Channel Three Productions - What's New in 2008?
WEBSITE & VIDEO GALLERY GET A FACELIFT
You may notice some changes in the way our website looks and feels this year. While retaining our most important features, we have redesigned the placement of key buttons to make the site easier to navigate and have made our type and backgrounds even easier to read than before. Our most significant improvement was to our Video Gallery in our Demo Reel page.
HIGH DEFINITION GOES HIGH PROFILE
Channel Three Productions has been committed to High Definition for many years. With our two AGHVX-200 cameras that we purchased in 2006, we have completed a host of high-profile projects for state and city government, corporate communications and TV spots. We've listed some of the highlights from the past year below.
The HVX-200 hand-held High Definition cameras record in DVC PRO-50 in 480, 720 and 1080p, with all the variable frame rates including slow-mo and time lapse effects recorded directly with the camera, allowing effects to be shot and seen immediately without the need for post-production. The tape-less recording option using P2 technology reduces editing time as the footage is transferred quickly in the field rather than digitizing from tapes in an editing suite. Using a Mac or PC laptop, the DVCPRO-50 HD material can be edited in the field because no expensive bulky playback decks are needed. This package offers our clients a high-end option well below industry HD production rates. The HVX-200 also records broadcast-quality standard definition in DVC Pro-50 on the P2 cards or on DV tape. The footage can be shot in 4:3, letterbox or wide screen format and in 24p, 30p or 60i modes.
CHANNEL THREE CHAMPIONS THE CITY OF ARLINGTON
In January 2008, Channel Three Productions wrapped up a high profile project, entitled, "Arlington: City of Champions." Competing among the top production companies in Dallas, Arlington, Irving and Fort Worth, Channel Three was honored to have been chosen to produce this noteworthy video. Utilizing breathtaking High Definition time-lapse photography, the video depicts the construction of the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, which will open in 2009 and was announced as the home of Super Bowl 45 in 2011. This coincides with other ambitious projects the city is undertaking in their famed Entertainment District and throughout the city.
In addition to extensive photography of the new stadium, Channel Three Productions shot new video of the Ballpark in Arlington, Six Flags, Hurricane Harbor, General Motors, Siemen's and the many great museums, shopping centers, parks and neighborhoods throughout this vibrant and diverse city. Click here to view.
IT'S "YOUR LIFE, YOUR MOVIE" FOR THE TOWN OF ADDISON
Shortly after embarking on the Arlington video, Channel Three had the honor of being selected as the producer of new promotional video for The Town of Addison. "Your Life, Your Movie" takes a day or two in the life of a few diverse Addison citizens and visitors who like to live it up and live it large in this compact town of art and commerce.
A town that one can truly live, work and play in -- all within walking distance, Addison is an ideally well-planned town that most cities aspire to. Utilizing our signature time-lapse photography, sweeping crane and dolly moves and a dynamic cast whose lives intersect one another throughout the piece, our intention is to depict Addison as a town that can bring your vision to life. For a sneak peek at this work in progress please click here to view.
The video also includes High Definition photography we have captured throughout the year at Addison's signature events such as "Taste of Addison", "Kaboomtown" and "Oktoberfest." Each event was also chronicled in separate videos. Highlights from Oktoberfest, for example, were broadcast at the sister festival in Germany. To view Oktoberfest, please click here to view.
This project has spun off customized promotional DVD's for many of the leading hotels and restaurants in Addison. Restaurants such as Chamberlain's Prime Chop House, Chamberlain's Seafood Grill, Texas De Brazil, Nate's Seafood, and Avanti's are some of the many popular restaurants that participated. The Marriott Quorum by the Galleria was the first of the participating hotels to have their own version produced for web advertising and in-hotel programming. To view Marriott Quorum by the Galleria, please click here to view.
STATE OF ARKANSAS CHOOSES CHANNEL THREE
In March 2007, Channel Three was awarded a new video project for the State of Arkansas, co-sponsored by the Alcoholic Beverage Commission and MADD. The video is being used to train ABC officers and volunteers on conducting compliance checks at establishments in order to ensure that alcohol sales are not made to minors and features scripted vignettes with underage buyers and undercover agents interacting with waiters, bartenders and liquor store clerks. Channel Three was first selected by Arkansas ABC in 2004 to produce a video that was distributed to over 4,000 alcohol retailers and restaurants across Arkansas. "Reducing Alcohol Sales to Minors," included vignettes as well as testimonials from ABC officials and the current governor at that time, Mike Huckabee.
TxDOT OFFERS GREENER PASTURES AND SAFER STREETS
Since 1999, Channel Three has been privileged to be under contract with The Texas Department of Transportation in creating several dozen electrical training and safety videos for TxDOT inspectors and construction contractors. We received a double Telly Award in 2002 for the "High Mast Pole Series," which was awarded Telly's in the categories of Safety and Animation. Productions completed in the past year include "Introduction to the Cobrahead Luminaire" and a completely updated version of "Inspecting Electrical Conductors." Currently we are finishing a video on the new "Induction Fluorescent Fixture" which will offer a considerably longer bulb life, saving maintenance time, tax money and ultimately our planet. To see a short clip from our Telly Award-winning series on High Mast Poles, please click here to view.
"INTEGRATION OF ABILITIES WITH DR. PAUL BAKER"
Dr. Paul Baker, the founder of the Dallas Theater Center in 1959, has been one of the most influential forces in theater. In 1976, he formed the leadership for Dallas' Arts Magnet High School, now known as Booker T. Washington H.S. for the Performing and Visual Arts. Channel Three Productions filmed an extended interview in High Definition with this Texas legend (now in his 90's), along with his daughter, Robyn Flatt Baker, Artistic Director of Dallas Children's Theater and two long-time educators at BTW High School, Louise Smith and Brent Hasty. Dr. Baker spoke about "Integration of Abilities," his methodology for integrating creative, design and performance skills. Brad Ruekberg, DP of this project and President of Channel Three Productions, was fortunate to have studied under the legendary director and educator at the Dallas Theater Center's teen program and at Booker T. Washington. The interview will be part of a living history video project Channel Three has undertaken that began with the creation of the initial fundraising video for the school's capital campaign in 2003. A historical landmark that was once part of a pilot desegregation program, the school is now the jewel of Dallas' Arts District. The newly renovated building and brand new performance space are scheduled to open in 2008.
HD SPOTS
TV commercials offer a perfect medium for shooting in High Definition with progressive scan as opposed to interlaced scan between frames because they benefit most from the rich "film-look". Spots can be shot Standard Definition using DVC Pro-50 or in High Definition using DVCPRO HD. The HD option allows you to produce a spot that can be played in either standard definition or in High Definition for the TV stations that are slowly starting to broadcast spots in HD. We recommend filming spots in High Definition, as the footage can then be formatted to either the older standard of 4 x 3 or to wide-screen 16 x 9 (which are the dimensions for any new television set). It is also only a matter of time before all material can be broadcast and seen in HD, so anything you film now might as well be up to the new standard.
A new series of fives spots for Seconds & Surplus went on the air in spring of 2008, advertising flooring, doors, bathroom fixtures and kitchens. Shot in 720p HD on the digital P2 cards of the HVX-200, the spots actually looked better than spots we shot in the same location in 2006 with the Panasonic VariCam and HD tape. The new spots, were produced in association with Peter Rosenfeld and DFW Media Group. To view some of the new Seconds & Surplus spots visit our demo reel page and click on "TV Spots 4:3".
New spots created for Apple Orthodontix also represented an upgrade from the previous year's spot, starring 2007 NBA All Star Josh Howard of the Dallas Mavericks. Whereas that spot was shot with our HVX-200 in 24p on DV tape, the new spots were all shot in 720p HD on P2 cards and were broadcast in both standard definition as well as High Definition on stations that were HD-ready. One spot starring Josh Howard profiled Apple's "Live Wire" promotion that awards a student athlete for achievements in academics, athletics and community service. The monthly winners receive a Dallas Mavericks game VIP experience that includes a pre-game shoot around, official meeting at center court and a great view of the game. Clips from the inaugural Live-Wire event were also used on WFAA-TV (ABC) "Good Morning Texas." Six other concept spots revolving around everything from a large wedding to school pictures were also shot and aired this year. All of these spots were produced in conjunction with Nick Alexander and Joel January of Nick Alexander Productions. To see the spots from the "For the smile of your life" campaign, visit our demo reel page and click on "TV Spots 16:9".
Channel Three helped develop a :60 spot for PepsiCo filmed entirely in American Sign Language with open captions "for the sign language-impaired." Developed along with Clay Broussard at PepsiCo, the spot, entitled "Finding Bob's House" is based on an inside joke of the deaf community. Although the spot featured Frito-Lay chips and Pepsi beverages, its real mission, as part of PepsiCo's leadership in the EnAble initiative, is to promote a more inclusive environment for people with disabilities. Senior PepsiCo managers were so impressed with the commercial we shot with our HVX-200, they immediately developed an ad campaign to create a version that would play during pre-game of the 2008 Super Bowl. You can "Find Bob's house" by visiting our demo reel page and click on "TV Spots 16:9".
On behalf of PepsiCo and Frito-Lay, Channel Three was also proud to provide a 4-camera shoot of the Dallas Mayor's Breakfast EnAble conference at JC Penny earlier in the year. We are now editing a DVD surrounding this event that will be distributed to Human Resource managers at most major Dallas corporations.
CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
FRITO-LAY & PEPSICO
Channel Three Productions is extremely proud of the relationship we have had with Frito-Lay and PepsiCo since 1987. We have produced over a 100 videos for virtually every department at Frito-Lay and more recently at parent company PepsiCo and sister companies Quaker Oats and Tropicana. This year we produced "The Life of a Chip", which takes a light-hearted approach to introducing the potato and corn chip-making process to Frito-Lay sales personnel. Other projects this year include E-Learning Modules for Sales Operations we shot in Fort Worth and Tampa and new vignettes and testimonials for ResourceFuL Leadership modules. In April 2008, we are completing a series called "Driving Growth" and beginning a video on Reference Product.
"WE'RE AT&T"
Several years ago, Channel Three Productions was proud to begin partnering with the corporate communications department of Southwestern Bell on many of their video communications. Now a part of AT&T, the company contracted with Channel Three Productions to shoot a music video entitled "We're AT&T" to be shown at their 2008 Southwest Leadership Conference. The music video starred Sr. Vice President Brooks McCorcle in a black leather jacket, seemingly walking on air (with the help of a hidden treadmill and green-screen FX), and many of her associates jamming out on everything from "Guitar-Hero" to baby tambourines. Channel Three also worked with Ms. McCorcle a few months earlier on a message in support of the United Way. To rock-out with AT&T, visit our demo reel page and click the "Corporate Video" link.
JANI-KING, THE KING OF CLEAN
In the winter of 2007, Channel Three Productions was extremely fortunate to be chosen as the new video production vendor for Jani-King International's line of training DVD's. As the #1 franchise cleaning company in North America, Jani-King's education and communications needs are vast. Just in the past couple of months, under the leadership of Nathan Zimring, Director of Training, new DVD's have been completed on "Cleaning Hotels & Resorts" and "Cleaning Educational Institutions", as well as a DVD on "Green Cleaning," which is one of the most important initiatives in the industry today. These menu-driven, comprehensive DVD's include separate sections for various jobs and procedures and were shot in San Diego, Detroit and Dallas.
ACUVUE LENSES "SIGHT GAMES" AT THE AAC
In April 2008, Channel Three Productions was chosen by McCann Advertising and Momentum Special Events to film "Sight Games" at the American Airlines Center. These eye-hand coordination skills challenge was sponsored by Acuvue Lenses and took place both inside and outside the AAC during Dallas Mavericks basketball games and Dallas Stars Playoff Hockey Games. Brendan Morrow, who plays Left Wing for the Dallas Stars, participated during a special session of Sight Games, before Dallas fans got their chance. Quick turnaround on clips of Mark Cuban were needed so we edited in Dallas and uploaded clips to the New York agency within minutes.
CONSUMER DVD'S
XTREME ZONE
Channel Three Productions has collaborated with SPI, Inc. for over 10 years on direct to DVD fitness and beauty product DVD's. The latest in the X-treme Zone Series features pilate, yoga and weight training exercises and began selling in J.C. Penney in December 2007, just in time to help take off some of those holiday meal pounds! For more information, click here.
MISS OOPS
A new client for Channel Three in 2008, Miss Oops offers beauty-saving, problem solving products for all the "oopsies" in women's lives. Channel Three Productions collaborated with CEO, Jennifer Higgins, on a rescue DVD for women. Visit their webite by clicking here and you'll never have to say "Oops" again!
TV SHOWS: NEW & NOTEWORTHY
Channel Three Productions President, Brad Ruekberg, has served as DP/Field Producer for Platinum Television Group on over 25 episodes of network cable shows including Travel Channel "Great Taste", Discovery Channel "Pulse on America," ABC Family "Today's Family," CNN "Business & Beyond" and Healthy Living Network "Health South", among others. Platinum Television Group (PTG Studios) of Deerfield Beach, Florida, first contracted with Brad in April of 2006, for a program on treatment center for young men near Little Rock, Arkansas for "Today's Family." Since that time, PTG has steadily utilized Channel Three for programs shot in Dallas, Houston, Corpus Christi, Austin, San Antonio and the Hill country on subjects ranging from resort destinations to spelling bees.
A recent "Great Taste" centered on HeartBrand Beef's delicious and heart-healthy meat from their Asuaki cattle herd and served at some of the finest restaurants in San Antonio and beyond. To get a taste for this show, visit our demo reel page and click on the "TV Shows" link.
A recent "Today's Family" centered on The Fertile Soul Retreat, an all natural whole-health infertility treatment center for women ran by Dr. Randine Lewis, Phd. For an inside look at this groundbreaking alternative approach, visit our demo reel page and click on the "TV Shows" link.
Other shows shot for PTG Studios include:
Kiepersol Estate "Great Taste" Travel Channel
Capstone Treatment Center "Today's Family" ABC Family
Hexco Academic "Today's Family" ABC Click here
View excerpts from these TV shows visit our demo reel page and click on the "TV Shows" link.
PTG now has a sister company called Eye On America TV for whom Channel Three has shot and field produced 3 new episodes of their show, "Eye On America with Greg Gumble." The shows have centered around topics ranging from a new concept in international shipping in El Paso, to a safe house for abused children in the Dallas area.