Videographers' playground

Thanks to Panasonic, I was able to point the camera at various well lit subjects, make various adjustments to exposure, shoot and actually review my shots.


I was privileged to be invited by the distributor of Edius video editing software, Graphics Vision to participate in their joint exhibition with Panasonic titled 'Panasonic Power of Innovation Exhibition '09'

Our official status as certified Edius trainers gave me the opportunity to contribute some of my knowledge to the public. Since the exhibition was held in one of our largest malls, Mid Valley, the public would be out in force and so would we.

Chilling out with Graphics Vision's MD, Benedict Yee

Ironically, Edius' booth was located right next to Final Cut Pro. I took the opportunity to explore FCP a bit. So although I was meant to help man the Edius area, I was spending time chatting up the FCP people instead. It's always a good move to know the competition.

Panasonic's mock sets provide a good videographer's playground.

I was most impressed with Panasonic's concept. They had painstakingly set up a mock TV studio next to a mock lounge complete with a bar and snooker table. Surrounding these in a semi-circle were tripod mounted video cameras, giving visitors a chance to actually test out the equipment. Next to each video cam were a large LCD display or a broadcast monitor so the use could see what was shot.

Panasonic was kind enough to give us freedom with their video cameras

It was truly remarkable- their P2 and AVCHD video cams were pointed at actual sets so we would not want for a better shooting environment. I occupied myself with their AG-HPX300, a shoulder mounted P2 camera with a long lens and hence a very shallow depth of field.

It was truly amazing. Although I still prefer the ergonomics of Canon's video cams, I was able to point the camera at various well lit subjects, make various adjustments to exposure, shoot and actually review my shots. It was like having a slice of videographer heaven. When I left the exhibition, I was able to discover and recall each of the buttons that contribute to a good video shot. Giving visitors such degree of freedom and flexibility is a great way to boost video camera sales.

Back to the Edius VS FCP debate, now I can clearly understand that Edius holds the advantage over FCP in terms of workflow speed and execution, realtime functionality and multi format support. One of their guys remarked that telling the story is most important, having realtime effects won't help you tell a good story. Clearly he's just consoling himself over the edge Edius has over FCP. Having realtime support simply means Edius can craft out a great story from a great script AND do it faster too!

I had fun at the exhibition. I got to show off Edius and mess around with Panasonic's best of show. My thanks to Panasonic for organising this excellent event and to Graphics Vision for getting our participation.

Surreal: 40 works of art in 30 days

A surreal day- we went on location with Chin Yew, the founder of the '30 Day Artist' movement. We recorded him painting with acrylic on canvas and then grind chinese ink on an inkstone to draw a comic strip. These guys are famous for creating 40 works of art in 30 days.

I always thought artists required some time off in the woods to clear their minds and get some inspiration. Nowadays, it's all found on the internet! Chin Yew assures me that he still takes trips to go up north to experience the simpler life. He listens to conversations for the spark to get him going on his next piece of work.

I had a room like Chin Yew's when I was at college rushing artwork assignments and burning the midnight oil. His room was so cramped that I'm sure if I stretched out my leg, I would've broke a lamp! With all due respect, we creative folks need a cosy place to roll out that masterpiece. Large spaces make us feel alone but large spaces give videographers more room to maneuver! What a trip :)

Flows with the pros

Cecilia was really smooth on the dance floor and I had a hard time 'flowing' with her with our video camera on the tripod dolly.

Flowing with the pros.

The Martell Rising Personalities Award is back for 2009. We've already completed 10 up close interviews with this year's nominated personalities. We're in the midst of videography sessions on location to record the personalities at work in their element.

Today, we were at The Dance Point at Plaza Damas for videography of Cecelia Yong, the champion of the 'So You Think You Can Dance' season 2 competition on 8TV. She was really smooth on the dance floor and I had a hard time 'flowing' with her with our video camera on the tripod dolly.

Watch out for the video. We'll be uploading it sometime next month.

Cecilia looked youthful and nimble. Together with her partner Billy, they worked their magic on the dance floor. Both Cecilia and Billy were very accommodating with me when I asked them to repeat various moves (stunts) from their dance sequence. These 'stunts' were usually physically demanding but they obliged time and again.

Tomorrow we'll be with the founder of Sze Accessories. The adventure continues :)

In an Absolut World, Videographers own the night!

The new Absolut Vodka is unveiled. Glittering in a red sequin jacket, the world famous Swedish vodka is featured in this event titled "In an Absolut World, Every Night is a Masquerade".


While the main camera is being readied, the Glidecam is being balaned.

The brief from our client seemed as exotic as the brand itself: Three concept rooms, 1 lounge, 2DJs, 3 performances, a host of costumed characters roaming a two level venue. Guests get to mingle freely, there will be no speeches, no product unveiling, no launch gimmicks.

Invited guests were to mingled freely in three concept rooms. Each were designed especially for the launch and appropriately named, 'Absolut Dice', 'Absolut Jigsaw' and 'Absolut Cocktail 101'. Each room was unique and featured its own alluring elements.

Truth be told, I have been personally watching Absolut Vodka for quite some time, wondering when we would get the opportunity to shoot for the world famous Swedish brand.


Videographers enjoying a short breather by taking in the event from the audience's point of view.

Last month, we finally got the chance. The new Absolut Vodka is unveiled. Glittering in a red sequin jacket, the world famous Swedish vodka is featured in this event titled "In an Absolut World, Every Night is a Masquerade". The venetian carnevale style event deserved an equally alluring date and Friday 13th had no equal.

Our work as Videographers became a pleasure as we were inspired; inspired by the magical ambiance and enchanting characters and inspired by the venetian escapade. A delightful setting for the launch of the eminent Absolut Vodka.

We deployed the Glidecam to get smooth sweeping views of each room and provided Photography services which complimented the video nicely. We also introduced our new product: 360 VR. This item allows the user to interactively view the rooms in 360 degrees, to see everything in all directions.

The performance from 'Bian Lian' thrilled us to bits with his 'King of Masks' act. This ancient art from China awed audiences for centuries as generations of performers slip from one face mask to another literally in the blink of an eye.

Our Video Editing team had a blast completing the video. We used 'time remapping' to dramatise the Glidecam footage. This effect is made popular by the Matrix trilogy. We're sure you will enjoy watching it when we upload the completed video within the week, so stay tuned :)

Spin Doctors: PR Media Training

'...thorough preparation and testing must be performed to ensure that we have total control over our team and equipment at least.'

You're a leading international shipping company with 3 decades of history. What do you tell the journalists at the press conference when one of your maritime transports collides with a cruise liner?

Yesterday's project was an interesting departure from the norm. Our first project for multiple award winning PR agency Fleishman-Hillard (HQ in St. Louis) was a success. We were privileged to attend a training for one of their clients, japanese multi-modal bulk shipping company, Mitsui OSK Lines.

During the training, we listened in on how to diffuse a crisis scenario such as mentioned above. The techniques of blocking a tough question and bridging to accepted 'proof points' is a trade secret that will always remain in our minds.

The focus of our project however, was to record a mock press conference held between FH staff (as aggressive journalists) and MOL managers. 4 groups of 3 underwent the session lasting a white-knuckled 20 minutes each.


Trainees are given the 'inquisition' treatment and required to respond to tough questions.

Each team's performance would be recorded on camera (which adds to the already tense atmosphere) and then played back for critique and reflection.


The video is played back right away, giving a whole new meaning to 'video-on-demand'

Our services were required for only half a day so we arrived during the participants' lunch break. We set up our main video camera on 8th floor of Le Meridien hotel while the playback video camera was on the 6th. We hardly had time to test the playback before the trainees came striding in. There was little time to even test the audio volume of a test recording we did on the 8th floor.

As soon as interviews with all the teams were over, we had to rush the tapes down to the 6th while the participants went for a short (very short) coffee break. The FH trainer was kind enough to stall for us while we rewound the tapes and tested the plasma TV's (belonging to the hotel) volume.

Overall, everything went as planned. The plasma TV did not backfire on us, the elevators were on their best behaviour, as were our equipment (which we triple checked the night before).

In scenarios like these, where we aren't given time for contingencies, thorough preparation and testing must be performed to ensure that we have total control over our team and equipment at least.

Of course, it goes without saying that prayers and God's grace before every project is essential.

Your virtual salesman: The Product Video

'The Product Video is a tireless sales promoter.'

This video exist for one main reason: your products and/or services. It's a video designed to showcase your product, its strenghts and features, installation instructions and your promotions.

A comprehensive product video will usually come with voice overs and video titles to help your customers understand your products' unique selling point. Animated graphs and diagrams will help to dispel any doubts about your products' integrity.


The Product Video's main focus is to highlight your products' features

For demonstrations that are too complex, 3D Animation combined with live action videography will get the most difficult points across to the simplest of minds.

Imagine your product video being played repetitively in your showroom, displaying your products and its features. The Product Video is a tireless sales promoter. It's the first impression your customers get of your brand and often, it's one of your most effective sales tool.

To produce a Product Video, WolFang Digital provides the following services:

1) Scriptwriting
2) Videography (Full day)
3) Video Editing (approx. 4 to 5 days)
4) 3D Animation
5) Motion Graphics
6) Video Titles

Duration of video:
approx. 5 to 10 minutes

This Video is most suitable for use in:
Product Demonstrations
Showrooms/Retail Outlets
Exhibitions/Trade Shows

To view more Product Videos, visit:
Product Videos from WOLFANG DIGITAL

Martell VSOP Rising Personalities Awards 2008

'Prior to the award night, WOLFANG DIGITAL produced Biography Videos of each of the award recipients...'




Martell VSOP hosts the 2008 'Rising Personalities Award' an extravagant gala dinner to honour 10 of the most promising personalities from various industries.

The Rising Personalities Awards recognises individuals who have risen above the competition, life’s challenges and more importantly, their own expectations, in their pursuit of career advancement and life as a whole.

WOLFANG DIGITAL captured the nuances and ambiance of the gala dinner as it unfolded. Our Videography team provided Live Video Feed which transmitted video of the Rising Personalities as they arrived, each chauffeured in a Mercedes. The video was played live to guests already lounging in the reception area.

Prior to the award night, WOLFANG DIGITAL produced Biography Videos of each of the award recipients. These videos were played for guests before each personality walked onto stage to receive their award.

A fashion show titled 'Birds of the Amazon' by Fashion Stylist Cris Yong, jointly produced by DJ Blink dazzled us with flamboyant haute coutour accompanied by exotic tunes. Grand Prize winner Joanne Yeoh also entertained us with her mastery of her violin, mesmerizing us with renditions of classical tunes. Malaysian Idol Jaclyn Victor also got into the act and presented us with choice songs.

WOLFANG DIGITAL projected the activities on stage onto colossal screens so guests could fully experience the awards ceremony regardless of their seating location.

We deployed two video cameras for this event: one to provide Live Video Feed while another mingled with guests, capturing choice close up shots. As before, this year's Gala Dinner was a fun experience for us.

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.

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

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!

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.

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!

Gearing up for PT19 Residency

Trinity Towers has awarded us the project to produce a Product Video for their 3 storey linked terrace priced at RM 2 million. Videography begins tomorrow morning. From what I hear, the place is going to be in tip-top condition, awaiting our arrival.

As predicted, they will be our first client to benefit from our newest service, our Glidecam Videography. For architectural Videography, it's fitting, considering the house will look great with sweeping views of the interior as our Glidecam gracefully moves in to capture each room and hall.

We intend to arrive early to take advantage of the sun's low angle. The soft shadows and the sun's initial weaker rays ought to make the house look romantic and appealing to high-end buyers.

It's going to be a long day- the client wants a night shot of the facade with the logo illuminated, at night. The following day, we're to head out to shoot various places of convenience- malls, airport, banks, etc. While all this is being carried out, back at the studio, Video Editing and Motion Graphics and Music Selection will have already started. Exciting. We'll be posting photos of our Videography session later.

Army of Two

When my wife first joined us, she was just my girlfriend. Pureen's job responsibility included co-ordination and administration of all our production schedule. The area of Video Production in terms of quality control remained solely my responsibility. My staff and I handled all aspects of Video Editing.

I remember during a particular busy month, when we were juggling a number of projects. Pureen indicated she wanted to earnestly take up Video Editing. Her first project was "The Martell VSOP Interactive Dance Challenge". She was off to a rocky start and we spent many hours together, helping her understand the concepts and technicality of Video Editing. In a relatively short time, Pureen had overcame the hurdles related to Video Editing and completed the project almost entirely on her own.

From that moment on, she flew solo, personally editing or supervising every other project which included simple Wedding Videos to the exacting and challenging Event and Product Videos. She now has only the Corporate Video to master. I now have more time for Conceptualisation and Research & Development into new techniques and procurement of more advanced equipment.

I remain extremely grateful to Pureen for her enthusiasm and passion towards our profession. She's an invaluable resource to our company.

WolFang Digital's deliverables are enhanced, blessed by thorough quality control. Now we have two sharp minds thinking for our clients. During on-location Videography, Pureen is already a familiar fixture within our team. She's the liaison with our clients, freeing me to devote my time to direct our Videography team.

We talk about WolFang Digital constantly, about our dreams and aspirations for the company.

We haven't come to the best part yet. The best part of being an army of two is our ability to second guess each other- Pureen and I know what's best for the company. This reduces the time it takes to make a decision, making us more agile. That's not all. I trust Pureen and we both have faith in each other making similar efficient decisions that advances WolFang Digital.

Now I'm planning to teach Pureen Motion Graphics. She's not expressed an interest to take up Videography yet, but to everyone their own right to dream.

Yes, it's a beautiful feeling when your wife shares the same passion as you do, with the same level of fervour. There is no better team than when a man and a woman join forces to dominate one goal... an army of two!