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Welcome to Big Pictures News!
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Greetings!
Happy New Year - and welcome to the January issue of Big Pictures News! This monthly e-newsletter is a behind-the-scenes look at our recent projects, productions, equipment and services. We'll also be sharing ideas and tips we've picked up along the way.
As a reminder of who we are - Big Pictures is a Denver area production company that provides fully-equipped camera crews, top equipment packages, and award-winning production services to Colorado and beyond. You are receiving BP News because you've done business with, or
corresponded with us in the past, and/or you've signed up from our
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I hope you enjoy this newsletter, and please stay in touch!
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Jerry Schemmel and United Flight 232 - An Amazing Story Worth Telling
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 As I walked down the basketball court for another b-roll take with Jerry Schemmel, I asked him how many times he'd told this story. "Dozens, over a hundred," he said.
He's been a guest on Oprah, Regis, The Today Show, 48 hours, and more. He's also spoken about it at events and gatherings around the country for years.
On this day in December we were filming a segment with Cheri Sundae Productions for History Channel's new HD series Shockwave. Before that, it was an ESPN feature.
Yet each time we heard it, the story seemed so fresh, like it was yesterday.
But it was actually over eighteen years ago that Jerry walked out of the wreckage from the United DC-10 that was forced crash land in Sioux City, Iowa. One hundred and twelve of his fellow passengers died.
Jerry lived, and so did the baby he went back in to save. He had heard her muffled cries, and found her locked in an overhead bin - far from where she had been seated. This summer day in July would change both of their lives forever.
Why does he tell this story with such passion each and every time? He believes one of the reasons he survived was to share it. And we have been honored to help him do it. Check out the six-minute feature we shot for ESPN. And keep an eye on Now Showing in coming months for the History Channel version. You can also visit Jerry Schemmel's Website for more information, including his book Chosen to Live.
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08 Reasons to Shoot HD in 08!
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 #1 HD Looks Great!
Let's face it, HD is gorgeous! And with a crew who knows its nuances - how to light and shoot it - it can be stunning. The greater latitude and resolution gives good DP's a much broader pallet. And the 16x9 aspect ratio provides a more cinematic canvas. And we all know if your footage looks great, you look great!
#2 HD Has Gotten Easier
Much easier - From budgeting through distribution, many of the unknowns that once mystified HD have cleared. Rates are more fixed, formats have settled, and HD postproduction has gotten much more straightforward. If you're new to it, call in an experienced DP, and/or a good editor, to help guide you through the process.
#3 HD Costs are Down
And Value is Up - Years ago shooting and posting in HD was often more than double the cost of shooting in SD. But equipment costs have come down, and competition has gone up. So call around and you'll find that fully equipped HD crews, and HD edit suites, have settled into very reasonable rates. However, like with any kind of production the cheapest vendors are seldom the best. So shop around to find the balance that represents the best value - and as always ask for credits, references and reels!
#4 HD Crosses all Genres of Production
It's no longer just the domain of features, high-end television programs, and commercials that used to shoot film. More and more programs are being shot and posted in HD - including corporate marketing and training films.
#5 Your Clients and Viewers Want HD
We've finally reached the point where the equipment manufacturers are no longer driving the demand for HD. Now it's coming from the clients and the viewers who see it every day, and want it for their productions.
For Steve Schumacher, a producer for American Family Insurance, it's a no brainer: "We started shooting and projecting HD for all our major staging events. Our audiences really..."
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NOW SHOWING!
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Outside The Lines - Steroids Feature - 1/20/08
Mark Fainaru-Wada, co-author of the book Game of Shadows, interviews Dan Naulty, relief pitcher for the 1999 World Series Winning Yankees, about his use of steroids. (ESPN, ESPNHD, Sunday 1/20/08, 9:30 a.m. ET, check local listings)
Shockwave - History Channel - TBA
Look for upcoming HD segments on Jerry Schemmel and United Flight 232, The 2004 bulldozer rampage that threw Granby Colorado into the headlines, and more. We worked with Cheri Sundae Productions, in association with Crew Connection. Airdates to be announced.
AKC/EUKANUBA National Championship - Animal Planet - 2/2/08
We shot this Breeder of the Year feature story in HD with Painless Productions on what it takes to turn an Old English Sheepdog puppy into a champion. It's set to air on February, 2nd 2008, please check local listings.
Who's #1 - Best Technological Innovations in Sports - 1/28/08
We shot interviews with swimmer Amy Van Dyken, and father/son bikers Davis & Taylor Phinney, for this very interesting "Who's#1" feature on high tech devices and how they affect sports. Upcoming airdate: Monday 1/28/08 9:00pm EST, ESPN Classic.
Retired and Wired - Retirement Living TV
We've shot several programs with Eagle Ridge Media of this 55 guide to the very latest in high-tech tips and tools. It teaches viewers how to level the playing field and make technology work for them. Airs Monday Through Friday, check local listings.
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