| Thursday, May 15th, 2008 |
| 1:46 am |
Pardigm shift to quickly - we are jack-knifing
I have been spending the last few days toying with the notion of doing visuals for music
(performances. So much that I have been in contact with some of my old clients asking them if they want visual support for their show...... and after talking with them and getting the same old indie music run-around - it hit me......
WHAM!!! holy fuck!
like it or not I am in a transition from the role of performance tech support into the role of a performer ... a VJ, a live video mix artist an area I am already getting recognition in for all the parties I have done.
So "McCann Video Productions" may not benefit from music industry promo and contacts but VJ Mediavictim most certainly would
going on a bill as a performer rather than a sponsor changes the dynamic completely. I would be showing off my work to promote myself rather than using the Musician as the middleman to bring myself fame and glory. I could sell merch on merch tables, I could sell DVDs, I could even buy my own VW Van to push around!
Shit man - I am not with the band or working for the band... I am the band
I hope this epiphani doesnt leave stretch marks. |
| Monday, May 12th, 2008 |
| 1:14 pm |
Juicy Danger Meets Burning Man DVD Launc- VJ Gig So the night went really really well (well a few minor hickups) We loaded in in the afternoon and did video setup with all the equipment including my newest aquisition The Mighty V4... the Technics-12 of the VJ. We Hung the round screens we made from Home-Depot plastic piping and bedsheets so we had the main screen for the film and the two side screens going (3 screens this time). It looked pretty slick - I heard latter on that people were complaining that the organizers hired a "professional" video crew to run the event (quite a feather in our cap) This is the V4  Aside from a RCA plug that broke off inside the input1 the unit performed amazing and I am all full of happy. Since we knew that there'd be celebrities afoot we had Mr Fireman Bring his wooden monkey media puppet VINCE to do a Joan Rivers-Oscar-Style-Red-Carpet-interviews and we managed to interview the local Burners and of course Tom Comet, Christine (Nurse Tiny) Taylor and the Big-guy himself Larry Harvey (founder of Burning mna in case you didnt know) Where Vince the Flying Wooden Monkey pitched his follow up film concept to the Juicy Danger Meets Burning Man.  After the screening of the film (a few sound problems that weren't our fault) I filmed the Q+A period pannel while james ran the Background mix using images that co-responded to what the pannel was talking about. Looked really slick Next was the fashion show - I went mobile with the camera and we projected what I was filming on the big screen. Challanging without a steadycam But it was the first time I was able to see what I was filming projected on the big screen behind what I was filming. Quite the power-trip and responsibility to control where that many eyes were looking. Made damn sure to get a closeup on the Naughty bits as well as the outfits. We had to break for a band becasue our cameras might steal their soul and they didnt want visuals After a band got off stage and DJ Tim wisdom got on we handed the VJ visual rig over to David Rimmer to do his visual set. Here is a lesson for you boys-and-girls when you are comming in as a guest VJ to do a Visual set - get there ahead of time to learn the equipment well enough to operate it when you show up later unsober. Poor guy was a litte overwhelmed by the spiderweb of 5 portable DVD players, 2 laptops , 2 NuVJ controllers , two cameras for live feed and a V4 controlling 3 screens. Unlike the DJ -there is no "standard" setup for VJs The one thing that did piss me off was that someone knocked over and broke one of my cameras ($700 bill to me) But other than that the night went really well. video to come later |
| Thursday, May 8th, 2008 |
| 11:28 pm |
Noise reduction headphones
I understand the concept - take an audio sample from the outside - creates and plays an inverse wave to create destructive interfereance and canceling out the noise
So why do they make my ears hurt? I feel like I am under 10 feet of water with them on - the sound IS slightly muffled but not completely and my eardrums feel a lot of pressure (like landing in an airplane.
These things arent going to eliminate enough sound and they make my ears hurt - they are going back tomorow
I guess I am going to have to figure out better ways to monitor sound for video. |
| Monday, May 5th, 2008 |
| 9:39 pm |
Alex Curlyo - you taught me well
So I have somehow become the new "Troll" for the burn-bc discussion list by sharing some of my Libertarian thoughts with a primary collectivist group
I am created Kali - destroyer of worlds...
well maybe not - but I am amused Better shave my head, buy a mac and build a shrine to the Power Puff girls as his new acolyte |
| 5:02 pm |
The cow took her revenge from beyond the grave
Opened my freezer and an ice sold block of ground beef fell on my toe
ow... |
| Sunday, May 4th, 2008 |
| 9:40 am |
You're getting in my way of happy
So a friend sent me a youtube link to some video interview of some guy yammering on about the evil corporations and how they destroy the ....bla bla bla ... I muttered "Shuddup -You're getting the the way of happy" and clicked on the close button.
You're getting in the way of happy... such a profound statement.
Given the choice between being socially concious and happy - I think I am going to pick the happy.
I dont have the funds and resources to invest in the misery being sold to me by folk trying to sell me their book, their documentary or doritos in their advertising slots.
Indtroducing Social Concious v2(TM) now with 25% more western-white-man-guilt
I guess this makes me a bastard and part of the problem.... that I am not a CONSUMER of prepackaged designer misery. I have never been to Iraq, Africa, I have not worked on an Oil Rig or taken and studied ice-core samples. Lived on the street or in a luxury hotel All the media that comes in at me is by definition skewed by the Hisenberg laws and biased and filtered by the thoughts theories and opinions of the presenter. I have no way to confirm
if ANY of the info comming at me is the -gods-honest-truth or a load of horseshit.
So given the choice to between the load of the warm fuzzy horseshit that makes me happy
and hopeful and the load of cold stinky miserable horseshit that brings fear, paranoia,
guilt and hypocracy - I chose my programming.
I would rather polish the brass on the Titanic than spend my life hiding in a cave with chicken-little |
| Thursday, May 1st, 2008 |
| 6:26 pm |
Just saw a friend Andre/Bitchez in a McCardell human-interest- story
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHH!
I *HATE* Mike McCardell ! I want to beat him up ... just kick him in the junk! He turned poor Andre into one of "Barts People"
Shit ... Bithcez is a lot more interesting and deserves way more than a lowbrow-human-interest-McCardellization Its like Springer interviewing the Dali Lamma.
Jesus that was painful ....
I....am Mike McCardell...some would say.... I have nothing to say...others...would say ...that my stories are broadcast time filler....some would even say... that I leave pauses ...in my statements...like I am ...captain Kirks dad.....I guess... there is no room .... in our lives...to waste ...on my bullshit human interest stories........ |
| Wednesday, April 30th, 2008 |
| 4:38 pm |
How muich should Should I charge for my advice? $50? $100?
From: Kendall Wiltz
To: ryan@mvpvideo.ca
Subject: EPK
Ryan,
My name is Kendall. I ran across your website on google. These bands and rap artists have no idea the costs and the time involved, not to mentioned quality of work. Well let me get to the point. I'm here in the US, in Louisiana and I just started shooting music artist EPKs. I have a artist that wants me to shoot and cut little webisodes. I'll be shooting in DV and editing in FCP studio. What's a fair price to negotiate for the service. Basically It would be a day in the life type stuff, shooting for about an hour each time. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Sincerely,
Kendall
+++++++++++MY RESPONSE++++++++++++++++++++++
So you want my trade secrets do you?
I would strongly suggest to avoid this industry Musicians (even the nice ones) are usually self centered, broke and spoiled who want to pay you less than a Walmart greeter to get a video on par with a Gwen Stefani $100K video.
The only reason to go into this industry is that you love what you do …and I do have a list of advice on how /where/ why to price yourself and how to “herd cats” and survive in this industry. I have learned over 3 years of time investment and I would be willing to share for a fee. I spent tens of thousands of dollars learning this shit the hard way and I would be willing to share it for a donation … it will save you thansands of dollars in the long run
Ryan McCann
Video Producer / Videographer / Live Visuals VJ
McCann Video Productions (MVP)
Video for the Canadian Indie Music Scene
Ph: 604-874-3845
cell: 604-723-4465
www.mvpvideo.ca
www.mypace.com/mvpvideo |
| 12:15 am |
""Hi Everyone,
My name is Dee, you worked with my sister Jen on 5th Grader last year. I am
on a new reality show that is coming to the Vancouver area on June 3rd and
4th. I'm wondering if any of you would be available to PA for the show. We
pay $125/day and buy you lunch....."""
Thank you for thinking of me Dee Dee - Unfortunately there were issues
With that 5th Grader job that may have soured this possibility
Not only was I not given the days I was booked for 5th Grader
(and ended up LOSING a days wages turning down other paid work for this false booking) but my payment for the time I did work was 3 weeks late because the production company kept faulty records Had I not followed up I would have been defrauded out of the money I did earn.
Unfortunately as you see 5th Grader was not a positive experience
and it did set a precedent on the risks of dealing with an out of town production companies. I do understand you may not be EXACTLY the same production company however I would still be absorbing the same risks in offering my assistance to you. You do understand $125 for a what could be a 16 hour day - take away transportation, breakfast and dinner costs and a WALMART greeter earns more
I can be available at my videographer business day rate a minimum $300 per diem plus transportation expenses with a deposit/booking fee paid up front. Sorry I have to play a little hardball but 5th grader set this bar
Ryan
McCann Video Productions
www.mvpvideo.ca |
| Tuesday, April 29th, 2008 |
| 4:50 pm |
I am not making training films for Gothic Robots
Alright - so here I am trying to get some background music for a short training film on raising children and the only artist who has kept in touch and offered his music for licencing has been a dark-future-gothy-robotic musician
Perhaps if we were training these parents to raise Ninja Vampire Cyborgs top fight mutants in a HR GIEGER landscape the music I have would be appropriate.
Shaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! you know what..uhh uh! Think I am going to have to give that one a miss. |
| Sunday, April 27th, 2008 |
| 12:15 pm |
Why dont they ever make breakfast home delivered?
You know - you can order up a pizza , chinese takeout and a whole slough of other things for delivery for dinner... why can you never order breakfast?
I just want someone to deliver me a greasy breakfast that I dont have to cook. Some eggs, stack of pancackes ,bacon, and sausage...go good right about now |
| 6:52 am |
The Cabbie
So I had to write this down while it is still fresh in my mind... I had the most surreal cab ride home from the after party. Picked up by an old Sihk man (..hey vancouver taxi..standard issue) who was nervously checking over his sholder and in some type of hurry
I didnt think anything of it (proabbly wants to get home for the end of his shift) but
1. I had to repeat the address to him 4 times quite clearly ... as if HE was the one stoned and not me... I had to repeat my home address in a way that it couldnt have been more clear - as if this dude was seariously trying to reach planet earth and tryiong to confirm transmissions.
2. This guy was driving like a fricken fiend! Blasting though stop signs, weaving in and out of traffic and flooring the speed... all the while glancing really nervously at his rearview
and looking behind him .. all we needed was some banjo get-away music and a couple of flashing blues and reds to make the scene complete
3. I started to notice that the inside of the cab/passanger side area was damaged as if someone was dragged out , including clawmarks and a ripped out sections of the cab-wall on the passanger side
4. the dude was too far gone to turn on the meter.... so there was a slightly awkward moment when I (who am not of sober mind) trying to find out how much the cab fare is from the man who probbably just STOLE this cab and looked like he was just tripping more balls than I was
Eventually I just threw 10 bucks at him so I could get the fuck outa that cab... a wise investment in "not putting the lotion in the bucket" if you ask me money well spent |
| Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008 |
| 8:35 pm |
Some results
In my seach through stats, average income levels and ultimately what my value is etc I discovered a few things
Assuming you get a full 40 hour work week
$10 and hour or less and you are classified as being below the poverty line
$18 per hour and youve just enterend lower middle class
$35 or more per hour and you're upper class
I did a averaging of the average/median wages for about 25 jobs I am qualified to do (desktop publishers, graphic designers, computer tech, and film industry) using stats from both CANADA EMPLOYMENT CENTER and JOBS BC and according to them I should be priced between $20-$25 per hour.
In my business I do charge more than this over my costs of operation so at least I am not ripping myself off in my business. However this does mean that I am looking for another day-job. So now I will have some idea going into interviews over what to ask for.
I am glad I did this - between bouncing around in shit-retail, shitty sales jobs and starting my own business I really had no idea where wages were sitting in the job-market and what my value in the eyes of potential emplyers should be. I accepted positions based on availibility and industry.
I am glad I know how much my anus is worth... if I am going to take it up the ass for a boss I might as well get paid better for it. |
| Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008 |
| 10:04 pm |
Been watching the old TOM BAKER Dr Who episodes and last night he came up with a great quote that is so true in our society ... funny that he made the quote circa 1976
"Both the very stupid and very powerful have one thing in common
They dont change their opinion to fit the facts - they change the facts to fit their opinion" |
| 8:49 pm |
Advice and feedback This is a design I whipped up for a flyer/business card to promote at New Music West- next month (specifically my VJ services) and I am looking for some feedback before it goes live.  I am torn between the word 'music' and the word 'shit' on the front. MUSIC is cleaner and wont offend and I can probably turn this into a poster to hang in places. SHIT however *WILL* attract attention and spark an emotional response (good or bad) and drives the point across better. I am also a little unsure of the english wording in the final paragraph. Thoughts? opinions?...does it end with a bang..or a whimper? |
| Monday, April 21st, 2008 |
| 10:16 pm |
Fun fur chaps - pt 1
Went out today to buy a roll of pants ...
See men hate shopping for pants - we just find one that fits us and buy 3-4 of them at a time- I am lobbying for pants to come on rolls like paper towels or TP. A pair gets dirty /worn out - you tear off another pair.
So I notice that the jeans I was wearing were worn out - perfect... becasue I had a use for them. Following DJ Adriatic and Rob Cameron (two of my emomen bros) I was told the best way to make fun-fir chaps wans to cut the pattern from a pair of old jeans and hot-glue the fur onto it. So thats what I did - tomorrow I am heading over to dressew to get the fir and a few belts to finish them in time for Sin City on Saturday
Saturday is my Birthday and it will be the first time in a long time it has taken place on a Saturday so I want to get all costumed up and strut my stuff. |
| Sunday, April 20th, 2008 |
| 10:06 am |
Oh Jay-sus Christ!
So I picked up my Mr Slave hat last week and I tried it out at Spring Fling ....
I like my Gay-biker hat ... its keen
I gotta wear it in some sort of Metro-Pride parade |
| 9:39 am |
A good heart weakens the mind
So I get another chain-email from a client about some impending doom or another....
Dont send me chain emails about doom....
If you have to call me up "Hey Ryan, you might want to get out of your house as a big atomic monster is comming your way" I will be cool with it but keep me off your email list about "click here to feed the starving children to the Alaskan seals left starving becasue of fishing and global warming-bear-pig"
I am not interested in buying your brand of Doom
INTRODUCTING DOOM 3.0 ... now with 60% more impending and forboding..... |
| Thursday, April 17th, 2008 |
| 10:57 pm |
So I am taking some time out to do some research on what I was talking about earlier - average incomes and wages earned by people.
At one point I was looking at a database where you could see what people earned based on industry , profession, and experience... I cant seem to find that anymore - I tried looking through stats Canada and Industry Canada to find income levels and I am comming up empty
Does anyone out there have a link to a resource (non-biased) that could point me to a place where I can search the Median income levels (not interested in the average since 1 really high or Low earner can throw it off)
I would prefer a government statistic source rather than a commercial employment website that may be just kissing my ass to get me to give them my credit card. |
| 12:34 am |
I passed a bus shelter sign with an advertisment that said
"Fight with the Canadian Armed forces"
why?... did they say something about my mom? Did they call me a queer or something?
I really have no beef with the Canadian Army ... and the Navy is stationed in Alberta (yes... I said Alberta)... as for the air force ... can't jump that high to reach em. |
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