Medium Specificity

Artist's Statement: 

The medium that I chose for this project was YouTube. I chose it because it has been an important medium to me in my development as a storyteller, and I have been intrigued at how it has grown over the years. I was especially inspired by this week’s reading, which talked about the history and definition of comic books. I wanted to take a similar approach and explore the evolution of YouTube, and how trends affected my creative process. I briefly discuss my interpretation of internet culture.

I quickly realized that it was beyond the scope of this project to cover a comprehensive history of YouTube, and that’s why I chose to make the video more personal. However, I still learned a lot about modern media consumption and how our tastes have changed as social media has taken over our lives. As I recalled the videos that I used to watch, I realized that I was more loyal to certain creators on YouTube. Today I find that I’m more impatient and that my tastes are dictated by what everybody else is watching. To paraphrase scripture, I’m blown about by every wind of viral videos.

So much of the time we spend has been changed with the advent and popularization of YouTube. Even the comments section can take a life of its own. Just the other day I read an argument about how many days are in a weekend. This argument had over one hundred comments. Who would have thought just a few years ago that so many of us would spend so much time on something so trivial?

In my narration, I discussed some of the things that I love about YouTube, and some of the things that I don’t like as much. I found myself guilty of making videos just to get views instead of telling good stories and being true to myself. However, I also talked about how I love that anybody can use their imagination to make a unique and original short film that would otherwise be unavailable to the world. Both extremes can still be found on YouTube; we have but to search them out. Although it seems like the entertainment industry has completely taken over YouTube, there are still talented individuals posting original content. We just have to make an extra effort to seek it out.

As I created this video, I learned a lot about myself and how I create videos. I have decided to make a better effort in telling fun stories and sharing them with the world, without stressing about whether what I make is perfect.