On Making Video Essays

How I make video essays, why I make video essays, and how I'm going to change making video essays
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Patrick Willems
P.O. Box 380333
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[@palmarius104]

This is the only tutorial on this topic that I've found genuinely helpful. Most people just say "find a good subject matter, write a script etc" but you actually going into your process is very refreshing.

[@brebytheway]

always find myself coming back to watch this video when I get stuck on making a video essay [i haven't even finished any video essays yet lol] and I always forget about the last part and it always inspires me to remember to make video essays personal and to challenge my filmmaking with it :)

[@houston-coley]

Great video, as always. Your video-essay-writing-process was almost identical to mine! Also: I caught one of my videos in the background of the "scrolling through video essays" bit, so I guess I can check something off my bucket list. Using LightsCameraJackson as an example of a "critic" was hilarious.

[@evanwilliams7917]

oh woah looky here it's hooston :)

[@elmoonfire]

Your videos taught me the concept of "framing devices" and then showed me how you can add a framing device to something like a video essay. I still watch ones without, and if their ideas are solid, it works fine, but I've grown to appreciate it when people add something extra to stand out.

[@SupergeekMikeDowntime]

Revisiting this at the end of 2021, as the Charl saga is wrapping up… I think it’s safe to say that the goal Patrick stated at the end of this video has been achieved.

[@naynaynay324]

Find it very inspirational how you keep refining the creative proces, by analysis, actually doing it and by redefining your objective. Here's hoping you get to that tv writers room sooner than expected.

[@ericsvogel]

I'm all for the one where you explain stuff to your parents while drinking. That's a solid format.

[@g41g32]

I'm not a film maker, I don't make video essays, and I only recognize some of the names of other film makers you mention... but I love every one of your videos

[@CourtneyCoulson]

I love when you get more dynamic and experimental, you have a unique style.

[@nooranik21]

I like all your videos. However, I think your video essays are better than others because you are much better at explaining things than other essayists. You and your crew are succinct, informative, and thought provoking. It culminates into an entertaining and educational KZbin experience.

[@benjaminjenkins4556]

Fuck I love this channel, your short films are hilarious and your Patrick Explains series is my favorite. I can’t wait to see how you grow and evolve the video essay format keep making great videos thanks!

[@lachmacf]

I really love this video. As someone who wants to try making video essays, you make a really good point at being unique and not doing things 'because that's how they're done.'

[@FilmsStuff]

I think there's something we can all agree on, that every 20 something dude who makes video essays will eventually cover the dark knight. I know cause I've made one... Sigh... two

[@lautarovera2205]

Films&Stuff Anyway It was very good, modern critics cant shy away from the blockbusters sphere, like dc and marvel nowadays.

[@guicaldo7164]

Films&Stuff Your video essays are really good, though! Some of the most interesting and, most of all, informative video essays about movies around (along with Patrick's, of course xD).

[@Pelikulayan]

It’s the bEST SUPERHERO MOVIE

[@CafeCreativeYT]

I always come back to this video for a nice slap of reality and motivation, honestly the best video Patrick has ever made.

[@PhenyxxLegend]

You're right, your "explains" videos are your best, they're awesome. Your parents are cool, their collab adds something sweet to the tone. Keep up the good work!

[@Beforethecredits]

Ohhhh a video talking about what I try to do. I think I have asked you to make this video in the past, so I can learn how you do it. Learn from someone that does it better. Thank you for making this.

[@maxipad3850]

Thank you im using this as a source for an essay on how my school should consider having students learn how to make video essays, in my own video essay

[@memicoot]

I don't know what I was expecting but DAMN that is a ton of work. And no guarantee of success. Thank you so much for making these videos. They are so wonderful and insightful, they bring me tons of joy :)

[@waltdog177]

The Patrick Explains videos are amongst some of my favourite videos on youtube. They're always hilarious to watch and I love the dialogue between yourself and your parents and you telling them how good a certain movie is as it almost feels like a dialogue with us, the audience. Keep doing what you're doing, Man! And by that, I don't mean keep doing the same thing. Keep doing you! Keen for the new unique approach!!

[@tomsadler8284]

Thought the second part of this essay was really eye opening. I agree your best work is the narrative woven into the essay - similar to the success Red Letter Media has had with their VHS repairmen Reviews, it distinguishes the video from everything else out there.

[@laurenbennett7674]

“Requisite Pretentious Pointing Photo” Your “Patrick Explains” vídeos are my favorite of your nonfiction vids also :p

[@nicolascage4812]

Never knew it took this much work to make a single video. You have earned alot more respect from me! Keep up the great work!

[@aldenraymond771]

Holy shit! I didn't you watched KZbin, Nick Cage!

[@jack-yn1wt]

@@aldenraymond771 Holy shit! I didn't know you watched KZbin, Alden Raymond!

[@hakancarlsson2881]

@@jack-yn1wt Holy shit! Didn't know you watched KZbin, Jack 8....2? Oh sorry.... Thought you were 81...my bad...

[@unclerhyss5506]

@@hakancarlsson2881 Holy Shit! I didn't know you watched KZbin, Hākan Carlsson....are you norweigan?

[@Awesomepedia]

05:30 You don't even know how my endorphins spiked when I spotted my video on the second page of your search results! I'M ECSTATIC TO BE PART OF THE BLUR. The first half of this video is interesting but the second half is great. It's a good and ambitious goal you're setting and I'm looking forward to seeing how it develops.

[@AlexBalhatchet]

Patrick Explains' narrative structure makes them sooo good, love your work, have a great 2018!

[@theapologytourpodcast]

Great video! It's actually really inspiring to see that my process is almost identical to yours, at times I feel like I'm wandering around in the dark but this just helped me a lot. Thank you! And I can't wait to see more.

[@joefoster2292]

Definitely, do love the Patrick Explains videos, they are my favourites with your pure enthusiasm of the topic and deadpan delivery.

[@jonathonganji7737]

Pat, I love your thinking. I think I was starting to go down the same rout, but thank you for stopping me in my tracks and encouraging me to think differently.

[@Frostyeel]

It's funny watching this video for the first time in 2020, because the Charl arc has been such a wonderful realization of your goal for the channel

[@drewsandersmedia]

Yes! Very cool. Exciting! Sounds like you’re on the edge of something new! The commentaries where you explain why with your parents are my favorite thing on this channel so far.

[@RCBeiler]

I discovered you through the Tommy Wiseau Batman trailer and thought it was hilarious (along with some of your other trailers). It was the video essays that convinced me to subscribe, but definitely the Patrick Explains videos that I always make sure not to miss right after I see it in my sub box. I personally think you have a unique take on essays and your role as a filmmaker definitely shines through, so I'm excited to see where you go in 2018.

[@carlosmgpinheiro]

Right on the money Patrick. Your "Patrick explains" series is just amazeballs awesome! The video essays are the gateway drug that got me to watch the narratives that I've been enjoying more and more.

[@lilganstaer]

I pretty much love all your videos, you inspire me to do so much and I can't wait to get started doing them all

[@HussainAl--Khalil]

I'm happy you make a real effort to makebthem more dynamic. The patrick explains format is my personal favorite cause of the storytelling within and it keeps from that "reading from a script" vibe that some other channels have and can become a tad generic in terms of style. Keep doing this youtube thing man I really appreciate it, especially coming from a filmmaker who also wonders how to touch on certain things but still wanting to be identified as a filmmaker.

[@dizzled.1325]

I love that your pushing yourself

[@vishwamohanahebbar2262]

Your channel has the most variety in high quality content. Eagerly waiting for your new video essays now.👍

[@punkcatfilms1107]

Great video. I’m always looking forward to your stuff. I love learning from you. Thank you.

[@Alex.In_Wonderland]

Love the Akira reference at the end! Another awesome video pat!

[@FwaterO]

Contra Points does extremely well shot unique video essays, i like the cinamatics of her style

[@OfficialLEBK]

The reason I like watching your video essays is because of all the skits and extra footage that you incorporate into them. You've clearly got a style of your own that is well-defined, making you stand out from the rest. That is what more video essayists (?) need! Something unique and different that separates them from the rest of the crowd. Keep making awesome content, and keep rocking that unique style of yours Patrick! I'll be here as always, waiting for the next one! :)

[@felinefriends7797]

I'm excited to see how you evolve your idea. Looking forward to seeing new content.

[@The_Mendoza]

I'm excited at the prospect of these videos becoming more unique!

[@juliansfilmmaker]

Fantastic video, Patrick. I totally agree with the fact that video essays are all so similar.

[@have345]

What you are talking about is branding, find your brand and you'll find the neat little package across all your video. With that being said, you did a good job making me feel challenged. As someone who wants to do this full time one day, I need play with the formatting and try and be more creative. Thank you, sir.

[@tonysylar]

One of your best videos...Well done.

[@jamestmcadams]

Patrick this is fucking amazing. I've been looking for something like this for weeks. Good work (tell the rest of the team too!)

[@TheRedVelvetScare]

Tons of fun as usual, bud! Pursue your passions and keep pushing yourself to grow! Many of us will be here cheering you on. :)

[@nikolaykarakadaev3360]

You r so creative. Love your videos, keep going!

[@snowmaneldorad8541]

Man, you're good. Yours are some of the best videoessays on the market. I would put them on par with Tony Zhou easily. I like that you have your own opinion, and although I sometimes do not agree with them (particularly on a subject of seemly universally undeniable greatness of Marvel-Disney movies), but they are always respectable and have good arguments. And your montage and editing, lighting and other technical aspects are really great. Haven't seen your movies and shorts yet (yeah, I'm one of those people that are coming on this segment of youtube only to watch somebody talking about my favourite or not-so-much movies and popular trends), but I'm sure you're doing great and wish you best of luck and to never lose creative energy and strokes of inspiration on doing what you really care about.

[@yourstrulyinhd]

I'm a big fan of the "Patrick Explains..." series too. Kinda love how you hide the criticism within a story. New favorite KZbin channel. Keep it up and thanks!

[@TravenTalks]

Great video man, I always love seeing other people's process for these kinds of things. But I think the best part was hearing about why you make these videos, which is something that, outside of the typical answer of "Oh I just like making them", is something you never hear about. I also make video essays to help me learn about and improve my own skills in storytelling, and its cool to see that I amn't the only aspiring writer with the same mentality. Personally, I think its the narrative touch that makes your video essays so fun to watch. It gives it a feeling of being more than a video essay, if you get me. I feel like I'm starting to ramble at this point, but you know what I mean. This was a great watch :D

[@TaylorTano98]

TravenTalks Hey man, I just discovered your channel and it's one of my favorite things! Seriously top- notch work. I don't create video essays (due to my lack of knowledge of video editing and computers in general), but I write analytical essays that I would love to someday translate to this format. I also wrote an essay on Rick and Morty's story structure and I'm more proud of it than anything else I've written. Anyway, glad this comment section allowed me to find your channel. Keep up the great work!

[@chimboseos]

Patrick, keep up the good work! your channel is awesome and also very inspiring! greetings from Brazil!

[@nkanyisoinnocentkhwane3752]

*Great Akira reference* Thanks for teaching me all your secrets 🤔 perhaps now I can make video essays

[@harperellenburg]

Patrick. Your so great, your a true class act and I love your videos but even more than that I love that you are always trying to exceed your own expectations. Keep it up man, I get paid Friday ill throw some change at you.

[@joshuageraldbutler8037]

Wow, so glad I'm early 😊 love your content 😊 favourite creator of the last year 😊

[@RothurThePaladin]

Great work as always.

[@maxwellb.4453]

You got a good thing going my man, definitely underappreciated on the internet for now but I don't doubt you'll pick up that clout

[@VinegarAndSaltedFries]

Awesome. Excited to see more of this blurring.

[@JamesLawner]

Y'know what? You're absolutely right about video essays on KZbin, even though I enjoy some of them, they do tend to follow a similar structure. Also, your video making process sounded fascinating and inspiring.

[@MaxMarriner]

Hell yeah. Time to put the *video* back into video essays.

[@crachor]

This video reminds me of a time in high school when I got stuck on an essay idea, so I wrote about writer's block.

[@MalloryMovies]

Also, having now watched the second part, now I'm like, rethinking every idea I've had for a video to make for this year and how I could approach it differently as someone who was beginning to get into video essays, which is exciting and also terrifying and frustrating. So, uh, I guess... thank you and also what the fuck dude?? lol great video as always, can't wait to see what you do next as you work toward this idea, and definitely something I'll be taking to heart in my own videos as someone who is also a filmmaker trying to figure out how to best use this medium for that end. Keep up the awesome work!! ^_^ edit: also it's comforting to know I'm not the only one who gets ideas from tweets lol

[@CsongorVarady]

Mad respect for trying to be different! Keep it up!

[@danyo10]

Love ur and ur team's work Pat0Rick

[@nMsFreeStyleZ]

Love your videos brother

[@PanupatChong]

I think it's less about the format and more about the message. I for one learned a lot from you and for that you have my big big thanks.

[@taniajuan]

I really enjoy your video essays, and yeah the ones explain movies to your parents are the funniest xD

[@arians3713]

Sounds exciting, Your idea of discussing filmmaking with filmmaking. And it's a great video by the way. I see a storytelling method emerging already.

[@PaytonSwan]

You just made me go back and completely reformat my next video. I had the audio all recorded and cut up in premiere and everything. But it'll be better. I think. Thanks!

[@crabbySm4ck3r]

I’m posting one on Friday and this got me thinking. Definitely gonna pay careful attention to the format.

[@CristianoCang]

I loved that there's a bunch of other video essayists commenting here. I've now followed five more channels. :)

[@rpeters330]

Thanks for making my day

[@cleverandroid]

Hey Patrick. I've been having the same issue as I've been writing essays, and trying to come at it with a creative way to put out my own voice. As i decided to start up my channel to have create essays, and showcase my shorts. Great content as usual.

[@jimle1370]

That was a next level video essay about video essays

[@AbbyCalender]

It’s so interesting to see the process behind your video essays. Also: unrelated, but please do a video on Sense8!

[@ApoCow]

I think your ideas in the second half of this vid are exactly on-point, & I can't encourage you enough to keep thinking about how to hybridize your short film style with your video essays. I can easily see you reconciling these styles in a way that's high;y artful, much like how Errol Morris re-energized the documentary format in the '80s & on. (Don't get me wrong; there were many masterpieces in the documentary field before Morris came along, but he certainly helped to revolutionize & expand what was considered an acceptable way to tell stories in a doc. I mean, "The Thin Blue Line" doesn't look or feel much like, say, "Shoah", no?)

[@daltonriser1125]

you know when i saw the title i thought this would be a video about the meta text of why people write video essays and the effect they have on discourse but i guess i'll have to wait for another day on that one

[@shanemarkus4697]

I love your video essays...

[@guicaldo7164]

0:39 Well this sounds like my process in coming up with book and film ideas... except that I have maybe half a dozen of them in my head for up to several _years_ and keep fleshing them out further... yeah, I'm not one for short projects. xD

[@JMaTiMedia]

Fully on board!

[@tonnib]

Very cool. I'm having a similar problem right now!

[@WarpstoneHoarder]

Loved it!

[@ameliajones2266]

This is a life-saver. I just typed out my first draft of my first video essay a couple days ago. (Which is something I've been thinking about doing for a while) And hearing this is great. Now I realize you have much better equipment then I do, but hopefully for a starter channel that won't matter too much. For any of you old pros out there: Do you have any tips?

[@adamlee6389]

Hey Patrick just wanted to thank you for some of your recommendations over the past months. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay is one of the best books I've read in years.

[@patrickhwillems]

You're welcome! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@irwanshahabdullah9663]

My favourite video is the one you made on Alien Covenant. A perfect blend of critical commentary and inspired humour.

[@MrFTW733]

1:43 THANK YOU, i been taking movie clips the slow way with clipconverter

[@sporesurf]

Thank you for this. I'm outlining my first youtube video for a cinematography channel i want to start. And your thoughts on originality really hit me.

[@mooxim]

YEAH! Evolve that genre!

[@HeimiricIX]

You are not the only one who is trying to give some narrative to their videos and I tend to find those more boring if I may be honest. And the reason is not that they are boring but the titles... if the title is a video essay title and I'm met with narrative, I tend to just fast forward until they are talking about what I came here to hear about. So my suggestion is to find a way to present these videos (even the title) that already displays we are here for something more than just a topic being discussed. And you gave me a lot to think about, I started a couple of months ago a essay channel of my own and I too was following the same format as everyone's else... I may have to rethink that. Thanks a lot. Keep the great work coming.

[@GobbleGobble571]

Keep it up, this new store sounds facinating

[@LoganLS0]

I discovered your chanel through video essays and I subsequently subscribed. I think you're up there with Lindsay Ellis and Wisecrack for the best video essays on KZbin. I look forward to seeing you bend the format.

[@ToonamiT0M]

Is it bad that one of my favorite videos of yours is the x-tended discussion of the X-Men movies that you did with your friend Connor? I just enjoy hearing people talk about their passions, especially when they're super knowledgeable on the subject.

[@austinkiernan0000]

Love it man

[@aurorasartorialis7092]

You should look at how PhilosophyTube and ContraPoints approach their work. Their essays are not critiquing videos, so their approach to their subject matter necessarily becomes a good deal more involved.

[@redvelvetpictures]

Well said, Patrick. Well said

[@generalkenobi7873]

I have like *50 to 60* YT channels in my subscribe list, and in those 50 to 60 there got to be *only 3 or 4* channels that make real video essays on a "regular basis"... (that's just a way of saying that I "clean" my subscribe list really often) *you're channel is in one of those 3 or 4... so yeah I think you're pretty good at making those...* ^^ Even though _"Patrick explains..."_ are still my favorite ones.... ^^

[@CharlySafe]

I've just whacht this video and I realised that your channel is the kink of channel I'll like to be... but in spanish (I'm from Argentina). There isn't a lot of video essays in spanish but most of the topics that I'm interested already had been made (in english) and I don't wanna just copy those videos. So I'm trying to find my way making my own personal stuff in a video essay fashion but not exactly that. Any way I'm rambling out... Your videos are GREAT anf I love your channel. ¡¡¡GRACIAS!!! ME VOY A HACER TU PATRON.

[@makhidavis6888]

I kept watching the what to do with the X-Men movies to keep me entertained and and how to make a good fantastic four movie.

[@raanst123]

Great video.

[@ZiKoN22]

great video. and yea there are a good amount of video essay makers on youtube, but most of them are boring. personal favourites are nerdwriter (though I often don't agree with what he says), u, Every Frame a painting, and Rossatron (cause action movies are awesome). I kinda want to start creating video essays (once I move out of my parent's place :S ) but that's not for a while due to my area's current housing market craze -_____- . I got some good ideas I think, but I did what u said, write some stuff down, then come back to it in like 3 weeks or so with a new mindset to see if what is written still holds up.

[@dj2neo]

No disrespect, but this is similar to what The Royal Ocean Film Society channel lamented about. How to be different and stand out. I like your idea to make the video essay part of a narrative. And yes, the Patrick explains series with your parents are really unique. It's really like talking to a friend and convincing them why so and so film/TV show/art piece is good and why they should give it a shot. Kudos!