Analysis and Evaluation of Existing Products

I believe this is a good example of a barbering instructional video, since it includes a variety of different techniques and was very informative / easy to follow. Firstly the video includes an introduction as well as an outro, showcasing things like his brand name as well as where to find him on social media. As a business this is good since it lets him promote his work, while letting the audience access it easily. 

The video opens up with a wide angle shot of someone cutting someone's hair with people surrounding him, almost like a presentation - this almost foreshadowing how this is a instructional video. As well as this, across the screen is his brand name which includes a moustache icon - instantly representing his barbering business as well as signifying how he cuts men's hair. 

When editing, the video opens up with a short introduction / montage of clips, and then uses a fade out to close those clips. It also uses simple cuts to transition between each clip, which I think this is most suitable for instructional barbering videos since if it is a simple cut from each clip, it is not distracting and the video is easily followed. As well as this, the pace of the video is in real time, which I think is most suitable for a tutorial video enabling that each step isn't too quick, and can be followed while watching the video alongside. 

Throughout the video, the barber explains what he is doing in the moment, as well as which equipment he is using. I think this is important in any instructional video, not just barbering, since as the audience we need to know what is happening otherwise it would be an unsuccessful step by step video. 

While a range of different camera angles were used, the same few were very common - close ups, extreme close ups, and medium shots. I think in barbering videos, close ups and extreme close ups are most common and most appropriate since we need to see exactly what the barber is doing, therefore it is easy to follow - since if this wasn't visible, it wouldn't be a successful step by step video. During the medium close up shots, the barber makes direct mode of address with the audience, which I think helps during videos like this one since it lets you connect with the video more. 

Personally I think the video was effective since it did exactly what the title showcased - it presented an easily followed step by step barbering video, including all the key conventions of a video of this purpose.

Firstly, all throughout the video the barber has text on screen showcasing his instagram handle along with the instagram logo, as well as which equipment he is using in the moment. By showcasing the instagram icon we as the audience instantly know what it is and its purpose - to promote his work. Secondly, when the barber picks up a different piece of equipment, text appears on screen to tell the audience what it is. 

Like the previous video, this step by step barbering video includes a voice over, as well as background music, carefully explaining every step as it goes. I've found videos which include voiceover's explaining what is happening in the moment appear to be more successful, since they are easier to follow. This being said, throughout the video there is clear commentary at a slow pace which I think was which made the video successful. 

At times, the video is at a faster pace than the first, but nevertheless is just as easy to follow. Following this, just like the first video, the main camera angles used are close ups and extreme close ups, showing in detail exactly what the barber is doing at each step. Once again, the video presented a before and after of the model's hair which in videos like these I feel is necessary since it shows us exactly what the barber had done and what the steps present in the end. 

To conclude, I do believe this video was effective since it was a step by step video which was easy to follow and was informative. I think it successfully showed us as the audience how to do the haircut shown, while using a voiceover to explain the steps to get there. While this being said, I do think the video was somewhat plain as I think it was quite continuous.

Evaluation of the existing product analysis 

Comparing the second video to the first, I believe both were successful and effective but the first perhaps some more. In my opinion the first came across more professionally due to different reasons. It included the brand name as well as icon's, a clear voiceover with constant close ups in focus, and the mise en scene just came across more professional in my opinion. 

The footage included in the second video was very similar all the way through - close ups / extreme close ups of the clients head, and that was all. Juxtaposing this, the first video includes a range of different shots, including a wide angle shot of the barber himself, a close up of the product's being used, extreme close ups of the clients head, and more. When I come to create my own barbering video, I will take these points and use mainly close ups / extreme close ups to ensure I would be showcasing exactly what the barber is doing. 

From both videos, I think when creating my own I will be taking more inspiration from the first video. Just like both, when putting the footage together I don't think I will be using transitions such as fade in's, etc. as I think a simple cut between each shot would be most suitable. Another key feature I could take from both is to perhaps place the college logo somewhere in the video / all the way throughout to promote the college and perhaps bring in a wider audience.