Friday 29 August 2008

Cutting It Right: Video Editing pt. 3 of 3

This is the conclusion to my 3 part series of 'Cutting It Right: Video Editing'

Read Cutting It Right: Video Editing part 1
Read Cutting it Right: Video Editing part 2

8) Colour Correction
This process involves a pair of sharp eye and a sensitive heart. Colours bring about different emotions- orange may mean energy and give the time of day as evening. Blue may indicate a high-tech feel. Purple could mean insinuate elegance or romance. Colour Correction is an important, creative and exacting process.

9) Presentation
The completed Video is then presented to the Video Director who makes the necessary amendments based on his intimate understanding of the product. If the Video Director doesn't give the green light, the Video will not be seen by the client. That simple.

The Video that ends up being viewed by our clients have gone through the exacting scrutiny of our Video Director's eyes. Since we write the script, we know the product almost just as well as the client.

10) DVD Encoding & Mastering


It takes many years of action before a fresh graduate evolves into a finely honed WolFang Digital Video Editor. Our Video Editors have the innate skill to combine various Video Footage into a seamless video for various purpose, be it a fast paced Event Video or a more informative yet state of the art Corporate Video.

The Video Editor keeps track of hundreds of Video clips that may amount to thousands if he is working on more than one project. His eyes are sharp- his brain is able to discern good takes from mediocre ones, he can discern the right colour for any scene and he is able to evaluate music for the various projects.

Cutting it right is just one of the disciplines within the world of Video Production but nevertheless, it is an important and challenging one. Becoming a good Video Editor takes years of practice. Becoming a good Video Editor makes one more sensitive to the world around them, it is a rewarding experience.


Read Cutting it Right: Video Editing part 1
Read Cutting it Right: Video Editing part 2

Background Support

'There are situations when setting up a tripod or even a light stand will indeed pose a threat to the environment...'




In our line of work, I meet with many decision makers and business owners who are admired for their passion towards their products and services. They are the same folks who award us projects and sign our cheques.

It comes as no surprise that during our meetings, they are reluctant to stop production for Videography sessions. Factories continue operations, banks will continue to serve customers, showrooms display and sell, hospitals treat patients. The success of a business depends on maximum operational time. Taking an unscheduled break will add a crimp in their bottom line.



WOLFANG DIGITAL's Videography team have adapted to this environment by working efficiently- our equipment set-up and deployment drill is constantly rehearsed and improved upon.

We are able to work on-location without having to interrupt our client's operations. Sometimes, this means using the environment to our advantage. Where sunlight is available, we deploy our video cameras in positions that leverage on natural light.

As a part-time lecturer, I used to tell my students that to produce professional looking looking videos, a tripod is a video camera's best friend. There are exceptions, however.

Whenever a video camera is detached from a tripod, we collapse and hide it. What's worse than having a 'stray' tripod being captured on tape is a tripod being a hazard to the client's workforce.

There are situations when setting up a tripod or even a light stand will indeed pose a threat to the environment, such as a busy factory floor where forklifts are zipping along, where colossal robotic arms bend red-hot metal daily.



WOLFANG DIGITAL's team are trained to use objects in the background for camera support. A banister, a chair or table, a railing, a stationary car, walls, the world is littered with 'tripods' that can help us get a stable shot. We are trained to be aware of our surroundings.



Oftentimes we aren't allowed the luxury of deploying our equipment whenever or wherever it pleases us. Producing videos for the corporate world puts us in a situation of constant change. As professional Videographers, we have to assess the situation quickly, improvise and roll with the flow.

Saturday 23 August 2008

Royal Salute 38 'Stone of Destiny'



WOLFANG DIGITAL documented the noteworthy launch of the Royal Salute 38, Stone of Destiny. An elegant and royal setting, a room filled with ancient treasures, a 38 year-old scotch whisky.

The finely superior Royal Salute 38 year old was unveiled to privileged eyes and sampled by distinguished, discerning palate. WOLFANG DIGITAL was honoured to be in the company of his excellency, the 13th Duke of Argyll, Torquhil Ian Campbell who graced us with his presence all the way from his native Scotland.

On display are his excellency's magnificent collection of treasures on loan from his expansive castle, Inveraray in scenic Scotland. WOLFANG DIGITAL did not hesitate to capture these rare wonders that helped shape a nation's history.

The Royal Salute 38 made its grand entrance escorted by a pair of bagpipers in full highland regalia. Scenes from the movies Braveheart and Rob Roy played in our minds amidst the bagpipers' melancholic yet majestic melody.

Thursday 21 August 2008

Cutting It Right: Video Editing pt. 2 of 3

This posting is part 2 of 3 from my Video Editing series, 'Cutting It Right: Video Editing'

View Cutting It Right: Video Editing part 1

4) Editing
This is a creative process where the Video Editor, ususally guided by a Storyboard or Script, crafts the story. The Video Editor lenghtens or shortens a take and inserts them into his edit chronologically or randomly as required by the Script or Storyboard. Videography aside, Editing is the most crucial part of Video Production.

5) Editing with Music
Oftentimes, a Video Editor is required to edit his Video based on the beats of a music track. He takes great care to increase or slow down the pace of his videos based on the cresendo or low points of the track. If the script requires random Video clips, his creativity is needed to insert the most attention grabbing ones into appropriate segments of the music track.

6) Motion Graphics and/or 3D Animation
The Video Editor collaborates with the animation team to create Motion Graphics/3D Animation based on the Video Director's guidelines. The Video Editor inserts these clips as required by the script/storyboard.

7) Voice Over Synchronising
The Video Director is always present during Voice Over Recordings to ensure that the Voice Over Talent gets the pronunciation and intonation right. Attention is given particularly to names and slogans. When the Voice Over Recording is complete, the Video Editor faces the thankless job of inserting the appropriate Voice Overs into position. He will need to make adjustments to the video based on the speed of the Voice Over reading.

View Cutting It Right: Video Editing part 1

Tuesday 19 August 2008

B. Braun Product Video



'The clean layout, the subtle use of its corporate colours and even our choice of Voice Over Talent were complimented.'

In May, WolFang Digital completed a Product Video for B. Braun Avitum. This video features the Nexadia Intelligent Data Management System, a software that manages a network of dialysis machines.

Each Nexadia Monitor is able to remotely control, monitor and document treatment procedures for a host of networked heaemodialysis machines, allowing nurses to spend more time with their patients and significantly improving the efficiency of the nephrologist's administrative tasks.

Videography was done at Penang Adventist Hospital's Renal Care Centre. The video was premiered at the 11th Asian Nephrology Congress at KL Convention Centre, which WolFang Digital also provided Event Photography services.

During one of our final but poignant video presentations to a packed room of sales, marketing and technical managers including its General Manager and a representative from Germany, our video was previewed to a round of applause and compliments from all. The clean layout, the subtle use of its corporate colours and even our choice of Voice Over Talent were complimented.

This is a testament to WolFand Digital's versatility in undertaking various projects from different industries.

Friday 15 August 2008

When the classics do the twist


Here is a short video clip of an artiste par excellence at work.


We're proud to have Joanne Yeoh select WOLFANG DIGITAL as her official Videographers!

WOLFANG DIGITAL was engaged by internationally renowned professional violinist Joanne Yeoh to cover her performance. Joanne worked her bow with passion in the concert hall- thrilling music connoisseur- which was packed to them brim. Some of her fans were sitting on the steps, next to my video camera's tripod!

Knowing full well that music recorded through the on-board camera microphone wouldn't sound good, especially when heard through the tone sensitive ears of a world famous musician, we decided on an alternative plan of action.

Joanne's talented ensemble for that night are acclaimed pianist Dr Lim Pei Sien and cellist Dr Chong Yew Yoong. Music from all three musicians were 'harnessed' and piped into our video camera from specialised AKG microphones installed in close proximity to each of the instruments namely the cello, piano and of course, the violin.



Attached to my ears are a pair of fine enclosed Sennheiser headphones that separates the ambient noise from the music recorded by the video camera. I got to hear the crisp clear sound of music as if I was standing next to the musicians themselves. I was able to enjoy Piano Trio In C Major KV548 by Mozart, Reverie by Claude Debussy, Trio by Charles Ives and La Muerte Del Angel by Astor Piazzolla.

The three masters cooked up a storm, especially Joanne who looked fabulous in her ebony evening gown. Her fingers danced across the strings, she whipped her bow forward and back as she dazzled us with her renditions. We're proud of Joanne Yeoh for winning the Martell VSOP Rising Personalities Award 2007 and having her as our client. We wish her all the best in her next venture!

Wednesday 13 August 2008

A Poignant Moment



During our recce of the Renal Care Centre, the full force of the seriousness of kidney failure had not hit us... yet.


It was an eye opener for us when we visited the Adventist Hospital's Renal Care Centre in Penang. None of my family members or anyone I know of are facing kidney related illness, making this trip a poignant one for us.



WOLFANG DIGITAL traveled to Penang to produce a Product Video for B. Braun Avitum- an internationally renowned pioneer and manufacturer of medical products for treatment of extracorporeal blood treatment (out of body blood cleansing or haemodialysis) based in Germany.

During our recce of the Renal Care Centre, the full force of the seriousness of kidney failure did not hit us... yet. It wasn't until when we started the Videography session when reality descended. We were told that the rows of reclined patients were in various stages of kidney failure.

The head nurse continued to tell us of the three times a week dialysis sessions where each patient had to undergo five to six hours of treatment costing RM 250 a session. It wasn't just the financial aspect of it that disturbed us, it was the abrupt change in lifestyle not to mention the distress each time a needle pierces a vein AND artery. All physical activity had to be kept to a minimum and a strict dieting regime is implemented.



I had to set up the camera in front of the patients although my subject was not the patient but the dialysis machine drawing out their blood, cleaning it and transporting it back to their body. They seemed pleasant enough but by looking at them, I could sense that they had resigned to their fate but always, there was a glimmer of hope.

We all learned that high blood pressure and diabetes led to kidney failure. To anyone out there reading this, take good care of your kidneys. Drink lots of fluids, cut down on your sugar and salt intake and exercise regularly. Being put on dialysis will not just put your life on hold, it will inconvenience your loved ones too.

Photos were taken with my K800i for archiving purposes.

Friday 8 August 2008

Cutting It Right: Video Editing pt. 1 of 3

Bar client presentation, Video Editing is arguably one of the most exciting stages of Video Production. There are a few steps taken during the Video Editing process.

I have divided the topic of Video Editing into 3 posts: Cutting It Right: Video Editing parts 1, 2 and 3. In this blog entry, I will cover the first 3 of the 10 steps.

1) Digitising
Tapes that contain Videos shot on-location are digitised into the computer's hard disk. The Video Editor 'captures' only the best 'takes'. NG (Not Good) footage are not digitised. If a Videographer shoots 5 takes, 2 takes out of the 5 are captured to give the Video Director some choice.

2) Music Selection
Royalty-free music is selected for use in the Video. The choice of music depends the Video currently edited. A Corporate Video on medical equipment would require more high-tech music compared to an Event Video for Wine Tasting, which requires a more mellowed, romantic track.

3) Take Selection
When the Video Editor has digitised all the tapes from a particular Videography session, he will select the best takes from from each scene. He will then lay them out onto a 'Program' or his 'Edit' this will be his worksheet and represents the completed Video.

Look out for Cutting It Right: Video Editing pt. 2 which I'll be posting sometime next week.

Wednesday 6 August 2008

Classical Twist Gear Up



Our client, world renowned professional violinist, Joanne Yeoh will be performing at The Actor's Studio tomorrow night. First thing tomorrow morning, we will be on-location for rehearsals.

We will be Official Videographers for Joanne Yeoh's Classical Twist.

Videographers, Gear up!

Friday 1 August 2008

Hanging in the balance.

As with all things in life, achieving a balance leads to a successful and fulfilling existence. This too, applies to the proper deployment of the Glidecam.

Three years ago, I had the opportunity to edit a Product video for Westin Hotel. The Videography was provided by a third party who used the Flowcam from Varizoom. I mentioned in one of my earlier posts that Varizoom's stabilizing products are nowhere near Glidecam Industries'.

After my own considerable practice with it, I managed to iron out the intricacies of my Glidecam. In retrospect, it was very clear from the get go that the Videographer did not consider balancing his Flowcam before applying it on an actual Videography session. The symptoms are an annoying swing of the video camera along the axes (a left-right or forward-backward rocking motion) when then the Videographer alters the speed of his movement.

A well-balanced Glidecam should not deviate much from any of its axes when the Videographer shifts his movement speed or abruptly stops. The Glidecam manual clearly shows us how to test for balance: walk with the Glidecam (camera mounted, LCD panel folded out) and stop suddenly. There should be no noticeable pendulum-like swinging of the Glidecam; this is a good indication of a well-balanced Glidecam.

I have to allocate about half hour to set up and balance our Glidecam. This means being on-location earlier. During our practice runs, it's a real drag packing up the Glidecam knowing full well it's going to be set-up again the following day.