And no I haven't forgotten about new videos!

It hasn't slipped my mind that a number of new videos are on the horizon showing you guys my videography setup, going through the equipment and techniques to set up for a reliable interview scene using the new Rotolight LED ring light and the Rotolight microphone. The weather has been terrible here over the last week so I haven't had a chance to get out and do much filming and testing out of the new Rotolight products, but this is the job for today and next week!

Watch this space for plenty of 'Video Questions' videos and samples using the Rotolight kit!

Wonderful SWPP email, Rotolight + more!

I just got a fantastic email from a photographer I got chatting to at SWPP about video! It's great to offer help and tips in such a vast industry - so if you're looking for any info about video on DSLR, equipment, conferences, cinematography, audio, graphics.. Just check out previous posts!

Another positive; Rotolight (design and manufacture of the awesome circular LED lights) are sending a review kit of their new Rotolight LED light and microphone!

Also, the last components for my custom PC built should arrive today, so the next time I post shall be from a multimedia supercomputer!!

Little leak from B&H.. ZOOM H5

I've stumbled across a leak from B&H photo detailing a new ZOOM handy recorder; H5.

Will be interesting to see how this works with the current Tascam DR-60D and DR-100mkII recorders, however I do know the H4N does have a number of problems, maybe it was time for an upgrade.. It is a sigh of relief for videographers, bands, journos who don't need the 6 channel power of the H6 but would like the option of external XLR/TRS microphone/device inputs.

Check out the article here - http://news.doddleme.com/equipment/zoom-announces-h5-handy-recorder/

Trials of editing audio

For those that who have ever been at a gig and lunged their phone or camera in the air to try and capture some of the performance will know that the only sound recorded by the terrible on board mic will be CCCCCCCCRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, or just distorted noise. Luckily, I record with external microphones when I film performances, usually because there isn't another option. Bands these days can't afford to hire a PA system with a multi channel mixer w/EQ, especially for one off performances, so it is common to see, so always be prepared!

There will always, however be background noise and hissing that will need to be removed from the recorded audio, I'm using Adobe Audition at the moment to eradicate that from the John Sinclair performance, as its functions for calculating and removing frequencies from audio tracks is phenomenal.

Why is music so important to your production?

As videographers come and go, especially those that focus more on the visuals rather than the audio aspect of production, some may not realize the importance of the sound that accompanies the visuals. It builds atmosphere, tension, and can play on many different emotions and feelings that is just not possible through visuals (hearing someone behind you for example). Remember, AUDIO is 50% of a final video or film, the other 50% is the VISUALS. Without good audio, your audiences perception of the recreated reality portrayed in the visuals becomes blurred as it is not realistic to hear naturally, think about it!

If you are working on a production where you know the quality of the audio or visuals will be compromised, then have a back up plan! I shoot all the time on my Canon 60D, DSLR's having notoriously terrible in built microphones so I overcome this in ENG situations by using a RODE Videomic, which does the job. However, for exceptionally clean and high quality audio recording an external mic+recorder device is crucial especially for talking heads! I used the Zoom H2 audio recorder to capture the sound externally, to then sync up in post.

A GREAT TIP!! If you are in a shooting situation that allows; set the camera and audio device recording and clap. This will create a spike in the audio waveform and will make it so much easier to sync up later on!

My reason for discussing; I'm currently choosing the accompanying music for the GLF conference video. I use a site called Audio Network to source most of my audio media as it has great creative commons uses and is reasonably priced too, as well as having such a vast array of production style music.

So far, to go with the up-beat and enthusiastic, youthful visuals I have chosen these two to go with the visuals; let me know what you think!

If You Wanna

How's It Going?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the music, and any similar production questions or issues you may be having!

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Are you in need of innovative, cinematic and artistic promotional video's and media, that makes your business, product, event or service stand out, attract a wide audience and immerse them in the visuals and sound?

My portfolio includes video/media work with - Moet Hennessy, Broadcast Magazine, The BBC, AstraZeneca, Manfrotto & more.

I'm offering 10% off on all productions until the 15th of November 2013! Check out my work at

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and get in contact!

New Lilliput 7" HD Field Monitor

I got a surprise through the post today, it was the new Lilliput 7" HD Field Monitor, this one has great features including HDMI, YPbPr, composite and audio inputs, as well as audio monitoring which is handy. Here are some snaps from my play around today. [gallery ids="377,376,375,374,373,372,371,370,369,368,367"]

The colour reproduction, contrast and screen resolution is much better than the Camax model, yielding a more realistic picture. Still some functionality and operation issues to iron out but over all a great product out of the box!

I will be putting up a video soon, including filming in studio and on-location situations, as well as testing out the screen quality too, so keep updated, and if you have any questions just send them in!

I thought it was about time to sort out all of my equipment too, as I have them in bags and boxes all over the place, organization is rather important to avoid losing things! I got this great suitcase from The Olympic Broadcasting Service when I worked at the London 2012 Olympics, so I put my big camera bag, as well as my rig, batteries, and a BlackmagicDesign bag full of cables in it. Can't believe I lug this amount of kit around though! (Minus the Nikon in the little bag as that rarely sees the light of day :( ).

Give us a share and a shout!