60 Sec Video

The main thing that I took away from production of the “60 second” video was how difficult it is to make an intriguing video without any post-editing. Being able to pick between different shots/moments and being able to cut clips to alter the video’s pace is such a luxury. Getting everything that a wanted from a scene out of a single take was pretty difficult. Because there was no Final Cut to fall back on and because a lot of technical things (ambient sound, focus, shaky camera, duration of the scene, etc.) are so hard to control, shooting this came with a pressure/anxiousness that I don’t find in typical video production... and I think this sort of compounds some of those technical problems.

Overall, I thought that I was a fun challenge. I found myself thinking differently about how to complete this video both conceptually and technically when compared to how I would approach other video projects. Figuring out what would be interesting to watch aesthetically for entire minute was something that I considered. I thought that filming a linear “performance” would be entertaining because I think that it implies (throughout the duration of the video) that there will be some sort of end or “effect” at its conclusion.

On the tech side, putting the scene together and figuring out the logistics of filming it was something that I enjoyed. Directing someone else to perform what I had in mind required some good communication and rehearsal, which I never had to do to that extent before. 

Why I Love Vid Art

I <3 video art because it is arguably the most comprehensive way to turn an art-going audience on-to an artist’s intended mood or message. While artists working in more traditional art forms such as painting, sculpture must convey their intentions through sight alone. A video artist is able to stimulate more human senses and perceptions simultaneously because the medium allows the artist to shape sight, sound and pace (time) of the work. Making full use of these video art traits is great way to create an immersive experience; which is what I look for in works of art. Only virtual-reality art would give an artist more control over an audience’s senses (taste, touch and smell); it will happen one day!

With that said, what I don’t like about video art is how intangible it is. Unlike a painting or sculpture, it has no physical form (besides the actual DVD) that can be studied. With video art, an audience must give its undivided attention for an extended period of time in order to experience the work. In our broadband, Youtube, iphone world; this is often not an easy thing to accomplish. Also, depending on the video, multiple viewings may be required in order to fully digest the piece. So although I believe that works of video art can be a very rewarding for an audience, when compared to most other art forms, they’re sometimes tedious to absorb. Finally, works of video art are difficult to sell, which is rough for the artist.