The Blog
Page 1 of 4 : NEXTUltimate Editor Showdown Winners Announced!
November 24, 2011
Over 150 people asked for a link to the raw footage. 103 people downloaded the footage. 50 people turned in an edit before the deadline. We spent hours going through all of the entries, looking at several categories, including Story Telling, Technical, Look and Feel, and CinemaCake-Like Styling. Our crack team of judges picked the winners!
Here is what the winners had to say:
First Place: Matthew Peck, Reading, PA (Control #021)
“I had a blast being a part of the Ultimate Editor showdown. I never heard of or entered a contest like this before, and thought the idea was unique and interesting. Working on the cut was a challenge, especially because I’m not used to editing weddings. But overall, the contest was an excellent learning experience and a fun time. I am now honored to be a part of the growing Cinemacake family, and hope to see this competition happen again in the future.”
Second Place: Guillaume Colomb, Philadelphia, PA (Control #010)
“I had a great time working on this editor contest. I just moved to Philly, got married and actualy looking for a job, so it was perfect! It was a long time I didn’t edit, so it was a little bit scary at first to use my old PC to edit HD. But everything went well, I had a lot of fun. Very interesting also to see how, with the same material, everyone use things differently!”
Third Place: James Hartey, Warminster, PA (Control #022)
“That’s awesome that I came in Third and thank you for the opportunity to enter such a contest. I have never entered an editing contest, so I thought it was a pretty cool idea and it was a challenge. Even with my history of editing weddings over the past three years with Kenneth Stillman Video, this was a different approach to wedding films than I usually take. I’m used to more of a documentary style of editing and filming, compared to what CinemaCake does as a more film style. Making a film is difficult in it’s own right, but it’s even tougher when you have no influence in the actual production or pre-production of the film. The only time I have done a similar type of project is at Temple University in the Editing for the Media Class. I also enjoyed entering the contest, because it put my editing skills to the test and got to see where my skills are at currently. I always say a good editor is an editor who constantly puts their skills to the test.”
Thanks to all of the editors who submitted films!
Tags: Video Production Training - Wedding and Event Production News - Wedding Highlights and Recaps | Permalink
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Fernando Colaço: (11.22.11-12:21pm) Great films. Why the grooms in America cries so much?
here in Portugal they d´ont. Congrats. very good work.
William Hoffman: (11.22.11-1:32pm) Absolutely amazing videos, wedding, and couple!
John: (11.22.11-7:47pm) Looks like the following were optional: Color Correction, Length, Clear Audio from H4 and Sequence of Events?
I'm sorry but it doesn't look like these videos represent CinemaCake very well.
Frank: (11.22.11-8:40pm) Agreed with John, and you can add use of copyrighted music to the list too.
Dave W: (11.22.11-9:13pm) Im actually a different Dave w, haha - sorry for the confusion
stacy h: (11.22.11-9:33pm) i have only one word Beautiful!!!!
Heather: (11.23.11-12:03am) #10, no question! Really a beautiful, emotional narrative!
Diana: (11.23.11-12:40am) Maybe I'm biased, but I thought they all rocked!
Jim S: (11.23.11-1:43am) All of these videos are beautiful to me. Some I liked more than others, but the memories they leave behind will last forever. They bring me to tears every time I watch them. It brings me back to that beautiful night. Yes I'm biased, I was there, and if the experience regenerates each time I watch them, then they have done a great job. Thank you for the memories.
John M.: (11.23.11-3:46am) Not one of you gave us a list of Wawas in my general vicinity. Shame.
dave: (11.23.11-3:53am) Hello guys, this is the REAL Dave Williams. Thanks for the comments. The contest generated so many great edits, it was hard to choose. John, it's not a bad thing that the videos don't represent CinemaCake right out of the box. This is because we are looking for that raw talent which is still moldable. These edits entertained us the most out of the bunch and it's a great start. Now we begin the interview process and find our next 2 or 3 editors. We already have appointments with some of the winners.
BTW, non-finalists may still be interviewed. We look at the entire package.
dave: (11.23.11-4:11am) Frank - We asked ourselves one question every time someone made mistakes; "Is it coachable?" I am very excited over a couple of these editors and if they fit into our culture and can deliver the goods, they could soon join the team.
Dad S: (11.23.11-4:12am) While the original trailer of Jimmy Shelton just blew us away, and we are anxiously waiting for the unveiling of Jimmy's grand finale, we welcome the work of these 6 fine artists. All were enjoyable and we we've watched them a heck of a lot (yes, Mike, you were right. We just couldn't stop replaying them all). We have a favorite but darn, we're just not tellin'! We figure Cinema Cake is just so good - they know the winner and they don't need us to say it too. Although our winner wasn't there to film he knew the emotions of the day were exceptional and he captured it well - look closer and you'll know who was the favorite. However, the others were truly exceptional too - Thanks to you all for a wonderful effort.
dave: (11.23.11-4:14am) Craig. I know you are eager, but be patient. I plan to post them all. I have to wait until my Vimeo upload limit resets on Sunday. Did you have a horse in this race, Craig?
David Wa.: (11.23.11-4:18am) Sorry for that confusion before, haha - I am NOT Dave Williams haha.
Dave - thanks for all of the insight on the judging, it was a pleasure taking part in this showdown.
Joanna Sellers: (11.23.11-4:39am) All are so beautiful and each contestant clearly put so much detailed work into these finished products. I'd have to say that my number one favorite is video number 5, control number 034. The music is so perfect and delicately beautiful and it all ties in so nicely in an emotional way. The variety of clips are well chosen, with the music tied in just right. My second runner up would be video number two, control numbern 010. The music is deeply emotional and dramatic and the clips are well spread out with variety and also tied nicely with the music. Thank you all so much for all of your efforts, every one of these videos truly are memories both our families will hold onto.
dave: (11.23.11-4:57am) Thanks Joanna (and Dad S). Editors: there you have it, straight from the parents!
Jaime: (11.23.11-5:11am) As somebody who works in video, I agree with Joanna. Video 5/control number 34 definitely tells the best story. I connected with it on an emotional level even after watching the previous four and already being familiar with the footage.
Joanna Sellers: (11.23.11-5:33am) additional comment: The more I watch both video #2 and #5 (control numbers 010 and 034), I have to say I want to tie them. Both are so amazing!!
Mike V: (11.23.11-12:47pm) Watching these for entertainment value was so enjoyable. But, having to choose favorites among these, I'd have to say 21 was my/our favorite with 10, 22, and 34 very close runners up. The thing that stood out most to us with these were their pace. They took their time in each scene to let it develop. We liked how 21 was the only one of these to have the priest announcing us as husband and wife, which we liked seeing. We liked how 10 had a great flow to it (the music may have helped) and he/she was the only one to use any of the dedicated voiceover material of my mom (and happened to use it while her and I were dancing). 22 was really good, but the beginning with me crying on the alter didn't really fit with the rest of the video. Yes, it was entertaining, but the rest just had a different feel to it. The standout part of 34 was how he/she cut together the outdoor and indoor parts of our choreographed dance. He/she got it just right. In 02, we thought the audio started off in an odd spot. And near the end, he/she did some fast cuts of us walking outside that didn't seem to flow with the rest of the video. I that's what we found most different with 40 was the pace. Each scene seemed to cut quickly before you could absorb it. Even with all that, I still plan on watching all of these over and over again. Great great job!
Mike V: (11.23.11-12:49pm) And to John M - there was a Dunkin Donuts directly across the street from the church. I would have suspected that would have been an acceptable alternative 
John S.: (11.23.11-5:26pm) I would like to first thank Cinemacake for giving the opportunity to enter the contest. I realize now I did not tell the story of their wedding. What I did was make a music video of how they found happiness over the rainbow, after having difficulty finding their soul mate. I would like to congratulate all the finalists for their exceptional work. However, there is one video which is what a refer to as Cinemacake like, and that is Video #34.
Aaron: (11.23.11-7:36pm) What a cool idea for finding new employees! And congrats to the finalists! I like all the videos, but I think 034 is the best.
Kenneth: (11.30.11-10:47pm) Maybe I'm just partial because he worked with me for 5 years, but I preferred Jimmy Hartey's more than any of them by far. Whenever I have learned something new from ReFrame or InFocus I have always shared that with Jimmy so he would improve, and it's clear that he has become an extremely talented editor. As Jimmy gets ready to move to Hollywood and pursuit a career in motion pictures I feel like a proud papa who always encouraged and nurtured his son's talents. Jimmy was extremely talented when he came to me and now he's found his own style and voice as an editor.
What he did different and better than the others is obvious in so many places. The first example is the cold opening, which I didn't see anybody else use. Sometimes there are great moments that require their own space in the video, or are too long to fit into the context of a song. Maybe the groom doesn't appreciate a cold opening because it was slightly embarrassing, but when he gets older and shows his wedding to his children, this will be the edit that will stand out. Setting aside that one special moment is what makes it all real, and not just people in a music video.
Jimmy was one of the few that told mini-stories though the video. Some of the others, including the first place winner tried to do time shifting and weren't very successful, in my opinion. Going from the toast to the bridesmaids flowers to the photo shoot to her first look at dad? I don't see a cohesive story at all. It's just random shots placed in a random order.
I especially like the way he used the couple practicing their first dance with the actual event. Very creative and genius. I thought his music selection was great. The beginning of the song was low and gave lots of room for natural audio and then it built up to a climactic ending.
And he definitely did the best color correcting of the top 3 entries. If you stop all 3 at the outdoor dancing scene it is clear that number 2 didn't color correct at all and number 1 had the blacks crushed too much, the skin tones were off a bit and it was under saturated.
Great Job, Jimmy!
And I hope the couple loves seeing their wedding thru the eyes of so many talented artists.
joe: (12.05.11-3:29am) kenneth - audio is, most of the time, more important than video...use the h4n field recorder audio for the best mans speech before you even begin to talk about color correction. i think the audio editing in 'jimmys' film was sub par he told a good story which was the top thing in judging is my guess only reason why he was a finalist. these are the finalists by telling the best stories not necessarily the audio editing and color correction. so i think color correction would be at the bottom.
dave: (12.05.11-4:23am) We had a mix of judges - some in the business, and some not. We took all scoring into consideration, even those who gave a high score on technical, even though there were obvious technical flaws in most entries. For example, I was surprised how many people never used the audio from the recorders and used camera audio instead. Also many who did use the correct audio used it only in one channel (usually the left channel). Regarding color correction and grading, some did it well but most either ignored it or really messed it up. The non-professionals did not penalize for these technical mistakes because it was all about the story-telling for them. We looked at some of the technical issues as 'teachable' so it did not disuade us from looking at those candidates.
By the way, almost all of the interviewing is complete and our new editors will be offered positions this week. The contest was an amazing success! Thanks to all who participated!
Kevin: (12.06.11-6:21pm) Joe:
Isn't learning how audio should be set up equally, if not more easily, as coachable as color-correction?
Also, I would have liked to have seen a suggestion in the post saying something to the effect of, "make your video like ours." I know my video would have been completely different as I would not have intended to show them something different than what everyone else might be showing. To be penalized for not following rules that were never posted I think is a little unfair. I also wrongly assumed that this was an editing competition to be judged by editors. This assumption also determines the type of video you cut.
As for narrative, I agree that it is important. This makes me question, then, how on earth could one of the finalists be allowed for putting the shot of the kid playing with the iPad in his video? To me, that says, "Here's how boring your wedding was. This kid was playing with an iPad." That's not a very good narrative in my opinion. But then, a non-professional judge might not pick that up.
Bill: (12.06.11-11:29pm) Hi!
How can we watch Jimmy Hartey's video ?
What is his number ?
Anyway, a contest is always subjective...
thx
joe: (12.08.11-9:10pm) Kevin - I never said anything about being coachable I said audio is as important if not more important than video basically when it comes to any type of video...That being said I was just very surprised that people who used the camera audio with the image stabilization buzzing the entire time was allowed to even be top ten! Also that being said I agree that the rules and directions were quite fuzzy but maybe they were supposed to be?? But there was a distinct length that was enforced and one of the finalists I remember didn't even follow that rule with having a very short video. It is what it is..
perry: (01.20.12-4:07am) That is funny about the grooms crying. I notice that as well. Hey great work.
CinemaCake’s 3rd Ultimate Editor Showdown - Cash Prizes and Full-Time Positions Available
October 27, 2011
Above: CinemaCake editors staying ahead of technology with continuing education.
It’s an exciting time here at CinemaCake and our commercial brand, Media Wave Video Productions (MWVP.com). We are growing again. With up to four teams now shooting multiple events on a given day, we realize it is time to hire another fantastic editor or two to join our creative team.
In 2004, we held our first editor’s contest. It was so successful, we did it again in 2007. CinemaCake now employs four full-time editors and now we need to add another member or two to the team.
The person we hire must be able to keep up with a steady workload and work well under pressure. Most importantly, our new editor needs to fit into our culture and meet the high expectations of our clients. Finally, if you can shoot, show us your stuff. We prefer to hire editors who can shoot, and those who can will be more valuable to us than people who only edit.
Because the position is in the suburbs of Philadelphia, we ask that only editors who actually plan to live in the Greater Philadelphia area enter this contest.
Regardless of who we interview, $500, $300, and $200 respectively will go to the top three editors.
How to enter:
Step 1: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) a little information about yourself, including why you want to be a CinemaCake editor. Include your basic contact info (Name, Address, Phone, Email). Describe your level of experience, what editing platform you use, and any special skills. We’ll then send you the links to download the assets.
Step 2: Edit your film. Your film should be 3 to 5 minutes in length.
Step 3: Upload the finished film to us HERE. We’ll upload these films to a gallery for the public to see and comment on.
All entries are due on Monday, November 21, Noon EST. (See countdown clock below)
We’ll pick our top three favorites* who will be offered an opportunity to interview for a position at CinemaCake.
*CinemaCake reserves the right to interview other contestants who show potential.
Tips From Our Team
Tom: “Build your story with audio before you even think about your visuals.”
John M.: “Know the rules before you break them. Know how to locate a Wawa blindfolded.”
Jordan: “Emotion trumps logic.”
Sheryl: “Make us cry.”
Jimmy: “Make a movie that you would want to watch.”
So if you have the chops, let’s see them! Become the next Ultimate Editor! Win money! Get a Job!
Tags: Video Production Training | Permalink
Leave a Comment
scott hayes: (10.28.11-8:11pm) I think cinemacake needs a repeat winner. I'm in!
Scott
dave: (11.03.11-1:18pm) What a tremendous response! 54 requests so far for the raw footage. This is going to be fun!
Kyle Loucks: (11.04.11-1:28am) Got excited as soon as I saw this! Never heard of a company doing this before and am pumped to see the raw footage! Can't wait to get to it!
Dave Williams: (11.06.11-5:28am) Thanks Kyle, and feel free to comment here about your experience. Crazy excitement over this one. Over 100 emails have come in and 53 of those people have already downloaded all of the footage.
DAN: (11.09.11-4:27pm) Very fun...cool idea!
Sean: (11.15.11-2:50am) This was fun. It was different editing footage that I hadn't shot myself. It felt good to really have something to sink my teeth into.
Allen G: (11.15.11-3:11am) This is a great idea! I love competing in the 48-hour film festivals and this is something that looks equally as exciting! Keep up the great work!! ~Allen, Electric Head
Armir K: (11.17.11-5:53am) It's an interesting experience editing something that I didn't shoot. Usually, I'm editing in my head as I'm shooting, but this forced me to carefully look through all the footage, and I have to say, I had to "kill a lot of babies."
dave: (11.17.11-6:28am) 137 people have emailed us, asking for the assets. 100 people have downloaded all of the assets, 9 films have been received.
Brittany Rafalak: (11.17.11-5:47pm) The footage looked great. Good luck to everyone!
dave: (11.18.11-2:34am) 12 films have been received so far! They are coming in faster now!
dave: (11.18.11-10:23pm) 17 films have been received as of 5 PM today. Less than three days left to get your edits in! Our judging will take place Monday night but we'll post all of the entries on Monday or Tuesday so the public can have a look. Can't WAIT!!!!!
dave: (11.21.11-3:04am) Wow - 30 films so far and they are still coming in. I can't wait to see what comes in overnight! 14 hours left!
Joe Donato: (11.23.11-5:10pm) Oh, OK. I get it now. I should've stuck with my first instincts. At least now I know what I'm capable of in a 24 hour rush.
Wedding Video Myth: Longer is Better
August 14, 2011
For 30 years, human beings have been coming up with credible reasons to leave a friend’s home when they are asked, “Want to watch our wedding video?”. “Oh it’s only an hour and a half long? That’s awesome - can we do it next time I’m here? I have to go get a root canal.”
Some people equate ‘Longer’ with ‘Better’, but it’s simply not the case. In fact, most of our best films have been 20 minutes or less. Some clients order much longer films and still love them, but over the last couple of years, most of our clients have gravitated to the short film.
Short films are not constrained to telling a story chronologically or in real time. Like most mainstream films today, our films are dense and layered - therefore more interesting to watch. Our philosophy is that the viewer should never feel the need to “fast-forward through the boring parts”. In our short films, every shot is carefully chosen and edited into a story that has real emotional impact. We find that our clients cannot take their eyes off the screen when a short film is playing. This is not a film that will be watched once a year on a wedding anniversary. Instead, it will be watched over and over again, and shared through social media.
Another common myth is that short films don’t take as long to create and should cost less than a feature film. In fact, more thought and effort goes into a film that time-shifts and tells a story in a non-chronological fashion. The good news is that regardless of whether CinemaCake clients choose a short or feature film, the price remains the same.
Here are some related myths to watch for as you choose a filmmaker:
One Camera is Enough
The biggest problem with one camera coverage is that there is no way to capture two things happening at the same time. Imagine all of the moments when the reaction is just as important as the action itself. Take the Maid of Honor’s Speech at Holly and Bill’s Wedding as an example. With one camera, the emotional impact of that short speech would not be there.
The Second Camera Does Not Have To Be Manned
An unmanned camera can be used as a wide shot from the balcony for example, or just a static shot down the aisle during the ceremony. Either way, it’s unmanned so it cannot refocus, re-frame, or move if a shot is blocked. It’s a static, security-camera looking shot that the videographer can’t count on in a pinch. A static camera has it’s place, but it is no replacement for a human behind a camera.
See the Difference for Yourself
At CinemaCake, all of our clients get a choice of a Short Film, a Feature Film, or something in-between. Our films are customized for each client and are always the RIGHT length. For the clients who choose our short films, all unedited footage is delivered as well, so if one day you DO want to look through all of the footage, you can.
Please comment below with myths that you know about.
Tags: Video Production Training - Wedding and Event Production News | Permalink
Leave a Comment
Armir K: (11.17.11-6:09am) I definitely agree. Shorter is more effective. A few months ago, I shot and edited a wedding for a family friend, and the final cut was 40 minutes. The couple loved it, and so did their friends and family. One of the main reasons I did this was because, a few months before this wedding, my family was watching a wedding video of a friend, and they spent more time fast-forwarding rather than watching it.
CinemaCake Filmmakers to Present at Apple Store in Philadelphia
August 11, 2011
On Friday, August 19th, 2011, at 5 PM (NOTE TIME CHANGE), Dave Williams and his team will give an interactive presentation at the Walnut Street Apple Store in Center City, Philadelphia. They’ll cover DSLR Workflow, including pre-production, shooting, and editing with Final Cut 7. They’ll also review some of the tools used to manage multiple projects.
This event is being hosted by the Business Team at Walnut Street Apple Store, 1607 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 (215) 861-6400 (press 3)
THIS EVENT IS FREE BUT SPACE IS LIMITED - PLEASE RSVP .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
See you there!
Tags: HD and Film productions - Philadelphia Wedding Video - Video Production Training | Permalink
DSLR Wedding Video is Still New to Many Clients
June 18, 2011
This morning, we had a prospective client meeting that went extremely well. About 10 minutes into the meeting, I was asked what kind of cameras we used. The boys were in, getting ready for the day, so I told Jimmy over the intercom to bring a camera up from the studio. When I showed her one of the DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras we have been shooting with exclusively since 2008, she was pleasantly surprised. She said, “That really is small!” She was very happy. I could see on her face that all fears of the big cameras and bright lights melted away.
It really made me realize that after ten years in this business and two and a half years shooting with DSLRs, we should not take for granted what we do and why we do it. More and more videographers are now turning to the DSLR cameras. Some are even sticking the words “Wedding Films” in their company names to reflect their new-found appreciation for this wonderful tool and all of the possibilities it opens up to wedding and event filmmakers.
What this means for the consumer is that in the right hands, beautiful films can be made now without obnoxious lighting and big obtrusive cameras. To us, it’s old news, but I must never forget that there are still companies doing things the old way and it would be a huge disservice to not educate each and every new client.
Tags: HD Weddings - Philadelphia Wedding Video - Video Production Training - Wedding and Event Production News | Permalink
