December 2008

Mingle Bells!

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November 2008

With so many of us involved in promoting and marketing other people's business, why are so many of us so bad at it? That's the question posed at November's meeting held on Groovy Like a Movie's stage in Kearny Mesa. Executive Producer of Groovy Like a Movie, Brent Altomare begin the evening with a presentation that focused on guidelines for traditional for marketing. In the end, Brent reminded the audience that the goal of marketing is to begin to build a relationship with the audience. And while traditional media (print, broadcast, outdoor, etc) can begin that process, the real magic for relationship-based marketing happens when non-traditional (or "web 2.0") media comes into play.

This is where BJ Cook, co-founder of Digital Operative stepped in. BJ introduced the group to some tactical approaches to help fulfill the strategic concepts outlined by Brent. He introduced the audience to several emerging and mature tools to have a 2-way conversation with their target audience (instead of the traditional approach to marketing, which is a strictly one-way shouting match). BJ blogged about his presentation and provided a link to his slides. you can find that post here. Brent has also provided a link to his slides here.

During the Q&A session, Brent and BJ were put on the spot to come up with a "top ten marketing tips."

Special thanks to Michael Stewart from Broadcast Rentals for providing the raffle prizes (gift certificates for a tasty night out to dinner!) and to Jim Staylor of Staylor Made Communications for handling the MC and moderator duties! Also a nerdy thanks to Adam Levenson (the other co-founder of Digital Operative - twitter handle: @adamlevinson) for live-tweeting the event!

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October 2008

Tapeless Workflow

Thanks to all our presenters and attendees at the October meeting, Tapeless Workflow, held at the the San Diego Production Centre. We had workflow presentations and "hands on" opportunities from Panasonic, Sony, and for the Red One camera systems.

Tom James from Panasonic discussed work flows for the AVCHD format, which is used in the HPX170, and the HMC70 Panasonic cameras. Val Reynolds from Sony gave a demo on the Sony PDW700 camera and PDWHD1500 Professional Disc Recorder, and also a PMWEX3 EX Camera, which was shown in a "studio configuration" that could be had for under $30,000! Jess Bushyhead, an independent XDCAM user, demonstrated the XDCAM workflow using Avid & Final Cut Pro. Jess is a member of Sony's Independent certified expert group ("ICE Team") for Sony's XDCcam HD disc and the new EX1 and EX3 camera systems.

Jeremy Sykes had his RED One camera set up with all the bells and whistles available for inspection, and Blair Paulsen from Alacrity Media discussed the RED work flow, and also brought his "Ninja 4K Van", his newly assembled complete mobile editing solution featuring the SCRATCH-RED workflow, built into a customized Road Grader van.

Broadcast Rentals contributed restaurant gift certificates for the raffle, while Panasonic gave away six - count 'em - six kits containing memory cards and readers and other goodies, including 1/2 price rentals of the new AVCHD Codec cameras at Video Gear. The grand prize, won by SDMCA-I president-elect Jeff Gelder, was a Sony Blue-Ray player, contributed by Sony Broadcast.

Thanks go to the San Diego Production Centre for hosting this event and providing a great venue for our Tapeless Workflow meeting!

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September 2008

No Meeting

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July 2008

No Meeting

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May 2008

Getting the Best from your “Talent”
(Non-Professional and Professional)

Around 40 people converged on PromoVision Studios on Wednesday June 28th, 2008 for to talk talent. The social hour was hosted by Bill Ludwig of PromoVision who opened his facility and provided food and beverages. During the business portion of the meeting, Bill had a chance to talk about the PromoVision Studio and Office concept. PromoVision Studios is a full service production facility, offering a complete news set, as well as a green screen area. They have two full lighting rigs, a boom jib, lavaliere mics, up to five cameras, teleprompters and a production switcher. For the meeting, they provided lights, camera, mics, a huge plasma screen, DVD playback and assistance for the presentation. They also offer office space for producers and editors. The North San Diego County location makes it convenient for both San Diego and Orange County digital media pros. Visit them online or call Bill to schedule a visit.

President Elect Jeff Gelder ran the business portion of the meeting - asking the group to introduce themselves to each other and acknowledging the local board members who were in attendance. Door Prizes were provided by MCA-I and Bobbin Beam. Video Gear Rentals provided the PA. Board members Bill Manning, Luke Jungers, Bill Bork and Jim Staylor helped with set up and tear down. Jim Staylor videotaped the entire meeting and we are looking at posting at least some of the highlights online.

Connie Terwilliger, coordinator of the professional development portion of the meeting, introduced three time-tested directors who were on hand to present some of their tried and true lessons learned for the inevitable interview the CEO, the COO, the General Manager - THE BIG BOSS - who 1) hates to be on camera, 2) has no time to be on camera, and/or 3) worries about every word they say. Each had valuable input on how to get them to relax and tell the story they want to tell in the shortest time possible.

First up - Richard Crawford - One Productions (the longest running production company in San Diego)

Richard started out with some audience participation - demonstrating some tips on how to get a crowd of extras to create background noise - you don't just ask them to talk - you give them something specific - and easy to say. One half of the group said “peas and carrots” and the rest said “crowd noise.” If you need background sound, this works!

While much of the meeting focused on interview techniques, Richard gave two members of the audience a couple of “lines” each and showed how to use physicalization to improve their dialogue. Stamping their feet - pounding a fist into the other hand - poking the other person in the chest. All help break down the fears of the non-professional - the result - more believable delivery of the lines.

A few more pointers from Richard:

- Chit chat to put them at ease
- Use appropriate humor
- When working with kids - be on the ball with the camera
- And don't ask kids abstract questions. For example…don't ask them how they feel about something - get them involved.

Craig Bentley and John Coleman came up together and interviewed each other using one of PromoVision's studio cameras. The interviewee was projected on a large plasma screen.

John began by illustrating BAD interview techniques - Craig doesn't like to be in front of the camera to begin with and even though he knew what was coming, the first few minutes really made him uncomfortable! Thankfully - after making the point - John slipped into his usual friendly helpful interviewing style, much to Craig's relief.

Both Craig and John provided handouts that are online for downloading:

- Craig's Meeting Notes
- Shooting Great Interviews I: Preparing Your Subject
- Shooting Great Interviews II: Make it a Story

After each director had a chance to go over their top tips, the remaining time was used for a panel discussion and audience Q&A moderated by Connie.

Additional Resources provided by members and others in attendance:

- Jim Staylor - How to Conduct Excellent On-camera Interviews.
- Jim Teiper - Thoughts from a Lighting Director

Craig Bentley - Imageworks

Craig Bentley received a film and television degree from San Diego State University, where he was chosen by the American Cinema Editors as one of the top three student editors in the nation. Craig started directing videos for a national home center chain in the early 80s. When that home center chain went out of business, he foolishly thought it would be easier to start his own production company than finding a real job, and has clung to that pipedream ever since founding Imageworks in 1986.

Directorial assignments have included commercials, training programs and marketing videos for companies such as American Express, Coca-Cola and Sharp HealthCare. He has directed more than 50 training videos for the state police commission, all of which feature many interviews and dramatic scenarios using both professional and non-professional actors. Because of the Freedom of Information Act, however, if he showed any of them to you he'd have to kill you. Industry recognition includes Telly, Aurora and Communicator awards. Craig is on MCA-I San Diego's board of directors and served as chapter president for 5 years.

John Coleman - Twin Oaks Communications

2008 May Meeting

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April 2008

NAB Wrap Up

Traditionally our NAB Wrap Up is one of the best attended meetings of the year and 2008 was no exception. Held at 30th Street Garage, a beautiful 3200 sq ft industrial-looking photography and videography studio run by Jeff Lancaster, the meeting was standing room only. With tasty food, fun door prizes and reports from NAB by those who attended, the mood was electric!

First up, our own Luke Jungers presented two videos he produced capturing the flavor of NAB, along with short demos direct from the show floor. He then answered questions about his experiences at NAB, and answered questions about products showcased in his videos. Mostly people wanted to know "How much does that cost?"

After some good-natured back and forth, Tom James from Panasonic gave a presentation on their new offerings including updates to the popular HVX200, a P2 version of the VariCam, and lots of other drool-worthy gear. Tom also spent some time introducing and explaining Panasonic's AVC-Intra CODEC which achieves DVCPRO-HD quality at half the bit-rate.

Sony's Val Reynolds was next up on the agenda. Val's presentation focused on choice. He presented the XDCAM EX line of products that record on SxS PRO™ memory cards and have interchangeable lenses. He also showed updates to Sony's popular lineup of XDCAM-based cameras, new tape-based HDV gear, and the "if-you-have-to-ask-you-can't-afford-it" F35 CineAlta Camera. Ooh's and Aah's all around!

Unfortunately Steve Milley from JVC had a nasty case of the flu and was not able to join us, but even without his presentation the attendees got a lot of great information and everyone had a good time.

We would also like to give a big "thank you" Brent Altomare from Groovy Like A Movie for the great food and projector, Martin Banks from Video Gear for the sound system, all who contributed cool door prizes, and especially Brendan Wood from Empire State Filter Company for his donation of more than a few video and audio hum filters for the third year in a row!

Also, a late “thank you” to Michael Stewart of Broadcast Rentals for his donation of a $50 gift card door prize at a previous meeting!

2008 April Meeting

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March 2008

Our March meeting was held at the studios of Ferrari Productions and was hosted by Phil Ferrari (of Ferrari Productions) and Martin Banks of Video Gear. The Ferrari Productions stage was filled with various tools used to keep the camera moving. Demos of car mounts, dollies, jib arms, Steadicams were available to a full house of SDMCA-I attendees. Martin Banks used his Datavideo switcher to connect to a projector so the attendees could watch the various camera moves and demonstration videos. 

Brad Olander presented a demo of his customized Steadicam rig and demonstrated how the Steadicam allows a camera to move in a three dimensional space and can follow the action through a building, up and down stairs, through doorways, and from one environment to the another. Brad pointed out the  freedom that the Steadicam brings to a production,  allowing a director to try alternate shots and expand creativity without putting the production behind schedule. Brad demonstrated with Connie Terwilliger how the Steadicam can follow the talent and create a truly unique POV.

Darrin Burnworth explained how a jib can add real production value to your production. Darrin demonstrated smooth moves up, over and around using the Jimmy Jib. Darrin's Jimmy Jib can be configured for shots that requite a reach from 6 feet to as long as 40 feet in length and 45 feet in height. Darrin showed us how to use the jib to make your camera fly, jump or run to create the look that puts your production over the top.

Jerry Johnson founder and CEO of Microdolly presented a glimpse of his Microdolly Workshop that is held on a regular basis in Burbank. Jerry shared some unique ways to accomplish incredibly smooth camera moves using a dolly on a track without bringing a huge grip truck along.  Microdolly is known for it's highly portable dolly and track system that adds the possibility of dolly shots to locations that otherwise would never have been practical. 

After the presentations, attendees were given an opportunity to have a hands-on session with these production tools, and an opportunity understand a bit better how these tools give a new way to add movement to your productions.
Door prizes donated by Video Gear, Microdolly and Ferrari Productions were raffled off.

2008 March Meeting

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February 2008

Audio In The Field

Our February meeting was held at “Groovy Like A Movie”, now located in the former  “Four Square Productions” building. Brent Altomare has really made it a nice place, and was a great host, providing Sushi, veggie trays, drinks, and other good eats. After eating our fill, we were treated to a presentation on the sound stage with Don Hale, Frank Forth, and Jim Alburger, three well respected names in the field of audio production.

After introductions, each presenter talked about different experiences they have had, problems they encountered, and some of their favorite things, like mics, and how to place them. Frank Forth gave us a tip on how to use a “Dr Scholl’s Bunion Doughnut” as a clever way to place a lav mic behind a shirt or sweater. Don Hale talked about the importance of keeping audio consistent between shots. Jim Alburger gave us some technical pointers on common phase  problems and how to prevent them (helped out by Frank and Don).

At times, some of the information got a little technical, but Frank, Don, and Jim did a good job of explaining and making things understandable for everyone. We then opened the floor to questions, allowing everyone to get involved. Of course, the questions could have gone on all night! We then Gave away our raffle “grand Prizes”, a digital video noise filter and an audio noise filter, donated by Brendon Wood  at Empire State Filter Company! Afterwards, we finished up with a tour of the facility, and then it was over…….until next time!

2008 February Meeting

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January 2008

Legal Issues In The Digital Age

Attorney David Branfman spoke at the January meeting about legal issues in the digital age for media producers.  The one-hour talk touched on several topics related to: copyrights–yours and other’s; brand names, registering ownership of domain names and trademarks; as well as contracts and agreements.  David’s one-hour talk covered the basics of these issues and how they relate to producers and content creators in the digital age.  Those in attendance were able to ask questions and get some general advice and guidance without paying the customary retainer fee.  A big bonus was the 26 page handout of sample Contracts, Terms and Conditions, Independent Contractor Contract, Payment Policy Statement, and a Production Agreement.  All worth more than the price of admission, which is FREE to members, by the way, and certainly a real bargain at $10.00 for non-members.

Also free to those lucky enough to win a door prize were Kata bags from Video Gear and an Applebee’s gift card and a ball cap from Broadcast Rentals.

 

Planning Survey a Success!

The first annual SD MCA-I Planning Survey was a big success, collecting more input on meetings than we ever did in a planning meeting, while also not using up valuable meeting time with mundane planning tasks!  The SD MCA-I board has already had one meeting to discuss the results, with another meeting scheduled for next month.  Two of the top vote-getters were Camera Motion and NAB Wrap-Up, so those topics are slated for our next two meetings! 

Thanks to all who participated in the survey. In a blind drawing, the $100.00 Gift Certificate for rental equipment from Video Gear was won by Frank Mitchell and the two sets of Movie tickets were won by Michael Stewart and Craig Bentley.  Congratulations to the winners!

2008 January Meeting

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