Shade Tree Films http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog Blog Thu, 17 May 2012 22:58:49 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 A Rincon Adventure http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2012/a-rincon-adventure/ http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2012/a-rincon-adventure/#comments Thu, 10 May 2012 23:49:06 +0000 Shade Tree Team http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/?p=1832 Just a few weeks ago we boarded a plane to take a 9 hour journey to an unknown place in Puerto Rico.  Once we landed in San Juan we began another dark 2 hour trek to the other side of the island.  It wasn’t until morning that we discovered we were in the middle of paradise, and that this was going to be an epic adventure.  Jared and Velisa brought their family and closest friends to a place that meant so much to them and reflected who they are.  We were with Jared, Velisa and their peeps for 3 days of activities leading up to the ceremony and insane party that followed.  This event was a perfect fit for us because their focus was not so much on floral arrangements and color schemes (however those things may be important) but it was so much more about creating an active experience, that their guests would NEVER forget.  There is so much more of the experience that we wish we could have fit into the highlight film.  When considering everything that we could include in the film, we decided it was best to stick to the basics.  Jared and Velisa have such an authentic, true and raw love, that we wanted to focus mostly on that aspect of the entire experience.  So sit back relax and enjoy the radness that is Jared and Velisa.

Our greatest thanks to:
The Music Bed – For the best freaking music licensing in the galaxy
Lens Pro To Go – For saving our tooshies and getting us the gear we needed
Robert Miles – For sweating off at least 25 pounds in the three days to help us cover everything! (You should eat at Mc Donalds for at least 6 months, you didnt have 25 pounds to loose.)

Check out a few of the photos from the trip…

 

-Love STF

]]> http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2012/a-rincon-adventure/feed/ 4 One Life To Live http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2012/one-life-to-live/ http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2012/one-life-to-live/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:18:49 +0000 Shade Tree Team http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/?p=1786 At the end of a VERY long and winding road through the forests of Central California, at the base of dwarfing granite slabs, sits a small chapel.  This was the perfect setting for two people that adore each other, to make promises that are as strong as the mountains that surrounded them.  There is so much meaning and story behind Becky and Eric’s unique wedding in the valleys of Yosemite National Park.  Seven years of growing together and serving God side by side, culminated into one day of excitement and emotion.  All the details of the wedding were a direct reflection of who they are, and the experiences they have been through.  It was an honor to witness the vulnerable vows this couple shared; they were completely transparent. We didn’t force them to read their cards from one another (which we never do), everything that we were able to capture was 100% authentic. For Becky and Eric this day wasn’t about the flowers and the dinner menu, it was about them, their love and God.  SO RAD!

We took advantage of the opportunity not afforded very often, of shooting in Yosemite National Park.  We woke up earlier than roosters to head out into the freezing cold, and get morning time lapses and scenery shoots. It was rad to have that opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and capture some of the most amazing creations on the earth.  We knew that this location was so important to Becky and Eric and we wanted to do our best to incorporate its vast beauty into the film that they would treasure for a life time.  You often don’t see a lot of “establishment” shots in our films.  When a wedding is held in a hotel or other venues that don’t have as much meaning to the story, we feel there are better ways to show who the couple really is.  However in this case… the scenery compliments the couples story and who they are perfectly.

There was so much meaning and emotion behind the conversation that happened throughout the day that we picked a sound track from Tim Halperin that would match the emotion and pacing of the days of events.  So not distract in anyway from the dialogue of the day, we used both the instrumental and lyrical track for the song.  Both of these are licensed through The Music Bed.  Using both tracks gave us the ability to use only instrumental during the dialogue heavy parts of the film, and then bring in the lyrics to break it up and fill in where there is not as much dialogue.

The chapel was extremely dark with yellow lighting.  Lets just say that New Blue FX, color fixer plus saved our tushies on this one.  We were able to take extremely under exposed and yellow footage and make it look more natural and radtastic.

We can’t thank Becky and Eric enough for letting us be a small part of their lives…

]]> http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2012/one-life-to-live/feed/ 6 Goodbye 11—>Hello 12 http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2011/goodbye-11-hello-12/ http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2011/goodbye-11-hello-12/#comments Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:15:00 +0000 Shade Tree Team http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/?p=1770 As this year comes to a close, our hearts are humble and full by all of the opportunities that we have had, and the friendships that we have shared. This has been an amazing year full of A LOT of fun and A LOT of work. We have been working harder than a clydesdale in a Christmas Budweiser commercial. Now we get the chance to look back and laugh about the good times… like the time we had an RC helicopter obsession for two weeks.  We will learn from the hard times… like the time we booked the cheapest hotel in Seattle. We will feel love as we think about all the amazing couples that we got to know, the clients that we got to serve, the tubular people we added to our team and the industry friends that we got work side by side with.

As we look forward to the big 12, we cant help but get giddy, and cant wait to see what it brings for the STF family. Our number one goal is to establish real and lasting relationships with those around us. 2012 is gonna be a good year for establishing new and nurturing seasoned relationships. And yes, I am sure there will be TONS of chances to laugh at Chads ability to insert his foot in his mouth on a regular basis.

From the STF family to yours, we wish you a VERY Merry Christmas and the best freakin’ 2012 possible!

In celebration of this Christmas season and to ring in the new year style, we got together for a partay, and had our selves a good ole time.

Love,  STF

]]> http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2011/goodbye-11-hello-12/feed/ 2 The Goods http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2011/the-goods/ http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2011/the-goods/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:31:14 +0000 Shade Tree Team http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/?p=1751 In our quest for branding that better represents us and the experience that couples will have with us, we also have done some revamping of our products packaging. Here is a little sneak peek of what you get when you embark on the Shade Tree experience.

]]> http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2011/the-goods/feed/ 6 What Luck… http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2011/what-luck/ http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2011/what-luck/#comments Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:22:19 +0000 Shade Tree Team http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/?p=1730 On the other side of the pond Gary and Lora dreamed of having a California style wedding.  With not much hope of being able to create the same vibe in the UK, they decided to take their closest friends and family to The hills of central Cali to get hitched.  They really wanted to make sure that they had a real American experience, so the entire wedding party and guests camped in tents and fished in the pond all week (since that is what all of us americans do all the time right?).  Also, what better way to have yourself a good old American time than to engage your entire group in a game of rehearsal baseball.  Despite their lack of knowledge in the actual rules and techniques of the game, there was no lack of laughter and action.  Gary and Lora put so much thought and effort in making this a unique and personalized event. They are adventurous, relaxed and loving. They were able to incorporate these elements into the entire experience. As we met with Gary and Lora over skype a few weeks prior to the event, they gave us absolute free reign and all their trust to capture their experience in a way that was unique to them.  Their were no shot lists or rigid expectations, just pure trust.  They will be premiering this film in the UK in November to all of their friends and family that were unable to be there on that day.  What we wouldn’t give to be there and experience that with them!

What luck… that we would get the opportunity to capture a couple so full of love and giving as Gary and Lora.

Enjoy!

Behind every tubular event there has to be a tubular team… We worked with some of the greatest on this one.
Amorology – Insanely unique design and planning

Brandon Kidd Photography – Mind Blowing Imagery

Nicole Deanne - Crafty with all things hair and make-up

Duo Catering - Out of this world grubb… seriously

Gary and Lora’s reaction after viewing the film was so poignant, we wanted to share:

“Ummmm the only words I can think of right now is WOW. Seriously I have no words for how incredible the highlights are. We literally watched them through several times without stopping. We had no idea you guys shot that much film. I cannot believe you captured all of those emotions!

If that is the highlights I know that we will be literally blown away by the full version. We knew when we asked you three to document our wedding that it would be something special, but never dreamed of the depths you went to to secure the most incredible footage.

We will treasure this until the end of our lives, thank you thank you thank you.

Lora and Gary xxx”

]]> http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2011/what-luck/feed/ 19 Tomorrow Never Comes http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2011/tomorrow-never-comes/ http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2011/tomorrow-never-comes/#comments Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:45:48 +0000 Shade Tree Team http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/?p=1709 PLEASE READ THIS POST BEFORE WATCHING THE FILM!!

About 3 weeks before Ben and Michele’s wedding day I got a call from Ben.  He explained to me that Michele’s mom, who resides in Vancouver Canada, had just been diagnosed with terminal cancer.  The doctors had only given her a few weeks to live.  Needless to say she would be unable to make the trek down to southern California for her daughters wedding.  Because of illness she would have to miss it all.  On the phone, Ben proposed an idea.  He asked if we could rush the edit of a highlight so that 2 days after the wedding they could sit down with her mother and relive the experience by her side.  The only hope was that she would make it long enough to see the film.

Needless to say this was a daunting task!  Rush edits are difficult enough, but knowing that this is how a dying mother would experience the wedding day of her beloved daughter, made us weak in the knees.

Holding our breath, we pushed the “send” button and waited for the response from Ben and Michele… this is the response that we received minutes later…

“I think I told you earlier that we were gonna head to the hospital.

We did and then we found a Starbucks nearby with Wifi.  Here is a
summary…

Starbucks coffee….$2.50 (Canadian).
Starbucks wifi….ninety minutes of downloading on their crappy connection.
Spending the evening by Mom’s hospital bedside watching the video ….priceless!

Well done team ShadeTree!  We can’t thank you enough for making
tonight very special.  We leave for our honeymoon tomorrow, but it was
a wonderful gift to be able to share the highlight video with
Michele’s mom and dad.  They loved the shot with the gold necklace
that she gave me.  It was awesome. We were all crying. It was
beautiful.
Thank you again,
Ben + Michele”

ENJOY!!
Love, STF

Had the pleasure of working with the Joy Marie team

]]> http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2011/tomorrow-never-comes/feed/ 9 Boom! http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2011/filmmakers-business-owners-brides/ http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2011/filmmakers-business-owners-brides/#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2011 18:45:29 +0000 Shade Tree Team http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/?p=1683

We’re so excited you came to the dance party!!! Welcome to the brand spankin’ new website for SHADE TREE FILMS

  • If you’re a BRIDE, we’re so glad you’re here! This is your new home … a place JUST FOR YOU!
  • If you’re a FILMMAKER and want to know more about our CINESKOOL workshops, this is your new home: SkooledByFools.com
  • If you own your OWN BIZ, we have a space just for you right here: BIZ Site

Again,THANKS FOR STOPPING BY! We can’t wait to spend more time with all of you!

]]> http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2011/filmmakers-business-owners-brides/feed/ 0 Windmills and Cookies http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2011/windmills-and-cookies/ http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2011/windmills-and-cookies/#comments Thu, 15 Sep 2011 22:18:52 +0000 Shade Tree Team http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/?p=1466 Our quest to tell rad peoples unique stories continues and Sharon and Nick are some of the radest people we know!  In talking with Nick and Sharon about their likes, loves and what makes them unique, we found out that there are two things that bind them together:
1. Huge love for one another and…
2. Some action in the kitchen… cooking action of course.

Check ‘em out doing their thing, and telling their rad story.

Thanks for Watching!

Love, STF

]]> http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2011/windmills-and-cookies/feed/ 3 The Hunt Is Over! http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2011/the-hunt-is-over/ http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2011/the-hunt-is-over/#comments Thu, 18 Aug 2011 22:09:20 +0000 Shade Tree Team http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/?p=1447 As you may recall we have been searching high and low for that kindred soul that could have the grace and patience to put up with our shenanigans and join the STF team.  At last, after much begging and pleading, we have convinced someone to do the work not many could hack, and thus ending our search of all searches.

So, to introduce you to the new addition, we though it might be fun to play a little game… We interviewed this fine fella, asking a series of very serious questions.  The following are the questions that we asked him, with two answers… one is the real answer, and the other we made up, just for fun. Try your luck… if you can guess all the correct answers, we will give you an e-hug and a HUGE tumbs up!.  (I know, that really raises the stakes)

Ready, set, go…

1. What is your first Name?

A. Brandon, named after my dads dog when he was a kid… seriously.

B. Herald, named after my great, great grandfather Herald Nimitz

2. Where are you from?

A. Baker CA. born and raised.

B. Sacramento

3. What is your favorite Movie?

A. Oceans 11, George Cloonie is so hot!

B.  R.A.D.

4.  What is your favorite T.V.  show

A. The Lopez Show

B.  Modern Family

5. What is your favorite past time?

A. Riding my unicycle

B. Riding my bicycle

6. Where is your favorite place to visit?

A. Bloomfield MT.

B. The DMV

7. What is your favorite blog to read?

A. shadetreefilms.net

B. womenwithmustaches.com

8. Where do you find your creative mojo?

A. Yoga

B. Icelandic acupuncture

(He then refused to answer any more questions until we stopped at a restroom, because he had drank an entire bottle of Gatorade.)

9. What is your preferred brand of cigarette?

A. Slims

B. I don’t smoke, but if I did, Camel

10. What is the oddest job you have ever had?

A. I cleaned up peoples balls… on a driving range

B. I cleaned up peoples balls… in a bowling alley

11. What is your favorite type of casserole?

A. Chicken

B. Knuckle sandwich

12. What is your signature drink?

A. Lemon-lime Gatorade and Jack Daniels

B. Suicide (A little bit of every type of soda in the machine)

13. What is your favorite restaurant?

A. Jose’s

B. Chilis (it’s the new golf course, its where business happens)

14. What is your favorite 18 century artillery weapon?

A. A barrel loader thingy

B. The musket dagger

Everybody say “HI” to our newest team member!  He is really good at telling rad stories, we are so lucky to have him!  In all seriousness, this was an extremely hard decisions for us to make!  We teamed up with Brandon, not only because he kills it behind the camera and the computer, but because he is honest, authentic, fun and generous.  Qualities that are perfectly inline with the core values of our team.

Sorry ladies… he is already taken.

But you can follow him on twitter, his wife doesnt mind… @b_kauffman

]]> http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2011/the-hunt-is-over/feed/ 4 15 Years In The Making http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2011/15-years-in-the-making/ http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/2011/15-years-in-the-making/#comments Mon, 11 Jul 2011 20:34:18 +0000 Shade Tree Team http://www.shadetreefilms.net/blog/?p=1427 When you have waited for something, that you want so badly, for fifteen years… and you finally get it, you know its going to be good!

Such is the case with Evita and Jon and their day was good, it was real good!

Check out the awesome sauce images from Evita+Jon’s day by Jagger Photo.

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