Neil Mellstrom creates music for films as a composer in New York. A recent graduate of Skidmore College, Neil has conducted and arranged for Skidmore’s orchestra, and worked as a technical assistant for the on-campus recording studio. He also has experience in scoring podcasts, films, TV and online media in pretty much every genre there is.

I am honored to be featured on The Picture House's At Home Education series. Check out this lesson here.

AN AWARD-WINNING INTERVIEW
On Monday we shared tips for conducting a successful documentary interview. Today we have a great example for you — this documentary profile video won an NY Emmy Award for Best Arts Segment. As a digital media piece created for the web, close-up images were used for their ease of visibility on a smartphone’s smaller screen. Also, this video’s length is just under 2.5 minutes to keep the viewer’s attention all the way through — an important consideration for web-based videos. The filmmaker used documentary filmmaking techniques to weave in stories from Sean’s interview with a poetry reading performed in the same room, making creative use of the space. Inspired by Sean’s vibe, the music and transitions were carefully chosen to enhance the mood. Edited with Adobe Premiere and After Effects, this was the first of a series highlighting student award winners at CUNY. The campaign was featured in The New York Post, and on large billboards throughout New York City.

This arts break is brought to you by one of our talented Picture House instructors, Laura Meoli-Ferrigon. We previously shared her Essential Tips for Quality Filmmaking at Home. Budding filmmakers would also appeciate her recent post about video equipment that won’t break the bank.

Watch the video below for my behind the scenes insights and see suggested activities here.

Check out my appearance on Teaching Tidbits Live with Carlos Guevara of CUNY Hostos for tips on looking fabulous on camera & surviving quarantine!
Watch the video here

Whether you are recording a lecture, a selfie video for social media or just want to look fabulous in your video meetings, this essential guide explains how to use your webcam or cell phone camera to capture high quality videos that make you look like a pro!

In today’s telecommuting reality, video production has become a responsibility of us all. Not to worry- you don’t have to be a professional cinematographer to make great videos! Most cell phones, laptops and webcams are high quality enough to do a decent job. But that isn’t all that goes into delivering high-quality videos. Here are some tips on how to up your production value from home.

Thanks to CUNY School of Professional Studies for sharing this story about my husband, who was able to enter a new field of work (disability services in higher education) after almost 15 years of experience in finance and data analysis.
In this article, he shares tips for people who want to switch careers at any point in their lives.
https://sps.cuny.edu/about/news/cuny-sps-graduate-serves-disabled-students
His secrets to success were hard work in getting his Master's degree online while working a full time job, along with his determination and persistence in the job search post-graduation.
Congratulations to Phillip for staying committed to his goal. His story is proof that doing something to help others is not always easy, but it is always worth it in the end.

Virtual Reality is a multi-billion dollar industry that is growing each day. Seemingly born out of video games and film, it is naturally catching-on as a new medium that allows for endless possibilities in entertainment, marketing, education and visual storytelling.

CTV is now an official selection in the Berlin Lift-Off Film Festival Online 2019.
Congrats to the cast and crew on this accomplishment!
Watch the series video below

What do I really need to learn to get started in the media industry? Should I join the union to get a union job? How do I stay current in this quickly changing media landscape?
-Answering all those questions and more in this uncensored, exclusive interview my mentor Winston Mitchell

Sitting at a computer all day for work is a pain in the neck! ...and the back, and likely putting you at risk for a number of health issues. Today’s expert is Dr. Edward Cambridge- a Kinesiology graduate, Doctor of Chiropractic, and an expert in spine and hip biomechanics. We’re discussing the health hazards occupational sitting, and how to optimize your health by adjusting your workspace.

Are multiple screens causing you neck stiffness?
Is your standing desk causing you back pain or soreness?
Do we need to buy an expensive office chair with lumbar support?
Learn how to adjust your workspace throughout the day with this new school of ergonomics.
Dr. Cambridge explains the importance of load sharing, taking micro-breaks and knowing your unique time limit for sitting. I also ask how people with herniated discs can avoid surgery. Follow along at home with some sample stretching exercises you can use during your microbreaks.

This is a must-listen for anyone with chronic pain or if you are worried about your sedentary lifestyle.

LINKS:
www.CambridgeSportandSpine.com
www.BackFitPro.com
Foundation Training: www.foundationtraining.com/about
The LumbAir & other back supports: www.backfitpro.com/back-supports/
Back Mechanics (Book for patients with back pain): www.BackFitPro.com/books
Clarity for your Creative Career: www.LauraMeoli.com/book
Ideal Career Assessment Video: youtu.be/xc0_QiV6IFU
Listen to more episodes of the LoudaVision Podcast: www.LoudaVision.com
Follow me on the social media: @LoudaVision

Image Credit: decade3d

LoudaVision podcast host Laura Meoli-Ferrigon appears on WVOX radio, "Wake up Westchester" with Bob Marrone to talk about her new book, “Clarity for your Creative Career”. Learn all about how it can help you make the ideal career choices for your lifestyle. Quit the job you hate and create a life you love. Also, tips for freelancing and making money as an artist in this crazy competitive job market. Take a listen and enjoy!

Audio courtesy of WVOX Radio.
LINKS:
WVOX Radio: www.wvox.com
Book: www.LauraMeoli.com/book
Ideal Career Assessment Video: youtu.be/xc0_QiV6IFU
Listen to more episodes of the LoudaVision Podcast: www.LoudaVision.com
Follow me on the social media: @LoudaVision

In December 2017, my students at the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle (Mascaro Clubhouse) held a fundraiser to help the club in Puerto Rico which was devastated after Hurricane Maria. The 5th grade girls created a documentary film to spread awareness.

To donate to the Boys & Girls Club of Puerto Rico, please visit bgcpr.org

Here is a look at my personal video equipment recommendations based on years of testing, trial and error. The links provided here are budget-friendly and available online for easy shipping. It is very important for me to find equipment that is not heavy or bulky. These camera items will fit nicely into the backpack provided below. All tripods and lights come with their own easy carrying cases. If you have any specific questions about equipment picks, feel free to contact me. I provide tutoring and training in all aspects of filmmaking, video production and photography.
You can find more tips and tricks on my Instagram page @LoudaVision

This interview is featured in the book, "Clarity for your Creative Career". Available NOW!

Ever wondered what it would be like to pack up your life and go on the trip of a lifetime? Magdalena Reilly did just that.

On this episode of the LoudaVision Podcast for creative people, this wandering soul shares the tale of how she and her husband left their 9 to 5 jobs, gave up their apartment, put everything in a storage unit, and went on a 3 month exploration of Europe to find out first-hand about eco-cities and environmentalism. Magdalena and Joseph Reilly‘s documentary film “Low White Sky” is an exploration of alternatives to our current agricultural systems, and it focuses on permaculture, vertical farming and urban gardening.

Magdalena talks about how packing her life into a backpack for this journey lead her to minimalism. We discuss how people can de-clutter space in their home, and in their mind. Also, cheap travel hacks and minimalist packing tips for filmmakers.
Low White Sky is having it's world premiere at the Plebeian Film Festival in Tijuana, Mexico on November 3, 2017.

LINKS:
-Magdalena’s Website: www.MagdalenaReilly.com
-“Low White Sky” on Facebook: facebook.com/lowwhitesky.film
-Lil’Minimalovin’ Podcast: www.lilminimalovin.podbean.com
-Twitter: @Lil' Minimalovin'
-Instagram: @Magdalena_Reilly_Photography
-BLOG: www.magreilly.wordpress.com

-Creative Ties Podcast with Valentin: apple.co/2xRuE4k
-Momentum Mastery, Overcome 28 fears in 28 days Challenge: http://astuntmansguide.com/MomentumMastery
-Learn to create a professional podcast on a budget- NOW ON SALE $24.99: www.LauraMeoli.com/createapodcast

Listen to more episodes of the LoudaVision Podcast: www.LoudaVision.com
Follow me on the social media: @LoudaVision

Check out this article written by my students about the documentary class I had the pleasure of teaching this past summer. You will also see photos from my recent talk at Sacred Heart Greenwich.
https://www.cshgreenwich.org/page/news-detail?pk=910755&fromId=177626#

This interview is featured in the book, "Clarity for your Creative Career". Available NOW!

Temica Gross is a best selling author, speaker and coach providing creative entrepreneurs with the tools and resources to build their brands on a budget. This business expert has two master's degrees in business, so I pick her brain about finding your niche client, and creating a modern business in today’s digital times. She even explains how to get comfortable “inviting people to work with you”, AKA selling to people.

Temica shares her cheat sheet for creating engaging online content, when to hire a virtual assistant and how to be a solo-preneur without going crazy. We get real about life after corporate- for people who have unrealistic goals and expectations about being an entrepreneur. Also, I share my experience with get rich quick schemes on facebook- which will hopefully help you avoid similar scams.

Temica is an authentic, honest coach helping real people turn their vision into a successful business, without quitting their day job. She is proof that don’t need a wad of cash like Scrooge McDuck, to get started towards your dreams.

LINKS:
Temica’s Website: www.TemicaGross.com
Facebook & Periscope: TemicaGross
Instagram: Temica.Gross
Accelerate Program: www.temicagross.com/accelerate

Lil’ Minimalovin Podcast: http://lilminimalovin.podbean.com
Learn to create a podcast for under $100: www.LauraMeoli.com/createapodcast
Work with LoudaVision Productions: www.Laurameoli.com/services