Further Confessions: I Hate Video Editing

Originally published as blog-vember #14

Unlike my self-selected mentors—Roberto Blake and Shameless Maya—there is nothing that strikes fear in me more than tackling video editing. So, why do I do it?

I do it, because I know that I can make something truly fucking amazing if I just hunker down and get it done. I am not bragging, but I have a graphic designer’s eye along with a grunge and style-conscious aesthetic. I know this. So, when it comes to farming these mundane duties out to somebody—who I don’t know well enough to trust—well, that’s where the trouble starts...

Don’t get me wrong, I know that there are people out there who live for this stuff, but I haven’t seen anyone who is available and who has that eye; that can bring about that sense of pink, grungy wonder to match our eclectic work. And by the time I actually find someone who embodies that shit totally, I will be too old and gray to be rocking out with social media. So, I have to strike now, while the flame—and the looks—are still hot.

Our most popular video for "You're My Hero"

I also worry that, as a hired hand, this mysterious person may not be as passionate about capturing that “it” and exploiting it without crossing that line. Hell yeah, I will walk straight up to that fucking line (of taste and sexiness and decency) and while I will peek over, I won’t cross that motherhumper! After all, I still have a responsibility to that part of me that is NOT interested in actually doing infamous things; I just want to do interesting things. (—Remember, interesting is always preferable to pretty, but that’s a discussion for another day.) This leads me back to the topic of having a dread of video editing.

You’ve heard the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words.

Well, band photos REALLY are, since they determine if someone is

going to say “Hell, yeah!” or “Hell, no!” to listening to your kick-ass music.

Don’t forget to take heed to these important tips, in order to “get it right.”

Check out this checklist of 15 valuable tips.

http://www.bloomingprejippie.com/betterbandphotos

I know you are not supposed to compare one to another, but I do. I can't seem to come up with ultra-cool storylines, like doubleVee's "Frucus Minus (The Flycatcher)" (Video and review at indie rock cafe.com); Julia Nunes' "I Don't Want To". Nor can I do cool cartoon storyline’s (like Ezra Vine "Celeste") or simply be organic, but profound (like in This is The Kit "Hotter Colder"). And never can I be Remo Drive’s “Art School” video (which I find so edifying on so many levels, including in its function and its form).

Very first video for "Life Begins"

The song I began my video-making career on was easy to try to conceptualize, since it was about the Heaven’s Gate Hale Bop suicide group (“Life Begins”), but the song that I TRIED to turn into THE music video for us—“Tell Me What You Want”—was flat. I will freely admit that. It was trying too hard to be a “music video” that it wasn’t allowed to breathe and to shape-shift into something with an authentic voice. It is only now, after really assessing why it is not my favorite video to share—“You’re My Hero” has over 304K views, because I share it relentlessly. I have decided to re-invent the video to make it have that edge that I crave. I have tried to add some edge into my original music video, "Tell Me What You Want."

First "music" video for "Tell Me What You Want"

So, while I really don’t like the actual editing, I am learning to work smarter—and not harder—and to go for what feels right—and not what I think others may expect to see.

I think I’m getting my head around my role in this dynasty. (Bruce is chiefly responsible for writing most of the kick-ass music and I am responsible for allowing it to sparkle and shine for the world.)

As always, wishing you love, peace, and chicken grease. Until tomorrow...

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Video Ideas Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwgCIBL9ONRmX5QaAPbTrLW-DOmKDP-_2

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