The Secret to Compelling Video: Add Information

I talk a lot about how keeping your shots short makes your video more intriguing.

This video, from Walk Off the Earth is the exception that proves the rule.  We can learn a lot by looking at why it works.

Most film consists of short shots because we process visual information fast– microseconds fast.  Once we’ve processed all the visual information in front of us, we’re hungry for more.  That’s why your eyes (unless you’re staring at a screen) flit from one thing to another all the time: the rearview mirror, the wife, the road ahead, the speedometer, the road Read the rest

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Shoot Short Shots? There are No Rules (p. 106)

An example from  How to Shoot Video that Doesn’t Suck (p. 106)

I tell people to shoot short shots because (a) our brains process information so fast that long shots are likely to be boring and (b) most new videographers don’t know how to do it.

Then I get email that refers to “the rule of shooting short shots.” So let’s be real clear: This is creativity, baby.  There ain’t no rules. But you do need to learn how to shoot short shots.  Instead of focusing on “rules” that there are penalties for breaking, think in terms of … Read the rest

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Short Shots Add Up (p. 106)

From How to Shoot Video that Doesn’t Suck, Page 106:

Cutting makes us pay attention. Each cut to a new shot forces our brains to figure out what we’re looking at and what it means. We’re more engaged in what we’re watching because we have to work to understand it. Short shots make us participants instead of passive viewers.

Strong, focused shots actually convey more information to the viewer. Little parts add up to a deeper, richer whole. Check out this famous milk commercial that made director Michael Bay’s career: Each short shot gives us another hilarious detail … Read the rest

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