Country Music Marathon 2013

Opening Marathon Hill

This year, the Country Music Marathon in Nashville, Tennessee took place in a downpour. However, the rain did not stop the over 30,000 runners and thousands of volunteers from going on with the event. Given the recent tragedy with the Boston Marathon, there was also heighten security. Two videos from Anthony-Denmark Communications cover the rain-soaked activities. The first is “Country Music Marathon 2013 ‘Twanging In the Rain'” with a report on the conditions and risks, the runners were taking. The second,  “Country Music Marathon 2013 ‘The Human Spirit'”, shows the physical and emotional toll the pounding rain was having upon the runners. The event was conducted to benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Can You Make My Video?

I enjoy making videos and I love improving my video skills. If I received a big pot of money today, I would be very happy using with my cameras, computers and websites to pursue my video-making dreams full time. Through Anthony-Denmark Communications and Russ Anthony 411, I produce social work technology videos and entertainment videos.

Here are items to consider when looking for a videographer to make your organization’s next video:

The Cost. Sometimes, I want to take on a new project and a problem area can be the price. “How much do you charge to make a video?”.  While that is an honest question, the answer would depend on several factors including expected time spent before, during and after the actual shoot. When I get such a question, I try to get the customer to give details about expectations for the video. For example, a video taken as an audience member requires different skills and resources compared to projects where the videographer can plan the shots.

The Time. I was recently asked to provide video service for a customer. When price was discussed, the response was, “That much for being at the event for an hour!”. Time spent during the recording phase is not the only consideration. Often the real work in producing a video comes in the editing phase. This is my favorite part of working on a video. The choosing of the scenes, the timing of each segment and the manipulation of sound and video can keep me working happily late into the night.

The Finished Product. When working on a video product I Identify the message and show video to support that message. The message can be affected by the quality and quantity of the captured video. A successful video is one that I can produce that has an effective message with good quality and in the appropriate running time.

But, the key is knowing and getting what you want. Be sure to have details so that expectations are clear on both sides. Talking about the details helps to decide on the cost. But it is okay if you need help with crafting an idea or concept for a video.

Champions (Special Olympic Tennessee Summer Games 2012)

Athletes from Special Olympics came from all over Tennessee to compete Saturday May 19, 2012 in the Summer Games 2012. The event took place on the campus of Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Watch the excitement as the volunteers turn into spectators. Athletes competed for medals and bragging rights. There was so much going on in seven different athletic venues that I had to concentrate in the track and field area. For more on the Special Olympics and how you can get involved, please go to their website at www.specialolympicstn.org. Soon I will post additional photos from the Special Olympics

Chinese Dragon New Year Celebration – Nashville

Chinese Dragon New Year Celebration – Nashville is a colorful and entertaining display of  Chinese culture in Middle Tennessee. The Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville and the Nashville Chinese Dragon Dance Team helped the local community to celebrate the Chinese New Year at Eakin Elementary near Vanderbilt University. Mayor Karl Dean was there,  as he has done in several other Chinese cultural events, to encourage the crowd on this cold January morning, The outdoor portion of the celebration is captured is this 7-minute video from Anthony-Denmark Communications. (By the way, the little girl heard describing the action was an unexpected but welcomed part of the audio soundtrack. I wished that I had a chance to ask her how she knew so much about what we were watching). Click here to watch the video.

Banned Emergency Response Video

See what happened on November 12, 2011 when this fire department crew responded to a 911 emergency call. This is an exclusive Russ Anthony 411 and Anthony-Denmark Communications video. The news media will not show these types of scenes. Music is “Earth” by Tortue Super Sonic (http://www.facebook.com/pages/TSS-Tortue-Super-Sonic/112892300650)

Misedutainment of the Masses

Lynn Stewart describes how misinformation through entertainment leads to Misedutainment of the Masses in the latest video from Russ Anthony 411 and Anthony-Denmark Communications. In these excerpts from the 2011 TCSW Middle Region Fall Conference, Mr. Stewart describes how vulnerable populations are affected by it. Innovative approaches to working with families faced with adverse circumstances by utilizing positive reinforcements and resources are described. Misedutainment of the Masses is a great resource for working with families in poverty. Note: Mr. Stewart’s organization is United Neighborhood Health Services.

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is the subject in the latest video from Russ Anthony 411 and Anthony-Denmark Communications. Yvonne Williams of the Human Trafficking in America Task Force, Inc is the featured speaker. She and her husband, Marion Williams, were recognized as Advocates of the year at the TCSW Middle Region Conference on November 18, 2011. This video contains excerpts from the presentation Human Trafficking: Healing the Soul of America given at conference. Statistics, how to identify and become aware of trafficking and how to mobilize a movement to help stop labor and sex trafficking of women and youth are presented.

Boulevard Bolt 2011

 

Boulevard Bolt 2011  is the latest video from Anthony-Denmark Communications. This video presents a great display of the Nashville Spirit. It started out as a cold Thanksgiving Day morning. However, over 8,200 runners and walkers warmed each others hearts in this 5 mile run/walk to benefit agencies serving the homeless. This video features interviews with Congressman Jim Cooper of Tennessee, Dr. Bill Paul, Director of the Nashville Health Department and Clifton Harris, Executive Director, Metropolitan (Nashville) Homelessness Commission. It was a great day for Nashville. Please click here for the video.

2011 TCSW Fall Conference – Middle Region (Overview)

Please note: The title is now “2011 TCSW Fall Conference – Middle Region (Overview)

Friday, November 18, 2011 The Middle Region of  Tennessee Conference on Social Welfare (TCSW) held its Fall Conference. This year’s theme was, “Charting the Course to Social Wellbeing”. The event featured valuable information from presenters and exhibitors. Click here for a brief video overview of the event. Be sure to check back at RussAnthony411.org for additional conference videos in the near future which will cover Social and Emotional Learning, Social Media, and Misedutaintment of the Masses. This also includes one on one interviews.  Please visit TCSW at www.tcsw.org for detailed conference information.

Russ Anthony 411 Promo

My latest video is Russ Anthony 411 Promo. This short (59 seconds) video illustrates some the components of social work technology that make make this so rewarding for me.  I have put together a few clips to highlight how social work technology can aid social workers in helping people and making social service agencies stronger. It was also a lot of fun to put together. Perhaps it will also inspire someone to increase their use of technology toward helping others. Feel free to leave a comment and or a suggestion. As always, thank you for visiting RussAnthony411.org!