February Updates

Hey guys,

I hope you're all safe and well. We've had a few extreme storms back-to-back in the UK recently and some uncomfortably close calls flood-wise in my area but I fortunately haven't been too affected. It's been another month of intense work on the video and not too much else so I'll get straight into updates on that.

Last time I made one of these posts I was about to start writing the video script. I *finally* managed to finish up a full draft the other day and am currently editing it, so the recording and general production stage is at last fast approaching.

I knew going in that this was going to be my longest video yet, but the reason for the slow progress is it's... really, really going to be my longest video yet. I have somewhere between three and four hours as the ideal length in my mind but am very dubious right now as to whether even that's realistic. I'm doing my best to cut the script down as I edit but am not having a huge amount of success so I'm not sure what my best option is -- I obviously have more than enough material to make this a series of sorts but I think doing this would only harm the integrity of the essay overall, which is written to be consumed as a singular piece (and rest assured that even if I did do this, I'd release the whole thing on here straight away). If anybody has any perspectives on what constitutes a "reasonable" video essay length or just any reassurance, it would be appreciated! I don't think I have any better option than to just release the whole thing all in one no matter how long it is and hope it's not so long that absolutely nobody wants to watch it >_<

Suffice it to say, this video has been a challenge. And that's not to say I haven't enjoyed making it! But it has dominated my time and energy in a sort of all-consuming way I haven't experienced before, not least of all because YouTube is my sole focus for the first time rather than being juggled alongside uni, work and so on. It's been a rollercoaster experience emotionally with highs and lows, moments of stress and self-doubt but also fulfilment and invigoration. Fortunately, I can finally see the project coming together now in a way I'm happy with. Knowing people are looking forward to the end product is also a really powerful motivator and something I don't at all take for granted. I certainly hadn't intended for this video to be my primary focus for so long and I do wish I'd been able to get it out sooner, but it's obvious to me now that it needed this time, not just practically, but also so I could properly think, process my thoughts and feelings, work out how to articulate them and really just let the weird thing that is Higu SotsuGou marinate in my mind in service of a true, in-depth retrospective. You all know the slant this video is going to take, but I think I've been able to create something that embodies my love for this series more than anything and that will hopefully be a positive and meaningful watching experience throughout even with my plentiful criticisms.

I'll stop before I end up rambling! I've thoroughly learnt that I'm incapable of estimating how long videos take and I inevitably expect the video editing to be a lengthy process for this one when I do get to it, but it's finally on the horizon! I look forward to sharing where I'm at again in a few more weeks, and bringing you all a chunky preview when I can.

Thank you so much as always for all your patience and support -- I'm doing my best to keep some semblance of work-life balance as I chug towards the finish line on this one and really appreciate how understanding everyone has been about the time it's taking. One thing's for sure: I'll have something substantial to show for it!

I once again really hope you're all safe and well in these turbulent times and that you can find plentiful pockets of joy and respite. Take care everyone <3