Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Podcast #2

This second podcast was not as fun to create as my first podcast. But then again, it is educational. My topic is about the Writer Strike with a focus on residuals. Honestly, I hate being on camera and I wish I had more b-roll this time (so I could do more voiceovers). I definitely learned a valuable lesson creating this second podcast; constantly save your project. I also made the mistake of keeping the camera rolling while I was talking and that took so much more time to edit and was ultimately the cause of iMovie randomly shutting down on me (I had to delete so much and forgot to empty my trash every 30 minutes, it became overloaded) . I think I could have done a better job editing; this podcast seems a bit choppy. I know the lighting was not so great (I filmed at night...not a brilliant idea). Basically, there are a number of things I would like to change about this podcast and will change in the future.
Because this podcast had to be educational, I felt very limited and felt like no matter what, it would be extremely boring to watch . But overall I felt that I was able to get my point across and somewhat able to integrate some humor with the facts without losing the focus of residuals. Hopefully, I will be able to come up with some new ideas for my next podcast. I know I have definitely learned some harsh lessons from this one and will be able to avoid those problems next time. I have decided to do the 15-20 min podcast instead on the paper for my final project. Although I am a bit nervous about it, I think I will learn more and have more fun doing the podcast versus the paper.

5 comments:

Liz_Bates said...

I liked the rolling text you used at the beginning. It helped to add a little humor to a subject that can be a little dry. I thought you were able to incorporate elements of humor throughout the podcast. For example, I liked the Coca Cola commercial and the section you created about the money. You found the perfect song to go with the money B-roll.

I do have a couple suggestions. First, consider adding some extra lighting in the scenes where you are talking at the table. Also consider bringing the camera in a little closer. I would also suggest trying to remove some of the jumpcuts that are in the scenes in which you are talking at the table. Consider including some B-roll in these areas.

Overall, you did a great job of adding a little humor to an educational topic. This podcast gave me a clear understanding of what the writer’s strike was all about. And, like you, I am glad the writer’s strike is over.

Brandon said...

You have done a fabulous job on the first two podcasts of catching my attention within the first ten seconds; first with "The Office" intro and now with the scrolling warning. The disclaimer was a clever and funny touch. However, your podcast was not as boring as it claims to be. In fact I found it to be quite entertaining.
I found all the clips you inserted to be relevant to your topic. I especially enjoyed the clip with the guy talking about Viacom. It added a little dept to your discussion. The addition of Pink Floyd was a nice touch as well; it was a nice use of b-roll. I also liked your example of internet advertising with the Coke clip.
As Liz said, the lighting on the parts that you were on screen were a little dark. You might think of shooting in a place that is a little better lit. I also agree with Liz that you could have used some b-roll when you were talking, or at least place the papers you were reading from out of screen. Every time you looked down to read, all my attention went to the papers.
You did a good job of presenting the information on your topic. You obviously did your research and provided good outside sources as well. Although the clip was rather lengthy, I never thought about pounding my head against the table. Overall it was a good podcast and I look forward to viewing your next one. Good Job.

Ari said...

I think you did a very good job with explaining the story behind the writer's strike. It'll be interesting to see how as asn account executive I might have to deal with payments for "Internet rate" in the future. I agree with Liz and Brandon, in keeping with your style of having an Office snippet in your podcasts, you brought a smile at the right moments. The FBI warning was a good way to begin a discussion on copyright infringement. The B-rolls were nice and the homeless writer and mean CEO guy snippets were fun.
I agree, some of the shots were a bit dark. Also, you seemed to be pausing a bit while talking. The voiceover was clear and the use of PF was a nice touch.
This was a good example of explaining the writer's strike in a humorous fashion. I was very impressed with it. Good job!

JANNIBAH said...

I have to agree with the previous posts; I found your podcast to be both informative and entertaining. It certainly was not boring, as your disclaimer warned. I enjoyed your use of b-roll and music. I'm like you, and I don't appreciate having to be on camera. I think I will have to follow your example a bit with my next podcast.

The only thing that stood out to me as needing improvement was having your papers in the shot. I totally understand wanting to have them nearby, but it was slightly distracting. Other than that, I think you did a great job. I'm looking forward to the next one.

YoungbloodProf said...

Okay, the intro was decidedly funny. There seems to be some background noise—maybe a heater? You might some in a bit closer on the first shot. The next sequence works nicely. If you were to reshoot the sections when you are on camera (not that I expect you to), I would suggest that you move the camera so that you are on the left third. This should also move the picture from behind your head, and place you more against the wall, though the thermostat might get in the way. Careful of the jump cuts. Also, beware of the copyrighted material—the ad sequence is nice none-the-less. You may be able to bring in some graphics from some of the Web sites. You should keep the repurposed video segments shorter. As you begin working on the video for this project, can you set up some interviews? Much like a source in a paper, you’ve got to cite where the video clips came from—regardless of the citation, you have some copyright issues. Some things to look at as you continue this project—where did the idea for residuals come from, what are some of the past battles the writers (and others) have faced—tape and DVD would be good to look at. For historic issues you might look at the library of Congress for some stock images—they recently opened up a huge free gallery. Look forward to seeing the next segment!