My-Post-1

7 Audio/Video Creative Resources

For educators needing to create virtual content and lessons, editing media (both audio and video) is an essential skill. Below are 7 resources to learn new skills in audio/video editing and storytelling. Adobe Creative Cloud Tutorials: https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/tutorials-explore.html Due to the nature of CC (monthly subscription), these will likely be continually updated to match the current version […]

Radius of Excellence

In Episode 2 of the Eduspeakeasy, I discuss the radius of excellence. I’ve been teaching for 15 years, which is not a lifetime but it’s a decent amount of time. Long enough for me to realize the importance of developing what I’m calling (engage heavy reverb) a Radius of Excellence. The radius of excellence, or […]

Chicago 48 Hour Film Project 2012

As is typically the case, A is for Amateur Productions joined forces with Group Mind Films so we could put together a bigger team for the Chicago 48HFP, supplementing our skeleton crew with actual writers and actors. We had a good time filming Knight Train and got the award for Best Costumes.

St. Louis 48 Hour Film Project

A is for Amateur Productions put together another exciting entry for the St. Louis 48 Hour Film Project. We drew “romance” as the genre and since we’re natural romantics we had no problem weaving a heartwarming tale of love between a young couple with a slight…incompatibility. We were honored to receive the Audience Award for […]

Syncing Dual System Audio in Final Cut Pro

The main problem with today’s HDSLR cameras is the poor quality audio they capture. This is a small obstacle to overcome with the super-affordable, high quality-audio-capturing Zoom H1 . The problem then becomes syncing the two sources in post production. Assuming you’ve used a slate or hand clap to give a solid point to align […]

Browser Basics – Final Cut Pro Screencast

The least exciting area of the Final Cut Pro interface is the lowly Browser. Everyone knows the basics, but did you know ⌘4 is the keyboard shortcut to make it the active window? Did you know you can cycle through view options with ⇧H and you can copy a clip from one bin to another […]

Zoom H1 Wind Noise Test

Here’s a test in 3 versions, all recorded in what I would describe as a light to medium wind. The first is with no windscreen. Results are poor as expected. The second is with a homemade dead cat — thanks to my neighbor for sewing it together for me! I think I’ll keep my eyes […]

Audio Comparison: T2i – Zoom H1 – ATR3350

My kids are such good sports. I asked them to spend a couple seconds helping me compare the audio quality between the three sources: The T2i built in audio – obviously not the preferred method of capturing audio, but it has to work in a pinch and I wanted to hear how it sounds next […]

LCDVF 3:2 Review

I was excited to pick up the Canon T2i over the summer. It immediately became a favorite toy and must-have item whenever I was out and about with the family. Just before our family vacation, I ordered and received the LCDVF 3:2, a device touted by many HDSLR video shooters as the first accessory one […]