It pretty much started with a friend request on MySpace. I knew who the skater was. She had an awesome derby name and she was fun to film at the bouts. So, when Harley Quinn sent me a friend request on MySpace, I gladly accepted.
Earlier this week, I was thinking through some ideas for an upcoming video podcast I’m planning to do about roller derby in the D.C. area. It would feature both the DC Rollergirls and (as time would allow) the Charm City Roller Girls. The more I thought about the level of effort it would take to do this, I started having grander and grander plans for the podcast. It became more and more of a realistic goal.
Rather than just putting together some video highlights of each bout set to music (as I have been), I wanted to start doing short player profiles / documentaries each month. It would be like the “Rollergirls” television show, but scaled down to fit the 10-minute restriction of YouTube and MySpace. They would be short “webisodes.” And, due to their short length, it wouldn’t take much longer to create them than the music videos. The only additional items I would need are 1) a better video camera, 2) wireless mics, and 3) willing participants.
Not long after the friend invite, I found out Harley was moving to Boston. …Like this week. I was bummed at first, because I wanted to ask her to be the first featured derby girl. But I later found out she would be returning to D.C. for the final two bouts this season.
So, I pitched her the idea, and she was all for it.
As for the equipment, I started looking into better video cameras. I didn’t need an HD camera, but unfortunately, it look as though I needed to spend about $3,500 in order to get any digital camcorder with professional XLR mic inputs. And I wanted no less than two, so I can attach two wireless mics for interviews, etc. So, after much comparison shopping, I set my sights on the Canon XH A1. The local camera shop even has it in stock, so it’s just sitting there waiting for me.
In order to get the camera and mics, I’ll have to buy them on credit. This has been the biggest hurdle to get over. I haven’t used credit in ages, and it turns my stomach to even consider it. But since the video equipment could technically be considered an asset, rather than a liability (meaning it will make me money in the long run, as opposed to just costing me money), I am entertaining the idea. The equipment is the missing link between me and my lofty—yet doable—podcasting goals.
So that’s where I am now. Still deciding on whether or not to take the financial plunge.
I have three weeks to decide. That’s when Harley will be back in town and the DC Rollergirls will be bouting again.
What to do…?
