: At the Movies

July
Bobby, You're Awesome

August
Walking on Sunshine
Time of Your Life

September
Promises Kept
SPN S4 PDQ

October
Hurt
9 to 5

November
Stupornatural Wayward Sons
This is the End

December
Eat it!


My favorite video this year (of my own): Probably Walking on Sunshine, only because it makes me so happy when I watch it. Not because it was any great shakes, but if I need a pick me up I may take a sneak peek at it. Though 9 to 5 is a pretty close second.

My least favourite video this year:
Hmmm... On the whole I'm pretty happy with what I've done this year but a vid that I don't really ever re-watch is Time of Your Life, so maybe that's my least favourite.

Most successful video
It terms of comments, DL's, feed back etc. it would be Supernatural: At the Movies. In terms of my own personal success it would be Hurt. I was thrilled with the reception it received, more so because it was angst and that's an area I feel I struggle the most in.

Video most underappreciated by the universe, in my opinion:
Hee! I'd have to say Where Do We Draw the Line. This is a weird one because the feedback I did receive was heartfelt and wonderful, there just wasn't much so I figure it just didn't touch a nerve like I thought it might. Also, I know it was flawed, but I still have a major soft spot for it.

Most fun video:
Definitely Supernatural: At the Movies. Collaborating with maichan808 with the graphics was an absolute highlight for me this year. I remember squeeing every time I'd send her a section of the vid and she'd send me the poster for it. :)

Video with single sexiest moment:
Oh baby. Violence and Sex had some pretty sexy moments in it. If you consider boy/boy writhing together sexy that is. ;)

Biggest vid fail
Even though I am really happy with both of these vids I'd say Where Do We Draw the Line and Stupornatual Wayward Sons. The first one I've already talked about and the second one made me realise the power of the pretty. The J's are a huge drawcard and without them a vid doesn't quite get the same attention. Or maybe the vid just didn't hold together the best it could have done.

Hardest video to make:
By far Violence and Sex. I almost ditched that about 5 times during the course of making it. If it wasn't for my wonderful cheerleaders I would never have finished it. I'm thrilled I did, but it was hard, hard going.

The things I've learned this year:
I've learned a lot technically - getting more familiar with my editing program, learned more about what can be achieved with certain effects etc. But I suppose I've mostly learned that it's important to make vids that I actually want to watch myself and not what I think other people want to watch. I'm always very aware of my audience and recognise that it is important to make something as polished and the best it can be, but in terms of content I really need to be connected with it. It's the best way to stay true to myself and if a vid fails it wasn't because my heart wasn't in it.

I've also learned that I can't beta. I can give feedback and my opinion (and I love doing that!) but after working with some awesome beta's I know I just don't have the skills or the required patience to be a good one. And that's ok. It's given me an appreciation of what it takes to be a good one. It ain't easy. :)

and my own
A comment that blew me away
I have to add this in because I'm sure any vidder, writer, artist etc. will say that receiving comments and feedback is wonderful and self affirming but to get a comment as detailed as this (links to SVS vid post and comment by crystalsc - second one down) it kinda sticks in your mind for a long time.

For 2010:
>More vids... I hope.
>I would like to extend myself by experimenting and varying with my vidding style.
>Learn more about my vidding program... especially what some of those effects can achieve. (I have no desire to use effects for effects sake - but I want to give myself time to play with them at least).
>Learn how to use Photoshop!
>Make a vid outside SPN fandom. Maybe a movie vid. :)
>Watch more vids so I can continue to grow as a vidder.
>Stop being jealous of other vidders talents and instead be inspired (which I mostly am anyway!)
>Not be afraid to make vids that are just there for fun - not everything has to be monumental.

Oh there's more.... but I'm sure you're already yawning, especially if you made it down to this line. :)

Comments

[greenpear.livejournal.com]

So it sounds like you're going to continue vidding then...

I enjoy the vidding and I enjoy the new friends I've found in the community.

Watch more vids so I can continue to grow as a vidder.

I'd say that's the most important thing on your list. And also not just vids by vidders. Go back and search out music videos done at the time of MTVs inception. There were some very strange people doing some very strange videos. There's a lot you could learn from them.

Not be afraid to make vids that are just there for fun - not everything has to be monumental.

That's my motto on every vid. I got so many that just languish in obscurity cause people don't know the references. But that's okay cause they make me laugh. :D

Happy Solstice...

[ash48.livejournal.com]

So it sounds like you're going to continue vidding then...

Hee! Just try and stop me!! I think I would suffer from major withdrawal if I stopped.... :)

I'd say that's the most important thing on your list.

I agree. It's what I did when I first started vidding and I still watch a lot of vids, but I need to watch more from other fandoms and your MTV idea is a good one. I get incredibly inspired when I see other vids.....

And Happy Solstice to you to. :)

(Did you manage to see a PM I sent a few days ago re a vid I'm thinking of attempting? I'd be interested to know if you think I'm nuts.. Well, more nuts than I already am! :D)

[greenpear.livejournal.com]

"PM"? Not familiar with that abbreviation.

Refresh my very swiss cheese memory...

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Hee! Sorry. Private Message. I sent one via LJ.

[greenpear.livejournal.com]

I missed the private message. Let me read it and view the video and I'll get back to you.

[greenpear.livejournal.com]

I got a funny story. After reading your PM I decided to clean up my mailbox. So I deleted ever single entry. D'Oh! :)

But not before I watched the video.

I'd say it's entirely possible to do in FCE. And yes, it would take tons of layers but that's why you got FCE. I think my "A Little More Sonic" vid had nearly 40 layers.

I think it's a great opening to do and the two-on-two matches up so well...

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much for checking it out.

Wow - 40 layers!! I just worry about how hard that would be to manage - but I suppose it can be done!

Thanks so much. I am really, really keen to give it a go. The first thing I have to do is learn how to make the book mock ups. That's why I have "learn photoshop" on my list. :)

Would you be able to link that vid you mentioned. It'd be keen to take a look. Only if it's not too much trouble. You've already been a great help. :)

Thanks! :)

[greenpear.livejournal.com]

Have a look. Every little picture and counter was it's own layer. Everything, in fact, was it's own layer.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

OMG man! That was insane! Not only the vidding but the friggin' knowledge of the show, let alone the clipping! *bows down*

That must have taken forever to make! Yep - I'm still kinda gasping here...

Ok. Makes my project seem a little less daunting I have to say.

I'm blown away!. That's dedication. Awesome work. :D

xx

[greenpear.livejournal.com]

that was one I had in the back of my mind for a while. I just needed to know I had the ability to execute it in FCE.

Yes, I do love my Doctor Who...

[greenpear.livejournal.com]

While thinking about the Hardy Boys vid idea I've come up with some thoughts.

It might be easier to do the background in Photoshop. Line up all the pictures you want to use as the background then use mattes in FCE to either blank out what you want or shrink other footage to over lay parts of it.

The other Photoshop idea would also create a background of all the pictures. But instead of matting them out in FCE, you could create separate images in Photoshop by covering up the unneeded pictures. It would mean making lots of individual pictures but you could combine them all into one Photoshop document in different layers and bring it into FCE. Each layer becomes an image on a different timeline layer.

Just some random thoughts (cause I'm really thinking of doing this one with Doctor Who...)

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Yes. In fact a friend of mine suggested photoshop for this as well - but you've been quite specific as to how I could do it. Thank you very much. That makes a lot of sense to me.

Of course... still means I need to get a handle on Photoshop. I mean, my hubby is a graphic designer and he's like a wiz on it... I just have to sweet talk him into giving me some (more) lessons. ;)

Thanks heaps. Oooh and you're thinking of it for Dr Who?? I imagine you'll get yours done a lot quicker than mine.... In fact, I'm thinking I might even include this is a selection of TV style opening for SPN and put them in one vid - a bit like Channel Hopping. Very, very early thoughts at the moment though... so who knows.... :) (see, then I might be able to try that "24" style opening someone asked me to do, along with a few other ideas I have.... :) )

xx

[greenpear.livejournal.com]

The one I'm working on currently is sucking up all available time. Not so much difficult, but tons of little cuts and editing. And without giving away too much, it's dealing with an entirely different type of footage than I normally use.

This is the start of my expansion phase...

If you have any questions regarding Phooshop and The Hardy Boys vid, just drop me a line.

Oh yeah, I used to be a graphic designer too - until I got me a job at a university. :)

[maichan.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad you had as much fun as me collaborating on At the Movies :D
And even though I had no part in it, I'm still insanely proud of how you didn't give up on the Sex and Violence vid.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

And even though I had no part in it, I'm still insanely proud of how you didn't give up on the Sex and Violence vid.

I seem to recall some major cheerleading on your part me dear. Honestly, I would never have finished it if wasn't for the support I got. :D

Thanks for ALL your support and help this year honey. I feel blessed to you. <3

[greyowl88.livejournal.com]

Glad to hear you will keep vidding in 2010. I will be here watching them and embracing them with my love. (Your addiction is my pleasure...)

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Yay! Thanks so much hun. Your support has meant such a lot to me this year. I hope I can keep making vids you like.

I never really do requests but if you ever think you'd love to see a particular vid made let me know and I'll see what I can do. ;)

[greyowl88.livejournal.com]

I have always been looking for a Sam + Ruby(GC) vid with the song "Dirty Diana" (Michael Jackson). I've always loved the way she led Sam down the wrong path, playing with his feelings, so downright bad and cunning. To this day there isn't a vid around.

So if you ever do feel like making something I would love to see, this is it...(hope nobody is throwing stuff at me now, there are so many Ruby haters out there). *looks nervously around*

But I'm looking forward to your upcoming Sam(evil or not)vid anyway. So I'm already happy!!
:):)

And yay to staying true to yourself. I think it shows in a vid when you do what really comes out of you rather than trying to fulfill expectations. =)

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Oh yes. I remembering you mentioning that one before.

And really? No ones made a vid like that? That's always a good reason to make a vid then....

Alrighty. I'll pop it on my list and take a look one day (might not be soon though....)

I've just laid down my Evil!Sam track. *meep* It will be very daunting. Though I still haven't settle on what to really tackle next... just playing around with some idea.

Cheers hun.
xx

[ash48.livejournal.com]

Me again! I just had another listen to that song and YEP definitely awesome Ruby & Sam material. :)

Not sure if you ever saw this vid by Melissa (proofpudding. It's just wonderful. It made me more of a Ruby fan after watching this.... So gorgeous (of course, being hers!)

http://community.livejournal.com/lightningmix/1549.html?view=9229#t9229

[greyowl88.livejournal.com]

Glad you agree with the song.

Oh, yes! I have that vid on my yt favos ever since I found it!!!