James Murphy, Avid Broadcast Application Editor, gave an overview of Avid’s new thinking and new management changes. James then presented the new Avid editing systems - hardware and software. The response was great with many nods and smiles from the crowd.
Next was an entertaining presentation by Mitch Jacobson. Mitch is a digital media consultant specializing in HDTV and multi-camera productions. He is also an award-winning Avid producer/editor & colorist with over 20 years experience in network TV programs, concert films, promos and entertainment publicity. His work has been seen recently on PBS, CBS, Discovery, Ovation, E! Entertainment TV, The Disney Channel, ESPN and A&E Networks.
Mitch's award-winning broadcast concert film credits include: Paul McCartney: The Space Within US (2007/HD), Ben Harper Live from Bonnaroo (2007/HD), The Newport Jazz Festival (2006/HD), Aerosmith: You Gotta Move (2005), The Rolling Stones: A Bigger Bang special release CD/DVD(2005) and Paul McCartney in St. Petersburg (2004), nominated for an EMMY™ Award for outstanding Music, Variety or Comedy Special. The DVDs have also won RIAA certified 4X multiplatinum awards, MIFED and Billboard’s Music DVD of the Year.
Currently, Mitch Jacobson works for CBS/Kingsworld Television editing "The Rachel Ray Show" and "Live from the Artist's Den" for Ovation TV. He is a member of The Motion Picture Editors Guild and lives in New York City with his wife Jennifer and his seeing-eye dog Maizie.
Mitch had the audience hanging on their seats, and was excellent not only in his technical presentation, but also very good at taking brief (ok, not-so-brief) detours into stories and observations about the concerts he worked on. As you can image from his work credits, he has many interesting stories. Mitch did a great job. He was very energetic and entertaining. While his type of multicam work is more the rarity, everyone was totally engrossed with his stories as he shared the Avid multicam workflow.
While in town, James Murphy took the opportunity to visit KUSA, a large Avid customer, for a lunch and learn with the stations editors. Although it was sweeps week, and the atmosphere was a little chaotic with breaking news stories, James was able to offer workflow tips and do a Q& A session. The information he shared not only resonated with those who attended, but is being quickly spread thru the station as his tips and techniques are being passed on from editor to editor. James was effective in both his presentation and his knowledge regarding their specific editing platforms and daily operational needs. To quote Mark Peterson, the new Chief Editior at KUSA, "It was nice to have an 'editor' rather than a sales person run the presentation. He understood our questions, and showed us techniques that we can use on a daily basis. I used one of them just today!"
The meeting was held at Starz/Encore located in Englewood, CO.