Like many of our filmmakers, Nadine, of HeyNadine, is somewhat of a celebrity in the Vlog world, and we are happy she joined the Tripfilms family. But we can't help but wonder what a vlog celebrity is exactly, so of course, we asked!
TF: When/how did you start filmmaking?
Nadine: When I was around 10 years old. Growing up my mom worked in the film industry and produced several independent films so I was used to cameras being around. I started acting in front of cameras in my early teens and then once I moved to University as a way to keep up with my acting I purchased a webcam and started making funny, dorm room videos.
TF: Were you always making travel videos? If not, how was the transition from youtube star to travel filmmaker?
Nadine: I started making travel videos in Feb 2010, since that is when I first discovered travel. Before then the videos I started out making on Youtube were more sketch comedy and funny vlogs of myself talking on camera. The transition while easy in some parts, has been more challenging in others. Vlogging is a different style to acting, and travel vlogs are more hosting and narrating. It’s real, live and I only get one take. Those are my actual experiences at that place and time.
Whereas, when I film my more traditional comedy videos, if I mess up I can always do another take.
TF: What do you think it is that makes your videos so successful on youtube?
Nadine: A mixture of luck and persistence. I would love to tell you I am the most talented or entertaining, or adventurous travel filmmaker/vlogger there is, but that’s not the truth. I have been around Youtube for almost 5 years, that’s just a year and a half shy of being as old as Youtube itself. I have made over 700 videos, (most of which have actually been removed because they are so old or have copyrighted music in them). And of course, I got lucky. My videos got featured and I made friends with a lot of other Youtubers. But regardless, I am passionate about filmmaking and I like to think that trumps all other factors.
TF: What do you prefer, making comedy videos or travel videos?
Nadine: I prefer travel videos since that is what I am most passionate about. I never aspired to be a comedian, it is just something I kind of fell into. But, I do enjoy making both.
TF: Where is your dream destination to film?
Nadine: Oh gee, this is a tough one. I would have to say Slovakia and Slovenia. I have never been to Europe and this is where my parents are from so I have always wanted to go and film it, not only for myself but for them as well. To show them where they were born and where they grew up, on film in the 2000’s. (Since they immigrated back in the 1970’s)
TF: Best travel filmmaking experience?
Nadine: Jamaica! Because it was the first time I ever used a waterproof camera and I was like a kid in a candy shop. It’s a whole new world of filming when you can film all these new activities on the water and underneath it.
TF: How often do you get recognized and do you feel like a celebrity in your everyday life, or is it exclusive to a certain community?
Nadine: Less often then you think, but more often than I thought. It completely depends on communities. If I am in a Youtube gathering or W
arcraft/Gaming convention, I get recognized every couple of minutes. In the real world, I do get noticed here and there but it’s nothing compared to actual celebrities.
TF: What is your average day like, camera included?
Nadine: When I am not traveling, it usually consists of waking up, working on the computer checking Facebook, Twitter, my blog, and reply to comments. Then either going out to film something, or going into my brother’s old room, aka my makeshift studio and filming something. And then in the evening, editing. Basically, it’s a lot of computer work. However, when I am traveling it is whole other crazy timeline, and that makes all the computer time worth it.
TF: What was your most outrageous HeyNadine fan interaction?
Nadine: I have received fanmail before through a friends post office box, and that was an….interesting experience. I got a lot of wonderful mail, but I also got this really crazy package full creepy poems someone had written about me. After that I decided that fanmail was best left for the internet.
TF: Do you plan to make a career out of vlogging? If not, what would you like to do in the future?
Nadine: Because the internet changes so often and so rapidly, it is hard to tell. Currently it is what I do and what I love and I would love to continue doing it. And of course, grow and expand to eventually host a travel show. (Dream job!) Right now I just go with the flow and let the winds take me. The life of a digital nomad, I think that’s what the cool kids call it :P
It seems like Nadine has found the perfect home for her travel filmming passion. Tripfilms is happy to have you Nadine, and we can't wait to see what you do in the future!
Check out her website for more information about Nadine, and of course, be sure to watch her videos to see just how she does it.
