December 2002
First Annual
Holiday
Happy Hour
Dave and Buster’s was the place and about 25 people gathered to gulp a free drink or two, graze on the appetizers, gab with friends (new and old), and grapple with the games. The first 15 MCA-I members who RSVP'd received $15 worth of gaming credits. We also gave one card away to a non-member during the Happy Hour.
November 20, 2002
Tips and Tricks for Budgeting for, Hiring and Working with Talent
Nearly 50 multi media producer, writers, camera people, audio people, talent, engineers, editors and the whole gamut and crowded into the new San Diego Production Centre on this balmy Wednesday evening. The facility, which houses the San Diego Production Centre stage, Planet Post, Total IT, Sound Surgeon and TV Magic, has been extensively remodeled.
This was a terrific evening and from the view of the new facility, to the fabulous food, to the lively and informative presentation. Look for a follow up presentation in 2003 and since we just barely scratched the surface of this important topic.
Presenters:
Iris Hampton, Casting Director, Shannon/Hampton Casting (619) 582-4632)
Michael Kurtz
, Independent Director and DP
Tom Merritt
, VP and General Manager, Four Square Productions
Nanci Washburn
, Talent Agent, Artist Management
Presentation Outline:
1) Budgeting
You know you are going to need talent for this project. Start planning for it during the budgeting phase. First step and identify the kind of talent will you need.
a. Voice over?
i. How many voices?
ii. How many characters/voices per talent?
iii. What style of delivery?
iv. Long form or short form?
b. On-camera?
i. Spokesperson?
ii. Actor(s)?
iii. Testimonials?
iv. Teleprompter/Ear Prompter/Memorization?
c. Amateur/Employee Talent?
i. What to expect budget wise
ii. What to expect performance wise
iii. What if you have no choice
With a clear idea of your expected cast of characters, now you can estimate the costs. If you aren't sure what a fair rate is for your project/talent and ask. There are a number of sources for basic information.
a. AFTRA/SAG "scale" rates available at www.aftra.org
b. Agents - call an agent and discuss the project. That's what they are there for!
c. Ask unrepresented talent directly about their rates.
d. Network with others in the industry.
Another critical budgeting concern is usage? What if a project starts out as an in-house video and ends up on the corporate web site? Or starts out as a one location kiosk and ends up on a CD for mass distribution?
a. Union talent and contractual obligations?
b. Non-union talent and buy out?
c. Conflict of interest?
d. Copyright issues?
2) Hiring
Now you need to select the right person for the job. Not every actor can do everything. You need to be sure that not only does the actor you select look or sound right for the project, you need to know that they can do the job you are asking them to do.
a. Initial selection and on or off-camera
i. View headshots
ii. View video demos
iii. Listen to Individual Talent audio demos
iv. Listen to Agency CD
b. Can this talent do the job?
i. Prior experience with particular talent
ii. Ask Agent for recommendations/View talent demos
iii. Hold a casting session/auditions
(1) This would need to be a line item in the budget planning
(2) Why would you use a casting director?
October 2002
"Taking Video into the Digital Domain"
A panel of digital experts shared their experience making video profitable in the new "digital domain."
Brian Douglass
, President of Digital OutPost, spoke about the changing industry of video and how his clients are pushing him into new directions. For example, a client of his provides him with edited video and Digital OutPost encodes the video for CD format. What makes the job more unique is the synchronization of PowerPoint slides with the video all within a graphically pleasing layout. The client can "fast forward" to a new topic by clicking on a text link, instantly jumping to a new section in both the video and slide presentation. Additionally, DVD offers multiple track capability to switch between video and slides, captioning, surround sound, motion menus, and multiple language tracks.
Tim Napoleon, Marketing Program Manager of Vital Stream, talked about the steps for making video a profitable venture online. First, he encouraged future webmasters to have an interesting topic that would likely sell. Second, know your market. Three, do your research. Four, have a basic understanding of video production. A video on Tai-Bo is less likely to succeed as it has already been done whereas one of his current clients hosts a Somalian radio show that is profitable as it is the only one of its kind. Tim shared his own personal experiences in creating a "How to Draw Monsters" video that is sold on DVD. He spent two years creating this video by meeting with a cable representative to research what his target market liked to buy, getting a partner to create the drawings, shooting the material over a year, and finally selling DVDs online through various websites. The video is top-selling within its niche market and is a profitable business for Tim.
Sam Kephardt, CEO of Idyllwild Communications, ventured into computer-based training from a referral of a friend. He pitched a medical group on creating a website geared towards online training of nurses. Both parties lacked experience in computer-based training so he recommended that he design a demo site for a paid fee. The site was composed of animation with matching audio and a test with scoring. The demo was so successful that he landed the job. This led to an online credential program for nurses. Sam's success led him to create Virtual Acumen, a site geared towards the education of fraud prevention by use of video. It is a pay-per-view site that is marketed towards corporate
America
.
Ed Keyes, partner of Virtual Acumen and president of Business Jazz Networks, shared his experience with creating a new life to old video. A budget that once allowed only one airing on TV can be given new life through on-going "broadcasts" online. Streaming video is viewable 24 hours and reaches audiences never imagined due to the expanse nature of the Internet. Eddie has found a profitable way to market to corporations by broadcasting his own radio shows online.
The meeting ended with a tour of Reel Pictures digital replication facility. Special thanks to Michael Ishayik for hosting the meeting at his building.
(This recap provided by Deborah Bravandt, DOP)
Well over 60 people made their way to KPBS-TV’s Digital Studio for this great meeting. Many thanks to the staff at KPBS for helping out with the technical aspects of this special presentation, as well as for the delicious snacks.
Bill started the presentation with an example of "good HDTV" where careful lighting and time-of-day considerations gave the video the look of film. He then show a sample of "bad HDTV" where shooting in the middle of the day without careful shot selection resulted in video that looked like video.
He then presented the foundation of lighting theory: 3-Dimensional Contrast. What we're mainly trying to achieve in our lighting is to give the viewer a sense of what an object is really like: its shape and texture.
Every part of a scene is one of three things: true tone (the actual color of an object), specular highlight (reflection of the light source) or shadow (absence of light). All of lighting boils down to controlling these three factors, and the transition, or edge, between them. You control them through how intense, and how hard or soft (small or large), your light source is.
He then showed us how to use this foundation to light product shots and people shots. His presentation was peppered with tips and anecdotes about dealing with directors and clients. Several attendees have called it the best meeting they've been to.
July 28, 2002
Summer
Beach
Party
Year two for what we hope is now an annual event at the north end of
Ski
Beach
in
Mission
Bay
,
San Diego
California
. It was a picture perfect day filled with conversation, good food and volleyball.
June 26, 2002
Non-linear Editing Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting
The meeting started off with the Vendors Corner, which was covered by Steve Rosen, President of TV Magic, which is a systems integration provider of broadcast and professional audio, video non-linear editing systems, presentation technologies, large screen display and business communications. They specialize in design and build, with services that include design engineering, consulting, equipment sales, system installation, maintenance, user training, and customer service. Please see their website at www.tvmagic.tv.
The speakers at this meeting were Stuart White and Gail Pineda of TV Magic. Stuart has 8 years of experience with non-linear editing systems and a background in production and post-production with an emphasis on short form digital effects, intensive commercials and promotions. Gail has 13 years experience in the broadcast field from Camera Operator to CG, Graphics to Commercial Editor, and Promotions Producer to Broadcast Engineer. Also, Gail has won a Telly Award for a music series she edited and co-produced, as well as a couple of ADDY’s for her commercial work.
Stuart spoke first and covered many of the day-to-day items that users of non-linear edit systems (NLE’s) need to be aware of, which included tips in the following areas. De-fragmentation of your hard drives that contain media (do not do it!). Clearing a completed project (clear not only the media but all associated files with them). Keeping your edit system clean (try to keep all additional programs off of your editing computer, especially email and word processors, because they can wreak havoc with your primary tool which is to have a flawlessly running edit station).
Other topics included Mac as well as Windows operating systems, and covered DV video on up. Specific tips regarding DV and Betacam SP were to stay in your native format to retain the best quality. For example, if you are shooting DV, then stay in the native DV format (eg. Firewire) and do not go analog. Likewise, if you are shooting analog, (ie Betacam SP) then try to edit with a non-firewire system. Stuart concluded by discussing some of the current NLE’s available, including Final Cut Pro3 and Avid Xpress DV, as well as Avid Symphony and Softimage DS.
As is typical of many Tips and Techniques presentations, the topics covered were fast and furious, and ranged widely from highly technical to the more straightforward everyday kind of issues that users of NLE's come across. There is not enough space here to even begin covering all the bits and details that Stuart touched on! Because this talk was principally geared towards those that are non-technical, people had been encouraged to bring their questions and challenges.
When Stuart opened the floor up for questions and issues that those present wanted to discuss, the topics included discussion on how to integrate different types of computers, hard drives and edit equipment, that people had accumulated or expanded to, as well as how to deal with some of the recent software changes in Windows and Mac environments.
To finish off the presentation, Gail Pineda then distributed some handouts on graphics plug-in’s and importing/exporting different types of files, whilst the group split up into several discussion groups, that included some show and tell of Ultimatte techniques and shortcuts on an Avid Symphony. There was a very good turnout of attendees, with many milling around long after the scheduled end of the meeting. Food and drink was graciously provided by TV Magic.
(Recap prepared by MCA-I Member Jeremy Sykes)
May 22, 2002
Financing and Distributing the Independent Project
Many of us who do corporate communications, advertising, and programming as a primary focus, have goals and dreams of doing something on our own for home distribution or TV. Sooner or later the idea for a video or multimedia project so exciting, so important, so meaningful, so potentially profitable pops up that we simply have to make happen. But no one has handed us a pot of money, and besides, if some miracle should happen, what the heck do we do with our program once it is completed?
This month's meeting was designed to show you some ways to find funding and grants for these projects as well as some ideas for how to get your project distributed. Our panel of speakers had many years of experience producing and distributing independent projects and for profit and non-profit. Ashley Gardner, Earth Vision Productions and former owner of DownTown Productions,
Mark Schulze
, CEO of New & Unique Videos, and
Ken Kebow
of JM Digitalworks.
It would be impossible to cover the meeting completely here, so we offer some of each presenters key messages for you.
Speaking primarily about the non-profit side, Ashley Gardner hit a key point for both profit and non-profit projects -- timing and a little bit of luck have a lot to do with the more successful ventures. If your interests lie environmental or social issues, consider incorporating as a 501-C3 -- you will be eligible to apply for local and national grants. Try hooking up with an organization whose story you want to tell. Keep asking for money! Ask everyone and family, dentist, friends and every little bit helps. And it pays off to have a wide base of people giving. It's the old bandwagon mentality. Also, remember that this money is a tax write off for those who give. Get on the Internet and do a key word search for "philanthropic" and see how many places out there want to give their money away!
Mark Schulze
took over to talk more about profit making ventures. He and his wife Patty have produced and distributed a number of very successful projects over the years. Here are some ideas from his "formula for successful distribution of salable independently-produced home-video titles or TV programs."
- Select a genre that you enjoy! Comedy, documentaries, travel, adventure, music, exercise, sports, how-to, children's, romance/erotic, etc. Know your topic.
- Decide where you think it could/should be distributed. This is more than deciding between home video and TV. You need to plot the product's salability. This includes how it might be promoted, celebrity participation, credibility. Also, does it have a high concept title and something that will gain instant recognition?
Once you have shaped this great idea, researched the market, consulted with experts and determined your budget, you need to find financing. And that could mean funding the project yourself. But if you don't have the cash, look for investors, co-production opportunities, and seek sponsorships. A key point on getting sponsorships for TV is to have a guaranteed air date. Bottom line and realistically know that your idea has sales potential before you start the project.
Mark tells great stories about traveling around the world for next to nothing while producing a successful title. Remember the word "trade out."
Finding distributors is a big issue if you are trying to market a home-video title. And there are good ones and bad ones. Use word-of-mouth to get the straight scoop. Go to conventions and seminars. Get copies of magazines and books that list titles and glean contacts from them.
Do your homework on the difference between exclusive and non-exclusive rights. Consider making a Director's cut and a second "distribution" cut if you find yourself having to give away rights. Considering international distribution and think about "territories" and what formats you will need to provide (NTSC, PAL, SECAM).
Mark had lots more, that's why you should have been there!
Ken Kebow
wrapped up the night with a wonderful tale about his dream to make a space video for kids. It was his passion. He knew he could get the footage for free from NASA. He knew he could get a real deal on editing and nights, weekends. But he didn't think about distribution ahead of time. He just had to make it. So he did and and the result takes us back to Ashley's first point of the evening and timing and luck!
He finished the video in sync with the release of "Apollo 13" and that's the timing. And the luck was that he was able to get the tape into the hands of a decision maker at Hallmark, who wanted the product. The deal was good, but it was exclusive for 10 years, so while they made good money the first year, the project is out of their control for a couple more years. When the rights are up, Ken may try to get it into the education market. But for right now, his advice is do something you have a passion about and try not to pay too much to make it happen.
We are especially pleased that Dakota Group hosted the meeting in their 12,000-square-foot facility. It includes three edit bays; an Avid Symphony Universal online edit bay, a Media Composer off-line edit bay and a computer/graphic animation bay, an OC3 fiber optic line, as well as Digitrax -- a recording studio for voice, music and post production sound.
Our Vendors Corner this month complimented the main presentation and was presented by
Troy Frazier
of Aspen Packaging. For more than 17 years Aspen Packaging has been providing custom packaging solutions for CD-ROM, software, audio, video, literature and promotional items.
Aspen
offers packaging layouts (tooling) for over 4,000 standard designs covering each of the media areas and a custom design team that is limited only by your imagination.
April 24, 2002
Annual NAB Wrap Up
About 25 gearheads showed up at Televideo to glean insights from six presenters showcasing their "pick hits" from the recent NAB show in
Las Vegas
.
Charles Akin
s (Televideo) talked about a streaming multi-angle camera, the On Cue online presentation system, and the continued convergence of video, computers and the Web.
Mike Cramer (Televideo) discussed Sony's IMX multiple format products, Plasma and super-bright outdoor jumbo screens, and virtual sets.
John Gray III (Solar Turbines) covered video servers, music libraries, and the DPS Velocity Q non-linear editing system.
Mark Schulze (Crystal Pyramid Productions) showcased matte boxes, prompters, flourescent lighting systems, and arranged for Ron Rogers to demonstrate his nifty invention, the Accurack rack focussing device.
Jeremy Sykes (Planet Post) used digital photos to show the latest developments in cameras, lenses (including a return to primes!), and jib arms.
Steve Milley (Panasonic) presented Panasonic's newest three cameras (including a 24P camera for only $3K) and a new low-priced switcher that accepts multiple format inputs.
Finally, Craig Bentley (Imageworks) showcased his pick hits of the show, even though he didn't attend. (The miracle of Internet technology!)
Thanks to Televideo for hosting and the nice spread of food and beverages. Door prizes were provided by Televideo, Panasonic, Lectrosonic and the Creative Directory.
March 27, 2002
Marketing 101 and Internet Marketing Tips
The
March 27, 2002
meeting was on the subjects of marketing and Internet marketing. Held at JM Digitalworks in
Carlsbad
, 38 members and non-members were given the red carpet treatment by the JM staff. Food and soft drinks were a plenty and visitors were given a tour of the facility both before and after the meeting. Hats off to
Ken Kebow
and the JM staff! And a big thank you to Broadcast Rentals for bringing the projector for the meeting.
Nev Grove, Founder of 1-for-ALL Marketing, Incorporated and past president of the High Tech Marketing Association, presented ideas and examples of marketing strategies related to standard advertising methods and Internet methods.
Nev
covered the basics of planning and implementing a marketing plan as well as how to track and gauge the results. Examples of marketing strategies were reviewed and analyzed to show cost of leads generated verses sold units. In review,
Nev
’s last handout listed 37 different types of marketing ideas that covered both traditional methods and Internet ideas.
Jeremy Duimstra covered the area of Internet marketing. Securing the desired domain name is becoming more difficult. The “.” coms are most desirable then “.” Net and “.” Bids. The importance of having your website address on all your business forms and traditional advertising pieces further expands your business presence. Jeremy gave tips on how to keep your website in the search engines by the use of “meta tags” and descriptions of your business/service that generate more exposure. Several websites were covered that can assist you in getting your site listed in the search engines and well as sites that are recognized for their security for e-business transactions.
Jim Staylor
, president of Staylor-Made Productions and fellow member of MCA-I, followed up with an overview of the things that have worked, those that have not worked and things that he would like to see work. Jim’s refreshing approach to marketing has been successful in getting him his fair share of the pie. He has found that sponsoring and participating in worth while causes has allowed him to meet interesting well connected people while doing something he truly believes in. Jim also takes the time to continue to learn new technologies so that he can add value to his company and its’ capabilities.
Door prizes were provided by AdGap-Newton and JM Digitalworks. Be sure to watch e-mail for next months meeting covering the new toys shown at NAB.
February 20, 2002
Add Value to Your Video with Motion!
This month's San Diego MCA-I was all about camera motion -- apparently quite a draw -- since there were over 45 in attendance. It was held in the sound studio at Four Square Productions. Prior to the meeting members had a chance to tour the Four Square facility.
The technical aspects of the evening were organized by San Diego MCA-I Vice President
Mark Schulze
, in conjunction with each presenter.
Carl Perkins
started things off with his new SteadiCam rig and demonstrating its capabilities and explaining how it works. A key point for producers to remember is that if you are even remotely considering using SteadiCam, give the operator a call ahead of time to discuss the project. A few minutes on the phone may save you money and result in a better product.
Mark Koonce
, JibWorks, demonstrated his hot head with a high-contrast green monitor, his porta-jib (with video goggles), and his triangle jib, which has a reach of 30 feet (soon to be 40). He covered set-up time (about one hour), as well as situations that are and are not suited for jibs.
Mark Schulze
, Crystal Pyramid Productions, talked about first, second, and third generation (three-chip) lipstick cameras, and various ways to mount them on helmets and other places.
Door prizes were provided by Franz Laubert (producer and talent of "Cooking in Baja"), AdGap-Newton, Panasonic, and Digital OutPost
January 30,
General Planning Meeting and Final Cut Pro 3 Demo
Held at the Voice and Video building in Kearny Mesa, we had a very productive planning session with nearly 30 members and non-members working together to develop the programs for 2002. Short presentations were given by our hosts: Act One Pictures, Voice & Video Rentals, Voice & Video Sales, San Diego Audio Video and The Spot Shop.
In addition to a catered dinner from Rubio's, there were many door prizes donated by Act One Pictures, Voice & Video Rentals, Voice & Video Sales,
San Diego Audio Video
, Newton-Ad Gap, Panasonic, Marti Krane/Creative Directory. Thanks to our members and other sponsors for helping to make the meetings even more valuable with these door prizes.
The main part of the meeting was the PLANNING SESSION where the following tasks and milestones were accomplished.
- All returning board members confirmed: Jeremy, Mike, Ray, Deborah, Connie, Mark, Craig
- One new board member confirmed: Matt Lytle, Downtown Productions
- Attendees voted on their preference for night of the week to meet: Wednesday
- 17 new meeting topics were identified and voted on
- 11 possible meeting locations were identified
FINAL CUT PRO 3 DEMO
James Alguire from Crywolf Consulting (crywolf.net) showed off all the improvements in the newest version, 3.0, of Final Cut Pro. Improvements include real-time color correction, waveform & vectorscope, and improved CG & 3D effects.
