How to Turn Art into Profit?

It's been on my mind a lot lately - how can I help my students to make money from their digital work? I mean, they are learning skills that might someday translate into a job in the (highly competitive) world of media arts. However, is there a way for them to make money NOW with the products their producing in class? Isn't that part of Web 2.0's potential?

This article recommends Youth Media as a source for revenue for the non-profits that run the programs that teach them. Youth Media Reporter: Non-profit does not mean Non-revenue: "The focus on earned income within the nonprofit community continues to rise, fueled by boards, funders and stakeholders enamored with the idea of social entrepreneurship and diversified funding streams. The good news is that youth media groups are in an excellent position to capitalize on the trend, as they often produce a tangible product like videos, web sites and magazines"

What do you think? Have you bought any youth made media on iTunes? Have your youth?

Otherwise known as Participatory Video

Journalism in the Hands of the Neighborhood - New York Times: "After a free-flowing discussion about the kind of news they see and read in mainstream outlets, the group of about 15 was encouraged by the class’s three teachers to suggest their own story ideas, a few of which they will turn into five-minute video segments by the end of the eight-week class. A pattern quickly emerged: proposed topics included gun control, violence in schools, as well as crime against cab drivers."

Shooting Underwater

Lifehacker How To: DIY Waterproof Camera Enclosure

We also used to just use a fish tank. Put the camera inside (under a towel just-in-case) and shoot at water level. Nice Jaws type effect.

Limiting Their Choices

One of the keys to being a GREAT photography/video teacher is to help students manage their creative process. I find that one really effective way to do that is to limit their choices.

Now I know why: The Advantages of Closing a Few Doors - New York Times

(By the way, I should give credit where credit is due. Years ago Director Robert Rodriguez, taught me this trick. Thanks man!)

Almost time for Spring - Must Customize the Lab Computers!

Top 10 Free Wallpaper, Fonts and Icon Sources: "Spicing up your computer desktop or documents is a cinch with the right fonts, wallpaper or icon set - but finding the best ones isn't an easy task. Googling free wallpaper or fonts turns up a gaggle of random sites with flashy ads and mediocre art. In retaliation, today we've gathered up our favorite sources of quality, good-looking free desktop wallpaper images, fonts and icons for your downloading pleasure."

Gotta love Lifehacker

How News is Handling the Video Revolution

Putting Candidates Under the Videoscope:
"Mr. Conroy, whose job title is “off-air reporter,” (because he does not normally appear on television) is one of many young journalists hired by the networks to follow the candidates across the country, filing video and blog posts as they go. Originally hired to cut expenses — their cost is a fraction of a full television crew’s — these reporters, also called “embeds,” have produced a staggering amount of content, especially video. And in this election cycle, for the first time, they are able to edit and transmit video on the fly.
As a result, the embeds have changed the dynamic of this year’s election, making every unplugged and unscripted moment on the campaign trail available for all to see."

Screenwriting Software and Sooooo Much More

A colleague recently turned me on to celtx, which describes itself as "Integrated Pre-Production".

Wow this software is cool. Not only does it allow you to write scripts/screenplays in a variety of traditional formats, but you can also complete many project chores in the software. Everything from character breakdowns to production schedules, and more.

(As with any open source software - or just creative work in general - I would print out a hard copy every once in a while, just in case. I've had no problems with the software, but my friend has found a couple of bugs here and there.)

Shake It Like a Polaroid Picture

If you use polaroids in your classes, better stock up on film - the company just announced they'll stop making it in 2009.

If not, then enjoy this stroll down memory lane - an homage to polaroid through youtube commercial clips: PC World's Techlog A Heartfelt, YouTube-Based Wake for Polaroid Instant Photography

Oh, and here's what Flickr has to say about it.

Happy Anniversary Black Maria

Today is the 100 anniversary of the opening of the first American motion picture studio - Thomas Edison's "Black Maria."

Lights! Kinetograph! Action!