Video Projects
During warm weather, most people love to go swimming to cool-off. Unfortunately, some risk their lives by swimming in unsafe waters, such as the California Aqueduct. To help teach a new generation of Californians that the Aqueduct is a dangerous place to swim we helped produce a 30-second public service announcement, "Stay Alive! Read the Signs". This lively, animated PSA features the Department's water safety mascots Albert (the fish) and Einstein (the bird). Although designed for children, we think adults will also enjoy the PSA and benefit from the water safety message.
This past summer, we completed the new SWP video, "Meeting the Challenge." In both English and spanish versions, this 14-minute video provides an overview of one of the most sophisticated and efficient water delivery system in the world -- The State Water Project.
After decades of anticipation, the arid central coast of California was finally connected to the State Water Project by the Coastal Branch, a one-hundred and forty-four mile pipeline. For the dedication ceremonies at the Santa Ynez Pumping Facility in July, we completed the 7-minute "PIPELINE" program showing how and why this enormous task was completed.
In August 1997, we completed both the K-3 and the 4-6 grade versions of "The Water Cycle" video. A component of the Office of Water Education's School Education Program, this lively, entertaining 10-minute video depicts the four phases of the water cycle and shows how water is cleaned and purified. Junior "scientists" demonstrate three easy experiments that children can do. In the 11 1/2 minute version for 4-6 graders, the video has an additional section on the water cycle in California and a more detailed look at water treatment.
We are currently underway with the second children's video which focuses on the uses and conservation of water.
Also in August we completed two PSAs for the Office of Water Education to encourage recreation at Lake Oroville and Pyramid Lake. The PSAs featured a "postcard" theme highlighting each area and promoted the unique recreation opportunities at the two SWP facilities. Viewer response from the 800-number was significant!
Other agencies have also asked for our help. Recently completed projects such as the Dept. of Education's "Kids Time" and the Dept. of Parks and Recreation's "Off-Highway Vehicle Park Overview" program reflect the diversity of our productions.
Expanded Services
We now have enhanced capabilities to create interactive program materials including Internet pages, CD-ROM's, QuickTime movies, and computer-based marketing, promotional, and training materials.
Digital Video
The Film/Video Unit has purchased a Media 100 nonlinear, computer-based, video editing system, manufactured by Data Translation, Inc. With this system, video and audio are scanned (digitized) into a desktop workstation, stored on high-capacity hard drives, manipulated on a program "timeline" and finally printed to a master videotape. Video clips can be trimmed, altered, accessed and displayed in any sequence and rearranged in a "cut, copy and paste" fashion similar to a word processor. Several versions of a program can be generated for client approval before committing the digitized video and audio to tape for distribution as the final product. Each tape produced on such a digital system is of the same quality as the "master."
Nonlinear editing saves time in production when compared to traditional methods of working. Importantly, changes to a program are easily accomplished in a nonlinear system. The "cut, copy and paste" methodology of a nonlinear editing system eliminates redundant efforts and allows individual sequences to be built independently and later pasted together in any order.
This new editing system will compliment the recently installed Digital Betacam mastering recorder to create even higher quality video for your next program.
Distribution Databases
Need to send your TV or Radio PSA to a defined set of stations in California? Film/Video now has broadcast TV, Cable, and Radio station distribution databases to help you target your audience. We can also print custom mailing labels, phone lists, and even to mail merge. Tell us what region you want and we'll tell you who the Programming Director is and where to send it.
E-mail for comments: gmadson@water.ca.gov
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