Kudos to Neil Lamens at Furnitology

November 10, 2007 by thewoodwhisperer
Filed under: Blog 

Its hard to believe that just over a year ago, there was only Matt’s Basement Workshop, and a few scattered woodworking videos on YouTube. What’s the current state of affairs?? About 12 audio and video shows dedicated to woodworking and more cropping up every day! How cool is that?!?! As can be expected, some shows come and go. Many people come in with the best intentions but quickly realize this stuff is harder than it looks. In the podcasting world they have a term for this: podfading. But for those who stick it out, you will usually see a steady growth in quality of content, as well as overall presentation (mine included). But some shows really stand out in my mind. Some shows go beyond the status quo and create what could be considered by some as “broadcast quality”.

I just had the pleasure of watching the most recent episode of Furnitology, the fourth installment of the Carlo Mollino series. I was mesmerized by Neil’s highly-skilled techniques and learned a lot from his methods. I couldn’t believe the number of curves in that piece and Neil pulled it off. Quite impressive! But what struck me even more was the quality of the video presentation itself. The voiceovers, the cross-fades, the multi-angle shots, and the tasteful use of music were all present. Now, these things are something that most of us as casual viewers take for granted. But once you make a few of these videos yourself, you start to get an appreciation for the amount of work involved, as well as the amount of restraint. I know in my earliest videos, I was overwhelmed by the POWER I had (thanks to iMovie). I could put music HERE and THERE and then HERE again! I thought it was awesome. But after receiving some feedback, I had to rethink my approach. It didn’t make sense to me at the time, but in retrospect, these critiques were right on. And I have seen Neil go through similar challenges. Neil has quite a bit of video experience, but I think these short format videos are a bit of a different creature. And learning what constitutes a “good video” can be pretty subjective and difficult to nail down, especially when you are the video’s creator. I still consider my own video production and editing process firmly in the “beta” stage. But as a spectator, its a little easier to identify when someone has hit that sweet spot. And I just want to congratulate Neil because I think he is there.

This may sound kind of odd, but when I am watching a really great video on the computer, I forget where I am. I sometimes feel like I’m sitting on my couch watching it on my big screen. And when I watch crappy video, I am constantly reminded throughout the presentation that I am sitting at my computer. And I think that’s why it hit me all of a sudden while I was watching Neils most recent episode: I forgot I was watching it on my laptop.

So if you haven’t watched Furnitology in a while, you are really missing out. Head on over there and give Neil a much-deserved virtual pat on the back. And not to take the focus off of Neil but you also should take a listen to Matt’s Halloween episode. Its not often you get to listen to pure genius.

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14 Comments on Kudos to Neil Lamens at Furnitology

  1. Roger on Sat, 10th Nov 2007 12:55 pm

    2. Marc,

    I don’t know if you want to discuss this or not, but I was wondering whether the website and show are paying off economically. Have you ever figured out what you are making hourly by putting an hour into the show/website?

  2. Jim Jones on Sat, 10th Nov 2007 2:59 pm

    3. Marc,
    I know (from experience — but not with woodworking) that technology is interesting, fun, and can suck you in. But don’t forget the thing that is interesting to your audience — is what you are presenting, and how you present it. Not necessarily the production. In my humble opinion, if it gets so slick it looks commercial, it probably will lose some of its appeal, content-wise.

    And by the way, I watched one of the Furnitology videos — the evaluation of the lingerie chest — and it was good.

    Jim

  3. thewoodwhisperer on Sat, 10th Nov 2007 4:00 pm

    4. Hey Jim. No doubt that is certainly a possibility. But I dont consider it a probable thing. Is it also not just as likely that the video can be slick, and well-presented, while still providing all the information the user needs? We aren’t talking about Neil’s videos getting slick becuase a new producer and film crew stepped in. Its still just Neil plugging away behind his computer. So unless Neil has a change of heart and start valuing the quality of the video itself over the quality of the content, I really dont think there will be problems.

    On the other side of the coin, there are some videos out there that do have good information in them, but because of poor editing (or a complete lack of it), I have to sit through 10 min of fluff to get the 3 minutes of useful content. Learning how to make the videos quick-paced and polished is something that I see as a service to the viewers. After all, very few people want to spend excessive amounts of time in front of the computer.

    Of course, I do tend to waste some time with cheesy bits and antics, but that’s just part of the “entertainment” package I am trying to provide.

    I guess all Im trying to say is that improving our videography skills does not necessarily mean it comes at the expense of good content. If done properly, it enhances the content and the viewers experience. Considering all the people making these videos are woodworkers first, and “videographers” second, I don’t think there is much to worry about. In the mean time I will sit back and enjoy the show as each and every one of our videos gets better as our video/editing skills improve.

  4. Claude Stewart on Sat, 10th Nov 2007 7:11 pm

    5. Hello Marc,
    I listen to quite a few of Leo Laporte’s podcasts and twice now I’ve heard him say that The Woodwhisperer Marc Spagnolo is going to be making him a …. well I can’t remember what it was but I was wondering if it’s going to be an episode. Oh and by the way I’ve been watching since episode 7 and I just think that your production has been getting better and better. Claude Stewart

  5. thewoodwhisperer on Sat, 10th Nov 2007 7:33 pm

    6. lol yes. We are going to make something for Leo. We are actually waiting for a little video clip from him showing us what he wants to store in said item. And we cant start construction until then. Obviously Leo is a busy dude so we aren’t pushing him. Hopefully he will get it to us soon though.

  6. Bob A in NJ on Sat, 10th Nov 2007 8:27 pm

    7. I agree that Neil’s work is great. I especially like the sense of history he puts into the videos which make it all that much more interesting.

    I’m glad guys like you (Marc, Matt, Neil & Tommy the “T Chisel”) are out there. I have a hard enough time uploading some pictures into Lumberjocks vs the quality and quantity of the work you all put into this art. I think all are as good as Norm’s stuff and I’m betting one or more of you might get picked up on PBS.

    Keep up the good work!

  7. Neil on Sun, 11th Nov 2007 8:03 am

    8. Hi Marc…….

    I really appreciate what you’ve said here and it will be a pleasure following Bob A in NJ, LumberJock Buddy!!!!

    Of course the podcast woodworking scene starts with Matt, (I still hear about getting the iPod too early because of the Basement Workshop, mine doesn’t play video….I blame Matt) but this internet woodworking scene was pushed to a higher level by you and your passion for woodworking. You have set the bar high for others entering with the challenge of presenting quality at the same level that our woodworking should be. I made the comment in a past episode that really interesting, intellectually stimulating material is showing up in podcasts now. Whether it’s very entertaining humorous trips to Woodworking shows, removing rust from planes in home-made cleaning baths or watching projects to completion now, this is a direct reflection of your work and the level of perfromance you have set.

    Matt started it and you pushed it to new heights……..Thank you!!!

    Say hey to Nicole………..Neil

  8. Jim Jones on Sun, 11th Nov 2007 7:00 pm

    9. Marc, I agree with you and obviously technology can help you become more efficient at producing good quality videos… and we have all seen the benefits of that in yours.

    Thanks and keep up the good work.

    Jim

  9. InsideBevel on Mon, 12th Nov 2007 2:40 am

    10. Thanks for the link to Matts Halloween episode. That was a good laugh :-D.
    Matt is showing some real talent there…

  10. Mitchell on Mon, 12th Nov 2007 7:37 am

    11. Having spent a lifetime as a professional photographer results in having certain biases when it comes to film production. One of them is that quality production comes from quality lighting and proper camera angles during the shoot, not the number of gismos your equipment has or what you do with the results in the editing suite afterwards. If it ain’t on the film (or file) it never will be.

    Mitchell

  11. mdhills on Mon, 12th Nov 2007 4:17 pm

    12. Yeah, Neil has been doing a good job with the camera angles to show the work as a whole. I often like to watch WW videos as part of my relaxation time. The glue up in this episode was not good for my relaxation… yikes!

    Matt

  12. BarryO on Tue, 13th Nov 2007 7:48 pm

    13. Marc,

    Thanks for posting the links. ‘luv watching this guy. :)

  13. Al Navas on Wed, 14th Nov 2007 6:24 pm

    14. Marc,

    Thanks for highlighting this episode. What a terrific job Neil did!!! I finally set aside the time away from cleaning shop and mulching leaves to watch a little video in the last few hours.

    I am glad to watch, as I am learning a little every day from everyone, but especially you and Neil. Thanks, guys.

    —— Al

  14. Chris A on Mon, 19th Nov 2007 9:59 pm

    15. Marc,

    Just thought I would chime in with my thoughts about the furnitology podcast. I’ve been watching Neils videos since January of this year and have been very impressed. Not only are his woodworking skills great, but as you mentioned the teaching quality and video production are outstanding. As a teacher myself I can relate to how difficult it can be to do get a lesson or demonstration across to an audience, and both you and Neil seem to have mastered that. Both podcasts are very engaging and well presented. Keep up the good work!

    -Chris

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