Short Film About FSQ

Possibly first on the list of things I never thought would happen is having two men show up at the house to make a mini film about Fluffy Sheep Quilting (the shop).  How mind blowing is that?  How do you prepare?  What do you wear?  What do you say?  Oh jeeze it's a lot to take in.

Let me start at the beginning.  Before Christmas, I submitted an application to the JFC Innovation Awards for businesses in rural Ireland.  The call for applications fit me to a tee.  Here's what they were looking for: 

"The aim is to reward these companies [those using social media] and highlight the potential that social media has in attracting new customers and increased business. So, if you have  a business idea  or if  you have already set up  a business in rural Ireland, you should enter the JFC Innovation awards. While the winners will take away €40,000 in prizes, everyone who enters will get an opportunity to receive mentoring for their business. "

There are five categories.  A winner will be chosen in each individual category (I'm in social media) and then there will be one winner overall.  Depending on what level of "winner" you are you may get cash prizes and free PR/marketing or a mentor for your business. I could use all/any of the above, clearly.

I was interviewed by 3 panellists in February for the award and thought I totally blew it.  I'm a scientist after all.  A business/crafty interview was totally new to me and I just didn't know how to read people.  As it turns out I was wrong and Fluffy Sheep Quilting is a finalist in the social media category.  The awards (and announcement of the winner) will be in mid-May in N. Ireland.  In preparation, each finalist has a video made that highlights their business and interviews the business owner.  They sent the questions ahead of time so you could have a think about your responses (thank goodness!!!).  There will be a 1 minute video at the awards ceremony and then each business owner will receive a 3 minute video to use as promotional material for their shop.  It's brilliant and mind numbing all at the same time.  Panic sets in.

Well, these two fellas who came to make the video had you relaxed in no time.  They were quick with a smile, which helps in nearly all situations but especially when you are being interviewed in front of a camera.  We did the interview section first, then they took images of the shop and my sewing space.  You may have seen my IG photos trying to get things all neat and tidy...showing the best angle of every bolt of fabric.  I then had to sew together a few pieces (the action shot) and then we filmed the quilts out on the line.  Molly took part in that shot, clearly.

In the end, I had a great time making this mini film, primarily due to the two lovely guys who made it all so easy.  Thanks, Star Systems.  You were brilliant.  You can see a few of the editing shots and a still photo on their blog here and here from our day today.  I'm already blushing!