Crew Connection

tech - Crew Connection
  • Dani Lyman

Top Tech from CES 2019
Top Tech from CES 2019 768 432 Dani Lyman

The tech industry gave us a glimpse into the future this week during the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Packed with concept cars, AI and virtual assistants, CES proved we’re another year closer to living in a sci-fi movie. Here is some of the most fascinating tech unveiled in the City of Sin this year.

Robots Galore

Ubtech unveiled it’s latest edition of Walker: The Robotic Butler. Walker has built-in sensors that enable him to walk around without bumping into walls (I can’t even do that half the time), he has arms and hands that can grab and deliver items, as well as a facial recognition feature (again…he’s better than me) so he can remember who requested that Coke from the fridge. While the technology is pretty impressive, Walker is still a work in progress. More of a novelty than a necessity, Walker wouldn’t be the most efficient Butler in terms of speed or complicated tasks, but who knows what the future holds?

 

Honorary Mention: Foldimate, the laundry folding robot, attempts to eliminate the torture of one of humanity’s most mundane tasks. However, it’s size and price tag make it an unrealistic accessory for most laundry rooms. It is only first gen tech, so hopefully, updated models will be more accessible for the average household in the coming years.

Futuristic Vehicles

The Future is here… well, almost. One of the most fascinating and potentially useful unveilings was Hyundai’s Elevate, a walking car designed for emergency response. Currently a concept only, the four-legged vehicle is designed to tackle tough terrain, stand and walk on “legs” with omnidirectional wheels and bring relief during a crisis in ways we’ve never thought possible before.

 

Honorary Mention: Bell, a manufacturing partner to Uber, revealed Nexus the Flying Taxi equipped with six tilting fans and wings. Unlike Elevate, the Nexus prototype is life size and Bell hopes to begin test flights in 2020.

Gizmos & Gadgets

Everyone can relate to the hassle of worrying about luggage when traveling, so Ovis created the self-driving suitcase that can follow behind you as you race through the airport. Much like a small child, it gets distracted at times and wanders away, but it’s camera technology allows it to identify you and follow you when you’re in its sight.

Additionally, Inubox unveiled the dog toilet, which doesn’t need too much explanation. Artemis revealed a Smart Mirror that looks like it belongs in Minority Report, Sony exhibited an 8K TV which thrilled movie lovers, and Groove X designed an adorable robot Lovots you can snuggle – now available for sale in Japan.

Are you ready?

The display of talented inventors and developers proves that what we can achieve through technology is limitless. CES is an important reminder that the world is moving forward. Are you?

 

ornament on christmas tree - Crew Connection
  • Dani Lyman

Little Known Facts About Your Fave Holiday Films
Little Known Facts About Your Fave Holiday Films 1001 667 Dani Lyman

If you’re a movie buff, you love your behind the scenes facts. When it comes to the top holiday films you probably already know: Jim Carrey was a total Grinch on the set of How the Grinch Stole Christmas; Christmas Vacation was one of Johnny Galecki’s first movies; and Elf was filled with in-camera tricks to make Will Ferrell look like a giant among Santa’s tiny helpers. However, here a few lesser-known stories from behind the scenes of your favorite holiday classics.

When Harry Met Sally

Containing one of the most memorable confessions of love and definitely the best New Year’s Eve scene ever, When Harry Met Sally is a classic film that proves relationships (and life) don’t always go as planned. Part of what made the film feel so authentic were the real-life love stories sewn through the narrative. Those cute little interviews with elderly couples that popped up throughout the film were actually inspired by real love stories.

It is said Director Rob Reiner and his good friend and Screenwriter Nora Ephron interviewed various couples about their experiences falling for their soulmate. They then cast lovely actors like Connie Sawyer and Charles Dugan to retell the stories on screen. Easily the most endearing part of the film, the stories made us laugh a little, cry a little, and most importantly, believe in true love.

Die Hard

Die Hard is arguably one of the best Christmas films of all time (literally, people argue about it all the time). Perhaps one of the reasons fans engage with the movie more than other action films is their deep connection to John McClane and the familiarity of his flaws. The extra layer of emotion Bruce Willis brings to the character was likely missing from the script before screenwriter, Jeb Stuart, had a close call with a refrigerator box.

During a recent interview on Jeff Goldsmith’s podcast, Stuart recalled the moment that changed the direction of the script and redefined McClane’s character. After a fight with his wife, Stuart “stormed out of the house” and started his drive back to Burbank on the 134 freeway. While changing lanes he was shocked by a large refrigerator box in front of him. With no time and nowhere to go, he was forced to drive straight into the box. Luckily, it was empty, but the brush with death led to an epiphany. This story wasn’t just an action movie, “It’s about a 30-year-old guy who should have said sorry to his wife.”

McClane’s reluctance to admit his wrongdoing follows him throughout the story and culminates in the film’s most human scene; his apology to his wife. This monologue reveals who McClane really is and why we love this movie so much.

It’s a Wonderful Life

Growing up, we all sat in front of the bright lights of the Christmas tree, watched as George Bailey found his purpose and we dreamt about a lovely little place called Bedford Falls. With all its charms and kindness, Bedford seemed like the perfect little Christmas town that was too quaint to exist in the real world. However, there is a small town in Upstate New York, Seneca Falls, that claims it is the real-life Bedford Falls and you can discover all its magic by visiting during the Christmas season.

Seneca Falls’ holiday website claims that this idyllic town is likely Frank Capra’s inspiration for the film’s set design. Similarities between the Victorian-style homes, the old bridge, and globe street lamps all add to the case that Seneca Falls is the original Bedford Falls.

Of course, what would a claim like this mean if the people didn’t take the opportunity to turn their town into a movie lover’s haven during the holiday season. Every December they host an “It’s a Wonderful Life” Festival where one can catch special guests, Christmas light replicas and a screening of the film. So, if you find yourself nostalgic for simpler times during the holiday season, you may want to head to Seneca Falls to experience some Christmas magic.

Bridget Jones’ Diary

For “tragic spinsters” everywhere Bridget Jones’ Diary is a New Year’s classic, packed with impossible resolutions, cringe-worthy awkwardness and clumsy attempts at love. While Jones is usually taking the brunt of the embarrassment, in one chaotic scene, her two love interests prove to be a bit clumsy themselves.

In a recent interview with GQ, Colin Firth explained that the dramatic fight between him and his co-star Hugh Grant was originally scripted to be a serious duel. However, when the actors recognized they hadn’t been in a fight since their youth and a scuffle between these two characters might be more slapstick and sloppy than tough and polished, they reworked the scene and left us with this comedic gem:

Now, get to binge-watching!

Happy New Year!!

video editing on computer - Crew Connection
  • Dani Lyman

What Makes a Great Video Editor
What Makes a Great Video Editor 5736 3328 Dani Lyman

“It’s the editor who orchestrates the rhythm of the images, and that is the rhythm of the dialogue, and of course the rhythm of the music. For me, the editor is like a musician, and often a composer.” – Martin Scorcese

 

In the video industry, everyone knows the edit can make or break a project. You can hire the best production team in the world, but if your editor doesn’t understand both the technology and the art of editing, you’re out of luck. A bad edit can leave a viewer cringing and can cost more in re-edits than it’s worth.

So, what can you do to make sure you’ve hired the best of the best to edit your latest piece? I chatted with professional freelance editor and longtime Crew Connection Crew, Jeff Drake, about his vast career and what he believes makes an excellent editor.

 

The Vision

“When I first saw Avid Media Composer, I knew non-linear editing was what I wanted to be doing.” Drake’s editing journey began when post-production meant using tape machines and a switcher. The introduction to editing software was a complete game-changer for his career. “It allowed me to be faster and more creative and inspired me to constantly learn new technology in order to elevate the level of my work.”

That level of elevated work has allowed Drake to be fortunate enough to edit for major companies like ESPN, Wells Fargo, Toyota and Victoria’s Secret, to name just a few. His experience, accompanied by his humble and professional approach, is what sets him apart from amateur editors who may understand the technology, but not the business of editing. “Most directors and producers have a vision and it’s my job to fulfill that vision first. I always aim to bring something to the table and make the final project better than the client anticipated.”

 

 

The Business

Putting one’s artistic ego aside and focusing on delivering the client’s vision isn’t always easy, but it is a paramount trait in a sought-after editor. Creative personalities can often clash, but Drake believes forcing his perspective on a client is the opposite of what he’s been hired to do. “I will defend my creative decisions, but only once because I want the person paying the bill to be really happy with how the project turns out.” In the end, he’s been hired to make the post-production process easier for the client. It isn’t personal.

Another way he manages to keep such a professional rapport with his clients is by working as a contractor, instead of an in-house editor. Drake reveals that working with various clients away from the office is one of the biggest benefits to his work. By staying out of office politics and avoiding distractions Drake says he can focus all his energy on delivering an excellent product. As a contractor, he can also bring a fresh perspective that sometimes in-house editors can’t provide.

 

The Final Product

Working behind the scenes can make it difficult for people to understand the artistry that goes into editing a project.  “Editing is creative control of the structure, pacing, and tone of any piece, no matter how complicated or simple.” Additionally,  a solid editor can work with powerful tools to manipulate mediocre images, improve audio or design motion graphics from a simple idea.

“I think editing is the single most important contribution to the overall feel and success of a project but, of course, I’m biased.” Drake may be joking, but this is the level of commitment and skill you want your editor to have. You want to trust your editor is giving 100% percent to seeing your vision succeed. That’s what separates an excellent editor from the rest.

camera gear on table - Crew Connection
  • Dani Lyman

Coolest Camera Gear Must Haves
Coolest Camera Gear Must Haves 3976 2753 Dani Lyman

There are a grip ton of companies out there creating so many camera and grip accessories that it can get a little overwhelming to sort through them all. From pocket jibs to flywheels to app controlled motorized skaters, the market is flooded with nifty gadgets you want to add to your equipment cage. But, some products and companies are definitely better than others! Check out 3 companies creating some of the coolest toys in the industry!

Edelkrone

Edelkrone focuses on pint-sized, portable accessories that simplify the production process. From their PocketRig to the SliderOne, they deliver tiny tools to get smooth shots from interesting angles. Many of their products are app controlled, leaving less room for human error and more time to get that perfect shot. The motorized system is perfect for stunning timelapses and creative stop-motion projects.  While all Edelkrone products are making a splash, people are especially enthusiastic about the Motion BOX and its ability to shoot 360 degrees in one fluid motion.

 

Kessler

Established in 2003, Kessler has become an industry leader, providing some of the most innovative camera and grip gear. For their latest invention, they merged the CineDrive and Shuttle Dolly into one groundbreaking system. The multi-axis motion controlled camera system slides easily along the dolly without missing a beat. The system is designed for users to have full control down to their fingertips by programming keyframes to ensure accurate camera movements at the precise time. To give you even more to nerd out on, the upside down camera movement on the dolly is pretty epic.

Rhino

If you search the internet for “best slider” Rhino undoubtedly has one of the largest and loudest fan bases out there. Rhino Slider EVO has the reputation of being the best in the game. One of the most notable ways this slider stands out among its competition is the flywheel. The flywheel securely sits on top of the slider to create the perfect amount of tension which keeps the camera flowing smoothly, avoiding any little bump in the road. That uninterrupted “sliding” motion is exactly why we use the slider to begin with and Rhino seems to have mastered it!

 

 

iphone video - Crew Connection
  • Dani Lyman

Push iPhone’s video potential to the max
Push iPhone’s video potential to the max 6720 4480 Dani Lyman

With internet articles like “How to Film A Hollywood Worthy Movie on Your iPhone” and “How to Shoot iPhone Video Like a Pro” you may get the impression that cinematic brilliance is in the palm of your hand with the purchase of the iPhone X.

You say to yourself, “Why do I need to hire a crew for my social media campaign, my promotional video, or my company’s internal projects when I can do everything on my phone?”

Then you see incredibly beautiful images produced with the iPhone like this gorgeous short film by Amnesia Art and you think, “I can do that.” But, it’s not as easy as it looks.

When you see such a well crafted film like this it is easy to get swept away into the notion that you, yourself, or at the very least, your neighbor’s teenager because he’s better with technology than you are, can create something similar for your video project. Until you give it a try. Then, sadly, passed your deadline with half your budget wasted, you find yourself with unusable footage ruined by terrible lighting, unbearable sound and choppy editing.

Just like wearing Nikes doesn’t make you Jordan, the iPhone doesn’t make you a talented DP. The device is only as good as the person operating it. Ryan Earl and Nick Arcivos, the talent behind this film, have years of experience as filmmakers and photographers. In their dedicated and very capable hands a phone becomes another tool in their arsenal to create a successful piece of art.

Another thing to consider is the extensive amount of equipment needed to create a piece that looks this professional. The Amnesia Art team posted the list of equipment they used which totals over $2,000. Half of that was spent on sound equipment alone! BECAUSE THAT’S HOW IMPORTANT SOUND IS! No one will watch your video if the sound is bad! That is why a professional Audio Tech is so crucial to the success of your project and worth every penny. Not to mention the smooth flow of the edit is not something that can be accomplished by just anybody, even with easy to use editing apps.

There is a laundry list of details that go into making a film like this. The kind of details that those of us who work in Video Production are completely passionate about, obsess over and educate ourselves on daily.

The iPhone definitely has a place in the DIY video world. You can make awesome videos for your podcast, Instagram or YouTube channel, but when it comes to larger endeavors and really higher-end projects – nothing beats experience. Or dedication. Or knowledge. Or passion. A crew of experts who understand how to use the equipment and deliver a solid project is always worth the investment.

 

 

 

 

elephant and woman - Crew Connection
  • Dani Lyman

The Woman Behind the Invisible Lens
The Woman Behind the Invisible Lens 700 466 Dani Lyman

 

“I feel empowered when I’m holding a camera,” Susu Hauser, adventurer, world-traveler, filmmaker, TV industry veteran, wife and cinematographer says with a gleam of pride in her eye. And she should feel proud. As one of the few female camera operators in the docu-reality TV world she’s a groundbreaking trailblazer paving the way for more women to emerge in this extremely male dominated field.

Despite her long list of credits and her massive accomplishments around the world (working Deadliest Catch in Alaska to trekking Ethiopia with a camera) she is often still treated as the sidekick or “little woman” next to men in her industry. Susu doesn’t complain about it. She doesn’t play the victim or pout, instead she straps on her hiking boots, slings a camera over her shoulder and proceeds to her next adventure, proving with every impressive credit that the camera knows no gender. If you’re good, you’re good. And she’s good.

These are her thoughts in her own words about her journey as a woman behind the camera.

Empowerment through Cinematography

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone” – a wise person once said, and it couldn’t be more true of my craft. As a female cinematographer, I feel an adrenaline rush with every new environment I delve into, every walk of life I engage with, and every new adventure I embark on. The camera has been my tool to live life to the fullest  – whether I am coasting down 10,000 ft in a Piper cub with the engine cut out, or trouncing through the “emerald triangle” of Northern California in full camo, I have challenged my physical and mental body to greet the unknown. There is fear, freedom and empowerment that comes with all this.

Life Behind the Camera

I wrote an essay in highschool about my desire to be a National Geographic photographer “when I grew up”. Never did I think that 10 years later, I would be doing just that…

I have since been fortunate enough to have kissed the Blarney stone, visited the lost city of Pompeii, enjoyed the thermal baths of Budapest, swam from island to island in the Adriatic sea, snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef, sky dove over Fox Glacier in New Zealand, polished my Thai cooking in Chiang Mai, watched the sun rise over the temples of Angkor Wat, kayaked the Mekong… (and the list goes on…). With every new excursion and adventure, I have honed my photography skills. So you can see, travel, adventure, and photography are my lifeblood. I have a thirst for diverse cultures and exotic lands. Cinematography has enabled me to marry all these passions, and I am beyond grateful for that.

A Woman’s Rise up a Male Ladder

Truthfully, my rise up the ladder in this industry was slow, steady and incremental. On the one hand, it was a bummer seeing my male counterparts wiz by me in the job positions and titles when I knew we had the same work ethic, talent and drive… It seemed as though there was a tendency to shy away from putting females in the field unless they were fulfilling positions as coordinators, managers, and associate producers.

On the other hand, I gained experience in every job title leading me to eventually running my own production company with my husband, The Invisible Lens. These rungs on the ladder included – Post and production PA, Field and Post Coordinator, Production Manager, Associate Producer, Assistant Camera, Producer, and Camera Operator.

Advice for Women Up and Comers

Be persistent. I ventured out with countless male camera operators before getting my hands on the camera. Observe them, soak them for knowledge, be indispensable, and if they are confident enough within their own craft they will help you learn the ropes.  It’s one thing to get an education from a film school, it’s an entirely other thing to be gaining practical knowledge in the field.

Know your thresholds, be safe, and speak up when things don’t feel right.

A Message to the Industry

My message to the industry on behalf of us few female camera operators is – do not underestimate us. I may be only 5’5’’(on a good day!), but I can trounce through the woods with a Sony F800 on my shoulder just like the rest of them. – And I may even be smiling while I do it.

 

To experience Susu’s work and learn about her upcoming documentary to empower women through the Fair Trade Market please visit susuhauser.com

 

fish - Crew Connection
  • Dani Lyman

Catch their attention with a seriously well-done video
Catch their attention with a seriously well-done video 6000 4000 Dani Lyman

In an age when we have shorter attention spans than a goldfish, marketing videos have to be more creative and technically savvy to get viewers hooked.

 

In 2015, Microsoft Corp published a study that showed our average attention span plummeted from 12 seconds to 8 seconds – meaning we are as easily distracted as Dory and just as likely to forget what we watched. A video marketer’s goal must be to grab the attention of the viewer immediately, and then keep him watching with memorable content.

 

In film school we were taught that edits should be made approximately every 7 seconds to keep the audience interested. When you’re relying on video to market your company or build interest in your brand, you have to be fast moving, entertaining, and more than anything – creative.

 

Here are 3 examples of edgy brand marketing videos that combine innovative ideas, witty voice overs, flashy cinematography and out of the box editing techniques to create unforgettable content.

 

SLACK

Using popular sitcom techniques like exterior wide shots, cheesy intro music, and mockumentary style storytelling, Slack created a unique, laugh out loud, quirky 2-minute video that tells us who they are and why we want to use them.

 

DISSOLVE

No camera or corporate interview required. This piece by Dissolve successfully relies entirely on editing and snarky commentary on generic corporate videos to stand out in the crowd. Money well spent on compelling voice over talent and a kick ass editor who understands comedic timing.

 

FRESHBOOKS

A fresh take on Talking Heads. This video really highlights the value of a great producer on set.  Sarah’s genuine and confident presence on screen proves there was an experienced producer behind the camera putting her at ease. Beautiful lighting, unique framing and edits every few seconds keep the viewer’s interest visually, while creating a human element to Freshbook’s brand by making us truly interested in Sarah and her story.

 

 

A bad ass video production crew and post team can provide all the eye-catching, creative visual elements you need to hook your audience. It’s up to you to add your voice, style and unique brand to keep them coming back.

 

About Crew Connection

Crew Connection logo

Crew Connection puts a suite of marketing tools at your fingertips. Get your demo reels, stills, gear, awards, and more in front of the biggest clients all over the world—for free. At Crew Connection we pay video and post production providers within 30 days of receiving your invoice so your work and your life are never interrupted. Need live assistance or want to add quality jobs to your pipeline? Our crew coordinators are on call around the clock. Sign in to Crew Connection, call 303-526-4900, or email info@crewconnection.com.

rain - Crew Connection
  • Dani Lyman

Go ahead and make it rain
Go ahead and make it rain 5184 3456 Dani Lyman

Whether you work on commercials, movies or photo shoots, you’re bound to run into one very tricky issue in production – creating a weather scene.

There are some crafty Hollywood hacks for recreating the elements: like stuffing ice into a wood chipper (Fargo much?) to imitate falling snow or using a leaf blower against talent’s hair for tornado scenes. But, the most used element on camera, rain, can also be the most difficult to film.

 

R.A.I.N.

When your shoot calls for rain, you want those big, sexy, glamorous drops falling slightly to the left while subtle winds circle around your talent. You want it to look unrealistically beautiful, so you have to fake it.

Creating movie-style rain requires a few simple steps. Number one – don’t shoot in the rain! Not only is weather completely unpredictable and nearly impossible to schedule a shoot around, but it also doesn’t read on screen. It could be a downpour of torrential rain, but the footage only shows hazy grey streaks crying on the screen. It’s kind of pathetic.

For the camera to catch the drops, you’re going to want large, heavy disbursement. Features often make it rain by using rain trucks, but that can cause a drought in the budget. The next best thing is a rain rig, which are long pipes that stand on tall poles with attached sprinkler heads. Rain rigs are set up in the foreground and background of your shot to create a great consistent shower. Those can be a bit pricey as well. If you want Hollywood rain on a film school budget, check out this bad-ass rain rig designed by Tom Antos. Watch out for the Amateur Move: Rain that comes into the scene from more than one direction.

 

*lighting matters*

Once you have your rain source, you have to light it properly. Backlight. Blacklight. Backlight. Backlighting separates the rain from the background and highlights the drops as they fall to the ground. This creates layers, more dimension, and allows the droplets to really shine.

 

The Blustery Day

Whether you’re trying to achieve a romantic kiss under a light drizzle or the Day After Tomorrow Armageddon storm, you’re going to need some wind to sell the moment. A fan off-camera isn’t going to push the illusion of wind unless it has something to blow around. For wind to pop on screen, you want to scatter your set with debris like leaves, dirt, and some earth powder. When you add the fan, the debris will circle in the air, creating a whirling movement and a beautifully textured scene.

 

Finishing Touches

To finish off your stormy look, make sure to wet down the entire scene. Vehicles, roads, umbrellas, sidewalks, and your talent. In some cases, simply hosing down the set is enough to create the illusion of fresh rain. In the end, that slick, wet look really resonates on camera and delivers that rainy day feels we love to see on film. For a little extra drama, shoot at night, throw some fog in your shot, and backlight it!

These simple tricks are all it takes to turn your sunny shoot into a cinematic storm.

 

 

About Crew Connection

Crew Connection logo

Crew Connection puts a suite of marketing tools at your fingertips. Get your demo reels, stills, gear, awards, and more in front of the biggest clients all over the world—for free. At Crew Connection we pay video and post-production providers within 30 days of receiving your invoice so your work and your life are never interrupted. Need live assistance or want to add quality jobs to your pipeline? Our crew coordinators are on call around the clock. Sign in to Crew Connection, call 303-526-4900, or email info@crewconnection.com.

NAB - Crew Connection
  • Dani Lyman

NAB reveals next level gear you can use
NAB reveals next level gear you can use 1000 563 Dani Lyman

If you’re in the video production industry, there is only one place you want to be when spring hits: Vegas! No, not just for the debauchery, but for the unveiling of ground-breaking gear that revolutionizes the way we do business. Spring means NAB.

 

But, what really stood out at the 2018 NAB Show?

Every year we want to stay on top of the latest gadgets and upgrades that make our shoots more efficient and our footage stunning. While everything revealed at the NAB Show is pretty exciting, the product that caught my attention this year was the Redrock Mirco Digiboom. Not only is the Digiboom hard to say without smiling, but it is also all too easy to envision its practical use and how it serves to improve production quality.

 

Sure, Sony showcased their new FS5 II with color science technology, and Blackmagic has a nifty pocket camera, but the Digiboom is the real game-changer for everyday content. While at first glance it simply looks like a fancy boom pole, it’s actually a multi-purposed camera rig that merges jib, drone, and Steadicam technology into one pint-sized, easy to maneuver, handheld piece of magic.

 

Probably the most exciting aspect of the Digiboom is its ability to capture innovative 4k angles we’ve never seen before. Its flexible rig, 11 feet of extension, and smooth stabilization allow the camera to move around and underneath objects. This all makes for spontaneous creativity, fast-paced action shots, and more engaging interviews.

 

While other gear may have been equally mind-blowing at this year’s NAB Show, a product like the Digiboom has a real practical impact on our crews. Imagine the production value you can easily add to your corporate videos, commercials, and live events – with much less hassle and smaller cost. I must say, this new product is a bet that will pay off in happier clients and bigger profits.

 

Designed for the master camera operator, Digiboom is an essential tool to help our camera crews stand out among competitors and produce the best product possible. Luckily, what happens in Vegas isn’t staying in Vegas this time. You can pre-order your very own Digiboom now on the Redrock Micro website for a mere $500. Jackpot!

 

 

About Crew Connection

Crew Connection logo

Crew Connection puts a suite of marketing tools at your fingertips. Get your demo reels, stills, gear, awards, and more in front of the biggest clients all over the world—for free. At Crew Connection we pay video and post-production providers within 30 days of receiving your invoice so your work and your life are never interrupted. Need live assistance or want to add quality jobs to your pipeline? Our crew coordinators are on call around the clock. Sign in to Crew Connection, call 303-526-4900, or email info@crewconnection.com.

  • Heidi McLean

Meet Dani, our newest Crew Coordinator
Meet Dani, our newest Crew Coordinator 150 150 Heidi McLean

crewing

We are happy to introduce the newest team member. Clients and crews can look forward to working with Dani Lyman on future projects.

 

Crew Connection: Where did you grow up?

Dani Lyman: I grew up all over the place! My family’s from the Bronx, so we took those NY roots and culture with us to Miami, Detroit, Denver, and Phoenix. I’ve also spent some time in Hawaii and Portland. I went to Film School in Scottsdale and graduated from ASU, so I probably consider Arizona my “home.” 

 

CC: What were you doing before you joined Crew Connection?

DL: I worked in the freelance video production and sports broadcast world. I worked often as a Production Coordinator and a writer for the video side and as a Producer or Graphics Operator on the Sports Broadcast side. 

I worked for fantastic companies like Pro Angle Media, Mountain West, MLB, ESPN, Mayo Clinic, SheKnows and more. I got to travel quite a bit, build my skills and experience, and really explore my interests. 

 

CC: What made you decide to get into video production?

DL: My dad was an artist and my mom is a natural photographer. I think I was born with this gene and this needs to see the world through a frame and share that vision. I was obsessed with art, images, music, writing–any kind of creative medium and I was dying to find my outlet and way of contributing or being connected to it all. 

I had this idea that film and video is the medium that connects all the arts together. It uses composition, lighting, music, writing, movement, and editing to drive home an emotion, impact an audience, make you feel, or believe something. Whether it’s a short comedy vlog, a film, or a commercial–you get to use all these creative elements to tell a story and share a message. 

I wanted to be a part of that. 

 

CC: Do you have any pets?

DL: I have Lil Bit, a.k.a., Da Baby Kitties. He’s a sweet and fluffy black Ragdoll cat and he’s been my best buddy and travel companion for 13 years. He’s kind of my favorite thing. 

I also have a rescue Boxer named Champion who is super quirky and too adorable for words. He’s the best. It’s been amazing to watch him heal and develop his personality after the rough life he had before.

 

CC: What’s the best movie you’ve seen recently?

DL: I’ve seen Life three times in the last year. I love it. It’s really beautifully shot and kept me on the edge of my set the whole time. It felt like an experience. I want more movies like that!

 

CC: What’s your favorite classic movie?

DL: Tombstone. Best, most quotable movie ever. I am obsessed with it and have been since I was 9 years old. Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday is one of my favorite performances of all time. Anyone who knows me knows I can talk about this movie forever. So I’ll just stop now.

 

CC: Who have you been listening to lately?

DL: My music tastes are across the board, but these artists are always on my playlist:

The Revivalists, NeedToBreathe, Chris Stapleton,  Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Leon Bridges, Gary Clark Jr., Marshmello, NF, Flume, Aokay and Jidenna.

 

CC: What’s the last concert you went to?

DL: Gary Clark Jr. at the Ogden in Denver. Blew my mind. 

 

CC: Are there any other questions that you have cool answers to I haven’t asked?

DL: I’m really passionate about writing. I would say it is my “art.” I won an awesome comedy award in LA for my first screenplay and now I’m finishing up my second, more of an Indie Drama, to submit to festivals this season. I also mentor young writers and just taught my first screenwriting workshop! 

 

About Crew Connection

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Crew Connection puts a suite of marketing tools at your fingertips. Get your demo reels, stills, gear, awards, and more in front of the biggest clients all over the world—for free. At Crew Connection we pay video and post-production providers within 30 days of receiving your invoice so your work and your life are never interrupted. Need live assistance or want to add quality jobs to your pipeline? Our crew coordinators are on call around the clock. Sign in to Crew Connection, call 303-526-4900, or email info@crewconnection.com.

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