Yasiin Dey forced fed like Guantanamo Bay

Yesterday, Yasiin Bey, aka Mos Def, shock the internet by deciding to volunteer himself in undergo an irregular procedure that most prisoners under hunger strike in Guantanamo Bay go through on a daily basis. The video is disturbing, but I did watch it in its completion and I wanted to share my thoughts about what I say.

First off, I commend Yasiin for his bravery to go about this procedure; even just going through a fraction of the process seemed challenging enough. It seems like he took part in this experiment to spread a message of awareness about how these detainees are treated, especially for those prisoners who are going through Ramadan, when members of Islam fast for the day.

When it comes to "Gitmo," most people know it's the place where the most dangerous terrorists are held. Despite the talks of the prison being shut down and prisoners relocated, this practices are still carried out and a lot of people have mixed reactions to what they've seen. I've seen a lot of anti-Islamic comments saying these prisoners deserved being tortured and their practices shouldn't be respected. On the other hand, most people defiled the inhumane act, saying that no one deserves to be treated like that, prisoner or not.

I agree with the later. Treating these people as "lesser beings" doesn't make us (USA) any better in our standing as those who enforce the laws and morals in this country (if there are any). If these prisoners can be treated in this fashion, imagine those who are innocent, but have been made out to be a public enemy by the government (Ex: Eric Snowden). At least someone decided to bring this procedure to light and sparked a dialogue about it. It takes a strong man to hold up a mirror to the behavior of those in power and show the rest of us what really goes on behind closed doors. Thanks you Yasiin for shining that light.

What are your reactions/opinions on this video?

-Video Vix[o]n

Finding Your "Gratitude"

This video comes from the visual genius which is Joe Nation. He used old footage from things he shot throughout the past year to express the "beautiful things in this life, big and small." I've always admired Joe for his video skills, but he does bring up a good point about being grateful for the things in life. Outside of being able to wake up everyday, I always have to remind myself of what I'm grateful for:

-When it comes to my video work, I'm grateful for the resources I have, what I'm capable of, what I've accomplished, especially with my short film series, #VideoDictionary. There was a time where I wasn't sure of my professional direction and I never felt confident in what I was good at.

-I'm grateful for Youtube being the platform I can use to share my work and show others what I can do. Without it, I wouldn't be able to show off who I am as a content creator, and now a Youtube partner.

-All of my subscribers, especially those who continue to support my videos and show support for my work.

-My family and friends who understand what I do when I am always out and about, shooting a video or producing content.

-My new (part-time) job, which I'm starting to feel comfortable with. Being out of a job for a while made me feel incompetent, but my co-workers have welcomed me well and now I feel capable of accomplishing anything on the job.  

We should all take more time to being grateful for what we have and what we've accomplished in our lives. We tend to focus on what we don't have and makes those things overshadow the good things. I'm being more positive these days and this video was a nice reminder of staying grateful. Are you grateful for what you have?

-Video Vix[o]n

League of Extraordinary [Women]

One of my fellow geek/Whovian/blogger friends Jamila (Girl Gone Geek) had the opportunity to be a part of a "Women in Comics" panel recently to discuss the role and depiction of women in comics and other media.

The panel brought up a lot of issues that I have thought about when it comes to how women are visualized in comic books, video games, art and other forms of media. They are either over-sexualized or seen as the 'damsel in distress." The issue of a lack of female characters of color was brought up as well, revealing that there are few examples of black and Hispanic heroines in comics and media for young girls of color to look up to. All of the heroines of color I can name off the top of my head are Storm (X-Men), Vixen (Justice League/DC), Martha Jones (Dr. Who), Zoe Washburne (Firefly), Sheva Alomar (Resident Evil 5), Michonne (Walking Dead) and Fire (DC). The problem is that the majority of heroes that young girls are exposed to (primarily in comics) are white males figures like Superman and Batman, while female heroes like Wonder Woman and Batgirl aren't marketed as much. It's worse for heroines of color because they are placed in a smaller category whom are forgotten or looked over. Other topics that were discussed were the trend of "fake nerd girls," discrimination of women in the comic/animated world and how being a female geek is something that shouldn't be proven, but respected. What I mainly got out of the panel is that it is important to be yourself, be the change you want to see, and seek out others who you can express your "geekiness" with. Being a geek myself, I related with everything the panelists said and I'm happy that the discussion is being brought more to the forefront.

Women in Comics Panelists

Geeks United!

Finally, I want to share a video for a trailer I saw long ago for a documentary about the image of Wonder Woman and the role of super heroines in the media. It addresses the same issues discussed at the panel. The documentary will be premiering on the PBS channel on April 15th.



-Video Vix[o]n

Short Film: I'm A Queen!

This short film has made me think about watching/posting video on Vimeo again. I forgot how impressive some shorts can be, and this one is no different. I didn't see the twist at the end, but it was well shot and with all the awards that it received, I wish I had thought of it myself. Enjoy.

The Queen from Christina Choe on Vimeo.

-Video Vix[o]n

Rewinding Back 2012, Going Forward 2013

It's been a while, but another year is done and new opportunities await us.

As I look at this video rewind I created, I feel a sense of pride for all the things I accomplished, especially with all of the trials and tribulations I had to go through recently. A year of content creation is never easy, especially when you're constantly trying to climb the Youtube totem pole. But, I did become a Youtube partner (which was the main goal for me starting back on Youtube in the first place) and successfully created four films for my short film series #VideoDictionary. All in all, I would say it was a good Youtube year for me and 2013 shouldn't be any different.

Last year made me realize that as much as I love making videos, there are still a lot of things I would like to learn in order to be the best videographer/filmmaker that I can be. So far, I am on the path to taking some production courses to get certified in editing and television studio work so I can beef up my resume. Also, I am aiming to finally become a part of this production assistant training program, where I can gain experience being a P.A. and eventually work my way to being placed in an actual production project. Of course, these are all of my plans for the future and there's no guarantee that things will go as planned (especially if I get a job), but it's a start to realizing what I really want to do.

It would be easy for me to say that this new year is going to produce a new me, which I am hopeful for, but I don't want this new year to shadow the progress that I've made in 2012. Most people think that a new year must be the reason to change themselves, but a change in the calender shouldn't mean a change in self. Change can never be set on a calender, so why should we wait to change ourselves? This year looks promising, but I am staying realistic and keeping in mind that anything can happen.

P.S.: I've been treating this blog like an abandoned step-child. I need to do better, new year or not. Here's to more blog posts in the future.

-Video Vix[o]n

Production Vlog "D" - #VideoDictionary

-Video Vix[o]n

Production Vlog "C" - #VideoDictionary

The third prod vlog for the latest installment to the #VideoDictionary series.





A long time coming, but worth the wait. Shout outs to Imperial Moving And Storage as well as Sticky's Finger Joint for the support. Can't wait for the next one. 


-Video Vix[o]n

Keeping Busy (As Can Be)

I know I haven't blogged in a bit, but that is only due to real world issues getting in the way, such as me applying to become a PCT (Police Communications Technician). Ironically, I made a video a while back poking fun at being a PCT, which became pretty popular.



Seeing that I will be working for the NYPD, they need to do a thorough investigation of my background and records, which will mean if I even sneeze close to an officer, they would know all about me, which I don't feel too comfortable with, but the job does supply benefits, so my complaining can only go so far.

Meanwhile, I've been trying to keep busy with other video related work, such as working close with the R&B artist Tanya T6 during a recent music video shoot, where I shot some behind the scenes action.



Keeping up the relationship with this artist has been good because she makes sure to compensate me for my time, as well as I can hook her up with great looking footage and content; a win-win relationship which I know will last until I possibly start working. Other than that, there is nothing too much to report other than working on the "Video Dictionary" series, which is coming along slowly, but surely. I may not be producing as much content as I use to, but I'm proud of what I've done and what I will do in the near future. Until then, I will continue to work hard and find inspiration around me, like these images I saw at a museum recently.

-Video Vix[o]n

Production Vlog "B" - #VideoDictionary

The second prod vlog for the second installment to the #VideoDictionary series.



It was cool seeing the footage in reverse. I can't wait to produce the next one.

-Video Vix[o]n

Before After Effects; My Story of Motion Graphics

During my beginnings in video production, I've always had the urge to play around with special effects. The ideas that I would come up with in my mind for super-powered action scenes were endless. Watching special effect heavy movies didn't subside my urge any more. In college, I tried experimenting with some, but Windows Movie Maker wasn't made for special FX back then (or ever). Nonetheless, I was still determined to create something mind-blowing for my young audience. That's when I learned about the powerful special effects/motion graphics program, ADOBE AFTER EFFECTS.

At first, I thought that it would be easy just to get the program, learn how to use it and I would be flying and running at super speed in no time. But when I actually looked at the interface of the program for the first time, it was absolutely overwhelming; multiple windows, numerous buttons and a whole bunch of functions I was not familiar with. From then, I decided that it would be better to leave it to the pros to create the surreal effects that I've always dreamed of including in my videos. 

Years after, as I got more involved with making videos, I rediscovered the passion to play around with special FX/motion graphics. Though I was still avoiding After Effects, I felt that I had enough skills in my arsenal to pull off something realistic with what I had to work with. Finally, last year, after gathering some motion graphic elements from the Internet and applying my home-grown production knowledge, I made my first special FX/motion graphic video, Fast Forward. 

Though I felt like I did a good job with what I had, I knew in the back of my mind that if I really wanted to be serious about this, I would have to tackle the beast which was After Effects. After getting the program, I finally had the courage to open AE and start playing around with it. Thanks to sites such as Video CoPilot and Youtube, I was able to create a new intro sequence for my vlogs and create an idea for a new "Video Reborn" intro sequence. After watching multiple basic AE videos and taking in all the motion graphic knowledge, I once again made an idea into a reality. 

It's not long, but it's exactly what I wanted it to be. Of course, there is much more for me to learn, but I can say that I did that; I accomplished something that I never thought I would be able to all those years ago. The moral of this story is with determination and persistence, anyone can overcome a challenge that they may see as difficult. I had to learn this after the fact. 

-Video Vix[o]n

Stop (and Think) Kony 2012: Revisited

Last week, in a rush of emotionally charged passion, I posted my emotions all over my social platforms about my sentiments towards the now infamous Invisible Children documentary, "Kony 2012." From what I saw, I had to tell people that we had to band together to stop the evil monster who was Joseph Kony. I went from not knowing who this man was to 30 minutes later, cursing his name and recruiting my imaginary troops to do something about putting him down. During my state of fiery passion, I used my creative juices and thought to compile a mash-up of something popular in pop culture with this issue to spread more awareness. This was my result; Avengers x Kony 2012:



But, throughout my rally cries for the global community and myself to assemble and put a stop to Mr. L.R.A., I didn't stop and think about what this documentary was telling me and how it was affecting my emotions.

As I stated in my last post, this documentary was well shot and did a good job at conveying its message; too good of a job. Throughout the video, it uses different audio and visual messages that pulled at one's heart strings; showing African children in pain, the innocence of a young boy trying to understand what evil is and the ultimate message of standing up and finally doing something about it. What I failed to realize is that the ending was the drive home for the organization's mission; to donate. They advertised their merchandise that, through a donation, you can receive an "Action Kit," that would contain fliers, T-shirt, bracelets, etc.; all aimed at spreading awareness about Kony. I did get pulled in by "action kit" and immediately pulled out my credit card to donate. But, if my logical senses kicked in instead of the emotional, I would have realized buying a T-shirt and posters was not going to stop a world-class criminal. Each view on this documentary wasn't going to get us one step closer in the African jungles to catching him. I'm sure there are people who have jumped on the "Stop Kony" train that have come to this revelation by now too.

Was it wrong for me to feel strong about putting a stop to a bad man? No. Was I wrong for wanting to spread more awareness about the issue? No. Was I wrong for not taking the time to do more research about the issue before leading to any conclusions? Yes. Joseph Kony actually helped me to learn the importance of educating oneself about any issue before taking action, no matter how dire the situation may seem. After doing more research about Kony and Invisible Children, I discovered that everything is not what it may seem; outside of the anti-Kony 2012 rhetoric I was hearing all over the web. It's safe to do research about a topic to get all the facts straight; deeply analyze any pressing issue that I watch/read on the Internet and come to a well-balanced opinion. That not only makes me a smarter consumer of information, but a more cautious one. I'll remember to research first, react later.

Invisible Children, I see what you did there.

-Video Vix[o]n

Stop Kony 2012: I Can't Stop

Last night, I had the pleasure and disdain of watching a very important documentary on Youtube that shaped the way I see the world and my responsibility as a global citizen.



For those who have been in the dark about this issue, like I have, there is a man in Africa by the name of Joseph Kony. Kony leads a group of rebels called the L.R.A. (Lord's Resistance Army). This "army" is comprised of children that his henchmen and him have captured, raped, killed and forced to join his group and kill others with guns as child rebel soldiers. Seeing that these children are taken away and forgotten about, they're referred to as the "Invisible Children." These children have been suffering at the hands of LRA for years.

The documentary is well shot and convincingly gets its message across. The director and main narrator, Jason Russell, explains his experiences working with the Invisible Children organization and spreading the word about the mistreatment of these children in Africa and fighting to put an end to Kony and his tyranny. There was something inside me that was building a fire as I watch every moment and learn every fact about the Stop Kony movement. I was aware that evil existed in the world, but not to this magnitude. This is something different; something bigger than myself or anyone else that I can imagine. We're talking about a world criminal; the most dangerous man in the world. Ironically, the U.S. had sought out to find Bin Laden and stop Gaddafi, but the efforts to put an end to Kony has never been emphasized (of course, this is due to underlying U.S. interests and not the concept of world justice).

Ultimately, the question comes down to what am I going to do about it? After college, the fire I had in me to create change fizzled out; I got caught up in my own world and creating a difference for me. But now, there is a global threat on our hands that has been occurring for more than 20 years; before I was born, and I have the ability to stop it. I'm afraid that if I don't keep this story in my mind's eye, then I will forget and go back to my complacent ways. I can't allow that to happen. For some, this may be a bandwagon trend that'll go away in a couple of days; for others, this is something that needs to be addressed and acted on.

If anyone reading this wants to do something inherently good and take action to spread the word about Joseph Kony to stop him, then do your research and get active. If not, then I could understand; it's not easy to feel empowered to create change. It can be scary and not much people know how to handle it, much less make it a priority. Either way, I am a strong believer in stopping villainy and as all of us can be the heroes we need to put an end to this tyrant.

-Video Vix[o]n

On Top Of Things

In my filmmaking endeavors, I have encountered few people who share my passion for video production as much as I have. In college, I knew people who wanted to come together and make some content, resulting in some end products that I were and weren't proud of. Today, I reconnected with one of those people and she reminded me of why I got into video production in the first place.

Standing on that rooftop made me realize that there is more to life out there that what I'm familiar with. For the most part, I know a few people, in my field, who have the same passion and drive to work on and accomplish their goals. Most of the residents in Bushwick, Brooklyn display the ideal of the "aspiring artist;" a person who just wants to leave their creative footprint in the cement of our culture. For that one moment, I looked out to the amazing sunset before me and realized I'm not alone in this journey.

Meeting people is one of the perks I enjoy when pursuing this passion of filmmaking. Hearing the thoughts of like-minded who think of the impossible becoming possible and the most strange becoming the most real is refreshing. In the world of video production, people's thoughts are able to come to life, and working together with others who understand the possibility of that happening are the people to keep close as you travel on that journey. I can't say that re-connecting with a friend means I'll be creating films left and right, like a production house, but it does replenish my hopes that there are others out there, like me, who believe in creating the possible through film. 

As I continue to meet others who are willing to create something amazing through the lens of a camera, I hope I can take something from these newfound contacts and apply them to my ultimate goal to create something awesome and be noticed by others who will feel the motivation to do something awesome themselves.

-Video Vix[o]n

Sh!t Everyone Says

It all started with a short 1 minute video by creators Kyle Humphrey and Graydon Sheppard almost a month ago. Weeks later, it has become of the most popular and re-created videos on Youtube. The concept was so simple, but genius: A guy in a wig, mocking what girls would typically say or do on a regular basis. From this video, Billy Sorrells took the ball and rolled with it a few days later, creating the color counterpart called "Shit Black Girls Say," which also became a hit.




From that moment, other video makers on Youtube took it upon themselves to add to the snowball of this new viral meme of "Shit ___ Say" and, safe to say, a lot of people were going viral simultaneously. I've dubbed this Internet trend "Chain Viral." From the original link that became popular, other links were added that received the same stream of popularity as the first one. Though some links may be smaller or weaker than others, the chain itself became longer with each video made based and inspired by the original.

It's no surprise to see why these, and other "Shit, Say" videos are blowing up on Youtube. Everyday, we say things and do things that we don't notice to be comedic, but when they are brought to light, they become funny to us because they're familiar. Take for instance, when the two girlfriends met in each video, they screamed in excitement to see each other. In real life, it seems like a normal thing, but the video creators realized that it happens so often where most can relate to it and laugh at its accuracy. In essence, these videos help us to laugh at ourselves and realize we all are the same, whether a white girl or black girl (or any other type of person a video has been made for). Even my video partner, Joshen, jumped on the "Shit, Say" coaster and made a video about Shit Poor People Say, which came out pretty funny.

I'm just glad that I was able to witness a new Internet viral meme be born. Hopefully, one day, I can become the creator of a viral hit and have everyone saying shit about it. Until that day, you'll have to stay tuned.

-Video Vix[o]n

New Year, Same Blog?

Who blogs anymore?

The answer is not me.

Since 2008, I've been blogging on this site and there have only been so much things that I have shared with my audience. I have stated before that my blog was more popular back in the day than it is now. These days, it's sparingly the main "hub" for everything "Video Vix[o]n". As the new year rolls in, I don't want to make that annual promise of "blogging more" because I feel I would be lying to myself. Each year, I look at the number of posts I've done and it gets lower and lower. Soon, I'll be posting a post per month and that is not what I want. Some restructuring is in order.

Honestly, it's not that there's something wrong with this blog, it's just all over the place. I barely post about anything video-related and it more personal; not even a healthy balance. So I look at Blogger and I see the "delete blog" button and a decision must be made; delete three years of blogging to start a new or build on this sinking ship and attempt to regain a healthy audience?

I'm always a fan of doing new things for the new year. Call me cheesy, but I think it's human condition to wait for a period of beginning to start something fresh; like the start of a new year or the beginning of a season. To me, the key to a successful blog is consistency and engagement. I have failed to do both and for me to try and regain these key components on top of old content just seems sloppy.

I think another thing is I am more prone to grab a camera and talk about what is happening than write about it. Could be due to laziness or not reading as much as I use to? I'm not sure what it is, but I'm sure that some change is definitely in order. I need some time to contemplate my decision, but no matter what I do, "vdeovxn.com" will still remain (considering I bought the domain) and I will make sure to make a good decision for the sake of getting back into the groove of things. Like every good show on television these days, stay tuned to see if this blog will be cancelled or up for another season. In the meanwhile, watch my latest vlog about having an "UP" attitude.

-Video Vix[o]n