Marrou agreed and soon found himself out on location with host Chef Ming Tsai. The crew shot for several days at a variety of Miami locations, each with a local celebrity guest chef joining Chef Ming Tsai. Chef Michelle Bernstein as well as 3 others were featured preparing dishes unique to South Florida.  Professional golfer Annika Sorenstam was featured in a segment that was filmed at Turnberry Isle golf course.

“PBS requested a specific camera be used, the Panasonic 900, I knew Midtown Video carried it, so I rented it from them,” explains Marrou. “Everything went great, in fact,” continues Marrou,” this particular episode was nominated for an Emmy which was pretty cool.”

Soon after Marrou found himself in the process of a very different kind of production. His company VTM Productions was contacted by client Bupa Health Insurance with a request to do a live studio production and transmit it to locations across the globe. The live webcast went off without a hitch. “It’s great working with the crew over at Midtown, you can always count on them to be on time and do a good job,” said Marrou. “They do live transmissions all the time, they have experience, and you want to work with someone that is able to tackle the issues, someone you can trust.”

Marrou’s most recent shoot was for a local law firm which involved filming in a courtroom and required rapid set ups and break downs. He was pleased with one particular piece of equipment and wanted to share its benefits with others. “We used a new dolly that Midtown is carrying called the Dolly Wolly,” states Morrou. “It is a very helpful tool, very easy to use, set up and transport and at a good price.” Morrou is happy with how the commercial came out and plans to show the client the completed piece before he moves on to the next job. All in a days work for Felipe Morrou.

“Account Executive, Chari Hill and her team were very helpful when it came to reviewing the available options for the equipment on board,” shared James Riccio, Supervisor of AV Media for Carnival Cruise Line, “They delivered a product that fits the area and everyone on board really enjoys it.”

The line’s most extensive outdoor recreation area by far, SportSquare is surrounded by a jogging track and features SkyCourse, the first ropes course at sea, (suspended above deck); an outdoor fitness area, a court for basketball, volleyball, and soccer and Carnival’s first two-level nine-hole miniature golf course.

It all began when Kilroy went out on the docks in his hometown of St. Augustine, seeking a charter fishing trip to take a break from his long work hours.  While on the dock he ran into childhood friend Roy Blanchard, otherwise known as Capt. Sharkey. Once a freelance Master diver, Blanchard worked for Mel Fisher, diving the priceless treasure cargo of the fabled lost Spanish galleon Atocha. Diving from the lead boat, the Endeavor. Blanchard found numerous artifacts and treasures including jewelry, emeralds, fine china and antiquities. An injury forced an early retirement and a move above water into the charter fishing business.

Capt Sharkey offered to take his old buddy out on a fishing trip and Robert was immediately enthralled. “The minute Capt. Sharkey started showing me what I was doing wrong I had the idea to turn this into a show,” shared Kilroy. “I went out fishing and discovered a star.” “Robert is a really good photographer” adds Capt Sharkey,” he sets up these natural backgrounds, just a perfect combination of worn driftwood and old buoys along the river, his equipment works beautifully and the footage looks magnificent.”

Kilroy and Blanchard have since filmed several instructional clips as well as fishing reports. The segments can be found on the St. Augustine Record’s website at http://staugustine.com/captsharky <http://staugustine.com/captsharky> . Fox 30 in Jacksonville has also expressed an interest in airing the quirky fishing clips.  The duo has been working together for eight months and have received a positive response from both the newspaper and viewers. The plan is to continue to grow the show and promote it more by taking on sponsors such as local bait shops and restaurants.
When it came time for Robert to upgrade his equipment, he reached out to Midtown Video,  purchasing an HRZ5 Sony camera with an SD card reader as well as a laptop. “I went with Midtown because in the end it is about getting people to talk to you. Jesse Miller is really qualified, shares Kilroy. “He knows what he is talking about and takes the time to go over things with you. After work, after hours, this guy will talk to you.”

Kilroy continued, “On a recent documentary project Hallmark asked for a specific kind of look. Jesse explained how to adjust the settings on the camera to achieve more of a film look that they were looking for. He likes to talk about cameras and he takes the time for a little guy like me.” On a scale of one to ten I would give Jesse and Midtown Video a fifteen or twenty, just off the charts.”
The fishing show is actually a far cry from Robert’s usual vocation. On a typical workday, Robert receives notice by radio of an accident right after it occurs and the location, which could be anywhere in central Florida. Robert is first on the scene in his fully equipped mobile unit and films the accident for the Florida Highway Patrol giving him exclusive rights to the footage.  In addition, Kilroy is able to upload the footage via mobile satellite to local area news stations and CNN.

While Kilroy continues his work as a freelance news photographer, future plans call for the two to continue producing the weekly or biweekly fishing reports as well as additional instructional videos and on locations shoots. The trailer for the Hallmark documentary can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOYvVr6TGUE.

Jarman’s latest project focuses on police reform in Mexico and offers an insider’s view of a rural training camp. Jarman began this project mainly to portray the realities of policing in Mexico, especially in small towns where security budgets are minimal and corruption is rife.
The shoot itself lasted 12 days, spread out over three visits in late 2010 and early 2011. Filming mainly focused on Jalapa, Tabasco in Southern Mexico. The city is located in the middle of drug and immigrant smuggling routes from Guatemala to the Eastern coast of Mexico, and from there onwards to the US border. A cartel named Los Zetas dominates this area. At first, Jarman saw the project as a still photos only piece; however, once there, she decided that video might better portray the intensity and emotion of the training.

Explains Jarman, “During the training coverage, I had to be very careful to stay behind the line of fire, since they were using live ammunition. Fortunately, the trainers trusted my judgment and worked with me so that I could get close enough to the action. Still, it was risky. Once, I did want a picture so badly that I decided to set up a remote second camera to nail the action.”

While visiting in Miami, Jarman decided to take the advice of colleagues from the University of Miami and reached out to Midtown Video. “I had decided that I needed a tapeless workflow, immediately,” shared Jarman. “Since I had shot predominantly stills my entire career, my knowledge of video camera specifics was limited, and the whole process of buying a video camera was slightly overwhelming.”

After consulting with Jarman on her shooting needs, Jesse Miller, CTO, recommended the Sony EX1. “I feel quite lucky that I found Jesse and Midtown that day, “ said Jarman, “Establishing a relationship with a place like Midtown, with their style of and commitment to customer service is of immense importance. You really feel like they want your business, and that they are interested in keeping it. On top of that, they even seem interested in your work! This combination of professionalism is hard to find in today’s fast paced profit driven world, but when you step into Midtown, you know the experience will be an honest and educational one.”

Jarman returned to Mexico to continue filming, using the Sony EX1 to cover the interviews and action. “Gaining people’s trust and keeping it was crucial in order to get this access, concluded Jarman. “I spent a lot of time building relationships and explaining to people that I was there to tell a story about their lives, not to get them in trouble or put them in risk – and that I wanted to tell a unique story about Mexico. In the end people let me into their homes and opened up, allowing me to work in a thorough manner. I am grateful to everyone in the story for their trust.”

To learn more about Janet Jarman and her work visit her online at www.janetjarman.com.

When asked what inspired him, Meyer shared, “we knew there was an obscure Jesuit circuit in the Santa Cruz de la Sierra area, which is Bolivia’s low-lands jungle area. We did research and discovered that although the Jesuits departed in the 18th century, they left behind stunning churches and a musical legacy, and that the Chiquitos Indians still played Baroque music today. We found this remarkable as we are focusing our work on the social, culture and technology aspects of South America.”

Meyers and his team did a pre-production trip to visit all the locations, get permission and make contact with the locals. They reached out for support and cooperation from the music teachers, the priests in charge of the Jesuit churches, as well as children and their parents.

They journeyed on unpaved roads to the churches in the towns of San Ignasio, Santa Ana, San Miguel, San Rafael, San Jose, Santiago, Concepcion, San Javier and Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Known as the Jesuit circuit, the churches are now under UNESCO World Heritage protection, most of them were restored after falling in disrepair due to age.

Dr. Andres Meyer turned to Midtown Video when it came time to outfit the equipment for the production. “I was looking for a company that could provide good long distance technical assistance besides the Internet and availability with good pricing. I found all this with the people of Midtown Video in Miami,” said Meyers. “Jesse and Debby Miller, and Fernando Iglesias always provide fast and accurate responses, very competitive pricing, and they are my major provider in this business,” concluded Meyers.

The team returned to film three months later, in July-August, 2010 and shot for twenty-five days in nine locations in the Chiquitos region of Bolivia. Filming was done with two EX1 HD Sony Cameras as well as the mini camera HXR-MC1. The team consisted of Meyer, who produced, directed and handled Camera 2, Leo Da-Re, Director of Photography  and Camera 1, Ariel Barretta, on sound recording and editing and wife Heidi served as still photographer.

“Filming this movie was a wonderful experience, said Meyer.” The script included a fictional start, played by locals. In it, a boy finds an old violin in a cave with a note that he cannot read. He takes it to his grandfather, and asks him to read the note, which is written in the old Chiquitano language Besiro. The note says that whoever finds this violin must take it along the Chiquitania region so that their music is always kept alive. The child, now an adult, has learned to play the violin, and starts his journey, going from one town to the next, where he sees the churches, the music and choir schools and the concerts performed in the Jesuit churches. His journey ends in Santa Cruz, a very poor and dangerous quarter, at a performance of the symphony orchestra of youngsters from this quarter.

Shared Meyer, “The teachers, the town leaders, the children, and their parents all collaborated enthusiastically in the making of the movie. Meyer recently screened the film in Santa Cruz and San Ignasio, to rave reviews and more than a few tears. In San Ignasio 500 people were in the audience and the town major gave Meyers and his team a certificate to honor them for promoting the culture of the region.

To see the trailer for of Donde la Musica Sueña (Where Music dreams) visit www.ocala.com.ar.

Midtown Video recently sponsored “Hope for the Journey”; a conference offered by a faith-based group of women, held in honor of National Autism Awareness Month. The event, free and open to the public, was produced and tailored specifically for mothers with special needs children who have Autism, Aspersers Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Down’s Syndrome, and any other special need.

Over 150 people were in attendance at the daylong conference, which gave many mothers going through challenges an opportunity to relate to other mothers going through the same thing.  “Midtown Video was of great help as they provided crucial video equipment for the production which otherwise our church couldn’t have afforded,” shared conference coordinator, Maria Salinas. “We thank Midtown Video for all their support. Your help was an essential part of the success of this conference. We hope you partner with us again next year!”
Shake-A-Leg Miami Foundation

Friday, May 13th, proved to be a lucky day for Shake-A-Leg Miami as they celebrated twenty years of serving the community. To commemorate the 20th anniversary a gala was held in the group’s Coconut Grove hangar and courtyard and everyone who has volunteered in the last twenty years was invited to attend.

“We appreciate Midtown Video’s donation to us and the community. Thanks to them we were able to not only tell people about what we do, but also show them the inspired faces of children and adults who benefit from our programs. We couldn’t be more grateful to our community partner, ”shared Richard Issa, Event Coordinator.

Two 9×12 screens and two 6K Lumens Projectors were set up in the historical Coast Guard Hangar where many of the programs are based. The donations from Midtown Video enabled Shake-A-Leg to tell the story of the organization’s history of helping physically, mentally and economically challenged adults and children achieve their potential through sailing and other water sports. Midtown Video also assisted with the sound system used to announce the fundraising auctions and games during the course of the event. Over $5000 was raised in scholarship money to send underserved children to their summer camp this year. All other proceeds went to fund Shake-A-Leg Miami’s programs and other initiatives.

The third Thursday of every month at 6:30 Miami time you can tune into the live internet .video show with jesse miller. This is an informative, funny, and interesting show about the video and filmmaking industry. Meet the people, learn about the new gear, and find out what is going on around South Florida that makes this such an exciting place to live and work. The show is hosted by our own in-house celebrity and CTO, Jesse Miller. So, come on by and be part of the live studio audience or log on to www.jtown.tv. You can also see segments from past shows on the jtown site. We are proud to say we have had over 600,000 views of our videos to date.

Representing a breakthrough for independent producers and filmmakers in terms of features, performance and price, Sony Electronics will be delivering its first professional handheld digital production camera with a Super 35mm imager. There is already high demand for this camera and Midtown Video is accepting orders.

The new PMW-F3 camcorder is designed for a range of digital production applications — from commercial, documentary, television and feature film production to markets such as education, corporate, government and more.

“Sony has a long and successful track record of developing digital production technologies that give producers at any level access to the highest-quality imaging tools and the right workflow for their needs,” said Alec Shapiro, senior vice president, sales and marketing for Sony Electronics’ Professional Solutions of America group. “With the new F3, we’re putting the full power of our expertise to work for professional shooters, resulting in high-performance digital capabilities at an ‘indie’ price.” Midtown Video is the exclusive South Florida company to sell and rent the PMW-F3.

Learn more about it here: http://catalogs.infocommiq.com/avcat/CTL704/index.cfm?manufacturer=sony-broadcast-business-solutions-company&product=pmwf3k

Panasonic AG AF 100 Camera

Panasonic Sales Manager, Wes Carr trained Midtown Video‘s sales team on many new products including the exciting AG AF 100 camera. This is the first professional 4/3″ large imager video camcorder optimized for high-definition video recording. Made for the video and film production communities, the AF100 delivers the shallow depth of field and wider field of view of a large imager, with the flexibility and cost advantages of a handheld camcorder. The AF100 has the ability to use virtually any professional quality lens with the addition of an easily obtainable adapter.

Here’s more information on this amazing camera:

http://catalogs.infocommiq.com/avcat/CTL704/index.cfm?manufacturer=panasonic-broadcast-television-systems-company&product=ag-af100

Libec Camera Support Equipment

Libec president, Takuma Sudo and business development associate Jose Larios go over the features of the Libec RS-250M with Midtown’s director of operations, Fernando Iglesias. This is a professional 2 Stage Aluminum Tripod System with Mid-Level Spreader.

Find out more:

http://catalogs.infocommiq.com/avcat/CTL704/index.cfm?manufacturer=libec-sales-of-america&product=rs-250m

The College of Business Administration at Florida International University has the latest technology for communicating financial news and upcoming events to their students. Midtown Video designed and installed a LAN controlled NEC –   9 monitor video wall inside the entrance of the Office Depot Student Center. The video feed is supplied via fiber from the College of Business audio visual control room to the Student Center and the system is equipped with calibration software to achieve exact color space for each individual monitor. The wall continually displays upcoming events, special classes, promotions, real time Wall Street information and stock market reports, as well as other financial news. The video wall was installed by Midtown’s in house systems integration team on time and in budget. U.S. News & World Report’s “ America’s Best Colleges” ranked the College of Business Administration at FIU undergraduate international business programs #15 in the nation.

Carl Kesser with EX 1

Carl Kesser, Kesser Productions traveled to Kenya to shoot a documentary for the World Wildlife Fund. His son Jason accompanied him and this is a segment from Jason’s journal:

We’re here with the most minimal amount of equipment.  Really doing it Run and Gun style.  Before we left we both packed a light bag for fashion, a set of wireless mics, a Sony EX-1 purchased from Midtown, a mildly lightweight tri-pod, two drives, and a laptop.  Until I got here on the ground though, I didn’t realize how lightly we had packed, and how heavy.  You never know until you’re there, when you’re carrying the equipment that you don’t need and missing what you left behind, that you’re on your own and your equipment is going to make your journey part of history.

Jason Kesser with Masai family

We’re here to capture three different organizations, along with the WWF, trying to make a difference in communities that we only understand on paper.  Everyone has a different version of the story line, and we try to shoot it to the best of our ability and change the script as we go.  There is no script.

Kesser shooting from shoreline

The EX-1, keeps surprising us.  We felt so unprepared, as anyone who’s experiencing this should, no matter what the preparation.  And I come back to the hotel every night, changed, tired.  Tired from too much information. As my dad sleeps, I’m backing up the footage and seeing things that literally should have never seen the light of day unfold into clear, lit images.  Sony might be the boss at making flawed technologies work that are not their own.  But while shooting inside schools that have no electricity and tracking animals at sunset, I’ve never seen a camera behave so intuitively.  Of course,  in Nairobi I’d forgotten the skilled explanation of how to shoot and backup drives that I had been given at Midtown.  Somehow, by reviewing my notes, I’d remembered how to back the footage up, and the camera seemed to work on its own.  The EX is just gifted.  Technology might move on soon, but I can’t imagine a camera I’d rather be with without any time to prepare for a moment that can’t ever happen again.