Differences

Okay on to video #3.

I was lucky enough to have 2 people to shoot video 3 and 4 last weekend. I did my best to focus the following items so I wouldn't forget this time around:

1. Improved lighting: I want to make the scene more intimate and a little more dramatic, just to experiment with the feel of video 3 vs. video 2.
   
2. Eye level shooting and setting proper focus on the person I'm shooting: This is rather obvious, as shooting in focus is pretty important when shooting video. And making sure that the camera is being shot at eye-level will ensure that the video feels more like a one on one conversation, and they don't appear to be so small as in video 2.
   
3. Exposure: I want to make sure that there isn't too much contrast.
   

Video 2 Post Production

I can definitely say that this time around, things were a whole lot smoother with my new best friend, Final Cut Pro. Using iMovie was like using a Phillips-head screwdriver for a regular screw. I enjoyed the editing process far more this time and can see the benefits of being both cameraman and editor. I can't wait to shoot my next video (early this time, next week!) and further sharpen my editing skills. I definitely need more lessons on FC, but I feel like I gained so much already by using it instead of iMovie.

I still need to come up with an opening sequence, but my mind is blank as usual. Now I need to focus on camera and lighting techniques. My skills are definitely lacking in that area and I need to reread some of the class materials to make sure I'm fully prepared for next week's Video#3 shoot.

more lessons learned

My biggest frustration with my first video was lack of creativity. And my subject- me. I certainly wasn't prepared enough to answer my own questions more simply and without pausing so much. I dont think I make a very good subject. For #2, I've already thought about some other creative things that I'll be trying to incorporate; transitions, lighting, scenery, etc.

My video theme has not changed. My focus will remain with women who ride motos. I just think my outcome and overall feel of the video will change once I incorporate some other creative elements.

The First Time....

Well the first time was tough. I enjoyed the process, but I think a couple things made it really difficult and more tedious and less enjoyable than it should've been:

• last minute shooting/editing (2 days before due date!)
  
• using imovie instead of final cut pro
• bad location; well the location was good, but the weather was better earlier in the morning. I should've planned a bit better.

I'm definitely going to do things a lot differently, particularly when it comes to the women I'll be interviewing:

• prep each person, send them a couple of sample questions and what kind of things they should expect to talk about, so their answers are a little more concise and straightforward
• try to incorporate more shots, so it's not just one static location
• use b-roll effectively; use voiceover each photo and/or text to support the narrative
• location, location, location: I'd like to use a better location for each video going forward
  

Expanded Series Brief

Well the first episode will likely feature me, since I wasn't able to find anyone who had time this week to film. I'll definitely have another friend in time for the October video.

Each series is going to be pretty much the same topic, but a different woman. I'll try to ask questions that are relevant to their specific backgrounds, along with a few consistent questions that I'll ask each woman:

1. what first got you into riding?
2. why do you do it?
   
3. need to think of one more..

I'm hoping that by talking to each person about their specific backgrounds I'll be able to come up with more material. I'll be adding some shots of still photos with their riding histories and experiences, along with any video if they have it. Of course we'll have to see what kind of bike they're riding, shots of them sitting on it.. I may have to make this up as I go along. I'm hoping to be more inspired as I talk to each woman.

Thoughts on Articles

1. The Future of Internet TV - I hope (and think) that what this author predicts comes true in the very near future. We've already experienced so much in terms of how quickly technology has advanced in the last 10 years, particularly when it comes to 'interactive' media.

2. The End of Boredom
This is has been me many times. I feel like I always need something in my hands while standing in line or waiting for something/someone. But there are days where I don't feel the need to have something in my hand. Or I don't want to use my iphone for anything other than making a few calls. I'm sure it's a big conspiracy against us from the companies making all these devices so we won't be thinking about much except our music, movies and internet.

3. "The Long Tail"
So true! Although many internet retailers may not be successful at reaching their target audience, we can see that many are. With the abundance of information available to us virtually, how can they keep trying to offer us limited choices in real life?

Welcome and What's Happening Here?

Welcome to my newest blog where I'll be posting about a new video series that I'm planning to shoot about real women who ride sportbikes.

There are many misconceptions and stereotypes about people who enjoy riding as much as I do. I hope that you'll enjoy the video series and the dynamic women that I"ll be featuring every 3 weeks or so. In each episode, I'll interview a different woman to discuss her riding history, experiences and what started the 'addiction for her. I really think that every woman has a unique story to tell about why they started riding. Whenever I tell people that I ride and teach MSF classes as well, it's usually dumbfounded look of disbelief and amazement. What is it about me that makes people think this way? Do other women experience this? I hope to discuss these issues and more in my series.