I had a wonderful time at the Photobook NZ book fair in Te Papa yesterday. So many beautiful and wonderful books. I bought some to add to my collection. (oops) I enjoyed all the conversations with the photographers & publishers who were very generous with their time and many had travelled from the other side of the world to be in Wellington for this event. The fair gets better every time, and that’s not all - there are also numerous talks and workshops happening the whole weekend. Fabulous. Well done!!
Editing tip - the space bar
Editing video is easy if...
you use the spacebar.
New to editing?
The spacebar is the hub of the operation
the master control key
PLAY ➡️ PAUSE
Then CUT
There are 1000 ways to make a cut
BUT the spacebar is how you FIND and FEEL your edits before cutting
It takes time and patience to learn - but makes editing a breeze.
Sure, AI can chop out gaps etc, but great editing is done by humans.
How should you react if you receive feedback like this?
"I initially approached Hans about photography for a new website I was creating for my pharmacy. What we got from Hans instead was so much more than photos.
Hans sat down with us and really got himself immersed in our journey with the business and in particular, Michele's journey as she went from working and serving the community and then taking over the business herself. Hans saw the humanity of the story behind our customers, Michele's journey and the pharmacy team's care and service to our community.
Michele and I felt that Hans is everything you would want from a professional in his industry. He is patient and creates a supportive atmosphere, both in interviews and on camera. He listens first and considers his clients before offering potential solutions or next steps. He wants you be involved and comfortable. Hans brings a positive energy about him and Michele really appreciated that when he came into our workplace for shooting.
It's one thing to make someone feel comfortable and engaged with 1 on 1. It's another thing entirely to make a diverse group of people, of varying levels of camera shyness, like our team feel comfortable all at once. Hans did it with ease!
Michele and I both felt that the service and finished product that Hans gave us was high quality. He communicated every step of the way and delivered exactly what he promised and on time! We would use his services again in a heartbeat!"
This was one of my favourite projects from 2023.
What we delivered:
A full photography package
A 2.30min film
3 x 30" social cuts
If are a small business and would like to create a stunning media package, send me a message anytime. 🤝
Got a chance to see Dinosaurs of Patagonia at Te Papa today. Worth every cent. Mind blowing. 🦕🦖🤯#tepapa #dinosaurs #patagonia #dinosaursofpatagonia
Editing can be a total nightmare.
I know what it’s like to start out.
It’s very painful....
Hope you enjoy watching this video.
Happy new year 🙂
#editing #videoproduction
If you made a video, would you copy someone else, or find your own path?
If you'd like help with video (for anything) - send us a message.
Tararua S-K: 60 Years in the making TRAILER
"Nature is not a place to visit. It is home."
- Gary Snyder
I am proud to present the offical trailer for our film, "Tararua S-K: 60 Years in the making".
Asylum of Madness by The Karori Halloween Society.
I filmed a promo clip for the Karori Halloween Society's 2023 event "Asylum of Madness"
The event raised funds for the wonderful charity Bellyful Wellington West
It was very special to see my own community come together for fun and to support a great cause.
Support, prizes and treats provided by Fighting Fit Karori, The Pickle Jar, One Fat Bird, Foxtail Events Community Markets, Karori Business Association
Well done team!! I'm looking forward to 2024!
Bloopers from the future
Bloopers usually come later.
However, I’m creating a special video for LinkedIn and want to share some of the fun and silliness we got up to this week.
I can’t thank Loyd Gorme Doron enough for his participation.
Loyd is a talented young filmmaker with a crazy number of accolades and he gave up HIS time to do some crazy filming with yours truly!
Looking forward to sharing the full video in coming weeks.
Until then.... 😬
Filming Muay Thai
"The next day I could hardly walk!"
I kick-started my business making films for a Muay Thai gym in Wellington, Zealand: MTI Wellington
Over the course of 2-3 years we made a heaps of films together, and a lot of supplementary projects, such as home workouts for the covid lockdown.
They were always a heap of fun to work with and each video project was unique.
I am always grateful for the time we spent working together🙏
This video is titled "I love Muay Thai"
Conversational interviews pt3
Conversational interviews, what are they? PT 3
Main interview & creating a comfortable environment.
🔸 It’s the same as before but we just add a camera or two.
🔸 We keep things minimal with gear and with crew.
🔸 There is no one rolling “action” or “cameras rolling”
A rehearsed performance is the last thing we want. We want you to be relatable and natural.
Appearing on camera can be really challenging, but it's a fantastic way to connect with people in a deeper way.
Part 3 of 4
Conversation interviews. Part 1 of 4
Conversational interviews, what are they?
🔸 Imagine you feel relaxed enough in front of the camera that you talk in the same way you would talk with a friend in a cafe.
🔸 Imagine that instead of being interviewed, the interviewer is not only asking questions but participating in a conversation.
🔸 Imagine that you are not putting on a performance but you are being yourself.
But this needs preparation.
There is a pathway…
Part 1 of 4.
Conversational interviews, what are they?
🔸 Imagine you feel relaxed enough in front of the camera that you talk in the same way you would talk with a friend in a cafe.
🔸 Imagine that instead of being interviewed, the interviewer is not only asking questions but participating in a conversation.
🔸 Imagine that you are not putting on a performance but you are being yourself.
But this needs preparation.
There is a pathway…
Part 1 of 4.
Introverts are great on camera
ONE lie you keep telling yourself
to postpone or avoid using video in personal marketing :
You’re an introvert and introverts can’t be on camera. Video is for cool people who are clever and stuff.
ONE reason why you're wrong :
If you’re an introvert, no problem. Just be yourself. You'll be genuine and relatable. There’s nothing fake.
It’s only a little glass lens you’re actually talking to.
ONE big result you can expect :
Deepened trust with your audience.
_________________________________
Get uncomfortable.
Feel the fear and do it anyway.
Be real.
Back yourself - you are not an imposter!
If you are your brand - get on camera immediately.
________________________________
I’m Hans Weston. I'm a filmmaker helping bridge the gap between your thoughts and your audience. When was the last time you were really listened to?
Introverts are great on camera
ONE lie you keep telling yourself
to postpone or avoid using video in personal marketing :
You’re an introvert and introverts can’t be on camera. Video is for cool people who are clever and stuff.
ONE reason why you're wrong :
If you’re an introvert, no problem. Just be yourself. You'll be genuine and relatable. There’s nothing fake.
It’s only a little glass lens you’re actually talking to.
ONE big result you can expect :
Deepened trust with your audience.
_________________________________
Get uncomfortable.
Feel the fear and do it anyway.
Be real.
Back yourself - you are not an imposter!
If you are your brand - get on camera immediately.
________________________________
I’m Hans Weston. I'm a filmmaker helping bridge the gap between your thoughts and your audience. When was the last time you were really listened to?
Road tripping on a cloudy day is difficult for Julian Ward.
A sky full of clouds creates less shadows and flat lighting.
For Julian’s bush photography, this is the perfect.
Forget about the time or the destination.
Expect to stop.
However, walking in the street couldn’t be more different.
The human landscape doesn’t wait for cloud cover.
It’s always buzzing and moving.
Sun, cloud, rain…whatever...
Julian chases the people, the shapes, the shadows and the passing moments.
But
During the making of this film, I discovered something fascinating about Julian’s photographic practice..
He also sees these ‘human landscapes’ in the bush.
He uncovers the similar shapes, patterns and spaces he finds on bustling streets.
This film was originally titled ‘Human Landscapes’.
I decided on ‘GIFTS FROM THE GODS’ as quoted directly from Julian in the film.
‘Gifts’ refer to photographs generously given to him over the 40 years of practicing his art.
It’s been a true privilege getting to know Julian Ward and having the opportunity to make this film.
_______
I’m Hans Weston. I'm a New Zealand filmmaker who believes in the power of telling your story, in your voice.
This is a hang glider taking off from Coronet Peak near Queenstown, New Zealand.
My son and I were on a day trip from our campsite a 1hour 20min drive away.
Watching this video again made me think of these 3 things
1. Trusting in other people
2. Faith in myself
3. Keeping a sense of wonder and adventure.
It’s been a great time off to reset and rethink how I want to approach my work.
Filmmaking is a privileged position to be in and presents many avenues and opportunities.
What will you differently this year?
What risks will you take?
Ainslie Allen - Maserati
This was something different and fun from early last year. I don't often shoot music videos, but when I do I love the creative freedom and creativity that always transpires.
We struck it right with the magic hour of light and I'm very happy with this. Beautiful song.
Track: Maserati
Artist: Ainslie Allen
BRANZ Scholarship testimonial video
I had wonderful conversation with Jarred Butler from BRANZ who is a Building Environmental Scientist.
Jarred got in front of the lens to give his heartfelt testimonial about the value of scholarships.
He was amazingly generous and open and we couldn’t have made this without the trust and investment from Jarred and BRANZ in the storytelling process.
#storytelling #video #scholarships #testimonial
This was a really fun interview conducted in 2021 with Wellington band Voodoo Bloo. We had a great chat that went for over an hour!
The lads have moved along fast - they have a new guitarist and a follow-up album already out. (The Blessed Ghost)
This was 1 of 3 short interview videos cut from that one session.
WARNING: some offensive language ;-)
