I’ve waited for ages to be able to do this! A little girl called Maisie sent me a video asking me to do lots more Bear things and to make a video for YouTube kids, she asked…. So, a video there is!
Now, whether it will make it onto YouTube Kids, I can’t say BUT there is now a video on my channel for your little readers to watch!
The process was one that I couldn’t have done on my own, those of you who know me are very aware of my lack of computer technology prowess… I am not made for computers, so I had to call in the cavalry!
I knew what I wanted to create but with no idea on how to do it, I asked a friend who is a tutor in music and media to help out and he said yes!
With the files of the book sent over, the big day arrived. I can’t tell you how excited [and nervous] I was. What if my voice was Dirk Dullard, what if I fluffed up so many times that we literally ran out of time, what if… what if…
I’ve never been in front of a green screen before, not sure what I was expecting but man, was it green! I felt like James Blunt in his Adrenalin video, without the sky diving of course but definitely with a better t-shirt on!
With all the kit set up, I sat there in a chair while everyone else cleared out. Sitting there, all I could think about was that I hoped that the wind hadn’t sent my hair into frizz central [it had but hey ho!]
There were a few bloopers and re-starts, the lights decided to go off halfway through and additional lighting had to be brought in that has made my grey t-shirt look pink.
Then the mic battery pack decided it was bored of making an effort and ran out of charge. I also felt the cough I was suppressing threatening to erupt and then for some unknown reason, I said Bear’s breast friend Poppy. I mean, why? The take from that thankfully fell onto the edit floor, otherwise, I could forget about YouTube kids forever!
Then it was done. It was over in what felt like the blink of a watery eye and I left Lee to work his magic. It felt a bit weird after all that build-up, my bit was done and the real hard work began.
Waiting for it to be completed seemed like ages [it wasn’t of course, I’m just no good at waiting!] I’d also asked Lee to come up with a music intro. He’s a musician, so I felt the music was in very safe hands and what he created is so cute!
Yes, I did the ‘Oh my God, is that what I actually look like and sound like’ thing and felt momentarily disappointed with both – I mean, we all see what we want to in the mirror and as for the voice and accent……
But at the end of the day, it’s not really about me. It’s about the story, it’s about engaging with kids who maybe can’t come to one of the reading events. It’s about encouraging a love of reading and letting the world know and [hopefully] fall in love with Bear, like we did.
For the first ever toe-dip into the world of making videos, I’m quite happy with it. I’m very grateful for the huge amount of hard work that has gone on behind the scenes.
What would I do differently next time?
- Well, for a start I would actually talk to the camera. Stupidly, I almost spoke to the camera like I would to a class of kids and ask questions. For whatever unfathomable reason, I didn’t and the video needs that.
- I’d also get my fringe out of my eyes; I think I tend to hide behind it and that’s not great for eye contact obviously.
- The ending where I’d said bye got edited and next time, I’ll make sure there is a suitable ending.
Despite the things I should have done [and will do differently next time, I can’t wait to do another. In the meantime, I’m waiting for the proof copy of the 4th book [waiting again, sigh] planning more reading events and working on the book for older kids – so busy bee me has lots to do!
I hope your little readers love the video and want to see more of them. Hopefully, I’ll see you again soon!