We see cameramen running all over the sidelines, goal to goal. The next morning, a cascade of game photos arrives. Sophomore Vincent Mhire’s video productions stand out from all of the rest.
Mhire operates the Instagram page “@vinnyflics,” which posts compilations and mixtapes of local football, volleyball, and basketball games.
Mhire found inspiration for it during his time at an amateur basketball program. He admired the videographers who worked the circuit and decided to try it.
“I’ve always been into video creation. Whenever I got the chance to get a camera, I enjoyed it so I kept going,” Mhire said.
His opportunity led him to begin filming his friends and other students at basketball competitions and football games. He began to amass a following on social media and built a connection with his peers.
Soon, this connection started to transcend students. Mhire began receiving attention from coaches and athletes.
“Ever since I started doing the videos, especially with the football team, they’ve added me to their group chat. I’m on the field with them, talking constantly. I’m a lot closer with the coaches,” Mhire said.
As an athlete, he understands the mindset of the competitors he records. His work as a videographer and a basketball player has provided a new point of view.
“I understand how to approach people that record me now. They are doing their own thing and have their own time. They don’t always think ‘I got to get this video done for Vincent,’” Mhire said.
As Mhire’s social media became more prevalent, his workload did the same. He stuck to his priorities, blocked out the noise, and considered what was important to him.
“Whether it’s school, my faith, or my family, those things will all be first. I’m still a kid and I’m going to do what comes first in my eyes,” Mhire said.
One misunderstanding he believes people have is in their expectations. The post-production editing and his motivation are factors in the speed of his output.
“It takes a lot of time to even color the footage. People texting me right after the game, asking for everything, don’t realize how much work goes into the final product,” Mhire said.
He still enjoys his time in the student section and as a player. Those experiences help him take the perspective of those he records and provide him with a unique experience.
“When you’re in the stands, you are so far away. On the field or court, you are so in the thick of it, so you can’t see a broader perspective. Whenever you are in the middle area of recording, you get to see the raw emotions and how it actually is out there,” Mhire said.
Being present is a crucial strategy for him. It helps him create an identity away from the camera.
“This camera thing has been going really well for me, but is this what I really want to be known for? I don’t want to just be known for VinnyFlics. My main passion is basketball until something changes, which I don’t think ever will,” Mhire said.
