5ive
Smash Champion
Credit to It's Oxfire Eh? from Halo3Forums*
Here's a write up to all aspiring Combo Video Makers.
Reposted to this board for your needs.
Introduction
For all who want to make a SSBB Combo Video, please take the time to read this. If you want your video to stick out, you do not need effects piled on every clip, you do not need your typical rock or techno music that goes along, and you certainly don't need to have a name to release a good video.
All you need is hard work.
Don't make a video just for the sake of making one. Just because you have a camera doesn't mean instant gratification. Sure you can make a video with a camera and Windows Movie Maker, but you should strive for more. Wait until you have a capture card and a good editing program. The extra time gathering your equipment and making your project perfect is worth it. Trust me.
If you can't get a hold of one, try asking people to capture and edit for you. There are A LOT of nice people here.
Capturing
A must need for a well received video is a capture card. Basically, a capture card allows you to directly record your clips to your computer. You will basically receive clips that look straight from the game.
How Does it Work?
It basically works by connecting your Wii to the capture card, and connecting your capture card to your computer (USB). You then have to start up the recording program that came with the device. You will basically play your Wii on your Computer! There is a bit of screen lag, so I do not recommend playing SSBB on it. Try to keep it only for recording replays.
If you need more In Depth help, here is an excellent tutorial:
The Complete Gamebridge Guide (Part 1): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9JS_tl9qUw&fmt=18
The Complete Gamebridge Guide (Part 2): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpklgD7hXNo&feature=related&fmt=18
What Capture Card Should I Get?
There are two types of capture cards, internal and external. Internal capture cards are chips in which you need to install into your PC. Obviously, external capture cards are devices which you connect via usb. I recommend external capture cards, because they do the job, for a cheaper price. Internal capture cards however, can record in HD. You won't be needing that for Brawl though.
For specifics, I recommend the Adaptec Gamebridge (My Current Capture Card). It is very easy to follow, and comes with an excellent program called Intervideo Home Theater, allowing me to easily record my clips.
Here is a picture of a Gamebridge and its components:
http://img.qj.net/uploads/articles_module/66735/gamebridge_qjpreviewth.jpg
Here is the quality you can get with a Gamebridge:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcc74aBXNHs&feature=channel_page&fmt=22
Another worthy buy is a "Dazzle". I am not very experienced with this product, but I have heard good reviews from it.
Here is a Dazzle Capture Card Review:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrnPLq0k-As
Editing Tools
Firstly, you need to enrich on your editing experiences. Sure, you can edit with Windows Movie Maker (WMM), but it isn't really a reliable program. You can do basic clipping, transitions, and even syncing, but that is about it. It does come with effects, but these are all very cliche, and usually makes the turn out look pretty cliche as well. Even syncing is VERY hard to do, because WMM's preview option gets out of time at points.
The solution: find a better editing program. There are a lot of editing programs out there, but there are two that stick out:
Sony Vegas and Adobe Premiere Pro
Secondly, try to stay away from WMM titles/intros. They usually make for a bad first impression.
Try Adobe After Effects! AE is a good program for making Professional intros. Though it is considered an editing program, try to keep it only within your titles. Doing your whole video in AE can make things very complicated.
Here are some examples on what you can do with Adobe After Effects.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXfoRol_wak&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqD0c70ZsFo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiOvz2zmTbk&feature=related
A great website for learning Adobe After Effects basics, effects, and advanced effects is:
http://www.videocopilot.net/
Editing Tips
Even though you have programs which allow you to do crazy things to your clips, the editing does not need to be over the top. We want good, synced editing that doesn't hurt our eyes. When you over edit, you will produce work where you can't get your point across, just because the viewer will have no idea on what's going on. On the other hand, when you make a poorly edited video, the same thing will happen. Being sloppy and even uneducated on your editing is the worst mistake you can do.
On the other hand, syncing to every possible downbeat is not the best thing to do. Sync to something that stands out; whether it's where the song goes from quiet, to loud (vice versa), or when the drummer hits a crash cymbal. It's not limited to that; all I'm telling you is to use your judgement.
This is the same thing with transitions. Don't put a transition between your clips just for the sake of adding it. I've seen too many videos with random "page flips" or "wipe" transitions. If the transition doesn't flow into the video, don't use it. Most of the a time, a simple fade will do the job. I'm not telling you to cut transitions out all together, but be careful on what you use.
Music Selection
My last point is the music. People, you do not need rock or techno music to make a good video. Mix it up! Don't be afraid! Use some pop here and there. I'm not saying don't use your favorite rock band or what-not, but music really makes your video stand out from the rest! Try something that appeals to all audiences.
I know this is an opinion, but I advise you to not use any Screamo, Metal, or Death Metal of anysort. The reason why? It's not very appealing to viewers. Sure, you may like it, but it all depends on who you want to please. If you want to please yourself, go ahead, but if you want a good reception, try something else. Another reason is because of the editing potential. Using these songs can lead to over editing. It's just the sheer energy in them that makes people do that. If you want chill editing which doesn't hurts your eyes (and which people like), try to not use these songs. It's all up to you.
Also, try staying away from Overused songs. This takes away from the creative value of the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzmUde_EK5Y
This is a really good example for a unique song choice. You can do a lot of "chill" editing with this.
For example, a Halo Montage was done with this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqNvkDIGgHA&feature=related&fmt=22
Notice how it is not over edited, and has calm, "chill" editing. Syncing and minor editing is all you need.
Conclusion
Let's face it, this goes for everything in life. Some people have talent, some people don't. The people who have talent need to train for their true skill to actually come out in what they do. The people who don't have talent, can work and work but still something will be missing! The same thing goes for making a video, you can't develop your talent if you don't work at it and practice!
This is my plea, to all of you looking to make a video. This is my attempt to revive this section and have some fun and original videos come from you guys! Please, BE CREATIVE! That's all it takes! Thank you if you actually read all that.
Video Examples
Here's a write up to all aspiring Combo Video Makers.
Reposted to this board for your needs.
Introduction
For all who want to make a SSBB Combo Video, please take the time to read this. If you want your video to stick out, you do not need effects piled on every clip, you do not need your typical rock or techno music that goes along, and you certainly don't need to have a name to release a good video.
All you need is hard work.
Don't make a video just for the sake of making one. Just because you have a camera doesn't mean instant gratification. Sure you can make a video with a camera and Windows Movie Maker, but you should strive for more. Wait until you have a capture card and a good editing program. The extra time gathering your equipment and making your project perfect is worth it. Trust me.
If you can't get a hold of one, try asking people to capture and edit for you. There are A LOT of nice people here.
Capturing
A must need for a well received video is a capture card. Basically, a capture card allows you to directly record your clips to your computer. You will basically receive clips that look straight from the game.
How Does it Work?
It basically works by connecting your Wii to the capture card, and connecting your capture card to your computer (USB). You then have to start up the recording program that came with the device. You will basically play your Wii on your Computer! There is a bit of screen lag, so I do not recommend playing SSBB on it. Try to keep it only for recording replays.
If you need more In Depth help, here is an excellent tutorial:
The Complete Gamebridge Guide (Part 1): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9JS_tl9qUw&fmt=18
The Complete Gamebridge Guide (Part 2): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpklgD7hXNo&feature=related&fmt=18
What Capture Card Should I Get?
There are two types of capture cards, internal and external. Internal capture cards are chips in which you need to install into your PC. Obviously, external capture cards are devices which you connect via usb. I recommend external capture cards, because they do the job, for a cheaper price. Internal capture cards however, can record in HD. You won't be needing that for Brawl though.
For specifics, I recommend the Adaptec Gamebridge (My Current Capture Card). It is very easy to follow, and comes with an excellent program called Intervideo Home Theater, allowing me to easily record my clips.
Here is a picture of a Gamebridge and its components:
http://img.qj.net/uploads/articles_module/66735/gamebridge_qjpreviewth.jpg
Here is the quality you can get with a Gamebridge:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcc74aBXNHs&feature=channel_page&fmt=22
Another worthy buy is a "Dazzle". I am not very experienced with this product, but I have heard good reviews from it.
Here is a Dazzle Capture Card Review:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrnPLq0k-As
Editing Tools
Firstly, you need to enrich on your editing experiences. Sure, you can edit with Windows Movie Maker (WMM), but it isn't really a reliable program. You can do basic clipping, transitions, and even syncing, but that is about it. It does come with effects, but these are all very cliche, and usually makes the turn out look pretty cliche as well. Even syncing is VERY hard to do, because WMM's preview option gets out of time at points.
The solution: find a better editing program. There are a lot of editing programs out there, but there are two that stick out:
Sony Vegas and Adobe Premiere Pro
Sony Vegas is a great program where you can easily make a professional looking video. Even though it is WAY better than WMM, it does have some limitations (in terms of the amount of different effects). This is my current editing software.
- Adobe Premiere Pro is much more complicated, but you are able to control and make effects to the smallest detail. It also has more of an extensive choice in terms of effects.
Secondly, try to stay away from WMM titles/intros. They usually make for a bad first impression.
Try Adobe After Effects! AE is a good program for making Professional intros. Though it is considered an editing program, try to keep it only within your titles. Doing your whole video in AE can make things very complicated.
Here are some examples on what you can do with Adobe After Effects.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXfoRol_wak&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqD0c70ZsFo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiOvz2zmTbk&feature=related
A great website for learning Adobe After Effects basics, effects, and advanced effects is:
http://www.videocopilot.net/
Editing Tips
Even though you have programs which allow you to do crazy things to your clips, the editing does not need to be over the top. We want good, synced editing that doesn't hurt our eyes. When you over edit, you will produce work where you can't get your point across, just because the viewer will have no idea on what's going on. On the other hand, when you make a poorly edited video, the same thing will happen. Being sloppy and even uneducated on your editing is the worst mistake you can do.
On the other hand, syncing to every possible downbeat is not the best thing to do. Sync to something that stands out; whether it's where the song goes from quiet, to loud (vice versa), or when the drummer hits a crash cymbal. It's not limited to that; all I'm telling you is to use your judgement.
This is the same thing with transitions. Don't put a transition between your clips just for the sake of adding it. I've seen too many videos with random "page flips" or "wipe" transitions. If the transition doesn't flow into the video, don't use it. Most of the a time, a simple fade will do the job. I'm not telling you to cut transitions out all together, but be careful on what you use.
Music Selection
My last point is the music. People, you do not need rock or techno music to make a good video. Mix it up! Don't be afraid! Use some pop here and there. I'm not saying don't use your favorite rock band or what-not, but music really makes your video stand out from the rest! Try something that appeals to all audiences.
I know this is an opinion, but I advise you to not use any Screamo, Metal, or Death Metal of anysort. The reason why? It's not very appealing to viewers. Sure, you may like it, but it all depends on who you want to please. If you want to please yourself, go ahead, but if you want a good reception, try something else. Another reason is because of the editing potential. Using these songs can lead to over editing. It's just the sheer energy in them that makes people do that. If you want chill editing which doesn't hurts your eyes (and which people like), try to not use these songs. It's all up to you.
Also, try staying away from Overused songs. This takes away from the creative value of the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzmUde_EK5Y
This is a really good example for a unique song choice. You can do a lot of "chill" editing with this.
For example, a Halo Montage was done with this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqNvkDIGgHA&feature=related&fmt=22
Notice how it is not over edited, and has calm, "chill" editing. Syncing and minor editing is all you need.
Conclusion
Let's face it, this goes for everything in life. Some people have talent, some people don't. The people who have talent need to train for their true skill to actually come out in what they do. The people who don't have talent, can work and work but still something will be missing! The same thing goes for making a video, you can't develop your talent if you don't work at it and practice!
This is my plea, to all of you looking to make a video. This is my attempt to revive this section and have some fun and original videos come from you guys! Please, BE CREATIVE! That's all it takes! Thank you if you actually read all that.
Video Examples
- This is a good video with nice effects. Try playing around in your editing program to recreate some of them. It's not Brawl, but the music is what we call "chill", and the edits are nice and calm.
Glimpse - A Phurion H3 Minitage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYwTIVuH1Og
- Another Halo 3 Montage. It is a good example of extremely good editing, whilst keeping the chill aspect of it.
Schimmmmmm Halo 3 Montage Trailer (HD)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbfL6jY2xFU&fmt=22
- This is an example of an over Edited Combo Video, but still a nice video with great gameplay.
Linkaggedon - Izaw's Link Combo Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ids3nhCgzRg&feature=related
- This is not a "chill" edited video, but still features top notch editing. It's well worth a look.
No Contest - The Fatal Five's Second Combo Video (in HD)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2nC...&p=B2A957D9D8F2F3E6&index=0&playnext=1&fmt=22
- This is a Windows Movie Maker edited video, with webcam quality. Has good gameplay, and would be top notch with some good editing and a capture card. Still a good video.
Mariotality 2 - lkp4's Mario Combo Vid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6bd1MUDXfE
- This is another Halo Montage. Great Editing. Unique but Excellent Song Choice.
Remain Together - H2/H3 Montage (in HD)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqNvkDIGgHA&feature=related&fmt=22
- This is another example of an over edited video. It's a Halo 2 montage, and back when Halo 2 was popular, over editing was the way to go. Things have changed, and "chill" editing has taken over the Halo scene. This video isn't by any means bad, but try to stay away from over editing.
ViviSect :: First H2 Montage :: by QsK King
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uAQ1RyumSs
