What Happened to Cinematic Travel Videos?

[@AidinRobbins]

There's a huge demand for quality storytelling on KZbin- we're just too busy analyzing the Reels algo to see it 😶

[@TheDufresnes]

I just say we just do what we do which is why we started making videos, for the passion. People follow the trends because they want to blow up instead of being real and true. Personally when my wife and I aren't making videos we watch long form travel videos of all types. Keep having fun!

[@SamNewton]

I was literally thinking about bringing you up in this. You've proven theirs a place for that transition to longer story telling and it's so inspiring to see dude

[@iaf_fnd]

So true !

[@Tyski_Ty]

I'm currently about that myself. I've dropped one of the longest "Cinematic" stories that has a rollercoaster paste & vibe. I think the way how i film content, an adventure story is way meaningful than cinematic sequences. 🤙🏾

[@TMSProductions]

This is so true! I've noticed Aidin is absolutely crushing it because of amazing storytelling.

[@PeterMcKinnon]

Backflips and luma fades got me real good LOL Ahhh the days. Nothin but fondness!

[@MrJk46]

Do I hear a Luma fade backflip battle coming up between the two of you? #pleasemakethishappen

[@martykauffman]

It looks like you and Sam need to make a cinematic travel video

[@onevlogger_]

Pete and Sam, cinematic travel video in India

[@TheDufresnes]

But what is it? Fruity pebbles or coco puffs? Bwatsup with the lack of answer?

[@franktrottier5749]

Sam and Pete trading places for 24hrs | Keep it Reel

[@justkayy]

It’s unfortunate but the reason why, is because the gap between us and beginners (new to KZbin) is too big. It took me 4 years and a big grind to get to this point and eventually there aren’t many KZbinrs to collaborate with and when I try they’re busy. So I either have to film alone or spend 5-10k each trip on friends to help out. Traveling is so expensive and before you can even pay for the trips solo you need 50-100k subs. Then you still need to find people to come with. It also takes a lot of time to create one of those videos so the ad revenue isn’t a lot. I would recommend new people to focus indeed on Storytelling and share their life but also from home to make it easier for them to grow and eventually focus on travel content. I think the solution would be for companies to provide for example recurring revenue affiliates. Let’s see, hopefully more people pick up storytelling and long form content with some travel, landscapes and cultures like you said. I feel the same way, short form just isn’t it for me.

[@andrewvhoang]

Traveling is indeed quite expensive. I’ve been making films for 5-6 years now and they can still be improved so the learning curve is definitely really high. It’s also hard finding filmmakers to travel with and not everybody can go. That being said, I would love to collaborate with others on here if anybody is down!

[@michaelkerkering7047]

I agree with this. I never even ended up editing all my footage from South America in 2022. I just realized I wasn't telling stories that I wanted to tell. That's why I have been working on a feature film for the last 2 years now.

[@jeffmurraycreative]

Watching travel vids is what inspired me to pick up a camera and start learning to film in the first place. It’s what led me to people like you, and McKinnon, and Kolder, etc. I’ve consumed hours of these vids hoping that one day I can do it just as good. Please don’t stop! Keep traveling to dope locations and creating stories that pull at my heart strings. Hoping I can do the same one day. Love what you do!

[@erikhedenfalk]

Thanks for talking about this man! I have had precisely the same thoughts the last few years. TikTok and Reels have in a way killed the long-form content. These platforms reward people for uploading new content every day. I on the other hand used to spend about a month on each of my first edits, which I think sounds crazy to a lot of new filmmakers - as in terms of likes and quick dopamine from engagement - reels and tiktoks are in general so much more rewarding... miss the good old days!

[@TheFlyFishingFilmmaker]

That's one reason why your edits are so good!

[@natquinones_]

I started my photography and videography passion with this cinematic travel videos on KZbin, this made me so excited to one day visit some of those countries around the world and make my own travel films, this videos really created a spark on me of inspiration, also if I wanted to knew a place I’d search first for a travel cinematic video to get a taste of the place and then drown on a little more and make deep research on it. In my opinion that generation that started doing this travel films are people that now are working with top brands on the industry because of their ability of storytelling and editing with this long format videos. Short form is easy to do and you don’t really need to have something cohesive to have traction on social media. I still love watching long format cinematic videos and I miss to see more of this content, Sam thanks for keeping doing this amazing curated films.

[@DroneFate]

Here’s my longform travel film color graded using your gamut LUTs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWWsppyDl6-AmbMsi=f8SLPh7EUE9YMdIB

[@jonathansweeney]

i’m in my final year of film school in LA and despite learning the “hollywood” style of making things, my heart still calls for the run&gun travel and adventure films that inspired me first instead of working at a soundstage everyday. i started making things due to being inspired by sam kolder and that era of filmmaking, so regardless of what’s popular or profitable, i hope filmmakers like us will never let that truly die.

[@AnthonyGugliotta]

My hot take... The style of storytelling that's in demand on KZbin right now doesn't fit with the conventional "Cinematic long-format Travel Video" People still want storytelling, but there are so many different ways to do it now. As much as people would call me a shorts creator, I would happily ctrl-alt-delete all shorts content if it meant I could focus 100% on KZbin long-form.

[@ChinaUndiscovered]

I'm actually in the process of editing a long form travel video from a trip i took a few years ago. I had previously made one 20 minute video from this but now I want to update this and really focus on the story telling aspect - which is what led me here. I've been searching for inspiration along the way and I'm glad to have found your account. i would absolutely love for others to be able to really see the local side of China instead of the stereotypical junk that has been put out for the past several years.

[@austinbrady]

Sam! I just visited Iceland for the first time a few weeks ago and I grew up watching those exact travel films you're talking about. It was such a cool inspirational experience. I'm really excited to see what I can create out of the footage. So here's to another cinematic travel film coming soon!

[@FeliFonseca]

Let’s make it happen, I did the same from an Iceland trip a month ago! Sam give me some time and I’ll share my first Cinematic Travel Film! 🤌🏻

[@ruthaisling]

That's a great question, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I've been making long-form travel videos about Scotland on KZbin, not sure if you could call them cinematic, but the time involved in making these can be 3-7 days whereas a reel can sometimes be 3-4 shots and you can get way more views. The ROI of time and effort in terms of views is usually so much more with short-form. But I prefer making long-form and that will continue to be by focus.

[@LawrenceLivingstone]

Bro I try to do them, (on my channel) with a lot of overthinking inside and stories and things I discover. I'm improving day by day but for now I do it for myself, and I love that kind of contents :)... I love long format travel film ❤

[@FernwehChronicles]

Interesting take on the future of travel films Sam. I’ve been with you since 2017 and fondly think of your travel cliche video which was hilarious but also super inspirational! I would love to see more of that from YOU! 🫵😊

[@XzarLim]

Sadly, I'm also having a hard time as most people are now into short forms and less attention span for long form content. I think one of the most important things is not just to show cinematic videos but to tell a story about it.

[@pascalbasel]

It's actually quite weird that we don't see more of these videos. The gear got crazy good, AI makes storytelling so much easier, brands seem to sponsor more than before... The times are perfect for that. I have to admit, that Covid made me quite lazy to travel so much and we got two cats xD

[@joespn18]

But attention span got shorter 😅 so nobody watches that type of content anymore and since nobody is watching it nobody makes it 😕sucks

[@pascalbasel]

@@joespn18 I wouldn't say nobody. There are still lots of people, like me, that rather watch long-form content.

[@ARLimitless]

bro you hit it perfectly. Covid, but my friend give it a try and you will feel alive.

[@pascalbasel]

I moved permanently to Thailand haha. So I never really stopped. Just need to do more trips instead of being home.

[@ARLimitless]

good luck buddy@@pascalbasel

[@greenwood7734]

I am planning on beginning my journey when I move out. I promise you that I will make cinematic travel films. You inspire me everyday, to actually grab my camera. You make me feel this warm lively feeling in my stomach when I watch your videos. Keep on what you do. I love filmmaking!

[@ForWildsSake]

I’m just starting my travel adventure cinematic and photography journey, So I hope it’s not dead, it just takes so much effort and gear to make the quality of video people have came to expect, I think it scares a lot off, Stay Creamy Bro!

[@keanu.visuals]

I think the game's changing for a couple of big reasons. First, short-form videos are like a fast track to getting a bunch of followers. Super useful, right? Also, clients are all about that short-form life right now, so I gotta get good at it. But here's the twist: short vids get you noticed, but longer stuff? That's how you really connect with people. I'm pretty sure we're gonna start seeing more of that "middle-length" content pop up and pushed by algo soon. 💥💯

[@ConnorTrimble]

This is spot on --> short form gets you noticed, but the long form is what gets you those big jobs + long term/more meaningful relationships/clients 100%

[@ProfessorBStudios]

Hang on... let me put my biscuit down... Ok, so first off, I completely agree with your assessment and I also miss that content! I think you've answered a lot your own questions in a good way here. Lots of creators are chasing the quick validation, following the trends, doing what the big creators are doing, riding the coattails, etc... So I won't comment further on all that. For myself, however, I run a studio that does a lot of work with local businesses, artists, and (mainly) musicians. I've done some global corp client work as well but the studio had to close for a couple of years, like many others, and I just recently reopened. It's AMAZING how different the landscape is now. You do raise an interesting point though... I've been doing so much work to keep the lights on that I really haven't shot much for myself... especially since I've been back. Also, for clarity, by 'back' I mean back in business, not back on KZbin; I've never been much of a KZbin creator. I'm going to have to give this some though, carve out time for something. May or may not be travel related but can definitely be cinematic and longer form; and for me. Thanks for what you do man, also, coco puffs.

[@AkashMajumderr]

So agree with you on this Sam. I learnt so much from Peter, Aidin and your videos and now looking at my recommendations all those videos without a story, without any good visuals or just that effort to create something meaningful is slowly fading. Either ways, I feel it's a cycle. People will come back to the OG era of KZbin once mindless content eats up their head. The wait would be worth it!

[@krescentstudios]

This legit brought tears to my eyes and motivated me to make stuff. I'm that person with loads of travel video on my hard drive and haven't felt like I can use it because it wouldn't fit into the box I've created for my career, and also feeling like it won't be good enough. You reminded me that's not why I started building my business in the first place. It wasn't meant to exist in a box, and I never let fear stop me before. Thanks, Sam - you just fast-tracked a big step for me. Kressa

[@ChrisRogers]

more than 7000 Languages in the world and Sam decided to speak FACTS in this one! But it's true man, I miss those days when so many edits were dropping! I think the Pandemic obviously had a big effect and then when travel started again, short form was now a new thing so the younger generation was creating for that instead of KZbin? And now you have a whole group of people going on trips to shoot "Vibey short form travel reels" and they'll make over 100 reels with the same recycled clips. Don't get me wrong, also not hating on it, some of them are incredible! BUT because it's all shot in portrait they can't make a nice horizontal travel banger... I Hope people are still making them and that the algorithm will show them to me.

[@TheDufresnes]

Yes true, i do find it funny when people limit their footage by shooting vertical. If you frame it right you can take vertical clips from your horizontal footage (with the option to pan around the clip) and bang out both types of content!

[@peterngynn]

I was just thinking about this! I actually booked a trip to the Dolomites just to attempt at making my first travel film. I know there is some incredible short form content out there but the immersive experience and story that travel films conveyed was such an important part of why I picked up a camera and i’m super excited to attempt my first travel film. Thank you for the inspiration Sam!

[@TySPAID]

I don't have a ton of time or money to travel, but I always try to make a travel film when I go. Here's my most recent adventure in Mexico: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3icgoWDlt6InLcsi=uBrHhzYTe4FHJLsX

[@AntonNordstrand]

For me personally, I became uninspired once I realised that I didn't have the time and effort to make them as good as everyone else. Also I think in general people started craving more personality and "real shit" in videos overall.

[@StevieTheWanderer]

Yup seeing this trend

[@jovinbrillo]

Hi Sam been following your channel for a long time. for us who aspire to become travel filmmakers, I know there are still a lot of us who still do travel films but we are just too small to be seen. But just wanna let you know that we are still here who are still creating these videos and will still be. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@talesofjustin]

Totally agree with you on this Sam. It's too bad we see less and less of these kind of films, because those formats really allow to tell a story. It's the reason I subscribed to your channel. I'm producing travel films and will continue doing so, just for the love of it. Hope you do too! (though I'm pretty sure you will)

[@TheDufresnes]

subbed, but you didn't answer the question. Fruity pebbles or coco puffs😂

[@talesofjustin]

@@TheDufresneshaha we have neither in The Netherlands but I’d have to go with Coco Puffs

[@liveyourlife_tv]

Thank you so much for verbalizing what so many of us has been thinking

[@Arnellyfurellyfilms]

A lot of travel videos I watch seem like they’re created for the sole purposes of getting as many views as possible, and as a result lead to the cliche videos that you’re talking about including fast paced, 2 second in-your-face clips, beautiful women in bikinis diving into a body of water, and of course, people looking off into the distance on top of a clip and yelling for no reason, since this is the type of content sells. I know for myself after watching these types of travel videos, I’ve sometimes felt like I’m not travelling to the right places, I’m not experiencing enough, or that my travel experiences are somehow less valid than those who create travel content for a living. The reason I follow you and look forward to every video you put out is that you share stories that are raw and real, and I find I connect more on an emotional level to that. Your videos share stories of real people with real challenges, and it helps inspire me to capture the every day stories of the closest people in my life. So while I feel like everyone should put out whatever content speaks to them, I will continue to follow content creators who advocate for intimate story telling and meaningful connections, and who inspire me to do the same.

[@StevieTheWanderer]

Very thoughtful perspective

[@storybydanehav]

I think the problem is not on the creation part, but you touched it around 7 minutes in: KZbin doesnt recommend good new stuff anymore. I see the same 50 videos on my home screen more or less every day, even if I've already watched a lot of them. And on the other side of that: As a recently started channel making reality docs about people doing interesting things (preferrably when I travel), I struggle with the algoritm not showing new stuff to new people. So I think it's more of a youtube problem than a creator problem, which is kinda sad.

[@StephenDeLosRios]

SAM! I’m here! You and others have been inspiring me and I am planning some trips out. I’ve been doing this for less than a year and have given myself a 5 year plan soooooooo…you WILL be seeing travel films from me pretty soon!

[@going.on.an.adventure]

The main reason why I am at the beginning of my career as a film maker is cinematic travel videos. They inspired me so much I stopped everything and now I'm becoming a film maker. And I can't wait to make my own cinematic travel video soon! I'll send it once it's done. Thanks for the inspiration Sam.

[@JonathanLuceroYT]

I subscribed buddy!

[@M_and_E_Films]

The reason why is it's just brutal to edit these long form vids at a high level. Anyone with that attention to detail in post needs years of practice to be able to replicate it quickly. We are trying!!! Wife and I are now constantly trying to find ways to tell good stories on the road and not become numb to our own footage. You're an inspiration Sam! Oh ya, i'm from Tierrasanta, grew up right next to you!

[@abeandmel]

We have really been diving into the learning part as well, only way to get better is to try, practice, put it out there and repeat. :) (Also just watched your "maybe one day I'll fly" and I wasn't able to comment on it, comments are turned off)

[@marcvigram]

Got you covered with my latest Bali video. I won't stop doing this as you said is what we love. Thanks for inspiring us to push boundaries on travel videos.

[@thelukestrege]

I felt this whole message. It's so interesting we are so used to living in 10-30 second videos now from socials

[@beckycheryl95]

I totally agree! Cinematic travel films is what inspired me to go on adventures and explore the big beautiful world we have out there. Cinematic content is my absolute favourite thing to watch, and is the only thing that gives me a feeling or emotion when I watch it. And is the reason why I’m so happy to have found your channel!!! Please create this content we’re all hungry for! 🙏🏼😃

[@Silvasvisuals]

I like Coco Puffs. As a short form - full time travel filmmaker myself, I find very hard and overwhelming that long form requires way more depth and a concept. I feel that just putting a ton of clips together without a VO/Script/Message is just a longer piece of short form. It feels hard to give more depth to these kind of videos, and that can be very intimidating now that we're used to making shorter form content. I've got a couple videos that I've made dozens of reels on, and I could easily slap them together on a timeline and call It a day, but there's a lack of depth. I can't figure out how to tell that story in a longer format. In my opinion that's what makes long form shine, take people like yourself, Kay, Aidin Robbins etc, there's so much more storytelling to a travel film, that gap between eye candy from cool places and something that genuinely provokes emotions and feeling feels very intimidating and huge at times to cross.

[@iaf_fnd]

I'm totally with you on this one. I still mixt my best clips together to make me remember what I'm capable of and what can be improved. But trying to create a meaningful story around it is just really hard. Loved the example of Aidin btw, such a great storyteller

[@anthonybonacio]

I love the long-form videos, I’m new to it but I love the process. I recently made one on hiking the Green Lakes in the Wind River Range and I look forward to making a lot more!

[@nolanoconnor4828]

Great vid, thanks Sam! Going to Portugal Greece & Iceland next month & can’t wait!!

[@phil_marshall]

My personal opinion on that: I completely agree with you Sam, cinematic travel videos as we once knew them are dead, which is such a good thing to me. These kind of short films were a very good open door into the filmmaking industry and I'm sure that so many filmmakers that actually have a company and work with whatever clients started by making travel cinematic films. For me personnally, even if it never took off yet (and I was learning too lol), training on this kind of films taught be how to use my gear, how to compose shots, what weather were good or bad for shooting, meeting strangers and new friends from around the world on travels. But what I've been thinking over the last couple of months, after 8 months of intense travel filmmaking and especially portfolio crafting was: why travelling, why making videos around that all the time, what I am getting from it? I see that a lot of filmmakers see success through travelling in crazy places working with huge brands, landing their dream clients, going to Bali, having ice bath and say it's the best experience of their entire lives (lol, sorry for the stray bullet those who do that haha). Anyway, I feel that this concept has been pushed a lot and is more and more becoming a copy of itself from cinematic travel video to another one. I also feel that those who were destinated to make it with this kind of formats, already made it and in order to make it now, we need to innovate again ("innovate or die", Steve Jobs) What I see now is that the kind of cinematic content that we used to see on youtube is now working better (and maybe slowly fading out?) on insta and that videos with a new concept and story tend to work a lot better on youtube, which is exciting I think. Which makes sense because after seeing 100 times guys and girls running on the beach saying "woo", and then doing backflips on a waterfall in Bali, it doesnt impress as much now as it did earlier just because of how predictable it became. And it doesn't sell as much dream anymore because anyone with USD1500 can buy a return ticket from pretty much anywhere in the world to do the same (that's my perception on this one though, maybe USD1500 is not that easy to earn for everyone) Personal conclusion: I personnally dont find any sense if doing backflips from cliff or getting sick drone shots for the sake of it, and I don't really care about those who do it. I think that if they do it, they are happy and successful, it's very good for them and I'm happy for them. But my way of finding happiness is by working on meaningful projects first. Then, hope that they will lead me to travel. After 8 months of travels in latin America I also developed that passion of being abroad and doing cool things but it must always have a fair use behind it. So when making films, whatever that is, I try to bring that knowledge learned with cinematic travel films and integrate it into a more documentary approach so that storytelling has even more impact due to beautiful picture. Finally, well done Sam for being one of the few that really create interesting travel cinematic films with a real story behind it, you are truly an inspiration

[@DanteNostalgicFiction]

love your excitement, soon i'll be moving from Argentina to Italy, it's a big step and i am planning to make cinematic travel videos of the process

[@platinumdinerTV]

I recently discovered cinematic travel vlog channels and the quality of their films is top notch. They make the "Hi guys" vloggers look basic. I observed most of those films we made a year ago. But they are really good.

[@LauraBC]

I couldn't agree more with this! I LOVE cinematic travel videos with good storytelling. ❤ I'm starting my solo travels as a photographer in a month. As a creator, I teach photography on my channel but I want now to travel full time and attempt to create cinematic travel vlogs about my adventures. I'm still learning and I recently bought a filmmaking course to try to tell my stories the best I can. However, I'm a solo creator, which sucks. 😂 But hoping to meet other creatives along the way to collaborate with and travel. For me, long form content. 🙏🏼

[@KarlMarkusAntson]

You talked straight to me. Everything was spot on - I’ve been postponing my personal vision of travel films since 2017 bc of client work. I have 100s of already filmed travel and art vids and other documentary stories waiting to edit and be released. Give me few months and I will send you some YT links to finished vids.

[@TheDufresnes]

Get on it! I run a few different business' but I still get a video out a week! Once you get to editing your personal (fun) stuff you'll keep going. I'm subbing to see when you get one out! Pura Video from Costa Rica!

[@KarlMarkusAntson]

@@TheDufresnes i appreciate the words! Definitely will - just right now filming a new video for my YT while editing 5 client videos on a tight deadline this September. Costa Rica is high on my list, greetings from Estonia!

[@outdoorroving9648]

I'm new to watching your channel, and I stumbled upon it while looking for more information on cinematic clichés. I feel that some of my videos lack a storyline or are just lazy. It seems like most creators have everything they need to make a killer video but might be hesitant to go after what they want due to the possible fear of failure. Or they lean too much on the easy button, post on IG or KZbin, get the views, and move on. I'm not exactly sure which one most are, but I lean towards the latter and will make it out of that rut. I'm still figuring it out. Thank you for sharing everything on your channel. I really enjoy it. You're clearly passionate about what you do and what you believe in. Keep up the great work! Just keep it up, man, you're rocking it.

[@RodGotfried]

2015/16/17 was the absolute peak of travel videos. Gimbals had just come out, the Sony a7s2 was a travel video machine! Miss this time so much. Pre- Instagram stories, pre tik-tok. Everyone was just posting cool shit on Vimeo

[@alden.morton]

This video was really refreshing... started this year posting travel videos! Hoping the longer forms of content come back again 🤞🏻

[@drewthedirector]

6:43.... I FEEL SEEN 😭😭😭 I love your candor Sam. Let's bring back the nostalgic travel films that have been sitting on our harddrives for years 😂speaking for a friend😅

[@Kleinholz235]

hey sam Im not doing cinematic travel videos on my channel but you inspire me always inndoing story telling in my woodworking videos with a cinematic touch! thank you for your inspiration and motivation! love your stuff ❤

[@thisfatefulhour]

Last one I did: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZSpZ5SPgraJp9E

[@nolnkim]

You're one of my biggest inspirations. I am by no means a professional filmmaker, but I spent the last 9 months traveling to 11 countries, making videos, interviews, cinematics and vlogs. The goal is to make 100 videos, and I'm at 75. You're part of the reason why I chose to go on this trip after having saved money for 2 years. Even though I don't get too many views, what pushes me is to make memories and be able to show my future self and my family in the future (maybe similar to you??) Thank you for inspiring me because due to making videos, I forced myself to interact with people in every country I've been to and have made some friends for a lifetime! I prefer chocolate Rice Krispies :)

[@WeDidItOurWay]

I think that you hit the nail on the head, making these cinematic travel videos (as you know) takes a lot of time and effort, a hell of a lot more than creating short form content. Personally it does feel difficult to balance everything that is expected out of being a creator (posting constantly & trying to vary between socials, KZbin, our blog, client outreach... the list never ends). But... currently working on exactly this, a cinematic travel video from our latest trip to Guatemala! Also the correct answer is Captain Crunch...

[@TheDufresnes]

It's funny because I find the short form is more of a pain to make compared to our long form. Going to sub to see your Guatemala vid, we live in Costa Rica and have filmed here for 6 years and have plans to finally head up to Guatemala! Pura Vida! Oh and Captain Crunch is evil, leaves the roof of your mouth cut for a week after eating.

[@WeDidItOurWay]

@@TheDufresnes LOL at the evilness of the Captain! Where abouts do you live in CR? We spent 3 months there earlier this year, did our Dive Master training in Playa Coco and loved our time there, Pura Vida 100%! Enjoy your time up in Guatemala, if you need any help or info feel free to reach out, or check out our blog specifically on where to go in Guatemala!

[@alamoalberto9538]

Coco puffs!! I was thinking about it for long time too Sam, I really prefer a cinematic travel video to a instagram reels...In my case I was really fruatated about this and I stop recording anything, but I discover you months ago and you and other youtubers has bring me back the desire to cath my camera and make cinematic videos. So thanks Sam regards from spain.

[@BryceDocherty]

I think many people just don't divert too much from the formula so many travel films feel cookie cutter. Your films always have a message. A film I recently made was about my parents passing. Using the locations as backdrops more than being the main premise maybe is a way to divert expectations and bring the audience into something diffent they aren't use to seeing. Idk. When I see a travel film that recycles the same styles I have already seen I'm just not engaged. I need a good story. Like in One More Shot.

[@JustinBainbridgeYT]

Preach it man! It's so hard to feel like your getting left behind as a small creator in the wave of short form boom. I'm trying to build the skills just to make awesome story driven videos, It's a weird world we live in. This video speaks to me haha

[@FilipGrony]

Great message man. I got really inspired and I finally finished video from Epic Norway Road Trip. Thanks 😄

[@NomadOverNormal]

I put out a 30 minute travel film on my page a month ago Called "Nomad over normal" Its got like 200 views. I didnt want to label it as a "cinematic travel film" but I guess thats what it is. It took me 2 years to make, it's really good, it tells a story in silence, and I dont really care if no one ever sees it. It's just there to pay homage to one of the most wonderful memories of my life: Living out of my car while exploring Wyoming/Montana.

[@benxytokyo118]

That s surely the type of videos I love. I try to make some, no much views but I love making those for me in the first place. I really enjoy the process, every time, every trip I learn something new, from my mistakes, it is always a fun challenge to improve the gear and when to use how to use etc. I can't get bored of it.

[@markwiemels]

For sure it's out of fashion at the moment, but long form content as whole is going out of fashion. I agree with your sentiment though, would be great to see more of it again.

[@ritwikjoardar966]

At least you are being honest and openly accepting there is decline in cinematic travel video I have seen many creators who moved on from long cinematic video to short content without much expalnation.

[@MRMSFamily]

I’m still producing Cinematic Travel Video to be uploaded once a week or a month. I don’t care if people stop doing it, I do it because I love it, and it makes me who I am in this platform. There were a down time when I felt demotivated cause many leaving. But, I’m back and being myself to keep exist in this platform. Doesn’t matter how many viewers or subscribers I got, keep traveling, keep producing and keep addictive buying gear!! Cheers…

[@dogpaaw4402]

I’m kind of feeling the same way, I wish there were more good stories on KZbin! I recently came across a video of Benowa (I think it’s called "An everyday day - short story" or something like that) and it really made me think! It looks like a funny little video at first but I think it’s way deeper than it looks! His cinematography is still not that great but it definitely has some potential!

[@thetravelingzam]

Its such a good point that these short form videos really make us lose the immersion

[@FenzirL]

Fruity pebbles! 🤣🤣🤣 Sam, you really inspire me! The content you make is so awesome! Particularly your video “a really good drone shot” is out of this world and that’s the best dji video I have ever seen on KZbin! And that song, damn!! I have been playing it on loop on Spotify ! 🥹 You inspire beginner youtubers like me, to try out similar travel content and maybe someday, we get to see all those beginner’s travel video rising up to the top and restote the “travel cinematic film” niche on youtube! Cheers man and thank you and keep doing more travel videos! You have got us to support you ! 🍻

[@KubPlays]

I commented on one of your videos earlier this year about how I wanted to make a short film with my new camera i got after graduation and watching one of your videos motivated me to try and actually make it happen again... and now 9 months later i've barely touched it again this year. hard to make a travel/adventure-y short film about friendship when you have a very small group of friends, and i've just settled into doing remote video editing work for others now and that's keeping me happy.

[@KaanSenel]

I feel like the same thing's happening on IG. Feels like just posting cool, cinematic travel vids isn't enough anymore. I think we're in period where providing value will get you way further in terms of growth

[@iammz81]

On IG? There is no demand on IG for 30 sec videos, only 1 sec idiotism.

[@brugii]

(cracks open fresh box of Coco Puffs) Dude. I needed this. (grabs a bowl) This style of video talked about is why I fell in love with creating videos. (pours cereal) To tell personal stories that are not only just cool edits, but also a way of capturing core memories that tell each of our unique stories of our time on this earth that we can cherish. (realizes I'm out of milk)

[@SebbyClemens]

I think it’s definitely due to the rise of short form content/Mr Beast type videos but I agree with Aidin that there’s a serious demand for good storytelling on KZbin with amazing visuals. Although those travel videos became cliche, I believe they are now in 2023 a way to stand out and be different in a world filled with fast paced dopamine hit content. We need videos that make us a feel and transport us to another world and that’s exactly what the cinematic travel film does. Glad you brought this up man, we need more creators creating these passion projects! I for one, plan on helping bring this back to KZbin🫡

[@Travsight]

This is actually something that I've kind of been considering adding to this channel, but "mini" versions instead of entire countries.

[@Project_lee]

I'm a big fan of you Sam. This video motivates me! I decided this year to try anythings I've only been thinking about. So I started to making videos now and I'll keep move forward🔥

[@mattgost7261]

I used to love Coco Pops back in the day. You might be right about the numbers going down for the travel videos, but whether it's caused by all the lockdowns caused it, situation around the world or changing trends - hard to tell. Maybe I'm going against the tide here, but being locked in China for the past 3 years made me change my photo gear and learn shooting and video editing from the scratch. I made only few short ones so far, but I'm quite happy with them and I'm motivated to keep improving. Thanks for all your content Sam, as it's really inspiring.

[@tbcmediaca]

Heard that loud and clear! I’m guilty of putting my whole summer on hold to keep the client base happy. I’m tired of dropping dreams for dollars and this has been heavy on my mind. Thanks for making this video Sam. I feel a fire of knowing has been lit where I have been questioning what I loved doing. Btw, immersion Luts are sick dude!👊

[@aliveintime]

It’s not dying out, I see people exploding still with travel content. Aidin the guy who you pinned is thriving with his epic story

[@Maciaasty_]

Ngl, im a boomer as well. Don't get me wrong. Short content is greate, especially when you sit on the toilet and scroll thru instagram reels, although i really miss that 2017-2019 travel films. They dont need to have epic transition all the way for 10min, just like u said. Just go and shot the adventure. Those type of videos made me fall in love with cinematography, videography and backflips in general. Took me way to long to get started but after those type of videos of yours i might just take my chance and try my best to shot sth in possible future. Thanks for that video, i really enjoy those type of videos as well❤

[@waynesworldtravels7450]

so like that's the type of video that got me to buy my first camera and its the type of content I hope to create. I noticed a lot of it completely disappear when covid started which I understood, it's hard to make travel content when the world is shut down. But when covid ended, I never really saw it come back. My current goal is to save enough to travel consistently for 6 months and just make cinematic travel films unit I feel comfortable with it. I plan on leaving in march to do this for 6 months going through Asia. wish me luck! and I hope more people get back into it!

[@GoodShipFilms]

I think a lot of travel filmmakers found a new focus during Covid. I think we will see them come back.

[@falkiser2882]

I agree.

[@TheArtofPassionNZ]

Bro 7mins just hit home so hard! I have a stack of mini docos I need to grow a pair and FINISH!

[@jonathanlessard7277]

Coco puff Listen to that has, I'm about to finish my first 20-min cinematic film. It's hard take a long time but i am soo psych with the result. I'm not a youtube creator for now but clearly hope to become one in the futur ! Love your channel !

[@EpicCinematicAdventures]

Cinametic travel films are not dead yet! 😊 I still making only cinematic films on my channel 😊 and Thank You! for inspiration!

[@TimChuon]

i laughed so hard after being so confused when you rolled peter's intro HAHA that was hilarious man

[@TimChuon]

cocoa puffs > fruity pebbles!

[@jax1079]

Sam, totally understand where you're coming from. The ebbs and flows of KZbin are pretty interesting, but I would encourage you to check out Expedition Overland's channel. They might be making some of the highest quality travel content out there right now, and my suspicion is that it succeeds because the scale of the adventure feels so much more worthy of the cinematic treatment. Ultimately, a lot of the videos we watched five years ago were people jamming on a week or two long vacation... not a multi-month overlanding epic, which feels so much more committed. Maybe that's what appeals to me: the people involved feel as though they're fully committed to making something epic because the journey DESERVED something epic, the scale was epic. I've been pondering this very same question lately for different reasons, so I just thought I'd share my two cents. If you're ever in Atlanta, hit me up. Peace.

[@benowa]

Well I’ve never tried Fruity Pebbles nor Coco Puffs but I’ll definitely try to do my best on my upcoming Japan "cinematic short film travel video"! I do miss these videos too, and I often get back to my favorite of all time: "Why I traveled the world this year" by Jakob Mihailo!

[@KirilDobrev]

This has definitely been on my mind too, dude. I've missed seeing films that have left me inspired. They're still out there but fewer and further between

[@Kayliedevon]

I have been doing photography for about five years now and just this year quit my job full time and now I'm dabbling in travel videos! I just made my first one and though it may not be great everyone starts somewhere!

[@StephanTimman]

Actually took my first flight to capture a travel video with my father this year. Went to Iceland to shoot portraits of people from all over the world. Actually now working on it and stoked to share it soon! 😍

[@ARLimitless]

I agree with you brother. I would say for myself, as much I was ambitious about being a travel filmmaker during college time, it drained out of me during pandemic. Until a month ago I was having a great career in craftsmanship but something flipped in me and I want to make travel films(especially the cinematic ones with voiceovers and all the crazy edits). I don't know if it had died out or not but I would do it bro because that's what makes me feel alive!!!

[@dagr.]

Short content hype is killing nice, longer form, content like yours. I love your films even if I’m not into travel films. My favorite indoor/traveling time is when I can watch a really good film on KZbin. Keep up doing your thing man, you’ve got the talent to set the direction for creators worldwide!👍💪👊

[@Tingalls_]

I just started going through all my old footage putting it together trying to make something out of all the hikes and travels I've filmed the last few years but couldn't get myself to finish and post an edit. I would never have started if it wasn't for You, Aidin Robbins, Peter Mckinnon, Sam Kolder, Benn TK. Been noticing the lack of travel films lately. Hope there is a new wave of artists that come to fill the void. Happy to see the others grow into other styles though.

[@pp-traveltheworld]

Hi Sam, I grow up watching these amazing travel videos you are talking about, and I am now trying to take up the torch. Travel youtube films are not dead, next generation is coming

[@alexfouquetfr]

Please, do not delete this video. You are speaking very true, this niche community, creating inspiring, and meaningful content is slowly vanishing with time. And in such a short content based world nowadays, we need that voice. Louder.

[@babetravelling]

I’m amazed with long form travel videos that are cinematic. The effort on planning, filming and editing is beyond 🥰

[@MattyDCCollins]

Hey Sam, awesome topic to bring up, I know for me I still LOVE to do it but it doesn't yield me much reward in where I want to go in my Filmmaking Career. Yes you learn new techniques for shooting and editing but for me I'd rather make a spec project or work with a company and create something meaningful that inspires people first and showcases the companies gear second. This way I can propel business by making connections with brands and still use my camera and conceptualize new ideas.

[@skylarpettingill2792]

Cody Blue makes unreal outdoor hiking and travel videos. It’s not the typical travel video with a million transitions. He’s shows a story about how they climbed a mountain peak. A great mix of almost a vlog/film making that is just perfect. Highly recommend you check him out.

[@kellyt105]

That kind of travel video are some of my favorite things to watch for sure. I have quite a few trips on a hard drive I've yet to do anything with and I certainly have meant to make something. I think for me, still a beginner, it gets kind of overwhelming sometimes, but you've given me the motivation to just get it done. Also, coco puffs rule.

[@jrmatosz]

I guess it's addictive to click that export button multiple times in a week and see the numbers growing, but man am I done with the Bali reels of a girl running towards a waterfall or a motorbike in Canggu beach. For me it will always be about the cinematic travel films, since that's what made me fall in love with filmmaking in the first place! There's nothing better than munching on fruity pebbles while choosing music on Artlist for your next travel film!

[@PursuitOfShutter]

Hey Sam, great hearing this from you, the whole POV. This thought had been on my mind for somewhat a long time, my take is that Human concentration is at a record Low now and hence long forms aren't performing. And there's surely a huge cavity & craving for good storytelling or really cohesive visuals that tells a story itself about the place. I am not a filmmaker by any means, just a beginner learning stuffs and making comparatively longer form videos about travel whenever I get to travel! Storytelling is something I wanna master ❤

[@Sporty12boy]

I definitely am the biggest fan of travel films and Vlogging! I do enjoy a few reels but my favourite is the longer form video

[@ErikSck]

It so true. Unfortunately Cinematic Films got rarely on KZbin. Personaly I do enjoy Reels or shorts because its also a piece of Art, but creating a Travel film is the real shit. I also do some short Travel videos to create some memories, to share my experiences with the world and to tell people my story. I wish there were more people out there who appreciate the stuff we do .

[@RBztudio]

Hey mate , Richard bales from Sydney Australia, big fan of you mate, lovr you story and the way you reach people hearts and emotions through your videos, after watched your last video about WHAT HAPPENED TO CINEMATIC TRAVEL.VIDEOS , I AM THAT KIND OF FILMAKER , LOVE CINEMATIC TRAVEL , i live in a beautiful country and my goal , dream is trying to show my country and my surroundings where i live . Im not that pro like you buy im putting all my heart, effort, happiness and knowledge to show my country through of travel videos like you mentioned , but now after watched your last post , you really to inspired me, so Heaps thank you for being an inspiration to everybody, specially myself and I hope one day my videos take your attention and we can meet anywhere... Peace out ✌️🙏❤️