CasablancaExpert

A new on-line resource for video producers has launched!

I am thrilled to announce there is a new on-line resource for video producers at my new web site: YourVideoExpert.net.
     
NOTE: This new web site will not take the place of CasablancaExpert.com - this community and the web resources here will continue to grow. This other new web site allows me to share even more of my knowledge that is not related to Casablanca video editors, more in the realm of what you do prior to editing (though I will also be providing instruction on other video editing tools)

Your Video Expert. net an on-line collection of print-able video tutorials, short streaming videos and twice monthly webinars focused on helping folks produce even better videos.

Many friends and colleagues suggested I use my 17 years in the classroom (teaching video production), coupled with professional media experience (immersed in communication technologies for 30+ years), and my passion for teaching to provide a growing set of resources to help folks produce even better videos.  Click here to download a 2-page PDF introduction to Your Video Expert resources

Members at CasablancaExpert.com receive a special bonus for those who choose to also subscribe to this new resource - review the specifics below

Website Resources
Here's a listing of the resources for you at YourVideoExpert.net

Casablanca Online Workshop - Next Session Begins May 10th

Join Casablanca Expert Chet Davis for the next Novice/Intermediate Virtual (online) Workshop. The next session kicks off May 10th and runs for four (4) sessions, two weeks apart (until June 21st, 2011)

Folks who attended the first session (January-February) thought these classes were an ideal way to learn... in the comfort & convenience of your own home/office, without travel expense, and with just enough class time and time to practice between sessions!                

Click here for workshop details & registration

 

Casablanca eNewsletter for March 2011

The FREE  Casablanca Expert eNewsletter was sent to all those registered early this morning (Friday, March 17).  If you did not receive your copy please:

1. Check your email Junk Mail as I might have made my way in there :)

2.  If I not in Junk, then perhaps you have not yet signed up to receive this monthly email with a plethora of useful news and information about Casablanca video editors and our community.

Below is just a screen-shot of the newsletter - visit this page to read all the information... there _really_ is a lot of useful info, along with links to some very valuable tutorials & videos (you can also subscribe to the monthly eNewsletter on my website here

 

New Series of Casablanca Virtual Workshops for May-June 2011

I have been so pleased by the response of those who participated in my first Virtual (online) Workshops in January-February of this year that I am happy to announce today the 2nd round of virtual workshops.

There will be two different sessions, one Novice/Intermediate and one Advanced session. Each session will meet for 3 hours on four Tuesdays: May 10, May 24, June 7, June 21

Folks who joined me for these first sessions confirmed that the 3-hour sessions were just the right length of time... providing plenty of instruction without getting burned out (which I tend to see in the day-long workshops).  Also, the 2-weeks between sessions allow you to practice what we learned and to come back to the next session with relevant questions. 

I have been recording each session and rapidly making that available to the participants (they can choose to view the sessions online and even download on their computer and burn to DVD for future review and additional learning).

If you want to get the most from your Casablanca video editor - I would encourage you to consider joining me for this next round of Casablanca Expert Virtual Workshops. There's only 12 seats per session and I expect they may fill up fast!

Casablanca Expert Novice/Intermediate Workshop
May 10, May 24, June 7, June 21:  3:00PM-6:00PM Pacific Time http://virtualmayjune.eventbrite.com

Casablanca Expert Advanced Workshop
May 10, May 24, June 7, June 21:  11:00AM-2:00PM Pacific Time http://advancedonlinemayjune.eventbrite.com/

Casablanca Expert Virtual Workshops Session #1 Well Received!

Tuesday wrapped up the fourth session for each of the Virtual (on-line) Casablanca Expert Workshops I have conducted.  This was a new experiment for me, to see if an on-line workshop would work for the learner (and the teacher as well).  And I must say it was a resounding success!

I set these workshops (two different sessions, one advanced and one intermediate/novice) up for folks who might find it challenging to take the time away from their business or home, and also for folks who are looking for an economical alternative to a hands-on workshop in a city far away from their home (what with airfare, hotels, ground transportation, etc).

 

The participants say they have really enjoyed the experience... the 3-hour sessions are just the right length to learn a lot without information overload, and that the convenience of learning from their home/office has been awesome.  Here are voluntary comments from two participants who shared the following after today's sessions:

 

 

"Today was absolutely GREAT in Chet's Advanced Class!   I cannot wait to make cool 3D Titles after Chet took us through every box and every dial to turn, the settings to get scenes quickly on the Internet with Media Manager, audio tricks and steps that just make editing easy and fun!

Chet's website is packed with information, but the class puts you in 'GET 'R DONE Mood'!  Thanks Chet and be sure get yourself registered for the next virtual class!
'It's your Editor..............Use it!'
--
Bobbie Evoy
Memories On Tape
Davison, Michigan

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"Chet Davis/Casablanca Expert’s Virtual Workshop in short is a Win-Win and excellent value.
 
In detail, this is the future for Teaching Workshops in my opinion.
 
Let’s see.  You spend 3 hours every 2 weeks for 4 meetings, a total of 12 hours of teaching with you at home, watching Chet’s Casablanca screen on your computer, using your own Casablanca equipment with the ability to download of the entire teaching session and practice on your own.  Three hours is about right judging from going through Casablanca University for Novice to Advanced and attending a number of seminars. 
 
The pluses are you do not leave home, miss work, drive to the airport, leave your car, go through the hassles of travel, rent a car and get a hotel room on the other end, undergo 8 hour sessions for several days, each of which leaves you “brain dead” at the end of the day.
Chet is generous with his time and certainly know his subject.
Grade: A+
 
Fred Vroom
Tallahassee, Florida

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Thanks Bobbie and Fred -- I am so pleased the classes are as enjoyable and beneficial for you as they are fun for me to teach!

March Get Together 2011 - Presenters & Topics Announced

Folks in the Casablanca Community are gearing up for the annual 'March Get Together'.  This will be the 7th annual gathering of Casablanca faithful in the Quad Cities USA.  The event will be held Monday evening March 7th through Thursday evening March 10th, 2011.

You can read more and download your registration forms on the official MGT website here http://www.marchgettogether.com/2011_MGT.html

Here is the latest bulletin from Jim Meeker about the planned presentations for the MGT 2011:

 

We are still working on the actual time schedule to make it work out best, but here is a listing of the events that will be happening at the 2011 "March Get Together" in no particular order.

Tom Koziol of Wisconsin will show us how he earns thousands of dollars each year with a service to his customers that we should all be giving.  "Film Transfers" to DVD is a huge part of his business and it is amazing how much money he brings in each year from this basic service.  He has a kit that is available to show you how to set up projectors and camcorders and mirrors to obtain the best quality.  He also has brand new projectors for sale that have variable speed controls and are fully under warranty.
 
Tom insists strongly that all professional videographers should be performing this much needed service, as it will not only pay for itself in the first one or two customers, but will return an average gross of $90 to $100 dollars per hour thereafter when performed correctly using Tom's provin techniques.  Additional customer traffic and volume to an existing wedding and event business will bring awareness and bookings to a video business that could really use a boost in this economy.  

 
Ken Smithers of Kansas City  will talk about what happens when you make the move to take your business out of your house and move to a store front operation.  He calls this presentation...."So   I moved out of my house........Now What?"
 
Alan Naumann and Meloni Jeska,  of Minnesota  will talk about Video Biographies and Funeral Videography which are bursting on the scene with 10,000 baby boomers retiring every day who have the time, discretionary money, and most importantly – a story to tell!  Alan Naumann and Melonie Jeska will explain how to reach this target group and how to make them aware of your services.  In addition, discover the seven essential steps to profitably producing a Video Biography.
 
Alan Naumann of Memory Vision is recognized nationally as a leading authority on video production. In 2007 and 2008, Alan received the prestigious honor of being named one of EventDV magazine’s 25 most influential videographers in the nation.
 
After spending years in the IT/Project Management trenches, Melonie Jeska graduated with an A.A.S. degree in Digital Video & Media Production in 2007 and owns Glimpses of Life Productions, also in Minneapolis.

Roger Schutter of Michigan,.will show us all about the hottest thing going in the video world now......the DSLR.  This hybrid camera/camcorder allows greater depth of field control and because of the huge image gathering chip, generally yields better quality in low light situations. Roger will be using a DSLR for his "Making a Movie" session as well.  We'll be able to see how the DSLR works for this "Real Life"  test in movie making.
 
Dale Bishop will take us to his world of "Magic" in his audience participation event called the "The Entertainment Hour" This will happen on Tuesday evening. You don't want to miss this fun time at the MGT.
 
The Patio Party  will happen after the last program on Tuesday evening and will be held at pool side.  There will be free snacks for everyone and free soft drinks, so be sure to be there to network with  Video Producers from all over the USA.   It's free and it's fun.  You never know what's going to happen at these patio parties.
 
Jim Marcacci and H.B. Logsdon of central Illinois, will show us the world of Documentaries.  They'll talk about the planning, the shooting and editing and making the client happy with the result.   If you haven't seen an on stage performance by these two guys.....you are in for a treat.
 
 
Ron Schmidt  of Minnesota,  will demonstrate how to use the Grizzly Remote System for controlling up to three camcorders all at once by one operator.  You can control record start and stop, zoom in and out and speed, pan and tilt all from one location.  You can hide the camcorders and no one will know you are shooting the wedding or any event. All of this for a one man operation and you can monitor each camcorder's image and the output at the same time.  This is the magic world of the live mix and you can do this set up from great distances as well.
 
Roger Schutter of Michigan    for the third year will take us to Hollywood right in the Clarion Hotel.  We'll be making a very short movie using the Hollywood style  single camera method of shooting a master shot of each scene.....and then the medium and close ups and cut a ways..... to be cut in later at the editing stage. But this year we'll be doing it with a shallow depth of field Digital Single Lens Reflex camera.  ( DSLR ) Talk about the latest up to date state of the art presentation at a video convention.   This is the cutting edge and it's happening at the MGT in March.  Each of the dozen or so crew positions will be filled by our attendees.
 
 
Show Your Stuff on Wednesday evening, is when everyone who elects to send his work to Jim for pre-viewing may have his work shown to the entire group on the big screen.  Not only video productions will be shown, but things that the attendees have built or invented to make video work in shooting or editing better or easier for us will be shown by the guy or gal responsible for it. Here's your chance to really show your stuff to the group.
 
 
Tom Koziol of Wisconsin will show us the easiest way to make money for your video business.  We all have the equipment and the know how, it's just a matter of knowing what you can do with what you already have on hand to make money. Just how hard is it to copy a tape to a DVD or stills to DVD or even easier......music from records or four tracks or cassettes to CD or DVD.   It's a gold mine just sitting there in your edit bay. If an additional $60,000 a year or more isn't of interest to you.....then just skip this lecture....it's not for you.
 
Ken Smithers of Kansas City will show us how to use ProShow Producer  Ken says,  I call it, "Creating a 35 picture photo montage with music, transitions and motion in 60 seconds!" This is what I did at the Dallas  Show and I had 5 people tell me this was the ONLY reason they attended the seminar,   because of this title.   It quick.....it's easy......and it makes money for you....WOW!

I know a TON of us do photo videos and with the Casablanca it can be a little time consuming at times.  This is why I use ProShow because of the ease and speed. I may have some goodies to pass out to the attendees after the program.  We're working on that now.

 
Bob and Doug McKenzie from the great white north will be here. They are interesting, exciting and down right crazy.....but you'll be laughing on the floor and screaming your head off when these  two idiots are on stage. Don't miss this one believe me!
 
 
Chet Davis the "Casablanca Expert"  will be doing at least 4 different programs showing us the newest goodies from MacroSystem  and programs on how to use several of the newly released software programs for the Casablanca Generation Three machines. Maybe a little about Bogart OS 4 and Arabesk 5   (shh......they're not even out yet )
 
The Surprise Visitor from MacroSystem will be here Wednesday and Thursday so you don't want to miss this.  You've probably never had a chance to meet this gentleman who does all the work in Boulder and is escaping to the MGT for the first time this year. He needs this pleasant vacation away from Boulder so be sure to welcome him and thank him for coming.
 
"The Video Yard sale and Trade Event"
  This is a new feature to let everyone bring along items that they are not using any more. With the big switch to High Definition there are many pieces of equipment that a lot of us aren't using any longer and won't be needing in the future.  This Sell and Swap idea will allow us to show off things we don't need......sure....but it also gives the folks who are NOT into high definition right now,  a chance to pick up really good and valuable pieces of equipment that they need....and at a great price. If you are driving....bring the goodies with you and know what you want for each piece and we'll have price tags ready for you tag them with.

If you are flying into the Moline, Illinois airport (MLI)  just ship them via UPS or FedEx to the Clarion Hotel in care of your name and they'll be waiting for you when you arrive. If you are in business you have probably depreciated them down to practically nothing by now already and this will be a great way to give someone else a chance to get some benefit out of your old goodies.

 
"There are a couple more things in the works for this year and I'll be sure to announce them when the plans are complete.  Be sure to print out your registration forms back to back so there is only one sheet to mail to me. 

Add your serial numbers of your Cassies in the proper line on the form so you'll be ready to take advantage of the 20% off sale on all Cassie software during the MGT.  Then get the filled in forms mailed to me  before January 31st or the discount goes away on February 1, 2011 (registration info & forms here)

Remember, I'm always very happy to accept the full price when procrastination is your path to stardom. "
Jim Meeker
"The Old Timer"
Founder Of The March Get Together For Casablanca Users

Casablanca Virtual Workshops - A Cool Way to Learn!

With the first session of both the Novice/Intermediate and the Advanced Casablanca Virtual Workshops complete, I am happy to share that the attendees really enjoyed the classes!

Several of the participants have been with me at my hands-on (live) workshops, which they have told me they also really enjoyed, but there is something unique and special that makes these Virtual (online) workshop a precursor of perhaps the way the majority of teaching & learning for adults may be in the future.

It is a very convenient and efficient way to share teaching & instruction across the miles, without the participants having to take the time or expense for travel.

I also like the idea of breaking up the class into segments, giving the learners time to practice what we're covering and then the opportunity to share that and ask questions the next session.

Based on the initial response and the inquiry from others who were not able to attend these January/February sessions, I will have other virtual classes starting in April 2011. More to come on those future workshops and classes.

Casablanca Virtual (Online) Workshops -- Register Now!

I am excited to announce the opening of registration for my first Virtual (Online) Hands-on Casablanca Workshop! 

 We'll join together using the latest in internet technology  (using the GoToWebinar services) and learn directly from yours truly.  It will be a _live_ class where you will be following along as I lead the class in the same exercise... the class will be divided up into four 3-hour segments, with time between each class session to practice what was learned and really move your Casablanca editing up the competency scale!
 
Participants will receive a printed work-book along with the class video projects (on disk transfer DVD).  So you'll follow along watching & using the same video scenes Chet has on his editing menu. "I am holding registration for each of these classes to only 12 learners per session -- I expect them to fill up fast"
 

Workshop Dates/Times Are posted below -- click on the link (or the picture/graphic) to read the complete agenda and to register online today!

 

 

Casablanca Online Workshop: Intermediate
Tuesdays - January 11, January 25, February 8, February 22
3:00-6:00PM Pacific / 5:00-8:00PM Central / 6:00-9:00PM Eastern

Casablanca Online Workshop: Advanced
Tuesdays - January 11, January 25, February 8, February 22
11:00A-2:00PM Pacific / 1:00-4:00PM Central / 2:00-5:00PM Eastern

 

North Carolina Workshop Recap

The 'Class of North Carolina 2010'
A great group of folks who took part in the Casablanca Hands-on Workshop 

We had a wonderful time in Hillsborough, North Carolina this past week as folks gathered for the Casablanca Hands-on Workshop.  Thanks so much to Nancy, Nels and Nancy Lynne Anderson of Interactive Learning Systems, Inc. for demonstrating true Southern hospitality! 

They had a great classroom set-up (on their 70-acre historic farm) and fed us lunch and even supper!  The weather was so nice we even ate outside overlooking the beautiful countryside. 

I put the learners through the paces of the efficient tips and operations in the latest OS versions, did some creative titling, produced some cool collages and animations using Photo Studio 2, practiced insert editing, audio mixing and worked extensively through DVD authoring with Arabesk 4.

In addition to the learning that goes on at my hands-on workshops, I love that folks network, share business and production ideas. I always come away learning some new things as well! 

Thanks to all participated in this 2-days of Casablanca learning and again thanks to our gracious hosts - the Andersons.  I look forward to a 2nd Annual North Carolina Casablanca Hands-on Workshop next Fall!  If you'd like to join us then, please contact Nancy Anderson via email at nancy@ilsvideo.com

New! Online Casablanca Expert Workshops

 As you may know I have offered my hands-on workshops in a number of places around North America the past 1-1/2 years.

 I am pleased that I continue to receive very positive feedback from those who attend the workshops: 

"It was worth every penny"..."Chet is an excellent teacher"...
"I learned SO much"

 But I have heard from a number of folks who said they would love to learn from me but either cannot take 5 days away from their business (or other job/s) and also when they add up all the travel expense, it becomes too expensive.

So I got some smarts (actually there were two members who also encouraged him to do this) and has planned two different online workshops!

This will be an opportunity for folks to learn from the Casablanca Expert but in the convenience of your own studio/home/office. 
 
 We'll join together using the latest in internet technology  (using the GoToWebinar services) and learn directly from yours truly.  It will be a _live_ class where you will be following along as I lead the class in the same exercise... the class will be divided up into four 3-hour segments, with time between each class session to practice what was learned and really move your Casablanca editing up the competency scale!
 
Participants will receive a printed work-book along with the class video projects (on disk transfer DVD).  So you'll follow along watching & using the same video scenes Chet has on his editing menu. "I am holding registration for each of these classes to only 12 learners per session -- I expect them to fill up fast"
 

Workshop Dates/Times Announced Here Below
(complete agenda & online registration to be posted November 6, 2010)

Casablanca Online Workshop: Novice/Intermediate
Tuesdays - January 11, January 25, February 8, February 22
3:00-6:00PM Pacific / 5:00-8:00PM Central / 6:00-9:00PM Eastern

Casablanca Online Workshop: Advanced
Tuesdays - January 11, January 25, February 8, February 22
11:00A-2:00PM Pacific / 1:00-4:00PM Central / 2:00-5:00PM Eastern

 

Again, complete agenda, registration info, pricing, etc will be published November 6th