Documentary Work in Africa !?

If you ever wondered what exactly Documentary work looks like in Africa, check out this awesome webseries.  It's a great Behind The Scenes (BTS) look at what Video Production entails.  I will be doing much of this type of work, and facing many of the same obstacles as I produce videos for my upcoming project.  Take a look.

http://www.zacuto.com/bts-webisode-1

Video Update #2

Check out these Links too.

Twitter: twitter.com/#!/CADVideo

Video Update #1: vimeo.com/22457837

WorldVenture: worldventure.com/​Home.html

Blog: cadvideo.blogspot.com/​

Donate: worldventure.com/​GiveNow.aspx?aliaspath=/​Give/​Give-Now

NewsLetter - May 8

Courtesy of Kriss Szkurlatowski

Let's Get Things Started

    I know it's been a while but I wanted to let you know about some exciting new things that have been happening in my life. God’s been doing so much in my life it's hard to know where to begin. I’ve been working as a Freelance Video Producer for the past couple of years but business has slowed in the past several months.  It’s given me the time to see how God has been preparing me for a new project.  I’m not sure if we ever talked about this, but I’ve always been interested in telling stories about what God is doing through missions around the world. About a year ago, I started playing with the idea of producing Videos in Africa that will engage the local US church in His work there. I began exploring the idea on the side and seeing what opportunities there were for me to do that.

Telling the story...

      Since February, that idea has formed into a reality.  Working with the mission organization World Venture, I’ve been able to plan a trip, really a 2 Year Project, to produce Mission Videos in the 15 different African Countries they are working in.  Specifically, I’m going to be traveling from country to country to tell the story of what God is doing through the missionaries and local churches; but also to visually explain the work that needs to be done.  I hope to show the opportunities that exist for people to be involved in that work. The big picture dream is that through these videos and by using social networking outlets that the people will be challenged by God's work and realize that they can be involved in it.  I believe that as we become engaged in mission work and service, that God will use each of us to impact change not only in the lives of those we serve but also in our own lives. That’s been my experience and I’m excited to be able to create this opportunity for you.  

Building a team...

The next step in making this Video Project happen is building a team and support network. That's you. Having a solid team to support me is key to the success of this project.  I would love to have you be part of it.  Right now I need people who will give both one time financial gifts as well as commit to giving on a monthly basis throughout the project. If you would like to do that please follow the links provided on the side column.  I am also building a network of prayer supporters, those committed to seriously, and consistently praying on my behalf.  Besides these two there are wide variety of other ways that you can be involved. In the coming months I'll be sending you more information about those opportunities. Regardless of how you choose to be involved I would love to connect with you face to face and share some of those opportunities with you as well as share more details about the project.  Please let me know if you'd like to get together and we can arrange a time to connect.  Thank you for your time and for considering how you can be part of this amazing opportunity.  I am exited to see what God will do through this. 

Soo... What are you up to?

 Perhaps you’ve had this experience and can relate.  You run into some one you haven’t seen in years, maybe at a coffee shop, church or maybe even the movie theatre.  The conversation goes something like this.

            “Hey, Wow how long has it been?”

            “Oh, I guess like what, since school right? That was 5 years.”

            “Man I can’t believe it.  You living in the area?”

            “Yeah, Just moved in to the neighborhood and am really loving it.”

            “Yeah, there’s a lot of great places around.”

            Then comes that inevitable silence as you both stumble for any info you’ve seen on your Facebook news feed about Jobs, Relationship status, or life changes you should have been aware of.  Eventually you ask,

            “Sooo… What are you doing now?”

            Most peoples answers are pretty similar work, marriage, church, finishing school, kids.  Mine goes a little something like this.

            “Wow, God’s been doing so much in my life. I’ve been working as a Freelance Video Producer for the past couple of years but business has slowed to almost a complete stop.  It’s given me the time to see how God has been preparing me for a new project.  I’m not sure if we ever talked about this, but I’ve always been interested in telling stories about what God is doing through missions around the world. In the last year or so, I started playing with the idea of producing Videos in Africa that will engage the local US church in His work there. 

              “Since February, that idea has formed into a reality.  Working with the mission organization World Venture, I’ve been able to plan a trip, or really a Mid-Term Project, to produce Mission Videos in the 15 different African Countries they are working in.  Specifically, I’m going to be traveling from country to country to tell the story of what God is doing through the missionaries and local church there, but also to visually explain the work that needs to be done.  I hope to show the Church the opportunities that exist for them to be involved in missions. The big picture dream is that through these videos and by using social networking outlets that the Church will be challenged by God and his work.  I believe that as the church becomes engaged in missions God will nurture and develop them into His image. At least that’s been my experience.  So I’m excited to be able to give this opportunity to other people.

“I could go on and on about this but, in a nut shell that’s what I’ve been up to.  Maybe we can get together soon and talk more. When are you free?”

Video Update #1

The first of many yet to come.  This is just a quick video about my Mission Project with World Venture.  More news and updates on the way.



Links As Mentioned
Uganda Video: vimeo.com/​19586496
WorldVenture: worldventure.com/​Home.html
Blog: cadvideo.blogspot.com/​
Donate: worldventure.com/​GiveNow.aspx?aliaspath=/​Give/​Give-Now
Bloopers: vimeo.com/​22457629

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Motorcycles, Trees & Me

            My time in San Francisco wasn't only spent becoming addicted to Caffeine.  Because my birthday was coming up my parents gave me a little money to play with while out there.  They don't condone my newfound love of motorcycles but they know I'm always safe when riding. So I didn't feel guilty when I used the money to rent a Harley 1200 Sporters.

           The morning of my rental, I rode the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) to the rental place and signed all the paperwork.  After talking for about 20 minutes about routes for touring, I headed out.  This was the first time I had been on a motorcycle on the open road.  I was really nervous, but pretty soon the exhilaration took over.  I cruised around downtown for a little just getting used to the bike and riding along the tourist locations that I had already walked early in the week, my smile growing along with my heart rate.  Even a short rain shower couldn’t dampen my excitement, though I did realize that at 45 miles per hour raindrops hurt.  

            The rain stopped as I made my way to Highway 101 and the Golden Gate Bridge.  I hit the throttle pushing the needle up past 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, and finally settling into traffic at 65. Rolling along the wind howling around me, attempting to use my jacket as a parachute and lift me off my bike, vehicles 5 times heavier than me and my bike moving along less than 3 feet beside me. I was on the GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE.  Riding across was pure exhilaration, my heart pounding the adrenaline into every nerve of my body.  I just had to yell, which is an odd experience inside a helmet.  Nevertheless I screamed at the top of my lungs, “I was born for THIS! This is what I was meant for.  This is LIVING! WaaHoooo!”  

            It is in moments like that when pain doesn’t exist.  Everything lines up, even if only for a brief second and you know that when God made the earth and you and me, this is what He had in mind.  You feel complete; some would call it ecstasy or joy. I call it fulfillment.  Every part of me was full and I know that if anyone could have seen through my helmet then they would have seen some of that spilling out in the form of a goofy grin.

            With my grin splitting my face, I followed the signs on the back roads winding their way up and down cliffside roads to my next waypoint.  Muir woods.  When I got off the bike my body was tingling with the residual adrenaline.  After paying the 5 dollars to enter and examining a trail map I started out along the walkway in to one of the last Coastal Redwood forest in the world. I wasn’t prepared.  John Muir, the namesake of these woods, said it best, “Big Trees …”  The scene leaves you speechless. Some of these trees date back to before Christ was born, so rightfully so they call it the Forest Pre-historic.  After the gray and bleakness of Chicago that I have had for the past 5 months, the vibrant greens of this forest astounded me.  Even with a stream running through the park and kids jumping around from one thing to the next, the place saturates you in what I can only begin to describe as the nature of these trees.  They are solid, permanent and certain, but they are alive.  

             As I walked under the bows of these massive giants, staring up in wonder while trying not to trip over the forest floor, I felt surrounded by an ancient and steady power. It made me think of the Ents of the Lord of the Rings.  They were always my favorite creatures for the same reason I was awestruck by this forest.  The Ents did things slowly, but when they decided to do something, nothing could stop them.  Their power was seemingly endless.  No rock or construction of man could stop their movement.  I sensed that the same vast, slow, unstoppable power existed here and yet there was peace here.  

             It was a complete contrast from my ride only a few moments earlier.  One area, is called the Cathedral Grove and they ask everyone to stop talking and be quiet as they pass through the grove.  The United Nations, when they first formed, met in this same grove.  I am sure that they all felt the same awe and power that I did.  As I moved through the grove, I chose a short mile and a half hike and started out.  About half way through my hike, I found myself atop a hillside not looking down on the trees I had just been walking in but still looking up.  It was here, standing in perfect silence amidst these primordial woods, that I again felt fulfillment.  Everything was in it’s right place, me feeling so small next to these giants, their presence and life impressing me with Divine Inspiration and Eternal power.  The same words came to mind, “This is Living.  This is what I was meant for.”  Again, I felt like I had experienced a glimpse of heaven, the life that God intended for us.

San Francisco Coffee Tour

The Coffee Tour:

            I love coffee.  Any one who knows me knows that I enjoy a good cup of coffee.  I’m quite serious about it and anytime that I can enjoy a smooth cup I jump at the opportunity.  As part of my vacation to the San Francisco Bay area, I set up a coffee tour stopping at the best places in the Mission District, world renowned for their joe. 

During this tour, I rated each local on a 1 to 5 cup scale in 5 different categories. Atmosphere, Cost, Menu, Coffee, and Technique.  Atomosphere rates the decor, music, patrons and general vibe of the space.  Cost would look as the price of standard cup of Joe, but would also take into consideration the cost of other items on the menu.  Menu evaluated the types of coffee served, variety of specials as wells as other items served.  To rate the Coffee I considered the flavor, warmth, richness, strength and aroma of each cup.  Technique looked at how each coffee house made, kept, heated, and served their brews.

I started my adventure by filling my stomach with a crepe at the Crepe House, downing almost a gallon of water to combat the diaretic effects of caffeine and then strolled down Valencia Ave to my first stop, Ritual Coffee Roasters

Atmosphere – Ritual offers up a clean simple modern look.  No art on the walls or unique character defining elements.  The space is open with plenty of tables and seating for Conversations and Studying.  The first occupied a majority of the patrons, and their conversations were load enough to cover the Indie World Music.  At least I think that’s what it was, I admittedly couldn’t hear it.  3.5 cups

Cost – They were celebrating Brazil week serving up a variety of Brazilian Beans for Drip Brew.  I ordered a Serato for $2.25, a good value for the quality of this coffee. The other options were starkly higher, but on par with most coffee shops today.  5 cups

Menu – The focus here is on Coffee and the Menu proves it.  The non Coffee options where pretty standard with the typical array of pastries, deli style cookies and sweet breads.  The coffee Varieties were extensive.  Beside the 6 different weekly special Brazilian drips, they served a vast of array of mochas, lattes, and espressos though they failed to post those for easy ordering.  3 cups

Coffee – Simply put amazing.  The Serato offered a strong aroma, delicate flavors of roasted nuts, citrus, and a smooth note that extended to the caramel finish. A great cup of coffee made very well.  The flavor lasted from the first sip to the much cooler last drops.  I enjoyed every one of them.  5 cups

Technique – These people are coffee snobs.  They breathe beans.  From the way they freshly steam milk for each drink, meaure the temp of the water used for brewing, they revere the bean.  It is their master and they serve him well.  Unfortunately, the customer doesn’t get even half the same attention.  I hardly received a smile from the 3 different people it took to order, make and pay for my coffee.  Would I change it? No.  Serve thy master and let me sip on the sweet aromatics of thy ritual blend.  4 cups 

         A short walk down the street and a couple of visits to the used books stores along the way and I found myself at the next stop.  Four Barrel Coffee Company

Atmosphere - This is the way a coffee house should feel. Dark warn wood counter tops, Bare industrial floors, and an industrial size and functioning coffee roaster in the back.  Unfortunately, I wasn’t here on a production day, but the aroma of freshly roasted coffee settled on everything like a fine layer of magic pixy dust.  Even though the place is large, boasting 3 separate coffee bars and one dedicated to just specialty Pour Over Drip Brew Coffee, it has limited seating. This doesn’t take away from the warm and welcoming feeling here.  The fact that the employees are smiling and jamming to the classic rock played via LP doesn’t hurt the vibe either. 5 cups

Cost – For just 2 bucks you can enjoy their in house roasted coffee. I chose to indulge and get a specialty Pour Over Brew.  The Ethiopian Tekka Wato was $3.50.  4.5 cups.

Menu – As is expected in a Coffee House that puts their roasting facility on display for all to see, the Menu focuses on the Joe.  A few pastries behind the counter, pale in comparison to their drink selection as well as fresh roasted bean selection.  With 15 varietys of Beans roasted in house, you can sniff and smell to your hearts content and either have them make you a cup on the spot or take it home to share. 4.5 cups

Coffee – This cup was a very rich and strong brew.  Dark color with earthy tones and flavors, it finished with what I’ll try to describe as the smoke of a burning oak wine barrel.  None of the unpleasant choaking or tear jerking responses, just the sweet smoky flavors of grape and oak blended perfectly together.  The flavors float through you mouth like wisps of smoke and settle on your tongue.  5 cups.

Technique – It’s evident that Four Barrels views Coffee as an Experience. They set up everything to allow their customers to enjoy the moment of relaxation and calm that good cup of coffee offers. From the moment they ground the beans for my cup, allowed me to smell the fresh grounds before brewing, the 8 minutes it took to slowly pour the water over my the delicate grounds, to the friendly conversations I had during that time, Four Barrels gave me an experience I will not soon forget.  I left here relaxed and warmed to my heart.  5 cups.

After walking past what I had intended to by my 3^rd stop, I moved onto the quirky, fun and vibrant Philz Coffee.

Atmosphere – This is a hip hangout for the contientiously eclectic crowd that populate the streets of the Mission District. The overall vibe created by the murals, random postings, and abstract art of the Proprietor, Phil, was the same feeling you get after having one too many cups of strong coffee, slightly over caffeinated.  This is a place on the go.  Grab your coffee and head out or take a seat on one of the couches, which look like they were found on Craigslist, and get some work done.  The people behind the counter move about with a smile on their face, jumping from task to task like an oversized flee circus.  The Simon and Garfunkel playing overhead adds to the hippie vibe, but not the mellow stoner hippies.  These hippies, now fueled with Philz best, are headed out to protest.  3 cups

Cost – I grabbed a large PHILTERED SOUL for $3.75.  The average cost for one of the 19 different variety of single cup Pour Over Brews.   A little pricy considering the cramped space and quality of the coffee.  3.5 cups

Menu – Phil offers his guests 19 different blends of beans, “one cup at a time.” He and his son have hand crafted each blend. One blend took 7 years to get just right.  Along with the standard pastry display, Burritos, Sandwiches, and Bagels are available, but they aren’t made on the premises and simply thrown into a wicker basket for the guest.  I passed on this game of culinary rullete, but I did get a cheese Danish to take the edge off my hunger.  Is “’Blah’zaise faire” a term.  3.5 cups

Coffee – Not the best cup I had today, by far.  It was a medium roast and according to the definition has a sweet hazel finish.  I missed both due to an overpoweringly strong bitterness, which came across as a burnt flavor.  Admittedly, this could have been the intended flavor, but it left me with anything but a Philtered Soul as the title suggests.  Instead I had a bitter acidic after taste left in my mouth.  The aroma did help this cup.  It gave me a sense of the sweetness that the definition promised and failed to deliver.  2.5 cups

Technique – In one word, Rushed.  There is no way to make a good cup of coffee quickly, but as they try to speed things along that rushed attitude steeps into the drinks.  To their credit, they do make each cup one at a time and even aerated my drink before handing it to me.  The temperature was hot enough to make my hand start to sweat through the cardboard sleeve, and I can only imagine that the violent temperature didn’t help the coffee any.  The baristas or servers were very friendly and seemed like they really enjoyed being their.  They add to the funky, fun, if a little frantic environment of this Mission District institution.  4 cups