ATS RECAP 02: 2012 Alien Cat Drones, page 3

Weighing in late.....I didn't have time to watch this morning, and I couldn't watch the video on my 'droid. Needless to say, I read all the comments before I watched tonight.

Well, my opinion is:

Solid. Like rock solid.

I'll rave a bit, then add the negative at the end.

A RECAP of ATS should contain the essence of all the threads posted. You nailed that with this one by incorporating popular and unpopular threads that have been posted. I think ALL episodes should have a few good threads, and a few "fails". The recaps shouldn't be all fact and fact after fact, but should also include the threads on the "fringe" of scientific acceptance. Good job with the requested diversity!

The background of actual thread screen captures is frikken awesome! Make that a staple in the production process. It hits home, and gives substance to the fact that you can actually go to that page and comment. It makes the recaps more REAL. It gives members a huge ego trip to see their avatar (or not) on the screen capture. Those that created the threads highlighted in this episode are swooning (or not), knowing that they were listed in the video production. IMO, that'll get good posters to do better, and poor posters to re-think before they start a new thread. Get the drift? I know it's cruel, but if you have a "comedy" segment on lousy threads, wouldn't it help people to strive to do better? Anything is free game.

I also like the fact that actual users are mentioned continuously throughout this episode. That makes the recaps personable, and realistic. When someone hears their UN mentioned in an episode, they are like "WOW" I'm famous (or not). It's the 15 minutes of fame mentality, but it works. The members of ATS, in the recaps of what they contribute, would like to know that they are noticed. It's that simple.

The users mentioned in this episode are swooning (or not), like I said earlier. They have every right. They made it into the Wednesday recap, and fifteen minutes from now we will have forgotten them. Keep that as a staple as well.

I love the effects. Don't change anything there. Keep that the way it is. (Brian jumping around the screen, the fuzzy blurs, etc. Leave that part the way it is.) Whoever is in change of all the video effects and transitions, they need a pay raise, and a bonus check. That part is awesome. The whole RECAP thing is developing nicely.

Rave over.

My only complaint, Brian, (aka codegreenspace) is to ditch the Max Headroom persona. You stared straight at the camera the whole time, and that was eerie. The first episode was VERY rough, but you are beginning to bloom. You have tons of charisma, like a whole truck load of it. SHARE IT!

This episode you were barely indistinguishable from an AI avatar. We want to see the character behind the guy giving us the recaps. I'm cruel, yes, because I noted when you did deviate from the Max Headroom role....

At 1:08, you actually moved your hands, when talking about the drone. That's animation. We like it.
At 2:02, you became a real person again, with the outside joke, and stepped outside your eerie gaze.
At 4:06, you made another gesture, to sign off.

Three gestures in a RECAP? IMO, you need to be more animated. Sell what you are selling.

Body language is everything in a successful series.

At 3:33, you begin to show character, with your "ARGH".
At 3:47, you do the first shoulder shrug.
At 3:52, you do a nice eye shift.
At 3:54, another eye sift.

You were stiff until 3:33. Staring at the camera. Stare some of the time, but avert your gaze periodically, and throw in more personality.

I have a suspicion that you guys don't have a script, and you are flying by the seat of your pants, and are relying on feedback.

That's mine.

edit on 12/22/11 by Druid42 because: code to cold.