Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

This probably belongs in the Photo/Video forum, but I figured this would get more views.

So I know many hunting shows aren't too popular with many of you in here (I'm included as well). I find myself, however, watching a few shows here and there that really stand out both in editing and footage quality, but with the "wow" factor going more toward the editing side of things. Thompson Center game trails is one that I think is really put together well on the post-production side of things, and the hunting is pretty interesting. So, when you guys see a TV show, aside from fenced vs. fair chase, what do you find more impressive...the editing or the footage quality? I feel, too often, there's more or less a combination of both poor video footage, and terrible editing on many of the low budget shows on the outdoor channel. To me that screams amateur and unprofessional, and I often wonder how these shows make it into primetime slots when we have people like HB who capture AMAZING footage, and the editing is very well done as well.

Maybe it's because I do a lot of graphic design, that the post-production side of things stand out to me the most, but I also realize that getting QUALITY footage is an art by its self as well.

So let's hear it...what would make you stop flipping through the endless shows of a guy holding a handi-cam and stumbling through the woods, and really sit back and be "wowed" by a hunting show? Would it take professional editing, quality footage, or both?

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

I personally like the more rumbly bumbly hunts where they are movin quick or somethign suprising happens and you get their reactions on tape no matter what happens. Also when they have to go running through the woods or somethign or set up real quick and stuf like that and you get it all on tape and show it cuz htungin is not a production and cant be scripted out so why make it seem that way on tv. I like seeing the initial excitement of hunts not outtakes put into a hunt after its already done to make the video clean and seem like they get the person drawing ther bow/raising the rifle and stuff like that. I watch hunting shows to watch the hunt and in the heat excitement not some people pretending to be actors and fake a hunts parts with clips inserted. WCL

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

For me it's the quality footage.I like the reallity stuff with not much editing.I don't like the hollywood production style shows.To me to much editing leaves a void for them to fill with bull$h!t.IMO

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

I never get wowwed by a hunting or fishing show but I do like Rugers Adventures (last years). I enjoy just watching Lee and Tiffany's getting close and Ted Nugents spirit of the wild.

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

Neither!

I don't watch these shows for the editing or even the quality footage, matter of a fact I hardly watch these shows. I have to say 99% of the shows, DVD and videos are all about a kill and nothing else! They are boring and all the same, just different faces! Here come the deer down the trail, I have tons of trail cam photos of this deer, the Kill shot then the "speech" thats the same, just different guys giving it! I personally don't need to see quality kill shot footage, give me some information or something, anything I can take in the woods with me and see if I can put it to use! Give me more shows/dvds like The Blood Brothers Outdoors: "Hunting Marsh Bucks"!;) JMO!

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

Off topic:

GO WINGS! The dynamic duo was on fire last night eh!

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

3 and 0 You know that right.

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

For me, it starts with quality video, followed very closely by quality auidio in the tree/blind. I used to enjoy watching Campbell Outdoor Challenge, but the footage on the last several shows has been really horrible, that I can't even watch it, almost like a Blair Witch Project video. As for editing, tough to know what was editted out without knowing some background on the whole story. Driven 24/7 with Pat Reeve does a nice job IMO of getting the important parts of the hunt in there, as well as some info about the hunt itself. Lately, some shows have been getting carried on the cut-aways (showing too many). I only need to see the person draw their bow from one angle and one time, show the impact multiple times, not the bow being drawn.

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

persionaly i like the bowhunting more than the rifle cause they usualy get you up close to the animals they are hunting.

man you just opened up a whole new can of worms...

i get tired of shows that recreate senes, after the kill when they walk up and fake check if it is still alive while the camera is almost touching the antlers, or recreating pretty much every aspect of the show.

i like to see more action and less bla, bla, bla.

with all the selling products, you get 2 minutes of hunting which is mostly some guy talking about how good his ranch is. the other 28 minutes (- thecomercial break) is sell you about some fenced in guide with such and such product. is it too much to ask give your viewers what they want which is more time in the woods and less time talking about your 50 products?

there are few hunters on tv with any knowlege of the animals they are hunting and to push to produce some decent video they go to a high fenced operation so that 50 deer swam the deer stand like they were tied to the base of the tree. i would like to see a real hunt with average animals using knowlege and luck to produce a kill.

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

I thinkquality footage & editing cane beequally important. When it comes to the editing side, some people want to see the "hollywood" production take on it and others want a more simplified edit. To me the most important in the editing iscreating a good foundation of the video. Some examples of this is the "Length of segment, footage within segment, footage included in timeline, order of timeline, simple audio/visual corrections"... basically the foundation of the video footage in the video.

If the foundation isn't done right, you'll hear of problems like, "The hunt was too drawn-out", "Thevideo was very jumpy", "Thetimeline orderwas confusing", "Why was this clip added"... etc. To get the foundation right, it usually requires lots & lots of reviewing from the editor and possible other personel involved....aka, Lots of time! I've seen bad foundations ruin a video.

A video can have one (great footage or editing) but without the other it's already lacking. I can think ofgreat examples where i've watched a video and the footage was great, but the editing sucked... &vise-versa.

If I had a choice, give me a video with good quality footage& a simple, but good quality edit :D

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

I HATE all of the Hollywood special effects and editing that are in some shows. (DRURY Brothers) Will Primos said it best, "This ain't HOLLYWOOD";)

Give me one camera over the shoulder shots and not 10 different angles of the guy drawing his bow.

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

I want to see videos of real life situations where it's okay to shoot some does, spikes, or whatever makes the hunter happy.I want to see the average blue/white collar hunter kill a 5 or 6 point and be happy. I would like to invite one of these so-called "Pros" to my property and see if he can kill a 130 class plus buck. If he can do it, then I will be impressed. Nothing about hunting videos impresses me. Anyone can kill the bucks these guys are taking. All you need is $$$$$$$!

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

There is nothing to wonder about here, really. It is very simple - they paid for that slot. What there is to wonder about, and I do every day, is how in the world some of these shows convinced their sponsor line up to pay up for advertising. I need to find out some of these show's marketing techniques (ie - B.S.) and figure out how to put it to good use for my company.

Quality of footage is #1, editing is second. The best editor in the world cannot fix bad footage. And, the flip flop of that is that the great editing of a bunch of recreated nonsense scenes doesn't make for a good show either.

I have been checking out more and more shows lately with the two new networks available on Dir TV, and I find myself shaking my head in disbelieve every night. Terrible footage, terrible editing, terrible content, and shows that are just not worth watching is what I see.

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

I particularly enjoy the shows that have female hunters (i.e. Lee and Tiffany)....I can relate to the women hunters more; therefore it helps me to set goals that are possibly(andI meanPOSSIBLY)attainable.

"Dream Season" was a fun show to watchthis past season; interesting to see couples competing.

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

Well, obviously. That's what I mean...how could a paying sponsor think they're getting their money's worth out of some of these shows representing their products. It's amateur hour on a lot of those shows.

One that's non-hunting related, but has been around FOREVER that comes to mind is that gold prospecting show...can't remember the name of it, but I know middle schoolers who could put together a better production:D


As far as editing is concerned, I should have been more clear. I'm not encouraging or embracing the multiple cuts, re-enacted moments, over-zealous celebrations, etc. I'm talking about intros, graphics used in the intros/credits, transitions, etc. That's what I think sets the shows apart.

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

Big deer, good (real) personalities in-front of the camera. Good stable camera work, no re-done cutaways, as few rehursed cameo's as possible. No cheesy graphics in-between hunts, and as much bowhunting as possible.

I don't like product plugs or feeling like the main storyline of a video - show - is to promote a certain product / products....

I like to watch anything that looks and feels different than the 1,001 hunting videos and shows on the market. I can watch anything if it's unique. Otherwise it's just another video / tv show.

Good, creative editing. I don't enjoy watching "cookie-cutter" type videos that are imitating what's already been done.

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

Matt...I actually was not being sarcastic in that answer. A whole lot of folks assume that the network chooses and/or discontinues carrying shows based on quality, viewership, etc. Not so for outdoors television. It is all about going to the network with enough cash to buy the slot. Yes, there is some minimum technical requirements, and you do have to get a pilot approved, but as anyone can see by the quality of the shows on now...they are not turning many (if any) down. That is made even worse considering all networks have open slots (that turn into the infomercials).

I can tell you from personal, first hand,experience that at least some of the bigger name sponsors only look at what network(s) a given show will be showing on and based their choice on that (number of households available in) with content a second consideration if it is considered at all.

BTW...the gold shows you see are produced by the network owners.;)

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

No worries, I didn't think you were either, I was just clarifying what I meant originally.
Wow...that's interesting. I never knew that...hmmm makes you wonder.

Btw, your website is an example of what I'm talking about in terms of professionalism. I like the layout and functionality...it really says something about a company to me. Same thing with videos/shows.

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

First hand experience :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:bigger name sponsors :D:D:D:D:Dyou kill me Robin, thats funny stuff.

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

Thanks! We spent a lot of time designing the site, and a lot of time still goes into it to keep it constantly updated.

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

A few things I dislike:

I'll use Les Johnson's Predator Quest as a prime example of way too much editing and "Hollywood'ism". I can't stand shows where after the kill, they set up again, and re-enact the whole scenario. Drives me nuts. I know its fake, and so does everyone else.

I really like the way Jim Shockey, and TCs new show are setup/layed out. Gettin Close With Lee & Tifany is also very well played out.

I want to see high quality footage, I love seeing the work that goes into the harvesting of these big deer (planting food plots, etc). I really like "un-cut" footage, sure you can edit out the boring stuff, but when the deer/etc appears, I don't want anymore editing. Let it play out as it happens in my opinion.

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

education, ethics, and shot placement

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

You saying I don't have that first hand experience? Laugh if you like, it is most definitely true. Unfortunately, not exactly funny to us. Kinda sucks actually.

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

I like to see good editing....as long as it is not blatently fake.

By far, the most important thing for ME is......high quality footage. If I see camera shake, I am done watching. I don`t care if it is showing a 190" buck. Cameras are made to be on a quality support system, and they should be utilized.

Next in line of importance to ME is......storyline. I like seeing critters get whacked as much as the next guy, but......I like to see and hear what they are doing, where they are at, etc. Not a "how to" video, just one that tells me what their adventure was all about.

It is always a plus when the people in the show look like they are genuinely enjoying it too.;)

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

I don't know why exactly, but I often find myself watching "Team Fitzgerald." Kind of a corny show. Footage usually sucks...editing usually sucks. Not my favorite show by any stretch of the imagination, but there is something raw about it that keeps me watching. They don't shoot the largest animals but they are happy to take what does come by. I love quality production, but I guess I would rather have quality hunting.

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

Ditto!

I'd rather watch a lessor quality video than one that is recreated or has all the special effects. I want to watch a real hunt as it happens, not a glamous production. That could happen to have not the best video footage, but that is alright with me.

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

You know, I'll probably catch some flack for this, but one of the few shows I do actually enjoy watching is Realtree Roadtrips. They show the "fun" side of hunting and hanging out with friends. It's not all about shooting monsters, or bragging rights; there's humor, unscripted scenes of back at camp, waking up, joking around, etc. He has some pretty good guests on sometimes as well.

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

id rather see a shaky camera, with a great story
over a dead still camera, with a kill on video and thats it

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

x2

I'll agree with ya there! Alot of these shows almost seem too "professional" give me a good ol boy (or girl) and let them have fun, pull pranks, etc etc and I'd watch that. Its just like being in camp with them then. There are 5 of us going to Montana this year Elk/Muley hunting, and I will be videoing the hunt and putting it together on a DVD for everyone that goes.

Whats a good camera in the 2-2,500 range? Or would I need to spend more? Thanks!

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

I agree with that, I like the huntersreal personalities coming thru too. I always have liked the Primos On the Porch Scenes. If I had to pick one brand of videos to watch, Primos would be my pick.

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

That is more than enough Rammer. Find yourself a slightly used Canon GL2, XL1S, Sony VX2000, 2100 or Sony PD-170. Any of those will give you fantastic quality on dvd. If you go with the GL2 or VX's, get a shotgun mic with wind muff. The others have a good mic already.

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

Thanks for the info Robin! I'm about ready to do some searching for this stuff, this will give me a good idea/place to start. What would be a good camera for say 1000-2000 brand new? Where are good places to look for these cameras? I'm totally new to videoing, my brother is really big into digital photography, and has alot of high end digital equipment, but he is unsure of camcorders.

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

www.camcorderinfo.com

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

You can probably find all that I mentioned new for 2K or less, except maybe the PD-170. I think for what you are wanting to do, I would go with a Canon XL1s or XL2. A little bigger camera, but meant to be held up against your shoulder. The smaller framed cams, like the GL2 or VX's are too small to use alone without being very shakey, so we use shoulder mounts for those.

RE: Hunting Shows...What's More Impressive?
 

Thanks again for the help! I'll do some researching and reading, and more than likely be getting back to you! :D