Central Library, Manchester, 2nd of May, 2019
The life of an indie author is nothing if not interesting. It takes one on different journeys to explore various subjects and meet people from all over the world.
Few days ago, I went on the streets of Manchester and video interviewed several people about a subject I'm always interested in. I have been meaning to do this sort of interview for a few years now. I have first encountered the concept of the video by Benjamin Reece while I was at university, years ago, and browsing the internet, specifically youtube, as one often does. I was in love with the concept of interviewing complete strangers on the street and was itching to do one myself. Last year, I started photographing strangers on the street in Canterbury where I was living at the time. You could say that was preparation for this year because it certainly made things easier when I had to approach people and ask permission to film them while they were divulging secret information about a moment in their life.
I invite you to watch the video which is attached at the end of this article. I would love it if you write and let me know how you liked it. I think the question I posed to my interviewees is quite interesting and their reactions and answers may put a smile on your face, or even make you giggle. Also, if you're a writer, as I am, it might give you ideas to write about. Actually, the question I picked to interview people this first time is closely related to my newest book, Whispers and Other Strange Stories.
More videos will come in the future, of similar style. I have a massive list of questions to go through and I'm looking forward to making those videos, meeting other people, and sharing those experiences with you.
The equipment I had with me in order to film the footage was the following:
4 camera batteries
batteries for the microphone
model release forms
a full bottle with water
pens and notebook (with tips and advice on how to make sure the interviews go smoothly)
It was a bit challenging all on my own because the lens I use is quite heavy and I had to use it handheld because I didn't have an assistant to watch my equipment while I was interviewing people. But it all worked out great in the end. (I did have a small tripod but didn't use it because as mentioned there was nobody with me to safely keep the equipment while I was speaking with people about what I was doing and why).
I love videos with nice cinematography and blurry backgrounds and this is why I use this sort of equipment. This kind of video though may be filmed with a phone as well because the mike is compatible and really cheap. This makes it less heavier and way more portable which is perfect if you're on the move a lot/or in bad weather. I was fine even with my heavy lens, but I'm just putting options in front of people whom may want to try this kind of video-making out and might not have the money to invest in a pricey lens. You can also rent one if you really want a similar look.
Here's a few photographs I took while I was searching for people to interview, or I had just finished interviewing them.
Adrift by John Cassidy
If you find this video and/or my book interesting, please share them with others and leave a comment/review (either on Youtube — for the video — or on Amazon/Goodreads — for the book). A review makes a great difference in putting this content in front of as many people as possible and for an independent author that is of extreme importance as it enables me to write more and make more content for you.
Thank you for reading and until next time, practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty.
Stay safe and keep on reading.
Sincerely,
ps: the sculpture Adrift by John Cassidy is a wonderful piece of art, don't you think? :)
#indieauthor #writerslife #whispersandotherstrangestories #whispersbook #streetinterviews #booklover #bookstagram #articlesaboutstrangebooks #shortstories #booksofshortstories #booksforHalloween #selfpublishedwriter #indiepublishing #manchestercentrallibrary #CrinaLudmilaCristeaRomanianauthor #lilybloomwriter #darkstories #darkandtwistedtalesofimagination #thestrangestthingthathaseverhappened #strangeexperiences #streetinterviewsphotographingstrangers #publiclibrary #spring2019 #mayintheUk #Manchester #portraitphotography #spontaneousvideo #streetphotography #architecture #publishedwriterlivinginManchester #neilgaimansandman #hanscgristianandersen #markdanielewski #lullabybyleilaslimani #fscottfitzgeraldthegreatgatsby #edgarallanpoe #horrorbooks #psycaart #florincristeaart #romanianartistlivingabroad #romanianwriter #centrallibrarymanchester #amreading