Majors:
Gabe: Finance
Alex: Marketing
Hometowns:
Gabe: Wood-Ridge, New Jersey
Alex: Chester, New Jersey
Interviewing up-and-coming Youtube sensations, Gabe Musella and Alex Boothe, was nothing short of a cool experience. Being someone who is easily intruigued by the creation of awesome Youtube videos, I was eager to find out more about the effort it takes to execute a cool, final product which attracts all audiences. These two seniors definitely know what they are talking about when it comes to the process, and have great advice to share with anyone who aspires to make a channel and are hesistant. Keep reading for more on their rise to success!
HC: What sparked your initial interest in making Youtube videos?
GM: It all started when I got a GoPro for Christmas 2 years ago. That following summer I brought it with me everywhere. I knew I wanted to do something with my footage, so I started making edits for my Instagram, which eventually led to me making longer videos to put on Youtube.
AB: I actually am pretty new to the Youtube game, as I just got a GoPro this past summer. I loved everything I could do with it, so after playing around and taking as much footage as possible I just started uploading videos hoping my friends would like them as much as I did.
HC: How did you guys learn to create such cool effects?
GM: Magic… and my video editing software. I edit my videos using Final Cut Pro X, which has built-in effects, but also allows for downloadable effects from the internet. Throw a bunch of them together on a video clip and you can get some pretty trippy visuals.
AB : I follow a bunch of Instagram and Youtube channels to get ideas about interesting effects for videos, and then pretty much just Google how to do them.
HC: I noticed while scrolling through both of your Youtube channels, the awesome music you include in your work. Is there any specific website you go to for remixes or inspiration?m
GM: Soundcloud for sure the place to go if you’re looking for sick new music. Everyday thousands of new songs and remixes are uploaded by professional DJ’s and musicians.
AB: Much like Gabe, Soundcloud is 100% the place I go to find new music and remixes. There is such a plethora of interesting music and collaborations on there that the limits are endless.
HC: While beginning to film something like Coachella, or a Fairfield point day, what are some things you do to prepare to ensure the success of the video?
GM: It depends how much equipment I can bring with me. At Coachella I was only limited to my GoPro, but at a point day my house is right there, so I can go back at any point to grab the right equipment. I have multiple back-up camera batteries and memory cards (and GoPros), always have to prepare for the worst!
AB: I think my main objective for the point day videos is to capture as much action as possible, as there is clearly a lot going on. As every point day is a little different, you have to keep your head on a swivel and be willing to just walk up to random people and say ‘hey do something cool!’ The battery life of the GoPro is another huge challenge, so having the ability to run back to my house and snag another is awesome for making these videos.HC: Whether the subject of the video is jet skiing or partying on the beach, and you’re filming, is there a certain angle that is always your go to for optimal picture? GM: It honestly depends what you’re filming, but no matter what, I usually like to test out different angles. I’ll usually capture whatever subject I’m filming from a couple different angles and distances, to mix it up. I usually like to get some sunlight behind the subject to add to the effect.
AB: My go to for taking videos is a long take, which is pretty much a continuous shot that pans from one side to another capturing a bunch of action. I feel these types of shots allow me to capture more ‘action’ going on, and also look sick when sped up/slowed down later in editing.
HC: How much footage do you guys film, opposed to the amount that you actually end up using?
GM: Enough footage to make yourself say “What did I get myself into?” while you’re editing. No matter what you’ll always end up with way more footage than you need, but it’s way better than having not enough footage!
AB: As much film until the GoPros die! It is actually ridiculous how much film you go through in order to make that final 3-5 minute video; as you probably start with around 1-2 hours worth of footage, which gets turned into 25-30 minutes of usable video, which you have to whittle down further into your final cut.HC: How do you wish to continue this hobby once you graduate? Are either of you interested in pursuing film making?
GM: I have a lot of ideas for my future Youtube videos, so I’m looking to take this as far I can go. If I could make a living out of this hobby, I would in a heartbeat.
AB: In the long run, I hope to work at an advertising agency that creates commercials for huge brands – so hopefully these videos help me get my foot in the door to show off some of my skills!
HC: Being business majors, how have you applied the skills you’ve learned from creating these films to internships, class, etc?
GM: I internshipped at Bank of America in a GCB analyst position this summer, so it’s a little hard applying film and editing techniques to a job that is the complete opposite! But it does help when preparing presentations.
AB: I am currently working part-time at The Smartfish Group in town, a local advertising agency, and my boss loves the videos – as a result he has given me way more leadership in creating promotional content for brands and creating videos to show potential clients everything Smartfish can do.
HC: On average, how long does it take to edit your videos?
GM: I’m still working on projects that I started months ago, it all depend on how much time you make for it and how qual you want the video to be. The powderpuff video took a little over a week to make.
AB: Up to this point my videos usually revolve around one weekend worth of filming, and on average it takes about a week to edit them.
HC: Any advice to anyone who wishes to start up their own channel?
GM: Honestly the best piece of advice I can give is to just do it and to be confident about your content, but most of all have fun with it! If you’re not confident and not having fun there’s no point. Also, no matter what someone will judge your work, but at the end of the day you can’t let negativity from others stop you from being creative and posting something you’re passionate about. AB: I would say just go for it. I am the definition of ‘new to the game’ considering I just started editing and making videos in September, but as long as you are having fun making videos it really comes across in the final product.
HC: Should we be expecting a clam jam video?!
GM: Only if it’s LIT…. haha but seriously, yes, expect a clam jam video and many other Fairfield videos in the near future!
AB: You know it, 2016 at Fairfield is not ready for what we have in store.