The Quinn Bros. Band: A Gut-Busting Romp

Tom and Ben Quinn recently called on Three Coin Productions for another project.  Our last project with these guys was a spontaneous short film created specifically for Ben's well-read blog, The Unmighty.  This time they said the project would be "a little bit different."

"How different?" I asked.

"Well, we actually have a budget."

They had my attention.

Tom and Ben have a band, and are trying to get some more exposure.  They wanted us to produce the video coverage of their upcoming concert.  Sure, why not?  We do event coverage all the time: incentive trips, product launches, seminars, trainings, and even an occasional concert.  So the date was set.

The concert was absolutely hilarious.  Ben and Tom had the audience in hysterics, never letting up.  The shoot went well, and we look forward to producing a full concert DVD for them.  For now, here's a peek at the event.

Find out more about The Quinn Brother's Band here. 

"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.

That's a Wrap

Thanks to all who were involved in the production of "Scout Camp."  It has been incredible to see this project come to life.  We started shooting in early August, and before we wrapped, the project had turned in to a veritable "who's who" of familiar cast and crew.

The first week of shooting started modestly, with an extremely talented Shawn Carter (High School Musical 1, 2, and 3) humbly leading our cast of scouts through a comical re-creation of the happenings at a week-long scout camp.  Before the end of the week, the cast was joined by Kirby Heyborne as the scout master, who brought on a perfect balance of "let's keep the rules," and "scouts will be scouts."  By the end of the shoot, recognizable faces from all chapters of LDS cinema had come to do time in front of the camera.  In addition to Heyborne, we saw Trenton James, (Pirates of the Great Salt Lake) Curt Doussett, (Discovery Channel's Hazard Pay, Church Ball) Adam Johnson, (Charly) Matt Mattson (Single's 2nd Ward) Will Rubio, (Forever Strong) Jeffery Blake, (Stalking Santa) Brad Johnson, (High School Musical 3) and several more.  

Even behind the camera there was a reunion-type feeling for many of the crew who had worked together on previous projects.  The crew of between 20 to 30 shot 15 days and wrapped a day early.  There wasn't one complaint heard while they dealt with hot weather, night shoots, over 130 extras, remote locations, and continual on-set jokes and pranks.  Our art department, lead by Whitney Donald, delivered some fantastic sets, props, and an unforgettable "scout-mobile."  Sonja Nelson headed up the wardrobe, and managed to dress a large cast and an even larger group of extras in perfect scout related costumes.  Janna Larsen came through with some great hair and make-up looks, and even put together some Hollywood-esque prosthetic effects work.  DP Jeff Lambright worked wonders with Carl Gundestrup's lighting, to capture the true feeling of the locations.

In the end, the shoot was a complete success, and we are excited to have a fun film to present to distributors.  Production photos can be found on our "Scout Camp" facebook fan page, where fans can sign up for more updates.   

 

Shooting Sting Rays? Proceed with Caution...

Recently, a direct sales company awarded about 1500 associates with a 6-day cruise to the Bahamas, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.  We got to go along for the ride, and to create the on-site highlights videos.

One thing we have learned from years of highlight shows, for a variety of clients, is that each show has to be different.  The more creative we can be with the trip attendees, the better the show is going to be.  By now, a

ll the attendees have seen the typical "Happy-Faces" video, in which the cameras are just a fly-on-the-wall, desperately trying to grab any sort of a wave or a smile.  That, to me, just isn't good enough. 

Equipped with 3 Sony HVR-Z1U High-Def Cameras, an HDR-HC1 with underwater housing, a complete on-site editing bay, some field mic audio kits, and about 12 miles of DV tape, we were set to cover the expected, and the unexpected.

By the end of the trip, we had delivered 14 different shows, including daily activity reels, two "Office" style mockumentaries featuring the plight of attendees and a water slide, two mock-commercials promoting in the style of a Geico ad, a hilarious "Rock the Boat" music video montage, and the masterpiece, "Cruizine," an homage to the abundance of food available on a cruise ship.  The client was pleased with the videos, and the attendees loved seeing themselves throughout the week on the ship's closed circuit broadcast, and jumbo screen.

On a side note, I find that the more effort we put into making the video fun for the viewers, the more highlights we get to experience ourselves.  On this particular trip, the client invited us on several excursions, including a trip to swim on a sandbar, where we were visited by a pack of sting rays.  Or maybe it's a tribe of sting rays?  Or a school?  Whatever it is, it was covered in the highlights.

"Scout Camp" comedy moving forward...Be Prepared

Let's hear those troop yells!

We are excited to announce the next phase of production of "Scout Camp."  This comedy has been in development for almost 2 years, and is now moving into pre-production.  We will be casting the film over the next 6 weeks and are looking for all types.

Check back with the blog for more announcements, updates, and to find out how you can be a part of this project.

"Passage" DVD Full of Surprises

For the past several months we have been working closely with the makers of "Passage to Zarahemla" to produce the film's DVD release.  I had never met the director, Chris Heimerdinger, when he approached Three Coin Productions to produce the DVD for his film.  But even at our first meeting, he made it clear that this project was something that was very dear to him.  He made it known that he didn't want this to be just another bare-bones disc.  It has been a great experience working with Chris and his team on all of the various elements of the DVD.  

Without spoiling any surprises, I'll just say that the filmmakers have gone the distance on the special features for this disc, and fans of the film, the music, or Chris Heimerdinger's books are not going to be disappointed.

Look for the DVD on June 3rd.

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

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    

  

NOTICE: Office Space Available at TCP

We have 2 offices available for a month to month sub-lease agreement.  Each office is over 100 sq feet, and includes utilities and internet access.  $300 each.

The space is perfect for designers, developers, editors, writers, or other creative types.

Contact garrett@threecoinproductions if interested.

TCP

TheUnMighty feels the love with "My Valentine."

A few weeks ago I received a call from a good friend, Ben Quinn.  He didn't know that I produce videos, until someone emailed him a link to #Pound# 646.  He explained that he wanted to put together a series of short videos for his blog at TheUnMighty.com.  We met at our office, discussed some ideas, and I cautiously agreed to do a video for him.

Why cautiously?  It has always been my instinct to be very protective of the quality of content associated with Three Coin Productions.  I think I have a subconscious fear that if someone sees a project out of the context for which it was intended, they might interpret that as Three Coin Productions missing the mark.  So in a way to "protect" our image, I tend to tuck away projects, showing them only to their intended audiences, and then hiding them within our archives.

However, after meeting with Ben, and thinking about it more and more, I've come to the conclusion that it's time for me to overcome my fear.  After all, Ben didn't even know I produce videos, until he saw a show that wasn't intended for him.  He didn't come to Three Coin because of our superior production quality, or our advanced editing capabilities.  He came because he watched a short, and thought it would be fun to work with us.

The more I think about it, the more I realize that most of our clients have come to us, not just because of a resumé, but because they enjoy working with us.  And we enjoy working with them. 

There is more to doing good work then just doing good work.  There are hundreds of capable production companies all working on very worthy projects.  What differentiates us all is the people behind the work.  That's the image that I need to protect, or better yet promote.  Three Coin Productions is not only a capable production company, but its fun to work with us.  We are professional, experienced, and no longer afraid to show a lighter side of our company.  How do people know this?  They can see it in all of our projects, even if they aren't the intended audience.

As for our first collaboration with TheUnMighty Ben, it was a riot.  We shot for a few hours, and then edited for a few more.  Nothing fancy, or artsy, but hopefully just something fun.  You can see it at the link below, or on reelconnect.com

Happy watching.

-Garrett Batty

President, Three Coin Productions

 

"Order" and "Cleanliness" DVDs establish sales presence

"How to Establish..." is catching on.  This 2-DVD series, by Three Coin Productions, seems to be getting fresh life at the new year.

"House of Cleanliness" gives effective training to viewers who want to enjoy the benefits of a clean home.  The techniques are simple: by just practicing these methods each day for a half-hour, anyone can have a relaxing, peaceful, and clean home.

"House of Order" takes a new approach to the standard organizational program.  By asking three basic questions, viewers can quickly prioritize projects, and maintain order in their homes.

The series was produced with the average homemaker in mind.  And the results are proof that the series is working.

More information can be found at HowToEstablish.com

Awards abound, as "Playdates" Preps for Wide Release

Creative Child Magazine has awarded Little Playdates: Little Friends the 2007 DVD of the Year Award. This news comes just prior to the national release of the entire Little Playdates Series.

Little Playdates is the first of its kind DVD series, produced by Three Coin Productions, for young children that focuses on positive social and emotional growth through child-to-child interaction and play. Series creators JoAnne and Trent Pettry have received numerous awards for the innovative new programs. Little Playdates has also been endorsed by Wendy Fornier, President of the National Autism Association.

Some awards include: Dr. Toy Best Products Winner, 5 out of 5 Doves, iParenting Media Award Winner, and the Family Review Center Gold Award.

"Our videos provide a unique and uplifting experience for children where they can interact and learn with other children in a wonderfully vivid, natural live-action experience," states the Little Playdates website. Viewers are invited to "Watch your child coo, smile, point, laugh, wiggle and dance as they interact with the children in the show."

The series was most recently seen at the 2008 Golden Globes, after being invited to attend the "Boom Boom Room," for Celebrities and their children.





Look for the entire "Little Playdates" DVD Series, distributed by Porchlight Home Entertainment, available this February in stores nationwide.

More information can be found at: www.littleplaydates.com

Three Coin Productions Wins 24 Hour Film Competition

Three Coin Productions was pleased to participate in the 2008 24 Hour Film Festival.  On January 11th 2008, contestants were given 24 hours to make a film with the following guidelines:  The theme must relate to "Compassion."  There must be band-aid in the film.  And the film must contain the line "Could you please..."

TCP teamed up with Matt Mattson and Jake Suazo, two very funny and talented improv actors.  After a breakfast brainstorm session, and a two hour shoot, production was complete.  Mat Gerow was the DP, and Garrett Batty directed and edited.  After a few more hours editing, and tweaking, the film was ready to submit.

On January 18th, 41 submitted films screened to a packed theater.  Audience members and judges submitted ballots for their favorite films.  Winners were announced at an awards ceremony on January 19.  "#Pound# 646" was awarded audience choice, and first place from the judges.

More information on the festival can be found at www.ldsfilmfestival.org

"#Pound# 646" can be viewed below.