Did you know Carleton has its own YouTube channel?!
Inspired by famous YouTubers like Ryan Higa and Smosh, Raven’s Log was launched in September 2011. As Carleton’s first student-run YouTube channel, Raven’s Log consists of vlogs and comedic shorts all produced by and featuring Carleton students.
Raven’s Log founder, second-year communications student Sam Chen, was kind enough to answer a few questions for Her Campus Carleton about Raven’s Log and the impact he hopes it will have on the Carleton community.
How did you come up with the idea for Raven’s Log and how did you get started?
The idea came to me last summer when I pretty much felt like I needed to do more in my life before I graduated. During the summer I started my own YouTube channel, and made vlogs on a weekly basis which was fun. I traveled across Toronto and filmed special events. When I got back to school in September, I wanted to create something that I could love and I came up with the idea of creating a YouTube channel for Carleton students. As the months passed, we evolved from being just a video production team to making a variety of videos such as vlogs and promotional videos for Carleton clubs.
What type of content do you guys create?
Our content is diverse; it depends on the season, peoples’ interests and requests. The last video we made was called “The Canadian Love Language”, which was the hardest video I have ever made because it went outside my genre which is mostly comedy. We’re interested in what students want and if they have an idea or a dream, we’ll make it come true.
How do you come up with video ideas and how do you produce them?
Once a month, we have an improv session where all of our members come together and film as many random ideas as possible. We call these videos “Raven’s Shorts” because they are created in a short amount of time. Usually one of our members has an idea and we build on it. I personally write all the ideas on sticky notes so that we remember them.
Why is Raven’s Log important to the Carleton community?
Well, we all know that as the years go by, we are becoming more attached to online media. Why not be part of it and experience how all of these videos are made? For me personally, after every video I make, I laugh because I know I can do better on my next one. It’s fun to be a part of and a way to make memories. To be a Raven, you need a reason to say you’re a Raven and being involved in this can be a reason. Raven’s Log is part of Carleton now, and it’s a memory not easily forgotten because it’s online.
Make sure to check out Sam and company over at Raven’s Log. To become part of the team or request a video, like the Raven’s Log Facebook group or shoot them an email at ravenslog@gmail.com. They’ll reply within 3 days and get you on board ASAP!