TenEighty Shortlist 2015: Sam-E Locock

TenEighty have dived into the depths of YouTube to find the next generation of stars for our first official shortlist. The ten selected creators have less than 15 thousand subscribers and we believe they deserve more. Educating us about important things with self-depricating humour and a splash of sarcasm, it’s Sam-E Locock.

Name: Sam-E Locock
Channel: Pimbolammy
Launched: Feb 22, 2008
Most Popular Video: create
Subscriber Count: 6,618.

TenEighty’s Michael Dean selected Sam-E for the shortlist, commenting on her approach to education through laughter. “Sam-E makes some of the most interesting and educational vlogs on YouTube! But we’re not on about your garden variety schooling system kind of educational. She seems to have crafted a new style that mixes her own personality and what could be described as a TedTalk with sarcasm.

“Her videos are enjoyable, funny and leave you wanting more and feeling smarter. They’re packed full of anecdotes, honesty and encouragement for you to go and create things. Sam-E is definitely one to watch, and we’re excited to see whats to come from her next!”

TenEighty UK: When did you first start making YouTube videos and who/what inspired you to do it?
Sam-E Locock: I started vlogging in February 2012 after having seen Time To Reply by Charlie McDonnell, which was featured at the time.

I had completely forgotten that this online world of creators existed and I having just finished my belieber stage of life (let’s not talk about it…) I found a new obsession: YouTubers. I then found a massive network of people all making videos and I decided that, as I had no hobbies, I should give it a go.

(I actually made a few videos in 2009 of me dancing with my dog but there are no copies of those files anywhere anymore.)

T: What was the first YouTube video you remember watching?
S: I remember finding a David Joseph Colditz parody of Hoedown Throwdown. 11-year-old me found it absolutely hilarious and the idea of someone creating a parody of a popular song in their backyard was so amazing. I was so used to these polished music videos that watching something that was a bit silly opened up this world of creativity.

T: Which video of your own are you proudest of, and how did you go about making it?
S: create is my most popular video and I am very proud of it, but I actually prefer my video called there’s rice up my nose. I love making arsty videos, but I also love making vlogs where I can joke about stupid things I’ve done but also teach people within it (I actually had to learn about how your airways are connected for that video!).

Self-deprecating humour is always fun and I do a lot of silly things. The video was very simple to make. I just outlined the points, set my camera up, drew a diagram, filmed, edited, done. I think some of the best videos are the simplest and I’d rather have good content than fancy editing.

T: If you could go back to when you first started making YouTube videos, what advice would you give yourself?
S: Just keep creating. Your first videos aren’t going to be very good, but you have to keep churning out bad videos until you start making something good. Don’t be afraid of that.

T: What are your opinions on the YouTube community?
S: The YouTube community is an amazing thing. I have met some brilliant people that have supported me through really hard times and most of my best friends I have made through youtube dot com. However, the way viewers sometimes treat YouTubers scares me. They are people just like you. Don’t put them on a pedestal.

T: If you could collaborate with one other big YouTuber, who would it be and what type of video would you make?
S: Michael Stevens. I love Vsauce. I have no idea what we’d make but something nerdy would be fun. I love learning new things! Or Chris Kendall. He is hilarious and I like how he is trying to break away from ‘crabstickz’ because he is addressing something that a lot of people are feeling. I really like his new content.

T: If you were CEO of YouTube for a day, what one big change would you implement to the website?
S: I’d put in loads of little easter eggs. I love those. When you search specific things there are little animations or things that happen (e.g. Beam me up Scotty, Do the Harlem Shake, doge meme). Also, you can play Snake while a video is loading! I’m such a nerd sometimes.

T: What do you predict will be the next ‘big trend’ on YouTube?
S: Well recently, it’s been BRITISH PERSON TRIES FOREIGN SWEETS and then it was BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT. I’m not sure but it’ll probably be something like FILM ANNOUNCEMENT (was that too shady?).

I’m just kidding… Well… I just hope that people start making original content again rather than just doing challenges and tags constantly.

T: Where do you see yourself and YouTube in ten years time?
S: I’d like to still be making videos, but only if I enjoy them. It’s nice to have something to look back on. I have no idea if making YouTube videos will take me anywhere in long run but, right now, I’m enjoying the creative process and the friends I’ve made.

T: Which video from the last 10 years of YouTube do you believe sums up the platform at its finest?
S: Don’t Hug me I’m Scared. It’s a classic. I know almost every line of each episode of it. It’s so creative and fun, but so weird and I feel like it summarises the different sides of YouTube. Great. Great News!

Keep checking TenEighty throughout this week to find out who else is on our shortlist. Alternatively, if you’re feeling inspired to start making your own videos, check out some of the following articles:

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