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#15 - Getting New Sponsors

In this conversation, Midgeman and Lionheart discuss sponsorship deals and their experiences with different brands. Lionheart shares his new sponsorship with NZXT, a company that provides PC components, peripherals and pre-build PCs. They touch on the importance of brand support and the ease of working with NZXT. 
 
Midgeman mentions a not-so-great sponsorship experience where the terms were changed without his consent. Overall, the conversation highlights the significance of finding the right sponsorship deals and building positive relationships with brands. They talk about the importance of being selective with sponsorships and being honest with their audience. Discussing the predatory nature of some sponsorship offers and share their thoughts on mobile game sponsorships and the potential for high earnings. They also touch on the issue of spam emails and how to avoid being caught out by scams.
 
Chapters
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00:00 - Introduction and Sharing the Podcast
03:10 - Psychology Behind Shoving Mics into Faces
11:00 - Lionhearts NZXT sponsorship 
16:24 - Monitors in Brand Sponsors
18:15 - Lionhearts Tangent on Camera & Monitor Placements
21:51 - Sponsored NZXT Build & Being Considerate with Creators
27:35 - Not So Great Sponsor & Campaign Experiences 
30:09 - Finding the Right Sponsorship Deals and Building Positive Relationships
32:19 - Dealing with Cancelled Sponsorships and Lack of Communication
39:54 - Mobile Game Ad Deals Can Be Ruthless But High Paying
41:09 - Lionhearts Rules For Accepting Mobile Campaigns
47:43 - Tips for Small Creators & Picks up Campaign Deals
50:09 - Weird and Spammy Sponsorship Offers
55:55 - The Importance of Cybersecurity and Avoiding Phishing Attempts
 
Links
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Tom Nicholas Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0arvnAlV_C4 
Lionhearts BEST Monitor video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXPgsqePeiA 
YRS Truly - https://www.yrstruly.uk/ 

# 14 - Set Up Reviews Part One

In this episode, the hosts begin the series of reviewing and rating your (the listeners) set ups! For the normal points. The hosts have to guess whether the person who sent in the set up is a creator, which country are they in, and what they do for fun. The editor points are a secret. 
 
There are 4 set ups in total the hosts look at and review. They also mention how a set up could possible be reverted into a content creator space. 
 
The final segment is the hosts answering a question that was sent in by a viewer:
"What is the biggest problem each of you encounter in content creation that you think could be solved by a single product? Can be hardware or software solution, can be any major or minor problem, but it has to be solvable by a single thing."
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and Call for Listener Submissions
02:06 - A Word from the Editors
02:58 - First Battlestation from PizzaLad01
10:21 - Second Battlestation from magicmajen
18:13 - Third Battlestation from DantheUKDwarf
25:07 - Fourth Battlestation from RNG GOD3670
35:39 - Answering a Question from a Viewer

#13 - TwitchCon Europe 2024

In this episode, Midgeman discusses his recent experience at TwitchCon and the importance of networking at conventions. The hosts share their excitement about meeting fellow content creators and industry professionals, as well as the challenges of social anxiety and navigating large events. They  touch on the impact of COVID-19 on conventions and the shift towards digital events. The conversation covers various topics including the challenges of being a content creator, and the expenses involved in attending conventions but how they can be a valuable experience for content creators, providing networking opportunities and a chance to connect with industry professionals.
 
The hosts discuss the importance of realistic expectations and the need for financial stability before pursuing content creation full-time. They mention the value of collaboration and the potential for success in finding alternative roles within the industry. The conversation jumps back to conventions about allowing yourself extra time before and after the convention to allow for exploration and relaxation. Accessibility and inclusivity are important considerations for convention organisers, and improvements are being made in these areas already. Overall, attending gaming conventions can be a rewarding experience for content creators although expensive.
00:00 - Introduction and Failed Intro
01:03 - The Right Intro
01:42 - Intro to Episode & Midgemans Twitchcon Haul
03:54 - The Value of Networking at Conventions
07:50 - The Impact of COVID-19 on Conventions & Anxieties
10:35 - The Struggle of Introducing Yourself
11:56 - Spider connection & Anecdote
17:08 - Meeting Many People & Excitement
19:19 - Different Forms of Travel to Europe from UK
26:24 - The Importance of Realistic Expectations & Financial Stability
34:33 - Planning Cons & Exploring the City
46:15 - The Wrap Up & Let us Know Your Con Story!
 
Links
—------
Lurkit - https://www.lurkit.gg/ 
Once Human - https://www.oncehuman.game/ 
Rotterdam Euromast - https://euromast.nl/en/ 
Twitch Grass full video - https://x.com/Twitch/status/1807556881927274649 
Hannah/Lomadia - https://x.com/lomadia 
Guillotine - https://x.com/HelloGuillotine 
Firehsine games - https://x.com/FireshineGames 
Hotel where Lionheart stayed in Berlin 2019 - https://louisas-place.de/en/ 
Radders - https://x.com/RadderssGaming 

#12 - VTubing with Lady Saffron

In this episode, the hosts interview Lady Saffron who is a Vtuber. This episode is centred about learning more on the topic of Vtubers, their communities, the genre, technical aspects, roles of agencies within the space and how they support their chosen Vtubers. Lady Saffron highlights the drawbacks of agency involvement; scandals, lack of creative control, and the need for permissions due to copyright issues. 
 
We get a deep dive into her journey as a Vtuber, how she goes about setting boundaries and rules in her community, what challenges that may bring. Whether that be technical, mental or physical. The hosts and guests discuss the evolution of Vtubing as an industry, and the technical and expense requirements of running a VTuber model. In the final part of the conversation, Lady Saffron discusses the benefits of anonymity, and the potential future of VTubing. She also shares her preference for YouTube over Twitch and mentions her upcoming sub-a-thon in August.
 
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction 
01:41 - What is Vtubing?
04:32 - The Role of Agencies in Supporting VTubers 
08:55 - Agencies offering Financial Support for Vtubers
10:42 - Agents offering Music Videos & Merchandise
13:10 - Agency Drawbacks, Scandals & Creative Controls
15:48 - What Inspired Lady Saffron to be a Vtuber
18:54 - Lady Saffron Lore
22:15 - Engaging Audience, Parasocial Friendships & Strategy
27:01 - Balancing Authenticity & Privacy
33:30 - Professional Jobs Coming out the Vtubing Space & Models
36:39 - Lady Saffrons Model Customisation Features
40:48 - The Resource-Intensive Nature of Running a VTuber Model
47:37 - What is Lady Saffron Most Proud of
49:59 - Being a Woman or Woman identifying in a Male Dominating Strategy Space
52:48 - Advice for Anyone Becoming a Vtuber
54:55 - Is There a Possibility for Vtubers to be in the Mainstream Media
57:02 - Have Game Developers or Companies Started to Approach Vtubers to Promote Games?
59:06 - Vtubers Are Ready Made Actors
1:00:54 - The Benefits of Anonymity & Separation in VTubing
1:02:49 - The Internet Is Nasty ft NSFW Art
1:06:54 - Final Thoughts
Links
Vshoujo - https://www.vshojo.com/about 
IDOL - https://idol-company.com/ 
Phase Connect - https://phase-connect.com/ 
Holo-live - https://hololivepro.com/en 
Lady Saffron OG models: https://x.com/LadySaffronVT/status/1622826094184304642/video/1  & https://x.com/LadySaffronVT/status/1625558527094755328/video/1 
lady Saffron wiki page - https://virtualyoutuber.fandom.com/wiki/Lady_Saffron 
SpiffinBrit - https://www.youtube.com/c/thespiffingbrit 
Sock Puppet - https://x.com/LadySaffronVT/status/1725194846606889020/photo/1 
EU4 Girls Night Stream - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAMk6BqxjAE&list=PLJTI6cmKr5dJ5ZnijIFlTw_oer2PAdEnB&index=7 
Rimmy Downunder - https://www.youtube.com/@RimmyDownunder/videos 
KoTC Assets - https://www.kingofthecastlegame.com/press-kit 
Opera GX - https://www.opera.com/gx 
Aura Vtuber - https://www.tiktok.com/@gxaura?lang=en 
Crunchyroll Hime wiki - https://virtualyoutuber.fandom.com/wiki/Crunchyroll-Hime 
 
Lady Saffron Socials
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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ladysaffronvtuber 
Twitter: https://x.com/ladysaffronvt?lang=en-GB 

#11 - Camera, Taxes and Other Chaos

In this episode, Lionheart and Midgeman discuss cameras and lenses for video content creation. They share their own camera setups preference and discuss the importance of proper lighting and how it can greatly enhance the quality of video footage as well as create a dynamic and visually appealing look. The conversation touches on topics such as lens adapters, prime lenses, and the benefits of shooting in 4K and cropping to 1080p. The conversation then shifts to webcams, with the hosts recommending the Logitech C920 as a solid option for beginners but on the flip side, the challenges they've faced with Elgato's software. They briefly discuss Adobe's subscription practices and the importance of competition in driving innovation, the use of VTubing software and face recognition, as well as using  phones as webcams, the potential issue of overheating, and the importance of investing in equipment.  They talk about the importance of financial planning and investing in the hobby. The episode wraps up with their experiences with setting up their own companies and working with accountants who specialize in the creator space. 
 
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Episode
02:09 - Lion's Camera of Choice
05:21 - The Challenges of Lens Compatibility and Adaptation
07:13 - Utilizing Software and Framing Techniques for Dynamic Shots
14:13 - Difference Between Lens & What Setting to Look for In a Camera
17:25 - Creating Visual Interest with Ambient and Mood Lighting
22:07 - The Green Screen
27:46 - First Webcams & Challenges with Elgato's Software (and others)
33:58 - Issues with Adobe's Subscription Practices
36:57 - Don't Use Laptop Webcam If Possible Or Use Your Phone!
38:59 - Pre-Mention of Next Week's Episode of Exploring VTubing Software and Face Recognition
39:58 - Phone Streaming & Investing Into Quality Equipment
45:50 - Bills, Taxes & Accountants
52:39 - Even More Lens & Lighting Chat
56:37 - Rounding Out The Episode
 
Links/References
- Sony A6400 w/ Prime lens https://www.sony.co.uk/interchangeable-lens-cameras/products/ilce-6400 
- Sony A5100 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-Alpha-5100-ILCE-5100-inch/dp/B00MTZI1WI 
- URTH https://uk.urth.co/ 
- Panasonic Lumix S52 https://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/cameras-camcorders/lumix-mirrorless-cameras/lumix-s-full-frame-cameras/dc-s5m2.html 
- L-Mount Alliance - https://l-mount.com/ 
- Panasonic Lumix GH5 https://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/cameras-camcorders/lumix-mirrorless-cameras/lumix-g-cameras/dc-gh5body.html 
- Canon M200 https://www.canon.co.uk/cameras/eos-m200/ 
- Sigma 1.4f 16mm https://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/c017_16_14/ 
- RGB strip elgato lights https://www.elgato.com/us/en/p/light-strip-pro 
- Phillips hue signe floor lights https://www.philips-hue.com/en-gb/products/smart-floor-lamps 
- Pull down Elgato greenscreen https://www.elgato.com/uk/en/p/green-screen-mt 
- Elgato 'normal' greenscreen https://www.elgato.com/uk/en/p/green-screen 
- Logitech C920 https://www.logitech.com/en-gb/products/webcams/c920-pro-hd-webcam.960-001055.html 
- Razer Kiyo https://www.razer.com/gb-en/streaming-cameras/razer-kiyo 
- Elgato Facecam MK2 https://www.elgato.com/uk/en/p/facecam-mk2 
- Sirui - https://store.sirui.com/ 
 

#10 - Understanding Audio

In this episode, Midgeman and Lionheart discuss their experiences with audio issues, equipment and settings. They talk about the challenges of managing audio and share potential fixes and recommendations for controlling audio levels and using mixers. Midgeman  briefly mentions how he hid a bunch of old videos on his channel to improve algorithmic suggestions and reflects on the poor audio quality of his earlier content. In this part of the conversation, Midgeman and Lionheart discuss their experiences with different types of microphones and audio interfaces during earlier years in his content career. Lionheart discusses his journey from using headset mics to finding a low-profile microphone mount. They also briefly touch on the topic of camera issues and the challenges of positioning a camera for streaming. In this final part of the conversation and they both discuss the differences between microphones and their personal experiences with various models. Exploring the pros and cons of dynamic, condenser, shotgun, and USB microphones, highlighting the importance of microphone placement and the need for proper research when choosing a microphone. Diverting from microphones to talk about the benefits of using ultra-wide monitors for gaming only. Many Censors are included in this frivolous ending as they mention a reminder to set up the microphone at a distance of 4 to 6 inches from the mouth for optimal sound quality. 

#9 - Taking Stock on Our Journey

In this episode, Midgeman and Lionheart discuss their experiences with audio issues, equipment and settings. They talk about the challenges of managing audio, including issues with Windows settings, Google Meets, and microphone quality. They share potential fixes and recommendations for controlling audio levels and using mixers. Midgeman  briefly mentions how he hid a bunch of old videos on his channel to improve algorithmic suggestions and reflects on the poor audio quality of his earlier content. In this part of the conversation, Midgeman and Lionheart discuss their experiences with different types of microphones and audio interfaces during earlier years in his content career. Lionheart discusses his journey from using headset mics to finding a low-profile microphone mount. They also briefly touch on the topic of camera issues and the challenges of positioning a camera for streaming. In this final part of the conversation and they both discuss the differences between microphones and their personal experiences with various models. Exploring the pros and cons of dynamic, condenser, shotgun, and USB microphones, highlighting the importance of microphone placement and the need for proper research when choosing a microphone. Diverting from microphones to talk about the benefits of using ultra-wide monitors for gaming only. Many Censors are included in this frivolous ending as they mention a reminder to set up the microphone at a distance of 4 to 6 inches from the mouth for optimal sound quality. 
 
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction & Should We Do R/Reads?
03:38 - Today's Episode Topic - Audio & Recent Malfunctions!
08:10 - Potential Mic Audio fixes 
11:33 - PC Levels & Settings Are Sentient
13:35 - Parabellum Unmuted Anecdote
14:55 - Hiding 1000's of Videos & Awful Starting Audio
21:46 - More Anecdotes on Missing Audio in Content
25:06 - The History of Mics from Midgeman & Lionheart
26:37 - The Pet Peeves of Boom Arm Locations & Equipment
30:47 - Elgato Camera Gets Jealous Over Audio Talk
32:29 - What is More Frustrating? Audio Vs Visual Issues
32:46 - Going Back to Midgeman's & ionhearts Audio History pt2
- MXG Condenser
- BCD1 broadcaster Mic - Dynamic mic
- SM7B
- Blue baby bottle SL
- Rode Shotgun Mic
- Focusrite scarlet 16 channel
- Blue Yeti
- Audio Technica 802020
- Beyerdynamic dynamics Studio XLR
42:44 - Different types of microphones
44:59 - The benefits of shotgun microphones & Optimal microphone placement for sound quality
- Sennheiser MKH 416 p48
50:07 - Optimal Position for Dynamic Mics
52:36 - Enhancing Gaming Experience With Ultra-Wide Monitors
56:36 - Round out & Final Note on Mic Placement 
 
Links:
Low profile Boom Arm - https://www.elgato.com/uk/en/p/wave-mic-arm-lp   
https://www.soundswitch.com/ 

#8 - Opening Doors with Doras ft. CEO Tommy Lundy

The conversation covers a range of topics, including the recent changes to Adobe's terms of service, the development of the DORAS platform, and the impact of it on content creators. It also delves into the challenges faced by Twitch streamers and the potential for DORAS to address these challenges. The conversation emphasizes the importance of user-friendly tools, community building, and the need for creators to be found and grow their audience even when they are not live. DORAS may be the perfect answer to the need for a service to solve gaps in the market for content creators, the importance of media kits, and the excitement around open source tools and collaboration. We warp up this episode with discussing the trend of people stepping away from traditional companies, embracing open source solutions, and how many monitors does Tommy use
 
Chapters
The conversation covers a range of topics, including the recent changes to Adobe's terms of service, the development of the DORAS platform, and the impact of it on content creators. It also delves into the challenges faced by Twitch streamers and the potential for DORAS to address these challenges. The conversation emphasizes the importance of user-friendly tools, community building, and the need for creators to be found and grow their audience even when they are not live. DORAS may be the perfect answer to the need for a service to solve gaps in the market for content creators, the importance of media kits, and the excitement around open source tools and collaboration. We warp up this episode with discussing the trend of people stepping away from traditional companies, embracing open source solutions, and how many monitors does Tommy use.s
 
Chapters
00:00 - Introducing Guest and Adobe's TOS Changes Outrage
08:12 - Introducing DORAS
11:40 - The Power of Community & Developer Creative Process
18:30 - Working to Make DORAS Streamlined for Everyone
20:55 - DORAS is Beyond Just a Link Site
23:00 - Creation & Importance of Media Kits (Disclaimer: Media kits on DORAS are changed in Beta)
24:50 - DORAS is There to Assist Brands & Creators not Take Away
30:28 - DORAS Ad
32:03 - What Dream Service Would A Creator Want
34:57 - The Crucial Role of Media Kits in Content Creation
38:39 - Lionhearts MediaKit
39:40 - Verified Brand Testimonials for DORAS
42:10 - Anecdotes of Companies Not Researching Creators Genres
45:00 - Are Any Suggestions Helpful From the Podcast?
49:00 - Tommy's Ideal Collaboration for DORAS
53:00 - Tommy's Monitor Set-Up & Outro
 
Links
Adobe new TOS - https://abovethelaw.com/2024/06/adobe-will-update-terms-of-service-agreement-after-customers-who-actually-read-that-long-document-express-concerns-about-ai-and-privacy/
DORAS - https://doras.to/
Andilippi - https://www.youtube.com/@Andilippi - https://doras.to/andi
Tommerty - https://doras.to/tommerty
Upload podcast - https://doras.to/upload
Mandy - https://www.mandy.com/

#7 - Work Life Balance

In this part of the conversation, Lionheart and Midgeman discuss the challenges of content creation while managing personal life events, such as the impending arrival of Lionheart's second child. They talk about the importance of taking time off for paternity leave and the difficulty of prepping content in advance. They also touch on the need for content creators to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, such as managing sponsors and meeting deadlines. Lionheart shares his experience with different agencies and the importance of maintaining good relationships with sponsors. Lionheart and Midgeman discuss the frustrations and challenges of review embargoes and sponsored content. They express their dislike for review embargoes being set so close to the game's launch, as it limits their ability to share their impressions and build goodwill with their communities. They also discuss the importance of transparency in sponsored content and the need for clear labeling. They emphasize the importance of creating content that aligns with their own interests and the interests of their communities, rather than solely focusing on embargoes and chasing trends.

#6 - Learning from Failure ft. Laith

In this episode, we welcome in Laith - a content creator on YouTube. Discussions include Laith's journey as a solo content creator and he shares his creative process from strategy games to narrative videos. He emphasizes the importance of constantly growing and pushing oneself, and the need for fulfillment in his work. In this episode we also discuss the significance of mental health and the need for a healthy mindset in content creation. The hosts compare their experiences with a collaborative video and discuss the importance of analytics in assessing the success of a video. In this final part of the conversation, Laith discusses the challenges of gaining subscribers and the effectiveness of call-to-action strategies. We wrap up with some personal various life anecdotes.