All About Our Videos (Part 1) – Q&A
Questions answered in this video:
00:00 – Intro
00:22 – Have you taken film-making/editing/acting classes?
02:25 – How do you sync your singing to the studio audio during location shoots?
03:41 – What’s your ratio of prep time to actual shooting time?
05:03 – How do you decide who directs a video shoot?
06:05 – Who helps you with multi-camera shots?
07:18 – Did you forget to edit out Papa Rudi in the “Starman” video?
08:38 – Why do you always film when it’s cold outside?
10:12 – How do you determine the sequence of filming scenes for a video?
10:42 – Are there any “behind-the-scenes” videos you have never shared?
13:03 – How to you choose/sort out which equipment to use for a shoot?
15:07 – How are your videos archived?
16:32 – What devices and brands do you use for filming?
20:23 – What software and hardware do you use for editing?
21:28 – How do you budget for videos?
24:05 – Outro
Making Videos …
… that add some creativity or underline the message or feel to our music has always been very important to us.
So videography played a big role in our lives ever since we started making music videos and uploading them to YouTube 16 years ago. By doing everything ourselves (the two of us, Papa Rudi and our stepmom Michaela) we inevitably got better at all aspects of the visual side of things as we continued to gather experience in front and behind the camera – and in front of the editing screen!
We LOVE making videos and we thank the MLT Club members for supporting us to continue down that path!
Thank you for all your great questions – you’ll hear more in Part 2 very soon!
Stay groovy,
Mona & Lisa
Hey Mona and Lisa,
Thanks for answering my questions on how you archive your songs and videos. People will love to hear your songs and see your videos 20 or 50 years from now. I still listen to the Beatles 60 years later. I have more questions to ask you but I will fill you in later. For now, stay groovy!
Perry
Happy Easter to you, Papa Rudi and Michaela, it is very to interesting to know how you make or work to do your videos. Thanks
At the end of this I realised that it was almost 25 minutes long. The girls are just so engaging, relaxed, out-going and intelligent that I would have guessed at 10 minutes. But, this, of course, is why we are on the journey with them, why it feels like emotional and artistic home for us, a friends and family get together and so much more.
Really enjoyed this Q&A with some great answers to the questions. I’m really impressed with the way you do things especially not comprimising yourselves just to cut corners for cost and getting the balance right. The quality of the end products are amazing considering how much you do on your own just by learning the tools and equipment. And of course every video is different so as to fit with the song, like mini-movies. Much appreciation for all the work you do in the background that we don’t always see to realise your vision for each project.
Another great episode of the Mona Lisa show. We love listening to you talk about your craft. Leave it to the MLT fans to submit a lot of interesting questions.
We will always be amazed by what you all come up with when you put your minds to it. Your videos are just fantastic. That is really what we think.
It’s been a while since I attempted editing a video, but I feel inspired after watching this. Hmm, maybe when it warms up.
Please try not to feel embarrassed by past experiences. They are part of what got us here today. This reminds me of an old saying,”Share as much as you can, but be careful what you share.”
Penny Lane? Yes please.
Looking forward to Part II
MARLO & JP
Many thanks for this insight into how you work. It’s fascinating and very enjoyable.
I think that was pretty cool you had Any Other Day playing over those loud blue tooth speakers for all of Chester to hear when you filmed the video! The fact you didn’t have the luxury of closing down the entire street, yet you created such a superb video in the live open street is impressive, that takes a lot of planning, timing, and ingenuity I am sure. Now I can understand how you did your early videos like California Dreaming in the church, or San Francisco on Lombard street that looked so perfect when you sang and played the songs in the scenes. I learn so much from these Q and A videos of your craft and the magic you create.
I love these videos, especially this topic as it’s my interest as well. I’m glad you get to expand your equipment inventory, that is always handy!
It’s a YES on the Penny Lane video, of course!
Since you were never able to get the Help! (It must be shouted at all times because of the exclamation point) video completed, and since you’re always battling cold temps and wind, maybe you should shoot a new Help! video in the Bahamas, in keeping with the original.
I really enjoyed this deep dive into the art and logistics of MLT video-making. They are all extremely well-done.
David, it sounds like they have older footage for a “Help” video but no audio track. I think a modern audio track with the old footage would make for a cool video. I would love to hear them play Help. Bahamas would be great too.
Very nice insight to what goes on in making a video. Can’t wait for part 2.
You two always seem to play down your acting ability, but it always comes out great. I’m guessing it’s a talent that you were born with.
I also think you should post the Penny Lane video.
I did not realize that you had to worry about color profiles and I didn’t even know the meaning of “color temperature” – I always learn something from these sessions.
I looked up “Ryzen Threadripper 3970-X” which is an impressive, powerful, high-end CPU. I’m guessing that Papa Rudi built the workstation to put it in. (Papa Rudi and I could probably talk for hours on this subject.) Lisa’s editing monitor is also impressive looking. Nothing but the best for video editor Lisa!
Thank you for the detailed answers to my questions! I’m looking forward to the next session.
I think I have watched all of your videos and don’t remember ever seeing a fireplace in your home. Are you in a different room or is this another cool video trick? The best video trick I ever learned was by accident. I was filming our cat and discovered how to make her instantly disappear and reappear. A simple trick but when it dawned on me I could make things disappear it blew my mind. I learn a lot by mistakes.
I guess I should have looked more closely the first time around. I would have seen that’s an amp behind you and not a fireplace, sorry, I should get new glasses.
Mona and Lisa,
If ever you feel too cold in sunny Liverpool you are welcome to stay at my place in Rovinj, Croatia (for free of course). I have friends and family staying there regularly, one of whom refers to it as ‘paradise’.
Many Austrians drive down for their summer holidays there 😊 ☀️☀️☀️
Today was Christmas in March!! I received my MonaLisa Twins package that included the first 11 music videos from their debut album. Of course most of them I have seen…. But watching the “making of videos”was very cool. And most of them I have also seen. You two girls and your crew were freezing in most of the outdoor ones…. Talk about great actors because in the videos you didn’t look like you were freezing at all!! Now you’ve had an offer for Paradise in Croatia…. I again offer paradise in Hawaii…. I’ve never been to Croatia, but you very seldom have to wear a jacket ever during the day in Hawaii, 6 acres of jungle with horses and a small cabin! I’m sure you can make some sort of video out of either of these offers! Brrrrr!! 🎶🏝🌞🐎🤓
By the way, the inside cover picture of the DVD…. Both of you ladies have kind of ornery looks on your faces!? Very different from your normal happy smiles! I like it!🤔🤓
Really interesting Q & A, I’m looking forward to part 2, stay groovy
Groovy girls – I think you are being very unfair about the British weather. It is fine most of the time.
I was raised in Liverpool near Sefton Park. Up until the age of 11 we had to wear short trouser to school, even in winter. We were not allowed to be inside during playtime. I remember chipping the ice with the heal of my shoe to try to keep warm. This was Dovedale btw, the same school attended by both John and George. Perhaps this made us all tough 😊
But mainly I remember the ‘blue suburban skies’ as we took the bus to Penny Lane every morning 😊
I’m not sure if it’s “unfair” or not. The entire UK is a wonderful place with it’s weather. But from my (albeit limited) experience, it just needs a doggone roof over it!
Bwahahahaha!!!
We have four wonderful seasons. A recent issue is the lack of snow in winter as it is too warm.
We can relate over here in NW Canada. Although this spring(?) we have had a few pretty big snow dumps of late so that will help alleviate some of the drought conditions around the region. But it was unseasonably mild this winter. We had very little of our common -40c temp weather and a very limited snowfall all season most everywhere in Alberta. Even the Rockies didn’t get the usual accumulation.
Hi Richard,
I’ll just lend my 2 cents. I’ve been to The UK 3 times, and I love it over there! About 57% of my ancestry is British, Scottish, Irish, & I’m not sure if Wales is in there too. The last time I was there in July 2008 when we were in Conwy, it was very nice & warm. But some locals complained because the weather had just started to turn better after a long winter!
I have a theory which is, I think the British went out to explore & conquer the world because they got sick of the bleak British weather! (Ha-ha!) I know that many people actually enjoy cold weather & the 4 seasons! There are proud Natives in Alaska who wouldn’t live anywhere else, & I don’t blame them! They have genes that I guess are resistant to cold & have adapted.
But for me, I’ve had enough of the 4 seasons, & eventually I’ll move back to Hawaii, or someplace warmer than Seattle! Our weather here is very similar to Liverpool, though just a bit warmer. (If you can call it warm!) We had no snow where I live this year, but plenty in the mountains. Summers are mostly nice, but I am sick & tired of the worsening pollution, & all these fossil fuel companies need to go! Seriously!! ASAP!
Remember, our Twins said that they often vacationed in warmer places in Europe?
So, no matter what the weather is like anywhere, some will love it & some will hate it!
Different strokes for different folks! But I do think Britain is a very lovely & interesting place! Same with Austria, France, Switzerland, & any number of other countries.
In fact, if I’m going to travel, I would prefer to go to Europe than most places in the US. I haven’t been to Asia though, but my daughter’s been to Japan twice, & loved it!
So, no offense to anyone, (except fossil fuel supporters of course!)
Have a lovely day, & I hope your weather is better than here, which is currently 48 F. & rainy! — Bud
I guess it is what you are used to that influences what you like. I’ve a place in the French Alps so I can be snowy in the winter, and a place in Croatia to swim in the turquoise Adriatic in the summer. But I love the constant change of the UK weather as well.
My place in Rovinj, Croatia has many German and Austrian visitors as it is the closest place to the Med for them.
Bud, if you are this side of the pond you are welcome to stay whenever it is free, as are the twins of course 😊
I’m with you on keeping fossil fuels in the ground. There is no planet B
Hi Richard,
That’s very nice of you to offer! I might just take you up on that sometime, although I don’t have any immediate travel plans.
I’ve never been to Croatia, but the mother of two of my former Middle School students goes there & has that ancestry. I would more likely go to England though. I was also in France in 2008.
Of course, if I ever move to Hawaii, you could visit us, but I have no immediate plans for a move right now.
I was out with daughter all day, & just catching up on things now.
I appreciate your comment on fossil fuels. Clean energy is the only solution to pollution! — Bud
Bud, I’ve two big ideas on how to save the planet. We must chat offline.
Richard,
Sounds good! How would you like to do that? — B.
Bud, are you aware of the importance of peatlands for carbon capture? It is effective as the dead sphagnum moss is captured in water preventing it from rotting and releasing its carbon again.
Imagine if a similar process could be carried out on the vast oceans which cover most of the earth. Imagine some sort of floating vegetation, e.g. seaweed, which photosynthesises to capture CO2, and when dead sinks to the bottom thus capturing the carbon permanently as it could not rot on the ocean floor.
I came up with this concept many years ago and imagined this ‘ocean farming’ to be carried out in the Sargasso Sea. Robotic ships with huge booms between them would ‘shepherd’ the floating seaweed crop like a flock of sheep using satellites images to check all was ok.
Recently I have become aware of the problem Sargassum seaweed is causing on the beaches of Florida and the Caribbean. Bingo! – the perfect ocean crop to harvest.
I’ve also heard there is a way to kill Sargassum seaweed being developed. If it is held several meters under the surface then the water pressure crushes the cells and it sinks to the bottom.
So perhaps the vision I had is possible. Planet saved! 😁
Hi Richard,
I am aware of the importance of peatlands & saw a video on it. Forests, wetlands, & all natural habitation sites for wildlife help our planet to breathe and be healthier. A young guy from Norway I believe has an idea about capturing plastic waste in the oceans which sounded pretty good!
Your idea with sargassum seaweed also sounds great! Another thing is getting back to natural organic farming, which would cut way down on pollution.
The biggest obstacles to progress unfortunately are giant corporations & various big money interests that don’t give a damn about our planet and life in general. So until we can enforce more regulation on these big offenders, everything we do will short. Because they’re going to pump out pollution faster than we can stop it!
But I do believe that everything we do to cut down on pollution is worth doing! Sooner or later, (hopefully sooner,) things will start turning around for the better — for EVERYONE! We are already making SOME progress. But the general public needs to get the correct information instead of the lies that they’re spoon-fed to them on some of our media sites.
Thanks for your valid insights! — Bud
All expert scientists are sending us a clear evidenced-based message … the planet is approaching an irreversible tipping point. So why are political leaders who support the oil and gas industry ignoring these warnings … do they think they know better? Lets us hope the US choose who they vote for wisely in November.
Hi Richard,
You are correct, & hopefully we haven’t already reached that tipping point.
The people that lie about it are either raking in huge profits from oil, or are ordinary people who just do not seek out all the facts.
Every self-serving lying politician needs to be voted out. That may be hard because they are gerrymandering districts & kicking out voters that they believe will vote against them.
Let’s hope that many more people wake up to the fact that they’ve been lied & fear-mongered to! I choose to have hope for the future, but we need to take peaceful action to demand change!
Hi again Richard,
I’m interested in hearing what you have to say about improving our world situation! I’m sure many people would like to do something, but don’t know what to do! I should have some time by the weekend to get in touch. Right now after work, I’ve pretty much “hit the wall!” Or you could say I’m “Knackered!”
Have a good week, & we’ll communicate soon! — Bud
My former neighbor was Irish (from Athlone) and he had serious issues with the weather here when it got hot in the summer. For him, “hot” was anything over 20*c and he suffered horribly when it hit mid 30’s (80-ish f) or higher. I found the same thing when visiting Ireland and riding motorcycles with my local mates. When the sun came out on the somewhat rare occasion and the temperature broke 20c, they all hid in the shade while we basked in the uncharacteristic (for them) warmth.
I was amazed to learn as a kid that the southernmost point in the UK is farther north than the northernmost point in the contiguous U.S. It shows there are benefits to being on an island surrounded by relatively warm water. You don’t see tourists flocking to North Dakota for the weather any time of year.
Liverpool’s latitude is just a bit south of Edmonton. Which I would guess puts it north of where 99% of North Americans live.
Very interesting Q & A. Everything you do is top notch and -you do Everything!
Amazing. So enjoyable to listen to your answers.
Finally watched the full video… it does amaze me how your small little family team… produces all the videos and music! It is really amazing. I remember watching the how to video for Still a Friend of Mine… with all the Barbie dolls! That was just amazing the thought that you put into that and I know it cost you money but a “Hollywood” production team does not have the talent that you four do! If they didn’t have a monster budget, there’s no way they could do it! And if for some reason, one of the biggest stars out there right now, would have a Q&A with her fans…. and if “she” was asked even one of these questions. I think her response would be…..” oh how do you like my dress!?” 😳 there is a difference between success and significance! The Wagner family is the complete package!🤓🎶
Thanks Foxy Ladies: I always enjoy these Q and A’s and Behind the Scenes videos, even though, as a refugee from the 20th century, I don’t know anything about 4K. I did use to edit film, back in the day, which was somewhat more labour intensive compared to contemporary techniques. At least that’s my understanding. I’ve seen a number of touristy videos about Liverpool, and by association, anything and any place Beatles related. The latest was a James Corden Carpool Karaoke featuring Paul McCartney, himself, that was posted here in the MLT Club. Great fun! Icing on the cake would obviously be an MLT video dancing, prancing and singing their way along Penny Lane, a street I’ve come to know through those other videos. The barber. The banker. The fireman. The round about. Penny Lane is in my ears and in my eyes. By all means. Bring on the video girls!
Mona & Lisa,
You have a lot of patience in answering all your fans’ questions, & it’s much appreciated!
It is distressing that you lost a whole years’ worth of videos because of a lightning strike! How unfair of nature to do that to you! Have you thought about redoing any of it? How long ago was that?
I visited the Penny Lane location in 2008 where you had filmed, & I’d love to see the whole video that you made! Maybe you could rent some horses to add to your video, as the Beatles did in their original video!
I really appreciate the care you take in producing ALL of your Music videos, Q & A’s, Behind the Scenes, Out & Abouts & everything you do! You are truly Artists in every respect! It’s interesting to hear how you’ve kept up with finding the best in technology for your cameras & sound equipment!
And Lisa, your hair looks absolutely stunning, yet so natural! Not to be outdone Mona, you also have perfectly styled hair! I love all your hairdos; you take such great care with your appearances! You always choose clothing that goes so well with each video shoot you do! Do you keep all your clothes? You must have a huge wardrobe by now!
Thanks so much & I can’t wait to see Part 2! — Bud
This was very interesting. I know very little about photography, so I enjoyed learning a bit about it.
Most of the time when I listen to your music I’m working on my laptop and the video is running out of sight. I Bought Myself a Politician and Starman both start with footsteps, but Starman has that howling wind of Lanzarote like you said, so I always know which song is coming.
Thanks. I’m looking forward to Part 2.
Howdy you all,
I had quite a busy day, so I just had the time to watch the Q&A video. It was very interesting & informative and the fact that Mona & Lisa take the time to answer these questions is amazing.
I always get much enjoyment seeing their smiling faces & hearing their voices. It is very special to me. Thank you ladies.
I hope everyone has a real good weekend.
Bobby S. 😎🎵🎵🎵🧛♂️
P.S. I don’t know if anyone mentioned the sad passing of Steve Harley?
It may have been the case in that school play, but in real life Mona’s and Lisa’s mush is never too lumpy for my tastes.
That was very interesting. Good questions, looking forward to part 2.
Always a good time with the Q&A videos, and no exception here. I’d like to commend my fellow members; lots of great questions, too!
I agree, these were great questions! More to come in Part 2 soon! 🙂
Very interesting on how your videos are made! So much hard work and the results are always very professional and entertaining. The fact that this is all done “homegrown “ within your family just amazes me! Thanks for part one!
Love the set today, all the color coordinating of the Red and Orange colors Amazing !!
What an informative and interesting video to watch. You are all very talented in many ways !
Yes, as others have said please post all the video of “Penny Lane ”
Backing up your videos and footage very smart.
Thanks again for another great video.
Thanks for sharing all the great information and delightful stories. Thank you for answering my question and I love the clips of your school acting classes. I think you both are naturally gifted at acting and have a nice onscreen appeal in all your videos. I’d love to see the whole Penny Lane video, I love all the younger video clips. So glad your parents had video cameras and liked to film you two. Guess you came by it naturally. Have a lovely weekend.
Great questions from the Club members. Fascinating answers about your videos and how you produce them. Thanks for this session!
Thank you so much! That was so enjoyable and informative. Yes, I would love to see all the footages from Penny Lane. I have to say, I really love the recording you did of that song, it just has a special feel and appeal to it that is priceless. My go to Penny Lane version indeed.
Your know how with videography is impressive, I think professional movie makers can learn some things you’ve developed in your videos doing things so efficiently and effectively. When big corporation studios have deep pockets, they can easily fall into habit of doing things the easy way, but the best craft are the ones who can do it smart like you do. Yours are some of the best videos I’ve seen.
Your acting and ability to engage the audience is an amazing talent. Whatever the subject you talk about, the natural way you carry yourselves in front of the camera is so fun and enjoyable. I know how hard it is to put on a public speaking presentation for customer’s in my line of work, and you guys can do it so effectively that is so captivating for the audience. Your acting and presentation skills in front of the camera is impressive.
Mona and Lisa, wow! Such great information! I for one know that you all do this in the most and best way possible to put these videos together. Never a thought in my mind and having pretty much everything you need is huge. But a great question and will help anyone of us pursuing videos. I hope you do post Penny Lane and I have a question, will you both ever revisit Mrs. Robinson? Just love that video!! And so does Maddie! Thank you for kicking our weekend off to a groovy start, we love you all and hugs from Me and Maddie
Interesting videography Q&A, guys! Many thanks.
And please add my “yes” vote to the others for the posting of the Penny Lane video.
Very technical stuff. Learned a great deal. Thank you Mona and Lisa!
I got a kick out of the old dude’s reaction to Mona playing the 3 flutes on your “Any Other Day” clip. Yes, please post the “Penny Lane” video. And I think you guys put out a remarkable quality product on a small budget that the “big productions” could learn from. Peace be.
I forgot to mention about the sad passing of Steve Harley.
Thank you both very much for sharing🤩🤩
A Nice start to the weekend. Looking forward to part two already😃
That was really lovely very informative a joy to watch i love Lisa’s Sweater
Thank Youuu! 😀
Hi Mona 👱♀️ and Lisa 👩🦰 thanks for answering my question about “making of” or “behind the scenes” videos that you may not have shared. You two are not only great musicians but you are very intelligent. Yes, I think you should post “Penny Lane” and anything else you may have thought of since this recording! I also enjoyed the questions you answered by other members. The MLT Club is the best! 💖 🎤 🎸 🎶
A question you never need to post-“Should we post the whole video in the MLT Club?”
I bet there is no one in the Club that would say no! Looking forward to it! Amazing how you make a video on any subject so entertaining. Thank you for the Friday smiles as always. You sure spoil us! 🙂
Very informative, thank you for all the answers! I’ve just started recording things and will somehow figure out editing and piecing things together. But us older types don’t pick new stuff up as quickly as you younger people do. Heck, I still have trouble with my pedals, boards and amp combinations haha!
Yes by all means post Penny Lane😃
Post all incomplete videos too, what you find as embarrassing awkward MLTs we find as charming MLTs.
Who got to keep the Questionable dress? My guess is …Michaela!!!
I know nothing of video production, but if you ever need an older dude in one who looks confused and out of place, I’m your man.
Lisa, love your hair today.
Hugz to all.
That was really nice, and another surprise too, I really liked ” penny lane” thnx for submitting the short version, i would really like to see the extended version!! Its great that you share your knowledge with the club members. Sta groovy!!!
Hiya, wow, that was informative, educational, etc, Tgankyou for answering my Qs, now I have a more better understanding of what I asked. Much Appreciated in satisfying my curiosity and quest in the brain as to how it is all done by, etc. Awesome Qs asked for Part 1 and loved your answers, the links shared onscreen for references , and little wee gem nuggets intertwined throughout this Q & A of Videography – Part 1 …made my Wknd start off fab, looking forward to Part 2 and what you have in store for us all next Friday ( Good Friday , Easter Egg special , perhaps ?! ) 🐇🐥
Yes! Please post the whole Penny Lane video.