Link: http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/36800/productions/war-horse.html

This has nought to do with video production (although they do use video onstage) but anyone interested in performance really should see this show at the National Theatre. It is based around outstanding full size horse puppets and I defy anyone to see them and not be completely convinced that they are living, breathing animals.

There are people who believe that there is some mystical element that provides the life force to bone and sinew. These puppets are the best argument I have ever seen against such belief. The design and engineering of these animals provide a fantastic model of that bone and sinew. Add to that the skill of actors providing movement, sound and emotion through that model and you gladly give up any disbelief in their reality.

The show is a powerful story set just before and during the first world war. I was close to tears on a number of occasions. Not because of the (admittedly) harrowing events on stage but through the pure joy of seeing a life created before your eyes – we all love watching actors create character but seeing actors and designers creating life is another thing all together.

I've not before been an enormous fan of puppetry, apart from a fondness for the Muppets, but this has inspired me to look for more works in this area.

I believe the show is running into 2009 and a new booking period starts in December. Do try and go.

My quest continues for some affordable space to build a small video studio somewhere around St Albans. There must be someone out there with a space they can't do anything with because it has no natural light and is underground or just frankly, hideous. I just want somewhere I can build a 30 ft by 20ft soundproof box – freestanding. But, as I don't really have any idea how much use it would get I can't tie myself down to a 5 year lease.

Very willing to do lots of video/audio/photography work as compensation to any kind company which may like to have what would basically be an in-house video facility on their premises. Any thoughts please do comment.

Link: http://www.cirrolite.com

This week I needed to purchase a dedolight with a projector so I can make the backgrounds of interviews look a little more interesting. These things are fantastic, but expensive so I wanted to see one in action.

Cirro Lite, who are the UK distributors couldn't have been more helpful. They are in North London and I made an appointment in the morning to go down there in the afternoon.

They have a large demonstration rig with just about everything you could wish for in lighting kit and spent a good half hour showing me the kit I wanted and answering questions. I would highly recommend going down there if you are thinking of buying lighting for video or photography. Extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

Link: http://www.elstreedv.co.uk/podcasts.php

Audio Podcasts

Podcasts only work if they give your audience something they are interested in without them feeling that they are being "sold to". So you have to find a way of providing them with some related information which compliments your business but isn't a straight sell.

An example from our website

Farmers market

On the 2nd Saturday of every month a group of local farmers sell their wares. The group has it’s own website. On that website you can subscribe to a podcast called “Local seasonal food” A few days before the market you automatically receive a new episode entitled “Farmers Market: July, 2008 ” When you play this on your computer or your iPod, the presenter tells you what has just come into season: maybe lettuce, strawberries, asparagus, cherries, peas etc.

They also tell you that on the website you can find recipes for using these ingredients and that this fresh seasonal produce will be available on the market stalls this coming Saturday.

You are planning a dinner party and go to the website to look at recipes (marketing result 1) AND you go to the market for your seasonal veg. (marketing result 2)

Professionalism

Everyone involved in recording material for podcasting should be in no doubt that this is a form of broadcasting. The rules that apply to BBC Radio presenters also apply.

Subject matter

If you can’t imagine having a conversation with a (non-specialist) listener about the chosen subject then you may well have chosen the wrong subject for a podcast.

The value of a podcast is that it is a conversational way of grabbing the attention of a listener and giving them a distilled overview of material, which may be enormously complex on paper.

It is the ease with which this conversation informs the listener of that overview, that persuades them to think of the speakers as expert in their field.

Conversely, any lack of clarity will only help to persuade the listener to look elsewhere for expertise.

Script

The interviewer will no doubt need the questions written down, but these should still only be used as an aid. People can always tell the difference between read and spoken material and it is essential that listeners are convinced that these podcasts are spoken, or else they have little or no value.

Practice asking the questions in your own words.

Interviewees should practice answering questions without any reference to written material. It will take a bit of practice even with the right subject matter. Many people like to have a list of bullet points as it makes them feel more secure. However, a good verbal question should elicit a good verbal answer.

Don’t forget that you can pause at any point in recording so that you can gather your thoughts.

Link: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/media/5296.aspx

Again, as with the location permits for around London you can get permits to film on London Underground. A small crew can get a permit to film for around £250 for two hours. See details at the link above