March 24, 2008

Lots of stuff going on lately. Had a quick edit for McKinney at the end of last week that ran into the weekend a bit. They're in pitch mode, which means that they've found a client (who I can't say, since it's still in pitch mode) and they're throwing a bunch of time and talent into this huge process involving print, video and people from the agency (mouthpieces) that culminates finally in THE PITCH.

I did a few customer testimonial pieces, and a quick 'Luxury' video, that highlights all of McKinney's past work, with the focus of course being on class and style. Basically a montage cut to Moby, who, if you aren't aware, is the artist behind the soundtrack to playing in every Creative Director's head. When in doubt, use Moby.

And of course last Thursday was the first time I had the opportunity to hear The Whistlestop playing an actual gig. I've followed them into the studio and shot tons of footage of them recording their songs, but this time they actually had a gig at Tir Na Nog in downtown Raleigh.

I covered the whole show with 2 video cameras, and was shooting as many stills as I could. Here's a link to the stills: The Whistlestop at Tir Na Nog.

Should be able to get a cut of most of the show (depending on how the footage looks, coverage-wise) to Mike & Co. soon, and hopefully they'll put it out and get some more bookings. They're a great band, and a really great group of guys, and I know once people hear their music they'll be able to play everywhere. I think that last sentence may qualify as gushing.

Ok, last note: I'm a producer/shooter on a documentary about Tift Merritt that Distillery Pictures producer Aninda Valentini is heading up. This past Saturday she played a homecoming gig over at Carolina Theater in Durham. After every new album of hers comes out, she does a type of homecoming show, and this one was memorable. She and her band were tight! They have a new lead guitarist, Scott McCall, who's really fleshed out their sound. 

We ran 4 cameras on her the entire show, thanks to the generosity of Kevin Wild and Drawbridge Media, who loaned out 2 cameras and sticks, as well as a couple of mics and a disc recorder to capture sound, so I think we'll have some great coverage.