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November 11, 2007
RJ's Newsletter - September 4, 2006
RJ’s Newsletter—September 4, 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)
The following newsletter is dedicated to my dad, Bob McHatton, who would have been 73 years old on September 1st. I really miss him.
Great Quotations:
"I've missed over 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times I've been trusted to take the game-winning shot...and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” -- Michael Jordan, Professional Basketball Player
"Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work." -- Stephen King
“If you look at zero you see nothing; but look through it and you will see the world.” ---Robert Kaplan
“Many people die at twenty five and aren't buried until they are seventy five.”-- Benjamin Franklin
“The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” -- -William Faulkner
“A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer; it sings because it has a song.”---Maya Angelou
”Worrying is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere.” -- -Unknown
Inventive Productions update:
1. There was a terrific article published about a week ago in the San Francisco Chronicle. It described how Video Biographies are starting to catch on with Baby Boomers across America. Here is a link to the article. I really think the author did an outstanding job.
2. The Sunday after Labor Day is National Grandparents Day. Make sure you give your parents or grandparents a call. Also you might think about giving them the Ultimate Gift, by having a video biography produced on their life. What better way to tell your grandparents you care? Here is more info about the national holiday:
3. There is a new television channel coming soon, Family Tree TV:
4. Here is a cute gift for a loved one: http://www.funnybio.com/
5. It is hard to believe that some retail stores are already stocking up on Christmas toys. Video Greeting Cards and Christmas Cards are a terrific way to express your feelings to a loved one. Call me if you want more details on how we can create a custom Video Christmas card for your family.
6. There is a great new website dedicated to the 50+ baby boomers. Check it out at www.eons.com
7. Would you like to read some of our old RJ’s newsletters? Go to: www.myspace.com/inventiveproductions
8. Here is another new TV channel coming soon: http://www.rootstelevision.com/
9. We are very grateful for the personal referrals we are receiving from our clients, friends, and family. Thank you so much.
10. 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
11. The APH (Association of Personal Historians) is having its annual convention in October in Portland, Oregon. I really am impressed with the incredible resources available at this organization’s website: www.personalhistorians.org
12. 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.
13. In May, the Kiplinger letter wrote a great article about how Americans are starting to catch on to the Video Biography idea. Let me know if you want me to email you a copy of the article.
14. 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.
15. A “Breaking News” tab is being added to our website. Watch for this new feature on our website any day ( www.inventiveproductions.com )
16. 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.
17. Al Farmer—we started production on a new Video Biography on this grandfather in Sherwood, Oregon. Al has led a very interesting life. He was in the Merchant Marine during WWII and had a super successful career in the Insurance business for over 40 years. Now he is limited a lot by a stroke he had a couple of years ago, but you sure can feel his enthusiasm for life. He is a very inspiring fellow. He really looks forward to seeing his children and grandchildren when they visit.
18. Dean E—this past week we started production on a new Video Biography on a nice grandfather from Edmonds. He has led a Wonderful Life. It was very interesting to hear about during World War II he was there when the Americans liberated the Dachau concentration camps.
19. Bob & Jackie P—We are editing together a great Husband-Wife Video Biography for a unique couple. Bob & Jackie have been together for over 50 years.
20. 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. Jan has led such an interesting life. She led an expedition of white water rafters down the Yangtzee River in China, and that is just the tip of the iceberg on this story.
21. Colleen M—the editing is nearly complete on the Autobiography DVD on the life of Colleen. She is coming in to shoot another short segment about her step-grandchildren who mean so much to her.
22. Shirley M—We have completed the shooting phase of production. Now we are editing it all together into a professional biography.
23. Jim Z (BEYOND THE LIGHTS)—We are in the final stages of post production on Jim’s biography.
24. Woody O (MR BASEBALL)—Final touches are being made to Woody’s life story DVD.
25. Bill & Dorothy Shaw—we went down to Ocean Park to reshoot some of our interview with Dorothy. The new footage turned out great, so we are now ready to edit this wonderful love story of two people who met at a USO dance during World War II.
26. 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.
27. 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.
28. 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.
29. 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.
30. The Pacific Institute—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 interviewed 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
31. 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.
32. 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.
33. 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.
34. Coffee Table Books--We can now create a beautiful hard-bound coffee-table Picture Book using your photos.
35. Movie Posters--We can create a custom Movie Poster for you, too.
36. DEMENTIA--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
37. Mercer Island Rotary—we are making an informative and educational presentation to the Mercer Island Rotary on September 12th about how to make your own Video Biography
38. 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?
39. My daughter sent me this very creative, cool video on BOLT.COM: 
40. PACKAGES AND PRICES—our goal at Inventive Productions is to help individuals & 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 or Christmas 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 including professional editing, starting at $2999
· Silver Video Biography DVDs, with multiple cameras and a green screen, and editing, starting at $4999
· Gold Video Biography DVDs (our most popular package) with three cameras, green screen, coffee table book, and more, starting at $5999
· Diamond Video Biography DVDs, with up to 20 interviews with Family & Friends, 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.
41. FINANCING AVAILABLE—we are pleased to be able to offer financing if needed. Call or email RJ for exact details.
42. Our Team—the Inventive Productions team is growing. Here is a list of our teammates:
Independent Sales: Akina, Margarett Friedman, Larry Morris, Bill Maxwell, Julie Gottschalk, Lisa Johnson, Tracy Sing, and Linda Linderman
Production Team: Marc, Tyler, Kenny, Shayla, Nate, Alisa, and Janus
Office Administration: Kellie
Managing Producer: RJ
43. 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: Check out a new website on Bud Hawk: www.budhawk.com
44. 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
45. Writing update
I am pleased to announce that I am taking pre-production orders for my new book of short stories “BONUS TIME AND OTHER SHORT STORIES” which is being published this month. Email me if you are interested in reserving a signed copy. They are priced at $19.95. My first two novels are 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 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
46. Umatilla Film update:
My award-winning documentary, UMATILLA, is now be available on DVD on Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/Umatilla-RJ-McHatton/dp/B000GTSEO4/sr=8-4/qid=1157419189/ref=sr_1_4/104-0027117-6400711?ie=UTF8&s=dvd You can learn more about this project at www.whiteknuckles.com
47. Family update:
We just had miniature dachshund puppies today. They look like rats right now. After they look like puppies again, we will add the photos to our website. You can see pictures of our other puppies at www.astoriaweenies.com My children, Jason and Crissy, are starting school this week at Mount Si High School in Snoqualmie.
48. 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
49. Joke of the month:
Q. How do you make an egg laugh?
A. Tell it a yolk.
A. Tell it a yolk.
(Joke submitted by my son Jason)
Summary: This is a very exciting time in my life. I count my blessings everyday as I am living my dream. To be able to be healthy, have a happy family, be financially free, and be able to do fulltime filmmaking and writing. These were dreams that I wrote down in my journal many years ago. Now I am living these dreams. It is thrilling to see our video biography concept starting to catch on with people. I cannot describe the satisfaction my team and I experience when we produce a living biography on video for others. We are capturing and preserving people’s lives for their future heirs. This is a tremendous responsibility, and we respect and are very sensitive to our job everyday. Thank you to everyone who has helped me live my dream of helping others.
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
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