I'm not dead, yet!

I am not dead though some may wish I were and some days I feel like I am.

Wow, seven months since I wrote on this thing. So much has happened in the last seven months it could fill a book. There is always the good, the bad and the ugly. I am just glad at the end of the trail the good far outweighs the bad and ugly.

In the Phoenix Video Production community Lizardlandvideo.com has had to fight off some pretty nasty beasts since last we spoke. (They know who they are, no need to name names). Now, with the nasty beasts left wallowing in their own misery we have marched on to a far bigger and better film production company.

Lizardlandvideo.com has really set the Phoenix video production field astir the last few months. With the help of some very dear friend we have completely converted and old ice plant in Mesa, AZ in to the largest sound stage and post production complex in the state.

We have stayed more than just a little busy with shoots, rentals and post production projects.

We are trying to now complete the largest post audio for film and video in Arizona and it will be soon.

We have added tons of new gear, now making us one of the largest rental houses around.

All this from a company that didn't exist two years ago. People are amazing. They see a fantastic thing and can't wait to be apart of it. Some fear it and cower, they will be crushed.

Dream big, have fun, make movies!

I have not been around for a while. I have been lazy and busy, sorry.

Last week we completed a thirty day project for Freelife. The project was a lot of fun with a chance to do lots of nice table top and green screen. The client reports the release was a huge success. The clients happiness really is the greatest reward.

Lizarlandvideo.com has been very fortunate do work on many MLM (Network Marketing Videos) the last few years. These companies always demand the highest quality and have the budget to get it done.

Lizette and I also went to LA last week to purchase a few new items and have a couple of HMI lights repaired. It is very nice to be so close to LA and all the vendors.

Lizardland will be participating in Networking Phoenix's Spring signature event. We are all very excited about this opportunity. We look forward to seeing many old friends here and meeting many new ones.

Lastly Lizardlandvideo.com will be relocating our offices and studios in the coming weeks. Our new facilities will be larger and more client friendly. I will keep you all posted when we have a confirmed address.

Grips Versus Carnies (The Body Count)

Now, as we all know on the field of battle brave warriors must fall. In the battle of Lizardlandvideo.com V Carnies there were many fearless combatants who gave all for the glory of victory.

Once a Phoenix video production crew establishes a beach head they are hard to dislodge without a fierce counter attack. Lizaarland was firmly entrenched on enemy (carnie) territory when the first reports of casualties were reported to HQ.

It was noted early in this campaign that a particularly devious carnie was sniping at the lead force of grips. It was further noted in dispatches from the front that this carnie was a female. Although, I must admit from the dossier I received this is still undecided.

Her form of attack was to divert the grips attention by constantly circling their encampment and offering compliments to the boys. Now, you should know that this attack is very effective as grips seldom receive any female attention.

Just when it appeared all would be lost the fe-carnie mounted a zipper (no, not a grips, a carnival ride). This was a huge error in judgement as this sniper was soon lost to the dreaded Zipper Seizure. Soon an ambulance was called and the first casualty was carted away to the nearest hospital.

Even though this was a clear victory for the grips their spirits were crushed with the sudden loss of attention. Being the brave warrior, the Lizardland grips forged on and established a solid field of battle at the carnies strongest defense. The Zero Gravity Ride!

Oh, I must now report severe casualty from the grips. As two of the bravest soldiers (grips) ever to strap on a tool belt attacked this fearsome machine head on as others wailed in horror and sorrow. The final total from this failed assault: Two grips with serious tummy aches.

The loss of such men is hard to stomach but the film team fell back re-formed thier attack with renewed vigor and finally the carnies began to fail.

Slowly, one by one, the carnies silenced there massive machines of death, furled their flags, stilled their generator and retreated to the carnie rear.

Almost as soon as the battle began on that parking lot it was over and the Phoenix video production community stood alone on the field of battle, victorious once more. The Lizardlandvideo.com flag was hoisted and not a dry eye could be seen.

Once Every 43 Years!

I know I said I would be continuing my story of Lizardlandvideo.com versus the carnies and other tales from the Phoenix video production community. However, I have taken today off to celebrate the once in a lifetime appearance of my beloved Saints in the Superbowl.

Saints win! Saints win! Saints win!

les bon temps rouler' !!!!!!!!

I will continue the story from the battle front tomorrow.

Now the story continues with the tale of how one Phoenix video production team stared in the face of the menacing carnies and all the carnage that followed.

When the crack team from Lizardlandvideo.com showed up at the carnival in Mesa AZ two days ago they all had their game faces on and were prepared for the battle to ensue.

To make a strong showing and to provide maximum shock and awe to the dreaded carnie, all crew members arrived in force. We stormed the beach, um well parking lot, with grip trucks, generators and crew vehicles in mass. The carnies at first were a bit stunned and reeled under the initial attack but being the more seasoned warriors they quickly recovered and met us enforce before we could cross enemy territory.

Being the gentleman warriors and men of chivalry the generals of the opposing factions began the hostilities with a handshake and then the battle began. Grips began unloading lights and cables and approaching the lines of battle as the carnies gathered their forces and prepared a defense.

As the electrician for Lizardlandvideo.com prepared to lay the powerline the first counter attack was well underway by the carnies. Never before had a Phoenix video production seen such a shrewd defense. The two electrician stood toe to toe at the intersection of the carnies power cable and the film crews power cable as the carnie's electrician announced "there was no way the film genie power cable would cross the carnie's genie power cable".

This was a most unexpected development. Such resistance was not expected! After a brief skirmish the grip used his superior intellect and resources and quickly erected a pontoon bridge of apple boxes and successfully spanned the carnie's power line.

The opening skirmish had taken place and the mighty Lizardlandvideo.com grip had prevailed but the battle was far from over

Stay tuned for more tales from the Phoenix video production battle front tomorrow.....

Grips Versus Carnies

OK, so something I have always wondered about was an actual observable experiment last night.

I have always thought film crews were not much different than carnies or circus folk. I mean, think about it. Trucks roll up a bunch of unsavory looking characters bailout out, throw up some less than stable looking (very temporary) rigs, a lot of shouting ensues and then everything comes down and goes back in the trucks. Then the next morning. when the good locals arise, everything is gone except for the trash and smell of the celebration.

Lizarlandvideo.com, a Phoenix video production company had the rare pleasure of shooting a video at carnival in Mesa, AZ last night. There were many amazing shots gathered and many interesting moments observed as the much anticipated clash of the carnie and the grip finally occurred.

Stay stunned for more stories tomorrow.................

Education

Lizarlandvideo.com a Phoenix, AZ video production company is beginning a series of education videos designed to educate young film makers about all aspects of the video business. Joe Rawlins will be directing this series and Lizardland plans to make it available free of charge through it's website.

In the past two months Lizardland has wrapped up a number of exciting jobs utilizing almost all of their extensive inventory of HD video equipment. These jobs include a music video and several spots featuring motorcycles and stockcars. Be sure and visit our Vimeo page for updates or visit Lizarlandvideo.com a Phoenix video production company for samples and a complete equipment list.

Niche Media and Lizardlandvideo.com team up

Niche Media Teams up with LizardLand Video to Offer Innovative New SEO and Video Service Phoenix, Ariz., Jan 04, 2010 (PRWeb.com via COMTEX) -- Niche Media (http://nichemediaonline.com/) and LizardLand (http://lizardlandvideo.com/) are proud to announce that the two companies will be working together to provide "Video Search Optimization," a new facet in marketing that combines premium HD video production with search engine optimization services. Together, Niche Media and LizardLand aim to help clients remain relevant in the evolving search landscape by offering services that cater to the latest developments in search and video. Niche Media, LLC a Phoenix SEO (http://nichemediaonline.com/natural-search-engine-optimization) consultancy, was established in 2007 and has since been providing search optimization services to clients through pay per click advertising, traditional search optimization, social media and public relations. Niche Media has earned a reputation for leveraging both traditional and innovative tactics to increase visibility and cultivate brands in the online space. LizardLand, was also established in 2007 and has since produced award-winning HD videos for clients from their studio in Mesa. LizardLand, a Phoenix video production company (http://lizardlandvideo.com/), has primarily served large brands in the Network Marketing and/or Direct Sales industry. Paul Hudson, Executive Producer for LizardLand, is an Emmy-award-winning producer with a well-known reputation in the Dallas Advertising arena. Mr. Hudson and his small team of partners specialize in high-quality video production services on a national scale. Real time search has truly changed the world of search optimization. Companies and brand managers have historically spent years optimizing their web assets in hopes of eventually gaining visibility in the leading search engines. The growth in popularity of social media sites and blogs has changed the focus of search from stagnate pages to up-to-the-minute updates on everything from current events to product launches. Together, LizardLand and Niche Media aim to provide cutting edge multimedia and traditional content to help their clients stay ahead of the curve. "By leveraging traditional search optimization services in conjunction with video and social media we are able to help our clients remain visible in the highly competitive world of search," said Amanda Joyce (http://nichemediaonline.com/about), founder of Niche Media. "With the introduction of real-time search comes the responsibility of continuously producing quality multimedia content that speaks to both your target audience and the leading search engines." "YouTube is the real 'decision engine' out there," said Joe Rawlins, Associate Producer for LizardLand. "For a brand to permeate into the next decade, it must dominate now on YouTube as well as the leading search engines. By teaming up with Niche Media, we can offer 'Video Search Optimization' that establishes our clients in both arenas." To learn about these and other services offered by these two innovative companies visit them online at www.nichemediaonline.com or www.lizardlandvideo.com. About Niche Media Headquarted in Phoenix, Arizona Niche Media provides full service SEO, Public Relations and Social Media services to client throughout the United States. Established in 2007, Niche Media is quickly becoming one of Phoenix's most respected search marketing consultancies. To learn more about Niche Media, LLC contact us at 602.400.7178 or visit us online at nichemediaonline.com About LizardLand Video With operations in Phoenix and Salt Lake City, LizardLand's partners have a strong history with well-known brands, starting with large names like Pepsi and Samsung and such Direct Sales Companies as Isagenix and The Limu Company. Specializing in videos featuring packaged goods, we are looking to raise the bar of video production values in the Phoenix Valley. To learn more about LizardLand visit us online at www.lizardlandvideo.com or call as at 480.695.5085.

Teaser Campaign

Lizardlandvideo.com a Phoenix video production company has been in heavy production since the week after Thanksgiving on a new teaser campaign for a national client. These TV spots are very funny and a blast to produce. We have had to pull out our whole bag of tricks for these spots -- two fully loaded grip trucks, dollies, slider, HMI's -- pretty much everything.

We have been blessed by great creative, crew and, of course, the amazing Arizona winter weather.

We will post these videos very soon for everyone to enjoy.

It also looks like we are booked pretty solid through April, so things are going very well. So well in fact, we just added a new HD editing suite to our studio and new grip and lighting rental packages.

Visit Lizardlandvideo.com, a Phoenix Video Production Company for samples and more details.

More Updates

Lizardland has recently added a new 5 ton grip truck to it's growing line of equipment.  We have also added several new HMI's and a new 30 foot Jimmy Jib.  

Just last week we moved into a new office warehouse in Mesa.  We have grown so fast we needed a lot of space for gear and prep.  We invite all our friends to come by and visit us.

UPDATES!

Hello everyone.  I haven't been around for awhile so let me try and catch you up.

As you can guess we have been very busy, as usual.  We have completed several jobs for high profile clients in our production business.   I will post the new videos on the website, Lizardlandvideo.com.

We have also recently added many new pieces of equipment to our inventory. These include a new grip truck, several new Kino Flos, an Innovision HD Probe lens, a Revpod tabletop turntable and a Matthews Round D Round Dolly.  The Innovision lens and the Revpod will help ease the costs for our growing number of tabletop clients!

We just recently returned from a weeklong trip to LA.   While there we completed no less than three jobs.  Wow, am I tired.  To make matters worse we left Joe in Southern California.  I think all the flash and glitter was to much for him.  We will miss Joe very much, but we will continue to see and work with him in his future endeavors.  

In more exciting news Lizardland has decided to branch out and provide AV support for large corporate events.   To facilitate this expansion we have recently purchased an extensive line of PA equipment, stage lighting, projection, cameras and video monitoring gear.  To book us for your corporate event call Lizette at 214-864-6466.

We will be heading to New York tomorrow for a weeklong job and then on to Denver for another week.  I will try to be more diligent and let you know what is going on the world of lizardlandvideo.com.    

Apple Color

Joe Rawlins and Paul Hudson will complete training in Apple Color, later this month at the prestigious Digitrain Center in Dallas. Color is an application purchased by Apple from a company who sold it with a 6-figure-per license pricetag when it was employed in television and Hollywood. Today it is included in Final Cut Studio from Apple.

Color grading is a critical element to fine production at LizardLand. It is used to do everything from correcting underexposed footage shot on-the-go to converting video into a series of beautiful, complex film looks. 

Clients of LizardLand Video can count on years of experience going into their projects with cutting-edge production standards that put their advertising heads and shoulders above their competition.

Video Trip To Australia and Asia

On November 14 Paul and Lizette will depart Phoenix for Sydney, Perth, Aukland, Honk Kong and other parts of asia.  We will be gone for the better part of three weeks working on an extensive international marketing film for a nutritional company based in the states.  I will provide more details later.  This should be fun, but a lot of work for Paul, Lizette and Joe.  Stay tuned to Lizardlandvideo.com for more details and demos.

On The Road Again

This week Paul and Lizette Begin yet another long road trip.  We hope this trip proves to be as successful as our last.  On wednesday we leave Phoenix for Vancouver Island to cover a story on Mark Macey.  Mark is an amazing man who has lost over 170 pounds.  Not only that, but by introducing seven of his friend to his diet they have lost over 100 pounds.  These are people that that have not not only changed their lives, but the lives of so many others.  We really look forward to spending time with these amazing people, and telling this touching tale.

When we leave Vancouver Island we will stop for a couple of days in Seattle to gather interviews with top leader of a company to place as an introduction on their website.

Then it is on to Salt Lake City to gather more of the same in Spanish.  We will then drive up to Idaho to do a feature on a young man (19 years old) who has lost 200 lbs in six months, and totally transformed his life.  this his a truly inspirational story that must be told.  We can hardly wait.

As if this is not enough,  the day after this we will depart Salt Lake for Dallas for a three day shoot for our dear friend Clay Cooley.  This will be a great project showing in detail all his services and brands at all his dealerships, in three cities, and two states.  This should be a blast.  Check back often for updates.  Or visit Lizardlandvideo.com for the videos.

New Look For Clay Cooley Motors

Joe Rawlins spent many hours this week coming up with a completely new look for The Clay Cooley Family of car dealers.  Everyone associated was very pleased with this new, progressive look.  Good job Joe!

After the new graphics and animations were decided on we began posting a new Spanish infomercial for Clay as well as four new english commercials for Truck month.  These too, all look look amazing.  The spots utilize footage that Paul brought back from the tail of his trip to New York City and Albany and Dallas.

Paul and Lizette's Trip back east was very productive, gathering footage for three features that are beginning the post production process now.  We will keep you posted on the progress of theses stories.  Be sure to visit lizardlandvideo.com to see samples of the work.

Hurricanes Ike and Gustav Cause Major Scheduling Changes

The two recent hurricanes that battered the Gulf Coast have forced Lizardland Video Productions of Phoenix, AZ and Dallas, TX. to compress more than a months' shoots into just a little over a week and a half.

As Hurricane Gustov moved in on the Louisiana coast Paul Hudson was already in the air to a shoot in Texas.  Jittery nerves about the weather caused this video shoot to be postponed until September 13 to the 15th, just in time for the arrival of Hurricane Ike.  Needless to say this shoot was again postponed, not only over concerns about wind and rain in Dallas but the talent was based out of Houston, TX.

We are glad to report all our friends, clients, crew and talent are safe and now ready to shoot the infomercial and television commercial on September 25th.  Let's hope our luck is a little better this time around.

Complicating this is the travel plans of Paul and Lizette McCorquodale.  They will have to pick up this shoot on their way back from a week long production in New York.  There is only a small window of opportunity for this shoot as Joe Rawlins, Paul, Lizette and the rest of the crew start primary video production in the CBC Studios in Phoenix, AZ. on September 27th.  This filming will consume four days after which Joe and Paul will begin post production on the previous months material.

To view samples of our past work please visit our website at lizardlandvideo.com.

LizardlandVideo.com Will be in New York September 17th to 22nd

Lizardland Video of Phoenix, Arizona will be traveling to New York later this month to begin a marketing film on a young man who has lost over 150 lbs. using one of Lizardlands' clients products.

Paul and Lizette will shoot in both Albany and the New York City area during this time.  The remainder of the crew will be hired in the New York area.

This is Lizardlands' second shooting trip to New York since July.  Paul and Mike shoot interviews and b-roll for a film in the Metro area in the mid summer.  The results of this video can be viewed at LizardLandVideo.com.

Lizardland continues to grow both it's Phoenix, AZ and Dallas, TX operations.  Any talent or crew wishing to work with Lizardland Video should visit the website and register.

LizardlandVideo.com To Produce Latest Clay Cooley Infomercial

Next week Paul and Kevin will be working in Dallas to produce a new 30 minute informercial for Clay Cooley GMC.  This is the latest of five Spanish informercials that Lizardland Video has produced for Clay Cooley.

While in Texas Lizardland Video will also shoot a new series of english commercials for Clay.

The footage gathered in Texas will return to Phoenix, AZ for posting by Joe Rawlins.  Joe is an extremely talented post production expert and he is fluent in English and Spanish making him a rare "triple threat".

To view recent jobs completed for Clay Cooley visit Lizardland website at LizardLandVideo.com.

LizardlandVideo.com Begins Production on Healthcare DVD

Beginning September 27th and continuing until October 1st Lizardlandvideo.com will be in production of a new health and wellness DVD series for a Chandler, Arizona company.

Lizardland Video in association with Skyline Video of Mesa, AZ and Arizona Corporate Broadcasting will shoot a live four camera video.

Specially designed custom sets and specialized lighting will give this video that Lizardland high end look clients have come to expect.

To see past projects by Lizardland and more upcoming events visit the website at LizardlandVideo.com.

LizardLandVideo.com has a new website.

A year after opening an office in Arizona Lizardlandvideo.com has finally had enough time to develop a website.  Joe Rawlins, Lizette McCorqoudale and Paul Hudson have spent the past year producing dozens of projects for broadcast, web and DVD.  Many of these projects can be viewed at the new site LizardlandVideo.com.

While doing all the projects in Arizona Lizardland has also kept busy producing television for their old friend and clients in Dallas Texas.

Lizardland's years of experience and extensive supply of equipment will continue to provide customers with the highest quality videos for years to come.

To learn more visit the website at Lizardlanvideo.com