Rockfest

I went on Rockfest during the summer and I wrote this at the beginning of the semester. It's a little late, but I'm finally going to post it.



And so it begins
Rock Fest, July 2007

Mountain Rock Music Festival, now that was an experience. To be quite honest I was feeling extremely nervous to go on my first gig. I felt like I didn’t know anything. The only experience I’ve ever had running a camera was for Com 261 and all of our projects were scripted and our cameras were on tripods. None of it was ever live. Not only was I feeling inexperienced, but I was feeling a little out of the loop. I didn’t know a single person going on the gig. Since I live fairly close to Michigan, I was asked to drive separately in order to save some room in the van coming from Purdue. So I was about to work with a whole bunch of people who have both taken Bill’s class and know each other pretty well. Can you see how that would seem pretty daunting? Besides those thoughts, I kept thinking about how lucky I was to even be able to do this gig. I learn better hands-on anyway, so this was a great experience.

As it turns out, I didn’t really have to be nervous to meet the other interns. Everyone was really nice and helpful. The next morning after I arrived we started right away with load in. I felt a little bit useless at this point. I didn’t know how to set up anything and a lot of the equipment is too heavy for me to lift. I did my best to help despite my lack of strength. I successfully taped up some boxes and carried a television, but mostly I just observed everybody else.

The next day was when I really started learning. I was pretty amazed at everything I saw. I looked at all the cables and cords running to the truck and I couldn’t believe that someone actually understands how all of it works. There were all these monitors, buttons, and knobs. I didn’t have a clue what any of them did. Everyone kept talking about the band Da Yoopers and how they weren’t really excited about them. This band was going to play twice, so I thought maybe that would be a good place to start. I asked Bill if it would be okay if I watched the first performance and ran a camera for the second performance. So that’s what I did. Aaron Hebda had to show me exactly what to do. I didn’t even know how to hold the camera up on my shoulder or where to put my hands, but he gave me a quick lesson. He showed me where the mic was and how to use the zoom and focus and told me that I needed to tuck the triax cable into a belt loop. Well, I was all set up and ready to go, but I didn’t have any idea what to do. I was given a lot of directions during the show, but I didn’t know what they meant. “Dutch”? “Lose it off the neck”? What does that mean? I think I missed terminology 101. I was able to run a handheld for a few more bands that day and each time I learned something new. More than anything I remember being surprised at how sore I was at the end of the day. Now I get why we stretch before working; it helps. That night Chicago was the headliner and I went out with Russ, one of the other interns and we just watched them rock out for the rest of the evening. All in all, it was a pretty great day.

The second day I learned a few more things. One of which was coiling. Katie Worden took me and two other of the new interns and made us coil cables for a while. Katie also took us to the front of house camera and showed us how to set it up. After that, each time we set it up and tore it down I went back there to help. There is a lot to remember and it was difficult because we had to tear it down so quickly in order to get out of the way for everyone else, like the audio guys. I got to run the front of house camera for one band that day and it was my first experience with a long lens camera.
Day two and day three kind of blend together because I think I did about the same thing both days. I don’t remember which day it was, but I got to run a handheld for Third Eye Blind. Up to this point I had done battle of the bands winners and smaller bands that are lesser known and the “A team,” as we called them, did the headliners. I was not at all expecting to get to work for Third Eye Blind because they are well known and it makes more sense to have a more experienced person shoot them. I think I’ll always remember that moment. I was over on stage left with the base player. I remember thinking that it went so quickly. It seems like they ended right after they began. It was a very surreal moment for me. I’m not even a huge fan of theirs, but I guess I never really thought I’d ever get to do something like that. Oh, in addition to that, I shaded for Styx. I can’t say that it was quite as exciting, but it was good to sit in the truck and have a chance to listen to the director and to watch the four monitors and get a better feel for how things are done from there. And Styx was amazing to watch by the way.

And then there was the fourth day. Oh what a day. It started out like the other days, I ran both the handheld and long lens and played hackey sack when I wasn’t working. Then it happened. Bill made me direct. Since this was my only gig that summer he felt that it would be good for me to direct a couple of songs for Deep Purple so I could experience all parts of the gig. What? I can’t direct!!! I thought I was going to throw up. This was not at all expected. I was told that as long as I hit the button on beat, I would be fine. I think I may have had a panic attack during it and I wanted to leave after two songs, but they made me stick around for one more. I felt really bad for the camera operators because they had to be really patient with me. I was calling the shots really slowly and I didn’t give them any direction at all. I basically let them choose their shots and then just told them when they’d be on. I did keep on beat though. I guess I can give myself credit for that. After I was done with that, I had to take a walk because my nerves were getting to me and I was shaking. I think someday I’ll try it again, but I do not think I’m ready to try that again any time soon. It was probably good for me because it gave me an appreciation for directors and what they do, but I still don’t feel ready to do it again.

Over all I feel like I was pretty lucky to have gotten to go on that gig. I have a lot to learn yet, but now when I’m sitting in class I understand the lectures better because I can actually visualize in my head what’s being talked about. I got to hang out with some pretty amazing people and I gained a little experience.

Delaware and Jersey

Last week/weekend I was with the crew that went to Delaware to get a Pete's Big Tv's warehouse in shape for Springsteen's upcoming tour. I was planning to spend 4 long days repairing cables, but was treated to a trip to a music video shoot. The cameras on the shoot was by far the coolest part of the trip. The DP was able to use lenses for 35mm film cameras on a HD camera. There was a "converter" involved that allowed the HD's OHB film off of spinning ground glass, creating the "film" look. They looked amazing. Also, being able to sit back and watch a music video shoot will be beneficial for when we are placed to work in that environment. I am looking forward to going back to Delaware and repairing a lot of more cable.

Ryan Weaver
Senior, Intern

Delaware

The past week has been a great learning experience. For class we were asked by Pete's Big TV's, one of the largest video companies in the world to fly to Delaware wednesday night through sunday night and help them rearrange their wearhouse and help them prep for their biggest tour, Bruce Springstein.

We arrived wednesday and got aquainted. Thursday, halfway into our work we recieved a call that a video needed to be shot in New Jersey for Bruce's wife. We dropped what we were doing and headed up to help. It was awesome seeing a more film related shoot. One part that stood out was that the Assistant Director, being used to film, was worried about us running tape while the band was jamming between takes. To this, Bill Callison replied, "It's just tape." You don't have to develop it, its not that expensive and you just have to throw it in a deck and digatize, why not run tape, you might find that one amazing shot you werent able to find otherwise.

Saturday and Sunday we were back in Delaware working on fixing and sorting cables and got a lot done. All were happy with the amount we had completed and we proceded to fly home. Im very happy with the experience and would be honoured to go again.

-Cory Mascari, Senior - Intern

Rushed by adrenaline and Red Bull, soaked from head to toe, loading out and coiling cable in the hardest rain I've ever seen with the most talented student video crew in the nation...

All I could think about was asking my friends back home....What did YOU do on YOUR summer vacation?

I am so blessed, honored and mostly PROUD to be a Film and Video Student at Purdue University.

-Tommy Beardmore, Senior - Intern

Steadi Elvis High

This past weekend the last ever Live Elvis show took place in Memphis, TN at the FedEx Forum on the 30th anniversary of his death. The show consisted of an 8pm act I & II set as well as a midnight set. Both shows sold out. This was my first gig experience where I wasn't approached as one of Bill's students. Although I was there to refine my steadicam skills as a learning opportunity, I was brought onto the gig under the guise of a professional steadicam (we used a glidecam product) operator. This meaning that there was even more pressure than normal for me to conduct myself in the most professional of manner and execute my job with extreme precision and quality to ensure that the client was satisfied.
My main performance piece was to follow Prescilla Presley down the aisles of the main floor arena as she stopped to talk to people and spoke about Elvis and his family. It was a real trial by fire to be able to maintain my shot with people bumping and tripping me the entire way from front of house to the stage. I literally had only inches to correct my footing and find my way (while walking backwards) to the stage. The rest of my job description included getting reaction shots from the crowd during the concert and prior to the concert gathering material that captured the "Buzz" of the event. This event allowed me to be both apart of history and allow me to continue to practice my craft of operating a steadicam.

-Zack Clevenger

Awesome summer

I know this is kind of late, but I just wanted to say the experience I had this summer was just amazing. I was only able to go on the CMA fest gig but I learned so much in just one week and I met so many cool people. I watched the CMA fest when it was on TV and it looked so cool to see our work on national television. During this gig I became much more comfortable running the camera and learned a lot about the engineering part in the control truck. Thanks to Bill and Katie for letting me run the camera at the LP field, it was definitely the biggest stage Ive ever ran camera for and it was amazing, especially seeing some of my shots for Martina on ABC. I am really grateful for the opportunity I had to go on something like this. I had an awesome time this summer and am looking forward to working with all of you guys during the school year.

Val Arias
Purdue Intern

Buster Keaton The General at Long Center, Friday, August 31

FYI, from Professor Felluga

BL

***************************************************************************
Hello all,

I write to let you know of a Purdue Liberal Arts Community Engagement event at the Long Center on Friday, August 31st, 2007. At 8pm on that night, Lance Duerfahrd and I will be screening Buster Keaton's _The General_. Ken Double will be accompanying the film on the Long Center's Mighty Wurlitzer organ--the same format in which the 1927 film was originally presented. As Lance states in a recent news release about the film, "_The General_ is considered the greatest silent film of all time. Most of it is filmed aboard moving trains and Keaton's humor comes from the incredible physical eloquence with which he negotiates gravity, momentum and velocity. He's a clown, stuntman, missile, engineer and tragic hero all at once. Keaton's face and its many deadpan expressions on the big screen at the Long Center will be monumental." This Civil War film is about a rejected Confederate solider who is kept from the fighting to serve as a train engineer. He plays the hero when his train and the girl of his dreams are stolen by Union spies.

Advance tickets for "The General" are $12 for the general public and $7 for students with a Purdue ID. Tickets are available from 12-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Long Center box office, 111 N. Sixth St., or by calling (765) 742-5664 during those hours. Tickets purchased at the event are $15 for the general public and $8.50 for students with a Purdue ID.

It's also possible to bring an entire class to the film for a reduced price.
One must purchase a block of tickets (more than 10) and identify the group as part of a class. One can then purchase that block at $5/ticket.

The event is presented by the Long Center Theatre Organ Society and the Purdue Liberal Arts Community Engagement Program.

Note that, when Lance and I screened _Nosferatu_ and _Frankenstein_ last Labor Day weekend, we came very close to selling out the Long Center, so I encourage you to purchase your tickets early.

Enjoy!
Dino

--
Dino Franco Felluga
Director of Literature
Department of English

Want $$$ To Make a Film and Do Some Good Too?

Student Grant Program for Community
Service/Service Learning Projects

Funds are available to provide grants to students or student organizations for work on community service learning projects. For more information please direct questions to Cheryl Butz at 49095 and/or cab@purdue.edu.

The PDF document may be found here:
http://www.purdue.edu/elist39/docs/StudentGrantProgram.pdf

BL

This summer has been both awesome and the most educational summer I've had in a long while. I had a great time on both of the Gigs. Mountain Rockfest was a huge learning opportunity. I also met some great people there. Since Mountain Rockfest taught me a lot, I felt a little more prepared for Blues by the Bay. Blues by the Bay was the first time i had been to the east coast, so that was exciting enough by its self. While at the Blues by the Bay Gig, I continued to learn more about being part of a video production crew. I got closer to the other people around me and formed friendships. When you are working together with a bunch of people who share your same interest, it is almost as if you are part of a family. Blues by the bay definately put more emphasis on teamwork; especially when your frantically trying to load out during a downpour. All in all this summer has been something to remember. It gave me a taste of what it would be like in the real world, and left me hungry for more...

Russ Hochstedler

One Summer Down

I just finished my first summer of being an intern and I feel great. This summer I've had the chance to gain an incredible amount of experience with running cameras, directing, and of course coiling cables. I've met a lot of great people that I won't soon forget, and I've also had the pleasure of being part of a crew that I hope I can remain a part of for a long time. Throughout these shows I've been able to learn something different at each one through different problems or special occasions that arise. Some examples of this could be as simple as working around a band or manager's demands, or sharpening my skills by running camera for an entire night without a viewfinder. Our crew has also went through some trials, such as the heat and little problems that arose at Blues by the Bay. With the help of a little pep talk from Bill we all pulled through to show just how good of a crew we were and produced arguably our best show yet. I've been extremely lucky to get involved with Bill and this program this early, being that I am just about to start my sophomore year, and I really hope that I will be able to stay with this program for the rest of my time here at Purdue.

Aaron Hebda
Intern

What a summer it has been! I have learned more in three gigs than I could have ever imagined. The learning how to swim by not drowning technique has seemed to work. I still have plenty to improve on, but I now have a good base to work from. I would like to thank the crew for working so hard, and being so awesome to work with. I would also like Bill for giving me the chance to be an engineer at these gigs. I had a lot of fun , and I am looking forward to working with everyone during the semester.

~Ryan Weaver
Intern

The culminating events leading the finest hour of the summer

Our fifth and final gig has just ended and what better way to end it than a load out in the rain. During Buddy Guy’s headlining performance the wrath of Mother Nature poured down upon us and we were forced to dismantle cameras, pull feeder, and coil cables in the most torrential downpour of the season. I could not have asked for a better ending to this gig and for the entire summer. With what started in Philly and ended in Annapolis our crew has grown closer and learned so much that we connect on a level most crews can only dream to connect on. We have reached the point where we can predict each other’s movements and sync our ever expanding talents to produce the best show anyone can ask for. This has been one of the most fruitful and productive summers I have ever had and I’m already looking forward to our next gig together.

-Zack Clevenger
Intern

The End of a Great Summer...

We are back from our final gig of the summer, and what an amazing summer it has been. I would like to start out by thanking everyone that was involved in the productions we worked on this summer! From start to finish it was so amazing to work with everyone. I would not change any part of it. The hard work and dedication that we all put into every aspect of the show was truly seen during Blues by the Bay. Everything that we learned before the summer and what we learned as the summer progressed was all put into action during those four days in Sandy Point State Park, in Annapolis, MD.
The biggest thank you I have to give is to our wonderful crew. It changed a bit from CMA Music fest to Blues By the Bay, but the core stayed with us throughout, and the people I had the pleasure of working with were amazing, and I cannot wait to start all of this again next year. I am also looking forward to working with them during the school year as well. They are all individually so talented and work so well as a group. We really clicked and were able to produce our best performance of the summer season for non other than the Great Aretha Franklin…the Queen of Soul.

Thanks for a great summer!!

Katie Worden
Intern

Ps. I want to give a shout out to my A-Team!!! I love all of you!!

End of the Summer

It is the end of the summer and I have had an amazing time. I am not a big writer so I have been neglecting to blog and when I do It is usually pretty short. Anyways, we just got back from Blues by the Bay, a Blues festival in Annapolis, MD. It was the perfect ending to a great summer. It was the most talented artists, the least stressful load in, and a nice time to look back at the summer. It would have been hard if we had done BBTB at the beginning of the summer, but we were so deep in gig mode that it was like nothing. I can not be more thankful than to have had this experience and it shows that every single person that gigged with us this summer learned a lot. Now its back to school and the summer gigs have come to a close... time to wait for it to all start again.

-Cory Mascari
Intern

More Kudos re Tecumseh Shoot from Steeplechase Films

People,
What can I say? You are great! Thanks.
BL
OS: But who is this "Chad"guy???? :)

*********************************************************************

Dear Mr. Lawton,

Kristen Vaurio gave me your email address when I told her I would like to thank you for sending us your excellent students to help us with the Tecumseh shoot this July. I had the pleasure of working with Sarah Brubaker, Doug Dickey, Brad Oman, Dani Reindl, Alex Lukens, Ryan Pavey, Stephen Ruminski and a nice guy named Chad who showed up on set and made the day easier for all of us.

With your students, I was highly impressed by the combination of enthusiasm and willingness to learn and pitch in throughout the shoot. I doubt we could have accomplished all that we set out to do in Indiana without their help. They helped out on set, at base camp, at all hours with transporting the production staff and talent, and never did I hear a word of complaint from these capable and generous volunteers. Thank you for connecting us with them. I hope I will have an opportunity to work with them again in Indiana or New York or anywhere.

Gratefully,

Catherine Bloch

Second Assistant Director

Tecumseh, July shoot

Kudos to FVS Students from Steeplechase Films

People,

I just got this. Congratulations. You make us all proud.
Cordially,
BL

I just wanted to drop a note to extend our gratitude for the muscle you sent our way.

The entire crew was so impressed with their dedication and professionalism.

We really put them through a lot and they all stepped up and went above and beyond.

It speaks highly of you all and your program.

We look forward to having them all back as well as your other students.

Thank you again

Best

Kristen

________________________________________

Kristen Vaurio

Associate Producer, Steeplechase Films

2095 Broadway, Suite 503

New York, NY 10023

P 212.724.8350

F 212.724.8365

A Dream Comes True....

I know this a bit late, but to truly explain my experience at Rockfest 2007, I had to take a few days and absorb it all. Back before I got into live video and started working with Bill and everyone else, I had always been a fan of what you would call Arena Rock, including bands such as STYX, Def Leppard, Chicago, and many more. I had always thought it would be awesome just to see them in concert. Now I can say that I shot live video for them. That was the first major plus of this trip. The second being, I got to work with truly amazing people. I have been working with the same crew for the past three gigs. This time we had two new people and they were absolutely wonderful. Having never been on a gig in their lives, not knowing anything about the equipment, etc. They worked as hard as the rest of us…they came to learn and learn they did. By the end of Rockfest you could not tell the veterans and the new people apart. Stacy and Russ, you ROCK!!! All in all this has been my favorite gig that we have done this summer. We got to shoot awesome bands, some of the biggest in the world, and now the crew is closer than ever, and it shows in all aspects of our jobs. I am really looking forward to heading to Annapolis, MD for Blues by the Bay. Keep reading… it is only going to get better.

Katie Worden

Ps. I wanted to include this picture, one because it is of me running camera for my beloved STYX, and also because my camera is live at the time this picture was taken and my shot can be seen in the upper left hand corner… enjoy!!

Last Notes on Mtn Rock

So, we got home from Mtn Rockfest a couple of hours ago. I have to say it was an absolute blast. I go to engineer, direct, and be a camera op. I learned way more this week than any class could teach. We watched the Def Leppard show since they have their own crew, and we quickly came to the consensus that our crew could of done a much better show. I talked with the engineer and director of the Def Leppard crew, and they were really nice, but their camera work, directing, and engineering was nothing special. This put in perspective how the "trial by fire" teaching technique is very effective. When you are put in situations like running camera with no iris or tally lamp, or when you have to put together a video system for the first time, you become a better crew member and in this case maybe better than the crew for Sunday's headliner.

CMA Fest aired tonight on ABC and it looked awesome. I tried to remember who I ran camera for, and don't think they used any of my shots but I was in the corner running camera a couple of times. I am saw our FOH cameras on the LED walls in most of the shots they used which was pretty cool.


~Ryan

director's notes

So once again I have managed to luck and this time I directed part of the show for Deep Purple. It was probably one of the more difficult/ easiest shows to do only because the band restricted us to using only two handhelds and a FOH. However it was easy because all I had to do was cut the shots that my camera ops were giving me. They really are probably some of the best ops that I have worked with and I appreciate their enthusiasm and hard work in everything they do.

-Zack Clevenger, Purdue University

Street Engineering @ Mtn Rock

So, I have been the engineer for this gig. During load I got to learn all about the beloved Kayak switcher, and the rest of our rig. We were kind of sparse on some cables and equipment, but with the technique of street engineering as taught by Bill, I was able to get the video to happen. I have been engineering the cameras during the show, and it has been a blast watching Bill switch upside-down and seeing some new directors take the chair.

I also have been getting my feet wet in directing. I got to direct the third and second place winners of the battle of the bands contest. With the "A-team" running cameras it was not as stressful as it should of been. I am hoping to run some camera today, and already looking foraward to the next gig.

~Ryan Weaver

upside down and backwords

yeah...so i told everyone that i knew REO Speedwagon's show so well i could do it upside down and backwords.......and they said ,,"Yeah ...Right"
see below.....
B

dude Rock Fest Rocks!!!!! I learned a lot and I am looking forward to learn more! I love this job!!! ^-^ and here's bill directing the show upside down! -kk

Rockfest

Wow...I've learned a lot in the past 3 days. I'm also really enjoying the company of all the people I work with. I'm actually really sad that this is my only gig this summer. I would absolutely love to do more! I'm definitely looking forward to learning more!

-Stacy Lane

Mountain Rockfest

So this is my first Gig, and i must say that in the past couple of days, I've learned an incredible amount. Everyone I'm here with has been great. I have been running cameras, and doing as much as i can to get involved with the show. Before this week, i had no idea what i wanted to do after college. However, this whole experience has been awesome, and i can definately see myself wanting to do this for a living. I also learned that running a camera in a live application can be tiresome and painful the next day...

-Russ Hochstedler

Back on the Mountain

We are back in Farwell Michigan to shoot the Mountain Rock Festival, and it was been a blast so far. We are shoot video for bands such as REO Speedwagon, Grand Funk Railroad and a bunch more, all bands that I didn't even think I would get a chance to see in concert let alone shoot video for. The rest of the hand held guys and I have had to step up and help teach some of the newer handheld camera ops. And judging by how they are shooting now I think we did a good job. Well it's almost time for the first band to start. Bye from the Mountain!

At the Mountain Once Again

So far the Mountain Rock Fest is going pretty well. The new people in the crew are getting better and better and are really catching on. It wasn't too exciting for the headliners since they haven't let us on stage to do our jobs, but we made it look pretty good with what we had. I've been having a good time and the whole crew has been rocking out and really pulling their own on all of their jobs.

-Aaron Hebda

Mt. Rock Fest

This concert is going awesome. Right now it is the third day, an hour before the shows start for the day. The line up is: Edge, Pop Evil, Saliva, Grand Funk Railroad, Third Eye Blind, and Deep Purple. I am so psyched to run camera for a few harder bands so I can round out the music styles that I have filmed. Already we have run camera for names like Chicago, REO Speedwagon, and Collective Soul which was cool enough.

-Cory Mascari
Intern

The greatest time and people everrrrr....!!!

I am here at RockFest 2007, this is my third gig this summer!! I am getting the most incredible experience doing all this! I feel so comfortable with everything this time around!!

I'm the editor for this gig! I'm learning a lot of technical stuff in the process!

I love what i'm doing and the people i'm doing it with!!

We have the best crew and teacher!!

YEAHHHHHHHHH ROCCCKKKK FESSSSSTTTTT!! BALLLAAA!!

All Smiles,
Stephanie aka KIKI or Sneffanie

Chicago

Tonight has been the coolest night of the entire gig (thus far). Tonight I....












...directed for CHICAGO!!!

-Zack Clevenger

TO FVS Students

Jason is teaching his digital filmmaking course in the Spring. Those who took it last spring say that it is arguably the toughest courses offered at PU--IF you have not taken Screenwriting (offered this Fall) and the editing courses (you can take Bobby's Intro course--which focuses on Final Cut Pro-- even if you have already taken the AVID course).

BL

TO: BIll and Crew

Congratulations! The powers-that-be are finally beginning to get a sense of what you are doing. We are all very proud of you.

BL

link to paintball web site!

hi folks....here is a link to the paintball site. Check it out it is really cool. There are really good pictures of Bill, Katie and Cory with 19 ex Purdue University students. 19 of the 22 people were former Purdue students.

http://web.mac.com/nashvillemadcows/iWeb/RABID%20COWS%20PAINTBALL/HOME.html

Rockfest nubie

Here I am. First day. First gig. I don't know what on earth is going on--but I like it anyway.

-Stacy Lane

paintball

oh snap!!! i forgot to tell you about paintball! we took a couple of days and went to Nashville TN. to play an awesome day of paintball. MooTV rented a paintball complex, (30 acres) for the day all for us and it was awesome. everyone wanted to go one on one with me in the speedball compound. i mostly got my self shot to pieces but did manage to take out Randall twice. we will post some pics soon...
B

ready for the mt rock fest?

guess what kiddies! it's allmost time to leave for the mt rock fest!!!!
for you readers out there, we are getting ready to leave for our 3rd gig of the summer, the Mountain Rock festival in Farwell MI. same place as the mt country fest was. i will ask Katie to post a line up of who is playing there but you can check it out yourself at mtrockfest.com
after that we will be doing the Chesapeake Blues festival right on the shores of the bay in Anapolis MD. then i will be off to memphis with Danny only to do the last ever "Elvis" show. if you want to know what that is, e-mail me at billc@purdue.edu
then its back to the old grind of classes in the red brick buildings. the kids have been awesome this summer and have learned so much, i am very proud of them and can't wait to get them back in the classroom to use the tools they have all picked up this summer. we will keep yopu informed on the next two gigs, and let you all know how it works out.

keep reading america...we are only halfway thru it!!!!!

Bill

Ode to the Students and Bill

I have been following your summer adventures ever since my trip to the CMA Music Fesitval in Nashville and have enjoyed reading about your experiences. I apology for the lateness of this entry but I decided this morning that I would make the time to write to you.

I enjoyed talking with many of you during my visit and could see clearly in your eyes what this experience meant to you. I also had the opportunity to talk to many of the seasoned veterans in the video industry with whom you interacted with during your week in Nashville. They were very impressed by your skills, work ethic, and your love for the profession. I credit your instructor, Bill Callison, for lighting that fire in each of you and I credit each of you for taking that burning ember Bill ignited and turning it into a roaring flame. I encourage each of you to continue to share and talk about your experiences and the difference it is making in your life. It's time that more people learn about "Purdue's well-kept secret"! If you are so inclined, a quick note to the Dean of your College would do a lot to help Bill, Professor Lawton and I to solidify this program as a legitimate experiential learning opportunity at Purdue.

I am very proud of each of you and do take great satisfaction in seeing each of you grow into industry professionals! Seeing you succeed reinforces in me why I got involved in the higher education process. To me the true measure of someone's life is if, when it is all said and done, he/she made a difference in someone else's life. Both personally and professionally, I feel rewarded in knowing that my small contribution in helping facilitate these internship experiences is helping make that kind of difference for you.

To my friend and colleague Bill, sometimes you are a bit unorthodox in how you go about it but you have a wonderful gift for imparting knowledge and exciting the students about the TV/ video/ and film profession. Your strong belief in the Demming principles show in your teaching style and it is obvious, at least to me anyway, that you are making a significant contribution to the students' future. Keep your head out of the ice water and remember to get your paperwork done :-)

I thought I would share a few pixs from Nashville. Hopefully they won't seem like a tribute to Adam and Tommy alone. They just happened to be there in front of my camera a lot :-) I look forward to talking to all of you again very soon.

Steve Hall
Director
Hall of Music Productions

Brain Freeze

let me just say, that after sticking my head in the ice water 4 times in a row, i got one hella brain freeze. absolutly one of those "don't try this at home" things
Bill

It's a fessstival!!

It's a little late on the post but I thought I should still put a little something up about this past weekend. I thought I'd be taking care of the regular business at this gig like I have been in the past gigs in the 2 years I've been working for Bill. But after a literal last minute call from the boss, I found myself getting ready to do my first editing job. I had to acquire a long list of equipment, load up the car and head up to Farwell, MI. For the next 4 days, I was either out and about filming people at campsites, shows, artists and exciting events or I was editing all of ther footage into sequences that would later be used during the one hour set changes.
Bill had me edit two 40 minute segments that included corporate commercials, PSA's, and stand ups by our talent, Chris Meyers. I was able to befriend Tim from The MOOSE radio station and he hooked us up with 15 great country songs to go along with all of the audio. In the downtime, I edited a nice little piece of the entire weekend into one 4:30 "Music Video" to go along with Rascall Flatt's "Life is a Highway". I think the songs upbeat feel went perfectly with the weekend and worked out great.
This particular weekend taught me so much- esspecially in a professional aspect. I'm so glad I'm in this program here at Purdue, there's nothing like it anywhere else!

Final Pictures!

Here are both groups with Bill, who went individually with all four of us....

PICTURES!!!!

Here is Katie.....

PICTURES!!!!

Here is Will....

PICTURES!!!!

Here is Cory....

PICTURES!!!!

PICTURES!!!!

After a long day Aaron, Cory, Will and Bill thought it would be a good idea to dunk their heads into our cooler before the last act of the night... here are the pictures of that.... I am also in them, but I was a wimp through the first round, but eventually did it, and it was awesome!! --- ENJOY! -- Katie

this is Aaron...

here is one of erin giddy with anticipation of doing the "da yoopers" show

here is a pic of cory working the stage right side at the first mountain fest, i think this was Carrie Underwoods show

katie's headset (my side of the story)

what katie is talking about in the blog below is the "com" system the director uses to talk with the cameras. in show mode, her mic, out on her camera in the front of the stage has to be off, or it kills the system with noise. (the camera guy's actually wear special noise cancelating headsets like airline pilots so they can hear me talking to them, it's essential for a good show)
so, when hers screwed up, she was on her own. luckily, she was in front, by the sound boards, so she could see the screens, (she also has the ability to see the "program video" feed in a pic in pic inside her viewfinder)
she did an awesome job chasing the composition around in thirds so her shots were allways able to blend with others, and always pushed out of her own live shaots right on the beat. i could lead her and knew how she was going out of a shot, and with those ROCKIN hand held guys, could always get somebody where i needed them to blend the shots.....hmmmm...
it was almost like it never happened at all........
Great job Katie!!!!
B

Holy S#@!...what the F&%$ do I do now?

One of the craziest things that has ever happened to me on camera occurred during the Mountain Country Music Festival. It was the night I videoed Carrie Underwood and Gretchen Wilson. Carrie Underwood’s performance went off without a hitch. After our 20 to 30 minute break, I had just gotten back on the Front of House camera for Gretchen Wilson when I heard Bill yelling about an open microphone over the intercom. This sort of thing happens all the time, so I double checked to make sure everything at my end was off and taken care of. But the yelling did not stop. To put this in perspective when a microphone is open on the end of the camera it is extremely loud on every other end. It can be tremendously painful, depending on what is going on at that given time.

As Bill continued to shout over the noise coming through the open mic, I once again double-checked everything I had, including my mouthpiece. When I brought it closer to my face, I discovered that it was my microphone that was open. Though all the buttons said it was off, a definite malfunction in the camera, my mic was in fact on. Here is where the apprehension, and much needed quick thinking came in. I had to do something, there is no way we would have a successful show if that mic remained open and would be killing the ears of everyone else. So I just took the initiative and ripped my connector out of the camera and swung it around my neck. I would now be doing the entire Gretchen Wilson performance without any guidance from my director.

If you read Bill and Cory’s blogs, in them, they discussed how we were growing as a team and how at points it was like we were reading each other’s minds across the stage. There has never been a truer statement, especially on the night of Gretchen Wilson’s show. Having lost my com completely I had to rely on my own instinct and I had to also work with my team and play to their styles, while simultaneously guessing what my director wanted. Being in my position, I knew what my job and responsibilities were. Now, to be completely honest, I was pumped and anxious all at the same time. The show went on and we all acted as one. Our moves transitioned into one another’s like they were destined to be there. It to me, was one of our best shows.

When it was over, I did not regret a single move. Knowing and understanding the team so well, I knew that we had close to a flawless show, if not completely flawless. I have to thank Bill, Cory, Will, and Aaron for all their hard work during that time. They are truly my “A-Team” and without them, we could not have done such a great job. Thanks a lot, and I love you guys!

--Katie...see you all at Rockfest!!!

cory rocks

Cory, you rock! you will have a blast at MT rockfest...
B

Farwell MI

Now that we are home from our first of two gigs at the new venue, and having to wait about 2 1/2 weeks till we go back, I am already wanting to go back. Like Bill said, we are all working very well as a team, and everything seems to just come together when we are at these gigs. It also really helps when you know the music for fills and the way the progression of the songs go. I got a big taste of this when we were shooting Shooter Jennings at this last festival. Being raised on southern rock I can not wait to try my skills on Deep Purple, REO Speedwagon, Def Leppard and the many others that will be at our next festival. If anyone wants that URL, it is www.mtrockfest.com

Cory Mascari
Purdue Intern

"thats how we fix it"

So, both Gretchen Wilson's and Carrie Underwoods people were very happy with our shows. As was Leann Rhimes. The kids are really getting good at what they are doing and seem to be able to comunicate with each other across the stage. (even though I know they are just listening to the director and watching their returns)... they are really starting to work as a team.

it's scary sometimes to see how the shows are coming together, but all these guy's have some musical talent in them somewhere, and it manifests itself in the way they get in to a shot and loose it. not to mention that when the performance is not happrning, (see below in the blog for scary load out stories!!!) their work ethic is top notch.

now if i could just get them to post on the blog....

hey Ben thanks for the post!!! looking forward to seeing you back here friend..
let me take a moment to tell you each how proud i am of you...you are fast becoming one of the nations "A" teams in this business

stay tuned readers for some pics, and we still have the two best festivals to go! Mt Rock Fest, and Blues by the Bay, right on the shores of Maryland's Sandy Point State Park...
Bill

somebody needs to post pics of us sticking our heads in the cooler. (remeber my Brain Freeze)
B

GRAZIE MILLE

That's Italian for thank you very much--for the blog (thanks, Danny) and for all your posts (everyone). And, of course, to Bill without whom none of this would be. And to Q for his words of wisdom--regardless of the grammar and syntax :):) Seriously, I am delighted to read that the program continues to be so rewarding for all of you.

Unless you object, I want to have this blog linked to the FVS webpage. Your sincere, unexpurgated words are the best ad for our program!

This is or can also become a great means of communication between and among those involved.

For example, Bobby tells me that there are spaces in his intro to editing course. You will need this course if you want take Jason Doty's filmmaking course in the Spring! And you will also need it if you want to take the advanced editing course in the Spring.

IDIS 491F: Introduction to Non-Linear (Digital) Editing .

Bobby Chastain

Thurs 6-9 pm

What else? I apologize for not having responded to your posts sooner. I have been ruck-humping my way back home across the Alps (some of the most beautiful mountains in theworld) from die hutte on Dachstein's glacier (Austria) to the rifugi of the Gran Paradiso (Italy)--largely without access to the internet. As soon as I figure out how to post a photo and send it by telephone modem, I will do so.

Again, thanks for everything. I look forward to seeing you soon (I should be back on campus by Tuesday, June 26).

BL

Vortex of fun

It’s the first day of the Country Mountain Festival; it’s the first gig in this brand new venue in Farwell, Michigan. The stage is really nice because it looks like a huge hanger with three doors on the front. When the middle door opens completely they reveal the stage that jets out to the crowd. The other two doors to either side cover up the stage left and right of the stage. It has the general and lawn seating with the lawn seating stretching up a huge hill. I have been told that when it starts to rain and gets really muddy the crowd does its own belly flop contests. Everyone can’t wait for the gig to start this is going to be a lot of fun and great chances to work on camera and back stage. The concert goers have started to arrive and our job is about to start to bye for now.

-Will Cabral

A New Venue and a New Experience

We’re on the road again, but this time we are in Farwell, MI. We are all set, as of today for the first ever Mountain Country Music Festival. Having the CMA Country Music Festival behind us, I believe we all feel a lot more confident in what we are doing. It took us Tuesday and Wednesday to do a majority of the load in. Today we put the final touches on everything, checked all the cameras and double-checked to make sure everything was okay.

We are getting ready for the first show, which is tonight. Having never had done this event before it will be really fun and exciting to see how things will go. We have a lot of big acts coming. Some duplicates from the CMA Fest, and then some local bands so it should be an exciting gig for all. If you want to see who is on the line up check out the following website.

http://www.mtcountryfest.com/

Got to go work!

Katie Worden

Final Thoughts on CMA Fest

CMA Fest 2007 is over and I am somewhat saddened to have left Nashville, even after the never-ending load-out. I went down to CMA Fest expecting to learn a little about live event video and watch people do there jobs. I did not expect to be working alongside industry professionals to help build systems for the control room and, thanks to Bill, run camera for some of the biggest acts in country music. The students that went down to Nashville made the show run and without them I am fairly sure CMA Fest would not happen. Everyone worked hard and did an amazing job and I can not wait until Mtn. Rockfest and Blues by the Bay.

Ryan Weaver
Intern

off to michigan

okay....so it's been just a few short days we have all been home but i hope you all had time to do your laundry......cause guess what?.....were heading out again!!!
this time it's the mountain country fest...in Farwell MI.
details to follow!!




(sure would like to hear from somene else on this blog)
(e mail me if you need the password)
(Billc@purdue.edu)

a late post fron Katie

katie had this setting on my desktop since Sunday. i am just now getting around to posting it...
b



Hey ya’ll from Nashville, TN. It is now the last day of the CMA Music Festival (Sunday), and time has just seemed to fly by. Every single minute has been jam packed with hard work, good times and learning experiences. I have truly enjoyed my time here. Though it is not over yet. I have been able to run the front of house camera for some of the biggest names in country music, such as Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley, Dierks Bently, Brooks and Dunn, Big and Rich, Gretchen Wilson, Leanne Rimes, Alan Jackson, and Reba McIntire, to name a few.

I am going to admit to all of you when I arrived last Sunday, and took the first walk around the field, I had major butterflies in my stomach, I had done gigs before, but nothing like this. I had only heard stories about CMA Music Fest. Though everyone always talked about how much hard work went into it, they always had smiles on their faces and talked about what a great time it really is. These stories got me more pumped up about being able to come. I am extremely thankful for my time here and the opportunity that was given to me by Bill. My daily routine consisted of working the River Stage during the day doing various tasks, running cameras, engineering, etc. and then at night coming over to LP field and running the FOH (front of house) camera.


When you get here and look around for the first time and see the size of the stage and the entire set up, it could seem to be a bit overwhelming. But you get so energized by what you are about to embark upon. I literally feel as though I got here yesterday, and it has already been a week. Everyone has been really nice and helpful, and GREAT to work with especially Shawn (he wanted to be in my blog). I have been having so much fun. I learned a lot about real life situations and really big shows.

I am about to go out on camera for the last time here. Then comes load out. Which is my favorite part of gigs, just because of the energy that goes into it all, no matter how tired you are after a long week of working really hard. Everyone gets a second wind and we just fly through it, most importantly, with smiles on our faces the entire time. I am really happy to be here and to have had this opportunity and I am already looking forward to next year. Nothing could keep me away from this. This is truly the experience you need. You know whether or not this is the life you want to live after all of this finishes. I already know my answer and we are not even done yet.  Take care!

q is a sexy devil

Q, you sexy beast!!! you forgot to tell everyone you are a seasoned vet of this gig. trust me folks, he knows what he is talking about! This one really is a killer And his name really is just Q, kinda like the "James Bond" guy.

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

So first and foremost, I would like to thank everyone that came out this year and worked their butts off. I don't think you students have any idea how amazing every last one of you is. You guys did an amazing job. I do hope you all learned something... whether it be to coil feeder in a figure 8 so as to not create an electromagnetic field that will interact with out pieces of gear or just how to interact with other people in the industry(the far more important thing to learn). Bear in mind however, that even with an experience as great as this one, the UPENN gig some of you did and the other up comming festivals you'll still never know it all. I learn something every week, sometimes everyday out in the field. Basically what I'm saying is get those degrees (which are really just pieces of paper proving you can and will learn) and turn them into Benjamins (not Lawtons, I'm talking about making Bills (not Callisons, Hundos)) Ok now that I've butchered the living crap out of the english language I'll end by saying thank ya'll once again for all your help this year. I look foreward to seeing and hearing from many of you in the future.

-q

P.S. Ben if you ever read this please for the love of God forgive my inability to read and write above a 4th grade level.

Last day

well, it's the end of day three of four show days, the kids are hanging tough, and doing way better than expected. tomorrow we will be doing the last show of the gig and loading out until about three AM. we will let you know how it goes!
B

My First CMA Music Festival

In the past six days I have learned an great amount about video production and the business as a whole. Some of the great things I have taken away from my experience, is that it is important to take responsibility for whatever task you are assigned, because the results of that task reflect you. Such as if you are a handheld operator on the stage, you could see that show as your show, and how you shoot it reflects you as an camera operator. In these past six days, I have also grown a lot closer to the rest of the video crew and this has enabled me to learn how my other crew members work and make it easier for the crew to gel as a whole and work together smoothly to produce a great show. This event is definitely a benchmark to find out whether or not you really want to be in this business. It may require the most work of any show so far, but it is also the most rewarding. I've been rewarded in very valuable experience, as I have ran on stage handheld camera and pit camera for multiple sets of the shows. This is an event I will definitely attend again and again as it is like nothing I've seen before.

-Aaron Hebda

DAY 3

here we are at day 3.... the students are having a great time, and the learning experience is great. Oh yeah...and were also doing a show!
(BL how's Italy? give us a post!!:)

Bill..

You Just Have to Jump Right In...

The CMA Music Fest is the first thing I've ever done like this...(talk about a killer first gig)!! This is my fourth day here and so far I've run one of the FOH cameras at the Riverside stage and now I'm helping cut clips for the highlight role. It's shown on the big LED screens, right before the night concerts kickoff. It's awesome to have a hand in something like that.

I haven't taken Bill's class yet...so everything I'm learning is really new to me. But I've met a lot of really neat people who are taking the time to teach me along the way.

Stephanie Mae

Purdue Intern

Thousands of Fans

A performance photo from last night.

This one time at a gig...

Having aquired experience over the past two years at various gigs I decided to work specifically on my camera engineering skills. The advantages of this program is flexibilty and the emphasis on self-motivation. I saw the oportunity to work in the control room and took it and I was greeted with open arms and allowed to have a learning curve during a high profile gig. This has been a great experience and the program has always catered to my hands-on-learning-preference. This is much more valuable than a regular classroom setting. I've always preferred to jump in the water and learn to swim.

Julian Dorsett
Intern

Rain Rain Rain

Yesterday it rained for the first time all gig. Luckily we had all properly prepared for it, only later that day had we resussed the FOH (front of house) cameras to make them water proof. Thankfully it only rained for about an hour so here at the stadium we didn't have much of an issue, but it shut down the river stages for a fair amount of time. I also had to chase down some hum that we found running through the signal in the plasma screens for the VIPs...we conquered that task as well. Finally by the time show started I was all settled in and ready to run the pit camera, which thanks to Bill I was able to do once again for Montgomery Gentry with Ted Nugent, Sarah Evans, and Jason Aldean.

-Zack Clevenger, Purdue University Intern

Finally got out of the control room

Its Saturday here at CMA Fest 2007. Yesterday, I got out of the control room for the first time and ran long lens and pit cameras at the Riverstage. I am really impressed how well everyone works together during the show and the level of quality of video. At riverstage the majority of the camera work is students and it looks fantastic. Friday's night show was amazing. Ted Nugent made a guest apperance last night and the crowd went crazy. I get to run pit camera tonight and am really looking forward to it.

Ryan Weaver
Purdue Intern

working hard, and it's paying off

Along with Cory Mascari, this is also my second year here at fan fair. We both came into this week knowing a little more than coming in last year. The new interns are so hard working and it's been such a pleasure working with everyone. Seeing some of these new kids learning the ropes and catching on quickly is so cool to see. The show went great last night -everything was so energetic. The adrenaline you have at these shows is something remarkable. We're having such a great time here, and the good news is, it's only the second day! We're working hard, and it's paying off!

Tommy Beardmore, Intern

Kids Rock

Just wanted to let everyone know that I have heard good things from all around about how great the students are. People from top to bottom say they ROCK!

-Bill

Lots of Lights

Throughout the three days of load-in we set up cameras, I hung LED walls and Versa Tubes, ran lots of cables, and pushed lots of cases. During the process it was enjoyable to slowly see everything take shape, even more so once the trusses were finally raised and we could see the stage in all of its large and bright glory.

Last night we were able to see all of our work pay off, as the LED walls lit up with our camera feeds and the Versa Tubes pulsed with light. When the performers stepped on stage and the audience started singing and dancing to the music, knowing that our work is what let them see the artists larger-than-life on four large walls and follow along was most satisfying.

-Adam Dodge

2nd Show Day Begins

After a short night of sleep, we're off to a good start on the second show day. The show last night went pretty well but it hardly matters today. The weather, acts, and crew will all be different. Incoming rain means all the equipment has to be bagged and weather-proofed. Fortunately the control room is inside, but the cameras, cables (with expensive ends), and various screens outside are vulnerable to wind and water damage. More updates later....



-Danny

Camera Op: First Time in a LONG LONG time

So last night I asked Bill if it would be a possibility to run one of our pit cameras during Alan Jackson and Reba's set (mostly due to the fact that Kelly Clarkson was performing a surprise appearance). The last time that I had ran a camera was a Purdue basketball game sometime before spring break so needless to say I had been suffering from withdrawl. Thanks to Bill he was able to get me on camera for both of those sets and it had to be the most amazing experience ever. Being a camera op for live music performances is so different from shooting college basketball games. I must say that I deffinitely love shooting live music more and I can not wait for the rest of the nights here at fan fare (with any luck I'll get on camera again.

-Zack Clevenger, Purdue University Intern

Fan Fair

This is my second year being able to participate in Fan Fair as a student intern, so I knew more so what to expect. While I am writing this, Dierks Bentley is performing his first song. Througout the day our crew has run the video at the river stage for the eight and a half hours of music, then made everything rainproof just in time to get over to the main stage to help relieve camera positions here. I knew the main things we had to do here, so a lot of what I have learned delt with getting a better understanding of fundamentals and leadership with regards to the students that this is their first year. I am looking forward to the rest of the week and having a great time while I'm at it.

Cory Mascari
Purdue Intern

More from CMA Fest day 1

This is the first day of CMA fest and it has been a long one. The concert at the LP Field is officially under way and there are alot of good acts coming up tonight. I am a huge country fan so I am very excited to be seeing all the performances, and am especially looking forward to seeing Kelly Clarkson sing with Reba tonight, and Carrie Underwood perform tomorrow night. So far today I have been working on the River Stage, which had a lot of good performers. I started off the day working as a tape operator, so I had to watch the tape decks to make sure they were recording. Then as the day went on I got to run the Front House Camera which was really cool becasue that was my first time running a house camera for a show. Since it was a smaller stage, it was a good chance to get hands on experience and a good way to get practice operating the camera and following the directors orders. It was a good day today and I am looking forward to next 3 days.

Val Arias
Purdue Intern

Welcome

Greetings folks, welcome to our Blog. We are kicking off day one of four show days on our little week long adventure. I invite you to check back often as I expect the students will be updating about 18 hours a day. we will also be doing three more music festivals this summer, and will keep this Blog running so you can share in this experience with us. Stay Tuned, and check back often!

Bill Callison
Instructor

Fourth Day

Today is the first day of show. After three hard days of work I have learned a lot. The last two days I have built a tally system and COM system. It was a lot of hard work and included staying in the control room for the majority of the day. I did not really know what I needed to do when I started, but the systems sucessfully worked. I am looking forward to the rest of the week.

Ryan Weaver
Purdue Intern

River Stage: Gig Kick off

Today (Thursday, June 07, 2007)is the first day that the shows kick and fans begin rolling in from all over the country to see their favorite bands. Up until now we have been loading in both the coliseum and river stages. We've built cameras, ran triax, signal, and power lines, set televisions and plasmas, built racks, pushed boxes, built LEDs and Versatubes, and had an excellent time doing so. This morning, at 7am, we loaded up the vehicles and headed over to the river stage to begin prepping gear and cameras for the show that was going to start in only a few hours.
Up until the first live shot we were running chasing ends trying to engineer problems and configure cameras of multiple issues, but in the end it came together and now the show has been running solid for several hours. At 5pm this evening students will begin making their way back over to the coliseum to help with the main stage show tonight. Check back later to view pictures and hear from other students about what we're doing and how much fun it is here.

-Zack Clevenger, Purdue University Intern

Hello from the 2007 CMA Music Fest

Welcome to Purdue Film and Video Studies: On the Road. The Film and Video program at Purdue University is one of the best-kept secrets of the predominantly engineering school. Some of the highlights of the program are the numerous trips students take over the summer with Bill Callison, a 25 year veteran of the video industry. Despite being away from campus, students have rich and unique learning experiences on that put them ahead of the curve in a fast-paced, demanding industry.

The CMA Music Fest takes place in Nashville, TN at LP Field (where the Titans play) and the River Stage across the bridge. The festival starts on June 7, but Purdue students were at the gig loading in video gear on June 3. Since then they have finished loading in the River Stage and the first show has started. Please check back soon for more updates, pictures, and more about the Purdue Film and Video program on the road.

-Danny Purdue, Purdue Film and Video Graduate