I have had several requests for the other video project I created at the Travel Channel Academy - so here it is.If your confused about this Podcast - see Podcast #24 for full write up.David

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If your a fan of the Travel Channel, you may have caught one for their advertisements for the Travel Channel Academy. Well - my curiosity got the better of me, I just completed the 4 day intensive training in NYC. I must say - the purpose of this was 2 fold, 1. - Understand how this new public outreach strategy to arm video producers by the hundreds would unfold. 2. - The meet the exec?s at Travel Channel and help them see what NA?s new Elevate platform could play in this new world.This course was taught be a small well known independent production firm, RosenblumAssociates . Led by Michael Rosenblum and his better half Lisa. The course focuses on the following concepts: Shoot only what you need. Think before you shootWhat?s the story? ?Whats the Question that must be answered??Tight editing - get it down to 2-3 minutes max for web content.Open with your BEST shot! - grab the attention of your audience.Narration is key to telling a short story..6. DONT MOVE THE CAMERA!The Class was taught at the CUNY?s School of journalism. What a great place, brand new inside - great feel and roomy classrooms.As I participated in the 4 day course, I was amazed at the total efficiency of the class curriculum. Thanks to a short Final Cut training lecture, the entire room of novice shooters, editors and mac users had shot and was editing their first piece by the end of the first day. This was amazing. Being Final Cut Pro 5,6 certified, I know just how difficult learning Final Cut Pro can be. Their teaching method made it simple and easy to grasp. Congratulations Rosenblum Associates.Next what struck me about Michael and Lisa?s training style is that they don?t pull punches. You will get punched if your material stinks. The goal, learn from your mistakes.Some of the punching is justified and very helpful, other is to keep you focused on what the client wants (Travel Channel), and not necessarily wrong for other video production purposes. So keep that in mind when Michael says ?You don?t need an outside shot of the building your profiling..? - many times this is important for the viewer..This class was well run, on all aspects. The AV setup was great, the course trainers and helpers were well qualified and very nice. my only complaint was the weak training materials, expect they will get better over time...All in all, I found my time spent in this class was a blast. Fun, entertaining and I learned a valuable skill I was lacking - the art of telling a story in 60 seconds. If you have the opportunity to take the course, do it. David

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Mad Money host Jim Cramer did it again. (Open Mouth - insert foot...)This week, he was terribly misquoted but - you will hear why... he blurred the discussion and the CNBC anchor, took the discussion off track. Then, folks that were not mac savvy, looked at the transcript and further took it into la la land. Here is what really happened.By the way, I agree - buy Apple.p.s. - This podcast recorded entirely on the Olympus-LS 10 -- see my review here . Also still experimenting with audio levels.. so bear with me on this.

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Podcasting is now becoming as common as a Chevy truck!But.. many people who want to do regular podcasts are still confused on how to get professional quality results on a tiny budget. Prior to this release, i would have steered anyone looking for advice to products like the RODE Podcaster or the M-Audio Podcasting Kit. Both are excellent products that consist of a quality mic that plugs directly into the USB port on your PC or Mac. The downside... you need to have a PC or Mac with you when you record. Hmm.Now, thats all changed, a company best know for its camera products, Olympus has released the almost perfect podcasting device. It?s called the LS-10. It?s thinner in width but a little thicker than an iPhone. It?s very rugged and is designed to be used almost anywhere you get your inspiration. Best of all, its completely self contained. Just turn on and start blabbing. If you tend to spit on microphones, it even includes these cool Mickey Mouse windscreens. Here is my voice sample: If you doubt my claim of super quality for its price range and size.. check out this comparison chart that includes live recording samples of this and much more expensive products. Portable Recorder ReviewsThis device lists for $399 but I got mine on Amazon for $259. Thats amazing for a device of this quality. Check out these super specs:24 bit/ 96 kHz linear PCM recording. Capture It All? -- exactly as you hear it -- with dependable, extra-high-quality digital recording that sounds better than a CD.Multiple recording formats: WAV, MP3, and WMA. Record and playback in the format of your choice. With three compatible formats, the LS-10 offers more versatility and enables expanded recording capacity.High-sensitivity microphones and high-quality microphone amplifier circuitry. Built-in high-sensitivity and low-noise stereo microphones capture every detail and nuance. The microphone amplifier circuitry is carefully designed to reduce interference for ultimate sound clarity. ? Up to 12 hours of recording capability ? 2 GB built-in memory and SD removable card slot. The 2GB built-in flash memory assures immediate recording, while the SD slot allows for expanded capacity. Long battery life allows you to record up to 12 hours. ? Aluminum body and compact design. The durable, easy-to-grip and lightweight, 5.33-ounce body allows you to use the recorder with one hand. ? Built-in stereo speakers. Despite its compact design, the LS-10 incorporates built-in stereo speakers that allow you to enjoy high-quality sound playback anytime, anywhere. ? Versatile and functional. The LS-10 Linear PCM Recorder is ideal for any musician or nature enthusiast looking to record audio in the highest possible quality. The recorder is also great for journalists who need to interview and report news on the spot.

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Here is a shot clip showing the outstanding Over and Undercranking capabilities of the Sony XDCAM EX Camcorder. The are un-retouched shots of the night (roads and sky) - You can actually see Orions Belt!Captured in 1080p30 , -3db Gain, 64 Fps Shutter Speed. - Exported from Native Timeline to Apple TV (via Quicktime Conversion Method)

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