What Do You Like About Video Reviews?

[Drasiana]

Basically what it says on the tin.

 

I'm going to start making VIDEO REVIEWS! Not really focused on anything in particular, though with a slight slant towards fantasy/children's movies, and not necessary flat-out criticism, I'm sort of testing the waters with this. I haven't done it before and I'm not entirely sure which route I want to take with it! So basically, I'm going to ask you guys, who I'm sure are all too familiar with internet critics:

 

• What do you like about video reviews?
• What DON'T you like about video reviews?
• What things would you expect to see from me in said reviews?

[CrypticQuery]

For starters, do be sure that your audio source is calibrated; there is nothing worse than not being able to hear a reviewer, or conversely being able to hear them far too much.  

 

If I do have any other suggestions, I'll post as they come to me. - Good luck in your endeavors otherwise!  

[StarFoxfan-FUR_ever]

To add on to what Crazy said, I would suggest making use of actual clips within the movies to help get your point across. Just looking at the person reviewing the movie can cause some people to lose focus. Don't be afraid to record different parts of your review at different times and them editing them together. There is no worse feeling than having a whole script planned out, and make mistakes numerous times. That being said, you should never review anything officially without planning a script. Then again that goes with almost any kind of video that isn't meant to be a "live recording". An example of a "live recording" would be a Let's Play video.

 

Before doing all that, ask yourself who your target audience is, and try to imagine their potential maturity levels and intellectual capacity. Be too serious, the kids may get bored, act too silly, people will take you for a joke. In the beginning it will be hard because you haven't grown your "fanbase" enough to gauge it properly.

[Drasiana]

I guess I should clarify: I know what to do with the technical aspects, I've been working in film for three years My one shitty-quality reaction video doesn't count as anything, it was a spur of the moment webcam recording--the camera I'm actually using is a Sony Cybershot with a tripod being shot in HD 1920x1080 resolution. I still need to invest in a nice microphone, but I've been able to get workable-as-voice-over audio quality off both my camera and my internal mic. Don't worry about these aspects.

 

In terms of scripts, some will be scripted, some won't be. I actually work better off-script as I've discovered through being interviewed and making promotional videos so I'll be mostly working off a guideline, but I know the beats I need to cover.

 

And yes, I was planning on using actual clips because people just talking would be boring, as well as needing to show clips or other inserts to show what I mean.

 

Specifically I was looking for suggestions on what conventions you find the most entertaining in video reviews: talkier reviews, more visual reviews, reviews with skits, funny, serious, etc. I'm looking for conventions, not technical aspects.

[CrypticQuery]

Ahh, I suppose that industry-veteran information does come in handy!

 

--

 

It is all dependent upon what is most feasible to you.  Personally, I do enjoy standard film reviews in the sense that parts of the film that the speaker is referring to are shown on screen, with potential corresponding pieces and references there as well.  I feel as if the skits/on-camera style gets tiring relatively quickly, though it can work provided there is a good amount of review substance on top of it. 

[StarFoxfan-FUR_ever]

Well in that case, are you trying to go for more of a "Nostalgia Critic" type of review video?

 

When it comes to "funny" reviews I find is easier to implement sarcasm as a way to get your points across when criticizing something about the film. When you bring up possibly using skits, what comes to mind for me is an attempt at mocking ridiculous plot points or just flat out poor acting.

 

Just think about how you make your points in debates on this website. I dont see why you shouldn't try to use this technique in your reviews, as it is very effective.

[Drasiana]

Okay, so just doing what I do best but in video form? I can work with that :B

 

I guess it'll be easier to get feedback once I've one an actual video too.

[Harlow]

The most important thing in a good review: Be savvy on the matter and make it interesting. Find a balance between those two.

Mixed media of clips and voice (whether be your IRL you or a voice over a still or an irrelevant scene of critiqued film) seems the best formula.

 

Other stuff:

-You can be sarcastic and snarky here, be that on your videos! I prefer reviewers to have some spark, and you can have that and be serious at the same time.

-Make sure you're careful with the background and the lighting so that it doesn't eat you. (if you choose your IRL face)

-You don't need to do a skit or a sketch if you don't feel like it. Some do, but only do it if you feel like doing it. If not, it will feel forced

Make sure to use some instrumental music or some kind fo "beat" on the spoken parts so it doesn't feel empty. IMO, the less known, the better. (Dunno how copyright can affect you there )

[Drasiana]

I already have my background worked out, I have bright blue walls in my apartment so that worked itself out pretty well. Good call with the music: it's one of those things I "know" that I'll know I'll forget about up until the last moment so it's a useful reminder, haha.

 

What is an ideal review runtime, do you think? 15, 20 minutes? Half an hour or more?

[CrypticQuery]

15-20 minutes is one of the more accepted thresholds; any more than that and I feel the need to drift away to other tabs regardless of what the video's subject matter is on.  Maybe you can mix full-length videos with shorter ones discussing specific tropes, topics, etc. 

[Drasiana]

That's a good idea. I probably don't have the patience to sit and edit something that's over an hour long anyway, hahaha

[Harlow]

15 to 20 is a good timeline, 23 tops, if you think you can hold an audience that long.

 

Yeah, the music is important. It's movies and media you're talking about, not politics or newsy stuff (where even silence is used only on the more sensitive topics).

 

Good luck :B

[DZComposer]

So, appearently IPB will let you move a thread into a category that isn't really a board making it completely inaccessible unless you turn said category into a board. Lovely. Looks like this is one for IPB's bug tracker.

[Harlow]

Woah that was weird. And I thought Dras was having a bipolar episode by throwing this away.

[Snys93]

I love sarcasm while being honest in reviewing a game or movie. Its good way to get your point across and at the same time allowing room for some humor. There are a lot of game reviewers out there that exhibit this trait.

 

I too have thought about being a reviewer on youtube. I don't imagine that go well for me. I have an opinion that many don't agree with.

[Drasiana]

Ah thank you for bringing this topic back to life. Thanks for the input, guys :3

 

I think I'll try recording at least a bit of my first review today. I think I'll aim for it to be a shorter one simply because it's the first one, but we'll see how much footage and dialogue I have to work with. I suppose I'll post it here when I'm done!

[Redeemer]

I don't really know what I'd like to see from one, but I would like to see this review once you're done. You were good in an interview I saw, I believe I commented on how informative you were, so maybe video reviews will be easy for you.

[Drasiana]

Ah, the interview where my hair was in front of my eye the entire time and the guy never told me?

 

I'm glad you enjoyed it though heheh. That's a good sign!

[Sarita]

Yeah, pretty much just be yourself and I'm sure it'll turn out very entertaining and smart. :3

 

Though, if you're up for it, theming your "costume" towards what you're reviewing might be cool, but that was a random, sleep deprived thought I had just now.

[Faisul]

Why didn't you tell me you were thinking about doing video reviews??? I would love to see some from you!

I really like to see reviews that focus on actually reviewing - meaning that there's little time for skits or plot summary, stuff we've already talked about basically. For 15-20 minute videos I don't think you'll have much time to do more than focus on one aspect of reviewing, but there's nothing wrong with going at it at a humorous angle. And don't be afraid to review stuff you like either! Not that I think you'll have trouble with it, but a lot of reviewers seem to fall into a trap where they only review bad movies. That does things to you, man!

 

You do have the prettiest face in the universe but I'm of the opinion that reviews should focus on what's being reviewed pretty much to the exclusion of all else. Reaction shots, used right, can add humor while reviewing something terribad I guess but it's not something I see done well all that often. I'd recommend mostly using screens or clips from the movie you're reviewing. Or maybe you can review movies exclusively through miming. You run the show!