We’re working on a special project related to Hurricane Ian. We’d like to hear stories from the Sun team who stepped up to help during a time of crisis. This includes folks on the ground, people who helped remotely, and even those who just called a loved one to tell them they love them.
How can you help?
We’d love to hear your story in the form of a video “selfie.” All you’ll need is a smartphone or tablet to participate.
We would like to hear about your experience before, during, and after the Hurricane. What did you do, and equally important: how did you feel. If you have some visual aids to include with your story, please share them as well. We understand that it was a trying time for many, please only share what you are comfortable with.
1) Device
You can use your phone or tablet, whatever is easiest for you!
2) Lighting
Make sure you are sitting in a place where natural light is shining on your face. For example, if you’re in front of a window, position yourself facing the window.
3) Noise
Sit in a place without background noise or as quiet of a place as possible.
4) Camera Framing (frame yourself up!)
You want to sit close to the camera so we can only see your head and shoulders. This way not only can we see you well, but we can hear your voice. See the sample video on this page for reference.
5) Stability
Make sure the camera is stable and doesn’t shake. If you have a tripod or a way to prop it stably, this would be ideal. Try supporting the camera on something where it will stay stable and steady as you tell your story. Otherwise, holding your device selfie-style is fine.
6) Takes
Don’t be afraid to try recording more than once, and do more than one take. Do as many takes as you need to. Send them all to us, and our editors will work their magic from there!
7) Run Time
As best as possible, be cognizant of your run time. Make sure to tell your story as concisely as possible – get right to the good stuff! And again, all we need is the take you feel is the best one to send us!
8) Action!
Make sure the first thing you say while recording is your name, your title and property and state where you work. Example: “I’m Julie Williams, the Community Manager at Mountain Side Resort in Colorado.”
Keep it authentic – if you need to write something out that’s fine, but try not to “recite” your story. Try to do it from memory – just being you always works best.
9) Prompts
Try using these to start into a thought or recollection. For example, you would say, “What I remember about the storm is…” and then continue into your thoughts about what you remember.
View Sample Video Here: Sample Video