Friday, April 20, 2012

Financial Boot Camp - coming soon!

In case anyone was wondering, this is the link to the promotional video for Financial Boot Camp.  Yes, I already know the sound is off in several spots, and we've rectified that in the filming of the first episode thankfully.


I am happy that although there are a few bumps, the video has been received with average to above average audience retention through the majority of the video. YAY!  Enjoy the bloopers at the end!

New appreciations!

So this week has been a bit divided, but most of the time has been to edit the initial Episode of Financial Boot Camp. I've discovered that even the best planning goes right out the door when you are faced with the actual footage, and the need to think on your feet much faster than before.  Even with slight bumps in the road, the project is coming along well.

I have a new appreciation for film editors and animators who create pieces longer than 5 minutes.  Having done editing for online videos for work, they are normally around 3-5 minutes long, primarily quick cuts and transitions, and very little motion graphics. With the new piece however, it's been nineteen layers and counting in some spots!  Very happy to see results, but noticed I have about an eight hour window each day right now until the brain is totally fried and inspiration is reduced to "annnnnd quick cut, and quick cut, fade, transition...annnd looks like I need to step back."  After a night of rest, those last cuts usually get zapped and some better ideas emerge, which is great!  I've made sure to note where the slacker moments occur, so that the following days are easier to start right up again.

Perhaps the subject matter of financial education is what has become a bit daunting. Trying to come up with new ways constantly to make the footage fresh and add motion graphics that add and not distract is a huge challenge, especially when you are trying to teach people about concepts like 'risk tolerance', 'diversification', and what the heck a risk tolerance pyramid IS, exactly. Perhaps the toughest challenge has been to not get too 'cutesy' with the work, as it is a very fine balance.