40th Anniversary Corporate Video

[Mark Suszko]

Pat, we’re the good guys here, and we’re on your side, don’t take George wrong. We have to get past the anger and concentrate on being productive, is what he was getting at. Let’s not forget we’re here to help each other out, take a little breather, hit it fresh in the morning, ok? Illigitimatum non carborundum, or whatever; i.e. don’t let the bastards get you down.

[Paul Patton]

In my opinion some of his remark is totally unnecessary. As none of you know my working conditions. I apologized to the individuals I may have offended. but somepeople want to drag my initial reaction back into it, instead of leaving well enough alone. i will ask you a question. DO YOU WORK FOR FREE? If the answer is no, then why should someone feel that someone else should. That Is what I get from part of his response. Or maybe I am taking what he said wrong.
I appreciate the people that have offered help in this situation. And today was going some better than last week. i am not looking for pity or sarcasm.
i am unable to lay out this whole story over an open forum, if I could maybe some of the negativeness o my part would be understood.
So lets leave judgements about peoples character out of this. (and this is meant for previous posters)

paul

[Paul Patton]

Production complete. Debut was a success. Had people nearly in tears at times and laughing at other points
standing ovation at end.

[George Socka]

Great. How did you finally get it all pulled together – resolve the conflict of too many chiefs?

[Paul Patton]

I posted a closing piece that I thought was appropriate for what our final product is, and waitd to see who had what to say about it. By doing this I found the top dog that I would have to make the project pass, so I went direct to that individual, getting his incite as to what he was looking for conceptually. Thus removing any incompetance and the original people that dropped the ball on this project. From then on it was all my concept on how to give him what he invisioned. Giving the final video a good flow, emotion, and showcasing our growth over the years and what our final product is all about. Our Graduates and getting them there.

[Mark Frazier]

It appears that you found the answers to your initial concerns – going right to the biggest dog that has a pass/no pass vote. Congrats on pulling it off!

I have to concur with the previous posts on how to work past the incompetent “helpers” who want to “assist” you in the direction of the project. When I have those “helpers”, I let them know that if they bring me footage, pictures, whatever, I will do my best to incorporate them into the finished piece – providing the components actually contribute to the story I’m trying to tell. (Asking them to actually do some legwork to get me physical materials usually shuts up about 90% of them.) If they feel the need to be a contributor, make them part of your team. That, of course, means having to do some work. (Of course, being VERY diplomatic in the approach helps to ensure employment longevity, as well as sets a precedent for future projects.)

In the end, telling the story that the “big dog” wants to hear is the primary goal. All other “contributors” must work within those parameters. HOW we tell the story is what separates each of us from the other producers – and makes for a lot more latitude in our production and edit decisions.

I hope you can now take time to relax a bit. These projects are always stressful, but when you get a room full of emotions when it’s shown, the chaos almost seems tolerable. Like Mark Suszko referenced, I have to also remember that even with all of the frustrations this career brings with it, I could be doing work that is MUCH less rewarding.

Once again, congrats on a successful production!

[Paul Patton]

tonight will be the official public debut. And then on the 16th the governor
and several all high mucity-muks will be here for the second public showing.