Blog Prompt: Watch the above videos that introduce the popular video essay form and its history in the “essay films” from the past, and then look at some video essays on your own. Do a search on YouTube or maybe you have a favorite.

In a post, share the video essay along with your thoughts/opinions about the use of language (spoken and/or on-screen text) with image. How are voice-over, text, sound, graphics and video combined to explore an idea or make an argument? How would you begin “writing” your own video essay?

When my husband and I watch some of our favorite YouTube shows, we often get absorbed in informative essays about fishing techniques, prime fishing spots, and equipment. These videos blend footage of locations with close-up shots demonstrating knot tying techniques, all accompanied by informative voiceovers or explanations.

In creating my own video essay, it’s crucial to choose a compelling topic and plan the shots I want to capture. This typically involves brainstorming ideas on paper and sketching scenes I aim to portray. I particularly appreciate when creators incorporate music for smooth transitions, gradually fading it out to allow viewers to focus on the narration or explanation that follows. Also, making sure that the footage is matching along with the description of the voice over is also important.

This is a YouTube channel that I watch often, a person who goes by Filmento and makes essays explaining why some movies work or fail. In this video, he explains why Marvel Infinity War worked while DC Justice League didn’t.

Although he has points of humor to poke fun at scenes or weird writing he explains his reasoning as to his opinions well. He adds a well-thought-out and in-depth description of underlying tones or story beats you may not fully grasp or notice in the first viewing. The edits he has to help explain his ideas also really help you understand his points.

Although more of a documentary, I also want to recommend this video by Lemmino. A really great visual documentary about the Jack The Ripper murders. He has a perfect way of storytelling that grabs you attention. Along with unique animated visuals and music, he makes entirely for each personal project, including this video.

I played with the eleven labs voices for this video and it sounded pretty good. It struggled with a few words here and there but overall I was happy with how it turned out.