Camera focus on cast members

[JackieB]

I am noticing that the camera focus tends to be on the participants on the left in the new WHFN workouts. I'd really like to see some of the other participants! Does anyone else notice this?? The filming seems to focus mostly on Tamela, or Narty...no one on the right. I always feel sorry for those guys-as if they deserve camera time, too.

One of the workouts--I think Tamela receives more camera time than the lead---I think it's one that Kelli is the lead??? Maybe Lean??? I can't keep them all straight.

I do love the workouts, though. Just noticing.

[Tarheels]

Hi Jackie,


I think this may be because of the set-up of the cameras and the room with mirrors. They can't have the cameras reflected in the mirrors. Remember how the old FitPrimes, some people complained that they were filmed in a corner? They had to be because the mirrors would show the cameras. I know the old Firms did not look the same, but they were filmed in a larger room. I also think Anna chose "featured cast members" like Narty and Tamela because they have the most experience and show correct form. All of this is just my opinion though. I noticed what you are talking about for sure.

[browser]

I have also noticed this. It's too bad - my all time favorite for a long time was the Firm Boomer video. Since it was supposedly geared to the Boomer generation (of which I am one) I was thrilled to see someone with a few grey hairs (like myself) that was fit and flexible. I had hoped to see more attention given to my generation as we aged, but sadly, more and more I see all the 'body enchancements' on these instructors. We're not doing ourselves any favors by setting the bar for fittness to now include huge boobs.... That's not my definition of health and fittness. Sorry for the rant!!

[JackieB]

Browser-

I know what you mean--I don't know if you saw my post re Pam Cauthen. I am sad that she is so thin and has had silicone, etc. I look to these leads for inspiration and role models in this sick, silly world of skininess.

Boomers is my favorite, too. For a lot of reasons. Love Jayne, but I also love the diversity of the cast-after this long I still like to people watch. I love the army type guy, Tracie, the older women, Narty...it's really a diverse crowd and the camera is always changing the focus.

One of the WHFN workouts I feel like exclusively sits of Tamela. Don't get me wrong, I like Tamela and think she's great. I just would like to see the other cast members.

Sorry for my ranting and raving .

[browser]

I think there are plenty of us out there that are fittness buffs simply because we want to be fit. That's why I don't go to a gym anymore. I could not keep up with the need to 'look' a certain way when all I wanted to do is sweat my butt off and go home.

No apology necessary for ranting - I think it burns calories - and keeps the blood to the brain moving... :-)

[Gabby]

It is probably what was available with the camera angle. I noticed when they show the exercisers to the left it includes the instructor, and when they show the ones to the right the instructor is not included.

The Classic Firms were filmed with the class only, the instructor only and then both, for a week with 12 hour workdays. They probably did not film that long so they did not have near as much footage to work with for editing.

I am happy with the workout sequence, the music and the return of Narty! :o


edited for spelling

[vciera]

I noticed and while there may be logistic concerns I'd like to see all the participant and I'd like to see 'older' and 'heavier' participants as well.


I think it's Lean that has Tamela and Carol doing alternate moves without any explanation, so when Keli is doing alternating mambo steps Tamela and Carol do a set on one leg then the alternating set on the opposing leg. I don't know if it adds a lot to the production cost but boxing out those two and labeling what they are doing as an alternate choice would be a good idea...IMHO :)

[JackieB]

Which one is Carol? Is this Carol is Fit? I have noticed that alternating leg deal, too.

By and large, I love these new workouts. Gosh, they are wonderful, like a breath of fresh air. I love the remakes of the original Fitprimes, too.

Just noticing a few things, that's all.

[vciera]

Which one is Carol? Is this Carol is Fit? I have noticed that alternating leg deal, too.

By and large, I love these new workouts. Gosh, they are wonderful, like a breath of fresh air. I love the remakes of the original Fitprimes, too.

Just noticing a few things, that's all.

I'm not sure, but she was at the FIRM on one of my visits about four or five years ago...for some reason I thought her name was Elizabeth :confused: , but, I do know she was in quite a few of the original/classic FIRM workouts

[Tarheels]

Carol Britton-Miller is one of the featured cast members who was in the new videos, and she was also featured in Firm for Life and taught for the Firm for many years. She still teaches classes with Anna. "Carol is fit" is not a Firm/FitPrime instructor (though she's a really cool lady!), and is a regular poster on our board and writes great reviews.

[JackieB]

Does she have the chin length, blondish kind of hair? She is fun to watch!

[nancy]

I think there are only 5 cast members in these videos, and they are all either behind the instructor or to the left as you look at the screen. Somehow, the room feels bigger, like it could have a cast of 10, but I think it's an illusion. If you read the credits, there are "featured cast" (like Tamela, Narty and whoever is using a mop) and "cast" - the camera definitely spends more time on the featured cast.

[JackieB]

That makes sense.

[persiankat555]

I have also noticed this. It's too bad - my all time favorite for a long time was the Firm Boomer video. Since it was supposedly geared to the Boomer generation (of which I am one) I was thrilled to see someone with a few grey hairs (like myself) that was fit and flexible. I had hoped to see more attention given to my generation as we aged, but sadly, more and more I see all the 'body enchancements' on these instructors. We're not doing ourselves any favors by setting the bar for fittness to now include huge boobs.... That's not my definition of health and fittness. Sorry for the rant!!

I feel the same way (I have those gray hairs that are colored) & am definately in the Boomer category now. I am also very "flat chested" & do feel a little intimidated by all the boob jobs that have exploded on the exercise videos. I would be happy to have what these girls had in the "before" augmentaion videos. From someone who has had open heart surgery, hysterectomy, & several other "minor" surgeries, I can't put myself under the knife for the standards of society. But I am not being seen by millions of people instructing videos either. If it makes the instructors feel better, then I really don't mind, although I remain distracted most of the time. I guess I'm ranting too. :p

[LoriInND]

I think I have noticed that some of the "featured cast" in some workouts become background cast in others. Anyway, I don't mind the whole setup at all. :)

[browser]

A little off topic here - DH was looking in the phone book for an ear,nose & throat doctor but got distracted by all of the ads for cosmetic surgery. One had a picture of a babe with hugh boobs and the caption said "My husband hasn't needed his viagra since I had my breast augmentation." Is that tacky or what!?!?!

[Gabby]

Yes browser it is very tacky!!

I recently heard an ad via radio for breast augementation to overcome "social stigma."

I almost wrote to the Dr. who ran the ad.

[vciera]

I had to get out my Firm For Life book :D .

Carol is on page 187 (not on the cover). Hey, I didn't realize that I had her sign her page :o . Let's see, Nancy, Allie, Tracie, Jennifer C. and Tara oh, and Tamela signed it too!

[Tarheels]

I did Maximum Body Shaping this morning and noticed it was filmed in the same manner as the new WHFNs. The only difference was that there were multiple camera angles on the cast that were not in the WHFNs (large group shot, sort of a higher shot, close-ups on more than one or two people in the cast, etc.). No one in the cast was very much to the right of Tracie (to her left) just as in the WHFNs.

[vciera]

I never noticed that before...now of course I'm thinking of the classic FIRM videos, the Variety series (FIRM Strength and Cardio) show Narty and Kelsie and unless the was some hanky panky they were on right, but I guess that may add a lot to the cost of production to have additional cameras and camera operators

[kate]

Hi everybody !

The replies about the camera angles are correct. The only 'true' close-ups of cast members were done with a particular camera that can only capture three moving bodies. The other shots were done through the mirror. Some cast members just didn't find themselves in the close up camera.... I wish I hadn't been for 2 of the videos, and then wish so much I had been for the two that I was relaxed and having fun/at the top of my game. I know other cast members feel the same, but everyone that Heidi brought with her feels so blessed to have even taken part.

Now lets talk about the boobs. I confess: One night before we filmed,we were all in a drug store grabbing essentials like dried prunes and bottled water, what have you, and our focus turned to 'As seen on TV' Natural Bra'. I bought a pair (even though Im a natural C cup) and wore them on the set the next day. Everybody got on my case big time ~ but I felt I was doing the right thing. I recieved my videos two days ago and died a million deaths ! My husband of 30 years noticed, but just barely. Hahahaha I only wore them for one, but maybe one too many.

And now to your preference in seeing older women in fitness videos.... lots of the cast from the five I was in (pump,steamin,upper,fast cheeta and Lean) are mature. I'm nearly 51 and have a grandchild. I look fit because I am fit, I got MORE fit rehearsing the videos! I can tell you as FACT, if you do one of the videos five days a week,and eat clean (think nutrients,since nutrients should be an athlete's concern,and at five workouts a week you ARE an athlete) you will lose body fat,begin to see definition,and most importantly :feel fantastic inside! I would like to see even OLDER women next go-around. I loved Anna in Just Right~I wish she would re-produce it and lead it with a cast!

Thanks for all of your insight and comments!
Love, Kate (yellow shirt,alt/ green shirt, Short blondish hair)

[donnadonna]

Kate- Thanks for your "insider's" view; I think most of us are more than a bit obsessed with knowing what's going on on the inside! Which cast member are you? You ladies all did an amazing job!

[donnadonna]

Kate- Just read the description next to your signature (I'm either a bit slow or a bit fast, but it doesn't matter which...), so ignore my last question. I'll be looking for you!

[LoriInND]

Kate,

Are you one of the featured cast in Pump? You look wonderful. Thanks for posting.

Lori :D

[vciera]

Thanks for the insight Kate! Are you the super fit young lady with the wavy bob cut? If so you look fabulous and I'm glad that you are featured cast member. I haven't done the KickButt rotation yet

Will you be in future workouts? I hope so :)

edit: I just did Metaboost and paid more attention to the cast and, well, y'all look so good I though you were younger than your chronological years :o

Being fit is fabulous!

[kate]

Kate back in and blushing.... Thanks for the compliments new friends ! I had so much fun in South Carolina, and now Im re-living the experience..... Just did PUMP this morning! Anyone tried it yet? Can you hold that balance in the warm-up? If not,post back after doing PUMP 5 or 6 more times!
In the first cardio section (I think), there's a song that sounds Jamaican. Heidi cues the "rock step', then "two steps to the side" before the "hip Shakes"and "Tribal Dance". Whenever she cues "two steps", my friend Laurie and I bust a three step turn!~so fun. Laurie is the tan, lean, auburn hair cast member. We did the turn on the set, but didn't 'get away with it!' but in your home,try it?! What else is fun? That stick cardio song with those bunny hops! And try using lots of drama when you circle that stick....it's just so satisfying! lol
Love, Kate (Katherine)

[catcookie39]

I'm very curious about these workouts. I'm not too sure which one to start with.



any suggestions?:rolleyes:



Mel

[Tarheels]

Mel, depending on your level of fitness, you may want to start out with the FitPrime series, then move on to the Kickbutts. I've been working out forever, and I thoroughly enjoy both series! Make sure to check out the clips on the www.whfn.com (http://www.whfn.com) home page because they are super long and give a great feel of the workouts themselves. :)

[Narty]

Is this Carol Miller?

Narty

[Narty]

LOL! NO is it definitely not me!! :)
ETA: thanks Jenn for calling me a cool lady!! :D

Is this Carol Miller?

Narty

[catcookie39]

Thanks Jen!


I'll look over the Fitprime workouts.:)

[TyTbody]

I wonder if it's how you feel some days. Today, I don't know what i was feeling but I was sure was not feeling Steaming Cardio. I was annoyed with the lady in front, the one with the blonde pony tail.I don't know how we focus on these things. I also was trying to see the other ladies that i would see in the mirro and not see when camera was on the lady with the pony tail. I swear, she worked out as if it was her class, she was the instructor. Didn't like it. What are you gonna do. Maybe they will listen to some of our suggestions and cue better and have someone who has done a few to go over it and see if it's cued properly. Which leg to start off on, how many of the lifts. It is taken for granted that they know the script and you, just get what you can.. .. and... I'll see you next time... with a smirk:)

[TyTbody]

who is Narty in which exercise?

[Narty]

I'm not Carol Miller, Narty, if that is what you were asking. However, I am a "fan" of yours!! I've enjoyed seeing you in the Firm videos since Volume 1 with Susan!! You look GREAT in the WHFN workouts!!!! It's so wonderful to see you in workouts again! Any chance of you leading one???

Carol
:)

Thanks so much. It was an absolutely wonderful experience to do another video and working with Anna and former castmates, especially Carol. It was like old home week for me. I travel alot so I don't have a workout routine and the older I get, the harder it gets. I am going through a phase right now where I need all the motivation I can get. That's why I hit this site. You guys are a great inspiration to me.

[TyTbody]

who are you in the videos Narty? Which lady?

[TyTbody]

okay guys, I don't understand why no one is answering my questions. Did I say anything wrong in this forum to be ignored?

[Tarheels]

Hey Tytbody, did you see Carol answered your question above your last reply? :D

[Firm Believer]

Narty! I too have been working out with you for over 15 years. Thank you very much for dropping everything to participate in the WHFNs. We all really appreciate it. Thank you for posting here too! :)

Lisa :cool:

[TyTbody]

Hey Tytbody, did you see Carol answered your question above your last reply? :D

Jenn, thank you. it must have been coming through the same time I was tying mine. Thank you for the response.

[snora]

Narty - I have to laugh. You have to be the biggest inspiration to many of the many women on this board, including me. How nice that we can help you in some way, too. Keep posting!

[kkallus1]

Narty- I don't think you realize how many of you watched your transformation with the Firm videos. You were always in great shape, but with each new vid, you were leaner and developed such beautiful muscles. You made us feel that we could all do it. I hope Anna continues to use the same cast members again so we can progress right along with them once again.

[laurie924]

This particular video can be a bit confusing on the cardio segments but if you try it just a couple of times it will be well worth it and you'll soon be "rock-shaking" in no time, loving it like the rest of us(ha,ha).
I will have to get the video out and see who the annoying pony-tailed blonde is, because this was our first video as cast members and we were all excited with this incredible opportunity to participate in these videos. My bestfriend Debby has blonde hair and I believe that she wore the pink top, but she is never annoying (ha,ha). As for myself, I am hidden in the far right of the screen with the electric blue top/blk shorts. I do get to be on the Marks main camera frame in Upper Body Burn & Strong Bear (yellow top/auburn pony-tail), which is REALLY COOL!

Give Steamin another chance & you'll grow to love it also - Laurie
Laurie924

[laurie924]

"Oh No,..I was wrong!" I put the video in when I got home and my bestfriend Debby is the blonde with the pony-tail, Katherine (my other best buddy) is the short blonde behind her and I am also behind Debby in blue/blk with reddish pony-tail (ha,ha). Katherine & I reined ourselves in for the filming and Debby was just having loads of fun. Too funny! - Laurie

[Narty]

Thanks all of you. It's Monday and the start of a new week. I was on the road this weekend. Travel always brings the risk of not eating right and no exercise. I managed to accomplish both -- no exercise and ate everything. However, I am starting the week off right. My goal is to take off five pounds and try to shift some of the drooping areas. It will take several weeks but I am mentally charged for this. I will be checking in just to keep the right perspective on things. Reading your comments really helps me.

[LoriInND]

Narty, You look wonderful in the videos. So happy to see you again in this set of videos. :D

Laurie, what do you look like?? I have to go look at Steamin Cardio again!


It is so wonderful that you cast members are posting!