I Can’t Go On, I’ll Go On
July 29, 2008
So, I’ve got Friday night, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday to go over on today’s post. Sounds like a lot to go through, but when you see what I write about, you’ll realize it’s not as much as you’d think.
Friday after work, I went to mom’s to say hi before heading to Gavino’s house. Once there, we watched the new AVGN video, and after a bit of talk we were on our way. Of course, we were heading up to Cagney’s in Parlin to do some video taping. We got there a few minutes before 8PM, which was apparently too early, because there was like 1 car in the parking lot. I called “Bless” and told him we were here, and he said that he hasn’t left yet and that we should get a bite to eat. So we did.
We ended up going to this diner that was a few miles down the road. Mediocre food: Had some fried calamariand a chicken caesar salad (which couldn’t be FURTHER from a chicken caesar salad than what was on my plate – besides the normal stuff, there was also huge slices of tomato and soggy red peppers). Paid for the meal (around $40 after tip) and headed back to the club.
Once there, we started setting our stuff up inside. We got this decent corner of the open (what seems to be for dining) area. Set up my lights and made what seemed to be a badass interviewing section. I felt bad for myself and Gavino (who was using it), because we had to bring two cameras, and the only one I had available was my old piece of crap one (which was good when I got it…or at least I thought it was…ugh). So the rappers came up one-by-one or in groups to do their interview action, me taping on the fly in the background, Gavino stationary on my tripod, rappers grasping the Zoom H2 mic when they had something they felt was interesting enough to tell the cameras.
That part was actually not too bad, it seemed like we knew what we were doing, even though we didn’t have the best gear. I also think that footage will look pretty good before or after (or both, I haven’t really decided) the music video that I’ll be putting together for the whole event (more on that later).
So there was this other crew filming there, called BlokTV. They seemed pretty big time, had a nice camera (which was the same size as mine, just with more attachments (I know, I know, I’ll upgrade soon ><), and awesome lighting for the stage (again, I know *sigh* I gotta look into better lighting). Anyway, they were there filming the event as well, but basically the one guy just stood in the corner the entire time with his camera on the tripod, just facing the stage.
So we started getting our stuff ready for filming the show. Originally, “Bless” said that he wanted a collaboration of the night, with focus more on them (FAM) for the video, and we’ll overlay it with one of their songs. Random members of the group throughout the night would come up and say what else they wanted in the video (people dancing, group members drinking around the bar, etc.), which was fine.
Once everything started, I knew it was going to be awful, just like last time. I hate standing / kneeling (I’ve GOT to remember to bring something for my knees for things like this) for long periods of time, but I have to be up close and get good shots. It seemed like we filmed for an eternity. Once everything was over (can’t forget that before the interviews I had to run to the store and pick up batteries for the H2), we started packing our shit up and headed out. Of course, they (Swagga {Julius} and Bless} grabbed the camera and had to turn it on us at one point, and then one of the security guys (who in turn asked “Where is this airing” and “Can I give you my info?” – lol BrooklynBouncer77 or something like that).
Once outside, we started putting stuff in the car and then looked around for “Bless”. Best part of the night had to be when we finally talked to him. He thanked us for everything, and then proceeded to tell us that he wanted us to film them in Baltimore in August. On top of that, he wanted us to collaborate with their former “video guy” and work on a documentary (including their “barbecue footage” and “random visits where you can just whip out the camera and start filming) with them. And lets not forget their video guy and his unforgettable quote “Yo, I got that Quicktime”.
Anyway, let’s just say I wasn’t too happy about all that.
Saturday wasn’t too bad. I think I may save the rest of this for another post tonight or tomorrow, because I just realized Friday took up a lot and I’d rather not keep it too clustered.
