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Video Arts Featured in USA Today
USA Today

Video Arts was featured in yesterday's USA Today. The newspaper highlighted the premiere of The Road to Little Rock in Arkansas in it's State-by-State section. Only one item of interest is featured per state. Very exciting!!

The Road to Little Rock Featured on Valley News Live

Valley News Live published an article on March 24th covering the premiere in Little Rock, Arkansas. Check out the article here:
Davies Documentary Debuts In Arkansas

The Road to Little Rock Fargo Premiere

Thanks to everyone who attended the Fargo Premiere of "The Road to Little Rock" on January 24th. The film was the public's first view of the curriculum being created for elementary, middle, and high schools regarding North Dakota Judge Ronald Davies' role in civil rights history. We were thrilled at the attendance of over 800 people who came to watch, to learn, and to ask questions of the panel afterwards.

We have been collaborating with Fargo Public Schools over the past 18 months to create the video portion of the high school curriculum. It has been an incredible journey; working with Dr. Terrence Roberts of the Little Rock Nine, filming Supreme Court Justice Breyer in Washington D.C., learning about Judge Davies from his family and being able to tell this important story.

From the initial contact about the dedication of Davies High School from Fargo Public Schools, we knew there was an important message to be told. Historian Carl Oberholtzer, Fargo Public Schools, everyone at Video Arts, as well as many others, created a tireless team of individuals who worked to make sure this project succeeded. We are forever grateful for their perseverance and the doors that were opened to us.

Here are some memorable moments of the evening through our eyes:

Aimee Mitchell - Associate Producer
"My brother-in-law, a self-proclaimed history buff, walked out of the premier and said 'I learned something I didn't know!' He attended with his wife, my mother and father-in-law, as well as another sister-in-law and a good friend to support me."

Art Phillips - Director/Producer
"One the many highlights of the evening was sitting next to Terrence Roberts of the Little Rock Nine during the premiere. Almost two years ago, we first talked on the phone about the project, and now I am proud and blessed to call him my friend. I am so grateful to him for sharing his story in The Road to Little Rock."

Jim Kirwan - Writer
"The highlight of the evening for me, was the words from Judge Davies' son, Tom. As one of the screen writers on the project, I had read and researched much about the judge. However, Tom's delightfully humorous stories about his mom and dad, revealed a side of his father that I hadn't heard anywhere else."

John Shea - Location Audio
"When I arrived at the theatre, I was completely overwhelmed by the turnout and amazing show of support and appreciation from the community. It showed me that the people of Fargo still possess the honor, respect, and dignity so well exemplified by Judge Davies."

Marty Halgrimson - Director of Photography
"The most memorable thing to me was after the screening when two of my kids sitting on either side of me both looked at me and said 'Wow, Dad, that was really good. From teenagers - that is high praise!"

Mary Ann Phillips - Associate Producer
"A young man with a Davies High School sweatshirt came up to me to let me know how thrilled he was to be able to shake Dr. Roberts' hand and to both apologize and thank him for what he went through."

Robyn Thorvilson - Office Manager
"I started working at Video Arts this fall so had only seen pieces of the production. After watching the enthusiasm and passion that everyone was putting into the project, it was amazing seeing The Road to Little Rock in its entirety."

Ryan Sailer - Editor
"Seeing the completed project on the big screen was so greatly satisfying. All the hard work we put into the project and the pressures of accurately portraying history were well worth the reactions from the audience and the chance to teach younger generations an important lesson from history. I think the questions generated during the panel discussion were a great first look into some of the discussions that will be had in classrooms following the presentation of this lesson."

Steve Germaine - Composer
"It was both exciting and gratifying to see so many people in attendance."

There will be a premiere of the film in Little Rock, AR in March, as well as premieres in both Grand Forks and Bismarck later this year. There have been many requests for another screening at the Fargo Theatre, so stay tuned for more information.

Our heartfelt thanks goes to all the donors and grant organizations who believed in "The Road to Little Rock" and financially supported the project. Thank you for taking the time to come out to the presentation. You touched our hearts and made the night very special. We're moving into the next phase of the curriculum to create the elementary school version soon and will keep you posted!

Enjoy pictures from the event!

Your Invitation to Witness History

We are proud to announce the premiere of "The Road to Little Rock" on Thursday, January 24th at the Fargo Theatre. This is the story of Fargo Judge Ronald Davies' role in the integration of Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas in 1957. Judge Davies, a U.S. District Court Judge was asked to go to Little Rock, Arkansas to help with an overload of cases. On his desk lay the case that changed the course of this country's Civil Rights History.

After 18 months of writing, shooting, editing and original music writing, the video is ready to premiere at the Fargo Theatre on Thursday, January 24th at 7pm. This event is free and open to the public. It will give everyone the opportunity to see the impact that one judge and nine African-American students had on our county's history. These courageous students would forever be remembered as The Little Rock Nine. To view a short teaser of this program, visit www.TheRoadtoLittleRock.com.

Following the premiere there will be a panel discussion that will include Moderator/Historian Carl Oberholzter, panelists, Dr. Terrence Roberts of the Little Rock Nine, Art Phillips, Video Arts Studios and Dr. Jeffrey M. Schatz, Fargo Public Schools Superintendent.

Video Arts Studios has collaborated with the Fargo Public School District to create "The Road to Little Rock", a new curriculum that will be available in the fall 2013. This curriculum and video will help teach students who Judge Davies was and the profound impact he and the nine students had on desegregation in public schools in the United States.

"The Road to Little Rock" is sponsored in part by Bell State Bank & Trust, The Forum, Ron D. Offutt Family Foundation, University of North Dakota and the UND Foundation and Alumni Association. The project is supported in part by grants from the Arkansas and North Dakota Humanities Councils, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the State Historical Society of North Dakota.

Lights...Camera...Action!

Wait...what we really mean is...Lights...New HD Camera...Action!

Video Arts Studios recently acquired the new Canon EOS C300 and we are very excited about this new groundbreaking HD digital-cinema camera. It meets the demands of cinema industry professionals and is built for top high-end production. Featuring a unique Super 35mm Canon sensor, the C300 provides outstanding cinema quality movie capture. Although it is built for high end production, this camera is designed to please clients for any sized production or budget, large or small.

Marty Halgrimson, our Director of Photography, has been very impressed with the high-end image results from the Super 35mm sensor, interchangeable lenses and very low light capability. "This camera offers exceptional image quality and also allows us to shoot in a lot of different lighting situations."

Recently, Canon announced that this camera received the coveted broadcaster approval by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for production of a variety of programs range of their HD channels.

The excitement of this camera is being seen on sets for feature films, TV commercials and broadcast TV shows. If you want to see some of the quality of the footage it can capture, take a look at the Canon demo reel.

Si habla espanol? Parlez-vous francais? Sprechen Sie Deutsch?

Whenever you rent or purchase a Bobcat product, it is important to be able to understand the rules and practices of safe operation and maintenance before operating the equipment. Bobcat Company is working with Video Arts Studios to provide an easy, cost effective way for their dealers to be able to educate their customers in English and Spanish.

Most recently, the Safe Operation of the Bobcat Utility Vehicle video was updated and recorded into Spanish. Original English language timing is taking into consideration and the new language is time- synced with the original. The importance of translating the script word for word is imperative for the safety of the machine operator. Each translation is double checked with a second certified translator to verify the translation before and after recording. Foreign language voice talent is matched by the culture and dialect of the final user.

So, whatever language you speak...Spanish...French...German...or Chinese, Video Arts can help tell your story!

Celebrate the Hendrix Connection

This is the year that the legendary musician Jimi Hendrix would have turned 70 years old. Earlier this month we asked the question on our Facebook page, "What does the late Jimi Hendrix and Video Arts Studios have in common?" Well, the answer isÉ..they both have had audio studios designed by famed New York architect and acoustician, John Storyk!

John Storyk is a founding member of Walters-Storyk Design Group (WDSG) which is a worldwide acoustics and audio/video design firm, specializing in critical listening and viewing environments of various types since 1969. His first major project was designing Jimi Hendrix's Electric Lady Studios in New York City. He has since gone on to design studios for Alicia Keys, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Jay-Z, Bruce Springsteen and Video Arts Studios!

"We're celebrating the anniversary of our Storyk designed Graffiti Studios", says General Manager, Art Phillips. Graffiti Studios is the audio production facilities at Video Art. To date, Graffiti has recorded many musicians as well as individual singers. "We offer discounted studio rates for local and regional musicians to give them the chance to record in this incredible space. Our community has an eclectic group of talented musicians and singer and we want to encourage them to record and capture their music." Interested musicians can contact John Shea at john@videoartsstudios.com for a tour of the studios.

Videotaping in Little Rock

The crew had the privilege of visiting Central High School in Little Rock this summer. Coinciding the shoot with the a week-long Civil Rights Teacher’s Institute at the Little Rock Central High School Interpretive Center, Carl Oberholtzer and the Video Arts crew were able to interview the current District Court Judge Bill Wilson, Terrence Roberts and Minnijean Brown Trickey. Terrence and Minnijean were two of the Little Rock Nine in 1957.

A temperature of 98º and humidity of 98% created a warm welcome. The real warmth however, came from meeting Minnijean and hearing her memories of the 1957 school year at Central High. Minnijean is still involved with civil rights and spoke at the Teacher’s Workshop.

The community of Little Rock were very helpful is attaining access to Central High School and the courthouse where Judge Davies’ historical decisions on desegregation were made. It was pretty amazing to be videotaping life size statues of the Little Rock Nine, knowing these courageous individuals as they are today. According to crew members Art, Marty and John, “the trip was life-changing”.

Welcome Robyn and John

Robyn Thorvilson joined us in October as our Office Manager. She was referred to us by the famous Friday Lunch Ladies and Robyn fits perfectly into the group. She previously worked part-time as the Office Manager at Century 21 while focusing on volunteering and raising her beautiful family. She’s the friendly voice you hear on the phone when you call in and she can help you schedule your production. She keeps us all organized with our calendars and makes sure we all know where we are going.

Another familiar face back at the studio is John Shea, audio engineer extraordinaire. We welcome John back after a couple of years of freelancing and are so glad he is here! In addition to his audio engineering both on-location and in-studio, John keeps the IT equipment backed up and humming. John is in charge of our original music recordings and has been key in bringing new musical talents into Graffiti Studios.

A Too Familiar Story

Earlier this fall the Fargo Police Department wanted to continue their efforts in cracking down on DUIs with a new TV and radio campaign. Video Arts’ creative team once again collaborated with Fargo Police Sergeant Mike Bernier and Officer Michelle Voeltz, to develop a script and detailed storyboard. Then the officers and video crew took to the streets with camera equipment and actors.

Among the challenging set-ups to stage and shoot, was the late night accident scene. The Fargo Police and FM Ambulance provided appropriate emergency vehicles for the re-creation. After coordinating the location, actors and ambulance, our team used a Canon HDSLR camera to shoot, while placing the camera on a jib for certain key shots.

Sound effects and music were added for dramatic effect, giving the PSA a strong message – Don’t Drink & Drive! According to Sergeant Bernier, "Getting the message to the public that drunk driving is wrong is our main priority with this campaign." We’re proud to work with the Fargo Police Department in helping to keep our community safe.

Sanford Health

What inspires Olympians to train, families to come together, teams to work harder and communities to commit to the same purpose? Well, music, of course! Okay, we’ll admit it, not JUST music, but music does play a major role in creating an emotional and memorable message. And we are proud that Stephen Wilson of Sanford Health asked Audio Director, Steve Germaine, to compose an original score for their television commercial which aired during the Olympics.

Just like an Olympic athlete in training, Sanford Health is driven by a no-nonsense attitude and genuine compassion. Their drive and compassion, however, focuses on inspiring and transforming the lives of their patients. Sanford Health truly believes that hard work and good training will transform health care and improve the human condition.

The 2:00 version of the commercial premiered during the Summer Olympics. Thanks for letting Video Arts Studios be a part of your Olympic Campaign.

Welcome New Staff

We are pleased to announce the addition of two talented staff members to the Video Arts Team earlier this summer. They bring a treasure of experience and creativity to the group and we are happy to have them on board.

Ryan Sailer, our new editor, started his career as a videographer/editor with Prairie Public Television. He produced local production, documentaries, directed live TV programming and fundraising events. His creative eye and attention to detail make him a client’s left brain/right brain editing dream!

Jim Kirwan moved back to the Fargo area from Chicago to be closer to family. When he made that decision in his career, we were the lucky ones! As our new writer/producer, he will develop comprehensive branding strategies and effective ad campaigns for commercial and corporate clients. He has been honored by numerous awards, including seven Emmy Awards in Writing Short Form and Non-news Promotion. He jumped right in with both feet and hasn’t stop since he got here. If you want to start up a conversation, just ask him about cowboy kitsch. He’s an avid fan of western memorabilia, old comic books and he draws storyboards like a maniac.

Stop in to say hello to Jim and Ryan when you’re in the neighborhood!

Engineering Communication

Ulteig, with its headquarters in Fargo, is great at finding solutions for their customers in the engineering, surveying and consulting services. They’ve built a solid reputation on trust and hard work since 1944 and their company has grown to eight offices with multiple projects in progress at the same time.

The leadership team realizes the importance of communicating with their employees and worked with Video Arts to help them. A State of the Company message was streamed live to all locations in the first quarter of this year. The Video Arts Camera Crew worked with their IT staff to stream the presentations to all the locations. In the second quarter, Ulteig sent out a video message utilizing Video Arts again. The leadership team recorded their messages in our studios, edited together in a concise, visually attractive presentation and it was electronically distributed to all their sites. As this newsletter goes out, Ulteig is gathering information from their staff regarding which process they felt was the most effective.

Clear communication and information – another good reason that Ulteig has built its reputation to be the place where people want to work and the company that people want to hire. We’re proud to be a part of their communications team!

Let's Talk HGTV

This summer, Video Arts' crew was sworn to secrecy while videotaping an episode to be aired on "House Hunters", the hit TV show on HGTV. The video crew worked with Pie Town Productions to record Mary Aaland, a trauma surgeon, who returns to her hometown of Fargo, North Dakota. Her search for the perfect home varies from lofts to historic Victorian mansions.

As Mary states in the show, she decided to return to Fargo to be close to her family after being gone for nearly 30 years. She is hoping to find a home in the downtown Fargo area and has narrowed her decision down to three options. The crew highlights Mary at work, videotapes her in downtown Fargo during a beautiful summer day as well as records the finale in the home she purchased. You'll have to watch the show to find out Mary's final decision. Whichever one she decided on, you can bet there will be a party there on Tuesday night!

The episode airs Tuesday, November 1st at 9pm CST on HGTV.

For Eyes and Hearts

It is not very often that a project comes along that reminds me of why I chose to pursue a career in production. This was my experience working on "Through Eyes and Hearts", a video project for the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC).

In middle school, I was required to complete a service project as part of my Bar Mitzvah, working with peers who had Down Syndrome. It had been a long time since I had been around individuals with disabilities. On my first visit to the ACC, I was nervous as to how I would react or if I would feel comfortable. Within ten minutes upon setting foot on the Jamestown campus, all of my fears were replaced with amazement.

I had never been in a place that was as welcoming, friendly, understanding, and accepting. Along with the ACC's Communications Director, Lori Gress, it was my job to capture this essence and bottle it in video form. We hit the ground running.

Over the course of several months, Lori and I knocked out a demanding shooting schedule. We recorded all of the services we intended to cover through footage of staff and students interacting. We used interviews with staff members and parents to tell the story. They spoke with open hearts about their experiences with the ACC-- a testament to the intangible spirit we were trying to nail down.

Back at our studio, we wrote scripts and then edited the footage into different lengths to suite presentation for both the web and in-person meetings; a 20-minute overview, a 10-minute overview, and 8 mini videos that each focus on a different ACC service. The Center hopes to use the videos for recruitment and orientation of new employees as well as awareness for donors and the general public.

One of the stars of the video is an adorable little boy named Sander, who has made tremendous strides since coming to the Center. As his dad puts it, "To have Sander have such huge medical challenges at such a young age, you lose those dreams. I think that we just have to be grateful because we're getting some of those dreams back."

Looking back, my initial fears seem selfish-- and to an extent, they were. My personal situation allows me to live a very me-focused life. How am I feeling today? Why am I not as happy or fulfilled as I could be? I forget to observe the simple fact that, today, right now, I am alive and well.

At the ACC, this fact is not taken for granted. The remarkable individuals that make up the ACC staff spend every day improving the lives of others. Everyday, students at the Center inspire those around them with their courage and perseverance. This is the spirit of the Anne Carlsen Center that empowers individuals with disabilities and their families to live rich and fulfilled lives.

It was an honor and a privilege for me to be a small part of the Anne Carlsen Center's great legacy.

Davies School Dedication Features Little Rock Nine

This summer, the Judge Ronald N. Davies High School in Fargo opened the doors of the facility in south Fargo. To help celebrate the naming of the high school were two members of the Little Rock Nine. Carlotta Walls LaNier and Dr. Terrance Roberts came to pay their respects to the man who helped change the course of their personal story and the history of civil rights in our country.

The new Fargo High School is named in honor of Judge Davies of Fargo, who was a Federal District Judge of the Eastern District. He was temporary assigned to help clear up the backlog of cases in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957. His federal court decisions that year changed the course of civil rights history with public school integration. These historical decisions are a tribute to his integrity and the history of North Dakota.

In addition to the high school dedication, a Little Rock Nine Rocking Chair Symposium was held at the Bluestem Center for the Arts in Moorhead, featuring Dr. Terrence Roberts and Carlotta Walls LaNier. These two students of the Little Rock Nine shared their stories and answered questions about their part of the historical integration at Central High School.

Video Arts was key in coordinating and supervising this event with the Fargo Public Schools. In addition to recording with multiple cameras, Video Arts coordinated the promotion of the event through social media, producing newspaper ads, radio commercials and coordinating the publicity to the local/regional media. The Little Rock Nine Rocking Chair Symposium was sponsored in part by the North Dakota Humanities Council.

Chevy Runs Deep

Chevy Runs Deep, especially in western North Dakota. Odney called on Video Arts Studios to shoot Silverado All-Star Edition Pickup Trucks for the West Dakota Chevy Dealers. The backdrop for the shoot was in the ranch areas of western North Dakota, where there's a spirit that anything is possible.

The television commercials were shot on the HDSLR format utilizing different lenses to capture the pickup trucks parked or in action. The spots highlight how we "get things done" in our part of the world.

Video Arts worked with Odney's Creative Writer, Paul Kadrmas, on the two day shoot featuring different models and various colors. The commercials advertise a special price promotion on the Chevy Silverado Pickups, the longest lasting, most dependable, full-sized pickups on the road.

NDSU Athletics Teams Up With Video Arts

The NDSU/Video Arts team once again joined forces; this time to promote Bison Basketball! Video Arts produced an image spot for both television and radio, as well as promos for the individual games.

The television commercial, "This Is Bison Basketball", features highlights of both the men and women's teams during games as well as shots of fans and coaches. Scripting was provided by Flint Communications.

Both the men's and women's teams start the regular season against Green Bay. The men play their first regular game on November 16th and the women play on November 11th. Bison basketball is part of NCAA Division 1 Summit League and play at the Bison Sports Arena.

This is BISON BASKETBALL!

For more information, visit www.gobison.com.

Bobcat Calls on Video Arts for Training Video

When Bobcat Company needed a new Safety Video for their latest line-up of Utility Vehicles, once again, the manufacturer called on Video Arts Studios. "Safe Operation of Bobcat Utility Vehicles" provides instructions for proper operation and maintenance of Utility Vehicles. Video Arts translated the training video into Spanish and both versions are available on DVD and at www.bobcat.com.

Video Arts also updated the latest Safety Video DVD for Bobcat Company featuring the Skid-Steer Loader, All-Wheel Steer Loader, Compact Excavator, Mini Track Loader, Compact Tractor, Toolcat, Utility Vehicle, VersaHandler and the Loader Backhoe. The videos were translated to provide both English and Spanish versions for the DVD.

Video Arts worked closely with Bobcat Product Safety Manager Shawn Warkenthien, and Bobcat Product Safety & Compliance Engineers Matt Foley and Tyler Anderson on the new safety video and the updated Safety Video DVD.

Graffiti Studios is Born

We are pleased to announce Graffiti Studios, the new name for the music recording facilities at Video Arts Studios. Both Studio A and Studio B were designed by John Storyk of Walters-Storyk of New York. John Storyk was the architect and acoustical designer of Electric Lady Studios, the New York City recording studio owned by the late Jimi Hendrix. John has been designing recording studios all over the world for such artists as Alicia Keys, Bruce Springsteen and Whitney Houston.

Two recent sessions at Graffiti Studios were with the Johnson Family Band and Rosemary Sauvageau. The Johnson Family Band just finished their latest album, "Snake Oil Woman", which contains all original material. Their music is rooted in a traditional mountain feeling, but draws influence from jazz and rock-and-roll. Their debut album, "Old Ruby", was also recorded at Graffiti Studios. Johnson Family Band will be appearing soon on the hit NBC television show, "America's Got Talent". Check out their music at www.johnsonfamilyband.com.

Singer/songwriter Rosemary Sauvageau recently completed her debut CD at Graffiti Studios. The CD entitled, "Be Around", consists of ten original songs. The album features Rosemary on piano and guitar. Rosemary started playing piano by ear when she was two and began piano lessons when she was five. Take a listen to Rosemary at www.myspace.com/fargosrose.

Other artists who have recorded at Graffiti Studios include Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, Haley E & the Rydells, the Escape Artists, Josh Harty and Hannah Christianson.

For more information about Graffiti Studios and artist package pricing, contact Art Phillips, art@videoartsstudios.com or call 701-232-3393.

We Got You, Babe!

Thanks to Mike Bosze of Broadway Video of New York City, Video Arts help pay tribute to Cher for Glamour Magazine's Women of the Year event. Glamour Magazine held its 20th Annual Women of the Year Gala at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Cher was given the Lifetime Achievement Award and Video Arts Studios' work was part of the presentation.

The tribute video contained highlights of Cher's career as well as interviews of designer Bob Mackie, Cher's costumer for 30 years, Dr. Bob Meaders, Founder of Operation Helmet, and Emily Paulson, a participant of the Children's Craniofacial Association. Cher is the national spokesperson for the Children's Craniofacial Association.

Video Arts' crew videotaped Emily, a Moorhead native, talking about meeting Cher when she was a baby. Cher asked to hold Emily when she was on the Maury Povich TV show with her mother, Denise. Emily thanked Cher on camera for her work with the Children's Craniofacial Association and helped close the video singing along with Sonny & Cher's hit song, "I Got You Babe".

Cher is one of only a handful of entertainers to win a Grammy, an Oscar and an Emmy. Cher's additional humanitarian projects include building a school for Kenya orphans, supporting Operation Helmet, and recently she co-founded The Heroes Project for wounded veterans.


Video Arts Studios is proud to announce its third and fourth contributions to the highly rated MonsterQuest series on History Channel.  In season one, Video Arts produced two episodes; Mutant Canines and Swamp Beast.  In the second season of MonsterQuest, History Channel called on Video Arts to produce two more episodes; Black Beast of Exmoor and Giant Squid Ambush. Black Beast of Exmoor uncovers the mysteries behind feline-like beasts spotted throughout the British Isles.  The crew traveled overseas to England and Scotland to interview witnesses, analyze the evidence and seek answers to find out what is really prowling the English countryside.  MonsterQuest: Giant Squid Ambush, investigates the 2006 sighting of what appeared to be a huge giant squid, 1000 feet under water, which was captured on video.  Some experts believe the squid was up to 100 feet long.  For this episode, Video Arts traveled to the Sea of Cortez, returning to the area of the 2006 sighting. Improved underwater technology was used to find proof of this legendary sea beast. All episodes were shot and edited in High Definition.   MonsterQuest airs on Wednesdays at 8pmCST.  MonsterQuest is created by WhiteWolf Entertainment and Bosch Media in partnership with CableReady.highly rated MonsterQuest series on History Channel.  In season one, Video Arts produced two episodes; Mutant Canines and Swamp Beast.  In the second season of MonsterQuest, History Channel called on Video Arts to produce two more episodes; Black Beast of Exmoor and Giant Squid Ambush.

Black Beast of Exmoor uncovers the mysteries behind feline-like beasts spotted throughout the British Isles.  The crew traveled overseas to England and Scotland to interview witnesses, analyze the evidence and seek answers to find out what is really prowling the English countryside. 

MonsterQuest: Giant Squid Ambush, investigates the 2006 sighting of what appeared to be a huge giant squid, 1000 feet under water, which was captured on video.  Some experts believe the squid was up to 100 feet long.  For this episode, Video Arts traveled to the Sea of Cortez, returning to the area of the 2006 sighting. Improved underwater technology was used to find proof of this legendary sea beast.

All episodes were shot and edited in High Definition.   MonsterQuest airs on Wednesdays at 8pmCST.  MonsterQuest is created by WhiteWolf Entertainment and Bosch Media in partnership with CableReady.



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VIDEO ARTS PRODUCES CONFERENCE VIDEOS FOR MICROSOFT


Video Arts Studios traveled to Minneapolis to produce videos for Microsoft regarding Virtualization Solutions for their customers.  These videos were presented at the Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) in Houston, where thousands of Microsoft Partners were in attendance from around the world.  WPC is a forum to learn about business growth opportunities, product innovations and opportunities to expand business potential by connecting with other partners.  

  One of the videos, "Partner Excitement", shared Partner's thoughts on how Microsoft Virtualization gives customers solution choices, return on their investment and reduction in costs by optimizing their infrastructure.  Microsoft solutions enable IT departments to virtualize applications, desktops, and servers and monitor them through a single management console.

General Manager/Director Art Phillips worked closely with Leslie Legg, Marketing Manager Core Infrastructure for Microsoft, Mitch Lee was behind the HD camera and Marty Halgrimson was in charge of the sound recording.  The videos were edited in High Definition by Senior Editor, Mike Lerfald.



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VIDEO ARTS PROVIDES MUSIC FOR HISTORIC MEDORA

North Dakota's number one vacation destination, Historic Medora - in the heart of the North Dakota Badland's needed original music to promote events offered to its visitors.  Wade Westin, Marketing and Public Relations Director for the Medora Foundation called on Audio Director, Steve Germaine to write and produce the music.

  After reviewing the client's needs, Steve and Wade decided two versions would be created.  The first piece was an orchestral piece which featured a big, full sound.  A country-folk version was also created featuring fiddle, harmonica and mandolin.  The music promotes events including the Medora Musical, Bully Pulpit Golf Course and Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

  Wade was happy to have two different musical versions to give him versatility in the advertising and marketing of Medora.   He stated "The finished product was even better than what I had dreamed.  I was so glad we were able to have the jingle produced in the state, while still having a world-class product!"



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AND THE WINNER IS...

Video Arts has won two national Telly Awards in the 29th Annual Telly Awards Competition.  The Telly Awards were founded in 1978

to honor and promote excellence in TV commercials as well as video and film productions.  This year's competition received over 14,000 entries from all 50 states and five continents. 

  The first Telly Award was given to the "Opening Video" produced for The Partner Channel and used at the Annual Partner Event held in Fargo.  Video Arts worked closely with Spider Johnk from The Partner Channel on the project.

The second Telly Award went to Family Foot and Ankle Clinic in Bismarck, North Dakota for the television commercial entitled "Tap Dancer". The spot was created by Dave Skyberg Productions of Baxter, MN for the Harmsgroup of Bismarck.





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Well yee-haw and yippy-ki-yay!  We had ourselves a hoe-down at Video Arts Studios when the Johnson Family Band came to record their first full-length studio album, "Old Ruby" in one of our John Storyk designed audio recording studios.  The six-piece band from Fargo consists of Pete Hoffman-guitar/vocals, Max Velo-banjo/vocals, Tom Johnson-dobro/vocals, Haley Rydell-fiddle/vocals, Ross Cameron-double bass and Mark Reitan-Mandolin/vocals.  Their music is rooted in a traditional mountain feeling, but draws influence from jazz and rock-n-roll as well.  
 
Video Arts Audio Engineer, John Shea, was requested by the band to engineer and co-produce this album, consisting of 13 original songs.  The entire album was recorded live.  Cover artwork for the album was provided by Dan Swenson.  Check out the band, the album and information on their summer tour at myspace.com/johnsonfamilyband.

Architect/Acoustician John Storyk of Walters-Storyk Design Group in New York has been designing professional audio and video recording facilities all over the world since 1969 including Electric Lady Studios for Jimi Hendrix.   Besides designing our recording studios, John has also designed studios for Whitney Houston, Todd Rundgren and most recently, Alicia Keys.
 
Give us a call or stop by for a tour and see how easy it would be to bring your musical endeavors to light at Video Arts Studios.


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For years, floodwaters have ravaged Fargo's Trollwood Park, forcing Trollwood Performing Arts School to search for a new home on higher ground. They found it on Moorhead's south side, but soon realized it would take a major capital campaign to make the location into a viable new home for community youth and arts programs.

Armed with an eight minute DVD produced by Video Arts outlining the positive impact TPAS has on our community, Trollwood's "FutureBuilders" set to work raising local and regional funds to accompany a five and one-half million dollar grant from the state of Minnesota.
 
Lisa Farnham, TPAS marketing coordinator, conducted interviews with past and present students, parents and community leaders at Video Arts Studios. Many of these people tell of the life changing opportunities TPAS gave them. Vintage video spanning nearly 30 years of stage productions gives a fun yet historical view of the school and the accomplishments of its students.
 
Lisa shares, "The Video Arts team has been great to work with. They wove together emotion, images and words for our potential funders who might not otherwise understand the powerful impact Trollwood makes in the lives of our students, families, and in the community. Thanks for helping us tell the Trollwood story!" 
 
Working with Lisa and TPAS Executive Director Vicki Chepulis, Video Arts' editor Travis Jensen created a whirl of music, motion and emotion. Along with John Shea and Marty Halgrimson providing audio recording and mixing. Producer credits are given to Lisa, Vicki and Dan Lien of Video Arts.

 

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Microsoft Calls On Video Arts Studios For Customer Videos

What recent Microsoft event brought over 9600 people together, representing 65 countries to Orlando, Florida?  That would be the premier Microsoft Dynamics annual customer event - Convergence.  Microsoft called on Video Arts Studios to produce two customer videos to be played at this global community gathering.
Video Arts' Writer/Producer Tricia O'Connor Carlson worked closely with Errol Schoenfish, Director of Product Management and Pam Misialek, Product Manager, both from the Microsoft Dynamics GP team.   Featured customers were Search for Common Ground of Washington, DC and Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake, Minnesota.

Search for Common Ground is a not-for-profit organization in 18 countries whose mission is to "transform the way the world deals with conflict".  The video shows how this international peace building organization uses Microsoft Dynamics GP software as a platform to pull all their business units together in real time.  The video contained footage of the Washington, DC office and images from all over the world.
 
Mystic Lake Casino described Microsoft Dynamics GP as a great piece of software; rock solid, reliable, and timesaving - especially in the area of delivering financial statements out.  The video contained scenes of the casino as well as shots of the office staff using the software.  Mitch Lee, Directory of Photography, was behind the camera and Marty Halgrimson was in charge of the sound recording.  Tricia worked closely with Senior Editor, Mike Lerfald for several versions of the projects and Audio Director, Steve Germaine, provided the audio sweetening.

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Montana Dakota Utilities is Indescribable

One word?  That is the concept for the new Montana Dakota Utilities television and print campaign.  Art Phillips and Steve Germaine of Video Arts worked closely with Rena Koffler, MDU's Media Specialist and Paige Matson, MDU's Art Director to develop the "Indescribable" concept to describe MDU with just one word.  The television campaign was shot and edited entirely in high definition.

Video Arts called on the comedic abilities of Scott Horvik, an experienced local actor, to try and find the "perfect word" to describe MDU.  In fact, while Scott was discussing MDU, he also came up with a few of his own perfect words.

Mitch Lee was the man behind the HD camera capturing detailed high definition images on solid-state memory cards.  No tape involved!  Audio Engineer Marty Halgrimson was in charge of capturing all the sounds of Scott's fun and animated performance.  Art worked closely with Senior Editor Mike Lerfald to piece together the entertaining and energetic footage for several commercials.  Steve created a musical motif for a recurring thematic element at the end of each commercial. 

MDU is an electric and natural gas utility service located in North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming.  They serve both residential and commercial customers throughout the four states.  The campaign is also being used for Great Plains Natural Gas Company, a division of MDU Resources, providing natural gas to industrial, commercial and residential customers in 19 Minnesota and North Dakota communities.

 

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No 'Dirty Job' for Video Arts Studios

Recently Video Arts had the opportunity to work with a well known Discovery Channel voice and talent. Yep, you guessed it, Mike Rowe from the hit TV series, Dirty Jobs. This television show offers an illuminating look at what lies beyond the world of 9 to 5. Since he was in our neck of the woods, his producer called Video Arts to set up the session.

Mike worked with Audio Director Steve Germaine, who set up a phone patch with his producers so they could be part of the session. After recording the scripts, Mike shook hands with everyone and away he went. He had part of his fellow Dirty Jobs crew with him on his way to tape an episode or two of the show in central Minnesota. Mike is also the voice of many shows and commercials including Deadliest Catch on the Discovery Channel, The Ultimate Fighter on Spike TV as well as the spokesman for Ford Trucks.

 

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MeritCare Celebrates 100 Years!

2008 marks the Centennial Celebration 100th anniversary of MeritCare Health System, Fargo, and to help generate greater awareness Video Arts is producing a television campaign reflecting on MeritCare's past and future. Shot on location at the health system's main campus, Video Arts' crew worked with MeritCare's Darren Huber and Rebecca Knutson.

The first of three spots began airing the end of February. Senior Editor Mike Lerfald blended historical photographs from the past with vivid footage shot by DP Mitch Lee. Dan Lien directed, and Marty Halgrimson assisted with stunning lighting schemes. Audio Director Steve Germaine sweetened the spot.

Watch for the second and third spots to air later this year. Happy 100th MeritCare!

 

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House of Babies Television Show Branches Out With New Website and Prenatal Video

Video Arts Studios is pleased to announce the launch of two new projects in connection with its ground-breaking Discovery Health Channel television series, House of Babies.  The website, houseofbabies.com, and prenatal instructional DVD, Shari Daniels’ Baby 101, are the latest additions to the growing House of Babies family.

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Video Arts Shoots High-Definition for Prairie Knights Casino

When Prairie Knights Casino called upon the Kranzler-Kingsley advertising agency to freshen up its television campaign, the agency, once again, asked Video Arts Studios to make its campaign vision a reality.  The choice was no gamble; Video Arts has the latest in tapeless high-definition technology and put it to good use with some very unique and stylish shots.

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Delivering the Vision.  Unlocking the Power.

The National Information Solutions Cooperative successfully completed their member conference with video support from Video Arts Studios.  Pre-registration skits for the web, a meeting opener and customer testimonials were produced for the event in St. Louis.

This year’s meeting theme was “Delivering the Vision... Unlocking the Power”.  For the meeting, Video Arts produced an energetic two-minute opening video that featured NISC’s new icons and software.  The enthusiastic video really set the tone for the meeting’s agenda!

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Video Arts Studios Showcases Inspirational Stories on The Hallmark Channel

What do husband and wife music store owners, a town of six people, and an expert on car radios have in common?  Their stories – shot, produced, and edited by Video Arts – have all been highlighted on The Hallmark Channel’s ‘New Morning’ program in the past couple of months.  ‘New Morning' is a weekday, one-hour show that features inspirational stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

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Video Arts Studios Helps Bring New History Channel Series to Cable

Video Arts is pleased to announce its contribution to MonsterQuest, a new weekly series on The History Channel®.   Video Arts collaborated with WhiteWolf Entertainment and Bosch Media in partnership with CableReady, in creating two episodes of MonsterQuest.  MonsterQuest: Mutant Canines premiered Wednesday, December 5th, and MonsterQuest: Swamp Beast airs Wednesday, December 26th, at 9 pm CST (10 pm ET).

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Bobcat Marks Milestone With Video Arts' Aid

2008 marks the 50th anniversary of the Bobcat loader. To commemorate the occasion, Bobcat Marketing Communication Manager Leroy Anderson commissioned Video Arts to produce The Bobcat Film Legacy, a DVD that chronicles the influence of film and video on Bobcat sales and marketing.

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Video Arts Helps Light Up The Partner Event

For the fifth time, Fargo played host to this year's The Partner Event - Business Building Conference (BBC), produced by The Partner Channel and sponsored by Microsoft Dynamics. More than 500 people and 70 exhibitors from all over the country descended on the Fargodome to learn from industry experts and enhance their sales, marketing and leadership skills. Once again, Art, Mitch, Mike, Marty and Steve teamed up with Spider Johnk to create the event's opening video.

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Video Arts Studios Adds 3 to Staff

Video Arts Studios is excited to welcome three new people to the family! Joining us is Office Manager, Aimee Mitchell; Editor, Travis Jensen; and Producer/Writer, Tricia O'Connor.

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Aimee         Travis           Tricia

VAS puts ND sculptor on the map with Hallmark Channel

Metal folk artist Gary Greff had a dream to save his small, rural North Dakota town from dying. He wanted to build metal sculptures; great, big metal sculptures that would amaze people the world over.

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What do you do when the manager of a famous rock band calls up and says, "Hey, we want to record some tracks in Fargo? Can we do it at your place?" The answer form us was a resounding, "YES!" And so it came to be that members of the California rock bands, "Queens of the Stone Age" and "Eagles of Death Metal," spent a marathon twelve hours in our state-of-the-art recording studio.

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Press Release: House of Babies

Fargo, ND, October 19, 2005 --- Video Arts Studios, a Fargo-based full service film, video and audio production company, produces HOUSE OF BABIES, a serie for Discovery Health Channel.

Microsoft Business Solutions, Spider & Co and Video Arts Studios know that none of us are in this alone. In fact, we're all  Better Together. For this project, being together helped bring home a highly coveted Silver Telly Award!

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Scheels All Sports - Play Ball!

"From the dusty infield, across the grass, and over the fence the drama of comebacks and close calls unfolds."

With these engaging words, the thirty-second radio spot for Scheels All Sports begins.

Established in 1902, Scheels All Sports is now a 22-store operation spanning seven states ...

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Everyone's Talking About Trollwood

The mission was clear - Trollwood Performing Arts School of Fargo was looking for a new student recruitment video to showcase in area schools. The question: how do we educate and excite students about Trollwood in 10 minutes or less? The answer: Ask them!

That's exactly what we did one afternoon...

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NDSU Sports

Video Arts was hired by Flint Communications to help produce a new set of commercials for NDSU's football and basketball teams. Working closely with
John Nelson from SimmonsFlint, the Video Arts crew helped create a surreal, edgy look ...

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Coach Bohl & the boys put on their game faces.

Bobcat Company

Bobcat Company recently introduced the MT-52 mini track loader and the 430 Zero House Swing Compact Excavator to the compact equipment industry.

Promotional videos created by Video Arts ...

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Wooly Boys

WOOLY BOYS, the comedy-adventure set and filmed in North Dakota, opened
winter of 2004 with the highest grossing per screen average ...

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A screen shot from Wooly Boys.

A Darn Good Time, Doncha Know!

 

What's 8 feet tall, smells of cedar, weighs in at over 500 pounds and is now one of the hottest attraction in Fargo ? 

 

If you guessed "Wood-Chip Marge," located at the historic Fargo Theatre, you're right!

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More News in the archive section...





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