My Take on VR/AR
Right off the bat, in the title I chose to abbreviate. What do I mean by VR and AR, also known as Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. I feel these are very important technological advances in our world today, I do feel that one more than the other is going to prove more ubiquitous.
VR/AR Defined
Before we get into the what each of these new technologies will bring to our lives, let’s define what they are, according to Whatis.com:
Virtual Reality is an artificial environment that is created with software and presented to the user in such a way that the user suspends belief and accepts it as a real environment.
Augmented Reality, on the other hand, is the integration of digital information with the user’s environment in real time. Unlike virtual reality, which creates a totally artificial environment, augmented reality uses the existing environment and overlays new information on top of it.
Virtual Reality Limitations
Virtual reality is not something that is new, it’s been around for decades, but is now seeing the technology catching up with the implementation. However, it is not without it’s limitations. For example, you need personalized gear, which isn’t cheap, and you need to have the viewers full attention for it to be effective. Although it delivers a much better experience than 3D, it cannot be a passive storytelling device. I see this technology being used more in training, video games and museums or historical environments. It has it’s uses but is not universal, just yet. Augmented Reality, which is a newer technology, seems to be a much more practical tool with today’s internet of things. I can see the power of the mobile app-mopshere, if I can coin a term, much more easier to traverse with AR being a part of it and easier to adopt in passive ways. Currently we have notifications and with the prevalence of more internet enabled devices mixed in with beacon technology, the sky’s the limit and it will be adopted faster.
In Regular Production
Virtual reality is here to stay, but at the moment, like I mentioned above, it has severe limitations when it comes to a wider audience. It currently cannot be just a video you google or see pop up in your news feed while waiting in line or emailed directly to you. It’s uses are very specific and will be that for awhile. I don’t know if you can just walk around with a headset on, or just want to sit at home with a headset on all of the time. You will still need flat, high quality, videos to help with that. As for AR, I don’t see that replacing video, but to have elements added into the editing process so that AR will work effectively with what you produce. So it will be another layer of post-production that will happen, such as making animated versions of YouTube’s annotations ability.
I love new technology and what we are living through today, but the assessment of this new stuff is what is important to see how it will work into what your client’s needs are. I don’t see VR being as gimmicky as 3D it will have longevity in a limited capacity, and I do see AR adding a different level of the user experience to video. What are your thoughts?
Paul J Schmidt is owner/production director of UnoDeuce Multimedia, a full service video production company based in Lansing, Michigan that specializes in creative visual storytelling for small businesses and non-profit organizations.
Are Phones Suitable Replacements For Video Cameras?
I’ll be the first to admit that video cameras in phones are getting more advanced. The visuals are looking good. But when it comes to production, it’s a different story.
I know that I had a post a couple of months ago on how to use a phone’s video function effectively. That was in the case that if an organization couldn’t afford a videographer to create the elements needed. Now this article I came across recently, in which a Swiss television station got rid of all of their cameras to replace them iPhones, tells a different picture. Well, let me dissect this one for you.
First of all, not only did they replace the cameras with iPhones, they added a selfie stick and there are camera men who now don’t have a job.
Secondly, a phone does not replace the overall quality and robustness that a video camera or DSLR can do in the hands of a professional camera person. You can have the best quality of video in the world, but if not in the hands of an experienced individual, it just will not look good.
Thirdly, you severely hamper advanced storytelling techniques. There are a lot of extra things you have to do to make this work the way you need it to, similar to a DSLR, without half of the quality. It’s also built to be a phone that can shoot video, not a video camera that can answer calls.
I’m very skeptical that this Swiss station will find the solution it is looking for, as this has been tried a couple of times and it didn’t last because of quality control issues. That’s the best reason of all to really nix the idea of an iPhone being your main video capture source. No matter how good the picture it can capture under optimal conditions. The life of production rarely is optimal and a professional will not choose a phone over a better video capture tool.
Not only that, but would you take my company seriously if we showed up with phones to create a video for you organization? I didn’t think so.
Paul J Schmidt is owner/production director of UnoDeuce Multimedia, a full service video production company based in Lansing, Michigan that specializes in creative visual storytelling for small businesses and non-profit organizations. You can connect with them at www.unodeuce.com
Guest Post: Charity Spotlight – Helping Women Period.
Helping Women Period removes barriers of self-sufficiency that many homeless and low-income women face daily. They provide feminine hygiene products such as sanitary pads and tampons to women in and around Lansing, Michigan.
In this charity spotlight, I spoke with the Founders of Helping Women Period, Amy Stephenson and Lysne Tait.
Origin Story
Early in 2015, Amy and Lysne discovered that WIC and SNAP (food stamps) cannot be used to purchase sanitary pads and tampons. They were shocked that such a basic need was not supported by state and federal aid programs. This was also a matter of dignity. Homeless and low-income women without running water had no way to take care of basic feminine hygiene.
The two friends decided to organize a fundraiser. They hoped to raise $500 to help provide women in need with feminine hygiene products. Their small fundraiser blew up when it was announced on Facebook, though.
Suddenly facing over 100 attendees, Amy and Lysne had to find a new venue. With so much support, they also decided to start a nonprofit. Within five days they had gone from fundraiser to founding Helping Women Period.
Today
Helping Women Period now provides feminine hygiene products to charities in the tri-county area for distribution. They have a great partnership with MichCo that allows them to purchase products at the best price, and they hold regular fundraising events and product drives.
In addition to pads and tampons, Helping Women Period provides handmade bags that allow products to be carried discretely. They also have donation boxes at various businesses in Lansing.
Big Wins
In their first year, Helping Women Period raised $14,000 and donated $8,000 worth of products. Considering the 
original fundraiser had a goal of $500, providing this much aid to women was a major victory.
They also partnered with several local charities to help distribute the products they acquire. These partnerships will continue to be vital to the growth of Helping Women Period.
To Nonprofits
If you are starting a charity, start something you believe in and make sure it is needed. Be organized from the very beginning and be accountable for your work. Leverage your strengths, collaborate with others to leverage theirs, and take care of your volunteers. Make it fun for them and thank them when they’re done.
Goals
Going into their second year, Amy and Lysne are confident that Helping Women Period can raise $20,000. This would be an extraordinary 40% increase over their first year.
They are also working on a handbook that would open up a Helping Women Period affiliate program. These affiliations would be a great way to provide aid to women in cities beyond Lansing. Long-term, Amy and Lysne would also like to help women in other countries.
To Donors
If you like a charity’s cause, reach out to them! Try volunteering. Charities really appreciate volunteers and they will take care of you!
Another way you can reach out is to ask your employer about sponsoring a charity. A business sponsorship is a big deal for many charities. Sometimes it’s as easy as starting a conversation.
Erik Gillespie is a software developer and semi-pro advocate of amazing things. He founded Giving Jar, a blog and upcoming donation platform for Lansing charities, and helps people learn how to create websites and other software at Lansing Code Lab. He’s kind of obsessed with board games, too.
