JINGLE MINGLE - December 16th at 7PM

PVCF Joins Women in Film & Television Florida for the holiday event, Jingle Mingle at the Enzian Theatre in Maitland. The event will take place on Wednesday, December 16th at 7 PM. See below for details and link to register...

Join Central Florida's Top Media and Entertainment Associations for Holiday "Mingling", Networking and Fun!

Fabulous Food, Cash Bar, Silent Auction and More!

Hosted by: Women in Film & Television-Florida

Co-hosted by: Digital Media Alliance Florida (DMAF) and the Florida Cast and Crew Association (FCCA)

Enzian Theater

1300 Orlando Avenue

Maitland, FL 32751

Advance Ticket price: $20 for members of participating organizations listed above; $30 for non-members and day-of-event. Click here to purchase tickets.

For more information visit www.womeninfilmfl.org.

Perfect Sky Productions finalist at WEVA 2009

PVCF's own Schuyler Osbourne of Perfect Sky Productions was recognized at this year's WEVA Expo. PSP was a Finalist in the Wedding Highlights Category for the Littrell Wedding (check out the film below).

"This wedding was a complete surprise in many ways. I booked the bride over the internet and had never met her in person. I arrived earlier and decided to grab some bridal prep to help impress the coordinator, it wasn't part of her package. I walked in and immediately felt good about what I was going to get. She was beautiful and edgy but in a very cool way. Her personality was fantastic and she was excited to get some footage. I felt great after leaving for the ceremony. The couple was older and it showed in the maturity and the emotions they shared, this you can't recreate you can only wish for. The wedding was filled with wonderful little details and the couple was filled with emotion. It was also the first time working with Fat Catz Photography and we hit it off and they help make some great footage as well. All these elements help give me great material.

I entered many categories and what I thought was some really cool and edgy work. This piece was a last minute decision and I almost excluded it, I didn't think it stood out enough. Well, the entries I felt the strongest about failed to win anything and this recap was my first award. It just goes to show, don't second guess yourself. I was talking with David Robin a few years back about the WEVA awards. He said the years he felt he had a winner he never won and the years he didn't have the strongest confidence, he won easily. With his many victories to my only one, the only advice I would offer is just enter in many things. It is very subjective and you never know what the judges will be drawn to. Not to take away anything from me, this was not my favorite entry. I have seen many of our members work and I know it is award winning caliber. Next year I would like to see more members submitting their work, I know we have many awards in us.

Winning feels fantastic. My fragile male ego needed the boost. We are all artist and rather we admit it or not, we all love praise. Don't second guess yourself or feel your work is not good enough, it is. We have a very talented group and I know we can prove the Central Florida is a force to be reckoned with. Start getting your entries ready now, it will be here again soon. Good luck to you all and thank you for you congratulations, it really does mean a lot."

Congratulations to Schuyler and Perfect Sky Productions!

Julian St. Pierre, A Profound Loss

Julian St. Pierre, a brilliant businessman and behind-the-scenes mover and shaker in the industry, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep Sunday night. Julian leaves behind an indelible mark in the industry, and a void that cannot be filled. A deeply kind and caring human being, he was a friend to everyone he met.

Julian was recently a guest of the Professional Videographers of Central Florida for our IN[FOCUS] event. He will be missed by videographers everywhere.

Orlando Post Pros Meeting, Tuesday, September 22nd

Join us for our next Orlando Post Pros meeting:

Apple Certified Trainers John Lynn and Jeff Fortune of GeniusDV will cover the new features in Final Cut Pro 7.0, plus share some new and exciting media management techniques.

John also has a new book out titled "Final Cut Pro: Portable Genius" available through Amazon.com. We'll be giving away a couple of copies at the meeting, too!

Tuesday , September 22nd
6:30PM - Networking
7:00PM - Meeting

Adrenaline Films

5224 South Orange Avenue

Orlando, FL 32809

Refreshments will be served. Our meetings are free and open to all area production and post professionals.

We'll see you there!

IN-FOCUS Comes to Orlando!

UPDATED -- REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND PRICING BELOW...

It doesn’t get much better than this...

International industry superstars Patrick Moreau, Konrad Czystowski (StillMotion) and Kevin Shahinian (Pacific Pictures) combine their efforts for this one of a kind presentation...

Perhaps more important than the commonly asked question of “how” to achieve technical proficiency in your wedding films – from camera options and production techniques to format and post workflow – is a preceding question that dares you to establish a unique artistic voice sure to take your studio to the next level: “why.” Prepare to be inspired by industry leading filmmakers, Patrick Moreau, Konrad Czystowski of StillMotion and Kevin Shahinian of Pacific Pictures as they answer informing questions and explore what it takes to create "Inspired Wedding Films."

When: August 25th, 2009
10am - 5pm

Where: Buena Vista Palace
Buena Vista Drive,
Lake Buena Vista, Fl. 32830
Tel: 866-397-6516

MEMBERS: $20.00

NON-MEMBERS: $35.00

Admission Fees will be collected at the door -- cash or check ONLY, please. (Make checks payable to PVCF.) MEMBERS must be current and dues paid to qualify for discount. No student discounts at this event. Space is limited. Please RSVP early!

For more info about In-Focus, visit www.infocusvideoevent.com. For registration information for the Orlando event, visit www.pvcf.org to reserve your seat for this incredible event.

Sponsored by:

July Meeting

We're adding a couple new features to the July meeting --

We'll start off with a presentation on Color Grading, followed by a demonstration of recording and capturing live to an NLE.

SHOW & TELL!
Bring your favorite piece of gear, tool or handcrafted item to share with the group.

GARAGE SALE
Got something to sell or trade? Bring it in and make some room for something new, or pick up that much needed item you've always wanted.

RAFFLE
We'll also have our monthly raffle so bring your extra $$$!

Ray Roman Rocks the House!

Last Tuesday, PVCF had the great pleasure of hosting An Evening With... Ray Roman, and what an evening it was! Playing to a nearly packed room, the evening began with an in-depth interview where Ray shared his story, his insights, advice and some of his trade secrets with our members.

Following the interview, Ray screened one of his signature Short Form Wedding Films in what turned out to be one of the highlights of the evening. Afterward, he demonstrated a variety of the equipment he uses on his shoots including his Steadicam rig and Canon 5D Mark II. He also showcased a variety of gear generously provided by Cinevate, which he utilizes to great effect.

We then continued our meeting "after hours" at the Ale House where Ray (and wife Jessica) joined us for a much more informal discussion. The evening was such a success that we are already in discussions to bring Ray back for an even more intense experience.

Thanks to Ray Roman, and all the members who helped in the production and filming of this event!

click to enlarge

Reminder! Orlando Post Pros Meeting - Tuesday, July 7th

Our next Orlando Post Professionals Meeting:

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

Adrenaline Film Productions
6:30pm - Networking
7:00pm - Meeting

Avid / Digidesign Pro Tools 8 features & demo along with Avid Media Composer Video Satellite integration with Pro Tools.

Presenters: Gil Gowing of Avid and Wayne Wolfe of Virtual Media

Refreshments will be provided.The meeting is free and open to all area production and post professionals.

For directions to Adrenaline Films, please visit our web site at www.OrlandoEdits.com

An Evening With... Ray Roman

Multiple CEA winner Ray Roman will be
the Featured Presenter at the June Meeting.

Join PVCF as we sit down for a chat with Ray and discuss his philosophy, style and techniques. We’ll watch some of his amazing work and get his thoughts on how he made it. Then we’ll get hands on as he shares some of his award-winning techniques, tips and tricks! Whether you are a seasoned wedding filmmaker, a newcomer to event video or maybe someone who has never even considered the wedding business, this will be an event you WILL NOT WANT TO MISS!

Multi CEA award winner and industry trendsetter, Ray is a passionate filmmaker on a mission to change the perception of wedding video. Self-taught and ambitious, Ray has shaken up a huge South Florida market and has quickly become one of the most sought after wedding cinematographers in the region. With his non-"Fly on the Wall" approach, Ray uses simple techniques to create spectacular imagery. Ray also utilizes ground-breaking tools such as 35mm lens adapters, sliders and Steadicam rigs to enhance the look of his imagery. Learn more about Ray at www.RayRomanFilms.com

Ray Roman will be using and demonstrating products sponsored by Cinevate! Take advantage of this great opportunity to get your hands on some cool new tools that will add a real Wow factor to your work. Cinevate gear will be available for you to try out and Ray will be happy to answer any questions you might have about how he uses it and what products are available. Visit the Cinevate website at www.Cinevate.com.

May Meeting Minutes and Board Election Results

May's regular membership meeting saw the successful election of a new board.  Following the election, a number of wedding videos were screened for inclusion in the new official PVCF Wedding Sampler, which will debut at the upcoming Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show on Sunday, June 14th.  Check back soon to see the completed video!

NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Officers

PRESIDENT - Bobby Fishbough

VICE PRESIDENT - Schuyler Osborne

SECRETARY - Donna Ditges

TREASURER - Cornell Young

Directors

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR - Edmund Rhodes

PROMOTIONAL DIRECTOR - Molly Brown

WEBMASTER - Brian Bazala

LIBRARIAN - Bruce Reynolds

In addition, we were able to recruit several volunteers for various committees and initiatives which are currently in development.  

Many thanks to all past board members and Congratulations to all the new and returning Board Members!

UPDATED!!! Negotiating Service Fees and Pricing

Why should we be expected to treat our pricing differently than any other profession?  The next time you consider negotiating your pricing, keep this video in mind.

Read the full article here.

(Thanks to Bruce for sharing this!)

Don’t Let Brides Haggle With You
By Ciara Daykin

With all the talk about wedding cut backs and getting the best deal brides have got it into their heads that it’s a great time to haggle with wedding professionals over their prices. In fact, I’ve had couples (who are not my clients by the way) corner me at parties to tell me what great deals they’ve secured with their wedding vendors and how they’ve “beat them down” in price.

Congratulations- your wedding is going to suck.

Well, it’s the truth isn’t it?

When bridal couples beat down wedding professionals in price no one wins. There is no way that the same level of service is provided when our prices are haggled down. It’s just human nature to be bitter about it and not bring your A-Game even if you don’t mean to do it- it happens.

So How Do You Stop A Haggler In Her Tracks?

I had a bride who came to me the other day and when I quoted her our price this is how our conversation went:

Bride: “Is there room to negotiate on that price?”

Ciara: “I could lower the price but I would have to start taking away services and you won’t get me on your wedding day, you’ll get one of my other planners.”

Bride: “Well, what do I tell my fiancé when he asks if I negotiated a good deal?”

Ciara: “Tell him I told you $500 more at first and then I gave you a deal.”

She signed with us that night.

The lesson to be learned from this interaction? If you’re worth the price that you’re quoting then you need to stick to your guns and you’ll get the client.

And for me, when brides come into my office I’ve already established a relationship with them through my ezine, blog, social networking presence, my portfolio and the testimonials on my website. They know that I’m an expert and I really connect with them. We talk in depth about the benefits of working with us and I also address all their objections in our initial sales meeting even if they don’t voice them.

You know the objections brides have to working with a planner and you need to come up with answers that nullify the objections. By operating in this manner you grow your business into an empire, you don’t just squeak by working with one haggler and then the next.

PVCF Meeting Agenda May 2009

This Tuesday's meeting will consist of two parts. First, we will be conducting board member elections as well as taking care of some official business items and updates. Second, we will be screening the video entries for the official PVCF wedding video demo reel (for details and submission guidelines, see previous post). MEMBERSHIP DUES will also be collected at this time.

BOARD POSITIONS

Here is a list of all board positions (as listed in the by-laws) with a short description of each position and the duties and responsibilities that go with it. For a full description, please refer to the by-laws, published in the MEMBERS section of the PVCF website. (pvcf/videographer)

OFFICERS

• President - presides over meetings, presents periodic reports, represents PVCF when dealing with the public, plans meeting agendas
  
• Vice President - presides over meetings in absence of president, coordinates meetings and A/V needs, assists president with performance of his/her duties
  
• Secretary - Obtains, maintains and submits minutes of all monthly meetings and official business, keeps all official records
  
• Treasurer - ensures PVCF are reasonably and prudently invested, maintains financial records and bank accounts, prepares operating budget and files any appropriate annual income taxes
  

DIRECTORS

• Webmaster - maintains web domain and hosting details, updates website, transmits newsletters/updates via email, maintains blog and forum
  
• Membership Director - maintains contact information database of all members, maintains record of meeting attendance, solicits new members
  
• Promotional Director - (new position, unofficial description) Promotes PVCF image to the public and membership at various events, discover and create promotional opportunities to enhance the image of PVCF and Professional Video (eg. bridal shows, open house), develops promotional materials to be distributed at official PVCF events
  
• Librarian - Acquire and maintain professional developmental materials to be used by PVCF members, make materials available to members at monthly meetings and track their usage
  

We will also be looking for volunteers for various committees to assist the Board in their duties.

NOTE: BRIAN IS LOOKING FOR A MEMBER TO TAKE OVER OR ASSIST WITH THE MONTHLY RAFFLE, INCLUDING CONTACTING VARIOUS VENDORS FOR MONTHLY RAFFLE ITEMS. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, PLEASE LET BRIAN KNOW AT THE NEXT MEETING OR VIA EMAIL.

If you are interested in being a candidate for any position, please inform Bobby at Tuesday's meeting! Don't forget your Annual Member Dues!

Ray Roman Promo for Cinevate

Ray Roman will be our featured presenter for June (tentatively scheduled June 30th).  Here is a video he produced showcasing the Cinevate Brevis 35 Adapter.  Shot with the Sony EX-1 and a Pegasus Heavy-Lifter (slider).  Shot in Miami, FL. Enjoy!

Important Wireless News

Wireless Microphone Rulings

• Wireless microphone locations such as sports and entertainment venues may be registered with the database and that spectrum will be considered restricted and unavailable to other wireless services.



• Channels 2-20 will be restricted solely to fixed TVBD use, but may be accessed by portable wireless microphone systems on an "itinerant" basis.


• In 13 major markets, two channels between 21 and 51 will be allocated entirely for wireless microphone operation. TVBD's, fixed and portable, will be completely restricted from operating in these channels.

• Channels 52-69, the so-called "700MHz range" in the UHF band, have been reallocated and either purchased by communications giants such as AT&T, Verizon and Qualcomm or reserved for public safety radio communication (channels 63, 64, 68 and 69). This spectrum is basically off-limits to any television broadcast, or any wireless services other than those provided by the owners. There are no longer any white spaces in this region, according to the definition. After the June 12, 2009 DTV transition deadline any remaining wireless interlopers will be required to vacate the 700-806MHz spectrum entirely, wireless microphones included. Think of squatters being removed from a newly purchased property.
  

700MHz Trade-in and Retuning Programs

For the benefit of our many wireless customers and to allay any nascent fears and concerns some of you may have, we've included a list of wireless mic manufacturers for whom B&H is a dealer that are offering either trade-in or factory retuning services for 700MHz systems and components.

• SENNHEISER - Follow the link below to the rebate information form. http://www.sennheiserusa.com/media/pdfFiles/Pro_700MHz_Range_Rebate.pdf  Sennheiser is offering retuning services for their 3000 and 5000 series of wireless systems in the 700MHz band, and tiered rebates for the Evolution Wireless G2 systems in the C range purchased between 1/1/2006 and 12/31/2008. The contact phone number is 860-434-9190. Valid through 12/31/2009, postmarked 12/15/09.
• SHURE - Follow the link below to the rebate information form. http://www.shure.com/stellent/groups/public/@gms_gmi_web_us_pro/documents/web_resource/us_pro_700mhz_rebate_r2.pdf Shure is offering a rebate/trade-in program of up to $1000 on new Shure wireless systems and trade-ins of 700MHz systems made by either Shure or other manufacturers and purchased before 2/1/2007. The contact phone number is 800-257-4873. Valid through 5/31/2009.
• AUDIO-TECHNICA - Follow the link below to the rebate information form.  http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/resource_library/files/714a05455102e247/700mhz_sub_form.pdf  Audio-Technica is offering a rebate/trade-in program for purchases made between 2/1/2009 and 12/31/2009 of new Audio-Technica wireless systems and trade-ins of 700MHz systems made by either Audio-Technica or other manufacturers. The contact phone number is 330-686-2600; refer to the 700MHz trade-in program. Valid through 9/30/2009.
• LECTROSONICS - Follow the link below to the rebate information form.  http://www.lectrosonics.com/PressReleases/whitespace/BlockChanges_Exchanges.pdf  Lectrosonics is offering an extensive reblocking (retuning) program for their 700MHz systems and components, and a trade-in program for discontinued 700MHz Lectrosonics products made after 2/18/04. Contact the Service Department at 800-821-1121.
• ELECTRO-VOICE - Follow the link below for retuning service information.  http://www.electrovoice.com/pressreleases/860.htm  Electro-Voice is offering a rebanding (retuning) program for Electro-Voice and Telex 700MHz wireless systems and components. Contact their Customer Service department at 800-553-5992 ext.701.
• AZDEN - Azden is offering accommodation pricing for new Azden systems below the 700MHz range on a "case-by-case" basis. The contact phone number is 800-247-4501.
  
•  SAMSON - After June 12, Samson's repair department will offer 700MHz retuning services as a warranty repair covered by their 3-year warranty program, if applicable according to the date of purchase. The contact phone number is 631-784-2201 or E-mail wireless@samsontech.com.
  

We hope that this information helps to resolve any wireless issues you may have, and we'll see you in June after the final DTV transition for another White Spaces Roundup.

June 14 - 19
(Exhibit June 17 - 19)

Experience the Power of AV

You’re invited to attend InfoComm 09 this June in Orlando, Florida! Don’t miss your opportunity to Experience the Power of AV at the largest and most comprehensive pro-AV event in the world. More than 30,000 professionals from 80+ countries are expected at InfoComm 09. Join your peers and colleagues this June and discover why InfoComm is the premier event for the AV industry.
You can't afford to miss this opportunity to see the latest advances in the industry, all in one short week.

To get entrance FREE---admin to all 3 days a $125 value, 2 seminars, free one day parking at Orlando Convention Center acess to all exhibits and more, follow the instructions below.

Register at www.infocommshow.org After filling out all the info enter POWER in the VIP code box and it will be free. They will mail you a badge.

--Bruce Reynolds

April 28th, 2009 Meeting

We had a another great meeting Tuesday night at Full Sail. There are more and more videographers joining our association every month!



DJ Stevens from WHDO-TV 38 came out and spoke about her great new television station with plenty of opportunities for video producers who have content they want to broadcast. DJ took questions regarding the opportunity for PVCF members to submit work. We look forward to partnering with WHDO-30 to get our footage shown to a larger audience. Thanks to DJ for coming out and meeting us…

Next up President Bobby Fishbough set-up and demonstrated an affordable camera jib that allows us to create incredible “flying boom” shots, adding value and up-sell potential for our projects. Thanks once again to Bobby for going the extra mile in sharing his tools and strategies. We saw great footage of the jib in use and discussed the low cost for such a high-end production tool

Finally Brian (carrying his cute infant son) ran the raffle for some give-away prizes, plus pulling in some extra cash for the association. Thanks again Brian for continuing these fun raffles every month.

Treasurer John Perez reported that we had $1980 dollars in our account—not including the three new members who signed up Tuesday night.

Please keep in touch reading our blog on what’s in-store for our May meeting.

Happy sellin’ shoot’n and editin’…


Reported by John Perez

WEVA Promo (Mac Commercial Parody)

WEDDING VIDEO PROMO CLIP SUBMISSIONS

As part of a new promotional initiative to connect with the wedding and event community, PVCF will be establishing a presence at several local Bridal Shows over the next year. Our first effort, at the Your Wedding TV show on April 5th, was a tremendous success. We were able to connect with many brides and vendors and share the value of professional wedding video.

To further advance those efforts, we will be creating a promotional video featuring samples of our members' work. To facilitate this, and to ensure that we put our best foot forward as well as to give all members and equal opportunity to be included, we will be showing and voting on clips at our next two meetings.

To have your clip included, here are the guidelines:

1. Bring in your best clips, limited to 2 per member/company.
2. Clips should brief, about 4-5 minutes in length.
3. Clips can be of any part of the wedding, but should be a whole segment (eg. Prep, Vows, Post-Ceremony, Reception Highlights, Wedding Day Highlights, Dancing, Love Story), rather than a compilation of multiple weddings.
4. Submissions must be presented on DVD, and a .mov file must be provided on a separate disc.
5. No logos or identifying marks on clip or menu.
6. DVDs should be labeled with the clip's title only (eg. Carrie and Mark, Prep), and have no company name so as to be anonymous.

Numbered envelopes will be provided at the door, and will be collected at the beginning of the meeting.  We will show the clips at the May meeting and clips will be selected by a balloting process.  The winning clips will be edited into a compilation DVD for presentation at future Bridal Shows.

March Meeting Minutes

FEATURED PRESENTER

Our March meeting featured an extremely informative presentation on Production Insurance given by Karen Marshall of Marshall Entertainment Insurance, Inc. Production insurance is a vital necessity to our industry. Karen started with an overview of the various types of coverage available, and focused on the options that were most pertinent to the members of our group. She then thoughtfully answered our members' questions, and shared her insider tips for dealing with many of the local venues who require insurance certificates.

After Karen's presentation, we followed with several video clips brought in by our members, including the new PVCF Promo put together by PVCF President Bobby Fishbough and featuring several of our members in on-camera interviews. This will be an evolving piece and we will be adding testimonials to the final edit over the next several months. The current version can be found below and on our website.

THE NEW PVCF PROMO...

RAFFLE WINNERS
Then, Brian revealed the new PVCF Bridal Show Banner that was purchased with proceeds from the monthly raffle. Special thanks to Focal Press and all the contributors and sponsors who have generously provided items for this awesome revenue generator!  Featured books at this month's raffle were: Directing the Documentary, 5^th Edition by Michael Rabiger and Audio Postproduction for Film and Video by Jay Rose, both available at Focal Press.

Following the regular meeting, we reconvened at the Orlando Ale House around the corner for a more "social" networking session. It was such a success that it may become a recurring feature of our meetings!

New Glidecam HD Stabilizers

The Glidecam HD Stabilizers
Featuring the HD 1000 & the HD 4000

Click to watch the video

Orlando Post Pros Meeting - Tuesday, April 7th

Our next Orlando Post Professionals Meeting:

Tuesday, April 7th, 2009

Adrenaline Film Productions
6:30pm - Networking
7:00pm - Meeting

Topic: Get more out of Final Cut Studio

Final Cut Studio is more than simply Final Cut Pro and DVD Studio Pro. If you haven't integrated LiveType, Soundtrack Pro, Motion or Color into your Final Cut editing workflow, then you aren't getting all the bang for your buck. Oliver Peters will walk you through Final Cut Studio's round-tripping processes and show you how to use each of these applications to improve your Final Cut Pro projects.

Plenty of door prizes to be raffled off at the end of the meeting. Orlando Post Pro meetings are open and free to all interested in production and post.

For directions to Adrenaline Films, please visit our web site at www.OrlandoEdits.com

Brunch with Panasonic

Bruce Reynolds, Neil Ugo (Panasonic), Brian Bazala and Bobby Fishbough

Bobby, Bruce and Brian sat down for brunch with Bill Edwards (Panasonic North America) and Neil Ugo (Panasonic Osaka Factory) to discuss Panasonic's new AVCCAM professional recording format. Neil is on the team that developed the AVCCAM format and designed the new HMC-150. It was a great opportunity for us to get more detailed information about the technology, as well as to offer input and ideas for future implementation. They are both very enthusiastic about the direction that Panasonic is heading with both the broadcast and event markets and predicted that we will see even more exciting products in the near future as many companies convert to both HD and tapeless recording formats, and as support for the AVCHD/AVCCAM format grows.

Couples say "I Do" for less

Here's an story that recently appeared on CNN. But don't despair!
Even though many clients are looking for ways to cut wedding costs, many businesses see amazing growth during a recession. Now's the time to rethink your business strategy and capitalize on new opportunities.

Why not seize the moment and diversify your services by expanding your offerings? Increase your marketing efforts by expanding your networking, targeting your referral base and engaging in creative brand building. And, if you find your bookings are down because potential clients find you too expensive, create special promotional packages that cater to couples on a budget, rather than slashing prices. That way you'll bring in some extra business without devaluing the premium services you offer.

Here's some ideas:

• Reduced rates for off-peak days
  
• Create simple 1-camera packages, with fewer coverage hours
  
• Offer Raw footage, in-camera edits (that can later be upgraded full edits)
  

And keep this in mind when talking to potential clients -- they only have ONE chance to capture their day on video. And while well shot raw footage can later be edited more artistically, poorly shot video with bad audio will never get better no matter how many filters you put on it!

PVCF Members invited to meet with Panasonic

Wes Carr of Panasonic, who spoke with us in January about the new HMC-150 using the AVCHD format has offered us a unique opportunity to provide input input into the future development of the AVCCAM format.

Next Tuesday, March 24th at 10 AM, Neil Ugo, Panasonic Factory Strategic Planning for AVCCAM Products, from the Osaka factory in Japan, will be in Central Florida. His mission is to get feedback from the marketplace about what people like/don’t like about AVCCAM and what features are important for the various markets. All of this helps shape future products and market approaches.

Panasonic would like our input on this great new format. If you are interested in attending, please express your interest by adding a COMMENT to this post below.  Additionally, you should notify Brian at pvcfadmin@gmail.com and let him know you would like to come no later than Friday. There will be a limited amount of openings for this opportunity, but it would be valuable to have our members who are considering this format in attendance.

• When: Tuesday, March 24th at 10AM
  
• Where: Panera Bread on the corner of 436 and Maitland Ave, just East of Altamonte Mall
  

• 696 E Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs, 32701

  (407) 332-7600 | phone Catering Contact: Christine

Canon 5D Wedding Shoot

Shot entirely with the Canon 5D

New PVCF Video Player

PVCF now has a new video player that we will be using to host various video clips including the soon to be released PVCF demo and PVCF related items as well as a variety of work produced by our members. The new player can be found on the CINEMA page at pvcf.org

Featured videos produced by Bobby Fishbough

SFPVA Meeting Video

The South Florida Professional Videoartist Association has posted a video of their meeting online. You can watch the video by clicking here.

February Meeting Minutes

We had an amazing turnout for February's meeting.  We had over 30 attendees with several new faces in the crowd.

We started with some announcements regarding upcoming events in the works, including a possible presence at upcoming bridal shows, as well as our own bridal showcase (more details on this later).  We are also working hard on upcoming presentations including:  Orlando Film Commission, Color Correction workshop, Audio workshop and a special guest who is a superstar in the wedding industry (mums the word until we finalize all the details).

Following the announcements, featured guest Matrox made a very informative presentation about their new editing plug in, the Matrox RT.X2, as well as a new option for Mac users.  Visit their website for more details on these and other products.

Of course, we wrapped up the evening with a very successful raffle.  Congratulations to the winners, and many thanks to all who participated.  All profits from the raffle contribute to bringing you great presentations and items that will further your success in the video industry.

Pierre-Martin Dion (Matrox), Grand Prize winner Cornell Young and Erwin Daley of Matrox 

Schuyler Osbourne and Doug Howard, Focal Press Book winners

Jeremy Dean and Bryan Zerfas of Profile East

Matrox featured presenter at February Meeting

Matrox Video Products Group will be the featured presenter at the February PVCF meeting. They will be showcasing the Matrox RT.X2 Realtime Editing Engine for Adobe CS4 Production Premium and I/O Devices for Apple Final Cut Studio. In addition, Profile East of Orlando will also be in attendance to participate in the presentation.

Matrox RT.X2 lets you get the most from Adobe CS4 Production Premium. Experience REAL realtime mixed-format editing. Enjoy end-to-end tapeless workflows with P2HD and XDCAM EX. Spend your time creating, not rendering.
The Matrox MXO and MXO2 input/output devices streamline editing with Final Cut Studio on the Mac. We’ll walk you through the steps of the most popular workflows with Apple Final Cut Studio. You’ll discover the benefits of broadcast-quality input/output, monitoring, and up/down/cross conversion in a small, portable box, then walk away understanding how the Matrox MXO family of products can give you new-found freedom — edit anywhere!
Whichever platform or application you use, you’ll learn how Matrox products will help you quickly create your best work and let you focus on building your business.

There will also be an outstanding raffle at this month's meeting featuring 2 awesome books from Focal Press, Audio Postproduction for Film and Video and The Shut Up and Shoot Documentary Guide. And as if that wasn't enough, the grand prize will be a Matrox RT.X2 LE (a value of $1095), generously donated by the awesome folks at Matrox. Tickets are only $1 at the door.

This is a meeting you won't want to miss!

Orlando Post Pros Meeting February 18th

Get the new year off to a great start with your fellow post-production pros!

 

Join your friends and colleagues for a social night of networking beginning at 6:30pm 

Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at Red Star Tavern at the Fashion Square Mall, Orlando.

 

Hang out and have a beer with us!

 

Red Star Tavern

3461 E. Colonial Drive #F13

Orlando, FL 32803

407-895-2755

VISIT the ORLANDO POST PROS WEBSITE at www.orlandoedits.com 

A Valentine for Videographers

We wanted to share with you an excerpt from a love letter of sorts, written by videographer Laura Moses of Vantage Point Productions in San Dimas, CA. You can link to the complete article at EventDV.com.

The lack of a perfect wedding never stops us from pursuing the creation of a perfect film. Neurotically, we obsess over thrilling our clients. Our goal: to prove—once and for all—that a wedding film is priceless.

As unsung specialists in extreme guerilla filmmaking where each successful production can be compared to a minor miracle, we’re lucky to receive a fraction of the respect and earnings most photographers command. The mainstream has yet to get the memo that this vocation requires us to be expert cinematographers, documentarians, and storytellers, as well as gaffers and audio acquisition and engineering virtuosos.

Though sensitive to a fault, we’re tougher than nails. We have to be. We deliver—despite rain, sleet, snow, or suffocating sauna heat—and we do it while starving. Circumstances rarely allow us the time to eat our stale little “banquet-in-a-box.” Sometimes we’re lucky enough to be provided with an actual vendor’s buffet. But if the band gets there first—which it always does—we go back to work, starving.

Moreover, we work without the luxury of a script, our cast usually shows up late, and our shooting locations can change due to a drop of rain—or the drop of a hat. Under similar conditions, most cinematographers in the motion picture industry would never be able to accomplish what we pull off every weekend. Still, the public and more than a few relatives think our job is easy because we spend it at a party.

We work with music, hearts, and dreams. We’re the keepers of the flame for future generations. After we’re gone there will be pieces of us—little bits of our hearts—scattered across the globe, telling stories about love.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY from PVCF!

January Meeting Minutes and Notes

Bobby Fishbough opened the meeting up with comments regarding Matrox being February’s guest vendor and Canon being the one for March.

A new board position of “Promotions Director” was brought to the floor, voted for and approved. Brian will take on these duties (he’s actually been performing these duties unofficially, and we thank him so much for doing sign-in and a fun raffle where cool prizes were given out at the meeting.)

Our featured vendor guest was Wes Carr of Panasonic. He showed a power point presentation on AVC CAM (AVC HD) format which is delivered in the H264/MPEG4-AVC container. It was a great overview of the tapeless workflow that Panasonic has developed. Then he showed us 2 cameras, the AG-HMC70 ($2495), and the AG-HMC 150 ($3995.) We viewed footage on an HD monitor and it looked great.

Brian spoke briefly about two events which the PVCF Board is developing for this year: 1) A bridal show hosted by PVCF, exclusively featuring video and held at a local venue. And, 2) A trade show where local and national vendors could come in and pitch their products to members as well as other interested videographers. The Board needs a few volunteers to help plan and organize each event. Please contact Brian or Bobby if interested.

Bobby spoke briefly about DG FastChannel; a video commercial server service which allows content providers (you and me) to upload commerical spots which the nation’s broadcasters can find and download.

Finally, Mike Konstan, president of the local editors group Orlando Post Pros invited us to meet with or attend their informal monthly meetings. Please find more info on their website at www.OrlandoEdits.com.

Minutes provided by: John Perez, PVCF Secretary