VIDEO: PistonHeads Episode 2
PistonHeads Episode 2
See more videos from PistonHeads at https://www.pistonheads.com/tv/
Discussion
Thumbs up for always trying new things, especially this sort of thing seeing as all previous videos (video reviews) were done by Chris Harris!
It's obviously not feasible to employ someone new to take on this task where you can't be sure how well it will go...but personally it's not the role for editorial guys - just comes across quite scripted and not as natural/flowing.
I actually mentioned the same to one of your guys over a beer last week
It's obviously not feasible to employ someone new to take on this task where you can't be sure how well it will go...but personally it's not the role for editorial guys - just comes across quite scripted and not as natural/flowing.
I actually mentioned the same to one of your guys over a beer last week

I agree with some of the comments about the presenters being a bit awkward, but think it will improve the more you do and the more relaxed you get. Try to do something other than clutching your hands as it comes across very nervy.
Overall the content is good, but some of the sections need to be longer. In fact It felt a bit like a trailer for a longer show. The visit to the design studio was a good example: this is a 177, this is a GT concept, this is a door I can't open. Back to the pub. You could have done 15 minutes on that alone and it would have been really interesting. An Aston sales guy could have walked you through the sales process and various choices and we'd have all got an insight into a world many of us aren't lucky enough to experience first hand.
You could have talked to a few more owners about their cars as well and for a little longer. That's something different to other shows.
Personally I'd lose the news section. It's very stat heavy and dry. The whole banter thing: "so the slow one has 500 horsepower?" It works for top gear, but that's not really where you should be aiming.
I don't want to be too negative as its a really good idea with lots of potential. Just needs to a) be a little longer or have fewer stories, b) the presenters need to relax a bit more.
Overall the content is good, but some of the sections need to be longer. In fact It felt a bit like a trailer for a longer show. The visit to the design studio was a good example: this is a 177, this is a GT concept, this is a door I can't open. Back to the pub. You could have done 15 minutes on that alone and it would have been really interesting. An Aston sales guy could have walked you through the sales process and various choices and we'd have all got an insight into a world many of us aren't lucky enough to experience first hand.
You could have talked to a few more owners about their cars as well and for a little longer. That's something different to other shows.
Personally I'd lose the news section. It's very stat heavy and dry. The whole banter thing: "so the slow one has 500 horsepower?" It works for top gear, but that's not really where you should be aiming.
I don't want to be too negative as its a really good idea with lots of potential. Just needs to a) be a little longer or have fewer stories, b) the presenters need to relax a bit more.
lord trumpton said:
All that jazz said:
lord trumpton said:
Do you need a wide angle lens to get those ears in shot? 

Just no need... 

It's a good idea but the pub studio bit just isn't comfortable watching. In car, at events (the PHSS was very well done) and general reviews is where it's at. Blokes on a sofa isn't PH.
Full marks for going for it properly though.
I think the style of show needs to be defined against the running time. If you're restricted to 15 minute episodes, the whole banter on the sofa and links to features doesn't really work as everything is too short, superficial and rushed. Single feature episodes are much better for the runtime, perhaps with the Pie and Piston, two mates in the pub banter, to top and tail the episode. I know it sounds cheesy, but I think you could both develop your "screen characters" a bit more if the two blokes on the sofa format is what your rolling with. Not to the extent of Top Gear buffoonery, but a video show does need some strong personality / charisma to tie it together. Personally, I would lose the canned laughter (hoping it is ironic) and the "girlfriend as token VT producer" - it's a bit cringeworthy for such a low budget.
If you really want to keep the magazine style format, it needs to be longer with more in-depth/entertaining features - my guess is you're hoping that PH member content will increase and help fill out the show?
Decide what you want to be chaps - there's a lot of competition in the online car video world. The potential for PH to be a big player in it is definitely there in terms of knowledge / access to cars and events to feature but the style and delivery aren't there yet.
Big thumbs up for trying the format, and hope it develops further - just be sure it is clear what you want to achieve.
If you really want to keep the magazine style format, it needs to be longer with more in-depth/entertaining features - my guess is you're hoping that PH member content will increase and help fill out the show?
Decide what you want to be chaps - there's a lot of competition in the online car video world. The potential for PH to be a big player in it is definitely there in terms of knowledge / access to cars and events to feature but the style and delivery aren't there yet.
Big thumbs up for trying the format, and hope it develops further - just be sure it is clear what you want to achieve.
Edited by vrsmxtb on Wednesday 11th March 21:26
It's a bit nerdy and flat.
Plus I think it would benefit from some better camera angles.
Has potential but the presenters are boring I'm sorry to say. If you are going down the pub theme then it should be filmed with background noise, maybe some glasses clinking and maybe other customers in shot.
ETA - just had another look to see if I was being over critical just for the sake it. Alas no.
As interesting as watching someone mow their lawn
Plus I think it would benefit from some better camera angles.
Has potential but the presenters are boring I'm sorry to say. If you are going down the pub theme then it should be filmed with background noise, maybe some glasses clinking and maybe other customers in shot.
ETA - just had another look to see if I was being over critical just for the sake it. Alas no.
As interesting as watching someone mow their lawn
Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 11th March 22:47
18 replies since the 6th March says it all.
It's not exactly a hot topic is it.
Just to mirror some of the already posted comments, the whole things a little Wayne's World away from the on location clips which seem much more professional.
If you have to do this on the cheap then trawl theInternet and find a Joe Public who's already doing this type of thing already before you kill a great idea with poor presentation.
You have a mahoosive data base of car stuff within the PH community, more from your membership please.
It's not exactly a hot topic is it.
Just to mirror some of the already posted comments, the whole things a little Wayne's World away from the on location clips which seem much more professional.
If you have to do this on the cheap then trawl theInternet and find a Joe Public who's already doing this type of thing already before you kill a great idea with poor presentation.
You have a mahoosive data base of car stuff within the PH community, more from your membership please.
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