would you be willing to talk shop about vidding with me, either in e-mail or in chat?

Absolutely. I don't claim to be an expert, but I should be able to point you in the right direction, at least. Plus, shoptalk is fun, and I want to see your vid. :-)

Mail me at mcvices at gmail dot com, or I'm rearsandvices on AIM.

And good luck with the exam.