Home » Blogs » Debbie Cerda's blog

Registration Open for VideoCamp Austin

By Debbie Cerda on January 26, 2010 - 9:30am in

Camera operator setting up the video camera on Flickr Next month's VideoCamp Austin event is a free one-day ad-hoc gathering of video, public relations, new media and marketing professionals born from the desire for people to learn about best practices in online video production and distribution in an open environment. David Neff of Lights. Camera. Help. and the American Cancer Society, Talmadge Boyd and Weston Norton are coordinating this collaborative event that includes discussions, demos and interaction from participants who are the main actors of the event. Not surprising, as I'd first met Dave at BarCamp Austin 3 in 2008. Although he shared information about his project SharingHope.tv, the real take-home message I got that day was that non-profit organizations should use online video and documentary filmmaking as a way to convey their messages. With VideoCamp Austin, Dave is taking this mission even further.

VideoCamp Austin will be held on February 27 from 10 am to 4 pm on the University of Texas campus at CMB Building UT Campus, Studio 4B. The event is being organized in a "barcamp" style, that is, it is an ad-hoc rather than pre-determined schedule. Barcamps are an international network of user generated conferences -- open, participatory workshop-events, with content is provided by participants. The first Barcamps focused on early-stage web applications and related open-source technologies, but the format is now widely applied to a variety of other topics, including social media tools and now video and filmmaking.

I spoke to Dave about his intended audience and the intent of this event, and here's what he had to say:

"Our target audience is filmmakers and geeks -- we have these huge groups in town but they never get to meet. It's time to have this huge convergence and get these two groups together, the filmmakers along with the folks who can code or know technology. We are inviting the non-profit organizations as well."

Art from the Streets director Layton Blaylock plans on speaking on his experiences filming a documentary, including dealing with the elements --105 degrees in the summer -- as well as spending time on the streets with his subjects.

People are invited to share what they know, whether a seasoned video producer, search engine marketer or are just the ins and outs of YouTube. VideoCamp Austin is an opportunity to share what you know, learn new skills, and network with other like-minded professionals.

VideoCamp Austin invites you to come share and learn about:

  • Best practices in online video
  • Public relations and video
  • Shooting for online video
  • Vlogging
  • Lighting tips and tricks
  • Choosing the right audio equipment
  • Video SEO
  • Non-linear editing and compression
  • Video for non-profits
  • Seeding video and distribution

VideoCamp Austin is a volunteer run event, so help is needed with registration, livestreaming and photography/video coverage. This event is free, but registration is required.

[Photo credit: "Camera operator setting up the video camera" by jsawkins on Flickr. Used under Creative Commons license.]