Ever write some material you thought was a natural for the movies? What writer hasn't? I have long thought that my best-selling books of tricks and stunts based on science ("Bet You Can't!, Bet You Can!" etc.) were an entertaining way to introduce science to kids and to the public. I thought that the material was a natural for film or video. Over the years I had buttonholed television executives and written several proposals for kids' science shows. I had been encouraged from time to time by interested parties, but the money never changed hands, at least when it came to videos. I was no stranger to thinking visually. Early in my career I starred in my own cable show, "The Science Game," and wrote and performed in 23 half-hours of video. Later I did a stint as one of the original staff writers for "Good Morning America" where I produced spots and made editing decisions. I didn't do the physical cutting and splicing of footage, but only a writer could determine what material could be used. So the idea of using my own material for the small screen always hovered in the back of my mind. A few of years ago, I was approached by Skyhorse Publishing Company to create a new and very large book out of those five popular and now just-out-of-print books that I had co-authored with Kathy Darling. We had had a hilarious time writing the books and we had included many activities that were quite unusual. And the collaboration produced a higher octane writing that won us many awards. The editor had called me and said, "I loved these books when I was a kid," (which certifies me as a senior citizen.) We struck the deal and "We Dare You! Hundreds Of Fun Science Bets, Challenges, And Experiments You Can Do At Home" was released for sale.
Reworking this tried and true material for the new book started me thinking about making videos again. How about creating short (under 2 minutes each) videos of kids doing these tricks and make them available to everyone on my Web site? How about inviting others to participate in making videos from my book? Modern technology has leveled the playing field. I no longer needed an investor or a videographer. I would learn how to make the videos myself! It was now possible for me to do it all: write videos, shoot them, edit them, narrate the voice-over, add music, and publish them on my Web site. The fact that I was coming from a dead start, that I had never even held a video camera could not be a deterrent. I know from experience that the steepness of a learning curve is best faced one step at a time. So I plunged right in.
I invested in a digital camcorder and a MacBook Pro. I took lessons from One-to-One at the Apple store. And over the past couple of years I have edited videos that others sent me and that I directed via videoconferencing. How'd I do? Check them out! If you'd like to contribute to the We Dare You! video project, all the information about participation is on my Web site: www.vickicobb.com
Was this journey to teach an old dog new tricks worth it? Here's the breakdown: Handycam and tripod: $400. MacBook Pro and additional software: $4000. The joy of creating and publishing videos of my work without depending on anyone else: Priceless!
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