Samsung Global Bloggers

Simon and TC with a crazy lady who probably owns lots of cats

There were about 70 other Samsung Global Bloggers from 20 different countries who were bought to London to blog about the Olympics.

We were split into groups and given video assignments each day. There were some serious social media gurus among the group; from  people with 30,000 Twitter followers (I have 86) to people you couldn’t befriend on Facebook because they had too many (apparently they cut you off at 5,000).

I was fortunate enough to be in ‘the relaxed group’. TC from Malaysia, Simon from Austria and I decided early on that we’d rather spend our time exploring London than editing videos in the hotel.

Unfortunately this meant that our videos weren’t quite of the same quality, and didn’t end up making it to the website. One of them did make the cut and you can watch that little gem here (Daily show no. 7). Don't be surprised if I get an Oscar nod for my performance.

Celebrity Apprentice

Part of my job on Hayman was to take photos and videos of the various celebrities that came to the island.

I have a feeling I signed something that said I wouldn’t disclose who they were, so I’ll call this particular celeb Mrs X.

Mrs X came to the island to do a number of photo shoots. I was told by the General Manager that it was imperative to get a good interview with her.

A time was arranged between photo shoots for me to get a video interview with her.

The first shoot was happening in a Beach Villa, and was running extremely late.

I waited outside with the entourage; stylists, publicists, hair and make-up, etc.

“We’re running behind, so you’re only going to have 5 minutes with Mrs X”, the publicist told me, “Make sure you’re ready”.

I knew I had to have Mrs X looking fantastic, and the island backdrop looking even more fantastic.

I set up the camera and positioned a chair in the sun with the beautiful Coral Sea in the background.

When Mrs X finally came out, I motioned for her to sit in the chair.

“No, no, no, she can’t sit in the sun”, said the make-up artist running towards us, “her face will melt off.”

Oh.

“Just move the chair back into the shade” he said.

I don’t know much about lighting, but I do know that if you put your subject in the shade, and have a bright backdrop, it’s not going to work.”

“She’ll be too dark in the shade” I told him.
“Can we get a light out here?” asked Mrs X.
“No, there’s no time” said a clipboard clutcher.
“Why don’t you use a flag?” someone else chimed in.
‘What’s a flag?’ I thought, but nodded anyway.

A couple of guys bought out one of those big light reflecting things.
“Where do you want it?”
“Oh you know, like, ummmm, over by the…. Wherever you think is good.” I said.

I looked in the camera. It still wasn’t working. The entourage was standing around impatiently watching me I was freaking out. I tried another angle. It didn’t work. My time was running out and I knew it. I just wanted it to be over.

“Actually maybe the dark is good”, I said, “yep I‘m pretty sure that will work”, even though I knew it wouldn’t.

Fortunately the real photographer came to my rescue. He gently suggested a different angle. The light was perfect.

The interview went off without a hitch, and I even remembered to press record!