I hope these videos make people happy and a little hungrier. That’s the goal, right?
We’re on episode 3 of my Making Meals hobby now. I’m trying to improve a bit every time. Learn something new, add in a new element, adjust the workflow and just take it up a little notch however I can. I figure the reps will add up. For starters, I made a priority to get organized. Using bin folders for my footage & assets and creating a better process to get setup in Premiere Pro. I pulled a lot of organizational inspiration from this Skillshare course with Dandan Liu.
Singing up and adding music from Epidemic Sound was also a boost. I was a little hesitant to make the commitment, but I’m glad I did. It’s a quicker way to select music and the licensing is all clear for YouTube in case people actually start watching these. I also paid a little more attention to sound design and used the best of the chopping and sizzling sounds during the cooking sequence. It adds some nice depth and makes you feel like you’re in the kitchen.
Also tried to push myself and camera presence by adding a few talking bits to guide the flow of the video. Took me about 9 takes to say something like a natural human being but I guess it’s like anything else... Talking out loud at a camera is something I’m getting used to, but pretending and envisioning who I’m talking to seems to be a good idea to sharpen my focus. And I also get to practice using the little voice in my head as a director.
I was happy with the simple animation at the intro and close. Just dipping my toes in the water with effects and a moving white border is about as splashy as I can get, but simple is good for now. The more I do it, the color correction task becomes less painful and I’m starting to appreciate the results. Adding a little warmth and pop of contrast certainly pleases the eyes a bit more.
As for shooting techniques, I untethered the DSLR from the tripod for some interesting angles and close-ups of the food. I stopped using the GoPro because I realized two cameras is plenty. With three cameras and knives for cooking it just felt like too much juggling. My iPhone and DJI Osmo Mobile 3 helped capture the extra angles along with the DSLR.
I also had a little fun making this outtake video. It’s pretty fascinating how I can so easily entertain and crack myself up. Ain’t no shame in self-elation.