A few empirical values from over 30 years of post-production:
A few preliminary considerations before shooting will help with the later implementation in editing. Interesting travel films always tell a story, have a common thread running through the entire film and often one or two side stories. So find out beforehand about the vacation spot, current dates, history and special events and include them in the film.
Due to the rapid technical development, it plays a subordinate role today whether you use a cell phone or a camera. The image quality is excellent on most devices. The film recordings and the quality of the raw material are decisive. So make sure you hold onto it longer, different perspectives of a setting, movement and lots of original sound. Nevertheless, the following applies: less is more and helps immensely afterwards with the sighting. If possible, get yourself in the picture at the holiday destination and record short moderations and interviews. That makes the film interesting.
How long should a travel film be? The longer a video, the more challenging the editing and storyboard. Who are you producing the film for? For yourself, then the video can not be long enough. The viewer who wasn't on the trip sees things very differently and quickly gets bored with the endless panning and always the same motifs. He wants to be entertained, laugh and receive information.
The video cut should be done in two steps: First, a rough cut, in which the sequence of scenes is roughly defined. Then a pre-selection of the music and finally the fine cut to combine picture and sound. The eye tires quickly, so cut in a varied way with a mix of fast sequences of scenes and then alternatively use long sequences and shots again. The same applies to the ears: Different pieces of music, sometimes typical of the country, suitable for the editing speed, and music breaks with original sound, recorded original presentations or short interviews. The hard cut is still the most pleasant for the eyes, i.e. cut effects only when changing location or time, then also supported by a sound design effect such as hissing or the like.
The music underlines the images and creates the desired emotions. A main theme should run through the whole film, opening it up, coming up again and again and also closing the film. This makes it easier for the viewer to find their way through the story. Country-typical melodies should not be missing and have the same effect for the listener. The alternation of slow and rhythmic music makes the scenes interesting, sometimes cut to the beat and then again against the music. What music does the viewer like? Your own taste is not always that of the target group that watches the finished film.
