A CGI flowing fountain for a new project at Willow Valley.

My future duties include writing press releases about Postage Inc. games, working with social media, and performing research. This Friday I will be working alongside Public Relations specialist, Clint Weiler. Clint, who is based in Philadelphia, will be coming to Postage for the day to help me construct a press release for Postage’s pinball shuffle game.

While working with Allen and everyone at Postage Inc. I know I will learn much from my experience here. This internship will allow me to apply my skills in a new work environment, which I am excited to explore.

Jeff Thomas and Robin Chambers. Photo by Lori Stahl.

LANCASTER PREMIERE EVENING

We sat in the theatre and ran tests. Harvey Owen wanted to get it just right. “From the top!”, shouted Harvey.  The film was digitally re-racked and we waited for our cues. Lit by the flickering of the first hundred frames of my latest film, the Ware center’s modern and purpose-filled acoustical structure looked like the inside of some giant space ark ready to take off. It made me wish that the intro to the film was the scrolling storyline of “A New Hope.”  But I guess, you can’t recreate that sort of greatness.  It was at rehearsal that I realized the gravity of what “The Chameleon Club” (A Documentary Film) was experiencing.

The Ware Center was originally built as the new home for the Lancaster Academy of Music but long story short, that didn’t work out for them. After a time in real estate limbo, Millersville University stepped in and added it to their already great school as a way to connect more deeply with Lancaster.  And connect they did. On Jan 23, 2012 an array of classes started there.  In addition to expanding their university’s reach they also seem to have a commitment to Lancaster and it’s arts. This is evident in their film series and the other things they are trying to bring to a still growing Lancaster Downtown.

As I was looking for a venue for the local premiere, I had a lot of considerations to be met. Price, accessibility, class… and after an introduction by Andrea Campbell of Natural Light Films, we were speaking with Harvey Owen about being the first of their upstart independent and foreign film series.  All of our considerations were met fairly and we were off to promotion.

About a week before the event, we had sold every ticket. I tell people this was bittersweet. I knew it was only a one night event and while it’s a good feeling to have every seat filled, I was getting calls from close friends and associates who had not been able to purchase a ticket in time.  As is the way with these types of events (and Rich Ruoff could tell you), some people didn’t show, and many from the enormous waiting list were able to attend by simply attending the free reception.

Photo by Lori Stahl

Among those attending were Jack Lewars and Katie Hyde Lewars of the upcoming film “Mount Joy”, the present and former owners of the Chameleon Club itself, Steve Murray, who is now one year into a miraculous recovery from a fire that destroyed his Lancaster shop Zap & Co. (now with immediate plans to rebuild!) and equally touching to me, a 2,500 mile journey by the original interior decorator of the Chameleon Club which was known for it’s themed artistic social segments, James Roland Snyder.  There were standing ovations for the special people there, and before the film, a dedication by the Mayor of Lancaster, Rick Gray.

People were ready to start the film.  I went up on stage as Harvey called me up.  I looked around and explained how happy I was, how huge a moment it was for me in just a few words and said “Let’s just roll the film?”  Behind my wife, John Flavin I believe said “That’s what I’m talking’ about! Yeah!” When she told me this I smiled.

Throughout the film there was laughter, happy and reminiscent tears, and even the occasional shout. This is a cool feeling as a film maker to be able to see so many people react positively and directly to your film as it is played largely on a state-of-the-art system in a world class room.  I got to feel the emotion coming off the crowd which you don’t get from selling to the masses. It was wonderful.

All in all, this night reinforced what I knew all along about the Chameleon Club and about Lancaster. There is a sense of family and togetherness in the accomplishments of our citizens.  In the creativity of our next-door neighbor.  From the filmmaker to the interior decorator to the fine artist and the music venue establisher or operator.  We are proud of each other and we seek to support that and celebrate it whenever possible.

Days later, the entire studio here at Postage, Inc. was still walking on air.  We exchanged several excited calls with Rich, the founder and we were just in awe of the night and how perfect it was.  Thanks to all who helped make the film, the premiere and the Chameleon Club possible.  We were honored to tell the story and to be the first of what I’m sure will be an amazing and long running film series, changing the entertainment dynamic of Downtown Lancaster indefinitely.

Photo by Theresa @ PA Music Scene

RECENT CHAMELEON CLUB DOCUMENTARY NEWS:

• On November 20, we had a festival screening at the Souther Screen Festival in Lafayette, LA.
• We were unfortunately turned down by SXSW but we continue on! We will be submitting to film festivals through July of this year.
• The LanCast Podcast will be airing an episodic interview with me about the film and the next documentary project on Monday, January 30th.
• There will be an article in the February 5th edition of the Lancaster Sunday News.
• The film will be playing at 7:30pm for 13 days on LCTV-66 on Comcast Cable in the Lancaster area.

LINKS:

• You can talk about The Chameleon Club documentary film HERE.
• You can purchase the film at C.I. Records in Lancaster.
• If you are out of town, preorder on Amazon HERE.
• You can find out about the Ware Center and their events HERE.
• You can read a review meets business metaphor by Ken Mueller HERE.

It’s been about two months since my return home.  I’ve finally had the time to process my experience in a developing nation. But not just any developing nation… NIGERIA.  Though my first step off of the continent of North America, I know that it is the first of many in my life and it was truly a great beginning.

The Video Seminar Class in Lagos, Nigeria at C.H.O.P. October/November 2011

For those of you “just tuning in,” I had the pleasure of teaching the tools of video production and the fundamentals of production planning to 15 students in Ikeja, a part of Lagos, Nigeria.

At the two week seminar, the students learned:

Digital Photography / Video • Lighting • Pre-Production • Planning and Budgets • Documentary Filmmaking • Motion Graphics and Animation • 3D Animation Showcase • Digital Video Editorial • Layout and Graphic Design • Basic Marketing and Business Skills • Green Screen and Compositing • Photo Manipulation and Editing • Teamwork… and much more.

The country of Nigeria is approximately 900,000 square miles which is a bit bigger than the state of Texas but only a bit.  To continue that comparison, Texas has a population of nearly 25 million people.  Nigeria is home to approximately 160 MILLION people.  This puts things into a strange perspective. I’m enjoying recounting my trip to co-workers, friends and family back home but it’s funny how difficult it is to answer questions like “Was Lagos a big city?” or “How was the facility in which you taught?”  They are difficult questions to answer because the frame of reference we work from here is simply not congruent.

The point is not the differences in the places but to me, the people.  If we consider the term Developing Nation, I would almost consider that as much of an insult as “Third World Country.” (a term which Nigerians are not afraid to use.)  This is because Nigeria is quite developed when you look in the right places.  The technology in the hands of the people of this country is astounding. Let me give you an example.

The power system in Nigeria is called NEPA by the locals. Officially it is now the Power Holding Company of Nigeria but used to be the National Electric Power Authority. Imagine a power system run by a country (partially autonomous) instead of a state, city, municipality or more likely a fully private company. When the power goes out, the locals say “NEPA took light.” and when it comes back on, “NEPA has brought us light.”  The people of Nigeria are grateful for every drop of power they get, but when it goes, they don’t stop.

It’s amazing to see a power outage in a western supermarket. Hands go up in frustration, nothing happens. Transactions cease, work ceases.  There in Lagos, we continued to work, firing up generators and utilizing our laptop power supplies through at least 12 long-run power outages during my week of the Seminar.

Some homes in the community which an American may consider sub-standard for living were perfectly livable. They were perfectly _HOME_.  When entering these dwellings, you would be surprised to see the vast amounts of technology employed.  Nigerians love technology. They love tools for creativity and efficiency.

The question seems to be, “Does developed mean citizens are completely dependent on resources and infrastructure?” Does it mean we lose our inspiration to work hard against all odds to succeed? How does it change our definition of success?

At the time that I write this, Nigeria has had some problems with economics throughout and terrorism in the Northern region of the country. But it’s easy to understand how progressive and resilient they are if you take the time to listen to their passions and dreams.

Nigerians are successful and dedicated to growth. Growth in their families, in their communities and in their country.  Even Bola Adebesi, my gracious host who spent about ten years in the US and acquired US citizenship was determined to return to his home with his family smiling in-tow.  His mission is to make Nigeria a better place. I was proud that Postage, Inc. and more specifically, myself, could be a part of that mission.

I leave you with one of the best class documentaries produced. There were several fantastic pieces and all of them were truly inspired.  This one was created by Koroye Ebi (first name pronounced A-B) who is already using his new skills on his own and at his current employ. Enjoy learning a bit more about my trip through the eyes of one of the students.

Documentary Film

Finally! The long awaited Lancaster Premiere of “THE CHAMELEON CLUB” a film by Allen Clements will be showing as part of an evening which celebrates Lancaster, Local Music, and the fabulous art institution, The Chameleon Club.

For Tickets: http://muticketsonline.com/list/film-the-chameleon-club/

The film is a history of the nearly 25 year old venue from it’s inception through several owners and in two locations. We’ll hear about bands and fans including major acts whose popularity was contributed to by the legendary venue including LIVE, The Innocense Mission, August Burns Red and more.

Documentary fans, What’s it like to start a club from the ground up? What sort of hurdles and victories will you encounter? How will it change your life and how will it change the face of your town forever?

Our Premiere evening begins with a complimentary Cocktail Reception at 7 p.m. with piano entertainment by Jeff Thomas in the lobby of The Ware Center, 42 N. Queen St.

Then we’ll see some fun locally-themed featurettes and the film at 8:00 p.m. Afterwards, we’ll entertain a short Q&A with the filmmakers.

If the night ended too early for you and your date, use your tickets for FREE admission to the Post-Premier after-party. On the upper levels of the legendary venue itself, (just two blocks north) you’ll be entertained by the Chameleon All-Star Band headed by Trixie Greiner (Burning Bus, Inca Campers) Guest appearances that night will include members from THE DAVES, SpeedBoys, Suddenly Tammy, Loretta Bilieux, Jeff Thomas, Robin Chambers and more! Who knows who might show up to celebrate the Chameleon’s history!?

Will you be one of them?

Seating is limited and this is a one night only event!
http://muticketsonline.com/list/film-the-chameleon-club/
For tickets and info. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 717.872.3811 or visiting the Ware Center in downtown Lancaster!

Robo's Desk... dunh dunh dunhhhhhh!

Enjoy the wallpaper with none other than Vegas Teddy!!! c/o Stabb Gunner.

2011 was a big year for Postage. We were able to work with fantastic clients and grow our team from a duo, to a still growing team of 6. During these difficult economic times, we’ve stayed strong by believing in our convictions and working with clients who are driven by passion and integrity. 2012 is shaping up to be an even bigger year. Thank you for your continued support.