Q: What editing platform(s) are you familiar with?

A: The short answer is: AVID Media Composer Adrenaline, Final Cut Pro & Adobe Premiere.

The longer answer is that I have been primarily focused on AVID Media Composer for over seven years. I am a certified AVID editor and I provide training and consultations for the Media Composer platform. When I first started in the business, I was a linear editor using only two tape decks and a video toaster. From there I was introduced to Casablanca and Incite non-linear systems, both of which have now become obsolete. None the less, all the theories and techniques carry across every platform, and I truly believe that having been trained as a linear editor set the foundation to being a quality non-linear editor.

Q: What camera equipment are you familiar with?

A: I currently film everything on Sony XD cameras, both disc based and the Sony EX-3 with SxS cards. I have also used Beta, Digi-Beta, P2, DVCpro, DVCproHD, DVcam, and Mini DV cameras in previous projects. I haven’t used a DSLR or RED in any of my projects, but I am excited about the possibility of using them in future productions. Here is a full list of software and equipment I am familiar with.

Q: Why the name Video Cheese?

A: Simple, my last name is Kraft, and ever since I was a kid I was always asked if I am related to the Kraft cheese founders. To answer that, no I am not. But always having to answer that, I just put together that Kraft equals cheese to most people, and I work in video, so videocheese! Plus, it’s a simple name with a simple web address that most people remember, mainly because they chuckle the first time I bring it up.

Q: What is your scripting process?

A: I like to sit down and talk with you about your business/message first, find out what it is that you do and what you are trying to communicate to your audience, because you know your business better than anyone else. From there, I will generate at least three scripts ranging from your basic informational piece to one that is far out from left field. The reason is to get the wheels turning, and for you to see that sometimes the answer isn’t just listing out information, but to put a creative spin on it. These scripts are springboards for us to mesh together or generate dialogue so that we can finalize an idea you are comfortable with and will address your message.

Q: Do you have all of your own camera equipment?

A: No. I will rent out the necessary equipment needed for each individual shoot. This will be built into the overall budget, and will vary based on project size. I am working on purchasing a full set of gear, and upgrading my editor, but for now I will rely on production rental houses.

Q: My business has little to no budget, would you still be able to work with us?

A: Of course. I work with each client individually, focusing on your message and budget.  It is my goal to find the best solution for your business, send the right message at the highest quality possible. We will sit down, assess your needs and wants, and develop a strategy that suits your needs.

Q: I am looking for a freelance editor, are you available?

A: My schedule varies based on the time of year. I currently have a full time position, so I only freelance after regular business hours and on weekends. I still carry a few freelance positions, but I am always open for the opportunity to pick up more, so if you are interested, please contact me.

Q: Are you familiar with 3D graphics programs?

A: Yes and No. Currently I use a combination of Adobe Illustrator, After Effects and the Zaxwerks Invigorator Pro plug-in to generate all 3D graphics such as those seen in my demo reel and on Food For Thought. I recently completed a course in 3D Studio Max, and have begun training myself in Cinema 4D. I hope to be taking more training courses soon, especially on Cinema 4D, but for now, I will continue to use After Effects with Invigorator to achieve the 3D graphics and animations that are requested.

Q: What was your role in each video on this site, and how did you choose the ones you wanted to show here?

A: I tried to put up only a few examples  as I have produced more videos than I can count. To date, I have produced over 20 webisodes of Food For Thought, and I do my best to put them up on my vimeo site once they are complete and have aired. Some of the other videos I have produced over the years, and I think showcase a variety of work. Others I wish I could put up, but I cannot either for copyright issues or because I no longer have access to the original files.

Q: I am a freelancer as well, should I build a custom web page to promote myself?

A: Yes, do it and do it right. When I first designed this site a while back, it looked a whole lot different because I was trying to save on money. My suggestion is to spend a little money for a better result. First and foremost, buy a custom domain, they’re pretty cheap these days. Be smart with your domain name and make it easy to remember. For me, it is so much easier to point clients to videocheese.com as opposed to a long random string of words and numbers that no one will ever remember. If you are going to use wordpress, then spend some money and buy a theme, learn how to customize it and make it yours by thinking of your overall design. Finally, if you are going to put videos up, make sure you use the highest quality you can. Sometimes that means moving away from youtube so that you have more flexibility with thumbnails and other options. Explore them all. Start with the basic free version of what you are looking for and see if it’s enough. If it isn’t, then don’t be shy about spending a little money to make it look great, you’ll make up for it as you pick up work.