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The Showdown

February 14, 2007

And the winners are:

Scott Hayes
James Rolfe
Joe Donato

Listen to the WedVidTalk podcast HERE

View and vote on all of the entries HERE



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Dave Williams; One of Top 25 Videographers

January 06, 2007

Top 25 Hottest and Most Influential Videographers of 2006
Last year’s EVENTDV 25 was selected through a hybrid process, combining online nominations from readers with the efforts of a five-person executive
committee. Selecting this year’s all-star team was a whole new ballgame. With more awareness of the awards throughout the industry, I was confident we’d get enough reader participation to turn the entire selection process over to online voting. So the 2006 EventDV All-Star team—just like the major league baseball all-star squads that give us our theme—was selected entirely by the fans. And it will suffice to say that everyone who made this list has a lot of fans.

- Stephen Nathans, Editor
EventDV Magazine

VIEW THE PRESS RELEASE



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Leave a Comment

Joel Levitt: (01.16.07-6:05pm) Dave,

Nice work!

Congratulations,

Joel

Joel Levitt
Action Duplication, Inc.

Leila: (01.16.07-6:07pm) Dave,

Congrats on the award and recognition! You should be very proud! It was great to see the two of you at the NACE gala! Hope to see you soon.

Warmly,
Leila
Feastivities

Peter Beehler: (01.16.07-6:08pm) Congrats.

Sincerely,
Peter Beehler
MacEasy Computing, Inc.

John Marren: (01.16.07-6:09pm) Congratulations, Dave! This is great!
John J. Marren

Jim Batty: (01.16.07-6:10pm) Dave,

Way to go!!!!

Jim

Faith West: (01.16.07-6:14pm) Congratulations on your award, Dave and Sheryl!
Faith

Faith West Photography, Inc.

Lynda Barness: (01.16.07-6:17pm) CONGRATULATIONS on this well-deserved honor!!!

Best,
Lynda

Lynda Barness
I DO Wedding Consulting
215-262-8188

Sofia Negron: (01.16.07-6:17pm) Congrats Dave!! Will I see you next Wednesday at the ISES event?

Best!
Sofia

Wendy Lunk: (01.16.07-6:18pm) Hi Dave! Congratulations on your recent award. Can I have an access code to preview videos. I wanted to show my parents your work--plus I LOVE watching your videos! Thanks so much!

Best regards,
Wendy M. Lunk
Second Grade Teacher and Everyday Mathematics Consultant

David Glass: (01.16.07-6:19pm) Hi Dave

Sounds like business is good. I am very glad to hear that.
I hope all is well with you and your family

God Bless

David Glass
General Manager
Hilton Garden Inn

Doug Eberhart: (01.16.07-6:20pm) Dave-
Congratulations on your award! Quite an honor, especially for someone who taught himself the business! Hope to see you soon!

Regards,
Doug

Kimberly Hicks: (01.16.07-6:23pm) Congratulations, Dave. That is awesome.

Jane Arthur: (01.16.07-6:25pm) Hey Dave,

Just read the article ( not sure if you remember us-Bob and Jane), but wanted to say congrats. Nice to see everyone else recognized what we already knew! We have really good tasteJ

Anyway, hope you are well…we are enjoying our 6 month old boy these days…congrats again.

Jane Arthur

Bernard Dietz: (01.16.07-7:08pm) Congratulations. I cannot say I am surpprised. Your work is the best
BD

JOANI REISEN: (01.16.07-8:16pm) HOW EXCITING! CONGRATULATIONS!
JOANI

Paul Payton: (01.16.07-8:41pm) Congratulations on your well-deserved award, Dave! The samples of your work I've seen, as well as your website, underscore the high quality of your output. (And not only are you a good shooter, but you're a good guy, too!)

Continued luck and success!

Paul Payton
http://www.paulpayton.com

Jackie Bayne: (01.17.07-12:25am) I am so not surprised Dave. You are SO amazing!
Hope that you have been getting some of the referrals I sent your way!

lisa b: (01.17.07-2:00am) Congrats Dave!!
Very impressive!
Very happy Laura Smultkes referred me to you!
Please say hello to Sheryl and tell her...it's a boy! (Nathan Samuel Barra born 6-12-06)

Continued Success to you!!

Lisa Barra

Janis Nowlan: (01.17.07-3:08am) Hi Dave,

I just read about your wonderful award. What an incredible accomplishment to be chosen by your fans as one of the best videographers in the WORLD! Congratulations to you and your staff!

I look forward to the opportunity of working together in the New Year.


Best regards,
Janis Nowlan
Janis Nowlan Orchestra

mike kehr: (01.17.07-3:10am) Congratulations!! From all of us at Mike Kehr Photography!!!

sid miller: (01.17.07-3:20am) Congratulations,Dave. I wish you continued success.

Sid Miller
Sid Miller Dance Band

Gab<: (01.17.07-3:33am) wow dave! that is verrrrry impressive, congratulations!!!

Love, Gab

Danielle Goffman: (01.17.07-3:34am) CONGRATULATIONS!!! This is awesome. You all must be so happy-it’s GREAT when hard work pays off!!!

Joe: (01.17.07-3:34am) Nice going Dave. Good to see you and Cheryl are doing so well. Hope we
get to work together again someday soom. Thanks for keeping in touch.

Joe

Amin taghavi: (01.17.07-3:35am) Congratulations. That is awesome.

Regards,

Amin

Amy Witkin: (01.17.07-3:36am) Congrats! We loved our wedding video. You deserve it.

Amy Witkin

Rebecca: (01.17.07-12:23pm) Congratulations Dave and Team! You really are the best!
Rebecca and Ben Kirshner

Terrie Stickel: (01.17.07-12:38pm) Congrats Dave!

Melody Appel: (01.17.07-12:43pm) Dave,

Congratulations!! That is very exciting news smile Best of luck for much success in 2007!

Melody

Anonymous: (01.18.07-4:38pm) Mazel Tov Dave! What an honor for you and your family. Way to go! Continued success in 2007!

Michele Perry
Naperville, IL

Jamie York: (01.18.07-6:40pm) Awesome - Congrats!!
ANd I can say I knew you when...

Anonymous: (01.20.07-1:54pm) Congratulations on a very well deserved award. The secret is out now, please book us now for Lauren's Bat Mitzvah!!!

Lynn and Scott

Cezary Pazur: (01.21.07-8:47am) Dobra robota ziomek. Ale daj wiecej filmikow na stronke smile Pozdrowka

Anonymous: (01.24.07-2:56am) Hi Dave,

Thanks for everything you did for us for our wedding! You are the best...

Congrats!!!

Lori & T

Anonymous: (01.24.07-2:59am) Congrats Dave! Well deserved... Thanks for everything you did for us on our wedding day!!!

Lori & T

Anonymous: (02.04.07-11:59am) So impressive, but really not surprising seeing as the work you do IS the best!! Your final product was perfect and we treasure it. Good luck in the future.
Katie, Bradley & Kylie Burritt

Anonymous: (11.19.09-12:53pm) bravo!

CinemaCake’s Ultimate Editor Showdown 2007

December 09, 2006

Special thanks to our sponsors: Action Duplication and Midatlantic Media

Action Duplication is a full-service, licensed DVD & CD molding and High-Speed VHS duplication facility located in the Philadelphia region.  A majority of our work is performed for the Healthcare, Video Production, Printing, and Publishing industries.

We provide competitive pricing and quick delivery on any quantity of high quality DVD, CD, and VHS duplication.

We also offer Closed Captioning, International Video Conversions, DVD Authoring, broadcast tape duplication, and creative design, printing, packaging, and distribution services.

The Contest

Two and a half years ago we held a contest to find, showcase, and even hire the best editors in the business.  Gary Hanna took first place in that contest and continues to edit for CinemaCake today.  As CinemaCake and Media Wave Video Productions continue to grow, we’ve decided to hold another contest and look for new talent.  It’s time for CinemaCake’s Ultimate Editor Showdown 2007.

I asked Gary to reflect back on the first contest and why he entered:

I liked the idea of actually proving yourself on the spot, in a task that’s directly related to what the company does.  Portfolios, demo reels, and resume’s aren’t an efficient hiring process, since whatever you have done in the past will most likely differ from any company you apply to and on top of that you’re being judged on paper amongst a sea of other potential suitors.

The contest provided a more democratic and efficient approach.  The contest was a very high scale “free” opportunity:  not only did I get to show off my editing skills, but since there was a time limit of one week, I was able to display my ability in a workflow environment.  Once I received the the tape in the mail, I knew my foot was already in the door - the days of waiting for someone to fish me out of a google search were over.

Pete Tyson - our senior editor - also believes the contest is a great opportunity for people to join our team.  I asked him who he thinks should enter the contest:

Who should enter?  Anyone looking to get more editing experience and learn from experienced shooters/editors.  Also anyone with experience who is looking for more work, income, and networking.

I also asked Pete to give some insider tips to the contestants:
1. Key word: cinematic.
2. Ask yourself if you’d enjoy watching the edit multiple times.
3. Don’t ignore the soundtrack.
4. Knowing how to use fx and knowing where to use fx are two very
different skills.


How the contest works:

Anyone not already editing for CinemaCake may enter.  Each contestant will be sent the same raw footage and asked to edit it into a short recap in one week’s time.  All of the edits will be viewed and judged on many levels by my crack team of pizza-fed professional colleagues.  The three top edits will be publicly showcased on our site for 3 months.  Top editors may also be chosen to interview with us for employment.  In addition, the first place editor wins $500.

The Challenge:  Create a professional and fun recap of the day, less than 3 minutes in length.

Who Qualifies:  Anyone not already editing for CinemaCake.  Although one of our goals is to find new talent, you do not have to be seeking employment to enter.

Direction:  Edit it as if you are delivering this to a CinemaCake client.  We are looking for creativity and professionalism.  You must use only the footage and voiceover that is provided.  Feel free to use any music or motion graphics.

Guidelines:  In order to keep your entry anonymous to our judges, please do not use any identity logos in the video.  Your final edit should be recorded back onto the beginning of the raw footage tape you were sent and shipped back to us.  No other tapes or DVDs will be accepted.

Timeframe:
  Raw footage will begin shipping on January 2nd, 2007.  Each contestant will have one week from receipt of footage to complete this task.  All entries must be received by 1/31/07.

Judging:  The edits will all be viewed internally at CinemaCake and narrowed down to the top three.  The top three edits will be displayed at CinemaCake.com for three months.  Winners will also have the opportunity to interview for a position at CinemaCake.

Exposure:
In addition to the top three video online, studios looking to hire editors will have the opportunity to view all of the edits and contact information.  There will be a nominal administration fee for this service.

Contact:  Please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) your name, address, phone number, and the reasons you want to enter the contest.

CinemaCake retains all rights to the raw and edited footage.  Footage may not be broadcast, copied, or distributed without the written consent of CinemaCake.

Meet Jackie and Jonathan.  Their wedding footage will be used for this contest.

Wow!  Jonathan and I would be so honored if you used our footage for your contest!!  This sounds like a wonderful concept and we wish you the very best. —Thank you for your kind words about our wedding footage.  We are so eager to see the finished product and to view the entries for the contest!
Please let me know what we can do on our end (i.e. view them, add comments, rank them, etc.)  Jonathan and I are happy to do whatever will help you! —This is so exciting!!!
Thank you again for EVERYTHING!  And please don’t hesitate to ask for help/input on our end!
We wish you and your entire staff/family the very best this holiday season,
Warm wishes,
~Jackie

And the winners are:

Scott Hayes
James Rolfe
Joe Donato

View and vote on all of the entries HERE



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Leave a Comment

Reginald: (12.25.06-4:43am) I am a freelance video editor from Roselle NJ. <BR> <BR>Reginald<BR>Keasbey, NJ

Tom: (12.25.06-3:46pm) I would like my work to be seen and critiqued by professionals (people other than my clientèle's) It's a challenge to have a lot of fun with! Thank you for creating the contest.<BR><BR>Tom<BR>Middletown, NJ

Kurt: (12.26.06-7:24pm) I would like to enter this contest to find out where my editing skills rank amongst others in this business and ultimately have the opportunity to gain some insight on how others achieved a certain look based on the same footage that each of us will edit.<BR> <BR>Regards,<BR> <BR>Kurt<BR>Michigan Center, MI

Rex: (12.26.06-7:26pm) I feel that I should always be pushing the envelope of creativity, using whatever tools and techniques are available to me.<BR><BR>My goal is to make the "pizza fed" judges stop mid bite and say WOW when viewing my entry.<BR><BR>Rex<BR>Tinley Park, IL

Doug: (12.26.06-10:51pm) I have been filming weddings here locally for three years now and love everything about it. I don't consider this a job or hobby, I consider it a passion to create something that will be enjoyed for generations.<BR><BR>Doug<BR>Abingdon, VA

Scott: (12.26.06-11:45pm) I would like to enter the contest to test my skill set against my peers.<BR>I have been doing wedding, commercial and event work for quite a while, but have never entered a contest.<BR><BR>Scott<BR>Lexington, KY

Brian: (12.27.06-1:59pm) I feel that this is a huge opprtunity for me to showcase my editing skills. <BR>I have been editing non-professionally for about five years, everything from movies, music videos, documentaries, and even film.<BR><BR>Brian<BR>Reading, PA

Mike: (12.27.06-2:01pm) I would like to enter the contest for many reasons. One reason is the challenge, another is the employment prospect. The cash prize would be another reason (who doesn't need to get paid, right?)<BR><BR>Mike<BR>Philadelphia, PA

Joe: (12.27.06-2:02pm) I can do as good of a job as the guys I saw two years ago. Also, I've never had the chance to edit footage that was entirely from another shooter, so I think I'd learn a lot in the process.<BR><BR>Joe<BR>Media PA

Jaleel: (12.27.06-3:07pm) This contest will also give me the opportunity to display my creative skills in a public way which I hope will lead to either stable work or additional freelance work as well as contribute to my professional growth.<BR> <BR>Jaleel<BR>Philadelphia, PA

Robert: (01.02.07-3:55am) I am very interested in this competition.<BR><BR>Robert<BR>Philadelphia, PA

Eric: (01.02.07-3:56am) Editing is what I enjoy the most.<BR><BR>Thanks<BR><BR>Eric<BR>Lansdale, PA

Amir: (01.02.07-3:58am) I read it is possible for this contest to possibly lead to a job and I would love the chance to show DVideography what I can do.<BR><BR>Amir<BR>Turnersville, NJ

Greg: (01.02.07-3:59am) I would like the opportunity to showcase my editing expertise, and thought your contest might be advantageous to both of us!!<BR><BR>Greg<BR>Charlotte, NC

Jim: (01.02.07-4:00am) I want to enter the contest because it sounds like it will be very competative, and I would like to see where my skills are compared to other editors in the area. Plus the possibility of a job offer isnt bad either, and i would rather prove my self as an editor than just go through a standard interview process.<BR><BR>Jim<BR>Philadelphia, PA

Amanda: (01.02.07-4:01am) I would love to enter this contest because I think it sounds really fun and interesting. Of course I would love a job but I like the idea of the challenge of creating this for a "client". <BR><BR>Amanda<BR>Philadelphia, PA

Darnell: (01.02.07-4:04am) This is a rare opportunity in which editors get to showcase their talents.<BR><BR>Darnell<BR>Philadelphia, PA

Don: (01.02.07-4:06am) I think I have a unique ability to transform raw footage into something amazing. Basically I want to do this to showcase my abilities and see how I compare to other editors.<BR><BR>Don<BR>Philadelphia, PA

Jeremiah: (01.02.07-4:06am) It seems like it will be an exciting challenge, and I am looking for further critiques of my editing.<BR><BR>Jeremiah<BR>Lebanon, PA

>B.J.: (01.02.07-4:08am) I've been in the government and the public access world and I want to see if I have the chops to compete with others in the more main stream commercial world. I'm ready for the challenge!<BR><BR>Bring it on!<BR><BR>B.J.<BR>East Falmouth, MA

Seth: (01.02.07-4:09am) I have been editing weddings, live events, and short films for a number of years. I would like to be able to meet other people in the industry and display my own creativity.<BR><BR>Seth<BR>Easton, PA

Tim: (01.02.07-4:11am) This contest intrigues me very much, as I would love to see if a possible future exists for me in this field.<BR><BR>Tim<BR>Philadelphia, PA

Jerome: (01.02.07-4:12am) I would like to enter the contest mainly to have folks who are professionals review my work and get feedback on my skills, either positive or constructive.<BR><BR>Jerome<BR>Pasadena, CA

Jeff: (01.02.07-4:13am) I'm looking to get much more<BR>involved with the creative side of video production.<BR><BR>Jeff<BR>Media, PA

David: (01.02.07-4:14am) I am eager to give it a shot and see if my work still has that WOW factor. Who knows it may also prompt a second career!<BR><BR>David<BR>West Chester, PA

Jennifer: (01.02.07-4:15am) I love challenges and think this could be a fun way to face it. I love to edit and think I can do a good job and hopefully win!<BR><BR>Jennifer<BR>Nashville, TN

Lynne: (01.02.07-4:16am) From the moment I moved to the area from Florida a little less than a year ago I discovered really quick DVideography was THE wedding production company in Philly and I want to be a part of that.<BR><BR>Lynne<BR>Sewell, NJ

James: (01.02.07-4:17am) I edit industrial videos. While I'm still keeping my old job as a part time thing, I am seeking new full time employment.<BR><BR>James<BR>Narberth, PA

Ryan: (01.02.07-4:20am) I am interested in getting back into video editing, and I think this is a<BR>great opportunity.<BR><BR>Ryan<BR>North Wales, PA

Damon: (01.02.07-4:20am) Is it too late to enter the contest?<BR><BR>Damon<BR>South Amboy, NJ

Michael: (01.02.07-4:21am) I decided to enter the contest too see how I stack up with other videographers.<BR><BR>Michael<BR>Aloha, Oregon

Robert: (01.02.07-4:22am) I'm looking for more editing work as my contract at NFL films is ending soon because of the end of the football season. Thanks! <BR><BR>Robert<BR>Philadelphia, PA

Horatiu: (01.02.07-4:23am) I recently came back from working with the Travel Channel as an assistant editor for 5 Takes USA. I have been editing for almost 3 years. I would love a chance to see what i could do with the footage and also how it would stack up against the rest of the entries. <BR><BR>Horatiu<BR>Ardmore, PA

Eric: (01.02.07-4:26am) I did an internship in Manhattan this summer making commercials for<BR>Footlocker/Harley Davidson/McDonald's... whatever work would come around. I learned how to work under tight deadlines and how to edit according to what the client wants.<BR><BR>Eric<BR>Philadelphia, PA

Darren: (01.02.07-4:27am) I would like to enter this contest because I am always interested in new ways to develop my skills as an editor.<BR><BR>Darren<BR>New York, NY

John: (01.02.07-4:28am) Is there not a better way to start the new year than with a video editing challenge?<BR><BR>John<BR>Philadelphia, PA

Tim: (01.02.07-4:29am) I'm pretty confident that I'll have little problem at least getting into the top three, so hopefully we'll be in contact soon.<BR><BR>Tim<BR>Willow Grove, PA

Joshua: (01.02.07-7:11pm) I'd like to enter your contest. I do not currently make a living as an editor but am open to the possibility.<BR><BR>Joshua<BR>Glenside PA

Matt: (01.02.07-7:13pm) I would like to enter this contest simply to test my ability against other professionals and to possibly advance my career. I have been mainly a renegade in the industry, obtaining knowledge and experience early on even before college.<BR> <BR>Matt<BR>Franklinville, NJ

Aaron: (01.02.07-7:13pm) I am a year out of film school and trying to make a name for myself. This contest sounds like a great chance to hone my editing skills and possibly get some exposure. <BR><BR>Aaron<BR>Philadelphia, PA

Sam: (01.02.07-7:15pm) I’ve been into editing for the past 5 years and I feel as if it has become my second language. I think that Ill be able to prove my sense of timing in whatever you may send.<BR><BR>Sam<BR>Conshohocken, PA

Sheila: (01.02.07-7:16pm) I'm a recent video grad at Maryland Institute, College of Art. Have gotten myself into teaching and nonprofit documentary work, and think it would be fun to have a change of pace.<BR><BR><BR>Sheila<BR>Baltimore, MD

Mike: (01.02.07-7:16pm) This would be an excellent chance for me to get my name out there more, and to exhibit my work ethic and editing talents.<BR><BR>Mike<BR>Philadelphia, PA

John: (01.02.07-7:17pm) I’d like to enter your contest because it seems like a fun, friendly contest, and in the end I’d be able to see what others did in my position using the same stuff.<BR><BR>John<BR>Morton, PA

Jason: (01.02.07-7:18pm) I've been shooting and editing for the last eight years and I'm finally starting to get good at it! My marketing skills stink, though, so it would be nice to get some exposure through a contest such as this.<BR><BR>Jason<BR>Everett, WA

Rachel: (01.02.07-7:19pm) The reason why I want to enter is simple: I love to edit. As you are in your chair cutting the piece together, you are controlling how the audience is going to feel.<BR><BR>Rachel<BR>Philadelphia, PA

Thomas: (01.02.07-7:22pm) This is an amazing opportunity for me to land a job, especially with one of your companies.<BR><BR>Thomas<BR>Oreland, PA

Anonymous: (02.13.07-10:36am) Video Number 8 -- evokes pending doom -- the music and sihouette views - images like the cuban missle crisis -- couldn't even get to the going down the aisle part -- definite downer. Hope it got better at the end.

Anonymous: (02.13.07-6:03pm) I"ve only seen the first few, but as far as clean video editing and originality (although a bit off the mark) I'd have to vote for no.6. If you want a wedding vidoegrapher only, then no.3 made the most moving video, the footage and music weren't amazing but the sound clips made this one emotional (in a good way).

Anonymous: (02.16.07-1:16am) Is there a way to see a quick 30 second snipet from each? I cannot wait through 30 videos to load and view. It is fast, but time is money.

X-Angel: (02.16.07-4:14pm) Video 04 - Excellent... simply excellent

Bill: (02.19.07-12:13pm) Great contest idea, but "Most of these editors are looking for employment. If you are hiring, you<BR>may purchase each editor's contact information by clicking on "Buy Info". What's up with that? If a fellow wedding videographer wants to hire an editor looking for employment, you're going to charge $50 to pass on a name?! Get over yourself! Congratulations, you are now the first Wedding Videographer Pimp!

Dave Williams: (02.19.07-7:16pm) Thanks for writing, Bill. If any studio likes an edit and wants to contact that editor, $50 is s drop in the bucket for the finder fee.

GPVA Film Festival Winners

November 22, 2006

Congratulations to the Greater Philadelphia Videographers Association Film Fest 2006 Winners last night!

POST A COMMENT

Wedding Category
GOLD: GM Elliott Videography
SILVER: CinemaCake
BRONZE: Glass Slipper Productions


Social Event
GOLD: CinemaCake
SILVER: Lucky Productions
BRONZE: Silver Reflections

 

 

Concept Video
GOLD: Marc Smiler Video Artist
SILVER: GM Elliott Videography
BRONZE: Glass Slipper Productions

 

 

Best of Show: Glass Slipper Productions

 


A special thanks to our judges (left to right):
Al Ritondo, President New York Professional Videographers Association, Iselin, NJ
Roy Chapman, Chairman WEVA International, Sarasota, Florida
Melissa Paul, Event Production and Design, Evantine Design
Christa Vagnozzi, Editor, The Knot.com, New York, NY
Nick Waller, President NACE Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

Photos courtesy Alan Robinson of Bonnie Blink Productions



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