Tag Archives: Youtube

EMMA BENNET ON RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL AUTHORTUBE CHANNEL

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For anyone not familiar with it, Authortube is the little corner of YouTube with writers producing videos. Not only is Authortube full of writing advice, but there are author life vlogs and lots of opportunities to take part in live writing sprints, which definitely make the writing process less isolating.

I loved watching Authortube videos and felt I could add something to the community. I wanted to offer support to writers as well as tips and tricks which could help them in their writing careers. I also figured I would learn an awful lot myself while researching for my videos. Becoming a proper part of the Authortube community also really appealed, they all seemed very supportive of one another, sharing one another’s videos, co-hosting live streams, and shouting out about each other’s books. I discovered this to be true very early on, and it’s made such a difference to my writing to have this wonderful group of cheerleaders.

I mulled over starting my own channel for more than a year before I finally took the plunge in March 2022. The time commitment to running a channel being a major hurdle as well as my complete lack of equipment. I didn’t even have a lovely, quiet place to film: I share a house with five boys and two large dogs!

I began filming on an iPhone 5s one afternoon when all my family were out. I had to prop the phone up on a stack of books because I didn’t have a tripod. The lighting was dreadful, and the video quality wasn’t great. Oh, and I’d made the mistake of filming in portrait instead of landscape. I also didn’t make a thumbnail for it. But, I had officially had a video available. This is definitely how I would advise anyone interested in starting any sort of YouTube channel to start (although maybe get the camera the right way round!): use what you’ve got and try it out to see if it’s for you before committing to buying a load of equipment.

The first few months were a very steep learning curve! I’ve never been very interested in technology and suddenly I found myself on a crash course in filming and editing as well as graphic design for thumbnails. I watched numerous YouTube videos to teach me what to do and cannot recommend Canva enough for thumbnails and putting your videos together!

Almost a year on, I’m on track to be monetised this year, which would be amazing. I upload two videos and at least one short (a video less than a minute long, like a TikTok) a week, as well as hosting at least two live writing sessions a week. I’ve also been able to collaborate on videos and live streams with other authors, and will be taking part in the Authortube Writing Conference later this year.

Running a YouTube channel is definitely hard work and isn’t for the faint hearted, but I absolutely love it. I’ve learned so many new skills, not least becoming confident speaking to a camera, and I’ve made lots of new friends who all share my passion for writing and sharing our skills with others.

The resources available for writers on YouTube now, and all completely for free, are just astounding, and I would advise anyone who hasn’t yet to check it out, whether you’re very new to writing or a seasoned veteran.

 

Find Emma on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKJKt8kmDXrWQAGkTV1VHMQ

The author of seven romances, Emma’s YouTube channel is full of tips and tricks for writers, book recommendations, author life vlogs, and live writing sprints.

How To Make Money Blogging Part 1

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The Ultimate Guide To Becoming a Successful Blogger , blogging, blogs, how to be a successful blogger, blogger, blogging, Catherine BalavageSo here it is. Number one in how to make money blogging, or with your website or online magazine. It is possible to make money blogging, but you need the knowledge and you also have to work hard. The nature of making money blogging is that you never know how much money you will earn month-to-month or day-to-day. It is precarious and sometimes scary, but with the right guidance it is possible. As long as you work hard and are prepared to adapt with the times. Here is part one, I hope it helps you on your blogging journey. I will be telling you all you need to know about blogging in a series of articles. You can also check out my book, The Ultimate Guide To Becoming a Successful Blogger.

Affiliate Links.

Affiliate links are a great way to make money, even if you have a small blog which doesn’t get a lot of traffic. If you can build your blog up and get loyal readers who trust you and your judgement, then you can earn a lot of money this way.

Working With Brands.

You can earn a lot of money working with brands. Either by sponsored editorial content, featuring their products, or working together to create your own fashion line or perfume. Yes, you CAN do that. You just have to belief in yourself and work hard. (I know I say work hard a lot. I won’t say sorry, a blog is a business and any business requires a lot of work).

Sponsored Posts.

Years ago I earned a reasonable amount from sponsored posts. Then Google changed their policy to penalise sites that paid for links, and those that featured them. The revenue stream dried up overnight and I had to get creative. Now the negative part is out of the way let me tell you that you can still earn from sponsored posts. I know some of the top personal blogs charge about £750, but the sky is the limit. Even sites like the Daily Mail and the Huffington Post feature sponsored posts. Print magazines do a similar thing with their advertorials. Just flick through any magazine and you will see some of these. Oh, and avoid people who want sponsored posts but try to disguise them as ‘guest posts’.

Public Speaking.

I have done public speaking. Sometimes it pays well and other times they will ask you to do it for free, but you can either promote yourself or sell your books.

Advertising.

Banner ads and general advertising doesn’t make that much money. I am sure it can, but it is not the way to get rich, or even wealthy, blogging. It will cover the blogging costs however, and that is worth something.

Freelance writing.

I have been approached by publications and sites to write for them after they have come across my work. It also makes my internet presence more prominent and helps my brand. (And before you roll your eyes, we are all brands now).

Partnering with Brands.

You can make a lot of money doing this. Building relationships with brands and getting your name out there can result in lots of money and will also give a huge boost to your career.

Books and eBooks.

I have written three books and I publicise them through Frost. Our contributing editor Margaret Graham is also a bestselling author. Write about a subject you know, or even write a novel. If people are reading your blog they already love your writing.

Selling Your Blog.

In 2011 Arianna Huffington sold The Huffington Post for $315 million. Yes, $315 million. That may be an extreme example, but you can sell your blog for quite a bit of money. Some small blogs even sell for £20,000.

Vlogging.

Vlogging is huge. There are more YouTube millionaires than ever. You can earn relatively good money from this, but it is a lot of work and an overcrowded market. The good news is that Amazon are taking on YouTube with Amazon Direct Video so you can make money streaming your videos there too. I will write about this more soon.

Consulting.

You can consult by helping businesses and brands to build their blogs. Either by writing, or by giving your creative (and tech, if you are so inclined) opinion.

Subscriptions.

You can put things behind a paywall and charge for it. This does work with certain content.

Donations.

I noticed on The Guardian today that they have a donate button at the bottom with the – very true- comment that the powerful will not investigate themselves. If they can do it, you can.

Classifieds.

Old school, but sites like Gumtree and Craigslist charge for people to list and make a good amount of money.

Merchandise and Selling Products.

Plenty of sites sell T shirts and such. You could also make your own products.

Public Appearances.

If your blog does very well you can do a Paris Hilton and get paid simply to appear at clubs and events. You may have to wave though. Hard life.

Doing Talks or Teaching.

You can do talks, teach and do workshops. Offer people a solution to their problems and you are doing good while making some money. Pass on your knowledge and educate people.

I will be going through all of the different revenue streams in more detail. It is an amazing time to be a content creator. There are so many creative ways to build your brand and make money. Good luck and I will help you on your journey.

You can also read how to make your blog posts go viral here.

Björn Borg Launch SS15 Collection Via Online Game First Person Lover

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Björn Borg launch SS15 Collection via online game First Person Lover 3

Björn Borg launch SS15 Collection via online game First Person Lover 1

When Björn Borg launches their spring summer 2015 collection, the Sports Fashion brand blows a kiss to the gaming world through presenting their collection not through a commercial, fashion ads or a cookbook, but through an online fashion game experience where their clothes gives the player extra love strength.

 

Through the game, a new platform for e-commerce is introduced: in-game shopping with the player equipping their avatar with the new Björn Borg collection to fight the forces of evil with the power of love. Equipped with a love glove, you master your enemies with e.g. a hologram kiss blower, a flower petal thrower or rainbow caster made from pink gold, white leather and acrylic glass for the ultimate style experience.

Björn Borg launch SS15 Collection via online game First Person Lover 5

 

The game has received a great reception with Kotaku, one of the largest gaming sites in the world, calling First Person Lover “one of the most fabulous things I’ve ever seen”.

 

Fellow Swede Felix ”Pewdiepie” Kjellberg, who runs the largest Youtube account in the world, calls the game “The most fabulous game in the universe” with his play through of the game at receiving over 3 million views so far.


 

American Youtube sensation Markplier calls it “Game of the Year”.

Björn Borg launch SS15 Collection via online game First Person Lover 7

Björn Borg launch SS15 Collection via online game First Person Lover 8
 

“We have taken the aesthetics from the First Person Shooter games and turned it upside down. We want to offer gamers and shoppers a whole new experience”, comments Lina Söderqvist, Marketing Director, Björn Borg AB.

 

“It has been extraordinarily fun to see the collection come to life in 3D and having avatars wearing it. The game has taken my vision of fictional worlds to a whole new level. I might be the first designer ever that has his collection bought through a game”, says James Lee, Head Designer, Björn Borg.

The First Person Lover Game is free of charge at http://firstpersonlover.com

Björn Borg launch SS15 Collection via online game First Person Lover 6

Björn Borg launch SS15 Collection via online game First Person Lover 10

Björn Borg launch SS15 Collection via online game First Person Lover 9
 

About the SS15 collection

 

Björn Borg SS15 draws its inspiration from fictional worlds. Mesmerizing mythical islands, lost worlds and visionary computer games. A mainly monochrome collection where sport and fashion are intertwined.

 

The key prints in the collection are inspired by water, coral structures and ancient temples. These prints are found throughout all product groups. The key material trend for this season is mesh. This runs through inserts, paneling and details across apparel, underwear, bags, footwear and eyewear.

Styling takes its inspiration from scuba wetsuits through using chunky zips, neoprene, thicker seams and mixing together bright colours with black. Important colours in the SS15 collection are black & white and combining these with soft shades of grey, pink, orange and mint.

The Björn Borg SS15 collections of underwear, apparel, footwear and bags is available at select retailers and Björn Borg concept stores.

 

 

Cat Really Loves Being Vacuumed | Amazing Video

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Every cat I have known hides at the first sound of a vacuum. This brave kitty got over its fear of the awful sound to get a special type of grooming instead. The resulting video is beyond cute. Take a look. We may have watched it more times than is healthy.

Does your pet love or hate the vacuum?

awesome cat pictures

Simon’s Cat Indiegogo Film Campaign Raises Over £88,000 In Under a Week

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simon's catBritish animator turns to crowdfunding to make first colour enhanced extended film

The #1 UK animation channel on YouTube with over 500,000,000 views!

 

The lovable and mischievous Simon’s Cat first appeared online in the animated film ‘Cat Man Do’, which was a viral smash-hit on YouTube in 2008. Now boasting over half a billion views and 3 million subscribers, Simon’s Cat is the #1 UK animation channel on YouTube.

 

The Simon’s Cat animation studio is looking to fund a special extended-length, colour episode, based on the chaos that erupts on the day of a veterinarian appointment. For this they have adopted the Indiegogo crowd-funding platform.

 

Simon’s Cat creator Simon Tofield explains “In the messages we receive from fans, a film about preparing for and visiting the vet is definitely the most common request. It’s a deep subject to explore, rich with the potential of loads of humour which is why we feel we’d like to make this our first broadcast length episode in colour! I am so grateful to our fans for their wonderful support!”

 

Indiegogo’s UK’s Anastasia Emmanuel says “We’re delighted and proud to have helped the Simon’s Cat team achieve their ambitions with ‘Off to the Vet’. We’ve successfully helped fund the ideas of hundreds of creators, inventors and businesses across the globe. Simon’s Cat is definitely one of the most fun and memorable campaigns we’ve ever hosted. We can’t wait to see the final film!”

 

For more information visit:

www.igg.me/at/simonscat

www.simonscat.com

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/simon-s-cat-in-off-to-the-vet

 

Points Of You Web Series | What To Watch

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Point of you We have come across a very different, and very brilliant,  web series: Points Of You is about 4 friends from 4 countries with 4 very different personalities – all living a very chaotic life in Berlin:

RYAN (UK) – An actor, hobby chef & part-time womaniser

ELODIE (France) – An environmentally friendly seductress on bad terms with Cupid

BASTIAN (Germany) – A highly neurotic computer expert with a penchant for pot plants and French girls

SOFIA (Italy) – A rather individual science student who might or might not be working for the US government

Points of You will have you being confronted with cross dressing actors, spy gadgets, international conspiracy theories, love inducing plants and an amateur medical team saving a tree.

pointsofyou

Here are some cool facts about the series:

  • The series has to date involved over 115 people from 14 different countries
  • Shot on location in Berlin
  • Produced by: Ryan Wichert, Kathrin Benoehr, Sebastian Hasse
  • Written by: Ryan Wichert, Nikolaus Buchholz
  • Idea: Sebastian Hasse, Ryan Wichert
  • Cast: Ryan Wichert, Sebastian Hasse, Sara Manni-Malas, Kim Zarah Langner
  • 18.5 shooting days at 10 locations.
  • 4 main cast and 20 supporting cast so far
  • Subtitles in 8 languages: German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portugese, Russian, Polish

They have also been selected for the finals of The Giant Web Series Competition which is hosted by Alex Zane. A new episode airs every Sunday.

Cap Gun Collective director Tom Haines hops a train with the Civil Wars

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the civil wars bandWe have some behind-the-scenes from Award-winning commercial production company Cap Gun Collective with details from director Tom Haines newest project: the music video for the Civil Wars’ “The One That Got Away.” This cinematic video debuted on YouTube on August 7, featuring the debut single from the Grammy-winning group’s brand new, self-titled Sensibility Recordings/Columbia Records album, which came out on August 2 and is available from iTunes.

As widely reported in international news media, the new album has earned high praise from Adele on Twitter: “Please go and get the new Civil Wars album,” she Tweeted on Aug. 7. “They’re my absolute favourite and the new record is beautiful!”

Shot in the Ozark Mountains along the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad, a 150-mile route connecting Fort Smith, Arkansas, with Monett, Missouri, the story follows a young itinerant woman who travels freight trains across the heartland looking for work, and experiencing life on the outer edge of civilization. Filled with scenes shot in the wreckage of May’s devastating E-F5 tornado, the video stars LA-based actress Claudia Davila along with dozens of local actors and residents cast during three days of location filming by Haines, director of photography Lol Crawley, Cap Gun executive producer Jason Botkin and their crew.

“I’ve always wanted to shoot a film based around train hopping,” began Haines, who was nominated for the UKMVA’s Best New Director Award in 2007. “We tested the idea with the label, Joy and John Paul, and everyone felt like it could work, as it somehow reflected the ideas of loss, regret and transience which echo in the song. When they understood it would be panoramic in scope, full of faces and landscapes that reflect the tones in the music without being too prescriptive, John Paul and Joy were really into it.”

Sharing many insights into the challenges of shooting in some of the area’s hardest hit locations, and onboard the A&M railways, Haines described the process as being difficult, but also, incredibly rewarding. For example, during the scene where a house is torn down, Haines had an emotional conversation with the home’s owner. By the director’s account, the production was aided immensely by A&M’s main gaffers (“Larry and Brenda”), who were instrumental in designing the right type of train, scouting locations and even bringing the production team to a square dance to find cast.

“People love to talk in that part of the world, they have great stories and yarns; I felt like I was in a Cormac McCarthy novel,” Haines continued. “The chap who dies in the film is an old Rodeo clown called Norman. He’s got throat cancer and is not long for this world, but his eyes lit up when he saw an opportunity to be in this video.”

With these and other encumbrances of the “tricky” production, according to Haines, the plot naturally evolved into something more narrative and linear. “I wanted to create the idea of a character who was living on the edge of society, but that gave her strength,” he added. “She is vulnerable but adaptable, and sadly, seismic natural disasters seem to be increasingly something we may have to live with, so adaptability is crucial to survival.”

For principal photography, the team used the ARRI Alexa Digital Camera System with anamorphic lenses. As one tribute to the project’s powerful, cinematic storytelling, it has now been chosen as an official Vimeo Staff Pick.

Lara Pulver: “People Think I’ll Keep Getting Naked”.

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After her nude turn in Sherlock Holmes Lara Pulver says she has been “inundated” with nude offers. The episode where she striped while playing Irene Adler became the most watched show ever on the BBC iPlayer.

Now the 31-year-old is saying she keeps getting offered nude roles.

She told the Radio Times: ‘I take my clothes off for a minute and a half and everyone suddenly goes, “Oh great, she’s an actress who will take her clothes off. We can’t get Kate Winslet. Let’s see if Lara Pulver will do a swinger movie”.’

Pulver insisted that the scene was not ‘nudity for nudity’s sake’.

Lara also said she may return to Sherlock Holmes. She is in a new show; Camouflage.