Blog
November 11, 2007
RJ's Newsletter - August 16, 2006
RJ’s Newsletter—August 16, 2006
Welcome to RJ’s Inventive Productions Newsletter, which is written to inspire myself and others to live a “grand, heroic, life.” (from a poem by Walt Whitman)
Great Quotations:
"If your energy is as boundless as your ambition, total commitment may be a way of life you should seriously consider." -- Joyce Brothers
Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity. -- -Kahlil Gibran
"The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it." Norman Schwarzkopf
"You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you." -- Dale Carnegie
"Every now and then, somewhere, some place, sometime, you are going to have to plant your feet, stand firm, and make a point about who you are and what you believe in. When that time comes, Pat, you simply have to do it."Lee Riley (father of Pat Riley, NBA coach)
Risk! Risk anything! ...Do the hardest thing on earth for you. Act for yourself. Face the truth. -- -Katherine Mansfield
"When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost." -- Billy Graham
When you clench your fist, no one can put anything in your hand. --Alex Haley
“A pessimist is one who feels bad when he feels good for fear he'll feel worse when he feels better." -- Unknown
The world is one percent good, one percent bad, ninety-eight percent neutral. It can go one way or the other, depending on which side is pushing. This is why what individuals do is important. --Hans Habe
Great website:
1. Here is a great site that will give you a new appreciation about your birthday: Birthday Calculator
2. Here is a great article from the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/20/fashion/20funeral.html?ei=5070&en=73af5ba8fe7d66f8&ex=1154059200&emc=eta1&pagewanted=all
3. A superb source of historical photographs is available from the Library of Congress, which has scanned, digitized, and made available to the public about 1 million images. You can access the Library's Prints and Photographs Online Catalog at: http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/catalog.html
Inventive Productions update:
1. Open House Party—You are invited to our Open House Party this Thursday, August 17th, 5 to 7pm, with free wine and finger foods, live music by India Turner, lots of exciting door prizes, green screen studio demonstrations, and free sample DVDs of our work. Feel free to bring friends and family to our fun evening. No selling is allowed at our parties. Just laughter and friendship. Call for directions.
2. The Sunday after Labor Day is National Grandparents Day, so make sure you give your grandparents a call. Also you might think about buying them the Ultimate Gift, a video biography of their life. What better way to tell your grandparents you care? Here is more info about the national holiday: http://www.grandparents-day.com/
3. Video Greeting Cards are the newest fad in America. We can create one for you for only $499.
4. We are very grateful for the personal referrals we are receiving from our clients, friends, and family. Thank you so much.
5. New Television Commercial. Watch for our new Inventive Productions TV commercial that is airing across the Seattle area. Here is a link to it: www.myspace.com/inventivetvcommercial
6. Television Commercials: our team enjoyed creating our new TV commercial so much, that they would like to create TV commercials for other people and companies. If you have ever thought of getting a 30 second TV commercial created for your company, now is the time to do it. We are offering for a limited time, a special offer of only $999 for a complete 30 second TV commercial. Tell your friends about this incredible offer.
7. Free DVD—we have created a short DVD that explains “How to Create a Video Biography”—call or email for a free copy of this DVD.
8. A “Breaking News” tab is being added to our website. Watch for this new feature on our website any day ( www.inventiveproductions.com )
9. SPECIAL QUESTIONS—one of the reasons why people like our Video Biography system at Inventive Productions is our unique custom questionnaire program. We use a teleprompter or cue card system during our interviews to help you feel comfortable on-camera. Our questions are specially designed to help you tell your life story in an easy, professional way. You really look good in our Video Biographies.
10. Bob & Jackie P—We are editing together a Husband-Wife combination Video Biography for a unique couple. Bob & Jackie have been together for over 50 years.
11. Jan W—We have scanned nearly 20,000 slides as part of the first stage of the production of a heroic Video Autobiography of Jan—coming soon.
12. Colleen M—the editing is complete on the Autobiography DVD on the life of Colleen. We are showing it to her on Thursday.
13. Shirley M—Shirley is coming by this week to add some more interview footage.
14. Jim Z (BEYOND THE LIGHTS)—We are in the final stages of post production on Jim’s biography.
15. Woody O (MR BASEBALL)—Final touches are being made to Woody’s life story DVD. Our goal is to get the first draft to Woody in time for his family reunion this week.
16. Bill S—we are editing this wonderful love story of two people who met at a USO dance during World War II.
17. Gordy G—The first draft of a short Promotional Biography DVD was presented to Gordy and his team. Gordy is a nationally known motivational speaker and author who helps individuals and organizations cope with and make Changes. He is known as the “Change Agent.” (www.ggco.com ) Our promo DVD will be used to help promote his speaking engagements.
18. Bob & Gloria S—We have transferred old home movies and interview footage into our computers for Bob’s video autobiography. Bob has been an educator most of his life, and he has dedicated his life to so many worthy causes over the years, including the HiLiners.
19. Steele Heart Documentary—Our team is producing a fun documentary about a remarkable group of musicians, the Steele Heart Band. (www.steeleheart.com ). These musicians are actually RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) law enforcement officers who play Country Western Music in their RCMP uniforms at charity concerts all across America, Canada, and other countries. Steeleheart is celebrating their 20th Anniversary as a musical group. Our documentary is about how they got started, why they do these charity concerts, and about the people they help. After seeing our interview footage, all I can say is: these guys truly are humanitarians. They have a great sense of humor and are world-class entertainers. Steeleheart can get a crowd to dance, too. It is awesome to see how they use their talent, music, sense of humor, and caring sense of community to help raise money for charities. Our goal is to create a moving documentary that will help Steeleheart tell their story in their own words. Our DVD for Steeleheart will include a 20 minute-documentary, a music video, a musical slide show, and a blooper reel.
20. Bill E—How many lives does one man live? Here is story of a Seattle-area man who has led several lives in one lifetime. Here is the story of a veteran from WWII, a broadcaster who started on a small-watt radio station in Bend, OR, a children’s TV-show personality from the 60s in Seattle (CAPTAIN COSMO), a dedicated TV producer who captured exciting moments of the early years of NASA at Cape Canaveral, an author, a businessman, a pilot, and a grandfather, father, and husband. I feel very fortunate to be able to help Bill tell his life story in his own words. He has terrific stories to describe, and tons of great photos, home movies, other materials that will help make this DVD a real treasure and heirloom for his family.
21. The Pacific Institute—Last week we were fortunate to capture numerous interviews and celebrations for the The Pacific Institute during their annual Global Conference at the Westin in Seattle. We interviews CEOs and executives from all around the world. Our mission is to create a mini-series of documentaries that will chronicle the history and culture of this incredible organization. To learn more about the Pacific Institute, go to www.pac-inst.com
22. Stroke Victim DVD--In this short documentary, Gordy Graham explains his remarkable recovery from having a stroke. He explains his successful use of visualization techniques to speed up his recovery. Our team is nearly finished editing this DVD.
23. Charity Golf Tournament DVD—As part of the Bill Peare Golf Tournament at Suncadia on July 21st, our Inventive Productions team helped document the event and create a nice DVD. Proceeds of the DVD will go to the local Life Support charity. We will be sending out copies of the DVD to the attendees.
24. Your Own Autobiographical Website—we can now create your Autobiography on the Internet with your own Custom Autobiographical Website. Using the information you give us in our interviews, we can create a professional website with pictures, video, and more. For more information about this exciting new service, call or email RJ today.
25. Coffee Table Books--We can now create a beautiful hard-bound coffee-table Picture Book using your photos.
26. Movie Posters--We can create a custom Movie Poster for you, too.
27. 50 FIRST DATES--Experts have testified that Biographical Videos can greatly enhance and help in the care of people with memory loss, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and amnesia. Have you seen the movie 50 FIRST DATES? By watching a video DVD of their life, a person with memory loss can help remember who they are and feel better about life. Dr. Richard A. Wyckoff told me that Biographical videos really do help people with memory loss remember their identities. Check out his website www.geroservices.com
28. ARE YOU TOO YOUNG? Many people think they are too young to have a Video Biography created on their life. We have one client who had his Video Biography created when he was 23 years old. Now he is 28 years old. His goal is to update his biography every five years of his life. He feels that his Video Biography helps keep him focused on his life goals and to remind himself of his values. Why not start capturing your life on Video today?
29. NEW PACKAGES AND PRICES—our goal at Inventive Productions is to help people and organizations tell their stories in their own words. We are the Autobiography Company. To make this affordable and to offer a wide variety of choices, we have created a new menu of packages, prices, and services. For specific details about each of our packages, please call or email RJ today. I can email you or mail you our detailed price sheet.
Here is a brief list of some of our exciting new prices and packages:
· Video-Photo-Musical Montage DVDs starting at $199
· Love Letter DVDs (GREETING CARD DVDS) starting at $499
· Basic Video Biography DVDs starting at $499
· Video Business Card DVDs starting at $999
· Television Commercials starting at $999
· Bronze Video Biography DVDs starting at $2999
· Silver Video Biography DVDs starting at $4999
· Gold Video Biography DVDs starting at $5999
· Diamond Video Biography DVDs starting at $9999
· Corporate History & Culture DVDs: on a bid basis
· Coffee Table Photo Books: call for price
· Custom Movie Posters: call for price
· Custom Autobiography Websites: call for price
For specific details about our packages, please call or email RJ today. I can email you or mail you a detailed package & price sheet.
30. FINANCING AVAILABLE—we are pleased to be able to offer financing if needed. Call or email RJ for exact details.
29. Our Team—the Inventive Productions team is growing. Here is a list of our teammates:
Independent Sales: Akina, Deniz, Veva, Larry, Bill, Julie G.
Production Team: Marc, Tyler, Kenny, Shayla, Nate, Alisa, and Janus
Office Administration: Kellie
Managing Producer: RJ
30. Bud Hawk—Our full length Video Biography of Bud Hawk (HOMETOWN HERO) is currently available for Free. This incredible story of a true American hero is an inspiration to everyone. Bud Hawk is a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery in France during WWII. We are pleased to be able to offer this DVD Autobiography. If you would like to receive a free copy of this documentary, please email or call RJ. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society mailed out copies of our DVD to all the 109 living MOH recipients. Mr. Bud Hawk is a true American hero who lives in Bremerton. He was decorated by President Harry Truman for being a “human aiming target” that helped knock out two German tanks, and for helping to capture over five hundred enemy soldiers in one day. Our goal is to show this film to as many American vets and students as possible. A short sample of the “John Hawk—Medal of Honor Autobiography” can be seen at www.inventiveproductions.com/samples.html Note: Coming Soon— www.budhawk.com
31. Ship of Miracles update:
Over the past few weeks, I have received feedback about the rough cut of my documentary SHIP OF MIRACLES from people all across the world. Based on this feedback I plan to make modifications and create the final version of the film. The International Documentary Association has set up a website that allows individuals to make online tax-deductible donations to my SHIP OF MIRACLES project through their Fiscal Sponsorship program. To make an online tax deductible donation to the Ship of Miracles film project, go to http://documentary.org/resources/fiscal_sponsorship_donate.php To learn more about the SHIP OF MIRACLES, go to www.shipofmiracles.com
Writing update
I am pleased that my first two novels are now available on AMAZON.COM. Just go to www.amazon.com and do a search for RJ McHatton. You will be able to see my first novel, THE DIRTY DEED, and my second novel MY KIDS. My third book, “BONUS TIME AND OTHER SHORT STORIES” will be available later this Fall. My fourth book, “THE BRILLIANTS AND OTHER SHORT STORIES” will be available early next year. You can learn more about my writing at www.whiteknuckles.com
Umatilla Film update:
My award-winning documentary, UMATILLA, is now be available on DVD at http://www.customflix.com/Store/ShowEStore.jsp?id=210354 You can learn more about this film project at www.whiteknuckles.com
Family update:
We moved into our new home. It is located at the end of the road, with nearly four acres and a great view. My wife Victoria is a dachshund puppy breeder. You can see pictures of our puppies at www.astoriaweenies.com My children, Jason and Crissy, are enjoying the sunshine this Summer, and cannot wait until school starts (just kidding).
Home for Sale:
Now that the family has moved all together, we are selling our home in Astoria, Oregon. It is a restored 1900’s Victorian with awesome views. If you know of anyone who might be interested in this home, please tell them to see pictures of the home at www.astoriaview.com
Joke of the week:
Q. What do you call a song sung in an automobile?
A. A cartoon.
(Joke submitted by my son Jason)
A. A cartoon.
(Joke submitted by my son Jason)
Thanks for reading my email newsletter. If you have any questions or suggestions, please email RJ@inventiveproductions.com
To learn more about Inventive Productions, go to www.inventiveproductions.com
Feel free to forward this newsletter to your friends and family.
Have a great day.
RJ McHatton
Inventive Productions LLC
3625 132nd Avenue, S.E.
Suite 100
Bellevue WA 98006
Studio office 425-747-4538
cell 503-470-0728
website www.inventiveproductions.com
If you would like to be added to or removed from this email list, please email RJ@inventiveproductions.com
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