1

Star Studded, Feel Good ShootsMPG’s Keith Walker reunited with freelance producer and long-time collaborator Annie Price to shoot the final episode of a new reality series starring Cyndi Lauper for WETV. The episode covered the premiere of Kinky Boots, a new Broadway musical scored by Cyndi Lauper that premiered in Chicago this fall. The

multiple-day shoot was assisted by various freelancers.

The crew posing with larger-than-life Cyndi Lauper

2012 award recipient Stephanie Armendariz

In early September, Keith Walker and Matt Vogel donned their cowboy gear and headed to Texas for producer Jessica Stuart on a shoot for Communities in Schools. While in San Antonio they filmed a recipient of the 2012 Unsung Heroes Award, Stephanie Armendariz. Read her story and see the inspiring video, shot on our Canon 5D.

The MPG shooters have also been busy shooting more episodes of Oprah’s Next Chapter, including Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas at her family’s California vineyard, Justin Bieber, and Sally Field. Find out when they air here.

2

How To Film a Legend: Steven Spielberg

Our Latest Acquisition

Mike Swanson had quite an adventure shooting for Oprah’s Next Chapter at Dreamworks Studios. Though initially nervous to be working with such a legend as Steven Spielberg, Mike took the lead as D.P. with aplomb. While Mike was waiting to shoot Oprah and Steven's entrance, Mr. Spielberg arrived and Mike placed him where he wanted him. Mike then said, "Let her come to you, I want to make sure the greeting doesn't happen in the doorway." Mr. Spielberg replied, "Well, that makes sense." Mike then explained, "If anyone would understand, it would be you." And just like that, Mike directed the best director of our generation.

Mike posing with the (How To Train Your) Dragon at Dreamworks Studios

We recently added a new camera to our arsenal: the Canon C300. The remarkable camera combines the best of DSLR technology with professional video features and is compatible with a broad range of lenses (including prime lenses). The C-300 also has an incredible new sensor allowing more cinematic shooting than ever. For more information contact Lisa Pooler at 312-850-1300.

3

Upcoming PremieresJoffrey: Mavericks of American Dance will make its Broadcast Premiere on PBS’ American Masters December 28th. Don’t miss it! Find out more here.As a lead-up to the PBS broadcast, the film will also be shown on Saturday, December 8 at the Siskel Film Center at 8 p.m.

Perseverance: The Story of Dr. Billy Taylor is having its World Premiere at the Michigan Theater on November 16th. Co-directors Bob Hercules and Daniel Chace will be in attendance, along with Dr. Taylor, for a Q&A after the screening. Perseverance will also play at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago in January (date TBD). DP’s for the film were Keith Walker and Michael Swanson. It was edited by Ryan Mayers, with music by Mark Bandy and graphics by Paul Garcia. For information on upcoming screenings, visit the film’s website.

Head Games, directed by Kartemquin’s Steve James, played recently at the Gene Siskel Film Center. MPG’s Keith Walker was the Director of Photography. The film is now available On Demand and will be available on Blu-Ray November 20th. To see the trailer and read the rave reviews, go to www.headgamesthefilm.com.

4

Producer Erin Carey of Cygnet Media spent a week in the edit suite with freelance editor Sharon Szalkowski to craft several videos for the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center. You can see more of Erin’s work at www.cygnetmedia.com.

All four Avid suites were going in a frenzy in September for a series of six videos for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Freelancers Rick Mahal, Sharon Szalkowski, and Libi Hake worked with MPG’s Bob Hercules to churn out the videos in time for AND’s annual meeting. Find out more about the Academy at www.eatright.org. You’d be surprised how many excellent tips they have for cooking and eating healthy foods!

News from the Edit Suites

Freelancers Joe Winston and Sharon Szalkowski edited several new videos for Opportunity International, including one of a recent shoot MPG’s Mike Swanson did in Ghana with Opportunity’s Cynthia Greenwood. Opportunity International makes microloans to small-scale enterprises worldwide. Mike had quite a fun time getting mobbed by a classroom in Accra, as you can see to the right. Watch the Ghana video and Noemi in Nicaragua and find out more about Opportunity International’s inspiring work at www.opportunity.org.

5

We’ve been shooting and editing more projects for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, including this interview with the inimitable Riccardo Muti on Beethoven . The two-camera interview was shot with the Canon C300 and the Canon 5D, with fantastic results. We also recently did a 4-camera shoot of a live concert. Don’t miss Beethoven’s 7th Symphony or the other outstanding concerts coming up this season at the CSO.

Freelancers Chris Stoudt and Rick Mahal have also been gracing the halls of MPG to work on a video for Nielsen with producer Tracey Yearwood. A welcome return of a friendly face, Tracey spent several seasons at MPG working on the Emmy-winning series “NextTV” for the Chicago Urban League, but is now a freelance producer working on some exciting new projects.

For booking one of our crews or one of our Avid HD edit suites, please contact Lisa Pooler at 312-850-1300 or lisap@mediaprocess.com.

News from the Edit Suites