Need some video input from CX-7 Drivers...

[WylerMazda]

We would appreciate some input from serious Mazda CX-7 drivers.... We are creating short (around 3 minute) review and test drive videos for Mazda CX-7 customers in the Cincinnati area. These are NOT created to sell, but rather to "tell", and share useful information that would help a prospective buyer make their decision on which CX-7 would work best for them. Since we have to keep the duration short, we cannot share everything. Here is where we would love your input (and here is the link 2008 Mazda CX-7 Review and Test Drive Jeff Wyler

* Are we showing the key things you would want to see?
* What would you remove (if anything)?
* How could we do this better?

 

[bbrich57]

OK. I watched the video three times, in no particular order here is what I saw and my opinions:
1) Not bad for a local production. Dave seems fairly comfortable on camera (not easy to do,) and what he is saying about the car seems to come from him quite naturally and not (over) acted.
2) But the voice-overs (from the 1 minute mark) are pushed and unnatural. He stumbles, stutters and seems unsure of the copy. I would recommend more practice and another take.
3) @1:19 there's a shot of the fog lights, but Dave's legs/torso are reflected in the black bumper. (Brown shoes, Dave?)
4) @3:02 when Dave is wrapping up and sitting in the car, the microphone cable coming through the window is a distraction.
5) I thought the electroluminescent gauges also came w/the Touring model too, not just the GT?
6) I liked what was said about the various models, but I also liked how some things went unsaid but were instead shown to the viewer w/o commentary.
7) The first time I watched the video, there was a glitch roughly @ the mid point of the video that flashed the opening shot again, but very briefly. I did not see this glitch upon further viewing.

Those are my thoughts and suggestions after seeing your video. I hope they are taken in the spirit intended and that they will help you produce a better video for your potential customers.

 

[WylerMazda]

Many thanks for your input! I was impressed that you caught the "glitch" in the middle - that is actually there intentionally so as to place the thumbnail for the Youtube clip - good catch. I agree on the voice-overs, main problem is that one person is writing them (in his style), while another is reading them (in his style), hence it does not come across smooth - we will work on that. I liked point 6 as well, maybe we should show a few more things and just keep our mouths shut... One thing we have found is that since we create these ourselves, and they are not "perfect", most folks like them as they find them authentic. Thanks again...

 

[bbrich57]

Having been in radio many years ago, I know that it's not unusal for someone besides the actor to write the copy for any ad. That's standard procedure actually. It's also not unusual for the actor to modify pre-written copy to more match his/her own speaking style.
I also understand that you are going for that "hometown" feel in these vids, but just think it could be a little better w/o losing that, particularly in the sound overs.
Overall though, I'd say you did a pretty good job of pointing out some of the differences while keeping a more personal, hometown feel.
Best of luck.
Richard

*edit* Oh BTW: I like the length of the vid too. It's just long enough to be informative, but not too long as to get boring.

 

[Shaz]

Well, you did show the great features of the car but you didn't show the engine, which most people would want to see. I don't blame you. The engine bay is not sleek with that ugly IC cover...but the DISI engine is great

If you can, I would change the voice over. It sounds like a robot.

 

[bbrich57]

...The engine bay is not sleek with that ugly IC cover...but the DISI engine is great

I too might be in minority, but I agree!! Why do car manufacturer's think they have to put the engine under a useless plastic cover these days? The hood and conversely the underbody splash shields protect the engine from the elements, why cover it w/plastic?
That was the second mod I did to my 3 when I bought her in '04... after the removal of the rear headrests that blocked my rearward vision, the engine cover came off and has not been seen near the car since.

 

[WylerMazda]

Considering what we are working with (with a cover on the engine), is there anything you would suggest to show on the engine that would be helpful?

 

[bbrich57]

Without doing mods like I did (removing the plastic posts and replacing them w/the proper sized nuts & washers,) which of course you can't do as a dealer selling new cars, I don't think there's anything that Mazda would approve of that you could do. i.e. Remove the cover for taping.
I think it's safe to say that Shaz and I were just expressing our personal opinions.
And there are those, even here, that actually like having their engine covered w/those things. We're just not two of them.
I like to see my engine when I open the hood. And afterall, isn't that how it should be...?