all these commercials won't watch themselves

The past few weeks have been a virtual blur. We've been out on-location shooting TV commercials like they're going out of style. Like early this morning, for instance. In the freezing cold rain/snow/wintery mix that makes the Erie outdoors so, so enjoyable.

The rest of this week is no different—next week either—with the addition of two long-format videos in the mix. All I can say is that our editing equipment is getting a workout of gargantuan proportions. That's why I love this biz, though... it's actually fun to go to work. How many people can say that with a straight face?

Tomorrow, we're taking a short break from production and meeting with a director/director of photography from the New York area. In addition to directing regional spots and a national documentary about the Marines (which, incidentally, aired on PBS last week), he's also worked as a technician on over 30 feature films, including Hoffa, The Shawshank Redemption, Lorenzo's Oil and my personal favorite (those aren't pillows) Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. Now if I can only get me some John Candy memorabilia.

Back to the TV spots currently in production. As soon as they're approved and ready to go, you'll see them here first. A sneak preview, if you will. So stay tuned.

Oh, and if you're visiting the new casino this week, don't gamble all of your money away. Seriously.
(a public service message from the fine folks at fishtank creative)

Intern on the Move...

This week I was definitly out and about a lot. Wednesday and today I went along to 2 shoots for a Hamot commercial. Both had great shots that I know will turn out to look really good. On Wednesday we were at Mike's shooting scenes with Mary. She had a few different shots to participate in. One in particular will have words appear as she opens and closes her laptop. (Very cool.) Today was at a local gym where Mike's friend Jeff participated. As he bench presses, words will appear as the bar moves up and down. Same idea as with Mary and her laptop, just shot differently. (Again, very cool.)
Being in that gym only reminded me how out of shape I am. I couldn't even lift the bench press bar! (It was so much heavier than ones I've had to use... at least in my mind it was.) Oh well, being a lazy bum suits me pretty well, I think. Sorry this is a brief post, but I need to start my weekend, as does everyone else. :) Have a good one! Peace.

Intern Update Again!

T.G.I.F.!!

Another Friday here at the 'tank. When will this weather ever change? If I never see snow again, I seriously won't mind. Anyways, this week was pretty chill and calm for me. I assisted Missy in some more market research for which I had to look up admissions directors for Florida and Ohio colleges and universities. On Tuesday I sat in on a meeting with everyone to go over what needs to get done in the near future. Listening to their planning processes and how they get organized was interesting. There's a big project coming up so I'm sure everyone will be quite busy over the next week.
Well, that about sums up my week! I'll see you guys next Friday... peace.

Intern Update!

It's the end of week #3, time for an update. I know I've been complaining about the temperature a lot, but I want to get one more in... I wish it was spring already!!! And I'm good. This week I got to go on 2 more shoots for the Community Health Net commercial. For the first one we shot in the gym at St. Peter's. Rokey was really nice and patient and did a great job. The coolest part, I thought, was the shot of him on this revolving platform Jamie and Mike put together. It's hard to explain, you'll understand when you guys see the commercial. I'm anxious to see how that turned out.

The second shoot was at a laundromat and featured Missy's friend Kelly. The glaring sun and the small amount of space available were challenges, but everything worked out in the end. ABOVE are pics from that shoot as well as some from another shoot at Mike's house. These featured an elderly couple and his neighbor. Stella, Mike's dog, had to be included in this blog because she's so darn cute!

PS: I'm not too smart when it comes to uploading pics, so they're going to come up first... in reverse order. Sorry! Have a great weekend and stay warm! Peace.

What to do when you're waiting at the airport.

Well, for one U.S. based high-end ornament company, they used their time to call Hanes Erie, Inc. after they saw their full page ad in the latest U.S. Airways Magazine.

We created the ad in early December and Art Becker did the photography. Even though Hanes said they would be happy if they got one new client from the ad, we set our sights on many more than that.

If only 6 days into it they already started receiving calls, I would say our predictions could hold true.

Melissa's Top Five

Hello everyone...Happy Monday!!

First of all, I would like to give my kudos to the Colts, Peyton Manning, Bob Sanders ( u go boy!) and Coach Dungy for a Super Bowl victory well deserved. (but still, GO BILLS!)
We all know that millions of people watch the Super Bowl only for the commercials. I am curious to know everyones thoughts and opinions. I have provided my hand-picked top 5 commercials during Super Bowl 41.

***I do have to note that I was not extremely impressed overall, but there were some that made me laugh.***

1. Bud Light's ---"Fist Pump"
2. Snicker's Commercial
   
3. Bud Light's ---"Reception"
4. "Moon Office"
5. NFL ad--"Hard to say Goodbye"

The college kids "Dorito's commercial" was just "ok" in my eyes. I still can't believe Chevy came out with the ones that they did and Nationwide Insurance with K-Fed! Just horrible people.

Not that I am psychic, but I have a hunch Mastercard is going to do some kind of tribute commercial to Peyton saying..."....blah blah blah...Peyton and the Colts winning the 2007 Super Bowl...Priceless". I could be wrong though.

If you want to see all the Super Bowl Commercials, visit www.youtube.com/superbowl

Feel free to drop me a line and let me know what your favorite Super Bowl Commercials were!
Bye!

Super Bowl commercials

My favorite had to have been the Budweiser wannabe-dalmation spot. I'm a sucker for their commercials with the Clydesdales and this one had the same feel. He is a down-and-out dog who gets his seat high atop the Budweiser wagon. Awwww. My other top ones included the Budweiser gorilla spot and the Ford commercials, esp. the one where the truck starts out in pieces and ends up back together. Thought it looked pretty cool. Well, that's my 2 cents!

fishtank's INTERNal affairs - week 2

Hey everyone! Week #2 here at fishtank is coming to an end and what an exciting week it was. This morning I went along to the airport to shoot part of a commercial for Community Health Net. It was definitly interesting to see things from a behind-the-camera perspective. Yes, it was snowing and extremely cold... actually it was f-ing freezing, but worth it. What is put together so far looks sweet. I took a few pics of my own...

Also, a little bit ago I went to McCarty Printing for a tour and to basically get an idea of what happens on that end of the stick. Aside from the near intoxicating fumes in some parts of the building, and Missy losing a piece of her car, it was pretty cool to see and good to know.
I have to say that my first 2 weeks being an intern here at fishtank have been fun. I mean any place that lets you wear jeans and comfy shoes and provides 5 pound boxes of chocolate has to be something special, right? Oh, just to let you all know you won't have to wait an entire week for my next post. I will be posting on Monday after the Super Bowl. I admit I don't watch football (I know, blasphemy!), but I will be commenting on the commercials and I'll select one as my favorite. The K-Fed spot will not be in the running.

Until Monday... peace.