Ok, I've made a clowning around video with a few bits of nonsense.

I'll be getting a professional to make a DVD for me later this month, but in the mean time I thought I'd see what I could do myself.

http://211.29.132.18/tomsauctionhouse/clownshow.wmv 3.8Mb

Go ahead and unleash your critiquing on me.

Tom,

When you say you're getting a professional to make a DVD, does this mean they will re-shoot the video or they will edit from the footage in the current video?

I ask for a few reasons. I realize you downgraded the resolution for web-video. Not a problem. However, even at a lower resolution, there is a spot of dirt on the lens of the camera that is right smack in the middle of the frame. Often it covers your face. This was a little distracting.

Second, it appears as if you shot the footage outside for a lone camera on a tripod. For example, about halfway into the video you 'tumble' towards the camera and it looks like you almost knocked the camera over! This would look awesome if the camera was at a lower angle looking up at you a bit.

I would have preferred to see more audience reactions and different angles. You kept the tempo of the video up and kept me interested, though.

You're a clown, use that to your advantage. Get creative with wide angle (even fish eye lenses), extreme angles (looking down from a few feet above or below you, shots from inside your case looking out as you take stuff out. You have a good eye for visual comedy, which I like. You also have chosen a great background. You stand out against it (too many people don't pay attention to this and blend into a busy background). Kudos on that and having your name/website in plain view the entire time. However, you won't be able to use this video with any agents if you go that route because of this. Just something to keep in mind.

Also, I could easily see you having cartoon-ish bubbles appearing randomly like the old Batman tv show with testimonials (--whooosh--- "GREAT!" ---- whooosh -- "THANKS FOR MAKING OUR PARTY SO MUCH FUN!" etc).

You've got a lot of potential with this video! You took a great risk in posting a concrete example of your work for your peers to review. Kudos!

Good luck with your DVD!

Warm regards,

Scott Sullivan

Hi Tom,

Wow you couldn't have gotten a better person to respond to your post than Scott Sullivan as I see he's an expert in this field. That was really good feedback and critiquing.

My viewpoint comes from a different standpoint and here's what my impression was.
Your costume, facial expressions, music and movements were fantastic and I liked watching this vid a lot. I do agree the vid was not top notch quality but you mentioned you would have an expert work with you.

I'm a bit confused as to what Scott commented on regarding the tripping as I viewed the vid twice and failed to see that. Are we speaking of the same clip?

Overall, I liked what I saw.

Chrystal

Tom, that was great. I'm no clown, but I thought your vid was fab. Well done!!

Jon

Thanks, Scott, Chrystal, and Jon for taking the time to respond!

The professional video will be shot at a festival where I'll be allowed to perform with my own set-up. The stage will not be available to me, as I had originally been told.

This was shot in my driveway with my two youngest kids (4 and 2 yrs) as the audience.

My Fuji Finepix S7000 camera has a spot on it when filming. Got it on Ebay from Hong-Kong and have not received a reply from the seller.

I may have to use a different background since, yes, I will most likely be sending this to agents.

Who else would I send it to?

Scott, you've got some great ideas.

Did you all think the music was appropriate?

The pro movie maker said he'll use some royalty free carnival music that he has when he works on my promo. I kind of like the more modern sound for this type of clip.

Other thoughts that are rattling around in my head: should I include information about my other characters on the DVD? Pirate, Magician, Mister Tom Twister.