We’re back we’re back we’re back! And I couldn’t be more stoked about it. Season two kicked off with a bang, back at Barry’s photography studio (which at this point feels like home) it was a great place to get started again. Plus, we got to visit with Lola, who hasn’t grown one inch.

All of the pieces this week were quite unique from one another. But one segment in particular stood out as exciting and visually interesting, as well as putting the audience in the line of fire. Alex Pena’s piece on firefighting was our top piece this week because you’d have to be crazy to do it! Now Alex has done out of the ordinary stories in the past (like hunting for a skunk ape) but going behind the scenes of what it takes to be a fire fighter? That tops them all. In addition, he actually fought fires himself! Many of our VJ’s take the hands on approvh n their pieces, but hands on a hose in front of a raging fire is taking it to the next level. What’s next Alex… swimming with sharks?

Our final Best Of episode for season one of VJIAM.tv was way too much fun. We were back at beautiful location and with great shots both inside and out we were able to take advantage of the great weather. It was surreal to wrap the last shot and realize that’s it! The first season is done...officially. It would have been incredibly sad if we weren’t jumping back into production for season two shortly.

There were too many memorable moments in season one to recount here, so I want to thank all the VJs who contributed their stories and contributed to the success of our first season. This show would not exist without you. So please, keep sending us pieces, and if you’d like to pitch a story and don’t know how yet, the fact that you are reading this means you are in the right place, just click on the video journalism section and suggest and assignment. 

Until next season...

Over the course of season one of VJIAM.tv Barry's photography studio has become a second home to our crew.  We've shot countless episodes there, enjoying both his hospitality and his lovely pup Lola (who was even featured in an episode)! It seemed fitting to shoot our last regular episode there. Many thanks Barry.

In case you didn't notice, I was stuck in a sling due to shoulder injury from a bike accident the week prior. Not the greatest, but our crew was awesome, grabbing my ice pack for me between shots and making sure I was as comfortable as possible. Thanks a lot guys! And please, make sure you wear a helmet when cycling; it's the reason I’m here to write this blog!!

Moving on to the segments, Alex Pena's mysterious piece on the Skunk Ape captured our imagination. He went to great lengths to get the story, demonstrating the dedication a journalist must have to be successful. It's crazy to realize that there are still many creatures on the planet (particularly in the ocean) that we know very little or nothing about! I wonder if it's really out there...

Back at the creative individual for the last time in season one! We were stoked to be enjoying beautiful weather and were able to shoot many of our first scenes outside. I think it gave each of us an extra bit of energy and we flew through the first half of the shooting schedule. 

The segment most discussed on set this week was Becky Gavigan’s piece on Biomimicry. I found myself taking a closer look at the plants around me and imagining what design secrets may be unlocked for the future. Thanks for that inspiring and thought provoking piece, Becky!

Our crew functions in a more collaborative way than most film crews. Everyone feels comfortable offering suggestions but at the end of the day, the set belongs to the director and he/she always has the final say.  Funny story:  we were rehearsing a walk and talk (I get pretty excited about walk and talks, the further, the faster, the better) and the director Rob and myself were discussing the pace and distance, and after a slight disagreement I walked up to a few crew members and told them to watch our DOP’s back saying "I know he can move fast, and I’m going to make him". No sooner have a finished whispering my secret plan, Rob turns to me and says "You know, you’re still mic’ed Westy". We all burst into laughter, and I apologized for my naïve mutiny. 

A few lessons learned: when the director makes a decision it is for good reason, slower paced walk and talks actually look better on camera and, last but not least, remember when you are mic’ed.

So although you are seeing ep 123, we are into producing the second season of VJIAM.tv; oh yeah and Go For Gold TV and Project Green Generation.  The segment production team has really grown in the last few months; now we have two more people working on segments and a bunch of interns.  It is amazing.

Some highlights of the next few episodes: We learn about a guy in Florida who has been tracking the skunk ape.  You might even get to see a glimpse of the fabled animal!  VJ Alex Pena also takes us to a place where they wrestle alligators.  I know...crazy.  To keep on the topic of animals, we go to a high school rodeo and learn the finer points of lassoing.

So we are happy and healthy here.  And only a little stressed. 

Happy episode 123!