I shot a little video of the flyout that Mountainmatt organized for the front range folks a few weeks, back. I have been asked to a do a few videos that would require for voice over and I figured I would practice here. Like most people I hate the sound of my voice and found the process completely awkward (It certainly took a few beers to get through it), however some people (friends and family) have told me they like it, but they are not to be trusted. I figure there are plenty of opinions here so why not test it out. and if you went to the flyout you may see yourself.

enjoy!...maybe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2z5gJnBKOY

I am not technical savvy by any means so I can't help you there. The video itself I thought was great. Definitely liked the overhead shots. Your explanation of things is beneficial to the individuals who really don't understand what's going on. Thanks keep them coming.

I think it's great. Narration and storytelling is one of the best ways to make your video more entertaining and set it apart from the thousands of other silent/noise/music track POV videos out there. Combine that with some good footage and editing, and suddenly you have something that can capture the viewer's attention for longer than 30 seconds.

As for your narrator performance, I think your voice is fine. You're real, not some Don Pardo gameshow announcer. If I had to criticize one aspect of it, I'd say don't read from a script. Pretend like you have a buddy sitting next to you at your desk and you're explaining to him what you're both watching on screen (without the luxury of pointing fingers.) It helps to write an outline for that, so that you're ticking off bullet points and speaking naturally, instead of reading sentences.

I've done a fair amount of video narration over the last year, and I know how it feels... My voice sounds retarded.

Great video. I'm jealous of those overhead RC shots you're getting.

Very we'll done!

Hey, I thought that was fun. The voice is fine.... the shots from the RC are a great new perspective.
Zane knows how I get crazy when someone does prolonged video that looks like slow motion straight and level training and then thinks it is jazzed up due to some stolen loud music track. BORING.
As long as wake turbulence doesn't trash the toy... keep experimenting with some angles and view.
The editing kept it interesting as well. As Zane suggested, just talk. Rough outline of what you want to say and then go for it.
Thanks for posting.

What software did you use to produce the video?? I have windows live but it does not begin to make what you did.

I liked it. It was almost like I was there. Oh that's right, I was!

Cary

Very nice! Enjoyed three times.

Very cool, really enjoyed it, and the voice was very sexy!!!
Passed it along to some friends.

I thought it was great. I loved the narration. The narration and the cool quadcopter shots really make it fun. Keep it up.

Well done!

Nice video. Your voice is clear and pleasant. The quad is a good addition.

What kind of quadcopter is that?

I'd change, "attempting to claw it's way into the air" to "clawing it's way into the air". The first one makes his attempt sound less than successful. The second says, "GIT A MAULE!" LOL

Hey shorty you are in a league that is above most of us. There have been 100s of videos posted here and this one is IMO in the top 5. Steve from Idaho in his Maule is another guy who produces professional quality video. Your video is very very good!!

Love the drone and your voice. Keep em coming.

Cheers...Rob

It's a great video and the narration enhances it a lot. But since you asked for a critique, I'd say that the narration could use a little more of a pause between sentences in a couple places, for example at 1:29 and 2:10. Start each new part of the narration with fresh inflection. Just don't overdo it like a cheesy TV newscaster!
Great job. Keep it up!

-DP

msgulf wrote:What software did you use to produce the video?? I have windows live but it does not begin to make what you did.

I use final cut. Windows live has a hard time handling HD video from anything like a GoPro, Contour, DSLR, or such. Plus if you need to stabilize any of the clips I don't think Windows live will do that. That being said I have a pretty fast mac and it sometimes chokes on the bigger tasks (stabilizing drone videos seems to be hard on it).

I really enjoyed this video Patrick. I do agree with Zane that it did sound like you were reading a script...but for those of us who like to watch flying videos...it didnt matter and its just nit pickin'. Your videos are great...I love the quad copter.
Great Job

Agreed with everyone who said don't worry about your voice. There were lots of microphone pops though, so reposition the mic so you aren't breathing quite so directly into it.

Zane suggested no script. I think it's more of a subjective choice than that. But he's on the money in suggesting that it *sounded* scripted. Practice and repetition are a way to get rid of that. Speaking from notes instead of scripts is another. I prefer scripts as I otherwise sound *too* casual.

The poster that commented about gaps in sentences had a good insight too. Give the viewer a pause to digest things from time to time.

I keep wanting to do more of these things (as you well know), but so far this is the only longer one I've put together: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ckz3kyx6Aq0

I have some mic noise also, but I think it mostly doesn't sound scripted despite my preference for working from scripts.

If only we could bring John Facenda back from the grave. I think it would be pretty cool to have a aviation film narrated in the style of the old NFL films.