Friday, August 31, 2012

Live Sitcom Taping Success!

Tonight, the fourth year of my Summer Entertainment Camp came to a close with the taping of two live TV sitcoms.  It was a wonderful event that everyone truly enjoyed.  This historic evening marked the first time scripted material was taped before a live studio audience in the state of Wisconsin by young adults.  Check out our posters for the two different shows:


These sitcom tapings were an opportunity for children from all backgrounds to come together, create a unique story, and share it with the community.  They went from script to screen in just two weeks time. The kids did all the work - creating the scripts, finding the props and costumes, building the sets, running the lights, sound, and cameras, and countless other tasks.  At the end of the evening, our children were confident that what we did this summer was 'rare' and 'cool'.  I couldn't agree more.  These are children with a sense of humor that shows an awareness of the world around them that is authentic.  Unlike a regrettable number of young men and women in their generation, these kids embrace and thrive on hard work.  Their eagerness to learn and deployment of learning means they are ready and most able to succeed.

The taping of "The Robert and Rosie Show" before a live studio audience!

Sarah Kick and Valerie Lighthart have a conversation on camera while Miranda Campagna records.

It was great to see our live studio audience enjoying the evening just as much as the kids on stage.  I think audience-goers found it special to see such a unique event happening in Milwaukee.  My camp (and these sitcoms) proved to the community that you don't need big budgets and famous movie stars to create a successful project that brings people together.  Everything you need can be found right in your own backyard.  I've watched these kids go from script to screen and inspire a hometown with their initiative and ability to lead.  This young generation is showing that they can rise to the challenge of tomorrow.  

One of our campers, Brooke Briesemeister, operates a camera for the sitcom.

Camper Kyle Johnston chooses between shots for the live sitcom.

Tonight was a great reminder that hard work always pays off.  It's hard to believe I've been offering this camp for FOUR years already.  A lot of people have asked what's next, and to be honest, I'm not really sure.  But in any case, here's hoping whatever comes next is JUST as awesome! :)




Friday, August 24, 2012

Walt Disney Imagineering

Today, I had the honor of speaking at Walt Disney Imagineering.  To say it was awesome would be an understatement :)

For those who may not know, Walt Disney Imagineering (also known as WDI) is the design and development arm of the Walt Disney Company, responsible for the creation and construction of Disney theme parks worldwide.  Founded by Walt Disney himself in 1952 to oversee the production of Disneyland in California, it was originally known as WED Enterprises - from the initials of Walter Elias Disney.  The term "Imagineering" was popularized to describe the blending of imagination and engineering.

Imagineering is responsible for designing and building Disney theme parks, resorts, cruise ships, and other entertainment venues at all levels of project development.  Imagineers often possess a broad range of skills and talents, and thus over 140 different job titles fall under the banner of Imagineering -- including illustrators, architects, engineers, lighting designers, show writers, graphic designers, and countless more.  Most Imagineers work from the HQ facility in Glendale, California, where I was today.

Days like today keep me going forward strong and with full speed!  Who could have imagined that I would be speaking to a group of Disney employees at just 23 years old?  Crazy!

Check out the picture below of the awesome event :)


Friday, August 10, 2012

Computer Crash!

I've been home for less than a week, and slowly but surely, I have been unpacking everything from my trip home to Milwaukee.

Today, I had an unexpected glitch that threw me off!  My computer crashed and burned, after faithfully serving me for almost six years.  The good news is that I'm a computer NERD, so I was able to salvage everything off of the computer -- absolutely no data was lost.  The bad news is that, sadly, I have to get a new computer :(

I guess life has it's fair share of ups and downs!  Here's hoping I find an up soon ;)

Thursday, August 09, 2012

Pixar In Concert

Last night, I attended a WONDERFUL concert at the Hollywood Bowl called "Pixar in Concert".  The concert was a two-hour tribute to all of the pixar films.  The scores were played by the LA Philharmonic Orchestra and members of the pixar team who actually worked on the original film!  It was great to hear the stories on how some of the most popular movie scores were created.


Tuesday, August 07, 2012

South Milwaukee Commercials


This summer, I was hired by the School District of South Milwaukee to create three commercials for the school district and city of South Milwaukee.  I was thrilled to have an opportunity to create videos for my hometown and alma mater.  I think the commercials turned out REALLY well, but I will let YOU be the judge!







A VERY special thanks to Crystal Schreiner, Sean Love, Abby Bakke, and Michael Callahan for their help on this awesome project.