Heath aka The Batman Geek has Moved!

I've Moved!

2008-04-13T21:42:00.004-04:00

It's been a great ride here at Blogger but I have moved my vlog to Wordpress. There are lot's of reasons why, some big, some small but mostly it boils down to the best place to showcase my video's right now I feel is Wordpress. So head to http://batmangeek.com and check out the new site!

Thanks for dropping by!

New and Improved

2008-04-07T18:42:00.003-04:00

Quicktime Flash

Ok, most of you are going to watch this video and go "what was that?" The short answer is it's a video. ;) The long answer is, I'm not sure myself. For some time know I have been thinking of switching from Blogger to Wordpress. Well recently I decieded to finally do it, there are a number of reasons why. I will go into more detail once the change has taken place. It's been a journey let me tell you!

Now to the video itself. I wanted to do something fun and different to talk about the changes happening not just to my site but myself as well. But when I made my first draft of the video I felt something was missing and that is how I ended up with the video you have just seen or are getting ready to see. I think you will agree....It's different and yet all me.....

For those of you who subscribe do not worry nothing should change for you! At least how you are getting my feed anyway.

I don't snore, do I?

2008-03-29T22:40:00.003-04:00

Quicktime Flash Ipod

Ok, well I know that is a lie....anyway enjoy this video the very first one shot by my wife....and in case you are wondering this is a mild episode of snoring for me....ask anyone who has shared a room with me... ;) Oh, and for more snoring check out Ryanne taping Jay! See it here!

Ikea

2008-03-25T22:48:00.002-04:00

Quicktime Flash Ipod

Our journey to the madness that is Ikea

Music is Let's go Shopping by Kutie Pony Courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network

You may remember the song from this video!

The End is Near

2008-03-16T21:26:00.005-04:00

Quicktime/Ipod Windows Flash

For more information about this video go here. I gotta say I think this is one of my bests. This goes back to some other videos my buddy and I did. We started talking about all this last Aug on our way home from Wizard World Chicago. It's an idea that would not die, (that's funny when you think about it) anyway I hope you all like it.

And how cool is this, except for the pics all footage is from the internet archive. The Internet Archive, it's for all of us!

Snowed In

2008-03-11T19:54:00.006-04:00

Quicktime Flash Ipod

This past Friday and Saturday we got hit with a pretty major winter storm. I thought I would share. Oh and this week you may see not one but TWO videos. I am working on something so BIG, so HUGE, so MOTHER FREAKIN awesomne....my heart is beating out of my chest just thinking about it. So be prepared!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, I might have oversold it a "bit"....... ;)

To the Batcave!

2008-03-02T20:07:00.004-05:00

Quicktime/Ipod Flash

When I was in LA for the winnies, I got a chance to visit a truly historic place! The Batcave! Hey I am the Batman Geek you know. It was our last full day in LA, we (David Meade, Glenna and I) had dropped off Susan and Eric at the airport and I got a call from Scott. He told me that Bronson Canyon (which as I am sure you all know, was were the Batcave is) was about 5 miles or so where we were staying. The only problem was that the state park where it was located closed at dusk. Well we only have a bit of time to get there, so we sent off on our adventure! I hope you enjoy this bit of fun. And I have to say it was so much fun on multiple levels.

Looking back at the footage again has brought back so many fun memories from that day. I think this is some of my favorite footage of all time. It may not seem like much, but it was just fun, it was fun sharing it with my wife and friend and it's fun sharing this all with you.

Birthdays and Hockey

2008-02-24T15:03:00.003-05:00

Quicktime Ipod Flash

My buddy Rob had his birthday Jan 5th and a bunch of us went to a hockey game to celebrate. Yea, I know it's almost 2 months old but it's newer than the NaVloPo reject stuff I have been showing and the LA footage.. ;) Speaking of that I will be doing more of my LA trip for my next vlog....maybe...or I may do something else, but rest assured I will post it! Right, David Meade.......? ;)

I also did a bit of experimenting with the footage, some Mask stuff and a few other things, I hope you all like it...just sharing a bit of my life and trying to have fun at the same time. Batman Geek OUT!!

L.A. trip part 1

2008-02-18T14:36:00.005-05:00

Quicktime Flash Ipod

Ok, I know, I know I went out to L.A. back in Nov/Dec and here it is the middle of Feb. All I can say is I just got busy you know? 2 video gigs, being sick, Christmas, new job at work....etc, etc...just life. Well anyway this past weekend David Meade came down for a visit and I deceided to finally go through some of my Winnies/LA footage, so here is day one. Enjoy these moments from a few months ago... ;)

Moments

2008-02-10T10:27:00.000-05:00

Quicktime Windows Flash Ipod (Does not fast start)

First off, I am trying a few new things, which I will explain in more detail in a minute. But this is some more footage I shot during NaVloPoMo which I never ended up using, I actually have more footage from this day if you can believe it. Anyway, here are just a few moments from that beautiful fall day......As I sit here still sick, it makes me long for that day even more ;)

OK, back to the "trying a few new things" statement. As you may or may not know, I use a PC and since Final Cut is not available for PC's I have to use some other editing software. I choose Sony Vegas, the list is long but suffice to say, I really do like it. It's very stable (at least has been for me) and I just like the work flow, the fact that I can grow with it, etc. Well the newest version of the "consumer" version, which is what I have, the Pro costs about 500 bucks and is pretty comparable to Final Cut Pro.....anyway I have the newest consumer (which does not cost 500 bucks more like 100)version called Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 8, the main reason why I got it (I got a deal on the upgrade) is that in this newest version it can handle HD video and it will export to Ipod now. Plus a whole host of other reasons, like 5.1 surround sound encoding, 3 wheel color correction and just a bunch of other stuff.

Well, the whole export to Ipod thing is giving me headaches. When I first started doing video, I was just creating a Quicktime file right out of Vegas and uploading it, no windows, no Ipod, cause well the only way to get an Ipod version was to buy quicktime pro or buy a mac. So quicktime it was, but everyone kept saying "you gotta offer an Ipod version" So finally I relented and bought quicktime pro. So that meant creating an avi file out of Vegas, and then exporting a "movie to Ipod" out of quicktime. Now, here's something interesting, in quicktime pro you can't "tweak" the Ipod settings, it won't let you. it's a default setting and that's it. Now I can tweak the mp4 and .mov settings, just not Ipod. Well, that was a bit frustrating cause for some reason avi files in Quicktime just look fuzzy to me. I had always noticed it but except for a few times I never really noticed any difference on the output but I was locked in to a 640x480 size version now, as that is what the Quicktime export to Ipod defaults to and like I said, no tweaking allowed.

But then Vegas came along and said "Ipod export now right out of Vegas", I was like "yea!", now I can skip a whole step and save me a bit of time, etc. So I upgraded, not just for that but other reasons, but it was a big reason so....well guess what....I can't tweak the settings out of Vegas either...I swear I am going to punch somebody in the face over all this someday....anyway no tweaking of the mp4 settings out of Vegas, now I can do a small and large version, something that the QT pro does not offer so that's cool...anyway, back to no tweaking, I thought, well who cares right? So I made a couple of videos and was on my way more or less happy. Well then I learn the Ipod version out of Vegas doesn't "Fast Start", which is a pretty big deal sometimes. So now I really want to punch someone....... Well for a week now I have been playing with compression settings, see I can fast start out of Vegas on my quicktime file but then no Ipod version, so I could continue to do what I have always done, but like I said before, I have never really liked how the avi file looks in Quicktime, when I was doing my testing I saw some improvements on just using Vegas and the quicktime file out of Vegas, nice improvements in most cases....so what to do?

Well and sorry for the long post, what I have decided to do is this, when it's a video where there are some overlays, movements, etc I am going to export right out of Vegas to quicktime to a new preset I created, it's a widescreen setting that I really like. I will create an Ipod version as well but that one is mainly just so Itunes will pick up the feed and offer the Ipod version. The "onsite" version will be the widescreen Quicktime I am creating along with a windows version and an Ipod version, which again will not faststart but since that is not the main version I am highlighting on site I think I will be good to go. Other times I still may create an avi file and do it like I had been before, it will just depend on how it was shot and what type of effects I am adding. I have to say I am looking forward to Vlogger Camp so I can show people examples and get their input.

I do have a few other questions though, like "how many of you are viewing my video's "on site"? coming to my site and watching the video's, and how many are downloading it and watching it later or watching it on their Ipod? I would be really curious to know. OK, I have rambled long enough for now. Man I really wish I lived in an area where I could see what other people where doing first hand......sigh....

Oh, I almost forgot the music is "Forever my Love" by EL84 courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network

We Belong to Each Other

2008-02-03T19:28:00.000-05:00

Quicktime/Ipod Flash

This is a very special video for me. This video, was my very first client video. Now, that may cause a bit of confusion so I will explain. (Some of this may be old news as I did twitter and such about all this as it was happening but a refresher never hurts, right?) Back in Aug of 2007 I did some videos for my work, 5/3 Bank. We were doing an employee engagement event and I offered my services to film and edit the event, which was Karaoke Idol. Well, I didn't film the event, instead I filmed a series of "commercials" that we created to go with the event. Now I did, sorta get paid, I was working on the clock instead of doing my 'real' job at the bank but it wasn't a client you know?....

Well anyway based on those commercials one of the persons at the bank, Angie, asked me if I would be interested in creating a video for the YWCA, to help fill out my demo reel, ok, actually I haven't started my demo reel yet, but I am sure you get the point. So I said yea, well I then met with Kristin Shrimplin at the Y, she was/is the person heading up the Family Violence Prevention Project. In a nutshell they feel that there is an intersection between family violence and community violence. Meeting with Kristin the first time was pretty nerve racking, I mean after hearing about the project, I really wanted to be involved because I know all too well about family violence from my childhood, but I mean, could I pull it off? This was my first time talking with a prospective client, talking with them, finding out what they wanted, what they needed to get out of the video, etc. All I kept thinking was 'can I do this, can I sell myself and my service?" A guy who just at that point had not been doing video for 2 years yet and was self taught?

Well, the meeting went great (by the video being here I guess you all knew that, ;) ) what was so refreshing for me was that I was able to be myself, I was totaly upfront with my skills and what I thought I could do. Well she loved my ideas and my direction and I think she liked me as a person, she "got" me and what I was tying to do. That was just so cool......

Well, I got to filming and editing and this video is the final result. It was not always easy, interviewing people whose loved ones have been murdered.....asking them to relive those moments....trying to interweave 3 stories into one overall large story, makeing sure I was respectful to the family members, trying to make sure I was creating the video that the Y wanted.......it was hard, but in that I discovered something........I discovered this is what I was meant to do, I can do this, I know I can. I am proud of this video, I am proud of the people who agreed to be in the video and shared their stories of tragedy and hope. I thank them all.

I also would like to thank Kristin, for allowing me this opportunity and believing in me and not only that but now activly looking at ways I can get paid to do what I love. Because of those videos I did for work I have been given opportunities to actually start making money, which is cool. (I also did another video for work, which I was paid for, I talked about that the other day, I actually got that gig after agreeing to the Y video, it was just due sooner)

This video made it's premire at the Freedm Center in Cincinnati on tuesday Jan 29th at a community forum for the Family Violence Prevention Project. It was the first thing shown, the video was made to "set the mood" for the event. So as you can see, I felt no presure at all...... I was scared crappless, when the lights dimed, my heart was pounding and I just wanted to flee! ;) Well the video went over very well, it was mentioned several times during the night at various points, so who knows what can happen?

I am sorry for the long post, but I just wanted to let you all know what this video means to me. And the strange path to getting to it. It has been a life changing experience and I am grateful that I was given the opportunity.

(update 2/4/08) A couple of other quick notes, I usually release my video's under a Creative Commons licence NC-SA but this one is NC ND since it is more or less a PSA. This video will also be at my other site http://www.heathparks.com/

Coming and Going?

2008-01-28T20:30:00.001-05:00

Quiktime/Ipod Windows Flash

This video is a NaVloPo reject....yea, a reject video during a month where we were posting a video a day....hard to believe isn't it? This video was going to be day 21 but I did this instead. At the time, there was just something "off" with this video and it just wasn't working for me. I always knew I would go back to it. Tonight I did, it's a part of my whole experimenting thing I do on and off. I hope you all enjoy.

Also for those who don't know, my new site is up. it's http://www.heathparks.com/ it's where I hope to get some paying gigs. Check it out, I think for a guy who has never done a site (at least not a blog site) I think it turned out pretty well. I did the design and everything, (well mostly the banner was from another template) but stil... ;)

Also for those who have Ipods, does the "Ipod" version work? I am using Sony Vegas 8 and they have an Ipod format and I just want to make sure it works, thanks

Friday Jan 18th, 2008

2008-01-21T16:09:00.000-05:00

Quicktime/Ipod Flash

Ok, this is a not so quick update on what has been going on with me, well, no...that's not true, it's about....aw hell....hey it is what it is, my life ;)

Semanal

2008-01-02T20:54:00.000-05:00

Quicktime/Ipod Windows Flash

First there was NaVloPoMo and now there is Semanal! The Revolution will NOT be televised.

Technorati tags semanal08 semanal promo vlog video

Endings and Beginnings

2007-12-30T22:19:00.000-05:00

Quicktime/Ipod Windows Flash

A pretty boring vid of me recaping my past year and what I hope to acomplish in the upcoming year. It's long, a bit rambling, and all me.....Sorry it's not better but it's honest and that's all you can be sometimes.....

Oh and be sure to check out Cheryl's much better recap video!

2 years of Vlogging

2007-12-20T17:08:00.000-05:00

Quicktime/Ipod Windows Flash

Well today, marks my 2 year annivesary of Vlogging! It's been a great 2 years and I have met so many cool people both online and off line. I am looking forward to meeting more of you this upcoming year! This video is a bit silly and FAR different than what I orginally had planned and I didn't really like it at first, mainly because I thought my orginal idea was so much better, but then I happened upon the music and I ended up liking this piece.

I really would like to thank all those who have dropped by and I hope that sometimes I was able to put a smile on your face or make you think for a minute....I have recieved far more than I could ever give back. It's been a wild ride and I can't wait to see what this new year will bring....(I hope, anyway....usually when I say stuff like that, it comes back to bite me in the....)

Anyway Vlog On!!

Oh, and in case you are curious about my first post and want to check it out....don't, it's God awful....of course there are those who like all my stuff is awful, but hey.....you can't please everyone, you know ;)

Technorati tags anniversary life funny silly goofy vlog video media

New TV

2007-12-18T17:59:00.000-05:00

Quicktime/Ipod Windows Flash

An update from last month's TV "incident".....and apparently Glenna and I live like college stutdants with nothing on my walls and electronic wires everywhere....... (shrug)

Zombie Fresh

2007-12-14T23:44:00.000-05:00

Quicktime/Ipod Windows Flash

I miss Zombie Tales.....what is Zombie Tales you ask? Well, I think alot of you know what it is, but for those who are maybe new to the madness that is me, Zombie Tales is.....well it's a long story but the short version is, it's a bunch of shorts we did of zombies! You can check out the shorts here or if you like we also have DVD's! (shameless plug!).

Now back to "missing" Zombie Tales.....My buddy and me keep talking about writing some more and filming some more shorts but......life has just gotten in the way. It makes me sad thinking about it, to be honest. We shot this a while back for the DVD and one other short as a sneak peek at season 2 of Zombie Tales and I am hoping by releasing this, maybe just maybe we can get a bit of that old spark back and make some more Zombie Tales!

Open Road

2007-12-08T20:22:00.000-05:00

Quicktime/Ipod Windows Flash

I like these types of videos, I have made a couple and some people like them and some don't. I like going for drives, just getting in the car and seeing where the road takes me. And I like to shoot video of that. I haven't done it in a while because I always felt most people thought they were boring. But NaVloPoMo taught me some things, the most important thing it taught me is just to create, to make video's. What's the story in this video? You tell me, let it speak to you. What do you see? That's what I want to know, how it made you feel, what it made you remember? See I know what the video means to me and where it takes me, but where does it take you?

The music is "Spinning my wheels" by Dan Montgomery courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network

Final Thoughts

2007-12-07T19:02:00.001-05:00

Quicktime/Ipod Windows Flash

Here are my final thoughts on NaVloPoMo, I think I pretty much say everything that needs to be said. And Vlog On!

Technorati tags navlopomo07 vlog video reflection thoughts silly funny

The Winnies

2007-12-04T21:33:00.001-05:00

Quicktime/Ipod Windows Flash

I went to the Winnies in Hollywood this past weekend here is a glimpse of the festivities! Some of the vloggers you see are Kent from Ask a Ninja, (like anyone doesn't know Kent) Lan from Noodle Scar, Veronica Blemont (Maholo Daily), Clintus McGintus, Jay Dedman, Ryanne Hodson, Irina Slutsky and Eddie Codel, Steve and Zadi and the guy in the underwear. The fantastic Hip Hop Violinist is Paul Dateh. I would like to do a special shout out to Gena, it was great to finally meet you! I had a great time and I know I am forgetting a ton of people I met. If you were there say "hey" I would love to hear from you! Also check out Susan's, David's and Eric's vlog, we spent the weekend together. I learned something important durning this weekend, I need to learn to shut the #$%@* up! Anyway it was a blast and I am sure you will hear more about it from me. I will say if you want a pretty good idea of the night check out this post!

Technorati Tags winnies hollywood Epic Fu fun vlog Ryan is hungry ask a ninja

Sorry

2007-11-28T22:55:00.000-05:00

Click To Play

Sorry, but with everything going on and trying to get ready for the winnies, this is all I got. I will probably have to post the last 2 days to my mobilevlog site if you even want to watch it. Again sorry guys, but it is what it is. I have loved this past month, more than I can say now. When I get back and have a few days rest I will post just what Navlopomo has meant to me in detail. But I just want to tell everyone who posted a video, great job and I will be still going through video for a month I think! Thanks everyone for dropping by and I hope you will all stick around....peace....

Sick Day

2007-11-27T19:41:00.000-05:00

Quicktime Flash

Sorry, this is a longer post than I thought it would be but I wanted to tell my "sick day" story so here it is. I feel better and oh it's day 27 of navlopomo

Interupted

2007-11-26T12:01:00.000-05:00

Quicktime Flash

NaVloPoMo has been interupted the last couple of days for me, cause I was in the hospital. Yea, that's right in the hospital, don't worry a detailed video is forthcoming soon but until then enjoy this blast from the past! This little video is from video blogging week 2006

After Dinner

2007-11-23T23:32:00.001-05:00

Click To Play

Bill and Mitzi (LoFi St. Louis) came into town to visit the in-laws and we hooked up tonight for dinner. So this is what you get for NaVloPoMo today, 2 crappy cell phone 30 second videos. I know it's not great but today was really busy, I had to work, shop and hook up with some awsome people! I really like Bill and his wife, and his whole family to be honest, they are just great, fun people. I am really lucky cause so far every vlogger I have meet has just been great. I am looking forward to meeting some more at the Winnies in just a week here! So again sorry for the crappy video, but I will always be able to look at this and remember a fun time I had. And in the end isn't that what it's all about? If you want to check out Bill and I's first meeting go here, here and here!