Jingle Jam 2008 at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum

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Tonight's major sponsors included the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE), the Philadelphia Chapter of the International Special Event Society (ISES), the Philadelphia Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA), the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), and many others.

The rain and snow did not stop this year's crowd who were treated to the food of Stephen Starr at his name-brand restaurant-themed stations. I could have eaten the Edamame Raviolis at the Buddakan station all night.

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I was proud to be involved in a themed bar and dance floor called The Bar Wash. Chiseled male models with painted-on t-shits and sexy women in car wash-themed costumes served adult beverages from concealed tubes and ghostbuster-style canisters. The entire dance floor was framed in truss, 25 feet wide, 40 feet long, and 20 feet high. Three 50 inch plasma screens dotted the upper support truss and both sides of the dance floor walls were wrapped in semi-transparent white netting that we used to project Blu-ray HD imagery of the inner workings of a real car wash.

Behind the Scenes: Brian Toner of Eventions Productions joined me on the shoot. We explained to the car wash manager last week what we wanted to shoot and he got such a kick out of the idea, he actually made customers wait while we filmed. The Bar Wash was a collaborative effort of Eventions Productions, Sandy O Studio, Studio Signs, and DVideography

The 10 REAL Questions You Should Ask Your Videographer.

Sometimes our clients come in with a list of questions like "Do you shoot in digital?" or "What type of equipment do you use?" We realize that these questions might come from a wedding planning web site that has good intentions, but these questions really miss the mark, in our opinion. The more meaningful questions that determine if a videographer is right for a client in the long run are tougher to answer by many videographers.

I've shared my thoughts on this with other professional wedding videographers around the country whom I respect. We agree that the pitfalls that some clients fall into can be avoided if the right questions are asked.

Today, some of them have taken this idea and started to run with it. We hope that all of us can make a dent and help educate clients so that they don't fall prey to the well-meaning hobbyist who is more interested in having fun and making a quick buck than they are delivering you a high quality video that you will enjoy for years to come.

The 10 REAL Questions You Should Ask Your Videographer

1. How will my movie sound?
2. How do you handle lighting?
3. How do you vary your shots?
4. How do you plan to tell the story of my day?
5. How long will it take to get my finished movie?
6. Are you 'preferred' by the other companies I've hired?
7. May I see other clients' movies and read what they had to say about you?
8. How do you get your shots without being 'in the way'?
9. Why are your services more expensive/less expensive than other companies?
10. What do you do to make sure our movie is unique to our personalities?

Chef Roland Mesnier: 25 Years in the White House

Retired Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier (White House Pastry Chef for 25 years) entertained this month's meeting with "White House Patisserie Lessons".

Mark your calendar for this year's Jingle Jam. Hobnob and party with members of ISES, NACE, PAMPI, and several other organizations. Jingle Jam is truly going "Full Throttle" this year and partying hard at the Simeone Foundation Race Car Museum. Vroom Vroom! REGISTER HERE


About ISES: Philadelphia's chapter of the International Special Events Society is one of the best and most active in the nation. As a board member and the chapter's newsletter editor, I encourage you to come and check our chapter out. Also, please submit any newsworthy articles to me for the monthly newsletter. For more information visit ISESPhila.com

Philadelphia Phillies World Series Party at the National Constitution Center

CTO's band "M5" heated up the night as the Philadelphia Phillies were celebrated on Friday night at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. DVideography was there to cover it all. Video coming soon.

Fido's Festival USA

Last weekend, Jordan and I had the pleasure to shoot Fido's Festival USA. As dog lovers, we really enjoyed ourselves and it was just one of those jobs that didn't feel like work. Check out the Photo Proofs! Watch the movie.

ISES Members Liberated at The Liberty Awards, Sheraton Society Hill

WOW! Is just an understatement to what we all witnessed on Wednesday night at the 2008 Liberty Awards” Absolutely Liberating” ! I am honored to say that I was a part of such an Amazing Event and it really raised ISES and our Liberty Awards Gala to the next level in the Special Events Industry. I must thank all the hardworking Committee Members, Student Volunteers, Board Members and especially the Generous Sponsors who made this Event so Successful!!
Dave Buckley, CSEP
Chair of the 2008 Liberty Awards Gala

Best Table Design

Wow!!! What an amazing honor to be selected best tabletop design.
We are thrilled to be apart of ISES and so proud of our award.
Looking forward to many years of working together in the special event world of Philadelphia
Katherine Patty, TableArt, Ardmore, PA

Best Photography

Sandy O, Sandy O Studios, Philadelphia, PA

Best Cuisine

Thank you ISES Philly!
We are thrilled that our Executive Chef Locke Johnston won the Cuisine Liberty Award.
Meryl Snow & Locke Johnston, Feastivities, Philadelphia, PA

Best Tenting Production

Ed Knight, EventQuip, Lansdale, PA

Best Entertainment Production

Sandy O, Sandy O Studios, Philadelphia, PA

Best Event Décor

Brian Toner, Eventions Productions, Aston, PA

Best Corporate Event

Lauren Sheehy, GEP Philly, Philadelphia, PA

Best Social Event

The liberty awards gala this year truly embraced a chapter collaborative effort creating a spectacular program honoring our incoming board and award entrants. I am extremely proud to be the recipient of best social event planner this year and am grateful for the opportunity to have my event recognized by my industry peers in this category.
Sue Werb, CSEP, Simply Elegant Events, Hockessin, DE

Best ISES Team Effort (tie)

Many Thanks to Dave Buckley and Kris Sumey for an OUTSTANDING incredible event!!!>
Sharon Dachino, On Stage and Off, Hulmeville, PA

Best ISES Team Effort (tie)

WOW! Totally awesome. The event industry in the Greater Philadelphia should be proud of all their accomplishments. It was like the Academy Awards Phiily style. Great decor. Great food. Great Fun and Absolutely Liberating. The Videography was a complete step up. Kudos!
Michael Tannen, CSEP, T-Team Management, Wilmington, DE

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The New 2008-2009 ISES Philadelphia Board

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Nancy Bauman, President
NKB Events, LLC

Larry Ott, President Elect – Secretary/Treasurer
Open Aire Affairs

Ginger Bickley, VP Communications
Max & Me Catering

Sandy O Fergus, VP Membership
Sandy O Studios/Flash Art Ventures

Sharon Dachino, VP Programs/Education
Events by On Stage and Off

"Our Special Projects Are OUTSTANDING this year... Many Thanks to Dave Buckley and his crew!!!"
Dave Dickson, Immediate Past President
DEC Group

DIRECTORS
Eric Allen – Programs/Education
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia

David Buckley, CSEP – Special Projects
Select Event Rental

Joanne Hulme – Special Projects
Creative Concepts

Lindsay Schwartz – Membership
Gray Consulting International Meetings & Incentives

Scott Seidman – Communications
Select Event Rental

Dave Williams – Communications
DVideography

Samantha Yaghooty – Sponsorship
Maggiano’s Little Italy

Michael Tannen, CSEP - Executive Director
ISES Greater Philadelphia Chapter

The Residences at Two Liberty Place - From Offices to Luxury Condos

What a view we had as we shot from the top floor of The Residences at Two Liberty Place, the third tallest skyscraper in Philadelphia. We first blogged this shoot back in July. The tallest is the new Comcast Center Building. The second tallest is Two Liberty's sister, One Liberty. But hold onto your hats, folks - days ago, PhillySkyline.com broke news of what will be not only the tallest building in Philadelphia, but the tallest building in the United States - The American Commerce Center. At 1,500' to the top of the spire, it will drastically change Philly's skyline.

Philadelphia Video Production by Media Wave Video Productions and Splat Productions

Construction Workers in Drag - It's INTECH Idol

Now here's a company who can let its hair down - maybe a little too MUCH hair. Enjoy these highlights from INTECH Idol 2008 hosted at Philadelphia's World Cafe Live. Post a comment here.

Produced under our corporate brand, Media Wave Video Productions.

JDRF Walk to Find a Cure

Through our corporate brand, Media Wave Video Productions (MWVP.com), we are fortunate to work on several Philadelphia corporate video projects each year for various non-profits. Once again, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Philadelphia (JDRF) called on us. Our latest production is being used to promote their annual Walk to Find a Cure. Below are some behind-the-scenes shots taken with my production assistant's iPhone.

The First Person to See The Sunrise

On a recent Media Wave Video Productions shoot, we went to the top of one of the tallest buildings in the city - Two Liberty Place. The script called for a time-lapse sunrise and sunset.
The elevator only went to the 57th floor. But there was a 58th floor only accessible by stairs. The 58th floor housed the large booms that extend out to lower the window washers four times per year. Four two-car garage doors made of glass open north, south, east, and west to give the booms access.Jordan snapped off a few shots of our view of the sunset, including this great silhouette of Tyler, one of my assistants. But the sunrise ended up being a one man show. All I have to prove I was there is this low-res video I made with my phone.Something occurred to me as I watched the sun peek over the horizon like a slow motion nuclear blast; I was probably the first person in Philadelphia to see the sunrise on Friday the 13th, 2007. Wait - I was standing near an open garage door on the 58th floor all by myself on Friday the 13th? What was I thinking?!

Hi-Def Vegas Display Attracts Oprah Winfrey

LAS VEGAS, NV, June 6, 2007 – Over 21,000 jewelry retailers from 72 countries exited The 16th Annual JCK Show ~ Las Vegas 2007 with new products, new trends and new ideas to bring back to their retail stores. Over the last five days, the retailers had the chance to meet with 3,400 manufacturers and suppliers from over 20 countries that offered everything from diamonds, gems and watches to equipment technology and packaging – all of the key products needed for a successful retail business.

Media Wave Video Productions - DVideography's sister company - produced the content and engineered the 9x16 High Definition Displays for exibitor S and I Creations, manufacturers of the Sophia by Design line of fine jewelry.

"The displays were a show-stopper", commented Shaul Reznick - owner of S and I Creations. "Oprah Winfrey even made a stop at our exhibit and was blown away."

9x16 high definition displays or 'Vertical Video' productions are perfect for attracting or informing clients in a unique way. Hotels, restaurants, and real estate sales offices can utilize high definition video in a new way that makes sense for certain products and services.

For more information about new and exciting hi-def multi-media productions, visit Media Wave Video Productions at www.9x16.com

A special thanks to Sarah DiCicco for her amazing work on this project. I could not have done it without her.

Variety Club Honors Amanda McGrory

Next week, the Variety Club will honor World Champion Amanda McGrory. Meeting and working with Amanda on this Dave Williams Films project was extremely rewarding. What a beautiful person and a wonderfully supportive family!

I'd like to thank John Zale and Robert Busch of the Illinois Videographers Association for the local help in Chicago as I had to fly there to interview Amanda. Also, I'd like to recognize our own Jordan Oplinger for his part in the post-production.

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Philadelphia corporate video productions, training videos, and commercial videos in Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware. Call Media Wave Video Productions toll free at 866-989-0158

Wing Bowl 15 in Philadelphia

On Friday I was hired by Peter Boardman of Lifestory Video Productions, in a sole partnering effort with 610 WIP Sports Radio to shoot Steadicam and do the post-production for the Wing Bowl 15 DVD.

As Pat Croce, the Wing Bowl Commissioner says in this Wingbowl Trailer, proceeds from this DVD will benefit spinal cord research.

Fellow GPVA members on the shoot included Joe Bradley of Bradley Video Productions, Steve Wernick of Videoccasion shooting stills for Event DV magazine, assistant Mark Hepford, and Jordan Oplinger (post-production).

You can support spinal cord injury research by purchasing this fun and sexy DVD. Visit www.WingBowlVideo.com

Thanks for your support!

Steadicam at the National Constitution Center

On Saturday the 18th, I was brought in as the Steadicam Op for a large private affair at Philadelphia's National Constitution Center. Janis Productions of Plymouth Meeting, PA hired me to get shots that without Steadicam would otherwise have been impossible.

I'd like to thank my assistant Jim, from Top Hat Productions in Philadelphia. Great job, Jim!

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Verizon FiOS Promo Shoot

On the set for a Verizon FiOS promo yesterday in West Chester. Luckily it was at the same time as a huge chili cookoff. (Jordan and I love chili)
Photos by Jordan Oplinger

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Do you have FiOS? It looks pretty nice.

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I got HIGH today!

I'm shooting outdoor establishing shots for a promotional video for a client in Cedar Grove, New Jersey today and I'm thinking, "I wish I had a bigger jib". Just then a huge bucket truck ( a tree service company ) pulls into the lot. I ask the driver, "May I ride in your bucket?" The next thing I know, I'm getting breathtaking shots 100 feet in the air.

My assistant Jordan snapped off a couple cell phone pictures.

Media Wave Video Productions and DVideography Support the Gift of Life Donor Program

Thank you so much for the "Gift of Life/Donors are Heroes DVD". It is a wonderful example of the event and will be very helpful in selling it. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. We will be in touch in reference to getting this onto the Gift of Life web site as you suggested.

Thank you all once again for your gift.

Renee Freeman
Gift of Life

Cassandra Wilson Live

Last night I had the pleasure of being hired as the Steadicam operator for Cassandra Wilson at World Cafe Live, produced for Comcast Video On Demand.

It was a six-camera shoot, fed to CN8's brand new production truck. Their new truck is simply amazing. They had me fly an Ikegami HK 388P Digibeta camera with a beautiful Canon wide angle lens.

Thanks to Will, Brian, Drexel, and the rest of the crew. Oh, and special thanks to Nancy for pulling my cable!

For more information about my Steadicam commercial work and rates, visit Media Wave Video Productions

Hair O The Dog

January 28, 2006
Philadelphia, PA – DVideography covers the annual Hair O’ The Dog event at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.

http://hairothedog.com/2006/HOD/