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GateHouse News Service launched syndicated lifestyle video last week, in all sites' Popular Videos section and on their main videos landing page.
We've started with videos by three personalities who are already popular contributors to the news service: Molly Logan Anderson, writer of the weekly Shoestring Living frugal tips column; Margaret Maples, creator of original recipes for some of our Niche tabs like Family and Healthy Living; and Mark Marderosian, artist of kids comics and host of "Drawing With Mark," a show on dozens of public-access channels nationwide and, soon, Australia.
Here are quick Q&As with each:
MOLLY LOGAN ANDERSON
We know you're a contributor to GateHouse News Service, but what's your day job?: I'm a freelance writer. I'm blessed to be able to research and write about so many exciting things every day. The best part is that I'm always learning about something new.
Why do you do what you do?: I just plain love every step of the writing process: conceptualizing, researching, writing and, believe it or not, editing! Having my children caused me to realize the work/life balance I wanted in life. Having my own writing business allows me to grow my career
while having the freedom I need to keep my role as "mom" the top priority.
Do you have any funny 'behind the scenes' stories yet from shooting your videos?: No matter where I'm shooting, it seems like animal life is out to get me. Whether it's my dogs panting in the background, or a crow cawing overhead when I'm outside, I'm always working around animal noises!
What's the hardest thing about video? What's the easiest?: I ad lib, so the hardest part is staying on track and covering all the points I'd like to touch on without any cues. The easiest part is sharing information regarding a subject that I'm passionate about and connecting with readers in this new way.
What do you like to do outside your jobs?: First and foremost, I love spending time with my family. My husband, Mike, and I have a blast watching our three kids participate in their favorite activities. I have a personal blog that chronicles our days together as a family -- check it out at www.butterfliesandmudpies.blogspot.com. In addition, I absolutely love to cook, garden and be active outside.
GateHouse News Service launched syndicated lifestyle video last week, in all sites' Popular Videos section and on their main videos landing page.
We've started with videos by three personalities who are already popular contributors to the news service: Molly Logan Anderson, writer of the weekly Shoestring Living frugal tips column; Margaret Maples, creator of original recipes for some of our Niche tabs like Family and Healthy Living; and Mark Marderosian, artist of kids comics and host of "Drawing With Mark," a show on dozens of public-access channels nationwide and, soon, Australia.
Here are quick Q&As with each:
MOLLY LOGAN ANDERSON
We know you're a contributor to GateHouse News Service, but what's your day job?: I'm a freelance writer. I'm blessed to be able to research and write about so many exciting things every day. The best part is that I'm always learning about something new.
Why do you do what you do?: I just plain love every step of the writing process: conceptualizing, researching, writing and, believe it or not, editing! Having my children caused me to realize the work/life balance I wanted in life. Having my own writing business allows me to grow my career
while having the freedom I need to keep my role as "mom" the top priority.
Do you have any funny 'behind the scenes' stories yet from shooting your videos?: No matter where I'm shooting, it seems like animal life is out to get me. Whether it's my dogs panting in the background, or a crow cawing overhead when I'm outside, I'm always working around animal noises!
What's the hardest thing about video? What's the easiest?: I ad lib, so the hardest part is staying on track and covering all the points I'd like to touch on without any cues. The easiest part is sharing information regarding a subject that I'm passionate about and connecting with readers in this new way.
What do you like to do outside your jobs?: First and foremost, I love spending time with my family. My husband, Mike, and I have a blast watching our three kids participate in their favorite activities. I have a personal blog that chronicles our days together as a family -- check it out at www.butterfliesandmudpies.blogspot.com. In addition, I absolutely love to cook, garden and be active outside.
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MARGARET MAPLES
What's your day job?: I’m a freelancer. I bake special-order cakes and have worked on food-related projects for GateHouse since 2008. I also do freelance copy editing.
Why do you do what you do?: Really good luck. I’ve been a journalist since 1975, and in the ‘90s, I attended cooking school. The videos are a natural progression. And fun. Besides, the Rockettes won’t take my calls.
Do you have any 'behind the scenes' stories yet from shooting your videos?: Please. These shoots are very serious. Come to my high-rise kitchen between midnight and 4 a.m. and you can help me figure out how to make strawberry preserves in less than 3 minutes.
What's the hardest thing about video?: The hardest thing is remembering my lines. And I WROTE them!
What do you like to do outside your jobs?: Pottery. Some of the bowls and plates that you see in the videos are my work.
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MARK MARDEROSIAN
What's your day job?: Happily, the videos and comic strips we supply ARE our day job. As a children’s media company (Big City Publishing), the video clips from our award-winning children’s program "Drawing with Mark" and the Angels from the Attic comic strips are an outgrowth of books and animation produced for clients and ourselves.
Why do you do what you do?: Helping to entertain kids of all ages and hopefully educate and learn along with them is very rewarding. And it’s fun!
Do you have any funny 'behind the scenes' stories yet from shooting your videos?: Not really. Because the host, director, producer and crew are consummate professionals, so things like our Angel puppets facing the wrong way, or forgetting to turn the audio on two hours into a shoot, or watching helplessly while your whole craft table tips over never happen.
Actually, the major aspect is how much setup time is involved, from drawing the cartoon background, setting it up correctly behind the show’s host, lighting the set, getting the puppets ready (and knowing their lines!) and making sure that the drawings are clear enough to “read” on camera through the lighting. makes for an interesting afternoon -- and that’s just for one scene.
What's the hardest thing about video? What's the easiest?: Editing the drawing clips down to under 3 minutes while keeping the lesson and information clear is hardest. Working together with such a great team and crew is easiest.
What do you like to do outside your job?: Read real books one can hold. Very relaxing.
If you have any questions about these videos, contact news service editor Lisa Glowinski at lglowinski@corp.gatehousemedia.com.
