Greetings and welcome to my welcome!
ALL ABOUT ME
The intent of this video is to introduce people to me, my skills and experience for the ‘meet the artist’ page. (www.tjoni.com/meet-the-artist/ )
I used a green screen so I can include imagery to reflect the nature of my work. In keeping with the assignment guidelines the less visual version is here with a few shots of my work but no CC imagery.
The audience I’m aiming for is heart centred entrepreneurs, film makers, event organisers, wellness and environmental workers, seeking to engage me as a writer, producer, film maker and creative coach. I’ve kept the feel pretty casual to attract people who are more interested in connection than status.
Due to years as a performer and teacher, I find it easy to engage on screen in this manner. Whether or not that’s authentic however is another topic, and tricky to determine. Although I fall naturally into ‘presenter’ mode, I can only actually record every 5-10 days due to chronic illness. I guess you could call it ‘selective authenticity’.
I did a series last year that was possibly more ‘real’ called ‘Sub-Lyme’ about my journey through illness and homelessness, which received minimal views, so some authenticity is really not that interesting!
TECHNICAL ASPECTS
Regarding the technical aspects, I love using a green screen!! As well as creating pliable raw data to work with, this also removes framing issues as it all gets done later.
Lighting wise I use a combination of outdoor light, a lamp for the green screen, and a ring light for my face. It still requires adjusting each time depending on the light outside. I also need to make sure my clothing contrasts with the background or I disappear along with the green screen!
To engage with audience as much as possible, I use dot points rather than a full script, so I don’t have to look away from the camera too much.
The audio has been a big challenge. I’ve used radio mikes, lapel mikes and the computer mike for many videos, with unsatisfactory results. I find using a good webcam on my computer for video and a phone for audio seems to work. I will invest in a studio mike shortly for better sound and ease of editing. I also close doors and windows to reduce any other background noise.
One thing I do keep forgetting about is my mass of frizzy hair that creates a halo when I do green screen. I guess that’s why people have production crews for this work!
My last hurdle is finding a decent program to actually record the video on my computer, as the best thing I can do at the moment is record a zoom session. I used to use my phone for video but often the focus doesn’t adjust properly, and I’ve done a few laborious 10-15 minute shoots only to find the camera was focused on my chair and not me!
BARRIERS
My main barriers are good lighting which will have to do until I set up a proper studio.
The audio is ok, but still a bit tinny. When I get a new mike I’ll create a mini booth for it with a cardboard box and soundproofing foam. I’ve been living a few hundred metres away from a major demolition site and roadworks for the past few months, so noise is always a major issue.
My other main barrier is being able to time recording sessions to my energy levels. I find interviewing others is easier than being in full presenter mode when I’m feeling fractured. But on some of my podcasts I do seem kind of slow and drunk even though I’m just fatigued, so I need to be aware of that!
Generally I am thoroughly enjoying the journey through video, and learn a new trick every time I create!