Getting to Know Me, Getting to Know All About Me...

Ah, the end of the week is finally here. The craziness of Friday is starting to get to everyone, but then again who doesn't get a little restless at this time of day/week? So, to join in, this post is going to be a kind of random, questionnaire type thing. Something fun, like a 50 questions... only not 50 questions. I want to start with my initial thoughts back when I first began my internship here at the 'tank. My very first expectations and what I have come to learn while interning here.

The place: Before I had ever been inside fishtank creative, I had this picture of an office building with cubicles inside. I know, stereotypical of a workplace, but that's what I thought. When I came in for my meeting in the Fall, I was surprised, but also relieved. It relaxed me a lot to come into... well, a vibrantly colored former frat house. Cool, huh?

The people: I was very nervous to come in and interview for an intern position. I had pictured in my mind everyone wearing business suits, being very firm and strict. I was quick to learn that fishtank is definitely not in that realm, which turns out to be a very good thing. Everyone here gets down to business when things need to get done, but they also know that having fun is part of what keeps any job interesting and enjoyable. Right down to being able to wear comfortable clothes, which I love.

The atmosphere: As I said before, when projects need to be done, they are done with the utmost dedication. Things can get crazy, but at the same time it's fun. Just by reading fishtank's blog, anyone can see that. Everyone here gets along and have great relationships with one another which shows in the quality of work. I definitely feel that the fact that we are a smaller advertising agency works as a positive because everyone gets to work together. It seems that with a big corporate agency, you wouldn't have the chance to have that level of closeness with fellow employees. You might not even know who some people are! Can't have that.

Now for a little bit about moi because sometimes I like to talk about myself. Also, just in case anyone was wondering what some of my favorite things are.
Name: Whitney
Age: 21
Hometown: Hershey
Major, Year: comm/media studies, senior
School: Penn State Behrend
Fav. Color(s): purple, red, black
Fav. Food(s): spaghetti, quesadillas
Fav. Drink(s): Miller Lite, frappuccinos
Fav. TV Show(s): Lost, Heroes, Entourage, Grey's
Hobbies: learning guitar, seeing live shows...
I Hate: spiders, large amounts of snow
Fav. Restaurant: House of Blues
Fav. Place: NYC
2 Random Facts: I was a swimmer for 14 years and I hate cheese by itself.

Yea, that was fun. :) Have a great weekend... peace!

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!