Recently, Odyssey introduced that they were adding the ability for their content creators to create videos in addition to the fantastic articles published every single week. As an Editor in Chief, I knew it was going to be a challenge for me to find current members of my team who would be interested in creating video content instead of articles, but I also knew I was going to need to find a way to make it happen. This challenge gave me this idea of breaking out of my own comfort zone to start the movement from articles to videos, to hopefully motivate my other team members to join in with me.

Although I had slight interest in creating videos over the years, I never actually went ahead and tried it for myself. I never really had an excuse to go through with it, so I didn’t. My naturally awkward demeanor didn’t seem like something people would want to watch voluntarily. Even though I think that same demeanor is portrayed throughout my writing, I somehow feel more comfortable hiding behind the words in a sense, as no one can see my face or hear my voice while reading words on a screen.

Creating video content, especially with an iPhone camera, isn’t as easy as you might think. Yes, it’s quite simple to point and shoot, or talk into a camera about a topic, but I wanted it too be interesting and look professional. So for my first video, and for more videos to come, I did use my phone to capture the footage.

My first video was actually very spontaneous. I was standing at a train station near my house, waiting for it to arrive so that I could get to my first ever full time job interview. Suddenly, it hit me - why not be a little spontaneous and ridiculous and film this? With that came my first video, poorly shot and not incredibly interesting, but it was a huge start. I documented my train ride, from the gorgeous scenery that you see down the Hudson River, to physically stepping on to the train. It was a strange experience, but I’m glad I decided to go through with it.

But as I have given myself this challenge to create video material that viewers are actually going to enjoy and want to watch, I decided to treat myself to a used camera, which is currently in the process of being shipped to me. My hope is that I will be able to increase the professionalism that is shown through my videos and convince my viewers that I actually know what I’m doing.

In the future, I hope to create some other awesome videos for Odyssey. Although I have a true passion for writing that I believe I’m actually somewhat good at, I enjoy breaking out of my shell a bit more to do something fun and exciting. I already have some interesting video ideas to cover in the new future once my brand new camera arrives this week, so stay tuned for more film from yours truly!