On Making Video Essays

How I make video essays, why I make video essays, and how I'm going to change making video essays

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FEATURING
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Music by Epidemic Sound
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SEND ME SOME MAIL:
Patrick Willems
P.O. Box 380333
Brooklyn, NY 11238

[brebytheway]

always find myself coming back to watch this video when I get stuck on making a video essay [i haven't even finished any video essays yet lol] and I always forget about the last part and it always inspires me to remember to make video essays personal and to challenge my filmmaking with it :)

[palmarius]

This is the only tutorial on this topic that I've found genuinely helpful. Most people just say "find a good subject matter, write a script etc" but you actually going into your process is very refreshing.

[elmoonfire]

Your videos taught me the concept of "framing devices" and then showed me how you can add a framing device to something like a video essay. I still watch ones without, and if their ideas are solid, it works fine, but I've grown to appreciate it when people add something extra to stand out.

[maxipad]

Thank you im using this as a source for an essay on how my school should consider having students learn how to make video essays, in my own video essay

[ericsvogel]

I'm all for the one where you explain stuff to your parents while drinking. That's a solid format.

[SupergeekMikeDowntime]

Revisiting this at the end of 2021, as the Charl saga is wrapping up… I think it’s safe to say that the goal Patrick stated at the end of this video has been achieved.

[CourtneyCoulson]

I love when you get more dynamic and experimental, you have a unique style.

[naynaynay]

Find it very inspirational how you keep refining the creative proces, by analysis, actually doing it and by redefining your objective. Here's hoping you get to that tv writers room sooner than expected.

[houston-coley]

Great video, as always. Your video-essay-writing-process was almost identical to mine! Also: I caught one of my videos in the background of the "scrolling through video essays" bit, so I guess I can check something off my bucket list. Using LightsCameraJackson as an example of a "critic" was hilarious.

[Dantalion_]

You're right, your "explains" videos are your best, they're awesome. Your parents are cool, their collab adds something sweet to the tone. Keep up the good work!

[gg]

I'm not a film maker, I don't make video essays, and I only recognize some of the names of other film makers you mention... but I love every one of your videos

[benjaminjenkins]

Fuck I love this channel, your short films are hilarious and your Patrick Explains series is my favorite. I can’t wait to see how you grow and evolve the video essay format keep making great videos thanks!

[jamestmcadams]

Patrick this is fucking
amazing. I've been looking for something like this for weeks. Good work (tell the rest of the team too!)

[lachmacf]

I really love this video. As someone who wants to try making video essays, you make a really good point at being unique and not doing things 'because that's how they're done.'

[nicolascage]

Never knew it took this much work to make a single video. You have earned alot more respect from me! Keep up the great work!

[memicoot]

I don't know what I was expecting but DAMN that is a ton of work. And no guarantee of success. Thank you so much for making these videos. They are so wonderful and insightful, they bring me tons of joy :)

[nooranik]

I like all your videos. However, I think your video essays are better than others because you are much better at explaining things than other essayists. You and your crew are succinct, informative, and thought provoking. It culminates into an entertaining and educational YouTube experience.

[Awesomepedia]

05:30 You don't even know how my endorphins spiked when I spotted my video on the second page of your search results! I'M ECSTATIC TO BE PART OF THE BLUR. The first half of this video is interesting but the second half is great. It's a good and ambitious goal you're setting and I'm looking forward to seeing how it develops.

[waltdog]

The Patrick Explains videos are amongst some of my favourite videos on youtube. They're always hilarious to watch and I love the dialogue between yourself and your parents and you telling them how good a certain movie is as it almost feels like a dialogue with us, the audience.

Keep doing what you're doing, Man! And by that, I don't mean keep doing the same thing. Keep doing you! Keen for the new unique approach!!

[FwaterO]

Contra Points does extremely well shot unique video essays, i like the cinamatics of her style