Are Travel Videos Ruining Filmmaking?

Travel is the best way to understand the world around us- but can the saturation and repetition of it online have a negative effect on the way we approach filmmaking?
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[@mattdavella]

This is phenomenal.

[@atharvagg4155]

Matt I love your 💪🔥

[@88shutters]

oh it's Matt 😍. love your videos bro

[@MohammadAmine]

Matt is the GOAT

[@hberry8844]

that is what I thought myself haha

[@imback2killu328]

The god himself has spoken

[@JRAlli]

some of my favorite videos i've ever made were behind my house for the first few years i started on youtube. Everytime i ride my bike through the woods it makes me so happy. Being able to capture and share stories when you can't travel to all these destinations makes you inherently that much more creative.. so when you do have the chance to travel you're able to create that much more in the end. great pacing on this Aidin and sentiment behind it too!

[@AidinRobbins]

Appreciate the kind words JR! Glad you related to this and like the edit. You embody the message behind this- your films from abroad are amazing, and you're also able to show Toronto in an imaginative way no one has seen before. Keep inspiring man!

[@BerliTyas]

Ugh two of my faves!!

[@raeeznjr]

You guys are amazing.

[@jaytb2005]

Dude, I was just talking to my brother about your Egypt video, and here you are. LOL

[@nikolaidante3571]

Not a fan.

[@TaylorMoore4K]

Great job dude. The Earth zoom-out ruined my brain forever. Well done!

[@JohnsGuineaPigs]

Same

[@PabloDmar92]

I suscribed just because of that part! hahahaa

[@blacksunapocalypse]

Curious how he did it. Drone footage transitioned into google earth? :/

[@Darvalife]

SAME!

[@leitflux]

My poor poor brain... What that transition didn't do...

[@amillison]

Dude, you are just the very best. Every one of your videos is freaking genius.

[@OlivertheJoyboy]

Aidin. I do not have words. Bruh. Everything was insane. The seamless effects, the message, sound design, and cinematography all were stellar. You inspire me to shoot and upload more. Thank you my guy. Truly Amazing job with this one.

[@AidinRobbins]

Thank you SO much my guy 😤 appreciate the kind words IMMENSELY!

[@theodorejay1046]

⛩️🇯🇵 Looking forward to Oliver's next Japan vlog 🇯🇵⛩️ No pressure though 😁

[@willardwilliams9733]

Yes,Oliver its time to see you on u-tube again.Been a while.Have an "Euphoric" day.Later.Thanks.Willard of N.C.

[@antihuman007]

Agreed holy shit, my mind is constantly like, how did he shoot this

[@MedlifeCrisis]

Not sure how this popped into my recommended but it's so beautifully made. Superb effort.

[@MalteAaronVeh]

"Filmmaking is an art, it's making something you find boring into something worth watching." 2:35

[@RobertShaverOfAustin]

And it can be just as hard to shoot something that you find interesting/exciting and end up with a video that communicates those feelings to the audience. I know this because my videos are just not that exciting. So I'm here to "up" my game.

[@MalteAaronVeh]

@@RobertShaverOfAustin yes thats very true, i find it to be one of the hardest challenges to come up with exciting video ideas especially while not travelling

[@TopBinsYT]

That editing thoooo

[@Chuck8541]

I think he kinda misses the point though. Nothing bad about South Caroline, it was nice, and I lived there for 3 years. But the point is travel videos, and if they ruin filmmaking. Many people dream of traveling to exotic distant locations, and I’m preeeeeetty sure that for the vast majority of these people, a swamp in South Carolina is not on their list. This video is nicely produced, lots of effects, but at the end of the day, it’s just a swamp nobody really cares about, let alone desires to travel to the other side of the world to visit. You can only polish a turd so much. Yes, pretty much every type of creation NOT science, is an art. As such there’s no right or wrong. But no matter the caliber of the artist making a video, I’ll take a sub par video about an exotic location, over east bumfuck random town, USA most days. The caveat here is TRAVEL. If I’m looking for a good video/creator that I can learn from, as far as effects and what not, then yeah...the location is irrelevant.

[@tridos2389]

@@Chuck8541 I think you missed the point actually. The question was is that style of filmmaking discouraging new filmmakers to start? You don't have to travel to make films, but a lot of people feel like they need to leave their country just to make a film that someone has probably already made rather than go out into your own city and frame a story around that. Not saying don't travel at all, but it's not the only priority.

[@tombuck]

This is insane. Not only do you make a great point, but you use your tools and techniques to make it visual/purposeful. I’m completely blown away. 🤯

[@aspnnn]

that drone-satellite-gps transition was dope!! and this turned out so good the storyline with the cinematography was amazing

[@AidinRobbins]

Thanks so much!

[@polimata1.618]

I think the same, incredible!!!

[@leexintian]

Please do a tutorial on this! It’s amazing

[@camwchristian]

@@AidinRobbins It was incredible. PLZ do a tutorial!

[@snsmystic]

I love that this not only covers filmmaking but how people should approach life, that each moment has its beauty and meaning, and good filmmaking, as you said, should communicate what some might find "boring into something worth watching". Art imitate life, life imitate art.

[@unusuallyquickloris]

I don't mind travel vids but the music in travel vids makes me wanna throw myself into traffic

[@TheWindyBurrow]

This is the best advice ever found on KZbin for YT creators, and we couldn't agree more! Now more than ever (1 year+ after you published this, hello corona!) finding hidden gems close to home is a necessity. Yes we did travel to Iceland (to get a tattoo!) and filmed it, but most of what we film and love is close to where we live, a mountainous region in France that no one knows about (no, it's not the Alps). We insist on small adventures, on getting out, taking your camera and your microphone (and your sleeping bag). Beauty is everywhere, you just need to be ready to see it.

[@ThePilotCouple1]

I needed to see this video. Between trips, I’ve struggled with filming around south Florida thinking “it’s probably too boring to other people”. This changes that

[@mhcreativejourney5113]

Probably one of the best videos I've ever seen. The creativity and implementation are superb. Looking up to you Aidin.

[@DemetriosLevi]

Wow...that was brilliant. The editing, the cinematography, the grading, the IDEA. Brilliant. I need to step it up. Thank you man

[@francisgarcia5201]

This is the type of KZbin videos I love to watch... Short, Clear and inspiring. I just learned so much in just only less than 4 minutes of content. Loved your style keep it up your gonna do GREAT!

[@MikoTiotangco]

The editing and story-telling is top notch! Great job Aidin! You just recently switched to Premiere and After Effects but you're already killin' it man! ♥

[@RayThomasEyeOfRay]

This is perfect! This is not the “inspired by” that we need more off! Your own voice, your own path! I live in SC too and it’s so many gems here!

[@Michal_Kedzierski]

Who else thinks Aidin should make a thumbnail tutorial?

[@iComplainer]

Nah

[@GreigHutchisonVisuals]

Me

[@gchrisfx]

Lmao he has 😂

[@thelifeofshavon]

definitely should

[@tuts4pro366]

@@iComplainer why nah ??? Hell yeah

[@buddyholly863]

I found your channel this morning and I have enjoyed many of your videos- but I have to say this one is obviously born from more passion than many of your others. This chord you've strummed deserves an encore. It is clear you've grown as an artist since this video was posted, and even so, it's your best video imo. Keep it up.

[@pavleantic]

So Sam Kolder and Jay Alvarrez have been my main motivation for filmmaking for quite a few years now and I actually found myself falling into that same trap of thinking like that. Thanks for reminding me about this bro! You really deserve more subscribers.

[@BTMovieSecondChannel]

That opening shot. Such creative! And the same for that morning routine sequence. You really show you can make great stories regardless of environment. What a wisdom for 16 years of living!

[@Nuashi5]

Wow, knowing that we live in the same state makes me feel good; knowing that creative people like you make such brilliant videos is amazing.

[@StephenMougin]

Wow! Spectacular work!

[@TomRichOld]

On watching this though, gotta say that drone to map shot was absolute 🔥 Aiden, for you age (or for anyone for that matter) this is extremely impressive.

[@AidinRobbins]

Thanks man!

[@cosmicgiggler7867]

This video gave me mad chills. Good work mate. There is definitely adventure to be explored everywhere. Beauty is life, life is beautiful

[@jaredlamar]

You're the most underrated filmmaker on youtube. keep it up, you're killing it

[@AidinRobbins]

Thanks SO much man! Appreciate the kind words

[@TopBinsYT]

He is amazing

[@GHATS]

the editing, the story, the frames are perfect

[@corwagent]

Most of the time it's really editing what makes everything look absolutely stunning!

[@tobiascornille]

Great video! Very well put together. What I find annoying about most travel videos is that they lack a real story, and are just sequences of nice shots. Having a story or a point to share is what makes a video worth watching for me :)

[@BioloGicHD]

the drone shot transition into google maps was insane

[@theundefinedphotographer]

Jaw-dropping with a grounded message that couldn't be truer. No one can tell their own story better than themselves, no can see their home like they can, and no one can find all the hidden good and bad like they can. Your video isn't just a call to action, but it's a wake up call. Amazing work.

[@rypgram1110]

That was amazing. You have style, creativity, and flare. You made that not so exciting place look exotic.

[@kayukay2022]

This is amazing 🙌🏾 you’re preaching right now. You can find amazing things right there in front of you

[@laravalentinaholzl2745]

damn, this might just be one of the most inspirational videos I´ve ever watched. And you editing skills wow

[@fadingfrost2617]

So true! I live in midwest Indiana. There is plenty to appreciate if you look. The key is to recognized what is there to be appreciated.

[@GokuRunner]

Wow I was totally clicked baited but then I was amazed by your style of filmmaking and storytelling. Good stuff.

[@dominic-ryan]

100% same here. Thought I was going to leave frustrated, not inspired. Subscribed.

[@GokuRunner]

Lol yup. I subbed right after. KZbin got me

[@lukemomo5450]

You are onto something here. Imagine the creative renaissance that would occur if all the diverse talents in the world began capturing their own sense of place, wherever that may be. You've got me inspired!

[@CNDBLOOD]

Your editing is incredible... Wow.

[@goldscarabbeetle5019]

After reading the title I thought this was going to be a whiny rant but I am so so surprised and impressed. You’re amazing!

[@grace5259]

Where’ve you been? I’m happy to see a new vid😆

[@WiZardDrift]

Dude I’m amazed at how detailed you make you videos! And this story is more true than ever! I’ve had a couple of friends that say they have to travel to make videos

[@WillRamirez]

Its definitely not about the location, about the story you are trying to tell. I struggle with this too because I do get to travel a lot and love making travel films for my channel when I do, and even when i live in an amazing city like Toronto, because it is so familiar I feel uninspired. to shoot things in my home town. I am not often inspired by the many travel films that get published as most are just fancy montages and eye candy with no real story behind them. Once the video ends I have learned nothing new or challenged my world view. achieving that requires a lot more work, but its what I am striving for on my channel. Love your shooting style!!!

[@nomancave591]

Dude, this video is so necessary. Great job. Honestly, I don't like the color grade but the way you laid out the message was so awesome. Very wise and inspirational.

[@Andreeashem]

Wow! I love this!!

[@AidinRobbins]

Thanks so much Andreas! Means a lot 🙌

[@Alyssajprez]

WOW. Just WOW. Your filmmaking skills and storytelling are incredible! The smooth, fluid transitions, the color grading, audio, framing, angles, everything. Teach me your ways sir!

[@CollinAbroadcast]

Nah, travel videos are already phasing themselves out with the same cookie cutter drone shots without much substance. Location, in my opinion, should always become secondary to the main topic

[@simonmueck]

You‘re absolutely right. I shot my last shortfilm completely in an old flat. In the end what counts is the story! Travel videos have it easy, because an adventure in another country isn’t what people are used see when they look out the window... therefor its an exciting new story, but that doesn‘t mean that you can‘t tell new & exciting stories in your homecountry...

[@Michal_Kedzierski]

That endless zoom out was soo clean 🔥👌🏼

[@AidinRobbins]

Haha thanks!

[@shanesejones8490]

Great job bro! The aerial zoom out was sick, transitions, color, camera movement, and GPS effect...blew my mind!

[@KennethSee]

Been a while since a transition made me actually drop my jaw. Great job!

[@Andrelas11]

Its a fairly old and simple effect/transition but it was done very well. Matching drone footage to satellite imagery with matching weather conditions is not easy.

[@joshblck1]

Hey man I just wanted to tell you how much I agree with your message. Personally, I feel that a lot of the KZbin’s use those locations as an easy way to get views. I’m doing so, they often times don’t put as much effort into the actual film making. Recently me and my gf started vlogging and we found ourselves thinking...will people even want to watch if we aren’t doing something extravagant?? We had fallen victim to the feeling that location is such a massive factor in people watching before we had even considered if the content we were going to make was of good quality. I really think this video is great proof that film making is a an art, and not an easy one either. Good luck on spreading the message!

[@JRGarage]

WOW, very impressive🙏🏼

[@kylewomelduff3854]

Excellent point and very well articulated delivery. And no matter what location a person has access to, it's all about the story or the point being made.

[@GDBOYFilms]

Agree with this and bravo on creative storytelling to PROVE the point. Love it bro.

[@sydneyrobertson4575]

This blows my mind! 0:45 - 1:15 your transitions and integration is SO cool!

[@theodorejay1046]

Aidin with your skills almost anything can be a great travel film. With that in mind vlog challenge .... Do a travel vlog on your in home town 🤔 Looking at your past work you're a shoe in for getting hired by almost any travel board (not kidding). Keep up the great work. Looking forward to seeing your Florida footage. Cheers, Theo

[@speliotis]

Great Message for all to hear.... - & that last shot of the pull away was amazing !!!

[@averyladwig6257]

AN ACTUAL 21:9 VIDEO!! THANK YOU ALDIN! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

[@AidinRobbins]

Haha you know it!

[@EdgardoGE]

Amazing video man! People forget that filmmaking is about memories. I simply love to record my experiences. There's nothing more pleasing than reliving your memories in a cinematic look. My hobby is to edit my memories by adding a filmic look. Keep up the great work man!! Subscribed!

[@eirayu2439]

Not sure if intense color grading, or South Carolina is Chernobyl.

[@JustinLewisWeb]

This is one of the best filmmaking videos I've seen on KZbin. Thank you for putting so much time into such a simple concept.

[@studiosmachiavel1236]

Waow. Astonishing cinematography. Quickest sub I've given in a while.

[@DavidZhou]

That was beautiful, thank you for sharing! The message is spot on

[@ElliottJohnsonXX]

you sound like that BURGER KING FOOT LETTUCE GUY

[@keanureff4738]

Number wuaone

[@patrickvogel]

I think you are one of the most undervalued (relating to KZbin stats) creators out there, Aidin. Your content is exceptional. I love your visuals, your editing is on a whole other level. Your storytelling is phenomenal. There is so much to learn from you. Keep inspiring the world with what you are doing. You definitely inspire me. Cheers!

[@photimbr]

Ok. Um dude that was incredible 🔥 Surely there’s a tutorial of the effects shown in the video coming soon. Especially that map zoom out

[@MatthewHyatt]

super easy drone rise to google earth, i'd say. Go for it!

[@ondreironhaar6735]

So much skill and talent. Also your message is spot on. 🙏🙏🙏

[@pratikgoud1]

Good job man .. nice cinematography and I like that audio transition from alarm clock to car security Aly.. keep it up

[@colewyland1583]

Aidin this is so good, I think all of us fall into the trap of thinking that we need an awesome location or awesome gear to get good content and an awesome video, but when you think about it, the best KZbinrs and filmmakers make something they find boring into something worth watching, so inspiring to hear you say that! I’m in North Dakota, which I think was rated one of the most boring places in the world 😂😂, but I can totally relate to what you said about just getting out there and finding hidden treasures, awesome video man!

[@RedVelvetUnderground333]

Ppl who only want exotic locations have a personality of a brick

[@Matt.Gillard]

Just started watching your channel and I've been binging on your vids, but this one is on another level.

[@samthesmart1]

Outstanding video. Aidin, if you see this, how is all your footage so smooth/shake-free? I didn't see a gimbal in your equipment list.

[@samuelaseolas]

You've gone from making videos on how to copy other people to truly coming into your own. this is f**kn awesome

[@DarkSaruman]

This is probably the best cinematography I've ever seen in my life.

[@raksh9]

I know what you mean, but it's not better than classic or even mid range films.

[@copperkoi2035]

Man do I feel this! Same goes for gear too. I started making videos about where I live with my cellphone just because I wanted to practice editing, but it took me way too long to try because I thought I needed all the stuff I didn't have or access to interesting places. Every where I've lived people acted like it was the most boring place to be, but just like film making it's all about perspective!

[@CarFrequency]

How high does your drone go? 😉 Amazing transition!

[@rikimarizard]

I was wondering why this Aidin Robbins video is so short, then I realized I was watching a masterpiece!

[@amauzoho2156]

I won’t say they are but it’s seems it’s the norm and they’re all the same style of editing.... walking and looking up, backflips etc... it’s more common to see it here on KZbin, But on Vimeo... more scripted narrative films.

[@sunlightdavid]

I think because video making is more accessible with technology today and travel happens to be more interesting than 'going to school/work'. Rise of the middle class means more ppl are travelling too. However, YT happens to be the most common platform for ppl to find their inspiration and tutorials so we end up seeing the same stuff copied and repeated till it hurts your eyes to look at it again. Lol. I made a semi serious travel video for the first time and it uses the same techniques as everyone. After doing it, I wonder if I'll pick up my camera again lol. It's not terrible (probably better than half of the nonsense people put up on YT) but it irks me so much because everyone does the same shit. Even the popular ones who do this for a living (I'm not gonna name who) pump out some really poorly executed stuff tt are unpolished and painful to sit through yet few are discerning enough to call them out for works that aren't up to standard. YT is not a place to grow if you are not critical of your own work. Sadly, most people are here to publish work so they can have their ego stroked, not receive constructive criticism that they can learn from.

[@ToldbyNick]

Bruh. I'm stunned. That was truly an incredible piece of work. So inspiring. I myself constantly go though the whole "I don't live in an interesting location" thing and I catch myself not acting on my ideas because I don't think my local scenery is "epic enough". It's something I want to change and this video just gave me a huge step in the right direction. Thank you so much brother, that was so dope.

[@ijustwanttocreate]

How did you do the 0:41 sequence/transition? Drone --> Google Earth --> Google maps animation. Seamless!

[@TheRohoj]

i believe andreas hem has a tutorial of this or something simular

[@ijustwanttocreate]

@@TheRohoj I'll have a look through his videos!

[@nathantomas]

To see such a beautiful craft as filmmaking be reduced to something you can only do when you travel is heartbreaking. This was much needed, excellent job on all levels!

[@IAMDIMITRI]

Jokes on you, I'm Bali and can't make a good travel video

[@danielgbr1]

What I have learned from you and a selected few is that telling a story and sound design are essential in cinematography. Too many people are stuck in gear, location and effects think that these things are what will make their video THE video... thank you for yet another spectacular video!

[@alecstall4219]

What sound effect do people use for hyperlasps?

[@adelailynch3174]

This is so amazing. As someone whose developing content for her home state of Louisiana, I love this.

[@TacEsk8]

This was awesome. I showed the map transision to my why whole family and I just liked this video a lot, what editing software u use?

[@xposhr]

Look up earth zoom or Andrew Kramer. After Effects and Google Earth downloads

[@alloadventures5758]

Very well made video and you are a talented filmmaker and the message of the video is on point. As a travel vlogger, I clicked, ready to be frustrated. But I couldn't agree with you more. Though my videography and story-telling skills are still developing and I am fortunate enough to be able to travel, I 100% agree that location is nowhere near as important as the ability to tell captivating and engaging stories. Well done, subscribed!

[@serenav9137]

Definitely my favorite video by you. It’s inspiring. Especially for an aspiring filmmaker

[@MossCoveredBonez]

That drone to G-maps shot though. This actually has the style ive been striving for, its great to see everything so polished

[@brunopeter6576]

This is the best video I’ve ever seen. Finally a video with a good topic, not just random travel shots . This story really inspired me ,and made me realize how much i have at home that I don’t appreciate, and that I have so many places near home to create good films. Thanks for that video man!!

[@dothienanduong6642]

That intro was enough for me to subscribe. Love everything about the video!

[@how.to.make.money.online]

I love how you use editing and transition to aid your message instead of making it the focus. Great stuff, keep it coming!

[@artventurespro]

Had that kind of mindset before..thanks for opening my creative mind to new opportunities

[@smaranalva]

Everything said was on point, but the best part is how you crafted it! Masterpiece ✨

[@davidfding]

Location should not be a barrier for creativity! I am a travel content creator myself, yet I always find something to shoot in my own hometown!

[@kelvinnganga2280]

I loved what you did with the alarm clock and with the car alarm and also your filming ,color grading, music,story.Just everything.😂

[@demobailey430]

This was great! I live in Greenville SC. When I'm bored at my house and I've got a lot of creative energy I go to Falls Park. They end up being some of my best days shooting.

[@yeezusisjesus2970]

My God tell me how the hell did you do that drone shot, map transition. Notice the hardwork and creativity in this video. Your best work so far!

[@wenjie6337]

Holy shit I am so impressed, the first minute already got me really hooked! From how you transition from the clock alarm to the car alarm or the one with Google Maps, it's all great! Thanks for this :)!