Dear Readers,
Last week, we filmed and edited the second On Location instalment. This time, to bring you a genuine and not-so-genuine English village that might be the High Street Amanda’s home of Sunken Madley.
You may like to know that there was more material for the blooper reel!
A New Phase
This completed our cinematographer’s time with me and Amanda Cadabra, and so, whilst building my confidence on camera, I begin a new phase of the journey: filming myself. There is a wealth of advice, largely conflicting, on how to do this. Do I film with my iPhone? Do I film with my DSLR camera? Do I film in landscape or portrait mode? What gimbal is best to stabilize my particular phone? Where to turn?
Questions, Questions
And then, one morning this week, a miracle occurred. The conundrum was this. The best gimbal for my phone, apparently, is the DJI Osmo6. According to Apple, this is suitable for my model of mobile. To check, I wrote to DJI, who helpfully said the opposite: my iPhone is too light. I continued to dig. Someone had discovered that with the case, it would work fine. I went back to DJI. They advised me to go to an actual store where I could try it out.
Gold
I found the closest one but wanted to see what could be ascertained over the phone. This is where I struck gold. The person with whom I spoke was highly knowledgeable, asked all about my project and gave me well-informed expert advice. Not only that, but the gentleman offered to have a look at my next video to provide me with tips on how to improve and bring to you, my dear readers, the very best that I can.
Please …
And so … next Sunday, I shall bring to you my first effort. Your feedback would be invaluable. I’ll be posting it here first of course, but later, on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, where you can comment or, and this is my favourite, you can email me at hollybell@amandacadabra.com.
… And Thank you
This week in a landmark event. followers on the Holly Bell Facebook page passed 800. Here is a little video for all the long-standing and new readers who have joined the page. I am cultivating TikTok and Instagram, but my Facebook page is still home, and this will also be appearing there. So if, you like it, please share.
Cornish
Although the offer three free Cornish language lessons with my co-teacher Linda and me has ended, you can still join the 6-week introductory course through Eventbrite at just £5 a session. The course is online so wherever you are, we’d be delighted to have you with us. More details here.
Next Week
The fruits of my self-filming efforts on the inspiration for Amanda’s village green and a significant addition to the map of Sunken Madley in Amanda Cadabra and The Flawless Plan. There might even be something extra. Until then …
Happy reading,
Holly
PS If you want to start the series now:
