New is good. You want proof? Look at all the positive synonyms for new, such as cutting edge, forward looking, state of the art, and latest & greatest. On the other hand, many of us also have affection for things of the past, for example, antiques, classic cars, silent movies, and high school reunions. Love of old stuff even required coining a word—retro (1974). All of which brings us to Mike Castellucci’s “Vinyl is back baby!” a timely piece of Mobile Journalism (a term that originated in the 1990s). As his title suggests, the piece is about the new wave of old analog music. You’ll find a very current interview with the director following the movie.

Interview with Mike Castellucci

The creator of the Murrow and Emmy Award winning iPhone show, “Phoning It In” (WFAA, Dallas), Mike Castellucci has been a TEDx speaker, and currently is an Apple Distinguished Educator. He is a Professor of Practice at Michigan State University

MobileMovieMaking: How did you become a Mobile Journalist?

Mike Castellucci: Anyone remember the Flip camera? 140 dollars at Target. Really one of the first consumer grade HD cameras. I challenged myself to shoot an entire half hour special using it. It won 3 Regional Emmy Awards in the Pacific Southwest region So in Dallas, my boss knew I was up for a challenge. She asked one day if I could go shoot a story for the evening broadcast and use my phone. I cobbled some gear together, including a way to use a regular microphone plugged into the phone. They really didn’t have those adapters readily available 7 years ago. The story was fine. I started doing them regularly. The anchors would lead in sayng, “and here’s a story Mike shot entirely on his phone.” Then taking everything to the extreme, I started shooting entire half hour specials using only my phone. Phoning it in was born. At one point we promoted it as a “broadcast first”. We couldn’t find anyone who had shot an entire half hour with one phone. I produced, wrote, shot, edited and hosted. I’ve done several shows to this point. They have won Emmy awards and the Edward R. Murrow for innovation.

MobileMovieMaking: Where do you currently work?

Mike Castellucci: While I’m teaching full time at Michigan State University, I continue to air pieces in the Dallas/Ft. Worth market primarily on WFAA Channel 8. MSU offered me the opportunity to develop and design dedicated Storytelling with Phones courses, which are now part of the two majors in the College of Arts and Sciences.

MobileMovieMaking: What is the state of Mobile Journalism in the U.S. compared with Europe?

Mike Castellucci: After being asked to speak in Dublin, Ireland, at MojoFest, I realized that I was one of the few journalists in this country to work entirely with mobile. I felt Europe was ahead in the field but I definitely am seeing it become widely used in the U.S.

MobileMovieMaking: Turning to “Vinyl is back baby!,” how did you come upon that story?

Mike Castellucci: I read a story online that talked about the insane resurgence of an old technology. It fascinated me and I wanted to learn more. I knew in Dallas I could shoot live music, record stores and one of the few record pressing plants.

MobileMovieMaking: What gear did you use?

Mike Castellucci: I used an iPhone 12 ProMax. Beastgrip Pro and cage. Beastgrip macro lens. Sennhesier MKE-400 shotgun mic. Sennheiser AVX wireless mic. Rode Wireless Go II. Peak Design Travel Tripod.

MobileMovieMaking: How long did the shoot take?

Mike Castellucci: I shot it for a few hours on 2 days.

MobileMovieMaking: What app did you use for editing?

Mike Castellucci: I edit on my laptop with Final Cut Pro X

MobileMovieMaking: Could you talk about your TV show?

Mike Castellucci: Most all of my pieces air on Chanel 8 in Dallas. I’ve just agreed to air a series of pieces on WKAR, the PBS station in Michigan as well.

MobileMovieMaking: What other projects are you working on?

Mike Castellucci: I really want to expand the pieces I create in Texas to all the markets in Texas. I enjoy so much bringing the stories of the human condition and stories that hopefully inspire folks to the people of Texas.

MobileMovieMaking: Anything else?

Mike Castellucci: I just really enjoy doing things different and stretching the thoughts of what traditional TV journalism is. I think it’s important to be innovative at a time when the industry needs it. I’ve learned I can create pieces and half hour specials entirely on my phone and compete and win on the same playing field as anyone in the business. I was just honored with the National Edward R. Murrow award. Of course the piece was done entirely on my phone. I wonder if that’s a first for them? At least I was wondering that during the gala in NYC in October. Many TV stations are looking into reporters being more embedded in communities. I’ve been doing this really for 8 years. I go out alone with my phone and create meaningful content that also wins awards. I’m honored. And thank you for checking this piece out and wanting to spotlight it. I appreciate it.

MobileMovieMaking: What’s the best way for readers to keep up with you and your work?

Mike Castellucci:I’d love for folks to subscribe to my YouTube channel. They can also follow me on Twitter and Instagram, and Facebook. My website is— guess what—www.MikeCastellucci.com

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The editors of MobileMovieMaking have chose “Vinyl is back baby!” as the Mobile Movie of the Week.