BAPVA Upcoming Meeting

July 2009 Meeting

2009-06-29T12:33:00.000-07:00

Monday, July 20th, Networking starts at 6:00, Presentation starts at 6:30 PM
Cost: Free to members. Non members $25. The video stream of this event will also be made available for free at:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bapva-monthly-meeting-broadcast

Location: The Santa Clara Fire Dept. Training Center, 1900 Walsh Ave., Santa Clara, CA

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Greetings, BAPVA members guests, and celebrities!

This month we have a great meeting lined up for you! Hopefully your business is picking up, but many of us still face the challenge of less business than is normal for this time of year. This month’s speakers are going to provide some guidance for us on how to boost our bookings and profit. But the discussion doesn’t only apply to these current tough times. The techniques discussed apply for any business climate.

We will be spending the entire evening with Chris and Laura Randall of Edit 1 Media.

This meeting should be one of the best sessions of the year on the subject of making and keeping your business healthy.

As always, we will also have time to network and socialize within our group. So please join us for an enjoyable and informative evening.

Chris and Laura Randall of Edit 1 Media - How to Make and Keep Your Video Production Business Strong

Chris and Laura are award winning wedding and corporate videographers based in Tacoma, Washington. They have been in business for over ten years.

Here are some of their awards and recognition:
-Voted "Top 25 Most influential Videography Studios"
-Event DV Magazine features Edit 1 Media in "Studio Time" 2007
-Laura chosen to judge international videography contest
-Adobe and Dell select Edit 1 Media for marketing projects
-1st & 2nd place Telly Awards for corporate productions
-Voted "The Knot 2007 Best of Weddings"
-Seattle Bride Magazine "Best Videographer" Readers Choice

The subject of their talk is how to create and maintain a strong video production business. Many videographers come and go. It's tough to maintain staying power. How do you stay ahead of the competition? How do you stay creative? Do you need a brand? How do you manage marketing, pricing, and customer service? What are the most important things to focus on?

They will share their approach to the key ingredients of starting a successful production company and their strategy for keeping it growing and producing consistent business results. The material they will share will be of the caliber usually found in a paid-for seminar. So don’t miss this opportunity.

We look forward to seeing you all there!

June 2009 Meeting

2009-06-04T22:47:00.000-07:00

Monday, June 15th, Networking starts at 6:00, Presentation starts at 6:30 PM

Cost: Free to members. Non members $25.

Location: The Santa Clara Fire Dept. Training Center, 1900 Walsh Ave., Santa Clara, CA

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Greetings, BAPVA members guests, and celebrities!

This month we have our quarterly Members Exhibition. For those that have attended an Exhibition before, you know they are very informative (ie. lots of feedback) for the person submitting the piece as well as for all of the viewers in the room.
In addition, we will have Andrew Hsu discussing his personal experience using the Canon 5D Mark 2 to shoot video..

As always, we will also have time to network and socialize within our group. So please join us for an enjoyable and informative evening.

First Program: Andrew Hsu, his personal experience using the Canon 5D Mark 2 to shoot video

It's the latest buzz: using the Canon 5D for HD video. You’ve probably seen it's amazing images and heard about some of its limitations. During this program we'll go into more depth by having Andrew share his personal experience, provide some guidance on how to use it effectively, and make some recommendations if you're considering purchasing. He'll discuss workflow, limitations, accessories, total investment cost, and pricing to clients. Whether you're interested in using this camera or just staying on top of the technology, this is your opportunity to get many of your questions answered!

Here is a summary of the topics to be presented:

- Canon 5D workflow for video
- Camera limitations and how to work around them
- Important accessories
- Total investment cost
- Client pricing

Second Program: Members Exhibition

- Members may submit up to 3 pieces, no more than one each of wedding, corporate, or documentary
- Maximum length of each is 4 minutes
- DVD is the accepted format
- 3 judges will evaluate and provide feedback on each piece
- All attending members will select an Audience Favorite

We look forward to seeing you all there!

May 2009 Meeting

2009-05-01T13:58:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 18th, Networking starts at 6:00, Presentation starts at 6:30 PM

IMPORTANT NOTE: OUR MEETING THIS MONTH IS IN A DIFFERENT LOCATION. WE ARE NOT AT THE FIREHOUSE. WE WILL MEET AT LHM STUDIOS IN SAN JOSE. SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS.

Cost: Free to members. Non members $25.
This presentation will be available live on Ustream.tv for free! Simply go to the following link at around 6:20 PM:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bapva-monthly-meeting-broadcast

Location: LHM Studios, 99 Wilson Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126

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Greetings, BAPVA members guests, and celebrities!

Our meeting this month will be held at LHM Studios in San Jose. The facility contains a 4000 square foot rentable studio. The LHM staff will give us a brief overview of the facility's capabilities, costs, etc. This is a great location to rent out studio space when you need a professional studio for a corporate client. You can rent by the day or half-day! Their website is at: http://www.lhmstudios.com/

As always, we will also have our Best Practices Sharing segment and time to network and socialize within our group. So please join us for an enjoyable and informative evening.

First Program: Alternatives to Blu Ray for HD distribution (20 minutes)
Speakers: Oren Arieli and Dan O’Hara

Our first program this month will address alternatives to Blu Ray. You may have heard of the Popcorn hour, as well as other alternative media that may make the lifetime of Blu Ray somewhat short. Oren and Dan will provide a brief presentation on this subject. It is intended to keep us abreast of new technology for distribution of our work.

Second Program: Hands-on Camera Image Tweaking Session (90 minutes)
Facilitators: Oren Arieli and Ted Nguyen

By popular demand, this month we will focus on getting the best possible image from your camera. Did you know that most prosumer cameras, when you buy them new, have been deliberately de-tuned by the manufacturer? In order to get the best image possible, you have to adjust the image settings. So which settings do you adjust and by how much? Well, if you attend this month's meeting, you'll find out!

We are going to have a hands-on session focusing on tweaking your camera for best image quality, matching two different cameras, and adjusting the "look" of your camera for different situations. We'll also show you how to use a vector scope and waveform monitor. This session is not a presentation. The entire audience will be up and involved at one of three camera station's turning dials, checking monitors collaborating, commenting, and learning. Ted Nguyen and Oren Arieli will be our facilitators who will float among the groups to guide us along.

Specific subjects to be covered:
- Proper use of vector scopes and waveform monitors
- Adjusting a camera image for optimum picture quality
- Matching two different cameras
- Adjusting the "look" of a camera for different situations

We look forward to seeing you there!

April 2009 Meeting

2009-03-31T16:09:00.000-07:00

Monday, April 20th, Networking starts at 6:00, Presentation starts at 6:30 PM

Cost: Free to members. Non members $25.
This presentation will be available live on Ustream.tv for free! Simply go to the following link at around 6:20 PM:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bapva-monthly-meeting-broadcast

Location: The Santa Clara Fire Dept. Training Center, 1900 Walsh Ave., Santa Clara, CA

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Greetings, BAPVA members guests, and celebrities!

This month be sure to fasten your seatbelts and put on your thinking caps. We've got two meeting programs that will be jam packed with information – both technical and business.

In the current economic environment, using personal networking to secure wedding gigs will likely become more important than usual. To address this, we have an interactive panel discussion with a photographer, wedding planner, and venue marketing manager. We will be discussing the most effective practices for videographers to network amongst our peer service providers. "Interactive" is the key word here. Most of this panel discussion will be audience Q & A, so you will get to ask questions, make your own observations, etc. This should be a very lively segment.

In our second program, we'll address the subject of audio acquisition. We all pay close attention to our video images, but do we know how to get the same level of quality in our audio? Sennheiser will be here to talk about necessary audio for video equipment, fundamentals of audio acquisition, and the latest FCC spectrum changes affecting wireless mics.

As always, we will also have our Best Practices Sharing segment and time to network and socialize within our group. So please join us for an enjoyable and informative evening.

First Program: Best Practices for Wedding Gig Networking
This will be an interactive panel and audience discussion of effective networking practices for wedding videographers. Our panel will consist of Gene Higa (an award winning wedding photographer), Nicole Lisanne (Formerly D'Ambra, a highly recognized wedding planner), and Elisheva Basseri (an event planner at the Westin Palo Alto). This segment is intended to be an open forum for sharing of ideas and approaches to make us all better at networking for wedding gigs.

Specific subjects to be covered:
- How to establish a network
- Who should videographers network with
- Key elements/pre-requisites for establishing a relationship; What do you look for in a networking partner
- How do service providers prefer to be approached, effective first conversations
- Do venue lists matter?
- Maintaining a network
- After a job is booked how can we help each other deliver on it
- Relationship maintenance activities

Second Program: Audio Acquisition for Videographers; with Sennheiser
This program is intended to insure that our audio is as good as our video images. Sennheiser representative Marke Burgstahler, will give us a primer on what equipment to carry, how to properly use it (do you know how to set the gain structure of a wireless mic system to avoid distortion?), and give us the most up to date information on the FCC Frequency Spectrum Re-allocation that will affect your current wireless mics and provide guidance on your next purchase.

Specific subjects to be covered:
- Necessary audio equipment for the event and corporate videographer (ie. different types of mics/connectors/isolators/adapters/headphones/cables/mixers, etc)
- Fundamentals of audio acquisition
- Gain structure setup
- Proper use of on-cam wireless systems
- Impedance and level matching
- General tips for quality sound acquisition
- FCC spectrum changes and its effect on the use of wireless mics

March 2009 Meeting

2009-03-03T17:06:00.000-08:00

Monday, March 16th, Networking starts at 6:00, Presentation starts at 6:30 PM

Cost: Free to members. Non members $25.

Location: The Santa Clara Fire Dept. Training Center, 1900 Walsh Ave., Santa Clara, CA

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Greetings, BAPVA members guests, and celebrities!

This month we have our first Members Exhibition of the year. For those that have attended an Exhibition before, you know they are very informative (ie. lots of feedback) for the person submitting the piece as well as for all of the viewers in the room.
In addition, we will have a speaker that will provide some important financial advice, on how to survive and potentially grow your business in this challenging economic environment.

As always, we will also have our Best Practices Sharing segment and time to network and socialize within our group. So please join us for an enjoyable and informative evening. We will also be live broadcasting this event, which can be accessed by paid members through the forums!

First Program: Skills Building- Advice for Surviving and Growing in the Current Economic Environment

It's no news that times are tough. Sales are off and profits are squeezed. While there is no easy solution, our guest speaker, Sandra Wales, will provide some key financial advice for evaluating your current business situation, tuning-up your financial practices, and taking advantage of tools and benefits that are available to us. Her objective is to help us get through the next year by insuring the financial base of our businesses are as strong as they can be.

Here is a summary of the topics to be presented:

- How to improve cash flow and stabilize your business
- Restructure your debt and improve your financial picture
- Understand how your financial business runs
- Develop business strategies and a plan that works
- Marketing strategies in a down economy
- Techniques for building a business that reduces taxes and pays for your retirement.

Second Program: Members Exhibition

- Members may submit up to 3 pieces, no more than one each of wedding, corporate, or documentary
- Maximum length of each is 4 minutes
- DVD is the accepted format
- 3 judges will evaluate and provide feedback on each piece
- All attending members will select an Audience Favorite

We look forward to seeing you all there!

Special Lighting Workshop Announcement

2009-02-17T11:50:00.000-08:00

The following lighting workshop has just come to our attention. BILL HOLSHEVNIKOFF is one of the top guys in our field when it comes to lighting, so this is a great opportunity to learn from one of the best. Please read the invitation below and register at the website listed. This is not a BAPVA sponsored event, but a number of our members have already signed up and we expect quite a few of our members will attend.

Magnetic Image & Bay Area Sound Studios are proud to present:

LIGHTING WORKSHOP WITH BILL HOLSHEVNIKOFF

Lighting & Shooting for the Digital Image: Director of Photography & Lighting Designer Bill Holshevnikoff returns to the Bay Area for an information-packed workshop that will change the way you light & shoot. This all-new 6-hour workshop will teach you simple, powerful techniques to use creative lighting in the studio and on-location. Minimal gear - dramatic results! Regardless of your level of experience, this new lighting workshop will help you to improve your production values - guaranteed! Learn from live demonstrations and see footage from award-winning documentaries, corporate image pieces and short films. Detailed discussions will cover: understanding the digital image, controlling soft light, set lighting, lighting for film-look, lighting food and products, location lighting, working with windows, jib arms, fluorescents, HMIs, and tips for effectively lighting people. Ideal for Directors, Producers, Camera Operators, Still Photographers, Gaffers, Grips, Event Videographers, ENG & EFP.

Don't miss one of the year's most important educational events!

Workshop One: Saturday - February 28, 2009 9am - 3pm

Hosted by Magnetic Image

LOCATION:
Bay Area Sound Studios - BASS
85 Mitchell Blvd - San Rafael 94903

Cost: $95 ($125 at door)
(lunch is included with all workshops)

Class space is limited, so early registration is advised.

Register Now - www.poweroflighting.com or call 707-933-0707

Live stream of tonight's Meeting!

2009-02-16T15:16:00.000-08:00

We are going to test out streaming our BAPVA Meetings, in case you can't come in person (tonight is a good night for it since it's raining and no one wants to drive far at night).

To view the show, you will need to be a member of our forums (only paid BAPVA members have access to this). The specific link to the thread is here:

http://www.bapva.com/members/forums/showthread.php?tid=167

Broadcast will begin at approximately 6:15. It is not guaranteed that this will work, I am not completely sure about the firewall at the Firehouse (aka the firehouse firewall). Depend on this stream at risk of missing this great meeting!

If you want the meeting details, please click to the right on "February 2009 Meeting"

February 2009 Meeting

2009-02-05T14:25:00.000-08:00

Monday, February 16th, Networking starts at 6:00, Presentation starts at 6:30 PM

Cost: Free to members. Non members $25.

Location: The Santa Clara Fire Dept. Training Center, 1900 Walsh Ave., Santa Clara, CA

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Greetings, BAPVA members guests, and celebrities!

We hope you had a good holiday break and are ready to start back up with our regular meetings for 2009! We have a great year of informative and interesting topics and speakers lined up for you. There were many subjects we did not get to cover last year, plus more on the subjects you have told us are your top priorities, like marketing.

Our February 16th meeting is planned to be a great kick-off to the year. As our featured speaker, we are honored to have Jay Holben, the Technical Editor of DV Magazine. Jay has held an esteemed position in our industry for many years. No doubt that many of you have read some of his articles along the way. The subject matter is also somewhat of a kick-off to the year. He will give us a high level view of our industry, key trends (including fusion of video and photography technology), how we can deal with the downturn, his take on some of the new video production tools, and suggestions for staying fresh and competitive.

Please join us for an enjoyable and informative evening.

Main Program: Kick-off to 2009 with Jay Holben (Technical Editor of DV Magazine)

We are very pleased to have Jay Holben with us as the featured speaker for our February meeting. His talk is intended to provide an "orientation" for us as we kick into gear for our 2009 season. He will be providing some insight as to where we are as an industry, especially given the economic downturn, and what each of us can do to keep our businesses healthy. He'll review technology and tools, especially the fusion of video and photography technology. Finally, he'll provide us some guidance on how we can all embrace "continuous learning" to stay creatively fresh and competitive as we begin pursuing and booking business for the year.

Specific subjects to be covered:
- Industry Trends: recent past and future forecast (including the fusion of video and photography technology)
- Key elements of keeping the Event and Corporate Videography industry strong and growing
- Dealing with the downturn (what can each business owner do?)
- New equipment/tools highlights
- Recommendations for continuing education for videographers

January 2009 Kick-off Dinner

2009-01-20T01:16:00.000-08:00

As always, we start the year off with a group dinner at a nice restaurant. The evening is intended for socializing and fun. No presentations or speakers, just all of us chatting, networking, and having a grand old time. Jill has spent many hours selecting a great restaurant, so the food will be top rate (see menu below). Also, we will be having a blooper reel contest so bring your best and compete to win a Grand Prize.

We get a great turnout for this event every year. So be sure to join us and ring in "BAPVA 2009" with your friends and colleagues.

Activity Summary
-------------------
Appetizers
Dinner
No host bar
Blooper Reels Contest
Scintillating socializing and conversation :)

Date/Time
-----------
Monday, January 26, 2009
Time: 7:00PM

Location
-----------
Aldo's Ristorante.
14109 Winchester Blvd
Los Gatos 95032
408-374-1808

Dress
-----
Casual, but no jeans PLEASE

Cost
-------
$ 30 per member (BAPVA is paying for the rest!)

Membership Renewals are also due - $100

Blooper Contest
----------------
Bring your best bloopers for our annual contest. There will be a prize for the best!!

How to Register
---------------------
Look for an Evite via email and RSVP.

or

RSVP to Jill at "allprovideo [at] yahoo DOT com" or 408-340-3320 by 1/22

(sorry, no walk-ins can be accommodated).

Also provide Jill with your choice of Entrée and Salad: (see below)

Salads: (Choose One)
Insalata Caesar: Romaine lettuce with a tangy Caesar dressing, Parmesan and croutons.

Insalata della Casa: Mixed baby greens with cucumbers, avocado, red onions, fresh tomato, fresh mozzarella cheese and olives in a Dijon mustard dressing.
Entrees: (Choose One)

Timballo di Rigatoni: wide tube pasta baked with eggplant, peas and mushrooms in a tomato sauce.

Vitello Ripieno: Veal stuffed with prosciutto, mozzarella cheese in a Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms.

Pollo Ortolano: Chicken breast sauteed in a white wine sauce with fresh tomatoes, fresh herbs and artichokes.

Salmon Al Brandy: fresh salmon in a brandy sauce with green onions, fresh tomatoes and mushrooms.

Rib eye Steak: with herbs and mashed potatoes.

If you are allergic to ALL of these entrees, call Jill at 408-340-3320 and alternate arrangements can be made with the restaurant in advance.

The dinner also includes:

APPETIZERS - BOTH PROVIDED PER TABLE
Antipasto Misto: combination of prosciutto, mozzarella, mortadella, roasted bell peppers, salami, olives, zucchini and eggplant Calamari Fritti:deep fried calamari

DESSERTS - A COMBINATION WILL BE PROVIDED TO EACH TABLE
Tiramisu, Profiterole, and Cannoli

Come ready to enjoy a GREAT meal and FUN socializing! See you there!!

December 2008- No Meeting

2008-12-13T14:34:00.000-08:00

There will not be a meeting during the month of December. We will see you in mid January for the annual BAPVA dinner, announcement to come soon!

November 2008 Meeting

2008-10-31T23:55:00.000-07:00

Monday, November 17th, Networking starts at 6:00, Presentation starts at 6:30 PM

Cost: Free to members. Non members $25.

Location: The Santa Clara Fire Dept. Training Center, 1900 Walsh Ave., Santa Clara, CA

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Greetings, BAPVA members guests, and celebrities!

This month we have a jam packed session of interesting topics! Four topics, to be specific! But don't worry, we'll keep it light, interesting and entertaining. We'll be bringing in a couple of vendors to keep us up to date on some of the latest in NLE tools. We'll also attempt to reduce the fear, uncertainty, and doubt about making the jump from SD to HD, and finally will
be providing some advice on how to optimize your studio workflow. So, like I said, there will be a lot of meaty information. But we're a carnivorous group, so no problem.

Here's a quick summary for those of you who like to quickly get to the bottom line: (for more information, see details below)

- Avid will demo their new Media Composer NLE (Avid at a "reasonable" price)
- Matrox will demo their RTX2 (hardware accelerated rendering for Premiere)
- A recipe for dealing with the complexities of upgrading from SD to HD post production
- Advice for optimizing your post production workflow

Our brains will all be much larger upon leaving this event, so please join us for an enjoyable and informative evening.

Full Evening Program:

Skills Building: Optimizing Your Studio Workflow Product Demo: Avid Media Composer 3.0

We're all looking for ways to get our work done faster, spending less time on the tools and more time on the creativity. So, the first part of this program is a presentation on studio workflow optimization for event and corporate video. From acquisition, ingest, editing, and distribution, we will look at ways of improving efficiency and creating better quality and happier clients.

The second segment will be a demo of Avid's Media Composer 3.0 NLE which has been significantly reduced in price. And while it's still more expensive than most competing NLEs it brings the many strengths of Avid. We've had significant member interest in this, so we'll get an up close and personal demo of the product.

Skills Building: Dealing with the Complexities of Upgrading from SD to HD & Product Demo: Matrox RT.X2

For those us that have and those that haven't made the jump to HD, there are many challenges and complexities that create fear, uncertainty and doubt. The entire workflow is not 100% seamless. This presentation will attempt to address some of the key challenges involved in adapting to this change in technology. The discussion will include the following:

- acquisition: different types of compression and media
- capture: workflow and compatibility issues between acquisition and editing systems
- editing: different types of HD editing (native vs transcoded), benefits of hardware acceleration, format mixing on timeline
- output and distribution: workflow and tools needed to distribute in Blu-ray

The second segment will be a demo of Matrox's RT.X2 NLE solution. It is a bundle of hardware and Premiere software that accelerates real-time playback from the timeline and can make editing much faster. We have a number of BAPVA members using this product with good results. Come have a look at it for yourself.

October 2008 Meeting

2008-10-01T20:46:00.000-07:00

Monday, October 20, Networking starts at 6:00, Presentation starts at 6:30 PM

Cost: Free to members. Non members $25.

Location: The Santa Clara Fire Dept. Training Center, 1900 Walsh Ave., Santa Clara, CA

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Greetings, BAPVA members guests, and celebrities!

Now that summer is over, you're probably sitting on a huge backlog of tapes that need to be edited, and you could use a break, right? Or, maybe you just want an evening out with your great BAPVA friends. Whatever you situation, we're sure you'll enjoy and get a lot out of October's BAPVA meeting.

Since last month's presentations focused on technical kinds of subjects, we're going to get back to business, so to speak. This month will feature two speakers that will help you grow your business: one relates to expanding the business you do with your current/past client base while the other will help increase your visibility to bring in more clients.

Please join us for an enjoyable and informative evening.

Full Evening Program:

Mark Shepherd: "I Do" Is Just the Beginning

Why should the wedding video be the end of your relationship with your customers? Keep your customers for a lifetime after the wedding day.

WEVA multi-year award winner Mark Shepherd, will teach us how a single wedding client can expand into over $60,000 or more in repeat business for personal, as well as corporate clients. Whether it be family events, births, memory videos, special events, family histories, etc., your clients will come back over and over if you tell them what you have to offer.

Discover how to market and sell your services, brainstorm and offer creative ideas to your customers, whether to script your story, or take a documentary approach, organizing your client's materials and finding other memorabilia items to tell the story. You'll also go behind-the scenes and learn how to achieve a high-end "20/20" style look through lighting, filters, camera placement, interview techniques that dynamically and emotionally "tell the story." Plus, learn how to edit and use music in your Tribute productions for maximum impact. These productions can keep you busy throughout the week and add substantial income to your bottom line.

Specific subjects to be covered:
- Expand business with your client base beyond weddings
- Listing and description of other types of saleable video projects
- Are different skills required to produce these videos
- How to market and sell these services
- Pricing strategy
- Production ideas and tips
- Scripting vs. documentary style
- Organizing materials
- 20/20 look
- Editing and music

Dan O'Hara: The Power of Facebook as a Marketing Tool

Facebook - if you are not a part of it, you could be left behind, and so could your business.

Facebook is becoming "the" social networking site of today, leaving MySpace and others in the dust. It also has the potential of flipping the advertising world on its head. I think we would all agree that word-of-mouth referrals are some of the best we get and the most profitable. Simply, Facebook is the online equivalent of word of mouth, but on steroids. So, how does it work, why should you use it, and what can it do for your business?

Dan O'Hara, another of our distinguished members, is going to walk us through the basics of how to get on Facebook, post videos, and begin using it as a potent marketing tool. You should leave with enough of a practical, working knowledge to go back to your office and get started.

Specific subjects to be covered:
- Introduction to what is it and high level description of how it works
- What it can do for your business
- How does it compare to other social networking sites?
- Setting up an account and adding friends and colleagues
- Overview of the Facebook system
- How to post and tag a video clip
- Do's and Dont's of promoting your videos
- Marketing tips and tricks

September 22, 2008 Meeting

2008-09-19T15:12:00.000-07:00

Monday, September 22, Networking starts at 6:00, Presentation starts at 6:30 PM

Cost: Free to members. Non members $25.

Location: The Santa Clara Fire Dept. Training Center, 1900 Walsh Ave., Santa Clara, CA

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As summer winds down, we at BAPVA are winding up! After a few months of social events, Summits, and lighter hearted meetings, we're turning up the heat at our September meeting with some heavyweight talent. We will have one of the most talented and recognized event videographers in the country with us. David Robin will be here to speak to us! You won't want to miss this one! Not only is he an expert in our field but is also a very interesting and engaging speaker.

We've had a number of meetings on camerawork, editing, and marketing, but this presentation is meant to bring it all together, from a true pro in the field, and show us those special things that he does to differentiate himself. He is an event videographer and will, therefore, be focusing and educating us on our main line of work. We should all come away with things we can do to take our personal and business performance to a higher level.

Full Evening Program:

David Robin on: Camera Technique, Post Production Magic, and Sales and Marketing

We are honored to have David Robin with us this month. Check out this summary of his accomplishments:

Since he started Boulevard Video Productions in 1986, and now David Robin Films in 2007, he has won from WEVA (Wedding & Event Videographers Association), an unprecedented 21 Creative Excellence Awards, The Bob LeBar Vision Award, The Distinguished Service Award, and in 2001 was inducted into The WEVA Hall of Fame. In 2005 David was awarded two Artistic Achievement Awards from the 4Ever Group, and EventDV Magazine announced David as one of the top 25 most influential and talented event videographers in the country, for two consecutive years (2005-2006).

Roy Chapman, President of WEVA International and publisher of the Wedding & Event Videography Resource Guide, observed, "David's work is truly extraordinary. I believe he is one of our industry's leading creative forces!"

David, who works with most of the country's leading Event Planners, has used his exceptional ability for pulling the most interesting and meaningful moments out of life, for hundreds of families, as well as, a veritable who's who of celebrity A-list clients.

David films weddings and events all over the world, from Los Angeles to Manhattan, from Europe to Asia.

David will be talking to us about the things he does that make him so good. I'm sure we will all come away with some learnings. And don't forget to bring those questions that have been on your mind. See you all there!

Specific subjects to be covered:

- Creative camera technique for wedding shooting

- Post production: how to add that magic to differentiate you from the crowd

- Sales and marketing approaches that have made David Successful

September 15th, 2008 Meeting- Updated!

2008-09-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

We have had a mix-up in the date that David Robin will be speaking at our next BAPVA meeting. The invitation you received said the meeting was Monday 9/15. The actual date is Monday, 9/22.

So please mark your calendars for 9/22 for David Robin!

We sincerely apologize for this mistake. Very sorry.. However, we will still meet on Monday the 15th, same time, same place, just with a different agenda.

Monday, September 15, Networking starts at 6:00, Presentation starts at 6:30 PM

Cost: Free to members. Non members $25.

Location: The Santa Clara Fire Dept. Training Center, 1900 Walsh Ave., Santa Clara, CA

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Full Evening Program:

Members Favorite Gadgets and Software

We ask each of you to bring your favorite useful gadget or software (you do not need to do a live demo) to the meeting. Pick things that you have found very useful that not everyone might know about. It can be something you bought or built, a technique, device, or idea. As long as it makes an impact on your productivity and/or quality, others will want to hear about it!

We will give each of you a few minutes to show and describe your device or idea to the audience.

We were planning to do this in October, so we'll just move it up a month!

This could turn out to be one of the most informative and useful meetings we have, since you will come away with something that will save you time or improve your quality.

So please still plan to join us on Monday 9/15 for Gadget Night, and again on 9/22 for David Robin.

Again, we apologize for the last minute change and appreciate your flexibility.

See you there!

Special Event- Video Summit 8/28/08

2008-08-21T22:02:00.000-07:00

August 28, 2008
San Mateo Marriott- San Francisco Airport
1770 S. Amphlett Blvd
San Mateo, CA 94402
650-653-6000

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The 4EVER Group's Video Summit, the only regularly-scheduled regional program in the wedding and special event video industry, just grew bigger and better. On August 28, the Traveling Trade Show and Networking Party segment of the Northern CA Video Summit will include local members of the ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants) and NACE (National Association of Catering Executives). And that's in addition to an outstanding workshop being presented by Chip Goolsby, from Cannon Video in Riverside, CA.

Adobe Systems, Canon, Panasonic, Petrol Bags, Sachtler, The Knot, and Thomson Grass Valley are among the sponsors of this supersized event. Adobe and Thomson Grass Valley will also host daytime workshops. The Northern CA Video Summit will be held at the San Mateo Marriott.

"Chip Goolsby is from the First Family of the event industry," said Steve Wernick, Director of Development. "With a successful video production business, a full-service dress shop, and a wedding mall, Chip's background is all about the hands-on experience." Chip will explain how Cannon Video went from a simple operation to the successful business enterprise that exists today, and how you can apply those lessons to your own company. The 3:00 PM workshop is priced at only $40.00 for members of The 4EVER Group, and $50.00 for all others.

"It was natural to include the ABC and NACE," said Ken Ehrhart, Director of Membership. "Since our business interests overlap, it made perfect sense to include the local chapters in the Video Summit." Local video associations will also have membership information available during the evening program. Advance, on-line registration for the networking event, being held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, is complimentary, and now open (See the 4EVER Group's website homepage for icon links).

The 4EVER Group is the leading resource for video producers, especially those in the social event industry. For more information about the events and activities of The 4EVER Group, please visit www.4EVERGroup.org, or call 1-888-4EVER G1.

August 2008 Meeting

2008-08-12T21:18:00.000-07:00

Monday, August 18, Networking 6:30 PM

Location: Joe Oliverio's House

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Cost: Free to members and first timers, $25 non-members

Well, this is the meeting you've all been waiting for!! This month's meeting is the BAPVA annual Summer Social. Yes, it's a party. No speakers, or other formal activities, just a party! Great food and drinks will be provided.

For those of you who joined us last year for this summer fling, we hope you can make it again this year. For those that didn't here is another chance to experience the fun, the camaraderie, the food, the drink, the networking, the gossip (if you're not there you may be the subject of the gossip), the pool (don't worry Vaino, it can't happen twice to the same person), and Jill's special dessert!

For those coming back from WEVA, come to the social and fill us in on the latest new gear (Did Sony announce an EX4?).

The event will be held at the home of Joe Oliverio.

Please RSVP on the Evite so we can get an idea of how many will be coming. That'll help with the food and drink purchases.

Evite Link

START TIME: 6:30PM, Monday, August 18

Here is the address of the house:
Joe Oliverio
6559 Northridge Drive
San Jose, CA 95120
408-268-8639

This is always a fun meeting, so bring your swimsuit and we'll see you there!! (actually, swimsuits are optional, we mainly want YOU!)

July 2008 Meeting

2008-07-02T15:45:00.000-07:00

Monday, July 21, Networking 6:00 PM, Program 6:30 PM

Location: The Santa Clara Fire Dept. Training Center/Fire Station 2

1900 Walsh Ave., Santa Clara, CA

Cost: Free to members and first timers, $25 non-members

Greetings, BAPVA members guests, and celebrities!

The summer months are supposed to be fun, right? Well, in keeping with the summer spirit, this month we're going to combine some light hearted learning with some down to earth feedback with a Member Exhibition. I think you will all really enjoy our featured speaker this month. He has a great sense of humor and storytelling ability. For those of you new folks, a BAPVA Member Exhibition is a session in which you get to have your personal video projects shown and critiqued. Have no fear, though, the feedback is intended to be constructive and helpful, as a learning tool. So don't be shy - submit your work for viewing!

Please join us for a fun and informative evening.

First Program: The Lighter Side of Video Gadgets, Equipment Obsolescence, and Creative Problem Solving

We are honored to have Stefan Sargent with us this month. Stefan writes for DV Magazine and is a widely recognized expert in our field. He also has a great sense of humor and an endless list of entertaining stories. In his presentation, he is going to give us some examples of how to creatively deal with surprise problems that arise when shooting video. You won't believe some of the things he's done! This is sure to provide some laughs and learning.

Next, he'll show us some of his best video gadgets, how they can improve your production quality, and how to build them. Finally, he'll speak to the issue of knowing when to upgrade your equipment. Do you think you need the latest, hot camera? Think again, and come hear what Stefan has to say on the subject!

Specific subjects to be covered:

- Creative handling of those inevitable surprises we face in our daily work
- Gadgets you can build and use to boost your production value
- Equipment upgrading: knowing WHEN is the key to success

Second Program: Member Exhibition

Get your shorts on.. video shorts, that is. You can enter 1 event and 1 non-event video (up to 4 minutes each) at the beginning of the program for judging later in the evening. Make sure there are no identifying logos within the program.

June 2008 Meeting

2008-05-31T02:34:00.000-07:00

Monday, June 16, Networking 6:00 PM, Program 6:30 PM

Location: The Santa Clara Fire Dept. Training Center/Fire Station 2

1900 Walsh Ave., Santa Clara, CA

Cost: Free to members and first timers, $25 non-members

Editing... yes, we're all good editors, like a fine race car. But even a race car can use a tune-up once in a while. At the June BAPVA meeting we'll be talking editing technique and NLE systems. Hopefully you'll come away with a few new techniques you can use in your productions as well as stay abreast of the latest editing trends. In addition, we will have 3 of the major NLE systems on-site for you to look at "up close and personal". We'll be sharing tips and tricks, providing troubleshooting help and giving you a glimpse of the other NLEs out there. Please join us for an interactive and informative evening.

Editing Tips and Tricks with Joe Perez

Joe is an experienced and highly recognized editor. We'll start by getting an update on the latest editing trends and styles. Then Joe will be sharing examples of his best practices in live action editing and animation creation. We will get to see how he does it, the tools used, and how we can all learn ways to expand our editing skill set. Hopefully this will inspire us all to stay fresh and keep the creativity going!

Specific subjects to be covered:
- The latest editing trends and styles
- Animation production for video editors
- Live action editing techniques
- The impact of story and music on editing style
- Recommended resources for those wanting to learn more
- How to become, and stay inspired

NLE System Demo Breakout Groups

We will have individual demo stations for Final Cut Pro, Premiere, and Vegas and we will breakout into groups at each station. You may stay at one station or rotate to check them all out. This will be an interactive group activity and not a formal presentation. The group at each station will share tips/tricks, help each other with troubleshooting, and have a chance to get familiar with the different NLE alternatives on the market. This is your chance to become more productive with your NLE and also to "show your stuff" and help a fellow videographer.

Specific subjects to be covered:
- Demo stations for Final Cut, Premiere, and Vegas
- Sharing of tips/tricks
- Peer-to-peer troubleshooting help
- Comparison of other NLE's to yours

May 2008 Meeting

2008-05-01T15:47:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 19, Networking 6:00 PM, Program 6:30 PM

Location: The Santa Clara Fire Dept. Training Center/Fire Station 2

1900 Walsh Ave., Santa Clara, CA

Cost: Free to members and first timers, $25 non-members

Do you want to grow your business and increase profits? Do you want to feel secure in your legal and liability protection? Who doesn't! This month's meeting is meant to help you give your business practices a tune-up by way of a lively discussion of some of our industry's best practices, guidelines and tips and tricks. Just think of the time you'll save not having to read those dull, boring "How-to" books!!!

Panel Discussion on running an effective video/film production business

We will have a panel consisting of Mark Shepherd, Ron Dawson, and Kelly Priest. They will share the business practices that have made them successful over the years. We will be covering the subjects listed below, but it is a totally open forum. So you get to ask about those pesky issues specific to your business that are keeping you awake at night. There is a lot of brain power on this panel, so let's learn from it!

Specific subjects to be covered:
-Selection of a target market
-Having a business plan
-Branding
-Differentiating your self from the competition
-High level pricing strategy
-Selling and closing jobs
-Equipment strategy - buy vs rent
-Learning/refining shooting and editing skills
-Outsourcing - for skills you don't have
-Dealing with change, constant adaptation

Important Legal Issues for Videographers

While we sometimes joke about lawyers and legal issues, they are a reality in our everyday lives as well as in our businesses. We will have an attorney with us to talk through some of the key legal issues facing videographers, how to minimize problems, and what to do in the event you need legal help. You may find some surprise subjects you hadn't thought about, so keep paper and pencil handy.

Specific subjects to be covered:
-Limiting liability
-Contracts
-Insurance
-Where to find help

April 2008 Meeting

2008-04-08T11:40:00.000-07:00

Monday, April 21st, Networking 6:00 PM, Program 6:30 PM

Location: The Santa Clara Fire Dept. Training Center/Fire Station 2

1900 Walsh Ave., Santa Clara, CA

Cost: Free to members and first timers, $25 non-members

Sony EX1/27U/S270U High Definition Cameras

Sony has raised the bar with the announcement of two new lines of HD cameras targeted at event and corporate applications: the EX1 and the 27U/S270U. We will be getting a live demo of both families from the experts at Snader and Associates.

Tired of one step forward and two steps back with HD cam light sensitivity? The EX1 may be the answer. How about those piles of tape sitting in your edit suite? Want to save time in acquisition? Check out the new workflow based on solid state cards (no tape). The 27U family is a more traditional tape based camera but with significantly updated features and interchangeable lenses. It offers both handycam and over-the-shoulder form factors. We will be examining both the technical capabilities AND the workflow. One of our members, an EX1 owner will be on hand to provide some real-life input during the demo.

Video Judging

Get your shorts on... video shorts, that is. You can enter 1 event and 1 non-event video (up to 4 minutes each) at the beginning of the program for judging later in the evening. Make sure there are no identifying logos within the program.

March 2008 Meeting

2008-03-06T23:22:00.000-08:00

Monday, March 17th, Networking 6:00 PM, Program 6:30 PM

Location: The Santa Clara Fire Dept. Training Center/Fire Station 2

1900 Walsh Ave., Santa Clara, CA

Cost: Free to members and first timers, $25 non-members

Internet Marketing
Are you looking to grow your business? Obviously yes!. Internet marketing plays a significant role in your marketing plan. That's why it's the subject of our next BAPVA meeting on March 17th.

Our speaker will help to boost your knowledge of internet marketing and how to use it to your best advantage. The specific topics covered will be:

. Internet Marketing Trends PAST PRESENT FUTURE
. Everything you want to know about Blogging and more
. Why Internet is CRITICAL to the success of your business
. Search Engine Optimization and Search Engine Marketing Explained
. Onsite and Offsite Search Engine Optimization
. Social Media Networks

After this presentation we will be having an open sharing of "best practices" among members of our group. Dan O'Hara will start by sharing what he's learned and how its helped his business. We also want everyone to come with one or two things that have worked for you that you can share with the group.

This should prove to be a very informative and interactive session, so please join us on the 17th!

February 2008 Meeting

2008-02-11T14:24:00.000-08:00

Monday, February 18th, Networking 6:00 PM, Program 6:30 PM

Location: The Santa Clara Fire Dept. Training Center/Fire Station 2

1900 Walsh Ave., Santa Clara, CA

Cost: Free to members and first timers, $25 non-members

John Goolsby!
Award winning videographer, John Goolsby, will be speaking at our February 18th meeting. John is known throughout the industry as one of the best.He is a regular speaker at the WEVA Expo, where is seminars are standing room only. He is the author of The Business of Wedding and Event Videography, a must read for anyone serious about videotaping in the wedding event arena.

John's Meeting topics will include:
- Size up a shooting situation
- Develop a story framework and shoot material along those lines
- Storytelling in Editing: How to identify and develop a concept
- How to communicate that message in pictures and sound.

You should expect to leave with some tangible, practical knowledge that you can use in your business!

February 2007 Kickoff Dinner

2008-01-14T02:04:00.000-08:00

Date: Monday Feb 4th, 2008
RSVP: by 1/31 to Jill Jacknow, allprovideo@yahoo.com --- RSVP BY THIS THURSDAY!!!!
Cost: Only $30 per person (subsidized by BAPVA)
Place: Creekside Inn, 544 West Alma Ave, San Jose 95125, phone# 408-289-9781
Time: 6pm - til the cake cutting, flower toss and garter shoot. Appetizers: 6:00-6:45 and dinner follows

RSVP
We MUST have your RSVP and dinner selection by Thursday night or you will be unable to attend on Monday. They are very firm about the final count being in 72 hours in advance.

MENU
There will be 3 appetizers placed on every table. They are: cheese fondue, meatballs and calamari. All dinners come with a salad

Choice of dinner entree: (We must know in advance.)

- Prime rib, baked potato and fresh vegetables

- Grilled salmon, fettuccine Alfredo and fresh vegetables

- Chicken Marsala (chicken breast in a wine sauce), fettuccine Alfredo and fresh vegetables

- Fettuccine with fresh vegetables (vegetarian option)

Dessert:(pick one in advance)

- Ice cream
- Bread pudding

The cost is only $30 per person. This is the one event where your spouses, friends or employees are also welcome to come and enjoy the night!

Call Jill at 408-340-3320 if any questions

To join this event, you can pay by credit card using this button below. Please indicate your desired meal too.

November 2007 Meeting

2007-11-04T20:29:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 19th, Networking 6:00 PM, Program 6:30 PM

Location: The Santa Clara Fire Dept. Training Center/Fire Station 2

1900 Walsh Ave., Santa Clara, CA

Cost: Free to members and first timers, $25 non-members

There's a whole lot of shaking going on. Why not spend some time in the safest place in Santa Clara: the firehouse! Bring your leftover Halloween candy to share. Say hello to friends old and new.

Topics:
"The Art of Re-invention" Ron Dawson, Cinematic Studios
"A Primer in Stage Lighting" Dinna Myers, Musson Theatrical
"Internet Advertising Done Right" Milan C. Shah

Detailed Program:

"The Art of Re-invention" Ron Dawson, Cinematic Studios

Welcome back our very own Ron Dawson and perhaps he'll share some hard-earned lessons and secrets of re-invention in advance of his January 4Ever Group presentation. Life doesn't stand still, why should your company?

"A Primer in Stage Lighting" Dinna Myers, Musson Theatrical

Dinna Myers of Musson Theatrical will illuminate the topic of theatrical lighting and how it applies to our own craft. The tools, techniques and tips that will help you dazzle your next client. Dinna holds a BA from SJSU in Theatrical direction and design. She is the Director of Sale and Marketing for Musson Theatrical, and the Executive Director of Shady Shakespeare Theatre Company.

"Internet Advertising Done Right" by Milan C. Shah

"Milan C Shah has been a web developer building internet sites for clients since 1995. Beginning 2004 some very interesting developments in online video made him rethink delivery of online video solutions. Today he concentrates on optimizing video to create interactive websites which reach out to online viewers in their teens, 20s, and 30s. He is a member of the Illinois Videographers Association (IVA) and has started creating the online video section so members who miss meetings can still watch the entire lineup of speakers online."

"This talk covers the rise of online social networks, technical details for serving online video, and how to effectively do this for our current generation of online broadband video consumers so you spend less time and make more money with your services."

**In addition to this great program, we will be giving away a copy Mark & Trisha Von Lanken's training DVD Moving Camera Techniques Vol. 2 and choosing one member to be entered into a drawing for a free one ON one Workshop with the Von Lankens worth $895. There is only one catch - you must be present to win.**

Please note the earlier start time, which is the standard start time for future programs.

October 2007 Meeting

2007-10-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

Monday, October 15th, Networking 6:00 PM, Program 6:30 PM

Location: The Santa Clara Fire Dept. Training Center/Fire Station 2

1900 Walsh Ave., Santa Clara, CA

Cost: Free to members and first timers, $25 non-members

Detailed Program:

Jeff Wright, Blue Skies Cinema

Our featured guest speaker, will be the one and only Jeff Wright of Blue Skies Cinema (http://blueskiescinema.com). Owner, author, and workshop instructor Jeff was named as one of Event DV Magazine's 2007 Top 25 Videographers. He has won 14 WEVA CEA's in the past 6 years (4 Gold's) including this year's Gold Bridal Spotlight which he will be sharing tonight. Don't miss the behind-the-scenes look at the video involving a helicopter, yacht, diving rig and a 50ft perch above choppy seas. Jeff's talk will encompass: Raising The Bar, Cinematic Shooting, Image & Branding.

Members Exhibition

Please bring your short demo projects for our competition. 4 minutes max, 1 event and 1 non-event entry per company.

Please note the earlier start time, which will be the standard start time for future programs.