It is finally here! The first episode of TORWars TV has arrived! This has been a project I have been working for over the past month. I am proud of what I have put out in this episode and appreciate the help I have gotten from folks in the community as well as the support of folks encouraging me to start working on this.
ITS HERE ITS HERE THE FIRST EPISODE IS HERE!
In this episode, I talk about the following news:
- Game Update 1.6.3 and 1.6.3a
- New additions to the Cartel Market
- Rise of the Hutt Cartel Preorder Bonuses
- Makeb First Look Trailer
- Announcement of JJ Abrams as Director of Star Wars: Episode 7
Additionally, there are two featured segments as well!
- Smugglers Run with Fynn Cobb, an episodic fiction piece
- Community Blender with AlanShotFirst, who asks “Are you a Cartel Coin Hoarder?”
This is my first jump into producing a video project of this kind. I appreciate all constructive criticism that you all may have! Just be sure to cut me some slack for the nerves in front of the camera!
Additionally, if you are interested in video production and want to have a segment on the show, let me know! Email brian at torwars dot com!
SWTOR Community Cantina Audio: Q&A Live With Musco, Hickman, And Schubert
In the immortal words of Gary Gannon … ELIMINATE HEADROOM! Bring the camera down a tad so there’s not a big blank space over your noggin. Other than that, good start.
I agree with you. I noticed this after recording as well, as i have no camera man
Im using the built in camera on my iMac so im somewhat limited to the range of motion it has. Id like to eventually get an actual CAMERA to do this, but resources are somewhat limited.
Rome wasn’t built in a day!
Also, fairly certain you said you had an iPhone so here’s a link that may help you with the camera stuff. It has some tips and tricks to turn your iPhone into a video podcasting camera. Hey, don’t think of this as negative; we all want you to succeed!
My segment was recorded using the FaceTime HD camera in my iMac. Alan recorded his segment on his iPhone.
Good job, Brian! Looking forward to future episodes. You might not want to wear a black sweater with a black background, though. =)
Yeah, i noticed that after i recorded. Problem with not having a camera man, noone to tell me my outfit choice was stupid!
I kept waiting for you to shine a torch up from your chest onto your face
This!
Other than that, nice and wait for more.
I didn’t like the Smuggler Run (skipped it after minute or so), but that’s just me.
No hard feeling about your previous comment, just curious as to why. I’d love to make this more in line with what people are looking for, If only for my man Asros. The guy has poured his heart into TORWars TV. The least I can do is try and nail my part. Do you not like the VO, the writing, the lack of video, or are you looking for less fiction and more info in this program? Heck, anyone can jump in and answer!
Nice to see you guys getting started.
OK as someone who have made videos myself and done podcast video intros
i feel like giving you some help on the intro.
1 Dont have a black background, have a nice panorama swtor image
og Tatooine etc so you dont just look like a floating head in space with no stars.
2 The intro torwars is metalic grey and not in a good way.
Use a better color like swtor logo colors etc but be careful
so you dont get a 50-70s look on the logo intro.
3 Dont have a black shirt on when hAving a pure black background thru the show.
4 Between cuts you have done of you talking, quoting posts articles etc use a transision like fade etc.
5 Never never make a star wars related show with anything else then swtor/star wars soundtracks in it.
6 Alan shot first guy, keep the camera on your desk without shaking it all the time.
7 Into video with the music was all wrong,music dident belong with those cuts from swtor.And as i said use star wars music.
8 Were is Jeff and Deidre ?????
1. Doing blue screen/chroma key background takes an incredible amount of time/work. Since it is just me producing this and I’m limited to resources, this isn’t very feasible.
2. Appreciate the feedback, but the idea of metallic gray is to contrast the yellow of the Star Wars logo in the rest of the intro piece. Using the same color/gradient is boring to the eye.
3. Yes, i noticed this after recording and will change it going forward.
4. I used short fades between almost all cuts. They aren’t big so they aren’t noticeable. The idea is for transitions to not be noticed.
5. I don’t agree with the idea of not using other music other than star wars. I don’t follow that on the podcast and have never seen any other podcast/video podcast follow that rule as well. Hell, even BioWare doesn’t use only their music in trailers.
6. I will relay that feedback to him.
7. See #5
8. Not in the episode? This wasn’t meant to include all 3 of us, it is a different offering of different content.
Here you go, tghis is intro music
https://soundcloud.com/korriband
Bad link
https://soundcloud.com/korriband
Thanks, but not really the style i like to use in my media production.
One benefit to blending into the background is that you can cut in additional segments pretty easily if some news bit comes up at the last minute and it comes together smoothly without us being able to tell in what order you recorded. I thought your transitions were very smooth. This went really well actually, didn’t think you were too jittery at all. You may want to play around with recording and viewing a few different outfits to see which one(s) you think works best with your background.
As to Alan’s question, I’m kind of a coin hoarder, but not nearly as much as my husband. I spend coins on speeder unlock options and rocket boost and XP boosts. Unlocking additional HK droids is what got me to actually buy some extra coins. I haven’t been able to bring myself to spend coins on really big ticket items though.
I wasn’t sure about changing up to a video option for news content (as opposed to the podcast), but I see the benefit in being able to include the screen shots you cut in and sharing trailer content from Bioware. Having the visual elements does add a nice touch. Any of the content from the Intro Cinematic always makes my day, especially the Smuggler. Even to this day I’m not tired of the Intro Cinematic, still makes me grin like a kid.
Helps if I put in the link …
http://bibpodcast.com/podcasts/218-iphone-5-video-and-video-podcasting/
Some feedback:
Swap the headshot/content shots. By that I mean, put you in the corner, and the content in the main screen. This way the focus is the content, rather than the reporter.
Don’t wear a black shirt with a black background, but others already said that.
Shorter intro/Between segments.
Some volume issues, I turned up the volume only to have my ears blown by the Scoundrel intro music.
As to Alan’s question:
I too am a hoarder, I’m waiting until I see something that really grabs me, and that I can’t get without spending coins (I’d rather do a quest or spend credits if those options are available).
As someone with a completely unbiased opinion, with no vested interest in the success of this series, may I just say amazing Job…and may I further say, that is a trio of handsome men! Look out ladies.
…oh, my name is displayed before the comment? Well that’s a bit embarrassing.
I stand by my comments anyway!
I have to hold my iPhone 4 to film, so sorry for the movement in my segment, but that won’t be changing in my segments. I will try to hold it more still, but some movement will still be visible.
Thanks for all the feedback folks!
- Alan
Hmm don’t they make all kinds of cheap iphone stands u can just set up on the desk? Might want to look into one of those.
Good job Brian & Alan!
a few things I noticed:
The intro music seems more fitting with epic landscape shots and less with the violent action ones, but it’s not THAT big a deal.
When talking about the new mekeb trailer, putting it in the corner was good. Having its audio play while you were talking about it in said corner – not good. Especially when you are about to run it in full for the show.
Beware (or just be aware) or large volume jumps between segments. Going from your dulcet tones to a rock riff that seems to be a @$$-ton louder. I know this has always been a bit of an issues in ages past with the podcast. Not sure if you can’t run the audio through a compressor or other volume equalizer. But that kind of transition is rather jarring.
Alan, I know you said you would try to shake the camera (iPhone) less, but there has got to be a cheap mounting or something out there. Hell, I’ll buy it for you. Great segment though, it’s just a pity the shaking deminishes it.
I’ll see what I can find. Not sure what is available and my budget is $0. LOL!
http://www.instructables.com/id/Nearly-Free-iphone-Tripod-Adapter/
First of all I thought this was great, especially for your first video cast.
Overall I think most of what has been said is correct, with regard to camera angles, choice of clothes etc. With just a few small adjustments this is going to only get better and better.
One thing that was slightly touched on when someone said “Where is Jeff & Deidre”. Have you thought about somehow adding a co-host? Not sure if this would even be possible, however think about it this way. When you watch the evening news there is a dynamic that takes place when “Bob and Sue” as they dispense the daily happenings in your town. Even if you have to “Go to Tom out in the backyard”. It would take a bit of scripting, but done right might break things up just a tad.
Oh and I totally agree with you in regard to your music comment. You are 100% spot on there.
Alan! Man I have missed you! Great to see you again. To answer your question. I am somewhat of a spender, (bought a couple of things) but I feel conflicted about not having that “Cushion” there, so it has to be something special in order for me to part with my “precious” coins. Maybe it is the Dave Ramsey in me.
Again for your first video cast this was really good. I see this only getting better.
Thanks for the feedback. I agree that there are a lot of valid points with the feedback folks have on the news segment. To be honest, i wasn’t that thrilled with how it came out, but i am fairly limited in equipment and setup to make it look as professional as most folks expect from content like this. Most people dont realize how much money and time it takes to produce a show as short as this.
The initial pilot of TWTV was a multicam video of Jeff/DD on one camera and me on a second. What happened with that show is that it became duplicative to our podcast and wasn’t really that compelling. I got feedback from folks that i had view it that it wasn’t really good video content, they just put it on and listened to it in the background. Trust me, Jeff/DD and I aren’t amazingly attracting enough to captivate folks by just watching us talk. Doing multi cam video well also requires a very high powered editing program like Final Cut Pro X or Adobe Premiere which is not cheap (200-500$ depending). I’m not trying to complain or anything, just making sure folks understand what all goes into producing video content of this level.
Parts 1 and 3 were good. The story thing was weird at first with just images but I got used to it.
You should really put a background.
And you should try to sound more natural. (like you’re not reading a script)
If only it were that simple.
Just a couple of thoughts for your background:
Maybe somebody at BioWare might be able to donate (conveniently lose in your direction) a SWTOR banner.
If you have them… A couple of monitors playing various SWTOR trailer or game footage on a loop. Just to add flavor.
Even forget the background altogether. Plenty of Vlogers out there that film in their office or computer room without covering it up. Just make sure it’s tidy and maybe even place a few SWTOR items within camera shot.
Play with the lighting a little as well. Directing a desk lamp to reflect off an oversized sheet of white paper, the kind found at a craft store, may help light the room and cut down on any glare or shine.
Otherwise, don’t let the criticism effect you at a personal level. Even those that post bad feedback with the intent to hurt your feelings can be used as constructive. It’s hard to do, but you need to filter out the emotion when digesting those comments. You’re putting yourself out there for all to judge. It’s not easy to take the harshness some throw at you, but you have a passion for this and for you to succeed at it you have to get to the point where the trolls no longer get under your skin. It was your first go at this and you gave a solid effort. Your fans are proud of you and I am sure you’ll improve with each new episode.
I have spent many hours over the past few weeks trying to find optimal lighting, backgrounds and the like. What i eventually went with is what worked the best. I had front facing lighting, the black sheet to block out light leakage from the windows behind me and the brightness on my iMac turned as low as possible where i still could read what i had to say. Aside from spending major money on new lighting/new camera, there isnt much else i can do with the tools i have available. Add on top that apple’s cameras suck in low light situations and get washed out with more light, its a near impossible balance to make happen with what i have. Not saying its impossible, im just saying i dont know what else i can do to make what i have work better.
I must say I enjoyed this first episode. There were few things could be worked on, but I saw many others said it too,. Like move the camera down a bit so your not on the bottom. But otherwise I thought was a great first shot. Can only get better from here on. Really loved the smugglers run. That was fun. Keep up the good work
After all the feedback today, im pretty sure that the news segment isnt going to happen anymore. Too many complaints about my reading style or the background or camera angle or a lot of other things.
If the news segment comes back, itll be more produced with just voice over on top of images/video regarding whatever news there was this week. I dont know, well see.
Not going to lie, this is the second iteration of TWTV and neither one seem to really blow folks away. Not sure if its really worth the time/money investment i originally thought it would be.
I spent over 80 hours working on producing the pilot for this and it feels like it has fallen kind of flat. Ill think on it over the next few days and see if its worth making episode 2. Im seriously 50/50 right now based off of reaction/feedback from here, twitter, reddit and youtube comments.
Great episode Brian! I enjoyed every minute of it. Cheers mate!
Ah, I just noticed your disappointment with so much full on feedback Brian. Perhaps everyone thought the more analysis the better. I’m sure people enjoyed it as much as I did but they were just trying to help.
Cheers again mate!
Nah, the analysis and feedback is appreciated when constructive. But there has been a lot of non-constructive and pretty harsh feedback as well. Not here so much as on reddit/twitter/youtube comments, but yeah.
I’m sorry to hear that mate. Unfortunately the Internet is replete with over-the-top criticism on any subject. Cheers.
Brian,
First let me say WOW!!!!
Good job with the first episode and congratulations on a job well done.
I think as the episodes continue and I hope they do your presence on the screen and your reading of the information will seem more natural.
I also like the transitions and the screen within screen was well placed and helped to accentuate your topic.
I would suggest maybe a different background or wardrobe, the black on black is a little drab, but not a big distraction.
So my challenge would be to become more comfortable talking to the camera instead of reading off the monitor, but this will happen naturally as you make more episodes.
So good information, humor and presentation. I just hope that it does not turn in to the Linux Action show Vid casts. They make me feel like I am at a truck rally.
Good job can’t wait for the next.
Bohdie
absolutely love it, great Job all!
My favorite was the great Radio Play of Fynn Cobb. Cannot wait for more!
Alan, I am waiting patiently for the smuggler outfit they put up, the one he wears in all of the trailers. And I will be extremely upset if it doesnt include the hat like alot of the others.
Sure some of the things stated above are true, but none of it really bothered me to the point of distraction. It did not hinder my enjoyment. Don’t take feedback too personally, I think everyone here liked it and wants to see it continue. Think of it as being a fresh level 50 and then jumping into a warzone in recruit gear, it will take a few matches before you find your way. But when you find it, it will be glorious.
Great job for a first launch!! I look forward to the tweaks and twiddles that come from your experiences doing the show!
– Tova
Stay positive Brian
Well done , top effort !
Your content and analysis is always on the money . That’s what people are here for . While most of the comments are true,even if repeated a lot . You wont be wearing black again
, no biggie .
In your last segment you asked for suggestions . What I would like to see , on the site ( pod cast , news story or TWTV ). Is the topic “The gay planet ,( OK I cant remember its name anymore , but it will always be the gay planet to me ) when it releases , what will say to you bioware is on the right track with Swtor AND what will be your oh no they have done that again. “
Great 1st show I loved it, my only issue… Whats with the Emo black background? I was worried you were going to start cutting yourself on air! get some nice backgrounds like a poster board or something. Great start though very excited to see Torwars TV evolve into something like gamebreaker.tv ( hint have Dedee on and put on a green wig, it works for Gamebreakers..TWIMMO)
Also anyone else want to scream “I’n the Year TWO-Thousand!!!!!!!”
Not gonna lie, I loved seeing Alan back, my favorite part of Mos Eisley Radio while it lasted
Ps- U need to get Alan on a podcast some day if he is up for it.
Thanks Majic!!!
Hey Brian,
Thanks so much for doing this. It really has a video magazine type of feel to it. I don’t really have complaints, it’s a good effort.
I think Bohdie (and others) are right on the money re: stage presence. I thought it was a decent first effort. Don’t be discouraged by the criticism; rather, I would take it as a sign that there is a real and abiding need for this format. The general consensus is not that it was horrible and a waste of time.
As with the game, expectations may not have been realistic. I think that speaks to the high opinion viewers have of TOR Wars and of you. Regardless, if you’re doing it to branch out into the realm of video production, then treat this as your playground, not your day job. Do it because YOU want to do it, not because we say you should; the rest will work itself out.
/salute
I think you did a great job! Brian, you are the main reason why I come to the site. You always bring a lot of great information and insite. Outside of production values, I would only suggest that you use your notes less. You are really smart. I think you could wing it a little more and use less scripting. Especially for your first time, and for being by yourself, you did amazing. Don’t get discouraged.
Wow, thanks
Loved it man! Sure its not perfect but It’s great for a start and I’m sure it will only get better. You should also tell us a list of things that may help your show out, whether it be ideas or equipment I’m sure people will help out me included.
2nded. The show was as a whole great! Don’t get discouraged! As much as I like Jeff, Darth Sundhine (and their mini pet “Moffette”*) you are the spine of the Torwars podcast Brian. If it isn’t your production or ideas, your on top of a lot of the issues in a way that half the time INFORMS the other two. I really do mean it when I say I’m willing to buy Alan a stand or help you out in anyway I can. I can’t talk for everyone but I’ve been here listening via iTunes since the beginning. All of Torwars (and now Alan too) have brought me hours of entertainment and information for free. You have no idea how much respect and well wishes I have toward you.
*coming SOON!
Correction: Darth Sunshine
Please don’t force choke me…
Wow. Completely humbled by the comment. Thank you so much!
I think I solved the iPhone “stand” challenge. Stay tuned for episode two to see what you think.
Thanks for all the advice!
- Alan
I appreciate what you’ve said and it’s truly nice to hear. We love Brian and are super happy he’s here in the trenches with us. We are truly blessed to have met him and that he ever agreed to come on board. He is irreplaceable. However, we each bring something to the table and without each other the podcast wouldn’t exist and frankly, TORWars wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for Jeff sacrificing a lot of time away from family and friends making it what it is today. Also, all of our content writers putting in hours of effort to keep our readers and listeners entertained absolutely deserve some kudos too.
Please Darth Sunshine forgive me! I meant absolutely no disrespect to the sacrifices of Jeff, yourself, or any of the great writer here (and artists – I do miss the comics). As I stumbled through in my post – I like you all. The sum of you all is greater than any one part. Please understand this is the ONY place I go for TOR news. It’s the only place I care about either (not to disparage any other site). I’m just a loyal fan of you guys and was trying to cheer Brian up with my honest thoughts on him. I did not mean to minimalise any TORWARS contributors’ efforts.
I enjoyed the first episode!
20 minutes seemed a good length.
I liked the introduction of the smuggler. I am looking forward to seeing where the story goes.
I am not a Cartel Coin hoarder. I have purchased additional inventory rows and a cargo bay. I am looking forward to Species Unlocks, but my TorWars Guild Legacy is still only level Nine.
I am eagerly anticipating your next episode!
Great job Brian.
As far as feedback goes, I suggest that you should not be in too much of a hurry to change, delete, add, or rework anything at this point in the development of the project. We are discussing a pilot episode, and that pilot was successful. Stick with your original plan and resist the temptation to change too many things at once, as that can make it very difficult to determine the source(s) of future successes, as well as future opportunities for improvement. The cumulative effects of many of the changes already suggested in this thread will have their intended results when you get to them. Take your time – we’re not going anywhere. Your vision for delivery of content via video is solid and it will continue to grow.
One tip for you – as was already suggested, back up a bit from the camera. This will have the added bonus of making it less obvious to the viewers when you need to glance at your notes – 2 for 1.
Looking forward to the next episode.
Clifton
Hey Brian it’s Ace I just want to say I think it is a great idea and you should continue on and just do what you want to. The criticism is nice when its constructive but I feel like if you don’t enjoy what your doing it shows through in your content. Good Luck and continue on!
Very nice!! Enjoyed it alot and look forward to the next one. Great job Brian and Torwars!!!
Brian / Alan – great first outing. Most everything has been said already, but good job with the first outting and continue at it. I like it.
Brian – don’t give up man, ignore the trolls from reddit (I swear that site breeds them or something). You’ll get more comfortable and your “style” down as you work through them. I think a great first effort and look forward to more.
I loved the Smugglers Run with Fynn Cobb segment, good stuff there. I look forward to seeing where this goes.
Alan – I’ve spent most of my cartel coins unlocking legacy perks (jet boost, bank slots, inventory slots) and far to many cartel packs. Trying to cut back on the packs for sure, the first batch is just way to random and way too much extra junk.
My apologies for being late to party, but I just got a chance to check this out. I was truly blown away by this concept, and already see that you have some unique things to offer. If I HAD to criticize anything, it would be the news segment. And even then, only because I listen to all podcasts this site puts up, so I’ve already heard about everything covered. I cant help it – I’m a TORWARS content locust! Not sure if the same would apply to everybody else though, since I don’t know what percentage of your visitors check the podcasts out.
Regarding segment two, I enjoyed the creativity of it all, and look forward to segment two.
As far as the cartel coin discussion, at first I dropped a couple hundred dollars simply to gamble on packs and buy legacy unlocks (account-wide things especially). My infatuation with the packs has now worn off though since i havent been thrilled with the latest rares. if i were given 5k coins at this point, i would probably spend it on outfits, the new pod speeder, and maybe unlock a couple species account-wide.
Also – I hope TOR helps sport you guys in some way. I’m sure money is tight for them, but I have never seen a fan site take initiative like this to discuss the product.
This has great potential both ways, especially considering the mind behind it all. I hope you don’t get deterred, as I’m sure plenty of us love what you have put together.
*support – Ipad fail
What a great job Brian! I just finished watching the first episode (sorry it took me so long to get to it). Afterwards, I read all the comments here. Don’t get discouraged and don’t make radical changes. As with any new project, improvements certainly can be made, but that just comes with time. Your hard work, love and devotion to SWTOR & TORWars shines. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise. I look forward to the next episode!
Please Darth Sunshine forgive me! I meant absolutely no disrespect to the sacrifices of Jeff, yourself, or any of the great writer here (and artists – I do miss the comics). As I stumbled through in my post – I like you all. The sum of you all is greater than any one part. Please understand this is the ONY place I go for TOR news. It’s the only place I care about either (not to disparage any other site). I’m just a loyal fan of you guys and was trying to cheer Brian up with my honest thoughts on him. I did not mean to minimalise any TORWARS contributors’ efforts.