Whitney's Vlog Post -- 'Seven Maps: Seventh Map'
I found this blog through Rachel's favorite vlog examples below; it is by Daniel Liss. This vlog -- called Seven Maps: Seventh Map -- is a video-journal of Liss's week-long trip from Buffalo, New York to Niagaria Falls, Ontario. The vlog is created in a way that the viewer sees exactly what the filmmaker is seeing; it is Liss's point of view. He filmed all of the stops he made along the way, as well as various people he met everywhere he went. Throughout the vlog there is a voice-over, spoken by Liss, that is more-or-less explaining the reason behind his post. He explains some of the images, such as who the people on the screen are and how he met them, as well as his intention to the viewer. He states that sometimes he is too cryptic in his work, but I believe his intention was to shsow the viewers his point of view. One shot showed lipstick written on a mirror that simply said "you"; i think this reiterates that it is what you would see had you been there, it is his point of view.
Liss uses various filming techniques thoughout the blog. All of the shots appear to be hand-held, which makes sense since he seemss to be by himself, and it is the vlog of his journey. At certain times in the vlog, the film speeds up and is shown in faster time, which creates a sense of urgency to the viewer. It seems to happen when Liss is explaining a particularly eventful time in the journey. One of the most amazing parts of this post is Liss's choice of shot and on what he chooses to focus. For example, in his attempt to show the viewer our own point of view, he films very close shots of typical items, such as a woman holding lipstick, or the image of the food he is eating. All of this combined creates exactly what Liss was trying to convey: his journey from the viewer's visual point of view.
(and I definately know why Rachel likes this filmmaker so much; his work is amazing!!)