NYVS News   OK Tornado Caught by Smartphones The devastating tornado in Oklahoma filled the news airwaves and social media yesterday with photos and videos coming straight from the scene. A prime example of citizen journalism. People in the area, risking their lives, went after the storm with their cameras and smartphones to share the horror with the world from a first hand perspective, with sites like iReport from CNN and Huffington Post showcasing the experiences of those who were there on the scene. See it all here >>   ProDRENALIN Wants to Fix Your GoPro GoPro's Hero3 was designed with the idea of no limitations, allowing someone to take HD video where ever they are and whatever they're doing. There are, however, a few limitations that are noticeable to GoPro users: sloppy color, shaky shots, and the camera's fisheye lens. ProDRENALIN is trying to solve these issues with its GoPro correction app. Available for Windows only now, with a Mac version coming, ProDRENALIN offers automatic fisheye removal, shot stabilization, de-noising, and color correction among other features. The program is fully compatible with all GoPro Hero cameras and can be yours for $48.99  Check it out here>>   Cannes: Mid-Festival Wrap The Cannes Film Festival is underway in the south of France and the year's latest premiers and selections from around the world have been competing for the coveted Palme d'Or. Alongside these screenings for the competition are interviews, talks and of course parties. Indie Wire has all your Cannes access with reviews of the films and general buzz from the festival.  See the full article here >>   Looking for more NYVS updates, insights and discussions? Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook!!  

NYVS News   YouTube to Start Subscription Service Streaming premium content on the web is here to stay, and it seems everyone is trying to get a piece of the action. It has been reported that Google will begin to offer subscriptions for select channels on YouTube.  YouTube has seen some minor shake-ups in the past, but this would be the biggest move Google has made since buying the site in 2005, according to a report from IndieWire.com. "Instead of a $8.99/month pricetag for Netflix's extensive library, subscriptions to YouTube channels will be a few bucks a month. Some channels, it seems, will have ads (like Hulu Plus), and some will not (like Netflix)."  Check out the full story from IndieWire! Read more here >>   A Day with Glass Well it's finally begun.  Google has begun delivering its much anticipated Glass product to hand selected users.  Social media has been abuzz with street sightings of people wearing Glass and just what it really is all about. Drew Olanoff, from TechCrunch.com has taken to his blog to let us regular folks know what it is like to have Google Glass for a day.  This insight into the world of Glass shows some of its paramount features as well as displays exactly what Glass is and is not.  Read his full review for more insights. Check it out here>>   NYVS Pick of the Week   Pick of the Week: Hanger 9 Carden Extra 300 This week, we're honoring NYVS member jdelves for their video, "Hanger 9 Carden Extra 300." This video, an advertisement for a model airplane, truly shows the power of editing. With tight shots of the plane performing stunts, quick cutting, and thrilling music, the video makes the viewer feel like their in the cockpit doing flips and nose dives. Well done and congratulations jdelves! Remember to keep uploading so your video can too be named the pick of the week! Watch here! >>   Looking for more NYVS updates, insights and discussions? Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook!!  

NYVS News   First YouTube Video Celebrates 8 Year Anniversary It's hard to imagine a wold without YouTube.  The site has helped defined the internet.  YouTube is the home to countless hours of video from around the world, with hours more being uploaded every minute.  One video in particular though is celebrating a special anniversary.  It was 8 years ago, on April 23rd, that the first video was uploaded to YouTube.  While the video itself is nothing special, just a slice of life at the San Diego Zoo, it set off a journey that would help YouTube grow into one of the most influential sites on the web and change the way we think of video forever. Check it out here >>   Amazon Enlists General Public in Selecting its Programming Lineup Amazon over the weekend released 14 pilots on its website to be watched and reviewed by its audience.  Just like other streaming services, like Netflix and Hulu, Amazon is trying to distinguish itself and grow its viewership by introducing original programming.  However, unlike its competition, Amazon is looking to its existing audience to help choose which pilots will turn into series and which will not.  It seems like a common sense idea, but one that has never been tested before in a process that has traditionally been contained to focus groups and executive offices.  Amazon's pilots include 8 comedies and 6 kids shows.   Watch them here>>   Michael Rosenblum:Jenna Marbles & How Video Changed Her Life Who is Jenna Marbles? She is one of the millions of people finding their niche audience on YouTube.  "If she had tried to get 'on air' with conventional TV, she would still be waiting - or working as an intern or some Associate Producer somewhere; or maybe in some God Forsaken local TV station in market 435."  Why wait for the network executives to call you with your big break, when you can create your own image on the web at little or no cost?  See the full article here >>   Looking for more NYVS updates, insights and discussions? Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook!!  

NYVS News   Radiant Images Releases Novo Digital Cinema Camera to Rival GoPro If you are impressed by the GoPro Hero3's size and capabilities, but less impressed by its lens and its cinematic limitations, the Novo digital cinema camera may be for you. With a similar build, although 20% thinner, and video quality capabilities, such as 1080p 60 fps and 720p 120 fps video and 12MP photos at a rate of 30 photos per second, the difference truly is in the lens.  The C-mount lens system with back focus adjustment, which allows for extreme macro shooting, can mount various lens attachments and accessories that allow for a wide range of lens shooting options that go beyond GoPro's wide-angle limitation.  The Novo is available to rent from Radiant Images for $295 daily, and $885 weekly.  Check if it's at a store near you! Check it out here >>   The Smartphone Tips: How to Record Better Sound It's no secret that you can shoot broadcast quality video on your smartphone. With full HD camera and full mobility shooting a great video on a smartphone does not require much.  One difficulty that smartphone filmmakers deal with is recording sound.  Because the microphones are built for talking on the phone and not capturing video it can be difficult to get the crisp, clear sound that a professional video should have.  Stephen Press, a professional TV cameraman in New Zealand, explains in this tutorial a quick and easy way to improve the sound quality of your videos without having to buy any costly accessories for your phone! Watch it here>>   Cannes Film Festival: Full 2013 Lineup The 2013 Cannes Film Festival is almost here!  The festival, one of the most important in the world, showcases some of the best films in the world in its competition.  Last year's Palme d'Or winner Amour went on to great international and critical success.  This year a new slate of films are set for the festival for the much anticipated competition.  Also in the lineup, out of competition but kicking the festival off, is the anticipated Baz Luhrmann Great Gatsby film -- the release of which was notably pushed back out of last year's Oscar season and finished into 3D.  The full lineup is available on IndieWire.com See the full article here >>   Looking for more NYVS updates, insights and discussions? Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook!!  

NYVS News   Google Reveals Glass Specs You may have to wait a little bit longer to get your hands on Google's much anticipated glasses, but here's a little news to hold you over.  Google has published a list of specifications for their new product, along with its API for Glass apps.  The specs include a 640 x 360 display that Google says is the "equivalent of a 25-inch high definition screen from eight feet away," a 5-megapixel camera capable of 720p video and 16 GB of flash memory that you can sync using Google's cloud service Google Drive.  For more details check out the full story from The Verge. Read more here >>   The Newark Star-Ledger Wins 3 New York Emmy Awards The New York Emmys honor local achievement in television each year, but for the past 4 years it has been a newspaper turning heads.  For the 4th consecutive year the Newark Star-Ledger has won awards at the NY Emmys. The newspaper, with the help of Michael Rosenblum has shown what it takes to survive in the new media landscape -- evolving with the world!  "Tonight is another example of The Star-Ledger’s transformation into a true media company,” editor Kevin Whitmer said. “Our newspaper, our website and our video work all have been recognized for their overall excellence in just the past few months." Check it out here>>   Guardian Launches Citizen Journalism Platform GuardianWitness We can't overstate the importance of citizen journalism in the world today.  It just makes sense.  Over 1 billion smartphones are out there in the world, most of which have full HD video capabilities the rival broadcast equipment, just waiting to be pointed at something newsworthy. So The Guardian has opened a dedicated iPhone/Citizen Journalism platform.  In today's world, news exists the second after it occurs, no longer do you have to wait for the evening news broadcast or the morning newspaper.  Just point, shoot, and upload -- it's that simple! See the full article here >>   Looking for more NYVS updates, insights and discussions? Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook!!  

NYVS News   "iPhone Millionaire" Wins Small Business Book Award for 2013 As if you needed any more reason to buy Michael Rosenblum's acclaimed "iPhone Millionaire," here is another.  The book has just won a Small Business Book Awards for 2013, sponsored by Small Business Trends!  The Awards celebrate the best business books that entrepreneurs, small business owners, CEOs, managers, and their staffs should read.  So what are you waiting for? If you want to turn your video enthusiasm and your smartphone into a good source of income order "iPhone Millionaire" today! Read more here >>   36 Stories That Prove Citizen Journalism Matters CNN this week announced its 3rd Annual iReport Awards nominees that showcase the importance of citizen journalism.  In a world dominated by smartphones and digital technology (see story above), the face of traditional broadcasting is rapidly changing.  In this new industry landscape the viewers can interact with media outlets and offer first person accounts, photos and videos in real time as stories are progressing.  With this shift, the viewer no longer becomes a passive participant, but an active content producer! Check it out here>>   NY Times on Roger Ebert: a Critic for the Common Last week, the film world lost one of its most beloved commentators: Roger Ebert.  The man who brought the movies into our living room and told us what to see and what not to see, will be forever missed by moviegoers.  Not one to simply play up Hollywood franchises (one of his top 10 must watch films was "The Tree of Life") Ebert broadened the horizons of many film enthusiasts and common moviegoers alike.  The New York Times has the full obituary.  See the full article here >>   Looking for more NYVS updates, insights and discussions? Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook!!  

NYVS News   Smartphones Used for Video & Live Shots on News If you've been following our news you already know we're big believers in the video power of smartphones.  Smartphones, most of which now have full HD video recording capabilities, can be a very usefull news gathering tool.  When used properly, with the right accessories, broadcasters can use smartphones for taped pieces or live shots without the need for the traditional four person production team. So if you want to be a broadcast journalist all you need now is the right phone.  Once you got it, track down the latest stories, point and shoot! The Radio Television News Director's Association (RTNDA) has the full scoop! Check it out here >>   Ready for NAB 2013? This week in Las Vegas, NV is the National Association of Broadcasters annual conference with over 90,000 media and entertainment professionals from over 150 countries, over $20.7 billion in purchasing power represented onsite, more than 500 skill-building sessions and over 1,600 members of the press to add up to one of the biggest industry events of the year.  Industry leaders from all over will converge here to showcase the best innovation for broadcasting they have to offer.  One big name already spinning the rumor mill is Adobe with new versions of pro video software like Premiere Pro, After Effects, SpeedGrade, Audition and Media Encoder, the company will also debut its new software: Adobe Anywhere! Read more here>>   NYVS Pick of the Week   Pick of the Week: Film Noir Smoking Gun Episode One: The Reunion This week, we're honoring NYVS Member SweetWig for their video, "Film Noir Smoking Gun Episode One: The Reunion."  This first episode of a web series on NYVS shows why narrative storytelling is shifting more and more to computer screens and away from traditional distribution.  With clever editing, great camera work and audio mixing, this episode sets up a compelling story and leaves the us wanting more.  Well done and congratulations SweetWig & check back for future episodes! Watch here! >>   Looking for more NYVS updates, insights and discussions? Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook!!  

NYVS News   Pre-Order Your New Galaxy S4 April 16th Although you may have to wait until May to get it, you can pre-order the highly anticipated smartphone in mid-April.  The leading competitor to Apple's iPhone will boast a slew of new features, most of which you may never understand or even use. Noteworthy, however, is the constantly improving photo and video capacities that each new smartphone iteration from companies like Samsung and Apple bring to the mobile market.  It is only a matter of time before all your favorite programs are shot, and maybe even edited, solely on a smartphone! Check it out here >>   Michael Rosenblum: What Has Oprah Got That You Don't? Oprah is rich -- $2.4 billions worth to be exact.  How did she get that rich you ask?  She had a TV show.  Kim Kardashian is rich.  While no one can be exactly sure what the reason is, she too has a TV show to help boost her wealth.  So what's stopping you from raking in the millions?  According to our own Michael Rosenblum: not much.  The entry bar to establish yourself through media is much lower than it was for Oprah when she was starting out.  Check out his blog on Huffington Post to learn more! Read more here>>   Great Production Addition to Your iPhone From Photojojo!ore Love shooting video on your iPhone?  Who doesn't.  Over the years smartphones like the iPhone have grown their video capabilities greatly with newer lenses, more pixels, and better built-in microphones.  But there's always room for improvement and Photojojo has every accessory for your mobile production studio that you could possibly look for.  Some of the best, to name a few, include tripods, external mics and even powerful lights that plug into your headphone port!  Check out their site for everything you may be looking for! See the full article here >>   Looking for more NYVS updates, insights and discussions? Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook!!  

NYVS News   "The Sad State of Smartphones" It's tough to know exactly what you're getting for your money when you buy a smartphone these days, and on top of that the choices are growing everyday. Huffington Post's Shelly Palmer looks into the state of the smartphone market and examines what's worth your cash and what isn't.  His analysis concludes the state of the market is horrible with a desperate need for some big innovations.  Read more at Huffington Post. Check it out here>>      Michael Wolff on Columbia J School's New Dean Columbia's famed school of journalism has a new dean.  Since the departure of its last dean, the future of the school has been a popular debate -- should the school embrace the changing landscape of journalism and media, or continue to give its students more of the same as it has for the past 50 years.  The decision to appoint Steve Coll, formerly of the New Yorker and the Washington Post, indicates the Ivy League university has settled for the latter.  Michael Wolff of USA Today has the full story via our own Michael Rosenblum -- both Columbia graduates. Read more here >>     Amazon Orders "Zombieland" Original Series Pilot In an apparent effort to keep up with other streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, Amazon Studios has ordered a pilot for an original series based on the 2009 film of the same name.  More and more content is moving online, and Amazon agrees with its streaming competitors that it does not have to rely on second hand content from television networks and movie studios.  That being said there is an interesting trend at work here.  "Zombieland" is the latest of big name series to get the green light - "House of Cards," and "Arrested Development."  What all three of these have in common is they are based on previous works.  Amazon's on the film of the same name, "House of Cards" on a British TV show and "Arrested Development" an already established series.  Read more here >>  Looking for more NYVS updates, insights and discussions? Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook!!

NYVS News   Netflix Plans to Begin Streaming in 4K HD Within the Next Year Netflix, the leading online streaming company, is no stranger to being ahead of the curve.  Along with its recent break into original programming, with its hit series "House of Cards" and the much anticipated new season of "Arrested Development," Netflix is still looking to break boundaries.  Netflix officials have announced that they hope to start streaming content, starting with "House of Cards," in 4K high definition. It seems the company has had this strategy in mind having shot the series, directed by David Fincher, in 4K.  4K HD has been a hot topic of late among tech and media companies and this move should set the stage for a continued reshaping of the industry and its standards.  The Verge has the story. Read more here >>   Gesture Control: The Future is Now Have you ever seen the movie "Minority Report"? If you haven't don't rush to Netflix to check it out, but if  you have you may remember one scene in particular where the protagonist, played by Tom Cruise, is controlling his detective's super computer, features such as video control and scrolling through evidence among others, by doing nothing more than gesturing his arms in the air in front of the computer.  What was once science fiction will soon be a reality.  MYO is introducing its gesture control armband.  According to the product's site "The MYO armband lets you use the electrical activity in your muscles to wirelessly control your computer, phone, and other favorite digital technologies."  The video possibilities are what are quite exciting.  Imagine editing video through gesture just like in minority report - I can think of nothing more natural.  No more clicking, dragging, or keyboard shortcuts!  You can preorder the device now for $150! Check it out here >>   2013's New Directors / New Films Each year, for the past 42 years, the Film Society of Lincoln Center along with the Museum of Modern Art showcases new films from up and coming directors.  In the past, early works from the likes of Pedro Almodovar and George Lucas have come out of this showcase.  This year's series is set to kick off this week with the latest from film's rising young talents.  For an overview of the event and reviews of the featured films IndieWire.com has the full story. Read more here >>   Looking for more NYVS updates, insights and discussions? Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook!!