Once again Audio Video Supply put on a rootin' tootin' good time at their annual Great Western Shoot Out. Featuring cameras, projectors, plasma and editing systems, as well as great Texas BBQ (piles, simply piles of delicious chicken and beef, corn, beans and rolls), this is an event you shouldn't miss the next time it rolls around.

October 2000
Production Crew Panel

The October 2000 meeting at the Carlsbad City Library was great! The panel included Carl Perkins, Richard Crow , James "JT" Teiper, Liz Ervin, Wendy Perkins , and James Steele . They provided tons of valuable insight and could have continued for hours. Thanks to each of our panel members for taking the time to share their knowledge.

Hosting the food for October was JM DigitalWorks. Many thanks to Amy Bickle and Ken Kebow for providing a fine repast for the social hour. We would also like to thank Jan Baxter (AdGap) for the nice door prize -- a very slick portfolio.

And finally, we would like to thank the Carlsbad Library for providing the venue. Their state-of-the-art auditorium was the perfect place for this sort of meeting, with video projection, room on the stage for the six panelists, plus a moderator -- with mics for each, as well as touch screen control for everything. Check their web site for more info -- http://www.carlsbad-media.org (If you get a password page, just cancel out of it.)

August 2000
Retaining the High-Tech Client

Let's face it --" The Golden Rule" rules! 

A large group of San Diego Video and Multimedia production people gathered in the Multi Image theater on August 10, 2000 for an inspiring presentation by long time ITVA/MCA member Fred Ashman -- senior creative director and President of Multi Image. We would like to thank Fred and his staff for opening their doors for this meeting, as well as for the bountiful selection of food. Assisting Fred were Rachel Kumar, Gabriella Lengua, Mark Stuloff and Dave Scweitzer.

After a short report from ITVA/MCA member Mark Schulze, Fred took the floor and in the next hour he explained his business philosophy. Basically, it's the Golden Rule. That's how Fred and his staff have retained such clients as NCR Corporation and American Airlines for 20 years plus. Be fair and honest, but also keep a close eye on the objectives, always remembering that every presentation comes down to story.

What is the message? You need to help the client look for the Big Picture. Remember, a program can't be all things to all people. Make sure there is some element of Universal Appeal that connects with a broader audience than just the executives who are authorizing the budget.  This means understanding the difference between the Client and the Audience. Fred likened the situation in many cases to working with a 7th grader with power.

Some key thoughts:

• First you have to get the opportunity
• Then you have to get the business
• Focus on attainable, measureable Objectives
  • 1-3 Business Objectives
  • 1-3 Program Objectives
• Make it easy for the client
• Build the relationship

Bottom line for Fred and his very successful company -- do the right thing and don't get greedy. Here are his Seven Rules for Success:

• Ethics
• Quality
• Perspective
• Honest & Reasonable
• Fix it well when you screw up
• Don't get greedy
• Be a partner

After the presentation members Craig Bentley and Mark Schulze drew winning tickets for a number of door prizes donated by Multi Image and New and Unique Videos. 

April 2000
Shooting for the Edit

Bob Sloan, owner and President of Bob Sloan Productions gave an excellent presentation at the April San Diego ITVA meeting about coordinating the shoot and an edit of a project, demonstrating economies of time, effort, and money.  He also discussed the current state of Streaming Internet Video and High Definition Television and how it might affect the small producer at this moment in time. Audio Visual equipment for the meeting was provided by ITVA member Ray Hayden and Audio Video Supply

Bob's facility was packed to capacity as he pulled from his over 25 years of experience to pass along valuable tips to save time and money while fullfilling the client's objectives. In addition to taking good log notes and using a knowledgeable person to do so, Bob offers the following Ten Tips to Remember:

Ten Tips (make that eleven tips) to Remember

1. Pre-conceive your project, start with the end and work forward
2. Visualize the look and style
3. Use checklists and scout all locations
4. Communicate the final product to your crew
5. Know the capabilities of your edit system and editor ahead of time
6. Cross check your plans and desires with your budget
7. Cross check your plans and desires with your schedule
8. Have a minimum standard of quality
9. Don't forget about sound
10. Keep your client's objectives at the forefront
11. Make sure you work with competent people

March 2000
Distributing Your Show to Home Video/TV Markets

ITVA Member Mark Schulze, CEO of New & Unique Videos, producers and distributors of video titles since 1985, discussed how to produce and distribute a marketable video, as well as how to avoid the numerous pitfalls of this ever-changing industry. The meeting was hosted by Reel Picture, a duplication company offering full service video, CD and DVD replication. Mark Schulze and Bill Wade (formerly of XUPN) provided door prizes.

Mark's specific comments addressed: 

• how to brainstorm a salable idea
• how to identify your market; format, program time, budgets and distribution costs
• how to get free press, promotions and sales
• about packaging--what absolutely has to be on your four-color box cover to make it shelf-ready
• how to use the Internet to your advantage
• domestic and foreign rights, and more.

One of the highlights of the evening was learning Mark's secrets to getting a practically all expenses paid and tax deductible vacation. It really can pay off to be a professional video producer!