More Reasons to Be Grateful

The work week is winding down, thanks to the holiday. Therefore, I think it's a good time to give thanks for the people who make my work life fruitful and fun. I am grateful for the talented colleagues who invest their gifts, skills, and passion in Citygate's projects. Not only do they make my ideas look good, they are also hard workers who find the humor in every deadline situation. Some of my fondest memories are from film trips where crazy things happened and we survived them. This short piece will introduce you to the variety of contributions they make:

Suzanne Taylor is Citygate's newest staff member and she edited this piece, in addition to directing and writing THE ROAD WE KNOW. Her daily collaboration is a joy to me, and I'm so glad she's partnering with Citygate on her film! Michael Hartnett of Vinegar Hill was the director of photography for the U.S. and Korea units and he also was a cameraman in the Bahamas and Africa, in addition to providing color correction to the final piece. I would be totally at a loss without Mike's technical skills and sense of humor--not to mention his creative abilities. He was the one who bravely squeezed into the cockpit for the MACH ONE MAC footage. His business partner, David Altrogge, was the assistant director on most of these shoots. David enthusiastically throws himself into every project and keeps the team grounded in prayer. Drew Painter was the director of photography for the Africa unit and a cameraman in the Bahamas. Drew is an extremely talented cinematographer, but his calm manner under fire is essential to the team. Andrew Gallo of VstheBrain and his lovely wife, Carissa, did both motion and still photography in Africa, and Andrew also did the motion graphics for the Citygate and A NOTE OF HOPE logos. The Gallos are sensitive portrait artists, with the ability to capture special moments through the lens.

But the visuals are only half of the final product. Audio is what seals the deal. Lucien Dowdell is the man with a plan when it comes to location sound. He not only handled the live concerts in Africa for A NOTE OF HOPE, he rocked the sound rig from Uganda to South Korea. I never worry about the audio when Lucien is on the team. But there's no way that location sound can capture everything you'd expect to hear in a film segment. That's where Dallas Taylor of Defacto Sound comes in. He designs the rest of the sound in post-production -- everything from footsteps to bird calls -- and then mixes the vocals, music, and sound effects. And finally, the talents of composer Roger Hooper seal the deal. His scores for the opening segment and MACH ONE MAC provide the emotional color. Just as his scores are a breath of fresh air in the final piece, so are his faithful emails of encouragement.

Last, but far from least, I am grateful for the legal and financial team that keeps Citygate's operations ticking. Joy Butler is the world's most patient entertainment lawyer. More importantly, she is thorough and effective. Doug White of Glass Jacobson keeps the tax man happy and is willing to graciously answer lots of financial questions.

These are my faithful collaborators and I give thanks to God today for their gifts!

Comments

[Nicodemus]

Is there a film that you feel defines Citygate Films, for someone who knows very little about you but would like to learn something, or even a film you would recommend as a starting point?