Tuesday, December 22, 2009

I nominated Viral Intermedia Productions / VIP to win a $5K #smallbiz grant on LoveALocalBusiness.com. Help them win!

I nominated Viral Intermedia Productions / VIP to win a $5K #smallbiz grant on LoveALocalBusiness.com. Help them win!

Posted using ShareThis

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Silent Auction Charity Benefit: Tully's and Laci McCrea


Tully's Coffee on Capital and Idaho is hosting a Silent Auction Charity Event to Benefit the Childrens Home Society and the Women's and Children's Alliance. The Silent Auction Event starts today and all bidding closes and is final December 17th at 5:00PM.

The Silent Auction will feature Boise artist Laci McCrea. For details on Laci's work please visit LaciMcCrea.com

Monday, December 7, 2009

Lou Diamond Phillips

http://www.whocelebstweet.com/twitter/Viralintermedia/who/

I was suprised and tickled to hear from my old grade school buddy, Lou Diamond Phillips, weekend. We met up in the 3rd or 4th grade while I was going to school overseas (Subic Bay - My Dad is retired Navy). Like me, Lou is mestizo or Filipino-American; although he has played nearly every ethnic and non-ethnic role out there.

Until I am reminded differently, I will claim that along with my childhood friends, Louis Steenson and Dana Campbell, I co-authored and acted in Lou's first stage production, "A Charlie Brown's Christmas in Subic" that we wrote and produced for our 6th grade Christmas Pageant. I think I was Charlie Brown and Lou was Linus.

One of the great things about growing up in Subic Bay (USNS Republic of the Philippines) was that the everyone did everything at the same time. We all were in Cub Scouts together. We all played football. We all played baseball (see pic #2) and we all bowled, went to the movies, went trick-or-treating and spent Sunday with our families at the beach toegther. It was idyllic to say the least.


The downside was - it came to an end. Since we were 'navy brats' we went where our fathers were stationed and in 1974 my dad was transferred to Washington DC (Andrews AFB). I stayed in contact with Lou, Louis and Dana for sometime but, as happens many times, we lost touch as we got older and started families of our own.

The advent of Facebook and Twitter has really been an era of reconnection for me. I have a penchant (my wife says an obsession) with staying connected with everyone I have ever met: girlfriends, dude friends , classmates and teachers, employers and co-workers and, as many of you will attest, I have done a fairly thorough job. It was, however, a unique challenge to reconnect with Lou given the myriad of websites claiming to be his 'official' website and the barrier of protection that develop aorund celebrities. The last I heard from Lou and his family was when I married my wife, Dori, in 1993. Lou's Mom kindly sent us a card (and $$$) in celebration of our nuptials. Around that time Lou went through a divorce and shortly thereafter, I lost contact.

I tried a number of avenues to get in touch, including e-mailing his publisher to no avail and finally gave up. Then this past Saturday morning, while warming my hands on my americano and wiping the sleep from my eyes - POP! There was it was... a twitter tweet from LaBamba star himself. It was real Tweet Treat!


Very Cool!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Every Gift Brightens Lives



Panache Hair Studio and Day Spa - Holiday Open House

Every Gift Brightens Lives

-Pre-made Aveda Gift Sets from $20
-Stocking Stuffers
– New! Travel Sizes
-Save 10% on Gift Certificates + FREE GIFT!
-Save 10% on Open Stock Aveda Retail
-FREE GIFT WRAPPING for Custom Gift Sets
-Enter to WIN 60 Minute Massage w/purchase
-Chakra Experience Center
-Enjoy Aveda’s Comforting Tea and Pastries
-DOOR PRIZES for FISRT 25 walk-in GUESTS
-Phone Order Gift Certificates available (208) 377-3300

At Panache, an Aveda concept salon and spa, our professionals are dedicated to providing you with an exceptional experience in a positive, serene environment. We are committed to obtaining your trust and loyalty through unparalleled service and outstanding results. Our goal is to ensure your time at Panache is truly enjoyable, resulting in an renewed feeling of confidence and wellness for both the mind and body.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Pilot Error Rocks the Reef


Pilot Error was at the Reef this past weekend and it was once again easy to see why they have been voted Best of Boise in so many ways. These guys pull the crowd in to the club and out onto the dance floor.



Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Individuals « iBlaast

Always looking for bigger, better, and / or smarter. This is another Social Networking Tool: Individuals « iBlaast

Saturday, October 10, 2009

PLATINUM: A Beauty Lounge

This past Friday was the GRAND OPENING of PLATINUM: A Beauty Lounge located at 11th and Main downtown Boise. The Gala Event began at 6 PM and went on into the wee hours. Owner Nicole Keulman and Filmmaker Ronn Seidenglanz pulled out all the stops with a red carpet Fashion Show, Apps and Bevies, Give Aways and Raffles. The event was catered by Woodriver Cellars. Other high points of the blowout were: DJ SHEFF, PINK, MODERN MAN and the BOISE BREAKERS.







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Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Forrest Melton of 'ALIVE Adventures'


Forrest Melton of 'ALIVE Adventures - YES! Youth Empowerment Services' facilitates a team building training for a local youth soccer team. Filming this, it was interesting to note the development in positive attitude, creative thinking, focus, and yes, team work develop so quickly. Experiential Training beats lecture hands down.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

2009 1003 Boise Business Co-Op's New Home Game Location: Papa Joe's

2009 1003 BBCO Tailgater
Great food (some of the best chili I've had in a long time), great people, hot chocolate and space heaters made Boise Business Co-Op's new home game location a great move. The new 'Mini Village' along with three screens helped distract from the brisk weather this past Saturday.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Its always about me and VIP

Except when it's not. When something is good, it's good - no matter who made it. Take, for instance, this YouTube vid featuring an amazing choir: Perpetuum Jazzile. The group uses their hands to simulate a storm (Source: www.youtube).

Sunday, September 20, 2009

57 Heavy at The Big Nasty!


VIP was commisioned by 57 Heavy to film their set at the 2009 'Big Nasty Hill Climb'. They played the Jagermeister stage at this XTREMELY unique venue. The shoot was fun at we are looking to make the DVD available to the band next week. The 'Big Nasty' is an annual event held on a 3800 acre in Payette right next to the river. In addition to incredible motorcycle hill climbing competitions there were helicopter and jet boat rides, a couple thousand campers (with nearly that many tailgate parties), multiple concerts and major pandemonium was the rule of the day - it was a BLAST!



Friday, September 4, 2009

2009 0803 BBCo Tailgate

The Boise Business Co-Op is not only an organization that supports local businesses; the BBCo is part of the Treasure Valley community and therefore a member of the Bronco Nation.
Yesterday was the Boise Business Co-Ops first BSU Tailgate Party. As a member of the BBCo, Viral Intermedia was aware of the plans for the traditional pre-game party but given that this was our first tailgate we were delighted by the actual experience.
There was no shortage of tailgate events happening all around us to be sure. The sights, sounds and smells (of a thousand BBQ’s going at once) were truly a spectacle to behold. Compared to some of the celebratory enclaves, the BBCo’s tailgate seemed rather staid and reserved…at first. Just like their popular ‘Music on the Waterfront’ Free Summer Concert Series at Lake Harbor, people were a little slow trickling in but once the grill was fired up and the Band (Soul Serene) started getting things hopping – the event started picking up mojo.
What started out as a group connected by business networking ideals soon became a family of sorts. Folks were dancing, visiting, singing and once the game started playing on the 8 foot inflatable screen – cheering and celebrating as a unified group. Many passers-by stopped to check out the BBCo celebration and were promptly invited to join the ‘family’. Some of the visitors were even covered in green and gold; they were fed and made welcome like out everyone else.
It was simply a great way to spend a Thursday Summer night and I confess I liik forward to the next one.
**Disclaimer and note from the writer: I have to admit I can't see very well when taking pictures at night. The BBco's first tailgate party was a success. Dori, Luc and I were invited to a couple tailgate parties and we visited most of them but I will say I was impressed with BBCo's setup: Band Stand (Soul Serene), BBQ, Multiple large tents and tables...the works!**

Friday, August 28, 2009

MOTW Aug 27th The Lightning Clouds


Music on the Waterfront Free Summer Concert Series / A VIP BBCo EVENT

Last night's performance by Boise's own 'Lightning Clouds' was another compelling performance for the lucky crowd on the Waterfront at Lake Harbor off State Street.

The evening started off on the warm side but quickly cooled off as the sun set just west of Silver Lake.

The Music on the Waterfront (MOTW) Free Summer Concert Series crowd contained many regulars and a number of new faces as well. Talking with folks I hadn't met on previous Thursdays' revealed that they were in town visiting family and friends and were brought to the weekly event by folks who had made the lakeside concert a Thursday evening tradition.

The band was 'The Lightning Clouds' and according to their MySpace page, "...The Lightning Clouds is an electrifying 3-piece surf rock/reggae band from Boise, Idaho. Specializing in a rich assortment of original songs and accompanied by a plethora of songs from other epic artists, the Lightning Clouds sets are always tight, fresh, and unique."

There were a plethora (finally got to use that word!) of events going on throughout the Treasure Valley Thursday and so the normal crowd at MOTW was significantly smaller than usual. However, maybe because of the intimate atmosphere, there were more people dancing. Once again, the vibe was relaxed, friendly and ...unique.

Carrianne Recla of the Boise Business Co-Op which is the sponsor and organizer of the new MOTW event said that she was pleased with the growth and turnout of weekly event and was already looking forward to next year's Summer Concert Series.

As always Viral Intermedia Production or VIP was hand to film the event for our weekly MOTW web clip and to snap a few photos. Please check back in a day or two for the clip once we are done editing.

Web Clip Currently in Post Production:

VIDEO COMING SOON TO A WEBSITE NEAR YOU!

Monday, August 24, 2009

208tv VIP Live Streaming

Viral Intermedia Production can provide an affordable alternative to broadcast or cable TV. Live Stream your show or event over the internet from as many websites as you wish. Every live stream is captured and archived for on-demand viewing as well. For more information please visit our website: Viralintermedia.com

Monday, August 17, 2009

VIP Services - Hosting Domain Registration Web Design Web Servces (including Video)

At Viral Intermedia Production we will always work within your budget. If it looks like additional costs will be incurred, we will discuss it with you and seek your approval before proceeding. The figure below are general guidelines but can be used for calculating your project costs. For additional information, clarification, or project bids, please contact us by clicking here.


VIP TREATMENT is the standard and motto for Viral Intermedia Production. We create and deliver professional multimedia products and services and viral marketing strategies. VIP brings to the table a combination of resources including years of filmmaking, videography, and post editing experience (not to mention the hardware and software). Should the project require; we have full mobile lighting and production gear. As of 2008 we now shoot in Hi Def (HD) using the latest digital equipment – that translates into compelling video and a huge savings using digital storage as opposed to tapes.

When a project includes web development, we offer web programming, creative design, and affordable hosting.

To supplement all areas of image promotion and product awareness we offer professional copywriters and 3 in-house graphic designers. Viral Intermedia Productions uses a full time media buyer for print, billboard, and media time.

Viral Intermedia Production offers VIP Treatment for your Event, Business, or Website. Video Pre-Production, Production and Post Production. Web clips, web design, web hosting, graphic design, printing. Whatever your needs - get the VIP Treatment you deserve!

Hosting Domain Registration Web Design Web Services (including Video)

Domain Registration:

1yr 11.95 per year
2yr 10.95 per year
3yr+ 9.95 per year

Hosting:
Personal Website AD supported personal 2.95 mo 5 page
Non AD supported personal 5.95 mo 5 page
Non AD supported personal 7.95 mo unlimited pages / Additional modules as needed priced individually EG: Photo album / Guest Book / Shopping Cart /Web Analytics priced per module / other

SoHo (Small Office Home Office)

AD supported SoHo 5 page 4.95 mo
Non AD supported SoHo 9.95 5 page
Non AD supported SoHo 12.95 Mo unlimited pages /Additional modules as needed priced individually EG: Photo album / Guest Book / Shopping Cart /Web Analytics priced per module / other

Enterprise (Large Companies / Multiple locations)

AD supported ENT. 10.95 mo 5 pages
Non AD supported ENT. 14.95 mo 5 page
Non AD supported ENT. 24.95 Mo unlimited pages / Additional modules as needed priced individually EG: Photo album / Guest Book / Shopping Cart /Web Analytics priced per module / other

Design:

Website tonight: $375.00 up to first 5 pages / $55 per page after first 5
Logo Creation: $295
Header design or editing non flash (stand alone) $175.00
Header design or editing includes flash (stand alone) $275
Video or flash embedding $55

Page editing $55 per page for up to one hour / $35 an hour after first hour

Professional or Personal E-mail account/forwarding: $19.95 Year 10 gig storage (does not apply to forwarding)

Blog and Social Networking:

Setup: $75 per service does not include design services
-Blogger
-Word Press
-Facebook
-Twitter
-YouTube
-MySpace
-LinkedIN
-Other (as requested)

Blog and Social Networking Maintenance and Update Service:

One time updates or maintenance: $25

Scheduled updates or maintenance: $15 per post or link up to 2 per week client provides copy / $19.95 VIP creates copy

Scheduled updates or maintenance: $13 per post or link up to 3 per week client provides copy / $17.95 VIP creates copy

Scheduled updates or maintenance: $10 per post or link up to 5 per week client provides copy / $13.95 VIP creates copy

GizaPage Set Up: $75.00

BIO Creation - Written (for any website or social network site):

Client provides headshot - $175
VIP Professional (Shoot and / or Edit) Headshot - $250
BIO Creation - Video In Studio (for any website or social network site) $350

BIO Creation - Video On Location (for any website or social network site) $550

Web Clip shot In Studio (Client provides script, talent, and graphics) $350 for up to 1 minute

Web Clip shot On Location By Bid. Multiple Clips will be discounted accordingly

Friday, August 14, 2009

2009 August 13th MOTW featuring REBECCA SCOTT

2009 0813 MOTW Rebecca Scott
It was another great evening at MOTW. The question is why? Why is it so great? And compared to what? I have struggled with this question every Thursday since the inception of Music on the Waterfront at the beginning of this summer.

Music on the Waterfront (or MOTW) is an event put on by the Boise Business Co-Op (BBCo). It is a free summer concert series featuring local performers, artists and vendors every Thursday night through the last week of August down on the waterfront at Lake Harbor (off State Street). Food and Drink is available, also by local vendors.

Last night was different in some ways from the previous Thursdays yet the same in others. What was different was there were fewer people than previous Thursdays (with the exception of opening night). Also the weather was much cooler; in fact I would judge that it was exactly perfect last night where as on other nights I had to endure the heat for about 30 minutes before it cooled down enough for it not be a distraction. There is always a slight breeze coming off the lake until about 6 so it’s never unbearable. Also different was that the vendor tents were not all set up by the time I got there (usually around 6PM) like they normally are, but there seemed to be a lot of people helping to get them in place and it was accomplished in minutes. Later I realized that the ‘helpers’ were not BBCo staff, rather they were concert –goers who got up to lend a hand. It started to come to me then.

Next I saw our featured performer, Rebecca Scott, setting up while talking to fans and those new to her wonderful music. She did not seemed bothered or harried even though we seemed to be a few minutes past the announced start time of 6PM. Since we were tasked with filming our weekly clip of the band and the event in general, I thought that if she had time to talk to her audience, she would have time to talk to me – I was right! Rebecca and her band mates were very welcoming and when I disclosed that we intended to film, I found to my surprise, that she is camera shy! The other members of the band assured me they would help carry the interview during the break. They did and all went well.

It was getting a little clearer now.

While doing our ‘Man-on-the-Waterfront’ interviews, folks kept describing the MOTW event as ‘Relaxing’, ‘Comfortable’, ‘Pleasant’, and other similar low keep adjectives. I thought, ‘Does anyone want a relaxing, comfortable, pleasant outdoor concert?’ The answer was a resounding ‘YES’!

Then it finally became clear.

As I went from group to group of people at the tables, on the arena chairs or lounging on the grass amphitheater; I began to understand what it is that has caused this relatively new Boise Event to grow. Why I have seen familiar faces week after week returning (usually with new friends in tow). It truly belongs to us – the people who are there. Want to get things moving faster so we can get to the music? Help the band set up. Want to get everything settled and in place so we can relax and have a bite? Let’s go give the vendors a hand putting up their tents. Don’t care for what’s being served tonight? Bring your own picnic basket from home. Came to visit with friends and family? Great the music is not so loud that you can’t easily hold a conversation. Came to drift away on good tunes – well with the line up BBCo has come with (Rebecca Scott, Steve Fulton, Ben Burdick and others), you came to the right place.

The MOTW event seems to be our (those that have been attending) little public ‘secret’: Shhh! Come out back of the Landing at Lake Harbor, Were down by the lake having a little get together. Do Not Tell Anyone Else! It’s just some good friends so we don’t wanna spoil it. See ya about 6? All right , you can bring one friend. But don’t tell anybody….

VIP/EUGEBOY

Friday, August 7, 2009

Boise Urban Liason Magazine - the Treasure Valley's Lifestyle Connection

August 9, 2009--Boise


New magazine publishers Cheryl Beeson and Kent Cattron have commisioned Viral Intermedia Production to establish the web presence of their new endeavor "Boise Urban Liaison".

"This is the type of project we love" says VIP owner Eugene Boyle. "It is being created from the ground up and sky's the limit. Since Beeson and Cattron brought VIP in at the start, we were able to be in on the vision brainstorming sessions. We were able to establish a clean, clear and effective working relationship and the project has been growing liek a baby on steroids!"

VIP has been tasked with obtaining BoiseUL's Domain (BoiseUL.com), setting up their blog, designing and hosting their web page, facebook and twitter. After the roundwork is set VIP will be training the BoiseUL staff on back end web skills and setting up some additional databases so that they can work (and sell) wherever the business finds them. Finally VIP will begin shooting promo video for both TV and web.

Viral Intermedia Production is a local film and video production company located at 1121 N cole Rd in Boise, Idaho. In addition to video production, VIP also does still photography, graphic and web design, promotional strategies and event production.

Boise Urban Liaison Magazine has a unique advertising pricing model that will please and surprise their clientel. The magazine will feature news and article about the places and goings on in the Treasure valley with a focus on Boise. The first print run is slated at 10, 000 copies.

You can already find their website at BoiseUL.com and on Facebook:

For more information on Boise Urban Liaison Magazine - the Treasure Valley's Lifestyle Connection please go to their contact page by clicking here.


For information about Viral Intermedia Prodcution and VIP services, one may reach our offices by calling (208) 968-3404 or for additional contact information, please click here.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Pilot Error Lands on KTRV Fox 12

VIP's favorite local band, Pilot Error was featured this morning on Fox 12 KTRV. These guys are not only produce a tight sound but they engage the crowd like no other Treasure Valley entertainers. Friends of VIP know that owner Eugene Boyle has a dubious connection to the band. "Troy Nickell is my ex-husband-in-law", Boyle explains to puzzled listeners. Viral Intermedia Production is currently working on some media press kit video for the Boise favorites. Yes, I said Boise Favorites and it is not an empty boast. PE was recently voted Best of the Treasure Valley in an IdahoStatesMan Best Local Band contest.















Please check out Pilot Error video on our website Viralintermedia.com

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

MOTW - Steve Fulton 30-July-2009

On the Waterfront at Lake Harbor - Steve Fulton (30 July 2009)

Once again Viral Intermedia Production (VIP) was on hand to film the goings on for the Boise Business CO-OP. The BBCo's new Free Summer Concert Series is fast becoming the Treasure Valley's premier Thursday's Event. Music on the Waterfront  or MOTW is not so much the 'See and Be Seen' type of event that seem to flourish downtown; it is more about pleasing  music in a truly relaxing environment.

Last weeks performance was by Steve Fulton - a Treasure Valley Favorite

Every week MOTW has gotten progressively better and better. The recent shift to a later start time seems to have given folks just the right amount of time to swing by home, change into shorts and flip flops, grab the kids and come stake their spot on the lawn. As with every performance thus far, The Fulton Duo provided a private concert with the perfect blend of Jazz, Rock, and maybe a touch of Americana at the perfect volume that seemed tailored to both those that wanted to visit with family, friends, and associates and those that wanted to focus on the music. This is truly a midweek recharge for those with increasingly busy schedules. The day's concerns seem to recede into the horizon as the sun sets and one is left with good friends, good music and good times.

MOTW Free Summer Concert Series has two (2) Thursdays left this season and we encourage you to come down and experience it for yourself - it's VIP Treatment you deserve!


If the VIP web-clip is slow or choppy, please disable HiDef streaming, Cheers!



For information and prices to have your VIP Event filmed or promoted, please visit:
Viral Intermedia Production

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Bass Junkeez host Hawks

2009 0729 Bass Junkeez Host the Hawks
Boise Hawks ball players have little spare time. When they manage to get away for some R&R, the Bass Junkies were on hand to show them some Bass Junkeez hospitality. VIP was on location to film the casual and fun event. Please click the album thumbnail above to see some 'behind the scenes' pics.

VIP Teaser/Trailer is up. Click the video below: (note: turn HD off if video is slow or choppy)

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Little Feet / Big Goals

 
Ronn Seidenglanz is my friend and associate. He is also an incredible shooter and editor. We intend to secure sponsors for this project. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. More on the Little Feet Project can be found on their website

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Music on the Waterfront

The 'Music on the Waterfront - Free Summer Concert Series' is developing into a very unique Treasure Valley Event. It is different from other venues in that 1.) It is literally on the shores of Silver Lake (behind Lake Harbor off State St. in Boise). 2.) There is plenty of FREE PARKING! and 3.) It has a little something for everyone and is truly 'Family Friendly'.

VIP is proud to associate with and be a sponser of this Boise Business Co-Op event.

Event promotion is a VIP specialty and we especially like being apart of on going events where effort and images from the last event help support the next.

Please feel free to call or e-mail if you would like some VIP Treatment for your next event.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Affinity Image and Model - Fat Tuesday Lingerie Fashion Show

 Sometimes we get the opportunity to re-edit and use footage from previous shoots and in this case we did. The client, Affinity Image, had hired VIP to shoot and live stream their Mardi Gras / Fat Tuesday Lingerie Modeling show at the Rose Room in downtown Boise. We had two days to shoot and edit and the only public advertisement was the :30 trailer that we created and posted online. To demonstrate the value of rediting, VIP has created an extended version of the teaser / trailer from camera 2 (the behind the scenes shots).

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Trailer for Bass Junkeez Media Presskit

 Viral Intermedia Production is currently producing a media presskit for the Bass Junkeez. Here is the trailer for the DVD portion of the package.

Music on The Waterfront by the Boise Business Co-op

 Viral Intermedia Production is a small local film and media production company. Let me qualify that by saying we are 'small' only in our physical size; our vision and desire is as large as any LA or east coast production house. We look forward to the big money productions and we get to play "Hollywood' or "Indie" when we team up with Sidewayz Films  as we did with Boise i48 Film Festival and the upcoming Sidewayz Summer Film Project. Our desired projects in priority order would probably be:

  1. Full Feature Film
  2. Documentary
  3. Made for TV Movie
  4. TV Series / Mini Documentary
  5. National Commercial Creation / Shoot
  6. Local / Regional Commercial Creation Shoot
  7. Web Clip
That being said, of the list above, the item that brings the quickest gratification is #7 - the web clip. The reason being is that they are inexpensive to make, highly effective and can be completed the fastest. They bring the person or group commissioning the web clip nearly instantaneous results in marketing, promotion or simply "sharing."
Case in point is the web clip included with this post commissioned by the Boise Business Co-op. The BBCo is a new venture in the Treasure Valley that offers members the benefit of social networking supported by hosted events featuring local area merchants, talent and vendors. Perhaps not a new concept in and of itself but what is new is their intention of supporting and complimenting existing events and networks. The BBCo does its best to create its events on alternate days and at different venues than those already in place. 
Its current Free Summer Concert Series "Music on the Waterfront" takes into consideration 'Alive after Five' and its Wednesday night venue at the Grove. MOTW is on Thursdays at Lake Harbor. Instead of beer gardens and rock'n the Grove, it's more about relaxing, sitting on the manicured lawns and listening to jazz, soft rock, or reggae while the young'ns fish. It's more about perusing the local vendors and concession stands where one has the time and atmosphere to visit for a few moments and the ambiance to carry on a conversation.
Viral Intermedia is a proud member of the Boise Business Co-op and is honored to support the other members in what ever ways serve. We are also happy to be a part of a new and growing tradition of "Music on the Waterfront" at Lake Harbor Thursday's Free Summer Concert Series. You will find our staff and crew there every Thursday along with our spouses and kids working and recreating at the same time.
Summer time...and the living is easy! 

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Reel Xtreme

Day 2 of shooting with Kevin and Nick, aka: The Bass Junkeez was wrapped today up at Arrow Rock Reservoir aproximatley 20 miles north of Boise. 2 Passionate fishermen, two cameras and two 85MPH bass boats on the lake at sunset made for some compelling footage.

Pre-Production for today’s shoot was accomplished at Ben’s Crow Inn on HWY 21. It was decided to shoot everything today for color, including the drive up past Spring Shores, launching the boats, and gearing up.

Step one was for Eugene Boyle (Producer / Viral Intermedia Production) to learn how to operate the chase boat. After a quick lesson, a location was scouted for speed shots. Lucky for the VIP crew the water was fairly calm as the Bass Junkeez team raced towards the camera at speeds over 60MPH turning out at the last minute just a few yards out from the chase boat.

Next item: catch a fish. Up till now we had only heard how good the guys were at bass fishing; it was all fish tales until the line hit the water. Nick positioned the lead boat and proceeded to hook a small mouth within minutes of getting his line wet. Kevin was able to get in a few barbs about Nick’s tiny 3 pounder when he had one on the way up seconds later. To the layman film crew it was like magic.

Day one of shooting occurred last Thursday during a community event on The Waterfront at Lake Harbor n Boise. The dynamic duo spent time sharing their stories and expertise with area youngsters and later submitted to their first on camera interview with VIP.

The two are naturals in front of the camera. Their dedication and passion for the sport came though pure and crystal clear. Kevin and Nick were able to do the interview in one take as their stories, humor, and experiences came out easily and naturally due to their devotion to a sport that represents the best of living to both of the young men.

The Bass Junkeez are extreme bass fisherman, to be sure; but first they are down-to-earth, wholesome, hard-working, fun loving guys. The documentary should nearly make itself.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Newest VIP Spokes Model - Nikki

Test Shot Clip: We wanted to show Nikki's joy and natural screen presence. We also wanted to show her willingness to be quirky on request. She has had parts in our past projects and is one of our most versatile spokes models and actress.

vip spokesmodel - Nikki from VIP on Vimeo.

i48/2009 Winner: "Beneath The Western Sky Scraper"

i48/2009 Winner: Under The Western Skyscraper from VIP on Vimeo.

VIP was honored to be invited to participate as part of Team Sidewayz in the 2009 i48 Film Festival and Competition. We were awarded Best of Film and one of our leads, Eric D. Ellis took home the Best Actor Award.

It was a challenge to be sure, but if only all production was this fast and easy in retrospect. We were loath to waste some of the beautiful footage that couldn't be fit into the 6 minute submission parameters so we cajoled, threatened, and bribed Ronn with food to get him to cut an extended version.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

The i48 Experience

i48 Best of Film Winner 2009: 'Beneath A Western SkyScraper'
(originally written as a Boise Weekly review June 2009)

You know that classic movie moment when a bunch of kids are in a foot race or soldiers are running to safety and someone falls? You know the heart tweaking moment when someone in front notices a fallen comrade (or competitor) and goes back to help them up and they go on together? If you combine that feel good moment with the urgency of a treasure hunt and the "no sleep, 25 hours of pushing it to the limit" driving force of military boot camp you might begin to imagine what it is like to be a part of the i48 Film Festiaval.

As the owner of a small local production company here in Boise, I am very aware of costs and limitations. The smallest well thought out production must take into consideration costs for equipment and prop rental, location fees and scheduling, feeding and paying actors and and writers, etc. For i48 their is only one limitation - time. You have exactly 48 hours to script, shoot and produce a 6 minute film (you have no idea what your genre is until you are handed your assignment).

I say that this is the ONLY limitation because this was my first year as part of an i48 production team and I now have first hand experience. Everyone on our team, Sidewayz Films, was there to give 150% because they wanted to be a part of the experience, vision and hope. No one was paid, no one was elevated by resume or accomplishments, no one was promised a future of luxury in films or production. We all, to a person, just wanted to be a part of something bigger than our individual lives; we were not disappointed.

From the get go, we slammed it into high gear and didn't stop until the gas ran out and we came coasting, spent and worn, across the finish line. It was demanding, it was frustrating, it was challenging; but that was not the most memorable part for me.

The thing I will remember most about my i48 experience is this: In the Treasure Valley we live in abundance. We have abundant joy, abundant resources, abundant beauty, friendship, hope, trust, companionship, goodwill.... we have abundant abundance! I know I am gushing, but when you do something for a living day in and day out and deal with the industry ups and downs, client and vendor issues, logistics and money, one might tend to become jaded; perhaps resentful of ones choice of career, location, luck and history. Out of necessity and need for expediency, these things are set aside, at least for 48 hours while one becomes clear and focused on the goal: do your best for and give your all to the team; not just your team - the i48 team, the Treasure Valley community team, the 'everyone that might ever watch any of these films' team.

Locations, props, wardrobe, extras and equipment was secured with phone calls, text messages, facebook, email, and good ol' fashion on the spot asking. These are things I must obtain at some cost and then sell at a profit during my daily work week but for 48 hours, the abundance of the Treasure Valley was free for the asking. We asked for a lot and were given much more. We were given the opportunity to be, not just great, but grateful. I was in a state of sublime gratitude from the minute I was invited to join Team Sidewayz (last years winner - Best of Films) through asking for wardrobe from The Costume Shop to filming in business locations during business hours to being rooted on by crowds gathering to watch us film.

It's too much to list every gratifying event that happened in every gratifying minute but suffice to say, I saw my friends, my neighbors and my entire community in a brand new light, actually a new glow of beauty and abundance. All thanks to a little local film festival and competition: i48.