Testimonial Videos from the Local Film Community in Support of Oregon’s Film Incentive Programs

http://vimeo.com/19796506

The videos embedded here are just two examples of testimony from local companies that have directly benefited from Oregon’s film incentive programs.  These videos will be played for the Oergon State Legislature at the continuation of the initial house hearing (on HB 2167) this Friday.  HB 2167 proposes increasing the annual amount allocated to the Oregon Production Investment Fund (OPIF).

The testimonial videos from Mark “Sparky” Haleston of STP/Elite and Lana Veenker of Lana Veenker Casting will be submitted along with personal testimony from several other people from the Oregon Film community. Continue reading... “Testimonial Videos from the Local Film Community in Support of Oregon’s Film Incentive Programs”

Does Oregon Have The Best City To Live, Work & Make Movies In?

Every year Movie Maker Magazine surveys independent filmmakers in the united states to find the best cities live and work in.  They focus on a number of criteria; good cost of living, employment opportunities, quality of life, affordable home prices and of course financial incentives, availability of locations and quantity of crew and vendors.

The annual best places to “live, work and make movies” will be out in their magazine’s winter edition, which is released at Sundance next year.  We would love to be on that top ten list again…..so Continue reading... “Does Oregon Have The Best City To Live, Work & Make Movies In?”

Important Infrastructure Equipment Now in Oregon

I was approached several times to take over an established camera car company. After being employed by them for several years, an opportunity presented itself. I didn’t want to go it alone. One phone call to a long time friend and the decision was made. Oregon now had Elite Camera Cars LLC. A new partnership built by four Oregonians.

One thing that stood out, and was part of my decision was a few conversations about safety from crew members. More like complaints, how could we make this safer?   Continue reading... “Important Infrastructure Equipment Now in Oregon”

Convergence, Parallax, Inter-Axial???

Picture This

Picture This Production Services & Stage hosted a 3D Workshop last month to introduce our community to multiple 3D Camera solutions including the Panasonic AG-3DA1 Camcorder, the first professional 3D dual lens HD video camera in the world, as well as 3D projection and 3D post production solutions.

The workshop kicked off with an introduction to 3D basic terminology and fundamental principles. We were guided through how physical science combined with aesthetic choices and art direction can produce successful and compelling 3D video imagery. Continue reading... “Convergence, Parallax, Inter-Axial???”

Go Green -Got Goats?

(Photo: Don Rohrbacker)

Gearhead Grip & Electric has been practicing sustainable methods for a long time – full recycling on it’s trucks and trash disposal for customers, green holiday gifts etc etc.   – but last week they took their commitment to the next level when Don Rohrbacker decided to employ about 15 brush-munching goats to clear their truck  yard (a 50 x 50 foot lot).  Continue reading... “Go Green -Got Goats?”

Documentary Chooses Ashland for Easy Shooting

Southern Oregon – Shawn Adams flying an auto-gyro for the shot. Jamie Lusch / Daily Tidings

It’s always great to hear of projects choosing to shoot in Oregon and when we heard about the producers of the documentary, Half Way Home, choosing the Ashland area over their native LA for some of it’s scenes, we learned the reasons in this case were threefold; less expensive, less red tape and solid talent.  Gary Kout, producer and executive director of the  Southern Oregon Film and Television organization, connected the producers with talented auto-giro pilot, Shawn Adams (Rotor-Head) in southern Oregon to get their tricky arial scenes. Continue reading... “Documentary Chooses Ashland for Easy Shooting”

Eugene, OR Telecommuncations program has $$$ for you!

I just heard from Pam Berrian, Eugene’s Telecommunications & Cable Program Manager that she still has $20,000 available in their filmmaker equipment fund.  Please note that this pool of money must go towards the purchase of telecommunications equipment.  Pam and her department are big supporters of the film industry and it would be a shame to see this money not get spent on a film or TV project.  All remaining funds will go back into the city of Eugene’s reserve fund July 1, 2011.  Continue reading... “Eugene, OR Telecommuncations program has $$$ for you!”

Fluid Images Honored by OSU

Fluid Images' (Central Oregon) Strada Crane facilitating TV coverage at the 2008 Beijing Olympics

Fluid Images, based in Sisters, Central Oregon, is being honored by OSU in receiving the “Orange Spotlight” award.   (The award singles out companies that, amongst other things, are innovative,  stimulate and support the local economy as well as hire skilled and talented OSU alums).

Fluid Images was founded in 1990 when Bob Johnson (OSU graduate) and his son Rick, built  the 72 foot Akela Crane in their barn.  Continue reading... “Fluid Images Honored by OSU”