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Mattel Hot Wheels Video Racers

In this episode of Quality Time, Daddy Brad and his son Walker get their Speed Thrills with the all new Hot Wheels Video Racer. The Video Racer is a die-cast car with a built in video camera. Kids can take the film footage and use editing software to insert graphics, sound effects, music and transitions. Once created, they can post the movie to share with family and friends. Check out the video to see how this father son team collaborated and learn a few tricks you can use to create a cool racing film. Ep. 774 is brought to you by Mattel.
Daddy Brad: Hey I'm Daddy Brad. Welcome back to this episode of Quality Time. Today's show is brought to you by the Hot Wheels micro camera car, the Video Racer. The Hot Wheels Video Racer is the same size as your traditional 1:64 diecast car that we all know. But this has a video camera that allows you to capture footage as if you're behind the wheel of the race car. You can also download editing software from HotWheels.com/Videoracer. It allows kids to add graphics, sound effects, music and insert transitions in order to create their own movies in an instant. They can even post their video masterpieces so friends and family can watch along. Mattel sent us a couple of these bad boys and Walker and I decided to take them for a test drive. The first thing we did was write a short script to determine exactly what his movie was gonna be about. Walker chose to be a race car driver in a harrowing cross country contest. We gathered a few simple props, an old fighter pilot's helmet we had in the garage to serve as his protective headgear, and several handmade signs to adorn his rig. Next, we assembled some Hot Wheels track in the den to serve as our driver point of view footage. We made sure to include some loops and jumps to really get the heart pounding. One of the nice things about the video racer is that after you do the run, you can immediately review the shot from the video screen in the bottom of the car. So, if you don't think you got the intended shot, you can always record another. Since this was a cross country race, we also needed some outdoor footage. We used the mounting brackets that come with the video racer to attached the camera to Walker's bike and captured our really street footage. Then we lashed the racer to the end of a broom handle in order to get some really cool low to the ground jungle shots, complete with huge blades of grass and giant dogs. Walker then put on his acting cap and I used the video racer to film him as he portrayed the trials and tribulations of a cross country racer. With all the footage in the can, we downloaded the images to the computer, cracked up the free video racer editing software and started creating his masterpiece. We cut out scenes together according to the script, added music, sound effects and added in some cool transitions. And in no time, we had our cross country racing flick. He was so excited to show his mom the finished product, he could hardly wait for her to get home and have his grand release party. Both Walker and I enjoyed making his movie. It was fun to spend several hours together working on a cool project and I also like the opportunity to encourage him in a creative pursuit. I'm not sure which I enjoyed more, actually making the movie or watching him show his movie. Hey, did you have a good time making that movie?
Walker: Oh yeah.
Daddy Brad: That's great. Thanks for sending these really cool Hot Wheels video racers. You can get them in stores now. That's all for us on this episode of Quality Time. We'll see you next time.

4
Concretin Nik
Dig it. But...
written by Concretin Nik, June 20, 2011
I love this... however, $60 is a rather steep price for a HotWheels car.
Brad Powell
...
written by Brad Powell, June 20, 2011
Nik, you are correct sir. It is a bit more (ok a lot more) than the standard Hot Wheels car but if you look at it as your kids first camera and editing suite it eases the pain.
bill ward
...
written by bill ward, July 09, 2011
Spending quality time with your son AND an engaging toy seems priceless. Excellent videos, both father and son!
Brad Powell
...
written by Brad Powell, July 09, 2011
Thanks Bill, It is pretty cool to play with a toy from my childhood with my son, albeit an updated version.
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