Students explore YouTube as creative outlet

The YouTube revolution is underway. With more than 1 billion unique users every month, the site’s popularity has skyrocketed, and with it, the popularity of hundreds of YouTube stars across the world.

Among those trying to make their mark on the site are  four Media Arts Program (MAP) students: senior Tony Holt, junior Saro Acharya and sophomores Nathan Ching and Ryan Westman.

The four started a YouTube channel called ProjectCinatu in the beginning of 2014 to share the script writing, filming and editing techniques they learned in school.

“I think the reason why we came together was because we understood and saw the passion and dedication [of filmmaking] in each other,” Holt said.

In April, the group directed and filmed a short film called “Trust.” Reaching nearly 700 views, the film received positive comments and praise for its script, filming and editing.

“We post videos, not because we want to become popular,” Ching said. “Our only reason is to entertain. We want to make people laugh, cry, smile and frown, but at the same time to practice our skills as filmmakers and to help get feedback from other people.”

The four haven’t added new content for a few months due to their tight schedules during the busy school year, but they hope to produce more films in the near future.
Ching and Westman have been writing and producing a script, separate from the group channel, for a new short film called “Redemption.” They hope to film it this winter break and post on their other channel, TheMobiusTheory.

Each of them also has his or her own individual channel and post a variety of different videos. Acharya posts video logs (vlogs) every few weeks, while Ching and Westman like to focus on creating meaningful short films that incorporate morals related to modern society. Holt follows a different theme and produces sketches and other miscellaneous videos.

Making videos and posting them online where the world can see  them may be intimidating, but that is hardly a concern to the four MAP students..

“[Making videos] bonds us together as a small family, not just a couple of guys who like to film. It is sort of like that saying, ‘enjoy what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life,’” Ching said.

In addition, some YouTubers have garnered attention through videos relating to fashion and beauty. These “beauty gurus” upload makeup tutorials, fashion lookbooks and lifestyle advice.

Freshman Camilla Taysi, who has watched videos relating to beauty since seventh grade, started her own channel in the summer of 2012. Titled RosieBeautyLife, her channel provides tips and advice on beauty and fashion.

“I’ve been into [fashion and beauty] ever since I was really young,” Taysi said. “And watching [beauty gurus’] videos got me more into it which eventually motivated me to start making my own videos.” .

Taysi’s video schedule was consistent over the summer because she was not busy with school or homework. She was able to post a video once or twice a week, ranging from outfit ideas to clothing “hauls,” videos that show recent purchases of new clothing.

In the end, YouTube will always be an outlet for people to share and connect with others alike — and teens are likely to be the next Nigahiga, Michelle Phan or JacksGap.