N&W excursions of the 1950's / Video shot length

[NW Mailing List]

Andre Jackson mentioned scene lengths in videos. Please remember,  
those of us who produce videos of vintage railroading are limited by  
the film we receive. If the original cameraman cut scenes short,  
there's nothing we can do to extend them. If the picture is horribly  
unsteady with a lot of jerks, rapid pans and zooming that leaves you  
dizzy, I tend to not use it. And this brings up a pointer to those who  
may be new to shooting video: pan SLOWLY and stand back far enough  
from your subject to keep it within you field of view. Whenever  
possible, use a tripod. If your eye can't follow the action  
comfortably chances are your audience will soon begin to leave. I have  
passed up many scenes with these kinds of problems.

-Jim Herron