[videoblogging] Re: Local Vlog screenings (was: Weekly Video Conference)
Speaking of trading DVDs and Pixelodeon to go - the Pixelodeon DVDs of the curated sessions already exist. There actually *could* be a Pixelodeon to go if the organizers were amenable. Why do all that downloading/editing/authoring again when it's been done? Of course do it for your own curated session if you want, but, would it be possible to use what's been done? My local microcinema No Festival Required would probably be game for one or two of the Pixelodeon sessions. They would probably love a month off from gathering the material themselves. Cheryl --- In videoblogging@yahoogroups.com, Michael Verdi [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: What might be cooler, but more work, is to do a sort-of Pixelodeon thing. People curate an hour of videos and either they or someone else collects high-res versions, edits it together and makes a DVD of it. Then we can trade DVDs by mail or SpinXpress. And the curator can maybe make an introduction video to put the whole thing in context. It's like Pixelodeon to go! - Verdi On 6/20/07, Jay dedman [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Sometime just before Pixelodeon, Ryanne (on twitter or in email) suggested the idea of having screenings of people's videos. we talked about it as a house party - but then about the idea of having a live flashmeeting style meetup online. perhaps a different person each time could choose a videoblogger to feature and a few of their videos would be screened throughout the evening and everyone would hang out, watch the videos live, talk chat about them and whatever else. like a book club, but cooler. i was totally wowed by the screening focus of Pixelodeon - i think it's a great way to bring people together, introduce new people and discover some less well-known vlogs.` anyone else like this idea? The thing i liked about Pixelodeon was that we could bring in new people because they just had to come watch videos...which then gave them reason to talk to people. Helped provide context to all the crazy conversations vloggers have. what if we did local vlog screenings. this group could help provide a list of videos from all over, then anyone could hold a screenings in their town. Invite the public. I know lots of little cinemas and media spaces would jump at a chance of a programmed evenings of web videos. Just takes a little hustle and time. The good news is...all youd have to to is arrange a venue (should be free) and download the videos from the group's list (free). once people see all the cool stuff being made, then they'll want to know how to. we could use our wiki to list. http://videoblogginggroup.pbwiki.com/Cool%20Videos Jay -- Here I am http://jaydedman.com Check out the latest project: http://politicalvideo.org 500 hours of George Bush speeches!! Search, download, remix!! -- http://michaelverdi.com http://spinxpress.com http://freevlog.org Author of Secrets Of Videoblogging - http://tinyurl.com/me4vs [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [videoblogging] Re: Local Vlog screenings (was: Weekly Video Conference)
What has worked with the 100 Second Festival screenings is having a 50/50 show. 50% or so of local videos and 50% aggregated content from elsewhere. For us, it broke down into an 80 minute show of videos with a 15 minute intermission. The balance - whatever ratio it breaks down for your Pixelodeon screening - both empowers your local community by putting their work to the big screen and inspires them with works they might have never seen before (like this gem from blip - http://blip.tv/file/175106). Jason On 6/21/07, Cheryl [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Speaking of trading DVDs and Pixelodeon to go - the Pixelodeon DVDs of the curated sessions already exist. There actually *could* be a Pixelodeon to go if the organizers were amenable. Why do all that downloading/editing/authoring again when it's been done? Of course do it for your own curated session if you want, but, would it be possible to use what's been done? My local microcinema No Festival Required would probably be game for one or two of the Pixelodeon sessions. They would probably love a month off from gathering the material themselves. Cheryl --- In videoblogging@yahoogroups.com videoblogging%40yahoogroups.com, Michael Verdi [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: What might be cooler, but more work, is to do a sort-of Pixelodeon thing. People curate an hour of videos and either they or someone else collects high-res versions, edits it together and makes a DVD of it. Then we can trade DVDs by mail or SpinXpress. And the curator can maybe make an introduction video to put the whole thing in context. It's like Pixelodeon to go! - Verdi On 6/20/07, Jay dedman [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Sometime just before Pixelodeon, Ryanne (on twitter or in email) suggested the idea of having screenings of people's videos. we talked about it as a house party - but then about the idea of having a live flashmeeting style meetup online. perhaps a different person each time could choose a videoblogger to feature and a few of their videos would be screened throughout the evening and everyone would hang out, watch the videos live, talk chat about them and whatever else. like a book club, but cooler. i was totally wowed by the screening focus of Pixelodeon - i think it's a great way to bring people together, introduce new people and discover some less well-known vlogs.` anyone else like this idea? The thing i liked about Pixelodeon was that we could bring in new people because they just had to come watch videos...which then gave them reason to talk to people. Helped provide context to all the crazy conversations vloggers have. what if we did local vlog screenings. this group could help provide a list of videos from all over, then anyone could hold a screenings in their town. Invite the public. I know lots of little cinemas and media spaces would jump at a chance of a programmed evenings of web videos. Just takes a little hustle and time. The good news is...all youd have to to is arrange a venue (should be free) and download the videos from the group's list (free). once people see all the cool stuff being made, then they'll want to know how to. we could use our wiki to list. http://videoblogginggroup.pbwiki.com/Cool%20Videos Jay -- Here I am http://jaydedman.com Check out the latest project: http://politicalvideo.org 500 hours of George Bush speeches!! Search, download, remix!! -- http://michaelverdi.com http://spinxpress.com http://freevlog.org Author of Secrets Of Videoblogging - http://tinyurl.com/me4vs [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] -- Jason Daniels Executive Director Medfield Community Access [EMAIL PROTECTED] 508-359-7521 http://medfield.tv [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [videoblogging] Re: Local Vlog screenings (was: Weekly Video Conference)
Finding videos probably isn't a challenge for those who would be interested in doing this. no? What I think would be of great value on the wiki is a sort of FAQ/Tips on how to accomplish such an event: 1) What sort of venues might be interested in participating? 2) Where should I start my search for a venue? (resources other than the yellow pages?) 3) What are the important things to consider when selecting a venue? (facilities, surrounding area, hotels/transit, other?) 4) What list of requirements/preferences should I provide the venue management? 5) What objections/questions should I expect from the venue management during planning? 6) What is the venue going to expect of me? (If not money, then what else if anything should I expect to provide to the venue?) and even promotion stuff: 1) How can I best get the word out locally? etc etc etc - Dave -- http://www.DavidMeade.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [videoblogging] Re: Local Vlog screenings (was: Weekly Video Conference)
We (blip.tv) have been holding movie nights at the Pioneer theater (http://twoboots.com/pioneer) every few months. The next one will coincide with vloggercue (http://vloggercue.pbwiki.com/), most likely on Sunday 12 August. David Meade wrote: Finding videos probably isn't a challenge for those who would be interested in doing this. no? What I think would be of great value on the wiki is a sort of FAQ/Tips on how to accomplish such an event: 1) What sort of venues might be interested in participating? 2) Where should I start my search for a venue? (resources other than the yellow pages?) Besides small alternative/art theaters, you may find certain bars or coffee shops amenable. 3) What are the important things to consider when selecting a venue? (facilities, surrounding area, hotels/transit, other?) 4) What list of requirements/preferences should I provide the venue management? 5) What objections/questions should I expect from the venue management during planning? 6) What is the venue going to expect of me? (If not money, then what else if anything should I expect to provide to the venue?) The Pioneer theater prefers the content on Mini DV, with a DVD backup. and even promotion stuff: 1) How can I best get the word out locally? etc etc etc - Dave
Re: [videoblogging] Re: Local Vlog screenings (was: Weekly Video Conference)
yeah see that's excellent info. I'd love to see people with this sort of experience flesh out a FAQ on the wiki. Finding videos doesn't scare me away from doing this, its not knowing what all I don't know. :-) On 6/21/07, Charles Hope [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: We (blip.tv) have been holding movie nights at the Pioneer theater (http://twoboots.com/pioneer) every few months. The next one will coincide with vloggercue (http://vloggercue.pbwiki.com/), most likely on Sunday 12 August. David Meade wrote: Finding videos probably isn't a challenge for those who would be interested in doing this. no? What I think would be of great value on the wiki is a sort of FAQ/Tips on how to accomplish such an event: 1) What sort of venues might be interested in participating? 2) Where should I start my search for a venue? (resources other than the yellow pages?) Besides small alternative/art theaters, you may find certain bars or coffee shops amenable. 3) What are the important things to consider when selecting a venue? (facilities, surrounding area, hotels/transit, other?) 4) What list of requirements/preferences should I provide the venue management? 5) What objections/questions should I expect from the venue management during planning? 6) What is the venue going to expect of me? (If not money, then what else if anything should I expect to provide to the venue?) The Pioneer theater prefers the content on Mini DV, with a DVD backup. and even promotion stuff: 1) How can I best get the word out locally? etc etc etc - Dave Yahoo! Groups Links -- http://www.DavidMeade.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[videoblogging] Re: Local Vlog screenings (was: Weekly Video Conference)
I find this quite an interesting thread, and especially in the wake of Pixelodeon, I find it interesting/strange/concerning/exciting that there is an interest in taking these small format works and putting them up on the big screen. Watching video on a big screen with a group audience vastly changes the way we experience the moving image, so it really takes the videos out of the original context. I'm not saying that's good or bad (though at Pixelodeon I think many of us experienced how wonderful that can be. Long live the movie theater!), nor do I have any particularly well formed thoughts on that at the moment, but I thought I'd throw it out there since it hasn't been addressed. As for actually putting these screenings together, a couple notes: --I'd just like emphasize the importance of informing the creators of the videos that their works are being shown, even when CC-licensed. This is often overlooked by film festivals, and I find it quite a frustrating practice. Not that we vloggers would ever do this! But I just had to throw it out there, as sometimes that little detail can get overlooked when trying to deal with all the logistical issues that go into putting on a screening. --There are obviously lots of filmmakers/curators/enthusiasts out there that have been putting on these kinds of screenings for a long time, so perhaps tapping into the film community could help to answer some of the logistical questions that have been posed. It seems nuts to re-invent the wheel in coordinating screenings when others have been polishing the process for a long time. I'd be happy to contribute to a wiki in this respect. --Lastly, Senor Aaron Valdez has created an ever-growing map of microcinemas in the U.S. that may come in handy for such planning: http://www.wayfaring.com/maps/show/1151 Cheers, Jen http://jenniferproctor.com http://lostinlight.org --- In videoblogging@yahoogroups.com, David Meade [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: yeah see that's excellent info. I'd love to see people with this sort of experience flesh out a FAQ on the wiki. Finding videos doesn't scare me away from doing this, its not knowing what all I don't know. :-) On 6/21/07, Charles Hope [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: We (blip.tv) have been holding movie nights at the Pioneer theater (http://twoboots.com/pioneer) every few months. The next one will coincide with vloggercue (http://vloggercue.pbwiki.com/), most likely on Sunday 12 August. David Meade wrote: Finding videos probably isn't a challenge for those who would be interested in doing this. no? What I think would be of great value on the wiki is a sort of FAQ/Tips on how to accomplish such an event: 1) What sort of venues might be interested in participating? 2) Where should I start my search for a venue? (resources other than the yellow pages?) Besides small alternative/art theaters, you may find certain bars or coffee shops amenable. 3) What are the important things to consider when selecting a venue? (facilities, surrounding area, hotels/transit, other?) 4) What list of requirements/preferences should I provide the venue management? 5) What objections/questions should I expect from the venue management during planning? 6) What is the venue going to expect of me? (If not money, then what else if anything should I expect to provide to the venue?) The Pioneer theater prefers the content on Mini DV, with a DVD backup. and even promotion stuff: 1) How can I best get the word out locally? etc etc etc - Dave Yahoo! Groups Links -- http://www.DavidMeade.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [videoblogging] Re: Local Vlog screenings (was: Weekly Video Conference)
Echoing Jen's post on all counts- great observations and suggestions. The context/aesthetics issue is a big one worthy of more discussion. Two other thoughts come to mind: 1) To connect with work/people/audiences in other indie moving image practices, curators can put together a program and try to get existing microcinemas and media arts organizations to put it on their schedule - there are thriving venues and organizations in most cities. This way you not only don't deal with renting a hall/projector/etc., but you tap into the REST of the moving image community. 2) Along the same lines, I would be more interested in seeing videoblogging work in MIXED programs that also show other moving image work. I've been talking along these lines to a couple of places about programs for next season that try to grapple with the questions about aesthetics and context that Jen talks about in her post. Again, it takes curators. If this movement, for lack of a better term, is to have a real lasting place and influence in the broader spectrum of moving image work (I know the phrase is terribly academic but I can't think of a more inclusive one, and anyway as conflicted as I am about it I live a good percentage of the time in that world), it needs to be in dialog with other film/video/installation/web art/etc. work. ___ Brook Hinton film/video/audio art www.brookhinton.com vlog links are here TRACE GARDEN now available in flash format on Blip! tracegarden.blip.tv [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [videoblogging] Re: Local Vlog screenings (was: Weekly Video Conference)
I find this quite an interesting thread, and especially in the wake of Pixelodeon, I find it interesting/strange/concerning/exciting that there is an interest in taking these small format works and putting them up on the big screen. Watching video on a big screen with a group audience vastly changes the way we experience the moving image, so it really takes the videos out of the original context. I'm not saying that's good or bad (though at Pixelodeon I think many of us experienced how wonderful that can be. Long live the movie theater!), nor do I have any particularly well formed thoughts on that at the moment, but I thought I'd throw it out there since it hasn't been addressed. haha this is very cryptic. yeah, its the whole argument of 'does a web video still mean the same thing out of the blog'. i find that some videos definitely need the text post to give it context. or need to be seen with all the other videos on the blog to make sense. For all the hype and academia around it, i find that few people are really making interactive videos that can only exist online. most people are telling stories and making video art just as alwaysexcept now more people are doing it! --I'd just like emphasize the importance of informing the creators of the videos that their works are being shown, even when CC-licensed. This is often overlooked by film festivals, and I find it quite a frustrating practice. Not that we vloggers would ever do this! But I just had to throw it out there, as sometimes that little detail can get overlooked when trying to deal with all the logistical issues that go into putting on a screening. most definitely. contacting curators just helps promote and makes people feel good. --There are obviously lots of filmmakers/curators/enthusiasts out there that have been putting on these kinds of screenings for a long time, so perhaps tapping into the film community could help to answer some of the logistical questions that have been posed. It seems nuts to re-invent the wheel in coordinating screenings when others have been polishing the process for a long time. I'd be happy to contribute to a wiki in this respect. when I first started videoblogging, I thought the independent/microcinema/avant-garde film community would be the easiest to reach. boy, was i wrong. Try talking to a guy who made a 5 minute film about putting it online. forget about it. 128 reasons why itd be a bad idea. Brook Hinton, who's on this list, can attest to the difficulties since he works from within the film community. Lots of bureaucracy, overthinking, fighting over grant money, struggling to get into festivals and museums. its a different world than just putting a video on a blog. So this is not to deny that bridges should be made to the film community if you know howbut definitely dont let them stop you. you can hold a screening in a parking lot on the side of a building. in your backyard. in any space using a white sheet and a projector. Lots of cinema spaces (like Pioneer in NYC) just want butts in the seats and are open to anything. I think its even better to attract a crowd that isnt so precious about video making. to me, the point of vlog screenings is to celebrate what's being made each day all over the worldand to encourage people to make their own. i like the idea of screenings that is not just artbut personal, newsy, etc etc. Web video has a different flavor all together since many people arent being hindered by a lot of indoctrination. usually, people just make things that their friends will like. --Lastly, Senor Aaron Valdez has created an ever-growing map of microcinemas in the U.S. that may come in handy for such planning: http://www.wayfaring.com/maps/show/1151 great resource. jay -- Here I am http://jaydedman.com Check out the latest project: http://politicalvideo.org 500 hours of George Bush speeches!! Search, download, remix!!
Re: [videoblogging] Re: Local Vlog screenings (was: Weekly Video Conference)
1) To connect with work/people/audiences in other indie moving image practices, curators can put together a program and try to get existing microcinemas and media arts organizations to put it on their schedule - there are thriving venues and organizations in most cities. This way you not only don't deal with renting a hall/projector/etc., but you tap into the REST of the moving image community. again, i fear huge slowdowns because of the bureaucracy of the media organizations. use any contacts, do some inquiries...but dont let these folks slow you down. 2) Along the same lines, I would be more interested in seeing videoblogging work in MIXED programs that also show other moving image work. I've been talking along these lines to a couple of places about programs for next season that try to grapple with the questions about aesthetics and context that Jen talks about in her post. Again, it takes curators. i think thats why its great that everyone can try it their own way. So Brook, you know this world of moving image work. you would be the best person in San Francisco to connect the vlogging world and the m ore established video arts world. brook...the time is now! youve been talking about it for too long! just tell me how i can help you. If this movement, for lack of a better term, is to have a real lasting place and influence in the broader spectrum of moving image work (I know the phrase is terribly academic but I can't think of a more inclusive one, and anyway as conflicted as I am about it I live a good percentage of the time in that world), it needs to be in dialog with other film/video/installation/web art/etc. work. see.im not sure if thats true. i think the academic side better begin reaching out...or else new video makers will totally go around the current system of grant/installation/festival process. jay -- Here I am http://jaydedman.com Check out the latest project: http://politicalvideo.org 500 hours of George Bush speeches!! Search, download, remix!!
Re: [videoblogging] Re: Local Vlog screenings (was: Weekly Video Conference)
Whoops, Jay slipped in - with valid concerns and points - before I finished typing. I gotta digest all this a little but do want to say none of what I was talking about REPLACES the DIY do it now side. More soon. ___ Brook Hinton film/video/audio art www.brookhinton.com vlog links are here TRACE GARDEN now available in flash format on Blip! tracegarden.blip.tv [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [videoblogging] Re: Local Vlog screenings (was: Weekly Video Conference)
Finding videos probably isn't a challenge for those who would be interested in doing this. no? What I think would be of great value on the wiki is a sort of FAQ/Tips on how to accomplish such an event: agreed. we'll all be able to make a list of the current interesting videos online, but organizing events is an artform itself. ive made a page on our wiki group that attempts to answer some of these questions: http://videoblogginggroup.pbwiki.com/Local-Vlog-Screenings please add/edit as you see fit. again, dont think youre doing a huge event (unless you want to)make it the right size for you time. even if for your friends to begin with. They may have heard for too long all this 'web video stuff from you...but now you can actually show them what gets you excited. jay -- Here I am http://jaydedman.com Check out the latest project: http://politicalvideo.org 500 hours of George Bush speeches!! Search, download, remix!!
Re: [videoblogging] Re: Local Vlog screenings (was: Weekly Video Conference)
I find this quite an interesting thread, and especially in the wake of Pixelodeon, I find it interesting/strange/concerning/exciting that there is an interest in taking these small format works and putting them up on the big screen. Watching video on a big screen with a group audience vastly changes the way we experience the moving image, so it really takes the videos out of the original context. I'm not saying that's good or bad (though at Pixelodeon I think many of us experienced how wonderful that can be. Long live the movie theater!), nor do I have any particularly well formed thoughts on that at the moment, but I thought I'd throw it out there since it hasn't been addressed. i wanted to take a another stab at answering jen's point so i dont come off so gruff. the web is not TV. that's the mantra. I believe that the BLOG aspect of a videoblog is very important. pulling videos out of the blog and showing on a big screen does start losing some of what I love about what we do. So dont think of local vlog screenings as needing to be traditional sit/watch/leave. Ryanne suggested things like have people stand up and talk between videos. play videos from the actual blog (on the big screen)...so people see it in context. Mix it with performance. Have some bands play. in the end, i think we're just talking about focusing on content versus the tech...since we know there's so much good stuff now that could bring more people in. Jay
Re: [videoblogging] Re: Local Vlog screenings (was: Weekly Video Conference)
Ironically, much of the canon of tha A-G film world that is now studied academically arose from EXACTLY the conditions and ethics that you talk about in your post, except that the A-G world WAS the backyard screenings on sheets reacting against the rarified and/or exclusive film and gallery worlds of the time. Down to the inclusion of lots of diary films and a wholehearted embracing of the concept of amateur. (Well, OK, on the WEST coast it was. Or so I'm told ;-).) I worry that if vlogging stays primarily a form where people vlog just for other vloggers and tech folks who are interested in watching it, it won't, in the long run, thrive. The A-G film world is struggling today partly (imo) because it stayed in dialog primarily with itself. Re the not just artbut personal, newsy, etc etc - I think some of the best art around is coming from those very vlogs! But again,. context... on the big screen, the context change can be serious (and as has been pointed out, that can be good or bad). Brook -- ___ Brook Hinton film/video/audio art www.brookhinton.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [videoblogging] Re: Local Vlog screenings (was: Weekly Video Conference)
yeah i've started thinking about doing screenings where people actually read the blog post and project the page and then play the video so you get a sense of how one might actually navigate from video to video. this would give people a better understanding of how people are communicating through blogs. might even motivate them to go make one themselves. which is always key! -ry On 6/21/07, Jay dedman [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I find this quite an interesting thread, and especially in the wake of Pixelodeon, I find it interesting/strange/concerning/exciting that there is an interest in taking these small format works and putting them up on the big screen. Watching video on a big screen with a group audience vastly changes the way we experience the moving image, so it really takes the videos out of the original context. I'm not saying that's good or bad (though at Pixelodeon I think many of us experienced how wonderful that can be. Long live the movie theater!), nor do I have any particularly well formed thoughts on that at the moment, but I thought I'd throw it out there since it hasn't been addressed. i wanted to take a another stab at answering jen's point so i dont come off so gruff. the web is not TV. that's the mantra. I believe that the BLOG aspect of a videoblog is very important. pulling videos out of the blog and showing on a big screen does start losing some of what I love about what we do. So dont think of local vlog screenings as needing to be traditional sit/watch/leave. Ryanne suggested things like have people stand up and talk between videos. play videos from the actual blog (on the big screen)...so people see it in context. Mix it with performance. Have some bands play. in the end, i think we're just talking about focusing on content versus the tech...since we know there's so much good stuff now that could bring more people in. Jay -- http://tinyurl.com/yq63qk Pixelodeon-Kicked Butt! -- Author of Secrets of Videoblogging http://tinyurl.com/me4vs Me http://RyanEdit.com, http://RyanIsHungry.com Educate http://FreeVlog.org, http://Node101.org Community Capitalism http://HaveMoneyWillVlog.com iChat/AIM VideoRodeo [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [videoblogging] Re: Local Vlog screenings (was: Weekly Video Conference)
I was just thinking exactly this today - the playing of text on the screen. I've always loved how much you can do with a title to lead expectations and inform people's experience of a film. And I love how text before and/or after a film can bring out a whole new experience of it. I can't stop talking about videos as films. I am so jazzed about running a private screening for people i know, and then maybe taking it to a larger venue. Maybe my wife Kate will sing with her band, and maybe we can do other fun stuff, too. It's all about the people. YEAH! Rupert http://twittervlog.blogspot.com/ http://www.twitter.com/ruperthowe/ http://feeds.feedburner.com/twittervlog/ On 21 Jun 2007, at 19:59, ryanne hodson wrote: yeah i've started thinking about doing screenings where people actually read the blog post and project the page and then play the video so you get a sense of how one might actually navigate from video to video. this would give people a better understanding of how people are communicating through blogs. might even motivate them to go make one themselves. which is always key! -ry On 6/21/07, Jay dedman [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I find this quite an interesting thread, and especially in the wake of Pixelodeon, I find it interesting/strange/concerning/exciting that there is an interest in taking these small format works and putting them up on the big screen. Watching video on a big screen with a group audience vastly changes the way we experience the moving image, so it really takes the videos out of the original context. I'm not saying that's good or bad (though at Pixelodeon I think many of us experienced how wonderful that can be. Long live the movie theater!), nor do I have any particularly well formed thoughts on that at the moment, but I thought I'd throw it out there since it hasn't been addressed. i wanted to take a another stab at answering jen's point so i dont come off so gruff. the web is not TV. that's the mantra. I believe that the BLOG aspect of a videoblog is very important. pulling videos out of the blog and showing on a big screen does start losing some of what I love about what we do. So dont think of local vlog screenings as needing to be traditional sit/watch/leave. Ryanne suggested things like have people stand up and talk between videos. play videos from the actual blog (on the big screen)...so people see it in context. Mix it with performance. Have some bands play. in the end, i think we're just talking about focusing on content versus the tech...since we know there's so much good stuff now that could bring more people in. Jay -- http://tinyurl.com/yq63qk Pixelodeon-Kicked Butt! -- Author of Secrets of Videoblogging http://tinyurl.com/me4vs Me http://RyanEdit.com, http://RyanIsHungry.com Educate http://FreeVlog.org, http://Node101.org Community Capitalism http://HaveMoneyWillVlog.com iChat/AIM VideoRodeo [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [videoblogging] Re: Local Vlog screenings (was: Weekly Video Conference)
re context I recently had to show some of my online stuff theatrically (not at pixelodeon, which BOO HOO family obligations prevented me from attending and i've been eating up all the post event coverage). I thought a lot about the whole recontextualizing issue. If it was a lecture/demo sort of thing I'd definitely show the actual blog, or simulate the ipod experience or something, but this was part of a show that had my other stuff in it. I tried all sorts of things. I did not come up with a good solution. The stuff was so thoroughly designed for a small screen and an intimate viewing experience that it couldn't survive the translation. In the end I added some new material to string pieces together and added some text to at least cue the audience into the original context, so they at least knew the WHY of the pieces. It was ok but just ok. The images were just too big, too overpowering - these were pieces I would never have made for that context, and if vlogs didn't exist they wouldn't have been made at all. On the other hand, people were inspired by the pieces, and thanks to having a QA afterwards it led people to the videoblog. It was still worth doing. Another curator elsewhere asked to show some of the same stuff, unaltered, and I didn't even hesitate. And it got me thinking, and in fact I am now working up a live version of Trace Garden (presented as a real time seance), but it's a COMPLETE reworking of it, which will take quite a while to put together. One of the difficult things for filmmakers right how is that we have pretty much lost control over the context of presentation. Vlogs are GREAT in that sense on one hand - you not only create the context, you control the look and feel of the equivalent to the theater or tv or whatever yourself. But theatrically, esp. with video, you have no idea what your work will look like in any setting - will they be able to see that figure in the shadows creeping up on the two people in the car? Depends on the projector, how much light in the room, etc. Why not just brighten the figure? Cuz its a different figure then. And further, if you are lucky enough to become popular, it IS going to be ripped, torrented, youtubed, poorly transferred to PAL VHS from a second generation copy of a rented tape, shown in a bar while a band plays, etc. So why not make work that will survive it all? for some people that's an option, but for many of us the things that make us want to get the camera out to begin with involve images that can't translate all that well between contexts. So for screening vlogs, I think its a case by case thing: sometimes Ryanne's approach will be perfect, for some vlogs something else, for some, well it isn't gonna be perfect, but it may be worth going for it anyway. Brook (who is obviously procastinating or he'd get to work!) oh p.s. Rupert I love that video. What you said, and also the wonderful little whoa! whoops! interruptions! ___ Brook Hinton film/video/audio art www.brookhinton.com vlog links are here TRACE GARDEN now available in flash format on Blip! tracegarden.blip.tv [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[videoblogging] Re: Local Vlog screenings (was: Weekly Video Conference)
As Cheryl describes, the Pixelodeon DVDs already exist. Is there any chance they could be bittorrented, or put on SpinXpress, so they could be downloaded burned? I'd love to screen them at the coffee shop! Here's an idea: I can switch between the dvd and a laptop feed to the projector; start a blogtv.com show, and invite the content creator to virtually attend the screening, and answer questions from the audience! Adam cafn8ed.tv --- In videoblogging@yahoogroups.com, Cheryl [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Speaking of trading DVDs and Pixelodeon to go - the Pixelodeon DVDs of the curated sessions already exist. There actually *could* be a Pixelodeon to go if the organizers were amenable. Why do all that downloading/editing/authoring again when it's been done? Of course do it for your own curated session if you want, but, would it be possible to use what's been done? My local microcinema No Festival Required would probably be game for one or two of the Pixelodeon sessions. They would probably love a month off from gathering the material themselves. Cheryl --- In videoblogging@yahoogroups.com, Michael Verdi michaelverdi@ wrote: What might be cooler, but more work, is to do a sort-of Pixelodeon thing. People curate an hour of videos and either they or someone else collects high-res versions, edits it together and makes a DVD of it. Then we can trade DVDs by mail or SpinXpress. And the curator can maybe make an introduction video to put the whole thing in context. It's like Pixelodeon to go! - Verdi On 6/20/07, Jay dedman jay.dedman@ wrote: Sometime just before Pixelodeon, Ryanne (on twitter or in email) suggested the idea of having screenings of people's videos. we talked about it as a house party - but then about the idea of having a live flashmeeting style meetup online. perhaps a different person each time could choose a videoblogger to feature and a few of their videos would be screened throughout the evening and everyone would hang out, watch the videos live, talk chat about them and whatever else. like a book club, but cooler. i was totally wowed by the screening focus of Pixelodeon - i think it's a great way to bring people together, introduce new people and discover some less well-known vlogs.` anyone else like this idea? The thing i liked about Pixelodeon was that we could bring in new people because they just had to come watch videos...which then gave them reason to talk to people. Helped provide context to all the crazy conversations vloggers have. what if we did local vlog screenings. this group could help provide a list of videos from all over, then anyone could hold a screenings in their town. Invite the public. I know lots of little cinemas and media spaces would jump at a chance of a programmed evenings of web videos. Just takes a little hustle and time. The good news is...all youd have to to is arrange a venue (should be free) and download the videos from the group's list (free). once people see all the cool stuff being made, then they'll want to know how to. we could use our wiki to list. http://videoblogginggroup.pbwiki.com/Cool%20Videos Jay -- Here I am http://jaydedman.com Check out the latest project: http://politicalvideo.org 500 hours of George Bush speeches!! Search, download, remix!! -- http://michaelverdi.com http://spinxpress.com http://freevlog.org Author of Secrets Of Videoblogging - http://tinyurl.com/me4vs [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[videoblogging] Re: Local Vlog screenings (was: Weekly Video Conference)
Excellent post Jen. I have been working on a repeating microcinema type event using vlog videos. The one thing that you reminded me about in this post was respecting the CC on any and all videos that would be included. Cheryl wrote about the Pixelodeon videos are already on DVD's and ready to be screened. My assumption is that if I wanted to show any of the Pixelodeon themed screenings, I, or anyone else for that matter, should get the proper permissions from the creators for screenings outside of Pixelodeon. David http://www.davidhowellstudios.com --- In videoblogging@yahoogroups.com, Jen Proctor [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I find this quite an interesting thread, and especially in the wake of Pixelodeon, I find it interesting/strange/concerning/exciting that there is an interest in taking these small format works and putting them up on the big screen. Watching video on a big screen with a group audience vastly changes the way we experience the moving image, so it really takes the videos out of the original context. I'm not saying that's good or bad (though at Pixelodeon I think many of us experienced how wonderful that can be. Long live the movie theater!), nor do I have any particularly well formed thoughts on that at the moment, but I thought I'd throw it out there since it hasn't been addressed. As for actually putting these screenings together, a couple notes: --I'd just like emphasize the importance of informing the creators of the videos that their works are being shown, even when CC-licensed. This is often overlooked by film festivals, and I find it quite a frustrating practice. Not that we vloggers would ever do this! But I just had to throw it out there, as sometimes that little detail can get overlooked when trying to deal with all the logistical issues that go into putting on a screening. --There are obviously lots of filmmakers/curators/enthusiasts out there that have been putting on these kinds of screenings for a long time, so perhaps tapping into the film community could help to answer some of the logistical questions that have been posed. It seems nuts to re-invent the wheel in coordinating screenings when others have been polishing the process for a long time. I'd be happy to contribute to a wiki in this respect. --Lastly, Senor Aaron Valdez has created an ever-growing map of microcinemas in the U.S. that may come in handy for such planning: http://www.wayfaring.com/maps/show/1151 Cheers, Jen http://jenniferproctor.com http://lostinlight.org --- In videoblogging@yahoogroups.com, David Meade meade.dave@ wrote: yeah see that's excellent info. I'd love to see people with this sort of experience flesh out a FAQ on the wiki. Finding videos doesn't scare me away from doing this, its not knowing what all I don't know. :-) On 6/21/07, Charles Hope charles@ wrote: We (blip.tv) have been holding movie nights at the Pioneer theater (http://twoboots.com/pioneer) every few months. The next one will coincide with vloggercue (http://vloggercue.pbwiki.com/), most likely on Sunday 12 August. David Meade wrote: Finding videos probably isn't a challenge for those who would be interested in doing this. no? What I think would be of great value on the wiki is a sort of FAQ/Tips on how to accomplish such an event: 1) What sort of venues might be interested in participating? 2) Where should I start my search for a venue? (resources other than the yellow pages?) Besides small alternative/art theaters, you may find certain bars or coffee shops amenable. 3) What are the important things to consider when selecting a venue? (facilities, surrounding area, hotels/transit, other?) 4) What list of requirements/preferences should I provide the venue management? 5) What objections/questions should I expect from the venue management during planning? 6) What is the venue going to expect of me? (If not money, then what else if anything should I expect to provide to the venue?) The Pioneer theater prefers the content on Mini DV, with a DVD backup. and even promotion stuff: 1) How can I best get the word out locally? etc etc etc - Dave Yahoo! Groups Links -- http://www.DavidMeade.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[videoblogging] Re: Local Vlog screenings (was: Weekly Video Conference)
and just to be clear, since Jay, as you point out, my original post was somewhat cryptic-- When I talk about the recontextualizing of videos when they're shown in a theater, I'm thinking about the presentations at Pixelodeon - and I'm not even thinking specifically about taking videos outside of the blog context (which is a valid concern), but taking them from their rather small, intimate, usually one-on-one kind of a viewing context, sometimes even heard via headphones, often viewed in passing when one has a free moment - and, instead, putting those little videos up on a bigger-than-life screen, with loud audio, a group of people watching a responding, and making the video a main attraction. This shift in context can radically change the meaning of the original video. I've talked to a number of vloggers who view their work as being fleeting, in-the-moment, designed for an intimate viewing situation in which an individual can respond personally, rather than collectively, to the video, and in those cases, I fear that, as Brook notes, the translation to the big screen might not work, and ultimately might not respect the creator's intentions. If a video is CC licensed, a creator might be giving up some control, which I think can be wonderful, but these are concerns to take into consideration when taking a videoblog post and turning it, essentially, into a video. Again, I'm not necessarily taking a position here - I'm not sure what I think yet - but I do feel that a lot of my own work would lose something if played for a group on a big screen. It might gain something too - but there would be sacrifices made there as well. Jen --- In videoblogging@yahoogroups.com, Jay dedman [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I find this quite an interesting thread, and especially in the wake of Pixelodeon, I find it interesting/strange/concerning/exciting that there is an interest in taking these small format works and putting them up on the big screen. Watching video on a big screen with a group audience vastly changes the way we experience the moving image, so it really takes the videos out of the original context. I'm not saying that's good or bad (though at Pixelodeon I think many of us experienced how wonderful that can be. Long live the movie theater!), nor do I have any particularly well formed thoughts on that at the moment, but I thought I'd throw it out there since it hasn't been addressed. i wanted to take a another stab at answering jen's point so i dont come off so gruff. the web is not TV. that's the mantra. I believe that the BLOG aspect of a videoblog is very important. pulling videos out of the blog and showing on a big screen does start losing some of what I love about what we do. So dont think of local vlog screenings as needing to be traditional sit/watch/leave. Ryanne suggested things like have people stand up and talk between videos. play videos from the actual blog (on the big screen)...so people see it in context. Mix it with performance. Have some bands play. in the end, i think we're just talking about focusing on content versus the tech...since we know there's so much good stuff now that could bring more people in. Jay
[videoblogging] Re: Local Vlog screenings (was: Weekly Video Conference)
--- In videoblogging@yahoogroups.com, Jay dedman [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: 1) To connect with work/people/audiences in other indie moving image practices, curators can put together a program and try to get existing microcinemas and media arts organizations to put it on their schedule - there are thriving venues and organizations in most cities. This way you not only don't deal with renting a hall/projector/etc., but you tap into the REST of the moving image community. again, i fear huge slowdowns because of the bureaucracy of the media organizations. use any contacts, do some inquiries...but dont let these folks slow you down. That's valid in some ways, but I wouldn't be so quick to assume microcinemas and other media arts orgs are bureaucratic machines caught up in red tape. Many microcinemas are absolutely working in the same spirit that we're discussing here - very DIY and open-minded AND enjoying large, built-in audiences - so I wouldn't dismiss the value they can have in organizing such events and connecting vlog work to other communities. 2) Along the same lines, I would be more interested in seeing videoblogging work in MIXED programs that also show other moving image work. I've been talking along these lines to a couple of places about programs for next season that try to grapple with the questions about aesthetics and context that Jen talks about in her post. Again, it takes curators. i think thats why its great that everyone can try it their own way. So Brook, you know this world of moving image work. you would be the best person in San Francisco to connect the vlogging world and the m ore established video arts world. brook...the time is now! youve been talking about it for too long! just tell me how i can help you. If this movement, for lack of a better term, is to have a real lasting place and influence in the broader spectrum of moving image work (I know the phrase is terribly academic but I can't think of a more inclusive one, and anyway as conflicted as I am about it I live a good percentage of the time in that world), it needs to be in dialog with other film/video/installation/web art/etc. work. see.im not sure if thats true. i think the academic side better begin reaching out...or else new video makers will totally go around the current system of grant/installation/festival process. I see your point, Jay, but I wouldn't equate the grant/installation/festival process with the academic world - these are often very separate communities. I do agree that both of those communities need to be more open to new work coming from new circles, but vloggers need to do some of the outreach too. And it CAN be successful, in all of these communities, with good communication and conversations with the right people. It's just a question of getting the ball rolling. Jen
Re: [videoblogging] Re: Local Vlog screenings (was: Weekly Video Conference)
I see your point, Jay, but I wouldn't equate the grant/installation/festival process with the academic world - these are often very separate communities. I do agree that both of those communities need to be more open to new work coming from new circles, but vloggers need to do some of the outreach too. And it CAN be successful, in all of these communities, with good communication and conversations with the right people. It's just a question of getting the ball rolling. agreed. I do not mean to put barriers up for anyone who wants to reach out to their local university, museum, or arts organization. But i believe the people who have contacts inside these organizations will be more successfully since there is a language and set of expectations they have. jen, I know you did an amazing job creating that university class on vlogging. again, I'm all about building bridges, but I'm also about momentum. whatever works for the person doing it. Jay -- Here I am http://jaydedman.com Check out the latest project: http://politicalvideo.org 500 hours of George Bush speeches!! Search, download, remix!!
