Requesting Inspiration/Focus

Hello,

Last year, in early December, I created a short (30 minute) documentary DVD utilizing much of the footage I had shot in my 4 months of being in Alaska. It was done under duress, of sorts, as a gift for family and friends.

It was a hit, for the most part. I even liked it a little bit, and although it's not perfect, was fun, and will form the basis for a commercial DVD specifically tailored to tourists and visitors who want something a little different.

Well, it's that time again. I have a lot more footage, and about the same amount of time to get this done in.

Trouble is, I don't know how to start! I have many clips that are beautiful and entrancing time lapses, scenic shots, boats, animals, and miscellaneous. I'd like to do something different, not the proper documentary form I adopted last year, andt not just "music videos" or a slide show of moving images. I don't mind cutting it up into chunks for display on Vimeo or YouTube....in fact I'd like that.

Short expos of various related footage assembled together with music will work, as in this work, although mine will not be as grand in scope or technical achievement, the general idea is similar:
But I'm searching for something a bit more....a story, perhaps, but not so convoluted and intense that I have trouble maintaining continuity...I can get into trouble that way!

I will NOT use others' music without permission....and I have some of my own left that I did not use last year, and I have a couple musicians that I can work with....but time is short...

Any ideas? Recommendations for viewing?

Thanks!

I am starting the "easy" clip, using an older piece of mine, solo piano, and laying timelapse/nature scenes (but not animals) over it.

My mom bought about a dozen nature DVDs recently that are themed around places like Giant Redwoods, The Grand Canyon, a nature program for sea life (with narration), and the like. The scenes are tranquil, look great on her tube TV, and sound amazing! I could see how your family DVD would be such a hit.

As for ideas for your next project...? I'm not sure. Strap HD GoPros to the heads of kids and watch how they scurry around on the playground? Just kidding.

Thanks for the input. The footage for this next project is mostly going to be that which is in my portfolio already. In fact, I'd like to see how far I can get with that.

The reason I don't want it all to be tranquil/flowing beauty and all that, just set to music, is that I like to have some kind of thread to weave in an through my work, whether it is 5 minutes or 120.

Now the kids idea is kinda cool...but it would be nice to hide the cameras.

Do you have time to learn VJ software and/or hardware?

Try layering your clips from the following bins:

Patterns and Textures
Psychedelia
Sun, Moon, Clouds
Sunsets and Sunrises
Snow and Winter
Weather
Time Lapses

Now you'll need to add some music.

Some money would be inspirational...

Physics,

Are you giving any away?

Not unless I reach my inspiration quota.

What is your inspiration quota?

Dude! Your documentary was incredible! It inspired me! Go with your instincts, you obviously know what you are doing :)

Have you ever tried this website for music? This guy doesn't charge but only asks for donations. I have used this website several times.

http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/