A Whale of a Deal

Not quite your Moby Dick, but the label 'whale' can hold similarly mythic meaning among Enterprise sellers.

Yes, it's a big one. Perhaps, the big one.

They so seldom land as to be the stuff of legend.

A trailblazing titan of late-night broadcasting just put his mic down for the final time after a fifty-year career.

James Whale was Britain's first phone-in 'shock jock'. Although he hated that term. Creating the format by accident. In isolation being given a graveyard slot on a local radio station and almost wondering how to fill the time, asked listeners to ring in.

His jousting left practically all comers ousted.

In my formative years myself, despite being unable to agree with everything he said, I too enjoyed the knockabout chaos of when his show was simulcast on weekend telly.

Thankfully he revealed he'd die a happy man. Grateful for the life well lived. And, despite his detractors - mainly from the prim, do-as-I-say, pharisaic outrage bus passengers - recognised as a significant mover in the medium.

The pic up top I recalled posting as part of a collage from the particular channel on which he then featured on the first anniversary of lockdown.

A little later I also cited further videoing wisdom of his.

In the four years since, I realise there continued to be such wealth. So here's a 'top ten' selection. Not so much to mourn, but to salute the skill and take it on.

'Twas water.

You should hold up props to the camera.

Then remember to hold 'em to the side of your head.

Or even above it. Let rip.

Then knowing you can keep something in-shot prominent throughout. Such as that valued industry award trophy.

Victory.

Not only can you sip on camera, your mug can say a lot about you too.

Sweep! As guest here remembering the good times. That flat-screen could also be put to good use.

Not forgetting you can move around. Inject life.

And into the garden. Actual daylighting. Though seeing the screen of fellow participants can be tricky, to mix it up is always worth a try. Here with his last proper broadcast interview setting. Headwear optional.