David Hercenberg from Documented Video Productions: Crafting Stories with Technology and Heart
Jun 29, 2024
Alimond Studio
Ever wonder how technological advancements have shaped the landscape of videography? Join us as we chat with David Hercenberg from Documented Video Productions, who has been capturing life's most exciting moments for over 20 years. From the days of VHS tapes to the YouTube era, David opens up about his journey and the profound impact of AI in the videography world. We'll also cover how he walks the fine line between leveraging cutting-edge technology and keeping the authenticity of his work intact, especially when catering to client needs.
Discover the intriguing lifestyle of a self-made professional who values living life on his own terms. David shares his love for the freedom that comes with his career, discussing everything from the exhilaration of new experiences to the joy of fatherhood. He also provides insight into the importance of being over-prepared and offers valuable advice for aspiring videographers: start with what you have, even if it’s just a simple camera, and begin by capturing the world around you.
Lastly, explore the profound themes of creativity and self-awareness with us. David uses a compelling analogy to illustrate how finding your passion, whether it’s a camera, a paintbrush, or any other tool, can unlock a world of potential. We delve into the "Four Agreements" and their role in achieving a fulfilling life, emphasizing the power of words and the importance of living intentionally. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation that promises to enrich your understanding of videography and the art of living a mindful life.
Ever wonder how technological advancements have shaped the landscape of videography? Join us as we chat with David Hercenberg from Documented Video Productions, who has been capturing life's most exciting moments for over 20 years. From the days of VHS tapes to the YouTube era, David opens up about his journey and the profound impact of AI in the videography world. We'll also cover how he walks the fine line between leveraging cutting-edge technology and keeping the authenticity of his work intact, especially when catering to client needs.
Discover the intriguing lifestyle of a self-made professional who values living life on his own terms. David shares his love for the freedom that comes with his career, discussing everything from the exhilaration of new experiences to the joy of fatherhood. He also provides insight into the importance of being over-prepared and offers valuable advice for aspiring videographers: start with what you have, even if it’s just a simple camera, and begin by capturing the world around you.
Lastly, explore the profound themes of creativity and self-awareness with us. David uses a compelling analogy to illustrate how finding your passion, whether it’s a camera, a paintbrush, or any other tool, can unlock a world of potential. We delve into the "Four Agreements" and their role in achieving a fulfilling life, emphasizing the power of words and the importance of living intentionally. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation that promises to enrich your understanding of videography and the art of living a mindful life.
Speaker 1:
I'm David from Documented Video Productions. I do photo video event coverage.
Speaker 2:
Okay, I was looking at your site. It looks like you've had the opportunity to cover some pretty cool events.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, yeah, I've been doing it for over 20 years.
Speaker 2:
Yeah.
Speaker 1:
And I mean each event is a little different, a little similar in different ways, but it's's yeah, there's been a lot of exciting opportunities, really different moments that I'm able to not only be a part of but capture right.
Speaker 2:
How did you get into videography? Is this something you always wanted to do? I?
Speaker 1:
was doing it in high school. I was kind of that kid. From what was it? American Beauty. It was like filming the bag.
Speaker 2:
Oh yes.
Speaker 1:
I wasn't filming the bag, but I had the camera like documenting my life. You're always coming into that yeah and then it turned into family performances where it was like a talent show at the beach.
Speaker 2:
Yes.
Speaker 1:
And then like the families, families together, they're all doing a little talent and we're just like filming the show pre-phone right camera yeah and then you know, just sort of goes along with the times, the, the times have changed.
Speaker 2:
Right.
Speaker 1:
So I grew up in the 90s, when all this tech is booming. Yeah, the next camera comes out, the next one, yeah.
Speaker 2:
I didn't even have a digital camera until, I think, early 2000s.
Speaker 1:
Right, nobody did.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, or any video capabilities.
Speaker 1:
Right.
Speaker 1:
So this was like one of the first cameras of its time, with the vhs tape I remember and big clunky thing and I was like, oh, I could press records, just press the button, it's not so hard, um. But then I I started doing it more and I'm like, what am I going to do with this? And then, once you're able to convert the now into a video, and then you have this thing, what do you do with it? If you're able to then edit, like in post-production, and create something, put it together, and then they have this like YouTube platform now?
Speaker 2:
Right, what's that called YouTube? I'm kidding, it's like this, it's like this.
Speaker 1:
It's like this online video library anyone can access from any device, really anywhere. It's like this powerful tool and kids these days kind of want to be on it. They're growing up with it, like instead of a book or a right. It's like changed the evolutionary spectrum in a way.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, and most kids have video capability in their back pocket now, and I know my 10-year-old's always making little videos and with the software.
Speaker 1:
Now they have these different platforms on social media to share the content, but before they didn't. So it was just like what do you do with this photo or video clip? And then if you're able to import it and edit it in some capacity and then export it and upload it and share it, then you're able to kind of create like an artwork and kind of create a business really for yourself. If you're able to kind of create like an artwork and kind of create a business really for yourself, if you're able to do that for other people, right, because it's kind of a cumbersome process where you're like, okay, I gotta, I gotta be there to film it and what am I gonna wear and how am I gonna capture that, and then what am I gonna?
Speaker 2:
what's the lighting gonna be like?
Speaker 1:
I have to adjust how am I gonna get all those things together? And then, once I have it, what do I do with it? How do I put it all together? And, being a one-man band for like 20 years, I've figured out incrementally what white might work and what might and there's make life a little easier.
Speaker 2:
Right.
Speaker 1:
And it's always changing.
Speaker 2:
There's always new programs and now AI stuff. How do you feel about that? Is that beneficial to your business?
Speaker 1:
The AI is going to obviously change. It already has changed the game. You see a lot of the information that's coming out. There's three phases of production Pre--production, where you're like planning everything. The production, where you're filming it and then post, where you're editing. And in pre-production, ai is coming in with like scripts and formulas and like kind of the, the layout.
Speaker 1:
And then in production it's still a human thing where you could like be there and be a human yes but the ai and the post is pretty heavy now because now they're having the filters, the coloring, the effects and all of a sudden it's like this plastic surgeon has like remastered the whole thing from sound to what you're seeing and hearing. It's kind of a um, it's still powerful, but is it truthful? I don't know. Is it honest, is it direct?
Speaker 2:
Yeah, I think it's a. It's a slippery and I think there's so many benefits to it, but is it, as you were saying, honest and direct.
Speaker 1:
I think. Look, before we had people making things like clothing handmade. Now we have machines that are doing it. It still serves the purpose of the clothing and if the ai is helping the artist or the client in some way remove the blemish or how they see themselves that way they want to be seen publicly because that's what it is, is a public thing then maybe it's for the better. But for their mental health, I mean. I think that's another piece where I'm sort of trying to capture the truth as I see it, the truth meaning what I see, what's currently there, just document what is.
Speaker 2:
That's real life, like what is happening, and I try to not use a, so document it.
Speaker 1:
How Well, you could add a filter on Snapchat and you're documenting right here, right, but it doesn't look the same as somebody else's. No, everyone's perspective is different. Yeah, so that's another thing.
Speaker 2:
Is it hard to find that balance with your clients when they are asking for a lot of things that maybe you don't. You're like well, that's not really my style. How do you kind of find that balance?
Speaker 1:
Most of the time I'll just say this is the way I do it and generally that seems to be what they're looking for.
Speaker 2:
If they're looking for something else, which is why they reached out to you.
Speaker 1:
And the other thing is I'm getting it mostly referral based, like somebody who I worked for is now sending them my way, versus a cold call or like some other filter or direct messaging campaign. I'm working more on targeted approach and different niches that I can focus on. But I sort of see myself as like a superhero, where I literally get a call to save the day on film.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, and I'll swoop in and save it and document and like be there, and then that sends and people are so grateful A message. They're grateful they have it, I'm able to be a part of it, I'm thankful. And then I also feel the sense of purpose where I could have not gotten that call but because I did and because it worked like you might want to try to get to some show that you want to see but maybe it's not on the cards because you get a flat tire, or maybe you want to go do something but the cards aren't adding up and you can't achieve that goal. And I'm trying to get to this point where I get the call and I can show up and deliver and because it's working out, it's like I'm able to get there, I'm able to park, and because it's working out, it's like I'm able to get there.
Speaker 2:
I'm able to park. I'm able to get the camera back home and get it all edited and get the client what they're looking for, and you've got your systems in place.
Speaker 1:
The backup. There's a lot of backup plans.
Speaker 2:
Yes, having extra cameras and extra cards and all of that, Exactly Because that's where the professional comes in.
Speaker 1:
Amateurs are like oh, I didn't realize.
Speaker 2:
Yeah.
Speaker 1:
And once you have that experience of realizing certain things, you become this professional because you have the experience and that creates a sense of confidence and sort of reassures the client also like OK, I don't have to worry about this, Right and what kind of events are you covering?
Speaker 2:
Are you doing worry about this Right, and what kind of events are you covering? Are you doing weddings? Is it corporate events? What kind of what's your market? The event?
Speaker 1:
spectrum is pretty vast. I try to say it's more like birthdays and baptisms and baby namings all the way through graveside funeral.
Speaker 2:
Yeah.
Speaker 1:
Live streaming in COVID for my pivot when people couldn't come. I was like I'll go and I'll even broadcast it for you. And they're like that would be great.
Speaker 2:
We can't make it.
Speaker 1:
I'm like okay, super.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, we watched a lot of gymnastics tournaments or gymnastics meets and basketball on Zoom, so they needed somebody there doing that.
Speaker 1:
So that was another opportunity that you have to create. The other piece of it is creating it yourself. Like you have these eggs and you have to break it open, get your hands dirty and, like, clean it up and put it together on a plate. You have to actually do something in order to get.
Speaker 2:
And deliver it to the client.
Speaker 1:
But what's nice is it's free technically. If you already have the camera, you don't have to really do anything except to be there, Right. Which means the present is so important because without it I wouldn't be there, I wouldn't be doing more of it, they wouldn't have the memory of the event. So it's just being present for the moment, being there for the moment, capturing the memory and then turning it into something that can actually be accessible.
Speaker 2:
Right.
Speaker 1:
That's what's also nice about it. It's not just this old mantle. Vhs tape that's going to sit in the cabinet, it disintegrates. How do I do with this? What is it?
Speaker 2:
Yeah.
Speaker 1:
The old records. The new kids don't know, but they know what's on YouTube or Spotify or Pandora or whatever they're able to access it.
Speaker 2:
So that's the other-. Access is a huge part.
Speaker 1:
Accessibility is so big because now there's so much competition. Everyone has the phone in their pocket. What's going to differentiate between this or that or who's to say? It's also a very personal preference what you're going to watch and how you're going to spend your time, and if you can even afford to do what you want to do and but explain the benefits of hiring a professional videographer, because I feel like it's a priceless uh thing to have, and yeah, if it's priceless, but like I don't know the value because it's not going to be as good as on someone's phone but having it is having it right.
Speaker 1:
I mean, wouldn't you rather have the speech than I try to? I try to remind clients. I'll say and I'll ask you what is the difference between photo and video? There's one fundamental one yeah, audio movement right, they both kind of moving, but it's really the audio yeah because photo just doesn't have sound right.
Speaker 1:
And with the video we're actually capturing the audio, and the audio experience is like 70 80 percent of the user's experience, even if it's going to be subtitles, like they're kind of getting the story. So the the audio really is, um, what we're capturing. So, for example, my grandfather gave the best man's speech at my wedding yeah and after he passed away I wasn't able to talk to him anymore, so I was able to go back.
Speaker 2:
Listen to that listen to his voice.
Speaker 1:
Just kind of listen to it. I don't even have to necessarily watch it. You wouldn't have that without the video.
Speaker 2:
Correct.
Speaker 1:
I mean, maybe someone's doing a voice memo or something.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, leaving a voice message, voice texting messages yeah.
Speaker 1:
But it's also nice to be able to see it at the same time. For sure, see it move, but really being able to hear it, because you can listen to a book on tape and you can listen to the sound of the event. Whatever someone might say is more that's a present moment. It's like there's just like these small.
Speaker 1:
If you were to be able to have a superpower, I think mine would be control time that's a good one it's not necessarily about being able to have a drone, because I could do that or go from here to there and cut, you know, and pop up, and now we're here. Now, teleport yeah, I can control space in a way. But really to be able to manipulate the time and go because I could press a button and go watch a movie from back in the day, um, but to actually be able to control it and like spin the wheel and go back in time and see different moments from different vantage points, yeah, that's really different yeah, what do you find most rewarding about what you do?
Speaker 1:
I get to live the life that I'm living. I'm living my life in a way that I'm choosing, which is cool.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, you get to choose. I'm the boss, yeah.
Speaker 1:
I'm the man.
Speaker 2:
The superhero man, I'm the father.
Speaker 1:
Like, yeah, I'm the one who has chosen to do that and you can wake up and go to work for someone, and that's a choice, or go to the gym or whatever it is you're going to do. I've just when I get a call and they're like we could really use your help, Like we would like to work with you, Are you, can you do this? I'm like, let me check, Hold on.
Speaker 2:
Yes, my calendar is very full.
Speaker 1:
I've got some things going on. Let me see if I can even do this. I don't know. And just like today, I'm like okay, this seems like a different opportunity. Yes, and I'll go for a drive and I'll enjoy myself along the way and. I'll do what it is that I'm doing, and I'm not kind of regretting it. I'm kind of because there's a fearful element. I've never been somewhere. What's going to happen? I don't know this.
Speaker 2:
I don't know that because you're always in different locations, every, every time it's completely different yeah, different people happens right, what happens?
Speaker 1:
what do I bring? Yeah and what happens if something gets lost or stolen, or I guess you forgot the one cord.
Speaker 2:
I need this. I need. What do I?
Speaker 1:
need, so I'm always kind of over packing yeah all the other vendors, always busting all my balls like can you pack any?
Speaker 2:
more.
Speaker 1:
Yes, I can actually because I like to be prepared. I'm like I'm fully loaded and I'd rather have it or maybe even help them than I'm already bringing the. What's the difference if I bring one more thing at that point which has helped me in different ways, like my beach setup where I go camping, like I just have all the stuff?
Speaker 2:
yes, like I'm that way too. I like to be prepared.
Speaker 1:
I like to be prepared, I like to. It's. It's also part of the lifestyle that I want to live. I get to see people that they're like really happy. Those are the happiest moments in their lives. It's true, these are the moments that are like most meaningful to them, and not only am I VIP front and center and I'm doing it on their behalf, I'm also experiencing it, and I get to then see humanity at its finest, absolutely, and I get to go to these places that are like the most beautiful places, for free. They're like have this food Document this evening and have a wonderful time. I'm like thank you.
Speaker 2:
You're like this is the greatest job ever.
Speaker 1:
This is wonderful. I don't know why more people aren't doing it.
Speaker 2:
Where do you see yourself going from here?
Speaker 1:
Do you feel?
Speaker 2:
I just want to keep doing this, just keep doing it. I've been doing it, I'd like to keep doing it. Yeah, that's it. Are you looking to bring more people on? Grow the business? Yeah, if I connect with the right people.
Speaker 1:
I'm always looking for those types of alliances and opportunities opportunities and being strategic with it and more opportunistic and delegating, so that I can eventually kick back and it's still going.
Speaker 2:
Right. But, but you're, you're good where you are right now.
Speaker 1:
I mean, look, I could always want more this. I don't want to live according to a paycheck and I don't want to do things I don't want to do. Yeah, and it seems like if I can continue to do this, if I can continue to get the calls and maybe over deliver or just deliver in general, like do what I say I'm going to do and follow through and be accountable and like responsible, then I think they're gonna appreciate it. I know it's working for me and it's kind of like goodwill in a way.
Speaker 2:
Sure yeah, what advice do you have for anybody trying to get into your business?
Speaker 1:
I say get started, Pick up your camera.
Speaker 2:
They have the camera already because they have the phone and they have the whatever so like what can you do with it?
Speaker 1:
Yeah, I just found myself because my uncle had this camera at the talent show. I'm at the beach, I'm like well, what do I do with this? What can I do with this? And then realizing some people pick up a hammer and they're like all right, I know, I think I can do something with this. Yeah, some people pick up a hammer and they're like all right, I know, I think I could do something with this, yeah. Or they pick up a piece of paper or paintbrush, whatever tool they find themselves mouse, they're clicking on some game. They're like yeah, like I like playing games.
Speaker 1:
This is great this is it and it's kind of like when you sit in a chair, you go to a classroom for the first time, you sit down, you go back to that classroom. You might sit in the same spot yeah, this is my chair.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, everyone's in the same spot actually. Yeah, my kids don't want to miss the first day of school because that's you claim it right, otherwise right this is where I am yeah and so, yeah, there's something to that.
Speaker 1:
And the same thing is maybe even in a profession. When you're like choosing, should I go to dance, should I go to this, should I go to that? I found myself with the camera. I'm like, what can I do with this? I, I held the other things, but once you ask yourself like, hmm, what can I?
Speaker 2:
maybe I could do something here.
Speaker 1:
Maybe I can do something with that then it's kind of what you're doing with yourself that makes the difference, for whatever you decide to do, yeah, and it's kind of also what makes us unique, like everyone's doing, everyone's going about their lives, and if I'm able to be privy, like to it and I have a reason to like, get close and sort of examine. I'm an observer.
Speaker 2:
I was just about to say that I was like you, are an observer Like that.
Speaker 1:
I can tell that you are, I'm very aware, yeah Self, which helps me Even sitting here.
Speaker 2:
I'm like I can tell you're taking in the whole studio. It helps me, I'm very self-aware.
Speaker 1:
I'm very aware of my surroundings and that helps me survive, because that's what we tell people to do. Right, like, don't be like in your head. Be aware, be aware of where the camera is and maybe how you not to change it or manipulate it, but just so that you're, like some people, hide. I'm learning about attachment styles. You got anxious, avoidant and secure. People who are avoidant are going to like, for example, some people will see themselves after a picture. Can you just fix all the things?
Speaker 2:
Yeah, because we're so distorted.
Speaker 1:
They're like I don't want to see myself. That's an avoidant behavior.
Speaker 2:
Yeah.
Speaker 1:
Someone who's secure is like I don't really like my nose there, but it's fine. Or they might say I look great, it's fine, yeah. Or they're anxious about it and they might not say anything. And so there's like different reactions and I've seen this whole spectrum from ages, races, ethnicities, of different types of people, and I'm just again the observer. So I'm not really interjecting. I don't have a strong opinion. I might have an opinion, but it's not like I'm controlling the way they should do it, like they're going to do it the way they're going to do it.
Speaker 2:
I'm just kind of watching that happen, watching it happen and documenting it. I might be.
Speaker 1:
Oh, watch out, yeah, I might be able to help if I can help in some way. But I'm not gonna overstep. I'm trying to find those lines right and not kind of find that balance and that also has to do with literally the frame, the video frame, what is in the frame, what is not, the things that are not, I need to also be aware of right so then I turn and like we can see it capture that.
Speaker 1:
So I'm like, okay, I see, this is going, we're going to go here now, but then your eyes kind of, and now we're going back here so like because I'm all around my surroundings and interacting with the environments, it's, it's engaging without even I'm not even saying a word, right like the whole time yeah, just observing, I'm just kind of yeah, I don't want my audio track to be involved.
Speaker 1:
it's not without even. I'm not even saying a word, right, like the whole time. Yeah, just observing. I'm just kind of yeah, I don't want my audio track to be involved. It's not. Hey, george, how about it? And they're like why is this guy talking in the video? So it's more like I'm kind of a mime, yeah.
Speaker 2:
I love it. Well, as we kind of wrap up here, are there any words of advice you'd like to leave us with, or maybe a mantra that you live by? I'm sure you've got a good mantra.
Speaker 1:
I have been studying the four agreements.
Speaker 2:
Okay.
Speaker 1:
And I found that kind of helpful. It has to do with the words that we tell ourself Like. Be careful with your words. They have powerful meanings and that can go in with affirmations or whatever. The second agreement is to not make any assumptions. I like that one Kind of just be present to experience it. And the third agreement is don't take anything personally.
Speaker 1:
I'm just there kind of doing my job, like I don't mean to bump into you whatever, like, don't take it personally. And the fourth is to try your best, whatever that means, whatever best you can do for that particular day. You might be feeling sick, you can't do as good as 100%, but you can still you still do something Right.
Speaker 1:
And so as long as 100, but you can still do something right, yeah, and so, as long as you're doing that, you are living in a in a robust way where you're kind of connecting and also shielding in a way, and you're able to, you know, live a fulfilling, fulfilling life. Yeah, I love that. Well, thank you for being here today and thank you for sharing your story with us.
Speaker 2:
you know, live a fulfilling life. Fulfilling life yeah, I love that. Well, thank you for being here today and thank you for sharing your story with us.