Details
Category: Feature
Media: Video
Turnaround time: More than a week but less than a month
Description of story
He's not a famous athlete, a key political figure or embroiled in controversy. He's 95-year-old Lester Wile. He shares his secrets to a happy marriage, living long, and his thoughts on death.
Feedback requested
Questions or comments are welcome.
Gear used in production
Canon Mark II Edirol R-09 audio recorder. Edited in Final Cut Pro
This story works for one main reason--you have a strong central character that pulls you in and never lets you go. I even like your audio interaction with old man Lester; it makes what he says more real knowing he’s your neighbor.
I've been on a rampage over one-person narratives lately, but I have to say, I wouldn’t do it any other way here.
The only technical fix I would make is maybe slow your Ken Burns effect down on some of the slides. I’ve ratcheted mine back on my own slideshows and I think it looks less distracting. You don't want to pull the viewer out of the moment with a long pan and scan movement.
The other one little detail I really wanted to see in this story was a picture of Lester and his wife when they were young. You show the one photo of them together on the wall twice.
Audio editing is smooth with no distractions. Photos are wonderful, but a couple more for variety probably would have helped fill out the edit. Nice work Mike!