How Youtube Will Help Me Become a Better Filmmaker.

I certainly don't have all the answers, hell, like many, I stumble through most projects with a "learn as I go attitude". Its been about 6 months that I've been toying around on youtube. Ive made vlogs, fake commercials, some odd horror quick shorts plus plenty of comedy. If anything, I've become more focused on sound design, using music properly, learning the basics of editing and becoming smarter when writing.

Every advancement I've made was because I did not want to wait around for someone else. I have never been someone who "needs" someone, or like to feel like I do. Your at their mercy, if you do. Often they are less motivated and/or busy. I've had great collaborations and not so great. You have to look at the learning experience. "No one will care about your project more than you", I was taught this years ago and its the truth. This isn't a slight on anyone, just hoping that someone reads this who is waiting for someone else, and decides, enough is enough and I'm gonna learn on my own.

It's been a long few years for me and this "filmmaking" adventure. I've had some success and some failures. It's a tough pill to swallow when you're convinced you are doing something great and it gets 0 response. I don't have an ego about filmmaking, but when you create an idea, it can bruise your "creative ego" when its never blossoms and dies a tragic death.

Let's look at Youtube. Now my growth has been slow and steady, since I have started. The best part about Youtube is I can always be creative. I have started the Acting with Andy web series, plus I did a ton of Dimension Chat's and most recently I started the Count Clowny series. The last two weeks have shed a serious light on my aspirations. I've learned more about myself and what I want from this process. Let's take a quick look at what I have learned about "the audience" and how this can help:

I've learned this one very important fact - Creating content for youtube or online is very different than creating a film. Why? The audience is not vested and will turn off instantly as soon as they are bored. When you purchase a film, the tendency to give the movie time to develop and breath is much longer than in a "click through" environment like Youtube.

The benefit of studying the "numbers" like audience retention, demographics and instant/honest feedback will tell how well you're doing. I can see what platforms people are watching on (tablet, gaming console, desktop and phone), where they are located, male or females and when they click off the content. In "Youtube Land" you're doing a great job if you're holding 50% audience retention. To me, THIS the the most important factor when I look at the past week's video performance.

What does this mean when making something other than typical youtube fodder? People want you to get to the point quickly and keep that point. It's harder to slowly tell a story unless the viewers are really fans of your content, even then, sometimes you can lose some. Luckily, I have a solid group that believe and love what I'm doing. I'm so thankful for those who tune in weekly.

I believe, Youtube has helped me and continues to help me develop my skills. I've learned more about cinematography because I need to make do with very little. I've learned lighting and camera tricks. I've learned how to write stronger (at least I think) and I've learned to be a better editor. Granted, I'm still very early in this and learning all the time. I watch tons of tutorials and I'm never afraid to research or ask others.

Count Clowny has taken a more prominent role for me. The second episode will begun to roll out a stronger tone in there direction that the story is heading. Each episode has a budget, usually less than $300, although some will soon become higher. Kim and I are funding this because its a story we want to tell. I'm hoping that with each episode, my abilities will continue to grow and you are along for the ride.

If you have not subscribed, check us out http://www.Youtube.com/RobDimension 

Complete Mental Breakdown Caught on Tape!!!

This week, as we approach my 46th birthday, looks like no other. I look in the mirror and I don't recognize the person staring back at me. He looks like he's been through the ringer, so to speak. 

The mentality of, age is just a number, just begins to blend in after a while. We start to question our own mortality. We wonder if we have "all our ducks in a row" so when we pass, we know who gets stuck with all our crap. 

Not to sound bleak, but when we filmed this week's Dimension Chat, things spiraled out of control and I had a bit of a break down...luckily, the cameras were rolling and you get to watch...sickos. 

Also this week, if you missed it, we made the announcement that we will begin production on a new monthly program. This has been in my mind for about a year now. If you remember, I used to host a program called Late Night at the Horror Hotel, which used to be the title of this blog, if you noticed. We were horror hosts and were fortunate to have been in homes all across the country. It was a lot of fun and I have always been drawn back to that type of entertainment and creativity. So, from this, Count Clowny was born. I figure this will be a great way to showcase all of our programming into one show, while still providing weekly content. I imagine you will see even more characters debut plus all the regulars like Acting with Andy, Dimension Chat, Petey Panda and even some eating challenges, plus additional things like horror shorts and fake commercials.

While we are here, we might as well share this week's Acting with Andy. Andy Pyles is a special type of guy. He truly believes he knows everything, except there is a detour between his brain and his mouth. Typically, he ends up saying things he doesn't quite grasp, although he stands behind it all.

This week Andy films his infomercial for "Reviewing Movies" except I'm not sure if Andy knows how to review movies. You'll see that Andy provides info about your entire movie going experience. If you have a blog and you're a movie reviewer, then this dvd is a "Must Buy", or something. Without further ado, here is our boy Andy.


If you enjoyed this, remember you can watch every week on our Youtube page http://www.youtube.com/RobDimension plus you can follow us at all the links, provided below. Hope you guys have a great week and enjoy life!

Follow me on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/robdimension
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My Production Company - http://www.YouveBeenRobbedFilms.com

Videos of the week!

Hey gang, lets take a look back at the videos this past week over on the ole' youtube channel. As many know, I am always trying new things and looking for ideas for Dimension Chat. Hopefully, these videos will see you subscribing, laughing, sharing and overall, enjoying the content. Lets take a look, shall we?

This past Wednesday, we saw a new Acting with Andy, as our acting coach, Andy Pyles help shed some light on making us "be better guests at a BBQ". Now, sure, everyone has been invited to a summer BBQ, but I must say, the advice that Andy gave might not be too helpful and frankly, could cost you friends. Well, unless you just "show up, uninvited".

Next, on Thursday, we saw a new Hacky Shack pop up on the channel, and this time, I tried some new material in this quick 60 sec stand up comedy routine. People always ask, why aren't these longer? The best answer I can give? I'm just not funny enough for 2 minutes. I'm trying to give you the feel of watching an older, Tonight Show style set.

Last but not least, we move to the Ultimate, Incredible Family bottle flip challenge. This came about because, like everyone else, we came across a video of a few people making this "bottle flipping" a thing, so we Curt and myself had been challenging each other for about 2 weeks. We would get the others attention, flip and walk away...most times, unsuccessful. Watch as my family cheats me out of the win.

Hope you've enjoyed this recap...and now..go SUBSCRIBE!! Tell your friends and if anything, I hope you smiled.

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Hacky Shack #2 - 60 sec stand up comedy

Got 60 secs? Need a laugh (or eyeball from disappointment)? Then make sure you watch and subscribe http://www.youtube.com/RobDimension 

Acting with Andy - Today's Lesson - How to be a guest at a BBQ

Make sure you subscribe http://www.youtube.com/RobDimension

Acting with Andy - Today's Lesson - Social Media, Love and Male Bags

Today, our acting coach, Andy Pyles tries to offer his advice about social media, plus, we are gifted with his tip about romance. Andy also dives into the mail bag to answer your questions. 

Make sure you subscribe, like and comment! Thanks for watching.

www.youtube.com/robdimension 

Acting with Andy - Todays Lesson - Improv & Sally Joe

This week's Acting with Andy features improv and Sally Joe. Our acting coach shows techniques to use for improv when showing off your acting chops. Andy also, uses props including Sally Joe. This is another can't miss episode, so make sure you subscribe at http://www.youtube.com/RobDimension 

To stand up or sit down.

Well, here we are again...the internal debate that has been going back and forth in my head since I was nine years old. Stand Up Comedy. Imagine this; a nine year old kid reading a Steve Allen book, titled How to Be Funny. I had hopes and dreams of being the next Rodney Dangerfield, as I sat watching HBO comedy specials and the Gong Show. Obviously, after all that...I'm still wondering how to be funny.

Let's jump ahead to 2011-2012, the dream almost became a reality. Open mic's had become a very real option and I was actually being requested to come to a few. I had several comedians offering to mentor me, show me the ropes and go over my material. So, what happened? Honestly, life happened. I had personal problems at home, was struggling with who or what I was and just wasn't coping well. This should've been great material, instead, I just backed off and went a different direction. I turned to filmmaking.


Filmmaking ended up becoming a blessing in disguise. I found a voice and a happiness that I had never really thought possible. I was able to have an outlet and express emotions and touch on deep hidden horror that was within me. I love horror and this was a dream to achieve, for sure. Besides comedy, I grew up a monster kid. For me, depression and horror went hand and hand. They were a couple. When I was miserable, I wrote about loss, I jotted down people who lived behind closed doors with terrible secrets. Then, the sun began to shine....

The clouds split and the days were filled with happiness. Sounds corny, Right? It's true. I broke through the depression and found out who I was again. I still struggle day to day but I do feel better. I won't ever recover 100% but I'll do my best to keep my sanity in check.

Three months ago, I finally pulled the trigger and got started on youtube. I started to post videos about what made me happy and then I started to think about developing some characters that bounced around in my head. I started to write and work on weird shit that might make me laugh or that I would watch. Sure, I know I'm not normal, but this was where my head was leaning towards. So, I'm doing a form of improv and comedy. I'm creating content that hopefully makes you laugh a little, between Acting with Andy and Petey Panda, its all a work in progress. More characters are coming, so be patient.

Lately, I have been thinking about a possible live stage show or even performing stand up comedy. The debating, within my head, along with the voices have begun. At age 45 3/4, do I bother learning another craft that will, no doubt, be tough? Throughout my life, I've been fortunate to have some success in a few things..obviously success is different for everyone. For me, its simple, just don't suck.

The live stage show is a possibility. Stand up is possible. I guess I will wait and see where Youtube takes me. Thanks for reading.

Introducing...Petey Panda

For today's Dimension Chat, we figured we would introduce someone new. Every hear the saying "There goes the neighborhood"? Well, 12 year old Petey just moved in. He's hyper, outspoken and .....thinks he's a panda. 

We are looking forward to seeing more of what Petey says and does, if you are too, make sure you subscribe to www.youtube.com/RobDimension and don't miss anything. 

My Chubby - Dimension Chat

Remember in the 80's, the doll designed for boys called "My Buddy"? I don't remember much about it but I do remember the theme song. I swear the theme song pops into my head almost every time I someone calls someone a buddy. 

For todays Dimension Chat, I opted to pay homage to the nostalgia of My Buddy, utilizing a this chubby, weird looking doll we got from a Spirit Halloween many years ago. He was titled "Blubbers" and we all named him "Chubbs", so enjoy "My Chubby".

Remember, if you like and enjoy to share, subscribe and help our channel grow. You're the best!!

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Upcoming appearances:

Aug 12-14 Monster-Mania Con - Cherry Hill, NJ

Acting with Andy - How to do Audition

Acting with Andy - Today's Lesson - How to do Audition

Andy Pyles returns today to help those who might need help with the audition process. Andy offers 4 important tips to secure that acting job. How to properly put together a resume, doing your own make up, how to look the part and much more!! For more tips, follow Andy on twitter http://www.youtube.com/andypylesactor

Please remember to subscribe to our channel http://www.youtube.com/robdimension and watch for new content every Wednesday and Friday. Also, if you enjoy, please share, like and comment! Thanks and enjoy your week!!

acting with andy, acting tips, how to audition, auditioning for an acting job, how to be an actor, learning your craft, how to do your makeup, looking like an actor

Today's Dimension Chat episode : Birthing an Idea

On today's episode of Dimension Chat, we examine the Birthing an Idea, which in essence is the creative process. If you've ever been a writer, creator or had something brilliant hit your brain, then you can relate.

Don't know Rob? Get familiar with his award wining short films

Make sure you subscribe.

http://www.youtube.com/robdimension

Acting with Andy - coming soon

Acting with Andy is coming soon. Andy Pyles is a "PRO" fessional actor who has contacts in Hollywood and is prepared to give acting advice for free on our channel. We couldn't be happier. Make sure you subscribe.

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Dimension Chat - Intervention for ILS sufferers...

On today's episode of Dimension Chat, we take a minute to try to help the younger generation. We reach out to those suffering with I.L.S. (Imaginary Lat Syndrome). Sure, we've all walked past young men, who believe they're bigger than they really are. This is one man's story.

Remember, if you enjoy this episode, please share and subscribe. 

www.youtube.com/robdimension

Dimension Chat - My Summer with Team Rocket

What seems many years ago, we owned a retail gaming store. Kids and adults could come, gather and play an assortment of games. We housed one of the largest Pokemon trading card game leagues in the United States. Each Sunday, over 80 kids would fill our store and battle, make friends and have fun. 

On today's Dimension Chat, I pay homage to Pokemon. I made all the props, did all the voices and just love this episode, so hopefully, you'll head to the youtube page (http://www.youtube.com/robdimension) and subscribe, like, comment and share.



PokemonGo, how to play PokemonGo, PokemonGo for iPhone, best PokemonGo secrets, POkemonGo master, How to level up, Pokemongo from android

Let's Celebrate Friday the 13th

New Update!! Dimension Chat is back...and so am I.

New Update!! Dimension Chat is back...and so am I.

Hey kids, I'm starting to feel better after a very lengthy bout of vestibular neuritis. In December, I was hit with a deep inner ear infection that left me unable to do really much of anything. Here we are, 5 months later and the road to recovery is in front of me, but still a long road to follow. 

On to more important things...I have restarted doing some short reviews of various things. Pretty much anything I have handy, just grabbed or feel like talking about.

Make sure you subscribe, like and comment. Always appreciated.

Facebook; Do's and Do Not's! Part 2

Facebook; Do's and Do Not's! 

Part 2

We are back for another weekly dose of "Social Media Etiquette. It is I, the King of Social Media, Rob Dimension who will guide you through the rights and wrongs of connecting, staying connected and not being a nuisance.  

If you are lost already, let me refer you to my past blogs about social media success:

Facebook; Do's and Do Not's! - Part 1

Keys to Being Successful in Social Media

We are now going to look at common courtesy to keep the friends you have made. You've made friends but the key is, too keep them. 

Humor - Oh boy, where do I begin with this one? Social Media is basically an "Open Mic" session for everyone who feels the need to steal a joke (Hack), add some en-lighting comment that your day would be shit without, or even show their charm by adding some sexual innuendo to your already shitty day. Not everyone is funny, yet 99% off your social media feed attempts "the funny". Most times your humor is just that...YOUR humor. Posting witty banter on people's post's, especially on their "Wall" almost always seems to be an eye roller or a sigh for the person who has to get the countless notifications from their unfunny friends. 

Rule of thumb, use your comedy on YOUR OWN WALL. If your joke is in your feed, no one can complain. I mean they can, but rightfully, they can simply click the "Unfriend" button. I never mind anyone using that option. 

Honestly, how many friends do I have on Facebook? About 3,000...by my calculations, that's about 2,995 too many. I have a very close circle of friends but I'm an attention whore so I friend everyone...hey, at least I'm honest.

Let's recount the Humor rules - No stealing jokes...this is a HUGE no-no. If you can't be funny without stealing someone else joke, then pass. You're not fooling anyone. Also, refrain from adding your unfunny 2 cents from people's walls. I know it's tempting..I know you have the perfect "that's what she said" spot...just pass on it. If someone is in your Facebook friends list is guilty of this often, first, show them my site...I need the hits, then just click "unfriend". Trust me, Facebook is a fake friendship builder anyways. 

Awful idea..don't do it!

Tagging of Photos - Holy hell, this is a BIG pet peeve of many. Ok, we met, we took a picture, you want to tag it..awesome, I like that. I enjoy seeing my picture, I'm very egotistical (although mostly, I just bitch about how fat I am). What really bothers me is being tagged in photos that A) I'm not in. B) I have nothing to do with, even though you think I'll appreciate it...trust me, I don't. And C) That is some spammy type sales gimmick, usually sneakers. I only wear Adidas Superstar shell tops (Run DMC style) so unless it's a promotion for cheap people to get me a free pair, not interested.  

The above picture is a good example of things to NOT tag people in. I don't care if you think I'm sexy, dumb, or super smart (My Mom has told me 2 of those 3). Let's use our brain people, do you really want this dumb shit on your wall? Or even worse, have to hunt through your photos to find pictures of the real you? No one appreciates this things, except old cat ladies who also enjoy enjoy dressing their cats in costumes according to season. 

I appreciate meeting people, I like to remember those times..(mostly) and seeing those pictures. I don't enjoy seeing myself tagged in photo's of CM Punk with a headline "What will WWE do now?" (I honestly don't know, don't care). I don't care where your Wrestlemania seats are, unless you bought me a ticket. No one else cares either...that's the truth.

Let's refresh Tagging Pictures on Facebook - Do NOT do it! Unless it's an actual picture of that person, don't do it. Best rule to follow.

The Birthday Wish - the Birthday wish on Facebook has become an important factor in "online friendships". It's someones Birthday and you want to wish it, awesome...I encourage you to do so. People like attention (including me) but I've seen a change in the Birthday wishes. 

If someone doesn't wish you a Happy Birthday, your world will not end. Believe it or not, some people aren't on Facebook all the time...it's almost crazy to think that someone people have lives, work or even leave their house...I know, crazy. Worry about your real life friends, get a party started and get some gifts...or sit in your room, cry and eat ice cream (that's what I do).

This brings me too the next part of the Birthday wish - The generalized "Thanks to everyone who said Happy Birthday" or even worse...the "like". If your friend takes the time to write "Happy Birthday" plus maybe "Hope you have a great day" they have clearly taken the time out of their day to express their appreciation for you. Yet, you can't acknowledge it, but to send a general "thanks"? Total dick move. People always say, "well, it's the thought that counts...no reason to say thanks", you know as well as I do, if you've spent any time on Facebook that your friends are needy. You had better say "Thanks Tom, you're swell" and maybe include a smiley face or something. Trust me, Tom will then not be pissed when you tag him in a picture of your Cat, dressed as an elf. 

The "like" - I've said this before, the like function on Facebook is the laziest form of interaction, the second is the Retweet on Twitter (yes, I do both, don't judge me). "Liking" the Birthday wish is a bit of a slap in the face. In other words, they can take the time out of their day to give you a nice gesture, writing it out, doing their homework and your response is one fkn click? Wow, some ego you have! Do the right thing, tell them - Thank you.

Let's Refresh "Happy Birthday" posts - If someone wishes you a Happy Birthday, don't be a smug, celebratory turd who is too busy opening up gifts, eating cake and enjoying your day with your family and loved ones...your Facebook friends want your damn attention too!

You're entirely welcome for this course, share with your friends, while it's free. Someday, I shall be standing in front of a classroom full of people that want to know, "How can I be popular?" Until then, follow me on Twitter RobDimension and keep checking back here for more tips that will help you survive. 

Girl Dies on Video! Prank gone wrong!!

Girl Dies on Video! Prank gone wrong!!

OK, so now we have your attention...I'm always a fan of how much controversy arises about Real vs. Fake viral videos. YouTube, the monster video distributor that graces us with the funny to the dumb, to well, this little charm.

Take 4 minutes and watch this video.

OK, so you watched the video and now you're thinking "Rob, you bastard!!" That poor girl!" Calm down, it's just make believe. The above video is a short film titled "Exhibit B-5" from Newborn Pictures in California. I was completely blown away by this film, the realism and the freak chance it could be real.


Let's look at the facts people...YouTube will NOT condone or post anything that is real in regards to "snuff" of anything involving real death. Sure, we see these horrendous accidents, but we never know if those involved, actually die. I've watched Tosh.0 and actually seen a video where someone died from the result.


Do you feel cheated now? Here is some background on the film makers and those involved. Newborn Pictures (http://www.newbornpix.com) is operated by two very talented film makers Kyle Rankin and Efram Potelle. Regardless of anything posted about this...it's completely fake. My hat is tipped to these guys..seriously. They went above and beyond to make something seem so real that the Internet has written about this for nearly 2 years now, and here I am, still writing about it.

I think my love for this stems from being duped by the Blair Witch Project so many years ago. They elaborate set up by the film makers to fool us...you have to remember the internet wasn't anything like it is now. That was 1999 and the legend was out there, once I walked into the theater, they had me, hook line and sinker. I still classify the Blair Witch Project as one of the most inspirational films for me, it made "POV" film making (or Shaky Cam) a pivotal role in the Horror genre plus, even my favorite show "The Office" uses that filming style.

My advice for the day "Things aren't always as they seem".