Welcome to the June issue!
Are you a budding video or audio biographer looking to get some experience and build a portfolio? This month, I suggest one way to do that.
I hope you enjoy this issue of the Family Legacy Video® Producer’s e-Newsletter. Please e-mail me at steve@familylegacyvideo.com or phone toll-free (888.662.1294) with any questions or comments you have.
Cheers! – – Steve Pender
_________________________________________
A great way to gain video biography experience – interview a vet.
I’m often asked, many times by folks who aren’t skilled in video, how to get started in the legacy video or legacy audio business. My first suggestion to video newcomers is to learn the craft and start building a portfolio of personal history videos they can use to market their services. One way to acquire practical experience is to interview friends or family members at little to no cost to them. But there’s another great way to hone your video and audio production chops while at the same time performing a wonderful service to the United States and the military veterans who put their lives on the line to defend it.
It’s called the Veterans History Project.
The Veterans History Project is an initiative of the American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress. According to its website, “The Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.” The VHP relies on the American public to submit veteran’s recollections, and this is where you can help – as well as benefit.
Perhaps you know a veteran. If not, you can reach out to veterans through your church or local veterans groups. Offer interested veterans a free video or audio interview, making it clear that you’re on a learning curve. Afterwards, give the veteran a copy of the interview and submit it to the Veterans History Project. Through my Rotary Club, I’ve been honored to interview a dozen veterans from the World War II, Korean War, and Vienam War eras – I highly recommend that you try it. Most of the WWII vets whose stories I recorded have since passed away. Luckily, their stories will live on for generations.
You’ll find this to be a win-win situation for all involved. The veteran and his/her family will have an interview to treasure and pass along to future generations, the interview will become part of the public record at the Library of Congress, and you’ll gain valuable interviewing and production experience.
– Steve Pender
_________________________________________
“The Legacy Video Lounge” podcast update.
In May, the podcast featured a discussion about audio biographies and a chat with an accomplished camera operator/lighting director and soundman about the art and science of shooting legacy video interviews. What’s coming up in June? Subscribe and find out!
You’ll find the podcasts here.