How I Make My Videos
====================

Current Status
**************

As of July 2019, this is the groove I've settled in to.

First, I write a script, or at least list the things I want to touch on, in a
Google Doc. (I intend to move this to a more permanent home -- perhaps here --
so people can see my notes.)

For Basic Mathematics videos, I just read the section a lot until I feel
comfortable lecturing on it.

Then, I setup my "studio" by turning on all of the LED lights. These are
pointed at the wall, at the ceiling, etc, to provide plenty of bright diffuse
light. I tried using a lightbox but fitting my hands and the camera in was
just too difficult. One day I'll build a "proper" lightbox that allows me to
move around. Perhaps a nylon sheet I shine the lights on to provide diffuse
lights from multiple directions.

I use my Samsung S9 phone to record the video. It is important that I touch on
a part of the paper and maximize the brightness. This will also help stabilize
the zoom.

I am using a lapel microphone, which the Samsung phone recognizes and adjusts
perfectly.

As I record, I might make a mistake so I take a few seconds, say the line
again, and repeat as many times as needed. Most of the times I get things
right the first time, but sometimes I need a second or third try.

Then I import the video into my computer running Windows 10.

After it is imported, I load up Shotcut. Shotcut is buggy, but it works, and
it is free, and it is simple.

I have the outro as a separate video, so adding it in is trivial.

After it is done, I export it, upload it to YouTube, and then work on the
thumbnail in Inkscape. I always use a previous thumbnail as a starting point.

I make sure to add cards and the end screen after it is uploaded and
processed.

Then I wait for the views to come in.

Final Cut Pro
*************

I used to use Final Cut Pro. It is a beast to learn and I never felt
comfortable with it.

Using Final Cut Pro was significantly more difficult as I had to record the
audio separately into Final Cut Pro as a voiceover. Then I had to time them
with the recorded video. It took a while to build the product and upload it as
well. I don't know why Final Cut Pro was so much slower than Shotcut.

Old Days
********

When I first made my videos, I used a camcorder, precariously set over my
shoulder to film. The colors and lights were always off balance, and it was
impossible to get it consistent. I never edited anything, so I had to do
everything perfectly in one shot or just give up trying to do it over and over
again. That's the principle reason why the videos were so short. I couldn't do
more than 5 or so minutes without making mistakes, so I only filmed in 5
minute segments.