I just finished watching one of the most powerful 15 minutes of video about the treatment of the indigenous people of America: The Native Americans.  Many of us know how badly the white man treated the Lakota dn Sioux as well as every other tribe of native Americans, but few of us know the real truth.  Take 900 seconds and learn the truth!

KC (far right) always at my side

My wife and I built a very strong relationship with this young man during our visit of two short weeks. Sometimes death comes at the ripe old age of 90 years, but often it seems to rob a flower of its right to blossom.  This would be the case with KC. He was such a strong young man with an incredible gift of athleticism, good looks and a warrior courage.

KC also acted as our tour guide and bodyguard as we traveled into sometimes less than friendly environments with our cameras. At the time he was only 16 years old yet he stood strong as an oak and had a powerful cadence in his step that sent a message of confidence. With his incredible physique and shiny white teeth his smile was infectious. A still water that ran so deep, his presence brought comfort and security to all of us as we traveled the southern parts of Nigeria. In the mornings he would climb trees to pick fresh coconuts for our breakfast and then proceed to skin them with his machete.  He worked magic with his machete! Pity the poor fool who would cross this still stream.

Machete Magic with KC

Words will never suffice in a situation like this as the heart cries WHY! No logic or sense can be made of why such a gem of a man is stolen from our company, only HE knows why HE brought him home to heaven. KC—-we will miss you.  My wife Wendy and I dreamed that someday you would come to live with us here in America.  Our plans to return to Otampa with our three small children were hinged on the peace and security we would enjoy under your all seeing eyes.  We have told the children about you going home to be with Jesus, but it doesn’t make it any easier or less painful. 

KC Singing and Praying over the land for ICEC2

KC, your spirit lives on in me today as I begin a new journey to find strength and courage of the kind you displayed at such a young age. A man among boys…………you were a hero to many and your memory will not be lost. Sometimes life seems so unfair, but I know that God has a plan for your arrival in heaven.   Perhaps someday we will see one another again. Until then, may God Bless all those lives you touched so deeply with the knowledge of the Holy Spirit. Your legacy is a good one, my friend! Rest in peace! Amen.

In Memory of KC

Ten years ago I started thinking about what type of legacy I was going to leave on this planet and set about traveling on my first short term Missions Trip with my pastor and his wife along with my beautiful wife, Wendy.  We visited the country of El Salvador to film our pastor speaking into pastors in this war torn country, or so we thought. What happened during the next ten days was truly amazing. 

El Salvador

El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America but is the most densely populated with over 6 million people. It is bordered by Guatemala and Honduras on the North and West with Nicaragua due south.  Our travels began in the capital city of San Salvador where our pastor began speaking at a Pentecostal church located in the affluent neighborhood in the hills. After the second day I began to question God if this is what he meant when I prayed the scripture Isiah 6:8 “Here I am Lord, send me!”  Did He want me to film the pastor each day of the ten day planned trip saying the same thing to hundreds of pastors? 

As if a real person in the flesh were there I felt a tap on my shoulder to proceed upstairs to the upper room.  Now, I was confused and a bit shaken as only the pastor’s wives were up there and I couldn’t figure out what would be so exciting about filming a couple of ladies praying. But, I followed the leading of the Holy Spirit (who I just met recently and barely knew). Upon entering the room this is what I witnessed: 

Wendy Slain by the Holy Spirit

As Social Media opportunities arise, the general public still struggles to understand all their options and embrace the newest tools. It is difficult to test and discuss the newer technologies when the application of the program is cloudy and gray. Bob Gollwitzer, owner of ProMobile Productions, LLC, and veteran action sports producer of 20 years, understands the dilemma and has taken the charge to help bring some clarity to the possibilities. Where there is Facebook and Twitter, we offer to tell a story with engaging content and a forward-thinking message. Where there is YouTube and the iPad, we offer to capture the heart and soul of the individual. Bob’s last foray into this area resulted in the design and development of THPTV.com and Youniquevideo.com, both video-driven portals to capture, engage, and provide a call to action.

ProMobile Productions, LLC, (PMP) was created on the foundation of professionally produced video. Pro-Inline Productions, PMP’s parent company, began coordinating and filming action sports events like inline skating and extreme games in the early 1980’s. Pro-Inline Productions served as the independent production company behind such well known events as “The Ultimate Inline Challenge” at Universal Studios, ESPN’s “X-Games” and NBC Sports “Gravity Games.” The vision was simple – capture the story on video: the moment, the excitement, the passion. Preserve those frames in time, and allow the participants to re-live their moments again and again. Producing the events not only enabled Bob, also owner of Pro-Inline Productions, Inc., to storyboard each take, but he was able to capture B-roll footage and secondary clips and outtakes. In the end Bob had enough quality film to share a powerful story and re-purpose the many aspects of the event through vignettes and “teaser” reels.

The objectives always were to produce the best video for the traditional mediums (e.g., T.V., on-line ads, product promotion, and video testimonials). Taking this business model one step further, we have married quality video production with mobile viewing. We utilize the available mediums to share the video on cell phones, iPhones, and web-based video players. Add in a powerful sporting event in a historic locale and we have DADVAIL.TV.

DADVAIL.TV provides customized content for the Dad Vail Regatta fans, streaming the video on the web, in one central location. PMP provides on-site production and editing – next to the rowers, water in our faces, in the stands. As Social Media has enabled storytelling to the masses, now anyone can share, promote, and create an awareness of their idea. We have honed our services to maximize Social Media Marketing for the sole purpose of gaining a following with specific interest in the product, service, and event. This advantage is critical to the effective optimization of the story to be told; we create the interest, we find those interested, and we set, meet, and exceed the expectations. It is not the traditional advertising model; to the contrary, we provide the consumer with what they have been looking for, in an unobtrusive way. Enter DADVAIL.TV.

Youniquevideo.com premiered at Philadelphia’s Dad Vail Regatta and Stotesbury Cup Regatta in May 2009. We were on-site with the rowers, interviewing them, and listening to what the needs would be for 2010. DADVAIL.TV is the answer to 2010′s Dad Vail Regatta. The site launched two weeks ago, and it provides us the ability to link event data, customized programming, and video footage of the event. This is the culmination of on-site video capture, mobile editing, and global distribution. We utilized multiple cameras to capture every possible angle, and the videographers were staggered throughout the event course. Full coverage of the Dad Vail was a reality this year, and it is DADVAIL.TV.

Our Mobile Production Unit (MPU) will allow for video highlights via hard-wired cameras creating live feeds to be viewed during the event. We will engage the crowd and fans to peak the interest level and maintain everyone’s focus on the rowers and the schools representing the regattas. The keystone to our success is our MPU (very similar to large network TV trucks, but utilizing all digital HD equipment with MAC DADDY Final Cut Pro HD for post production) and the on-site headquarters it provides. Not only can we coordinate the video capture and programming with greater ease, we can manage all facets of the production by having adequate IT Staff available to handle the on-the-fly improvisation sometimes necessary at outdoor sporting events. Being at the heart of the action offers us the advantage of quicker team communication and problem resolution.

DADVAIL.TV’s future includes numerous other outdoor sporting events in 2010 and 2011. In addition to rowing events, like the Dad Vail Regatta, our plan includes events involving runners and cyclists. From marathons to triathlons, for-profit to non-profit events, ProMobile Productions, LLC, has positioned itself to be the primary provider of broadcast-quality video for sporting events nationwide, with one main difference…video as it happens, when it happens. PMP will take video storytelling to the next level, encouraging it to evolve as the fluid vehicle it was always intended to be. As times change and technology adapts, ProMobile Productions is the destination for Your Unique Video.

Contact Information:
ProMobile Productions, LLC; Bob Gollwitzer, Executive Producer
Cell: 610-223-7884; E-mail: bgollwitzer@gmail.com, promobileproductions@gmail.com.

Recently we launched Younique Video at the Dad Vail Regatta in 2009 and at the Philadelphia Marathon to demonstrate the effectiveness of internet video marketing.

Recently we worked with the City of Philadelphia to convince them of the significance of social media and how we could increase traffic to their site with quality video www.philadelphiamarathon.com .  Prior to the 2008 Philadelphia Marathon their cumulative total views  of all videos was a mere 4,000 unique visits.  Once Pro Mobile Productions came on site with their Mobile Production Unit and produced 15 dynamic videos of the race, we witnesed over 75,000 unique views of our videos.  This year at the 2009 Philadelphia Marathon we were unable to be there due to city budget cuts, but our website had over 9,000 unique visits looking for fresh videos.  Within the span of one year a demand was created for engaging content that could be shared through social networks.  Our hope is that we will be asked to return to the 2010 Philadelphia Marathon!

Child Literacy

It stands to reason that children who read and write more are better at reading and writing. And writing blog posts, status updates, text messages, instant messages, and the like all motivate children to read and write. Last month, The National Literacy Trust released the results of a survey of over 3000 children. They observed a correlation between children’s engagement with social media and their literacy. Simply put, social media has helped children become more literate. Indeed, Eurostat recently published a report drawing a correlation between education and online activity, which found that online activity increased with the level of formal activity (socio-economic factors are, of course, potentially at play here as well).

Mobile Video Production in the Age of Twitter

As Social Media opportunities arise, the general public still struggles to understand all their options and embrace the newest tools. It is difficult to test and discuss the newer technologies when the application of the program is cloudy and gray. Bob Gollwitzer, owner of Pro Mobile Productions and veteran action sports producer of 20 years, understands the dilemma and has taken the charge to help bring some clarity to the possibilities. Where there is Facebook and Twitter, we offer to tell a story with engaging content and a forward-thinking message. Where there is YouTube and multiple, portable video player options, we offer to capture the heart and soul of the individual. Bob’s last foray into this area resulted in the design and development of THPTV.com, a video driven portal for company information for a local Philadelphia homebuilder. Our mission is clear, our passion became focused. Enter Pro Mobile Productions.

Pro Mobile Productions (PMP) was created on the foundation of professionally produced video. Pro-Inline Productions, PMP’s parent company, began coordinating and filming action sports events like inline skating and extreme games in the early 1980′s. Pro-Inline Productions served as the independent production company behind such well known events as “The Ultimate Inline Challenge” at Universal Studios, ESPN’s “X-Games” and NBC Sports “Gravity Games.” The vision was simple – capture the story on video: the moment, the excitement, the passion. Preserve those frames in time, and allow the participants to re-live their moments again and again. Producing the events not only enabled Bob, also owner of Pro Inline Productions, to storyboard each take, but he was able to capture B-roll footage and secondary clips and outtakes. In the end Bob had enough quality film to share a powerful story and re-purpose the many aspects of the event through vignettes and “teaser” reels.

PMP’s objectives are to produce the best video for many of the traditional mediums (e.g., T.V., on-line ads, product promotion, and video testimonials). Taking this business model one step further, we have married quality video production with mobile viewing. We utilize the available mediums to share the video on cell phones, iPods, and web-based video players.

Regatta Rowers at the Starting Line

Not only do we provide customized content for sporting-event participants, we package the entire event so everyone can benefit from the historical archive on video. Social Media has enabled storytelling to the masses; anyone can share, promote, and create an awareness of their idea. We have honed are services to maximize Social Media Marketing for the sole purpose of gaining a following with specific interest in the product, service, event. This advantage is critical to the effective optimization of the story to be told – we create the interest, we find those interested, and we provide the fanatics with what they expect. It is not the traditional advertising model; to the contrary, we provide the consumer with what they have been looking for, in an unobtrusive way. Enter Youniquevideo.com.

The premiere of our proprietary technology will be revealed at Philadelphia’s 2009 Dad Vail Regatta and Stotesbury Cup in May 2009. Our solution to the dilemma of providing high quality video to individual rowing teams is Youniquevideo.com. The site will be launching soon, and it will provide us with the ability to link event data, customized programming, and video footage of the event. This is the culmination of on-site video capture, mobile editing, and global distribution. We will produce individual video segments for each participating rowing team. We will utilize multiple cameras to capture every possible angle, and the videographers will be staggered throughout the event course.

Pro Mobile's modified RV - now on-site production HQ

Our Mobile Production Unit (MPU) will allow for video highlights via hard-wired cameras creating live feeds to be viewed during the event. We will engage the crowd and fans to peak the interest level and maintain everyone’s focus on the rowers and the schools representing the regattas. The keystone to our success is our MPU (very similar to large network TV trucks, but utilizing all digital HD equipment with laptop Final Cut Pro HD for post production) and the on-site headquarters it provides. Not only can we coordinate the video capture and programming with greater ease, we can manage all facets of the production by having adequate IT Staff available to handle the on-the-fly improvisation sometimes necessary at outdoor sporting events. Being at the heart of the action offers us the advantage of quicker team communication and problem resolution.

Youniquevideo.com’s future includes numerous other outdoor sporting events in 2009. In addition to rowing events, like the Dad Vail Regatta, our plan includes events involving runners and cyclists. From marathons to triathlons, for-profit to non-profit events, Pro Mobile Productions has positioned itself to be the primary provider of broadcast-quality video for sporting events nationwide, with one main difference…video as it happens, when it happens, to treasure and share for generations. PMP will take video storytelling to the next level, encouraging it to evolve as the fluid vehicle it was always intended to be. As times change and technology adapts, Youniquevideo.com is the destination for Your Unique Video.

Contact Information: Pro Mobile Productions

Bob Gollwitzer  |  Cell: 610-223-7884  |  E-mail: bgollwitzer@gmail.com; promobileproductions@gmail.com

However, Twitter can be an effective tool for businesses. Blu3Digital is using Twitter as one “spoke” in the “wagon wheel” of its social media campaign. Promoting clients’ projects and milestones, sharing important and vital links with known, demographically-targeted followers, and creating a solid network of like-minded individuals and companies are the three main tactics for which Twitter has been effective for this website strategy, search engine optimization, and social media company.

Pro Mobile Production (PMP) is a current client where Twitter has played a crucial role, creating awareness of PMP’s video production skills and helping to create a loyal following of action sports enthusiasts and videophiles. PMP might alert followers to a new Blog post on the latest HD Video Camera or when they will be appearing at the next Philadelphia Sporting Event. Subsequently, Twitter provides for a brief but effective outreach to “fill in the gaps” between a Blog post, RSS feed update, or e-newsletter.

Twitter is most valuable when it has clear objectives, a purpose, and metrics as to its weekly feedback. Like many other technical “vehicles”, without proper and constant review, Twitter will loose it potency and fall to the waist-side. Don’t count Twitter out, but do ensure it plays nicely with the other kids on the playground.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ov3Y9YYMuFY

Twitter on the iPhone

And why not…it’s mobile, desktop, Adobe AIR accessible, and SMS friendly. You can take it anywhere. It is no surprise to me that people have realized how quickly and easily they can share websites, comments, great finds, and what they are doing.

Agree? Disagree? Share your thoughts with me on Twitter.

The key ideas are another valuable product of the short list. To fully understand the most important goals and objectives of the project, one must solidify the key ideas – the purpose, the reason for pursuing the project. Some questions might be “why do we have the need for the project?”, “why was this question posed to the team/company/organization?”, or “how will this resolution improve the status quo?”. When those key ideas are agreed upon by the team, each member should have a clear vision of why they are on the team, what you hope to accomplish, and what value you hope they will contribute to the end results.

Now that we have a short list containing key ideas, key goals, and a clear summary of the team’s intentions, we are ready to discuss the length of time for the objectives and what milestones might pertain to each of those goals and objectives. We will not finalize dates and milestones, yet, but we will begin to assign milestones (even if there are steps for further discussion). At this point the discussions will center around quantifying the steps within each milestone and the approximate time needed to complete each step. This brings us to another important Project Management practice – defining milestones and their time lines. In the next step, Defining Goals, Steps, and Strategies, we will continue to refine our progress and ensure that we remain on-track with the original intent of the project.