Interactive Video Helps UAA Promote National Academic Model
It was a tremendous privilege to assist the University of Alaska this year as it sought wide national acceptance for its Student Learning Progress Model. The Model is already enjoying the participation of over 20 colleges and institutions across the country.
Dr. Gary Rice considers the SLPM his greatest life achievement. Dr. Rice is Vice Provost at UAA’s Office of Institutional Research. I first helped the University refine its core messages. I then conceived and produced 3d visualizations to assist Provosts, decision-makers and legislators better understand the shortcomings of the current graduation-centric model and the merits of a new metric for higher education.
The entire public portion of the media initiative can be seen here.
GCI tiered pricing no problem for this Anchorage Web Video Specialist
Am I happy about GCI’s new tiered pricing? My pocket book says “hell no!” I don’t like it one bit.
Beyond that—philosophically and strategically—I am convinced that unlimited high performance broadband for everyone is vital to the state’s education and business interests. The internet is like a modern roadway system for how we do everything. It’s foundational and indispensable.
Yes, what I just said conflicts with my strong capitalistic ideals and conviction that GCI has a right to dictate its own terms.
I hope at some point we can figure out a way to make it all work better for Alaska internet users, while still providing GCI, ACS, and MTA lots of revenue.
However, from the standpoint of a new media professional…I have no worries. I’ve mastered the techniques to deliver rich media through thin pipes, and I’m getting even better with advanced compression/decompression.
Fellow Alaska Creative Professionals: Capture the Moment
Some years back I was decorating with a girl friend. This woman had stunning eyes that popped with sparkle and surrounded by Christmas decor—she was stunning. It dawned on me…her eyes were like Christmas ornaments. Suddenly I saw before me a living Christmas tree.
As a marketing professional reading this post you understand what I mean: creative moments just happen. You see something new. You think of the perfect campaign…the ultimate story line. The important thing is to not let these moments get away.You must capture them.
Picture Alaska: Canon EOS-1 D Mark IV
In June a new tool was added to my creative arsenal: Canon’s EOS-1D Mark IV. I’ve already begun using it both in photographic and video projects, and I’m thrilled with the camera.
This baby has a redesigned 45-point AF system including 39 cross-type points, can shoot 10fps in burst, and handles extremely low light conditions with ease. (ISO range of 100 – 12800). For video projects I can now use Canon’s famous L lenses and shoot in 1080, or 60fps 720p. Wahoo!
Riding 3D Animation: My TV Commercial Aired During the Super Bowl in Anchorage, Alaska
What an enjoyable Super Bowl and I received a special treat. During the party a TV Commercial that I built for MTA was aired. Knowing how pricey air time is during the Super Bowl I viewed this as a kind of award.
I conceived, wrote, produced and designed the commercial last Spring for MTA. I was hired by a top Anchorage agency, Walsh Sheppard and worked with Tony Shepherd on the spot. I’m a big football fan and was already in heaven watching the game. Seeing the commercial was a huge honor and treat that made the day very memorable.
The spot, entitled “How Quick Can You Click” celebrates the uber cool MTA online directory. There was no “location” outside of a green screen. I built an entire virtual 3d set and married live actors into the 3d camera perspectives. You can see the commercial in the Ice Cave portfolio. It’s the first sample.