College Graduation & Beyond | Video Blog

Hi there folks. Today I made some tests with the camera here while the sun was shining. I want to start video blogging, and share my journey through a semester of school while transitioning into building a production company.

The previous fall semester I finished an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts with an Area of Emphasis in Creative and Applied Arts. I was considering continuing on for a Bachelors, but I want to start building my company instead.

So, I signed up for the spring semester because there are some important classes being offered which only come around every few years: Advanced Design Studio, and Portfolio Development. Plus, financial aid is all set up and I only had to click a few buttons to enroll. These two classes along with an Animation course, and a course on Appreciating the Photographic Image feel like an appropriate way to end this chapter of college.

My career with video cameras and computers began long ago. I started filming skateboarding, then bands, then music videos, some commercials, short films, and then feature films. The problem was I ended up simply pushing buttons for blockbuster movies. Not working in a creative capacity at all. It didn't feel right. Employees were being let go every other Friday. Seeing herds of people be told to go home, all while I didn't enjoy the atmosphere was awful. Work was being outsourced to other countries, and departments were shrinking. So I bailed on that whole scene. Bought a small 1971 Ford Shasta Motor Home and started traveling. Living off the grid. Even struggled with some Luddite tendencies, but I made it back to the cameras and computers for another round, with a new approach.

Classes begin next Monday January 22nd. May 25th is the end of the semester, and Commencement. Originally I didn't care about commencement, but after considering the whole process--the reality of how hard it was to complete all the courses--I have decided I am going to do it. Embrace the ceremony as a rite of passage.

The production company is already beginning to come together. Last summer I got the bank accounts set up. Bought a web domain (keeping it under wraps for now) and have begun developing a direction for the next few years. The business will focus on video production services, and feature film development. Over the winter break I picked up some video gigs within the real estate market to generate some income. A few gigs are lined up for the beginning of February, and I will have to really focus to pull them off and stay on top of school at the same time.

Along with the school to production company narrative I will be making more instructional/experimental videos for testing, and continuing to share my art, thoughts, and stories.

The next detailed post I am considering putting together would focus on testing variable frame rate with a Lumix GH4 in Adobe Premiere. I have done variable frame rate shoots before with other equipment and software, but I need to have this workflow tested with my current gear.

Alright folks. Thanks for being here. I hope all of you are doing great. I want to encourage you to work hard towards achieving your dreams. Enjoy the ride. Cheers Steemians!

Here are a few posts I have made in the past about video production. Have a look. Let me know what you think.

Motion Picture & Video Production Tips | Eye-line
Check the Background | Motion Picture & Video Production Tips
Do you want your videos to look great? | Adobe Premiere tip