Hora Keff 2003 Video now available on DVD and VHS


Eileen Weinstock posts to the net that the DVD is available and there is a preview on line...

Many people have used the Keff videos over the years as principal sources of teaching. In recent years, despite the availability of non-linear editing software and equipment to speed up the process, it seems to me Eileen and co. have preferred to do the best job they could applying all the available bells and whistles, rather than rush out a raw record of just camp dances. Moreover, many people present at Keff video the dance review, and there are other sources for material first presented at Keff - if all you want are the dances. Indeed, many camp directors face the difficulty of having their staff deliver fresh material, not previously shown elsewhere - or will be shown at another camp anytime soon.

On the other hand, many people who have paid in advance would like to see the video in their hands ASAP after Keff finishes. Other camps, which see themselves more as teaching camps, have their videos ready before camp begins, the penalty being you don't get camp atmosphere, see yourself or friends at camp, and there is a chance an unexpected surprise dance will be introduced at camp. Indeed, there seems a split in what is meant by a "camp video".

Because DVDs can be set up with menus, it also means viewers can navigate quickly to dances as well as camp highlights. And, while I haven't seen the DVD, Eileen mentioned to me when we visited in November that she intended to put more camp atmosphere and skits on the 2003 DVD. 2003 was one of the few years where I stepped out from behind the camera during the skits for Lili and I to do a "Who's on First, What's on Second" Abbott and Costello routine, with a twist looking at technology confusion. Here's hoping it didn't end up on the virtual cutting room floor.

One of the reasons for the time taken has been the limited personnel resources now available to Eileen who uses a quite advanced software editing suite, often used in professional moviemaking, known as Avid. This software is available for both PC and Mac, and has a cut down version, which on the Mac at least is best avoided in favour of Apple's own iMovie 4.

If you want to see the Keff 2003 preview, which looks like it's the DVD introduction footage, it needs Windows Media Player to stream. Mac users can also download it by holding down the ctrl-key and clicking on the link.

It is a very exciting opening which captures what Lili and I like best about Keff (energy! ruach! happy people!) and it looks like Lili and I made it to the video too!

Posted: Sat - January 24, 2004 at 11:54 AM         |

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