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2/06 On Tour with Jeff Tweedy Along with the rest of the Burn To Shine crew - I went 'on tour' with Jeff Tweedy, lead singer for "Wilco". We taped five shows over seven nights from Seattle to San Francisco - ending up at the famous Fillmore.
I used one of two Varicams (we also had two DVX-100a's) to bring our handheld "Burn to Shine" style to the live shows as well as extensive 'behind the scenes' and other tour footage. Glenn Kotche, drummer for Wilco, supported on the tour and we also got great footage of Glenn during his solo opening set.
Apparently, Jeff - and other members of Wilco - were impressed with our efforts on Burn To Shine:Chicago. But bringing what we do on our 'sets' to a live stage in front of over a thousend, paying, audience members is a little tricky. But hey - that's what we get the big bucks for, right?
I have to admit I didn't know much about Jeff, Glenn or Wilco before the tour - but I am a fan now. Check out Wilco & Glenn Kotche
"American Red Cross" Starting in April 2005 I have been DP on a series of First AId & CPR videos that will be used by the Red Cross for training not only lay people, but professional EMT's and other First Responders across the country. We had many weeks of highly technical studio shooting - where getting the exact angle to show off certain breathing and rescue techniques are paramount - and also many weeks "in the field" - where we get to see these same techniques applied in "real life", with a bit more vitality. I used my D-35 withthe DVCam back and we have been in warehouses, swimming pools, garages, gyms and even out on the farm. These series of videos are being integrated into the Red Cross's training programs and you should be able to see them sometime over the course of 2006.
"Burn To Shine: Portland & Louisville" In May, it will be Portlands' turn to show off its local music scene, and sometime in the future, Louisville will also get their turn. I continue to light the video and operate one of the Varicams on this now continuing series of videos done in soon to be destroyed houses.
We shot a fabulous line up of bands in Portland back in summer of 2005 - but were not able to get back to shoot the house fire until December - but it was well worth the wait! The firefighters - after doing a whole bunch of smaller, controlled fires (remember - it's for training!) determined the house was too far gone and let the whole thing go up at once. Happily - we had the Varicams with us, instead of just the DVX's. Not that I needed more convincing - but I have a lot more respect now not just for the primary work of firefighters - but also for their work ethic in training and preparing to be able to pull my butt out of harms way when needed.
In between the bands and the destruction of Portland we got the whole crew down to Louisville, KY to shoot another bunch of bands. Now - really - Louisville? How much is going on in Louisville? Well - I am looking forward to this release more than any other of the BTS's. Louisville was great - great city footage, great location - I can't even begin to describe the house, great back story and most importantly - great bands in a lot of flavors. I have no idea when Louisville will come out - but I think it will be the best of the BTS's so far - which is saying a lot because I really like both the current ones and Portland is gpoing top be awesome as well.
For more info on both of these, as well as the earlier BTS's - check out Trixie.
Fall 2005 “Rebuilt” So in between all the musical stuff, and the Red Cross Videos - I also managed to get some time in as a segment DP for "Rebuilt" a reality show on the Discovery Channel about folks who have lost limbs. I used a DVX-100a to follow different amputee's stories as they worked with a Prosthetist to outfit them with artificial limbs that help them get on with their lives. Personally - this kind of job helps put in perspective my own health problems and I think we all have something to be thankful for each day with our family, friends and loved ones.
12/05 “Just Show Me How To” Now here's a great idea for everyone out there with new (amd even old) digital cameras - a website with short, downloadable clips (video ipod anyone?) featuring a professional photographer dispensing advice on how to get the most out of your new - or older digital camera. I was DP on a whole bunch of the segments with the new JVC - GY-HD100u camera and even old salt me learned some useful tips! Although it was all in a studio setting - the JVC performed great and looked great too. Check out Justshowmehowto