What we have coming up?  Well on Project: Green Generation we learn about how to power your phone with a solar backpack.  On Go For Gold TV we hang with some flipping freestyle skiers.  On VJIAM.tv season 2 we go surfing in Tofino.

Talk next time!

There is also the added excitement (read - stress) of getting the other two shows, Go For Gold TV and Project Green Generation, up and running.  Well not really, our job is to get the segments done.  The segments are full of athletes shooting .22 caiber rifles and doing insane flips. Oh yeah, there are also some green ideas that are a little off kilter.

The production team is gelling together.  Our two new additions are Carly and Annelies.  Carly, the associate segment producer, has been chatting and chatting and chatting to the VJs and collaborating on some eye-opening segments. Annelies, the segment coordinator, has been laying down the law and making things click click click like an oncoming train.

So instead of talking about GGTV and GFGTV, we are now producing content for them.  Any of you VJs who are reading this...send us a segment pitch and we can get your content on air.  Remember this is for segments about the environment or Olympic sports.

Tune in for episode 125 as we will cruise the Florida everglades with VJ Alex Pena and see if he can track the Skunk Ape down.  Also we'll go to a recording studio and check out how you can walk into a studio with a bit of talent and lay down a track ready for the airwaves.  We'll also do some graf art with VJ Alycia Powers in Sand Diego.

Some episodes coming up:

We go to Florida to search for the Skunk Ape.  Also we check out some youth showing us their world via photography.  Then we deal with some graffiti artists in San Diego.

Until next time...

We are trying to figure out how to get the word out regarding VJIAM.tv and the two new shows, Green Generation.tv and Go For Gold.tv. Craig’s List ads will be coming soon.

Some highlights of some of the next episodes:

• We go to San Francisco for a flash mob silent rave.
• Nikki Garcia takes to the streets to watch some adults get on plastic tricycles and zooming down some steep hills.
• You ever wonder how a fashion line gets launched? Well you’ll find out with VJ Marcy Guevara as she goes behind the scene.

The new Production Handbook is working out great. It seems to be really helping our VJs create awesome, tight segments.

Our new Assignment Desk is almost finished - will be amazing and super functional. Our development team has been great in translating our ideas and wishes to 'concrete' web pages and on-line processes.

....We interrupt current programming for the latest new update.....

We have just now sent out calls for segments for GreenGeneration.tv and GoForGold.tv.

We've been designing the production schedule for all three shows for next season. Lots of work but pretty exciting. Hiring more editors and producers. It is actually happening!

A lot more VJs are signing up these days. The word's getting out there.

Our production flow is becoming a well oiled machine.

Some highlights of some of the next episodes:

• We follow some dogs to a canine spa and watch them strut their stuff at a doggy clothes store.
• We go into the mountains of California to learn how to rock climb and boulder.
• We also have a VJ who took the challenge to not use electricity for one day. Harder than it sounds!.

Upcoming segments:

• Earth Hour. The segment focuses turning lights in all major cities for one hour. Highlights the amount of power we use as a culture and hoe much we can save.
• Making a record. Step by step into how to make a successful song. 3 brothers show us what it takes to make it in the music industry.
• High flying bike. Mountain biking on Vancouver's north shore. It is a world class destination for mountain bikers. VJ tries it out the trails and obstacles with a bunch of pros.

More soon...stay tuned.

We also have an amazing segment in the works - the making of a skateboard video. We get an insight into the trials and tribulations of making a skateboard video; from first kick-flip to final touches on the audio.

We have a new and improved production handbook. Lots more in-depth direction and hints for producing great segments.

We have new releases (maybe this isn’t too exciting…but crazy exciting for all of us in the head office).

Stay tuned for more....

We're starting production on two new series. They're both similar in style and concept to VJIAM but the topics are different. We're doing one show on Green actvivsm and the other on Olympic sports stories. And, we're looking for story pitches!

The Green activism show is called Green Generation - we're looking for stories on how you are making positive change for the planet. The Sports series is called Go for Gold and we're looking for stories about any sport that's in the Olympics. The stories don't have to be about an Olympic athlete.....could be about an amazing gymnast in your town or new technology advances in paralympic sports. You get the idea.

Tell us what you've got.

submissions@somedianet.com

We've had a lot of new VJs sign up to the Video Journalism Program in the last few weeks. It's great to see all these enthusiastic young VJs from across North America. Tell us what you'd like to see here that would help you along in your quest to be the next VJIAM rock star.

I've noticed a lot of new VJs are sigining up to the Video Journalism Program. Welcome, we're glad to have you. If you want to see your work on TV start making VJ1 assignments from the Assignment Desk (or suggest your own). This is the path to stardom or rockstardom, as we like to say.

1.  You join the program by completing the online application and are immediately considered a VJ1 and are able to apply to level 1 assignments from the Assignment Desk and/or submit your own ideas for approval. As a VJ1 you will be paired with an Assignment Editor who will welcome you to the program and answer any questions you may have. S/he will point you toward your VJ1 resources area which has vital tools such as release forms, shooting & editing specs as well as a video intro & outro which must be added to all your finished pieces. Your Assignment Editor will give you feedback on your completed video and ask you to make any changes, if necessary, before approving the piece for upload to the VJIAM.tv.
2. After you have completed at least one piece, you are eligible for a promotion to VJ2. However, your Assignment Editor may have feedback and advice for you to develop your skills further in order for you to get this promotion. Listen to what s/he has to say and you’ll be a VJ2 in no time. As a VJ2 you can apply to both Level 1 and now Level 2 assignments which are more complex and high profile. Level 2 assignments often come with a modest stipend to cover your expenses and carry MEDIA ACCREDITATION including interviews with celebrities and access to high profile events.
3. OK. You’ve now made a few pieces as a VJ2 and know your way around VJIAM.tv. You understand how to create engaging and exciting Video Journalism. Your Assignment Editor has mentored you and you’ve honed your skills. You’re ready to be promoted to VJ3 where your work can be included on the Broadcast TV version of VJIAM.tv and will be viewed in over 100 million households. As a VJ3 you can apply to all assignments on the Assignment Desk and/or suggest your own story that you’d like to create for the TV show. You’ll receive the VJIAM.tv Production Handbook which is an invaluable resource for you as a Video Journalist. Your Assignment Editor will work very closely with you on story development and your shooting & editing techniques. You will be asked to shoot a webcam interview with the VJIAM.tv host. Basically, you’re a rockstar. You’re officially a Broadcast TV video Journalist. Bask in the glory – you’ve earned it.

Sounds good?

Apply here

So, why are we so excited about the launch?

VJIAM.tv highlights video journalism from young people across North America. VJs pick a story they want to shoot through our assignment desk, or suggest their own. Our Assignment Editors work with them to hone their skills and perfect their piece.

The end result is hip, unique video journalism.
Let's be clear - this is not the same as user-generated video.  You won’t see awful Backstreet Boys karaoke or pet trick videos here. You will see relevant and engaging video journalism made by your peers.

VJIAM.tv also gives emerging VJs the chance to have their piece included in our national broadcast TV show - aired in over 100 million households across the US. We empower VJ's with the tools and help they need to become a successful Video Journalist (maybe even famous).

• You can learn more about the TV show and watch full episodes.
• Join the Video Journalism Program and become a VJ. Get access to events and interviews. Possibly get on TV
• Suggest a story you’d like to see covered on the show
• Become a fan of your favorite VJ, leave them comments and ask them questions.

Keep checking back here for updates, we’re always adding great new assignments and features.  And please let us know how we’re doing. VJIAM.tv is about you and for you.