Hey, look! The first Vuurwapen Blog video in over a month!
This is a short video that is not meant to discuss all aspects of firearms or accessories for home defense. It is a test vehicle for a new format that I have been developing. This format requires significantly less time to produce than previous formats. Please let me know what you think of it.
This is good info on Youtube which is about 95 percent dumbassery as it pertains to firearms information so having your voice on the tube is helps the newb trying to comb through videos for information. However, the video is a little too static. I’d cut in some tighter shots of the weapons or run a second camera and cut the two together to make it a little more dynamic. Otherwise keep going. Again, 95 percent of what you find on Youtube is dumbassery and pure opinion based whereas you base your reports on facts and well thought out explanations.
Good info, but I don’t like the new format. I understand, it’s more like a Power Point presentation, and a good many people might be used to that type of thing and prepared to accept information in that way, but it really just comes across to me as less visually interesting, and hence less engaging.
Not a huge fan of the format, but it works for this topic. It is a little too much like a PowerPoint presentation…and I like your more dynamic and active videos.
Dude, you seem pretty natural in front of a camera. I’m sure VS tv or Outdoor TV would put you up. I would look into auditioning or something. But as far as script goes, I tend to agree with RR. Some B-roll of you shooting (as it pertains to the current subject) within the transitions and text as an info bar on the bottom 1/8th would of tied the whole thing together.
Thanks Jeff…I think I will mix it up next time…among others, I am planning a 1911 vs Glock video with a few unique twists…
I think the new format is fine, especially if it means you can put out more videos with less effort. I do like the old format though with lots of slow mo videos, etc. I would offer a suggestion that you leave just a little extra time for us to read the slides that pop up in between when you speak. I felt a little overwhelmed with the rapid fire slides in some parts of the video. The t shirt is awesome. I wonder how many people got the Birds reference lol.
I think the new format is fine.
Some of the transitions between text and video can be jarring when the ratio of video to transition gets too low (e.g. 1:00 – 1:40). An alternative you might consider (if it is technically feasible) is to display the text as a subtitle instead of cutting to a blank screen.
I think the text on the black field was a good way to isolate your points. It was efficient and effective, but I have to agree with the above posts: the older format is more engaging. With the lightning strike intro, quick but not hurried pace and the concise monologue, the older videos are refined to the level of art. They are some of the best gun videos on the net, it would be a shame to see them go.
I liked the old format better, but maybe you can combine the two. Whilst still talking switch over to a section of high-speed footage or something to that effect.
While extremely clear and informative, it is less engaging than some of your previous videos. I’m not sure what your target audience is, but people (especially in the 18-24 year old range) are used to constant “double information” – that is, information gathered from both audio and visuals at the same time. If you don’t give them that second visual component to process, then they may start looking for it.
“Huh, I wonder why that third 1911 has a different grip angle. Oh! Maybe it’s actually a CZ 75. Or…”
It could be as simple as shouldering each weapon in a proper stance to bring the focus tightly to the gun. Or maybe just a close-up of each firearm. Or you could do a wider shot where you move down a table motioning towards each option. Conveying some sort of tactile qualities would be great.
That’s why many lower quality youtube videos still excel. The overdone “tabletop review,” where the speaker fiddles around with some handgun and a piece of paper, attracts your attention.
Great info as usual. However, I don’t like the new format. I much prefer the old format and clips of you shooting etc mixed in vs the new format, which seems boring by comparison. I would tend to agree with vincent above, maybe a mixture of the two formats, but it definitely needs clips of shooting.
The new format works fine but the old format was more visually appealing. Also, you may want to add visual examples of just why maneuvering those weapons inside of a home or building makes a difference, rather than briefly mentioning it. I’ve sent a few of your videos to prospective shooters before they buy a gun or take firearms instruction, and many say it has helped them quite a bit.
In short, I’d prefer this format if it allowed you to make more videos.
Thanks for YOUR time
Russell
Your jacket is too big, specifically in the shoulders. It gives the impression you’re a kid wearing your dad’s suit. I would just do without the jacket all together. Otherwise great content.
Stupid Turkish tailors.
Sport coat and t-shirt = stand up comedian, or Dr. House.
Better than most youtube videos, no rambling or wasted time, but your normal videos with high speed camera’s and dynamic shooting are much more interesting, and informative. Not many of us have access to high speed so seeing the actual cycling of a firearm is incredibly useful.
I think your videos are some the best produced on YouTube. The new format is fine, but I’d like to see a combination of the the old and new. I appreciate all the hard work you put into these videos. I’ve learned a great deal from them. I’ll keep watching regardless of the format. Thanks.
I agree with most of the other posts on the older ones, but I know your point is that this takes a lot less time. You might think about having some clips that you already have set up that can be inserted into any video. For example when you are talking about handguns, you can go to one of the 5 clips you have labeled “pistol el prez” or “pistol speed reload”. As you build up that library, you won’t have to do as much editing as starting from scratch with 100’s of hours of raw video and images that I am sure you have by now. Just an idea, you might have already thought of.
Shoot me a message when you get that new 300BLK, it should be there soon.
You’re pretty natural in front of the cam. But video is not ppt and more dynamic content – like e.g. when you talk about wall penetration demonstrate it! – is more in line with the idea of video.
You may want to use both formats.
Have one format for certain types of testing and whatnot, and the second less time consuming one just providing information.
This format is just fine for this type of video. Your standard/old format would be too busy for this presentation. However, for other types of video you really need the cuts and the editing – such as to demonstrate how well muzzle devices work, or the barrel deflection video you posted. I don’t see how those could work as a single shot.
I think you could maintain a mix of the formats. This presentational type is fine for short, concise delivery of basic information about a topic. Your “old” format videos are, as mentioned before, a fantastic way of delivering a comprehensive review of a product or technical issue. I’d suggest keeping both if possible.
That all being said, I do have a question about the content. Do you have any references to the idea that handgun bullets penetrate more interior walls/structures than high-velocity rifle rounds?
Yeah, check this out – http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=44869?
There was also an article by RK Taubert on the FBI FTU tests that showed 5.56 penetrated less than 9mm, especially out of SMGs.
I personally don’t mind the new format, but interspersing the vid with relevant stock footage would be nice to visually demonstrate your points to the ADD and new to firearms audience.
Good reason to build up a stock footage library.
Ah, interesting. Thankya!
You’re welcome.
This type of video seems most useful for lengthy discussion of topics that don’t require demonstration footage. If this video allows you to cover more ground, go for it. I would however like to point out the video you did on electro-less nickle plating. aside from the brief clip of you firing the weapon, the video is only audio matched to a slide show. I don’t know how much effort you spent on each of your videos video but it would appear to me that “Electroless Nickel Plating for Firearms” and “Firearm Choices For Home Defense” are extremely similar in their lack of need for action footage, and an assumed “ease of manufacture”. the high quality action and demonstrative footage that has become a staple of your other films is fantastic. however, i would like to see more “quick essay” type videos like these. the new format works well but don’t discount the slideshow style.
I hope this was helpful. i really like this blog,
Colt T.
Interesting insight…thanks.