Are Live Scenes Imperative?
Added 2014-09-22 18:24:53 +0000 UTCWhat are the pros and cons of including live segments in my full-length videos? For the last week or so, this topic has been buzzing around in my head. For some creators, live segments are a way to be theatrical and funny, keep up a running story line, and fuel the fire of their on-screen character. Although I've dabbled in more complex on screen performances in the past, my live segments generally act as introduction and conclusion points of the video. A brief "hey, here's the game!" and a "well, that was the game!" And while I'm sure people just love staring at my ugly mug for a minute or so each video, I've been wondering if we could all learn to do without. I'm not great at writing skits, which is why you don't see many of them in my video. It's hard to setup shots and monitor your performance while working alone, and even though I have people that would help, I tend to prefer being a one-man-band when it comes to working on my videos. This makes setting up, filming, and tearing down live segments a chore, and since I don't have many and/or they're fairly inconsequential, I'm curious to see what would happen if I axed them completely. My next video won't be the place I test this out, there is still a live introduction and a live conclusion (though the conclusion might get cut). What about the video after, though? I know that appearances are good, because it lets viewers in a bit more, and it's easier to get attached to the presenter, but there are tons of content creators out there that just don't appear on screen. Maybe I'd be more comfortable joining them in that style. What do you think? Are my live segments imperative? Do you think my content would benefit or suffer from me choosing to appear on screen less? I'd be very interested to hear your thoughts! Also, keep your eyes peeled for a video this week! I'm fairly certain I'll have it done as the weekend gets closer.
Comments
Thanks, Lina! Although they're not my favorite thing to do, the main reason I was tossing the idea around was because I didn't feel that they added much to my show, and delayed actually talking about the game. But, based on what people have said here, I should probably just continue as I have in the past instead of trying to shake it up.
brutalmoose
2014-09-24 19:51:10 +0000 UTCOkay, it's ultimately up to you. I've certainly seen worse people who try doing live stuff and failing. You're pretty good. Need I refer to "SIMTOWWWWWWWNNNN!!"
Michael Snyder
2014-09-24 05:40:09 +0000 UTCInteresting! I always feel like I have no facial expressions, and don't really make many jokes when I'm live. But I suppose I'm my own worst critic. Thanks for this!
brutalmoose
2014-09-24 03:28:26 +0000 UTCWell, I mean, I already started a long time ago, this was more seeing if I should change pace. Based on feedback, though, I should probably stick to what I'm doing.
brutalmoose
2014-09-23 19:43:05 +0000 UTCHmm, I think I understand what you're getting at. It's not that I want to be a mystery, it's more that I'm not super comfortable on camera, and didn't feel like it added very much to my videos, anyway. Based on the response I got here, though, it seems like I should not even entertain the idea and instead stay the course and keep filming some live stuff. Thanks for the feedback!
brutalmoose
2014-09-23 19:42:18 +0000 UTCAre live scenes imperative? No. My favorite YouTuber of all time intentionally never showed his face in his videos. It created a sort of mystery about who he really was, and several viewers intensely tried to investigate his identity. However, in your case, it's too late to become the mystery guy who does hilarious videos about video games. I'd go so far as to say it's your duty to continue showing your face. Your long-time fans expect the style that you've established in your videos, and there will certainly be complaints if you deviate too far from that. Seeing the face makes the video feel more personal. It's usually annoying when you can't see the face of the person talking. I'm more likely to subscribe to a YouTuber if I can see their face.
Matthew Fackler
2014-09-23 02:26:39 +0000 UTCYou don't do live-action bits on your Lightning Round segments; why start now?
Michael Snyder
2014-09-22 23:21:11 +0000 UTCYour live segments are definitely imperative. The quality of the review seems to come from its entertainment value, and part of that is the personal interaction that you appear to have with the viewer when you talk to the camera. Also, your dry humor is much more apparent with your accompanying facial expressions. If you're going to have awkward gaps between your gameplay snippets, I'd rather they have your awkward face instead of awkward, irrelevant snippets. And bro, you do not have an ugly mug.
Pedro Aguilar
2014-09-22 20:34:21 +0000 UTCAwww...I'd be a little sad if you got rid of the live action bits. My favorite skit that you did was during the Facade video - "Ian 1: I just won the lotto! 35 million dollars! Ian 2: I just remembered how to make these ninja stars out of paper, but your thing is cool too." The video quality wasn't the best, but it got the job done. I don't think that would've worked nearly as well if it were audio only. I think you are being overly critical of your live action bits. You have a natural camera presence and you are one of the few game YouTubers that can actually pull off slapstick facial expressions. I can only think of two other people that succeed at this the way you do. I also think the live action helps distinguish your show from some of the other ones out there and makes the overall show look more polished. However, if you don't ENJOY doing them, then don't do them.
Lina
2014-09-22 19:53:08 +0000 UTCTo me, when you do your live segments, it's pure, unadulterated Ian. You show off your personality and your brand of humor while you introduce a game. When you get caught up in reviewing the game, you still keep that same style, but you're more infusing that style into the game. I'm not saying that there's a deficiency in the videos or anything like that, but it's nice to have that contrast, where it can be all you and your style of humor. They're not imperative or anything, but I don't think it'd improve things if you removed them. Then again, it's worth experimenting with to see how things would turn out without the segments. You don't really know until you try.
Austin Marshall
2014-09-22 19:45:49 +0000 UTCI think you should keep the live segment! They add a nice funny touch to your vids! Even if its just an intro and a conclusion you should keep it! Your video are one of the most funny one that i watch so keep it up! :D (sorry for the bad english :/)
Thephilxou
2014-09-22 19:33:27 +0000 UTCIf the skits are giving you so much trouble, don't feel like they are necessary for your videos. That being said, you've never acted or appeared like you were uncomfortable during the skits. Whatever you decide, I'll still watch your videos!
Rinn
2014-09-22 19:18:07 +0000 UTC
