Short Films: Robot Tears

I watched these two shorts recently that involved robots or droids in them and they both have dark endings, so I decided to share them with you all.


Dr. Easy from Shynola on Vimeo.

For this short, the intentions of the robot meant well, but it goes to show that human trauma can't be
rationalized, even through logic and reasoning.


TONIGHT I STRIKE from Dan Gaud on Vimeo.

Though robots weren't the focal point, I like the futuristic feel to this short and though the ending sad, the main character reminded me of "Kick Ass" in his intentions. Really powerful.

What would you do with your own robot? I would make it assist in my video making, of course.

-Video Vix[o]n

Vdeo Bloopers [Xtra Clips]

For a while, I didn't have access to my earlier videos because they were all on another hard drive that I had to transfer and reformat. Finally I was able to retrieve them and compile this never before scene blooper reel from my first videos back on Youtube. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find footage from my Gary Coleman video, but nonetheless, it was fun watching my old material, even videos I did back in college, which I may want to re-release on Youtube. Anyway, enjoy this video of my beginnings. You don't know know where you're going unless you know where you came from.

-Video Vix[o]n

Mistakes and Out-takes

Throughout my time on Youtube, I've been showing everyone my videos and they have enjoyed them for their comedic, serious or informative messages. I'm always striving for perfection, so when people see what I have done, they can say that it was well carried out and executed nicely. I've know more these days that I'm not perfect, and the video making process is not perfect either. I mess up; in videos I mess up, which leads to some interesting and funny content.

While watching all of my videos to find some blooper-worthy material, I notice that the best way I got over a blooper was by growling or making a loud noise. Don't know why that is probably, but it just happened. Also, I noticed that I didn't have that much bloopers than I thought. That's because whenever I make a mistake, I usually delete the footage and only keep the "good" takes, so editing can be easier. I learned now, after making this blooper reel, that it was a big mistake.

Messing up is apart of life, and it should be no different in the "video" game. We mess up on words, we say things wrong, we trip, fall and get messy. That's what makes up who we are. I'm not perfect and the footage that I capture should reflect that. To me, a blooper is more natural than any sort of acting because its a piece of imperfection that we have in all of us. Joshen actually wrote a post about bloopers being a good tool in building an audience, and I think I will start incorporating them on my Youtube channel as things progress.

Also, it was nice looking back on all the videos I've done (or at least had access to) and seeing how I evolved during the past year and a half. It's a good feeling. I've been through so much and I'm grateful to have my friends and family around to support me and give me criticism on my work, as I strive to make better content in the future. Expect to see more bloopers in the future.

Remember, I'm not perfect.

-Video Vix[o]n

We Are Not Musicians

My latest video was inspired by well-known Youtuber, Mystery Guitar Man. The idea just came to me and the song was inspired by the rain, just a way to make sense of it all. Granted, I'm not musical prodigy, but in some ways, music has had a small, but intricate part in my life.

Most of you don't know this, but I had a small rap career back in my freshman year of college. My roommate and I formed the rap group, "New Playas," and to us, we were a hit (well to us, at least)

My rap name was simply "V-Jay." Me and him came out with a rap demo and everything. We were proud of our success rapping off of my microphone and laptop. My biggest musical inspiration at that time was Kanye West. I was all Kanye everything when I started college and I tried to emulate that through raps and poetry. I even tried going solo and tried making my own album. After some more episodes of rapping glory with some other friends, I put up my musical boots and got more involved with my passion of video-making. I knew my days of my amateur rap career was over.

Fast forwarding to last year, when I started making videos on Youtube, I realized that in order to make my channel more interesting, I would act as my favorite artist. By throwing on some shades and a cardigan, I became Kanye West, which lead to creating my first music video ever.



After working with Joshen, we realized that making music was the way to go in order to go viral on the internet. Parodies were the name of the game and that lead to other hits such as "Ball In A Cup" and the "H.A.M." parody





With these musical pieces out in the universe and more to come, I realize that my early rap career may never be relived, but through Youtube, there may be a way to live up to my musical roots and make them flourish. Until I pick up the mic again, you'll have to stay tuned.

-Video Vix[o]n

Switching It Up

It comes a time in every person's life when change is mandatory. For me, hopefully, that time is approaching soon. I am currently unemployed and that equals not having any money. On Tuesday, I had an interview for a Video Producer position at a business technology company and I hope that works out. Ironically, I don't like working because it takes away from my video-making process, but I need money in order to produce better videos. Outside of that, when it comes to Youtube, I'm constantly thinking of ways to optimize my content and gain more subscribers. It isn't easy because it involves reaching out to multiple avenues and sharing what I produce. Thanks to Google+, I have another medium to share my content (If you're not on Google+, let me know and I can send you an invite with your email).

In the spirit of switching things up, I made a new segment on my channel called "Vdeo Clips."



I thought that a weekly show should keep people watching my channel and hopefully, I can gain more subscribers and exposure. A good Youtube buddy of mine advises to be active in the community and that's what I plan to do. I have a new weekly schedule of content production that I followed this week and it seemed to be a good work flow. I know it's a slow road to success, but I have no intentions of getting off at any exit anytime soon. These days, I have no other choice but to make it and organization is key to making that happen. Things have been at a low point and they're gradually coming up. I just hope that momentum keeps going.

-Video Vixon

Inspired By You[tube]

In my many journeys of being on "the tubes," there are a couple of people that have different functions in my internet viewing; to entertain and inform. Recently, I have been making videos that have been inspired by some of my favorite Youtubers. My first video was inspired by a cool Tuber named Onision.

Onision (or Greg, for those who feel more comfortable with him) is known for his crazy, psychotic and sometimes genius-like videos. He's funny, emotional, serious and down to earth. I thought this video would be a small ode to his randomness. Another Youtuber who I am informed and entertained by is Philip DeFranco (aka Sxephil). You may notice in some of my vlogs that I mention Phil a couple of times because, to me, Phil represents a voice on Youtube, a standard of success, in my opinion. I have made videos in response to Phil before, but this one was definitely his style and was successful, for the job that I did.

I'm hoping that either one of these two got to see what I did and the main goal was to get some recognition for it. Even if they saw it and kept it moving, it's better than nothing. As I continue creating content online, I have to give credit where credit is due and find other people that I can be inspired by (and no, it's not copying, lol) and try to match close to their awesomeness. In the meanwhile, I'll just be...

-Video Vix[o]n

Life's A Game

"Life's a _____"

I know everyone can easily fill in this blank with your favorite noun (I know you're leaning towards "bitch" because it just rolls off the tongue, lol.) I always have fun with filling in this blank because it's my time to get creative with analogies, like I would say "Life's a poker game, and there's no way I'm pulling a straight flush on the first draw" or "Life's a friend who hasn't paid me my money back from that favor I did for them months ago." I've recently been using the phrase, "Life's a movie" because it just went with my whole filmmaking theme, but these days, I feel like life is more of a game; board game to be exact.

Why a board game? It just seems appropriate. Everything these days seem to rely on chance and the role of a die. Looking for work is no easy task and landing one is definitely by luck. Though I don't want to re-enter the corporate environment too quickly, my funds are dwindling and I have to be realistic about my situation. I really have to put this Youtube grind on the forefront because I realize being a partner would change everything. And like the board game, I still have to pay off these college loans for me to even be able to get in the lead. Then again, I kind of wish you could roll your way out of different scenarios in life. I seem to constantly be landing on real life spaces, where I have to jump through hoops in order to advance. The only way I can see me winning is achieving the goals I have set for myself and staying focused. Granted, I could try to cheat my way out, but that wouldn't be fair to myself. When I win at this game, I want to know that I overcame all the odds before me in order to reach the finish.

Isn't that the real goal in the game of life? To get to the end and scream "I WIN!"? I'm waiting for that day. Oh, I got to go, it's my turn to roll...

-Video Vix[o]n

"Hands" on Chris Brown

As I continue on my video journey, I realize that a lot of people have been supporting me to the fullest; one person being my cousin, Hank. We've become close during the past couple of years; hanging out, partying, chilling, and just being family. As my older cousin, back in the day, he would regulate me, make fun of me and ridicule me, but now that we are older, I know that it was all out of love and we have a new found respect for each other. Being his only subscription on Youtube, he has watched my videos and given me constructive feedback on each one, so I decided it was time to introduce him to the world of video making. End result; a well-made piece of comedy.



I really appreciate his help. It's hard getting people, especially family, to help me with videos, especially knowing everyone is busy, much less has time to watch my content. I don't beg my cousins to watch my stuff; sometimes, I'd have to physically make them see it in order for them to watch, but Hank is a true supporter (and a funy dude, which made the video better).

On the flip side, I recently watched a video from one of my favorite Youtubers about what happened with Chris Brown at Good Morning America. The story is Chris Brown was a featured artist on the show, and one of the show's hosts asked him in an interview about Rihanna. That clearly didn't translate well with "Breezy," causing him to wreck the GMA set, breaking stuff and causing a lot of damage. All over Twitter, people were talking about it, so I finally decided to put in my $0.02.



To put this into a sentence: He's wrong, he'll forever be wrong, but he's human; let him live. I feel people are socially sacrificing Chris Brown now because it's easy to take shots at him, but in the end, he's trying to be a better person, obviously, he relapsed a little. He should have handled it differently, but he didn't. But, for those without sin, do cast the first stone. Don't worry, I'll wait...

-Video Vix[o]n

The Next Chapter Begins...

A lot of things have happened this past weekend, but one thing in particular was the most crucial; purchasing my new camera, the Canon EOS Rebel T3i



Having that I-finally-got-that-thing-I-saved-up-for feeling again is refreshing. I have stepped into a new realm of videography and filmmaking by purchasing this camera (as well as started myt bank account from $0). Taking this new venture seriously, I have taken the time to read the manual about the camera and make it my new best friend. It's been a while since I endulged myself into something I cared about. I just want to approach this the right way. Of course, the first step is just getting the camera; they are accessories and other components I have to invest in to completely optimize my video repetoire.

New chapters don't always mean that there is going to be a refresh. Having a new camera doesn't necessarily mean I will be making better videos. It may mean that I come off more professional in some people eyes. This is something I have to keep in mind as I move forward. Until I start using it, check out some test footage for the camera.



Sexcellent, I know. Once again, this video has been fast-forwarded.

-Video Vix[o]n

No Rest for the Nameless

For those who don't make videos on Youtube, you may not know this, but it is a really challenging job. And I call it a job because, despite not being paid for it, it takes a lot of time and energy to release an original piece of work per week, especially with a lack of resources. I will tell you right now, it is tiring. This video is a slight exaggeration of how I feel when it comes to making a video for the week. Being consistent is no easy task, especially for me, who has always had issues with consistency (this blog being an example).


I recently started my new job for a company named Mission Critical Services. Working from home, my day consist of waking up at 8:30am and talking on the phone and looking at my computer until 5pm. Then, when I'm done with work, I start to "work," which consist of writing scripts for upcoming videos, actually shooting videos, editing, photoshopping, promoting, updating, blasting, all on top of staying on top of the multiple other projects that I will like to get accomplished. On my wall, I listed all of the things that I would like to accomplish or in other words, the dreaded "To-Do" List (it's actually formed like a pyramid, with priorities not necessarily placed in order of importance). Outside of never getting half of these things done, my day starts from 8:30am to "whenever-I-feel-sleepy-a.m." and the whole process starts again. Don't get me wrong, having a job is wonderful and I'm saving up money for my new camera, but the chunk of the day that I spend on my computer calling people could be used to progress my "video empire." To me, that has always been the catch 22 of employment; I need a job in order to have money, but that job takes away from the time I need to do what I want and I need money to do half of the things I want to do.

As I write this entry, I'm suffering from lack of sleep because of being up on BlogTV all night promoting the same video you see above, which is not even my best work. My creative juices are drying up. The ideas are coming to me, it's just implementing them which is becoming the problem. I don't know whether it's my lack of ambition or doing everything by myself which is taking a toll on me, but it's not resulting in the best videos that I know I can make. I have to find a way to balance work, "work," and play. Then again, that would make me like everyone else trying to find a balance in their lives. Ironically, the time I need rest is when I start getting the most motivation to become better.

-Video Vix[o]n

My Conscious, Revisited

A little over a year ago, I made a short about myself and how I was feeling called All By My Conscious Self. There was a lot going on with me back then and the only way I could express myself was by making a video. It came off emo and deep, but it captured who I was. When I posted it, people reacted to it and one person replied that it seemed like there was going to be a second part to it. At the time, I wasn't planning on a second part. It was suppose to be a stand alone piece just for my audience to get a glimpse of what was going on in my life and a visual look of my conscience going at each other. With all the events happening with me lately, something told me that I needed to go back to that place in my head where the creative met the emotional.
With everything that was happening to me in the past few weeks, I felt everything that I touched or tried to influence was backfiring on me. I bottled up my emotions because I thought those type of things only happen to me and I just accepted it. But what really broke me was when I trusted a decision I made to a loved one and they reacted adversely to it. The details are too much to go into, but basically I felt stupid for making a decision for myself, which lead to a rabbit hole of thoughts; I am irresponsible, I make dumb decisions, I can never free myself from the influence of others. I was a mess. I cried. I felt powerless. Added on to the fact that my internet connection stopped working at home, it was hard to communicate with the outside world what I was going through and the only person that I cried out for wasn't around.
I knew this video would be the only way I could find to deal with my feelings, let them out, and become stronger to move on. I just so happened to be sick when I shot everything. The storyline with my clone and my bad conscience fighting myself and everything else came to me automatically; I didn't write a script for it or anything, just shot. When it was all done, I put all of my energy into the editing process and it all felt so new. I put all that I could into the video and I think that's why it came out as good as it did. A piece of me is in this video and it definitely shows.
What I took from this video is I'm the only person who is going to make something happen for myself. I shouldn't make other peoples' feelings or opinions stop me from doing what I feel is right. It's not fair and I know that I would never do that to anyone else, so I could only think what makes people want to do that to me? At this point, I'm going in a little to deep, but basically, I can only move on from this video and do better things. I only hope that the events in my life won't push me to make a third addition to this unexpected series. But hey, that's what happens when you're all by your conscious self.
-Video Vix[o]n

NEW VIDEOS: "How To" Be Racist

Reading the title, you're probably wondering "is Vixon going to teach us raceology?" No, of course not, but I will show you all my latest videos on the Tube.

First off, Howcast, the website you go to find out how to do everything, is looking for their next vlogger host for their channel. It's a part-time job in NYC and all you had to do to apply was to make a video (aka best job application EVER!) So the idea automatically came to me and I produced this video for the running. Now I need all of you, after you watch this video, to go on the Youtube page with the video and hit the "LIKE" button. More likes = more chances of me getting accepted. So help a brotha out, lol.



My latest video I thought up in college. Imagine Facebook, but the premise was based on race. You get Racebook. Extremely racist, over the top and ready to keep people connected. Would you join Racebook? I would, just to see how annoyed I'd get before deactivating my account.



That's all I have for you guys today. Stay tuned and, please, don't be racist. It just doesn't look good on you.

-Video Vix[o]n

Jeans, Balls and Gold!!!

Hey guys, been a while, blah, blah, blah... let's jump into it.

I'm sitting here with Joshen waiting for the last episode of WLOG in order to find 10,000 buried somewhere in the city.



For those who haven't been aware of this, there is free money buried somewhere in NYC, on some treasure hunt ish, and Video Reborn is trying to be on it and find that gold pronto. It has caused us to be a lil antsy with anticipation, but for now, all we can do is wait.

Yesterday, we continued shooting out viral music video in Manhattan, which is coming along slowly but surely. We found some random Spanish people in the street that helped us with the shooting and if I could remember their names, I would send a huge thanks their way.

As for me, I'm continuing to make my weekly videos, which I'm so proud of. It's crazy how life could just give you all sorts of ideas and scripts for some amazingly hilarious things and this video is no different. My latest video ties in NYC's Fashion week and the ridiculous style that is sagging jeans and makes fun of how people rock it.

It was weird seeing myself with my pants low, but I wanted to get my message across somehow. More creative things to come, as always. Until you read again.

-Video Vix[o]n

Really Video Vix[o]n? Really?

[<<] REWIND TAPE [<<]

If I were to look at myself into the mirror and ask why I haven't blogged in a while, I would set my side eye on auto.

Let's rewind back to Mid-July. After my last post, I became entwined in my video work and other ventures. Youtube has taken up much of my time, including Video Reborn and life in general. But the beauty of blogging is it's like ridding a bike; if you fall off, you have to get back on and ride.

In Video Reborn news, we've been working on branding our name, so what better way to make that happen then to make some T-Shirts...

(Video by Ms. Cintrine Dreams)

We've also started working with another filmmaker, Elroy, on a short film concept that I can't disclose now, but I promise you that it will be amazing...

Recently, Reborn and I were invited to a photo shoot for a comic, Colin Kane, where we were apart of an angry mob. I was told I was particularly angry looking.

While Reborn and I are constantly on the grind for stardom, I have made a couple of more videos, reaching my 10th video on my new Youtube channel, so I wanted to thank all of my subscribers for watching.

You can see the other videos on my tube. There a lot more things for me to do and it's not going to be easy. I'm still jobless and I'm scrambling for work, but I figured as long as keep making videos, I be happy. Unlike other people who talk about riding the bike, I'm just going to climb back on and ride. Show and Prove.

[>] RESUME PLAY [>]

-Video Vix[o]n

Same Ol' News at 11

Every time I watch the news, there's really nothing new. There's always a killing, shooting, a lot of people dying and then there's the stupid "studies" that talk about obvious things that scientists are now discovering. Then, there's the weather forecasts... why use numbers when you can just say that it's going to be hot or cold? And I'm not a fan of sports either, so it's just blah-blah-blah to me. So how do you condense a 30-minutes broadcast into a small segment that gets to the point? Join Jim Scott and his news team for Same Ol' News...



-Video Vix[o]n