"Webmaster Jam" filled with bevy of talent

October 3rd and 4th CoffeeCup Software hired Three Coin Productions to produce a DVD series for their "2008 Webmaster Jam" Seminar.  Our crew was thrilled to be invited, so we packed our cameras, loaded up on tapestock, and headed to Atlanta for the weekend.

We weren't to sure what to expect, but were amazed at what we saw.  The seminar introduced us to an entirely new world of development and design gurus who are leading the trends and and in front of the pack when it comes to web design advancements.  It was fascinating to sit behind the camera and listen to speakers such as Jeff Croft or Jason Ford discuss the latest trends in interactive web development.  Other presenters included talented designers like Garrett Dimon and Rob Weychert.  J Cornelius, from CoffeeCup, even hosted a "Website Smackdown," where attendees could have their own websites critiqued by a panel of experts, in front of the entire conference.

After 22 hours of footage was shot, we wrapped up and headed home.  I look forward to finishing the editing now, and will be sure that our designer implements some of the tips that were given as he prepares the DVD menus for the series.

Congratulations to the entire CoffeeCup Software crew for putting together a fantastic event.

NOTICE: Experienced Sales Person Needed

Three Coin Productions is a leading production facility and DVD Design/Authoring house with clients all over the nation. We are seeking an ambitious, self-motivated sales professional to join our team as we expand our services. A self-motivated salesperson, with knowledge of the production process will be responsible for meeting with clients, making new contacts, and offering our services.

Your schedule can be flexible. Work from home, or from our offices.

The ideal candidate qualifications:

Professional skills
Excellent Sales Ability
Basic Knowledge of Production, Post Production, and DVD processes.

* Some college.
* Be comfortable with business to business calling.
* Must be team oriented.
* Creative
* Organized
* Strong communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

Send resume and cover letter to info@threecoinproductions.com

Mark McGrath's Valuable Lesson

Remember the band Sugar Ray? A few years ago they had the number 1 hit song "Every Morning." After that hit, except for a few guest hosting gigs, Mark McGrath and the rest of his band have all but disappeared.  Or have they...

We were recently contracted through a great client to put together an on-site highlights video in Puerto Rico for a corporate awards party. You know the type of video. It's similar to the "Cruise in Review" DVDs, that you feel obligated to buy as you leave a cruise vacation. It shows all the people on the ship, acting a little foolish, waving to the camera, and just having the time of their lives. Well this gig was similar.  A well known investment bank was throwing an "Awards Party" for about 1000 of their top sales staff, and they wanted a video done to highlight their trip. We said yes to the gig, and headed out to Puerto Rico.

The week was spent shooting and editing all the candid moments and excursions. We even added some sight gags, and dynamic shots, just to give that special comical touch to the show. The video was to be shown on-site, so our nights were spent editing in our on-site travel edit bay.  As I think about this type of work, I tend to cringe a bit. Highlights videos? I mean, come on, that's not why I went to film school.  How is this going to allow me to direct my feature? Besides, it's tough work; all night edits, hot daytime shoots, all for a video that is going to be seen one time? Why put in that much effort?

Then came the closing night gala.  All the attendees were decked out in tuxes and gowns, and the final awards had been given out.  Dinner had finished, and the entertainment segment of the evening had started.  Our video rolled to approving laughter and applause.   Our job was done, and we were congratulated.  The emcee then announced a surprise concert for all the attendees.  Who was playing?  None other than Mark McGrath and Sugar Ray.  "Hmm," I think to myself, "Didn't they have a number 1 hit?"  I wondered how Mark felt about playing at a corporate gig.   Judging by their performance that night, they absolutely did have a hit, and that night they proved why.  Without hesitation or pride, they attacked the grand ballroom stage with the same energy and passion as they would have for an arena full of screaming fans.  It was a private concert put on by first class performers.  Whether fans of their music or not,  I'm sure that everyone in the room was appreciative that the band was giving them their best performance.

So I took a moment to review our own "performance."  Highlights videos have taken us all over the country and beyond.  We've filmed in the Carribean, Jamaica, Aruba, Curaçao, St Thomas, Cancun, and more.  Our various clients treat us well.  We enjoy the travel.  We enjoy the posh resorts.  We enjoy filming in exotic locations all over the world.  We even enjoy the challenge of putting together an entertaining highlights piece in a high-pressure on-site environment.  It's not the only type of work we do, but it is a part of our portfolio, and deserves our best performance.

So I have to say "Thanks, Sugar Ray," who proved their success by putting 100% into whatever the gig might be.

Prepping Broadcast Material for "Liken"

If you are one of the few who has yet to see one of Lightstone Studio's "Liken" DVD series, your excuses are quickly running out.  In addition to having a strong presence in the DVD market, the company has successfully obtained several new distribution outlets, and has secured dozens of broadcast opportunities for their titles.

Three Coin Productions' relationship with the creatives over at Lightstone actually began when both companies were located in Southern California.  We had just completed design and authoring on HaleStorm Entertainment's feature film, "The R.M." when Lightstone (formerly One South Studios) contacted us to arrange a meeting.  We met at their Pasadena offices, and forged an immediate business friendship.  They subsequently contracted us to design menus and author their first DVD, "Nephi and Laban."

After several years, our businesses each relocated to Utah, and the relationship continued.  Our latest collaboration: editing and mastering each of Liken's Bible programs for syndicated broadcast television.  This has been an intense process, involving editing host breaks, green-screening intro segments, and finishing commercial spots.  We've also acted as the dub house for dozens of 90 minute Beta Masters, fulfilling station orders nationwide.

Aside from a great business relationship with Liken, I have come to know several members of their creative team, and I am continually impressed at their commitment to produce high-quality, uplifting, family entertainment.  Lightstone's Ken and Dennis Agle are dedicated to the Christian principles that they so creatively bring to life in their titles.  

My hope is that the "Liken" DVD series will continue to receive support from television stations, DVD distributors, and families nationwide.

-Garrett Batty

President, Three Coin Productions