EXPERIENCE > YOUTH ACTIVITIES > PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY
Whether you’re creating original content for your YouTube channel or just posting tiny loops on Vine, video production has never been easier or more fun. For some, it can also be a rewarding business. Just ask Rob and Laura Sams, the brother and sister team who own Sisbro Studios in Portland. Like many filmmakers, the Sams started their film careers as creative teenagers who liked making people laugh.
“When we were growing up, we didn’t know we were going to do this. We never talked about it or anything,” Laura recalled during an interview with the Oceanscape Network. “When we were really young, our mom gave us a boombox radio and we would pretend we were hosting a radio show on it for hours!”
“I don’t even remember what we would say,” adds Rob. “Mostly we would just sit and laugh into the microphone. But I think that’s where this all started, was with that boombox.”
Once in high school, the siblings frequently used each other’s talents for classroom video presentations. But it wasn’t until after college that they decided to build a business around their shared passion for science, nature and humor.
Whether you’re creating original content for your YouTube channel or just posting tiny loops on Vine, video production has never been easier or more fun. For some, it can also be a rewarding business. Just ask Rob and Laura Sams, the brother and sister team who own Sisbro Studios in Portland. Like many filmmakers, the Sams started their film careers as creative teenagers who liked making people laugh.
“When we were growing up, we didn’t know we were going to do this. We never talked about it or anything,” Laura recalled during an interview with the Oceanscape Network. “When we were really young, our mom gave us a boombox radio and we would pretend we were hosting a radio show on it for hours!”
“I don’t even remember what we would say,” adds Rob. “Mostly we would just sit and laugh into the microphone. But I think that’s where this all started, was with that boombox.”
Once in high school, the siblings frequently used each other’s talents for classroom video presentations. But it wasn’t until after college that they decided to build a business around their shared passion for science, nature and humor.
Learning While Laughing: Laura and Robert Sams are a brother-sister team who make videos, compose music and write books. Their goal: to trick you into learning about nature while you're laughing. Find out how they got their start in show business and what advice they have for young people who want to do likewise.
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Sisbro’s first professional project was adapting their cousin’s wildlife photography into three short films for children. Rob and Laura’s unique blend of humor, music and science struck a chord and other offers began to pour in. To date, Sisbro has produced seven films and a variety of commercials. Their most recent project, The Magical Musical Report on the Marine National Monuments, provides a kid-friendly look at the United States’ new underwater parks located around the Pacific Ocean. The film was produced for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and won for Best Children’s Program at the International Wildlife Film Festival in early 2015.
Brother and sister oversee all aspects of their productions, including writing scripts, scouting film locations, composing music and, of course, performing in front of the cameras. Since Sisbro produces mostly children’s films, Rob and Laura’s acting duties can take some unusual twists, often requiring them to work outdoors while wearing curious costumes and using strange props.
When asked about a shoot which was particularly challenging, they burst out in simultaneous laughter. They described a scene from their film The Shark Riddle which required Rob to curl up in an overstuffed bed on an Oregon beach while being serenaded to sleep by Laura. But as is often the case with the Oregon Coast, a cold rain and strong gusting winds led to near-disaster. While the Sams attempted to perform in the inclement weather, off screen their production assistants spent most of their time chasing down props which had sailed off in the wind.
But the Sams are philosophical about such challenges. “It’s what you put up with when you love filmmaking… and nature,” said Laura.
As for encouraging young filmmakers, the Sams’ advice is simple — experiment and practice.
“Even if you don’t have the best equipment or the best props, if you’ve got an idea, just go for it,” said Laura. “Find some friends who have similar interest and take advantage of their talents. Filmmaking it always more fun if you’re doing it with friends.”
Related Features: Best Shots: Tips on Photographing Nature | Great Photo Rendering Apps | Oceanscape Network Youth Correspondents Program
Brother and sister oversee all aspects of their productions, including writing scripts, scouting film locations, composing music and, of course, performing in front of the cameras. Since Sisbro produces mostly children’s films, Rob and Laura’s acting duties can take some unusual twists, often requiring them to work outdoors while wearing curious costumes and using strange props.
When asked about a shoot which was particularly challenging, they burst out in simultaneous laughter. They described a scene from their film The Shark Riddle which required Rob to curl up in an overstuffed bed on an Oregon beach while being serenaded to sleep by Laura. But as is often the case with the Oregon Coast, a cold rain and strong gusting winds led to near-disaster. While the Sams attempted to perform in the inclement weather, off screen their production assistants spent most of their time chasing down props which had sailed off in the wind.
But the Sams are philosophical about such challenges. “It’s what you put up with when you love filmmaking… and nature,” said Laura.
As for encouraging young filmmakers, the Sams’ advice is simple — experiment and practice.
“Even if you don’t have the best equipment or the best props, if you’ve got an idea, just go for it,” said Laura. “Find some friends who have similar interest and take advantage of their talents. Filmmaking it always more fun if you’re doing it with friends.”
Related Features: Best Shots: Tips on Photographing Nature | Great Photo Rendering Apps | Oceanscape Network Youth Correspondents Program