I’m hoping to release carving videos more often using the Dominator.
The only problem is I make a better engineer than video producer.
Can you guys share with us some youtube video’s you’ve watched that worked well?
If you’ve seen a video that made sense, flowed well, and enticed you to watch the whole video… I want to learn.
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I struggle with a lot of content creators in the wood working world and how they structure videos. I find them a little too algorithm chasing and not actually entertaining to watch. I think there’s a similar problem with CNC specific creators as well. I’ve yet to find any YouTubers in our little niche that make genuinely good, entertaining content.
That being said, one of the best I’ve come across so far is Corbin Dunn. It’s a pretty good mix of production value, entertaining, and informative.
I agree with @NewsVan that Corbin Dunn has a nice presentation style. However, I wouldn’t suggest @Daniel try to emulate anyone else, just be your self. Viewers will connect with you if you are genuine. You’ve published lots of great videos on you products. Your passion and approachability come through loud and clear in each one. I appreciate efficient presentation, and while I’ve never published videos I’ve given quite a few presentations and preparation is the key. I also appreciate it when how-to videos don’t cover up mistakes.
If PwnCNC really wants to drive the view counts, you’ll need to hire or partner with someone who is just as passionate about making social media posts as you are about building CNC products.
Here are two sample video.
Also, maybe you develop some courses for The Wood Whisperer Guild. Marc is just getting in to CNC.
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I agree. Daniel, you may not be the most polished; but, I connected with you anyway because you are genuine.
Jay
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Hey Daniel,
in my opinion the best instructional videos are the ones that have a script that was written beforehand. Otherwise it often tends to be lengthy. However, you should avoid the stupendous teleprompter view, i.e. better maintain eye contact with the camera and do not place the text screen in front of the camera.
To stand in front of a camera and talk freely, you have to be very talented and not boring. But Daniel, your free speech is very authentic and enjoyable.
The second thing is that in videos, people don’t just want to see someone talking. People often forget that. You have to be good at film editing. I have Cinelerra for this. It is important that you often show interesting things, especially when it comes to technology. Technical drawings or 3D objects can also be good, in addition to photos.
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I think your criteria apply to this video:
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Thank you all for the feedback, it is helpful and makes it more clear what i was asking for in this post.
My current approach is almost an impromptu conversation where i point the camera which has an 8" screen facing the subject (me) and just start talking. This typically means i’m looking “above” the camera by 4-ish inches to make sure i’m in-frame and pointing to the right things next to or behind me.
The topic is very near-dear to my heart (err brain?) and talking about these things comes extremely naturally.
I’ve tried the script thing and absolutely hated it. It was just too scripted for my style and flow.
I believe what I was after with this post was tryiing to nail down a high level sequence of events.
There’s very clearly a beginning 2-5min before the prepared intro video.
And of course the ending 2-5min with the like/subscribe/dominate messaging.
But in-between has been terribly unscripted IMO. Sometimes i’m feeling like i’m looking for the next bouncy ball to talk about in front of me.
After watching more… i’m thinking if I maybe split the video into 3-4 high-level topics to make sure i touch on… it’d make for a good video. These topics can be pre-determined before i start the video. It might even help with the video editing afterwards.
Next question would be… if i were do a series of carving videos… what should those topics be in-general? What are the most important things to discuss if i were to do a video on carving.
Being a seasoned cnc woodworker, I’m not sure i’ll cover the touchpoints that a beginner would really find useful.
Just brainstorming to ensure these videos actually provide something valuable to those who watch them and configure to hobby CNC community.
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Hey Daniel,
I liked this video much. After watching, i bought a CNC machine 
DIY High-End Jazz-Bass-Guitar produced with the CNC machine – Youtube
(I had worked with hand tools exclusively the twenty years before)
@Daniel
This is a really good question. I would humbly suggest that you focus on carves that utilize/show off your products.
For instance, I have been fumbling along trying to get the Rotary ready for use. I think I’m almost there; but, if you had a couple of videos that showed elements impacting purchase decision (e.g., machine, intended use, capabilities, limitations, etc…) and then how to set it up on 2 or 3 of the most common machines that you support (Dominator, Onefinity, etc…) and then finally how to set up in VCarve (and possibly other popular CAD/CAM products) this would be extremely helpful to your customers. This approach would help remove barriers to purchasing I believe.
There are a ton of videos out their for generic use of VCarve and Carveco (and others). I wouldn’t get mired down in trying to add to that library. Focus on your products. Most of what I have bought from you has been largely a result of watching your videos.
Jay
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I agree with all here. I’d been talking to Daniel recently about needing someone with lots of energy and passion with making videos to go along with Daniel’s passion for CNC machines. I do like Ryan Drapela’s energy and he would be a great choice for video making. Daniel, you should reach out to him!