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Film crew hits runway

Film crew hits runway

Oct 10, 2011
Source: Pratt Tribune

 Pratt, Kan. — A Wichita film crew working on promotional commercials about south central Kansas and its oil and gas industry got some special footage Monday as they filmed the arrival of a B-25 at the Pratt Regional Airport.

The plane belongs to the Commemorative Air Force and was returning to its home base of South St. Paul, Minn. after attending an air show in Midland, Texas over the weekend when it stopped in Pratt to refuel.

The film crew, from Intake Studios in Wichita, was filming in several locations in Pratt Monday as they produced 30-second and 60-second commercials educating the public about the benefits of oil and gas production in Kansas and at the same time weaving a story together that promotes the essence of Kansas in this area, said Heath Kennedy, account supervisor for Brothers & Company that handles marketing and communications for the project.

The promotional spots carry the theme “Kansas Strong” and are designed to give viewers a flavor of folks who live and work in the area.

The spots also feature the benefits of oil and gas production in the area including more taxes in local coffers and the creation of jobs, Kennedy said.

Producer Nicholas E. Vedros, of Vedros Motion traveled over 1,400 miles to find location for the promotions and chose the area in Pratt, Medicine Lodge and Kiowa for the beautiful scenery. He likes the small town feel and has found nice people to work with during his filming in Pratt.

Besides the B-25 arrival, the crew also filmed a flag raising at sunrise at the B-29 Memorial with retired Army Master Sgt. David Stitt and retired Army National Guard Command Sgt. Major George Stevens.

2010 Existing Business of the Year

2010 Existing Business of the Year

March 16, 2011
Source: Kansas Small Business Development Center

The decision to move forward and turn a passion into a business reality for three individuals was based in-part on their belief that a real void existed in the industry they wanted to target. For Troy Lott, Todd Schwartz and Heath Balderston, their belief that there was an opening for a video production company that could emphasize a strong creative design was their driving factor to begin that pursuit. Their diverse backgrounds became one of their main strengths that they have been able to rely upon for their success.

The trio contacted the KSBDC before starting their business. Their KSBDC consultant, Frank Choriego, advised them step-by-step through the development of their business plan. Troy said, “Without a doubt, this was key to helping us initiate a strategy to get our business started successfully. The KSBDC has continued to play an important role in our expansion and success since we opened the doors in 2004. It was during our strategic planning session two years ago that we cast the vision of expanding to another market.” That is now a reality with their office in the Kansas City Market.

In a talent intensive industry, accumulating a full palette of offerings is a major challenge. They overcame this challenge by putting together a team of talented people that were passionate about their work. “With the right team in place, we have found success by continually pushing the company forward and staying fresh, competitive, bold and more creative than the next guy,” says Troy.

Making informed decisions prior to starting and while operating your business is recommended by the trio. Troy says, “I always tell people to go for it.” However, diving deeper into the conversation you hear a balanced approach seems to be the framework for success. Creativity coupled with business management while maintaining happy customers seems to be the successful combination for Intake Studio.

They believe that being a successful part of their community’s economic engine, is one of the best things about being an entrepreneur. Along with their found success, Intake Studio has made it a part of their company policy to reach out to their community to support various organizations that could benefit from Intake’s assistance. They believe that their involvement has helped to define them as successful members of their community.

Enjoying success within the confines of a fun place to work makes for a very happy team of owners and employees. As Troy puts it, “All in all, I don’t believe there’s anything that we would rather be doing.”

The Wichita Eagle – Award

Intake Studio to receive state award

January 12, 2011
Source: The Wichita Eagle

Intake Studio is one of eight small businesses in the state to be recognized as an Existing Business of the Year, the Kansas Small Business Development Center announced today.

The company – owned by Heath Balderston, Roberta Feist, Troy Lott and Todd Schwartz – will be recognized at an awards ceremony on March 15 in Topeka.

“The businesses were selected after careful consideration by our consultants,” Wally Kearns, KSBDC state director, said in a news release. “During the last year, the overall economic situation has created opportunities and obstacles. The determining factors in selecting the businesses included looking at how the businesses maneuvered through the obstacles and how they shifted priorities or operations to remain profitable.”

Intake, a video production company, is a former Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award winner.

Wichita Business Journal – Award

Intake Studio wins Small Business Development Center award

January 12, 2011
Source: Wichita Business Journal

The businesses are part of the KSBDC’s 2010 Emerging and Existing Businesses of the Year awards.

Each of the eight KSBDC regional centers, including a site in Wichita, chose businesses for the awards.

Intake Studio is a motion graphics and production company. It is owned by Heath Balderston, Roberta Feist, Troy Lott and Todd Schwarz.

Here’s more from the KSBDC on its 2010 awards:
The 15 Kansas small businesses will be recognized at a ceremony on March 15 in Topeka. The businesses were selected from nearly 2,300 entrepreneurs that received KSBDC services in 2010.

“The businesses were selected after careful consideration by our consultants,” said Wally Kearns, KSBDC state director. “During the last year, the overall economic situation has created opportunities and obstacles. The determining factors in selecting the businesses included looking at how the businesses maneuvered through the obstacles and how they shifted priorities or operations to remain profitable.”

During the last two months, business owners participated in video interviews, which will be presented at the awards ceremony. In addition, state legislators will present the award recipients will be presented with a plaque.
The keynote speaker for the event is Dave Dreiling, owner of GTM Sportswear, a Manhattan-based company that he and a partner founded 21 years ago after he graduated from Kansas State University.

GTM sells customized imprinted sportswear to athletic teams, booster clubs, corporations, resorts, outdoor enthusiasts, cheer and gymnastic squads and other related markets throughout the United States and abroad.
In 2007, Dreiling was named Ernst & Young’s entrepreneur of the year for the central Midwest region, and GTM was placed on the Inaugural Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing privately owned companies.

He was named young entrepreneur of the year by the Small Businesses Administration for the state of Kansas in 1992. In 1994, he was named a finalist for Inc. magazine’s entrepreneur of the year for the states of Kansas and Missouri.
Recently, The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce awarded Dreiling the Lud Fiser Citizen of the Year Award for 2009 for his outstanding and repeated contributions to the community.

The awards ceremony is open to the public.

The Wichita Eagle – Conversation with Troy

A conversation with Troy Lott

November 14, 2010
Source: The Wichita Eagle

Anytime you step into Koch Arena and see videos on the scoreboard at Wichita State University basketball games and volleyball matches, you’re watching the handiwork of Intake Studio.

Troy Lott, Heath Balderston and Todd Schwartz started the video production company located in the heart of downtown Wichita in 2004. The company, a 2008 Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award winner, has grown to employ six others, including two in its new office in Kansas City, Mo.

Lott, whose background is in post production editing, is Intake’s president. He grew up in Humboldt and got his start in the business in 1986, working part time at a television station in Pittsburg.

He moved to Wichita in 1990, directing the 6 and 10 p.m. news at KAKE before making the transition to promotion manager. He left the TV business after about 10 years at KAKE, moving into the video production business.

Lott, 46, and his wife, Tina, have two children – Jeremy, 16; and Erin, 15.

Away from the office, Lott enjoys the outdoors and is in the process of rebuilding a 1968 Ford Mustang with Jeremy.

“I had one when I was in high school, so now I’m helping my son restore one so he can have one as well.”

How do you balance the creative side of what you do with your job as the company’s president?

“This year we hired a second editor to kind of take my editing workload away from me so I can focus more on managing the business and business development.

“But everything we do is creative. It just depends on how you run a business… whether it’s our marketing initiatives or the product.”

You and your co-owners have been doing this together for more than six years now. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned along the way about running a business?

“I don’t know if this is what I’ve learned or not, but the time commitment involved in running a small business, the energy level you have to maintain, the pace you maintain, it’s pretty significant. There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s not a downside of running small business.”

Was there a moment when you questioned what you got yourself into?

“Here’s my thought on what’s great about having partners, especially the two partners I have. If you ever have a down day or if you ever feel like your energy level is low, you always have someone to help you out, give you a boost.”

Any regrets along the way?

“Absolutely none…. We’re proud to offer a place for some people to work. Our employees and their families are very special to us, and it’s very rewarding to run a business that’s been very successful over the past six years.”

Go back in your time machine. Is the company where you thought it would be when you started?

“Our goal has always been to provide a good product and to make our customers happy. I think the combination of putting those two things together has helped us become who we are. I wouldn’t say six years ago we started out with a vision of where we wanted to be in five years or 10 years. It was more a vision of how we wanted to interact with our customers… and that’s what’s helped us grow and put us in a position where we are today.”

“I think if we continue to focus on those elements that are important to us as individuals and owners, I think we’ll only continue to grow as a company.”

Have you had to change anything operationally because of the recession?

“The recession, as every business, affected our company as well. Things were leaner, just as everyone else’s budget was leaner. What we tried to do during those times is we wanted to be cautious financially but also thinking about the future and how our business would come out of the recession.”

Why did you decide to expand to Kansas City?

“We were looking for an employee at the time and we found a candidate in Kansas City that wanted to stay in Kansas City. So the timing was right for us…. Since then, we’ve actually added a second position as well….

“We had developed some relationships in K.C., and it just felt like it made sense for us to have a presence in that market. It felt natural for us to have feet on the ground.”

And how is that working?

“It’s working out very well…. We’ve added a couple of new clients in Kansas City. We feel like we’re expanding our reach.”

Any future expansion plans in other cities?

“Not right now. I think we’re going to focus our efforts in Wichita and Kansas City. It’s our goal here in the near future to add another staff person in Kansas City.”

What’s one thing about you people might not know?

“I like to get my hands dirty. I like to mow the grass. I like to work on our Mustang. It’s such a separation from running our business…. I like to be a handyman.”

Screen – Expands Roster

Intake Studio Expands Its Talent Roster, signs Quattlebaum, Wildt

September 13, 2010
Source: Screen Magazine

Troy Lott, Intake Studio president, has announced the expansion and upgrading of his company with the signing of award-winning senior editor Lonny Quattlebaum and editor Kevin Wildt – as well as the installation of the Media Composer 5.

The new talent shares a nation reputation as innovative, experimental artists in the indie film and music video arenas, and a range in skills in production, visual effects, concept development, as well as editing, which brings a fresh perspective to Intake Studio’s work in the commercial industry.

Quattlebaum and Wildt will each man one of Intake Studio’s redesigned editorial suites, now home to the revolutionary Media Composer 5, which dramatically streamlines not only the editorial process, but the efficiency and flexibility of the entire one-stop motion-graphics, VFX, animation, production and editorial company’s workflow with state-of-the art features, such as the ability to auto import video from virtually any format.

As the new senior editor at Intake Studio, Lonny Quattlebaum brings a high-level of technical skill and a diverse mix of experience to the table, which is reflected in the distinctive visual style of his work. A Wichita native, over the last decade Quattlebaum has focused on honing his skills as an editor, photographer and producer at his Alma Mata, Wichita State University, where he earned a degree in electronic media and visual communications. At the same time, a steady stream of creative independent projects – from shooting and editing indie films to directing and producing music videos and television programs – provided him with a mix of outlets for his passion for storytelling. Quattlebaum continues to produce and direct the highly acclaimed KPTS-TV series, ‘Wichita Sessions,’ featuring performances by a mix of the region’s most accomplished musicians and songwriters.

“During the past year, Lonny has really wowed Intake with his incredible work on numerous freelance projects.” says Balderston. “I knew from the first project that we worked on together that I wanted him on our team. Now with the upgrading of our editing department, it’s a reality. His creativity, artistry and attention to detail elevates the level of every project he edits and brings a fresh perspective to Intake’s work.”

Lonny’s began developing a passion for his craft in the mid-90′s with a succession of indie films with micro-budget that taught him how to be resourceful and innovate, while giving him the opportunity to wear many hats – from director to editor. In 2008, when his friend, director Wade Hampton acquired a Canon 5D MK11 – one of the first still cameras with 1080p video capabilities – the self-professed video geek took his skill sets to a whole new level, using the pioneering technology to develop his own innovative technique for creating that elusive ‘film look,’ and developing his own artistic voice.

More recently Quattlebaum’s talents have attracted a steady flow work from higher-end Indie film and music video projects. In 2009 director John Nguyen called upon his skills as a DP for his short film, ‘Denial,’ and later that year he landed the job of 2nd Camera on director Nick Barton’s Music Video ‘No Angel’ for the group Livy High.

In 2010 Lonny’s skills as both a DP and editor were called upon by directors Jaret Reddick and Intake’s own creative director Heath Balderston for the MC Lars music video, ’23. ‘ And, although his friend Wade Hampton didn’t get his camera back from Lonny for over six-month, the director did reap the benefits on the skills Lonny developed experimenting with it when he hired Lonny as DP for ‘No One Gets Out Alive,’ a Music Video and short film for GOODING.

Quattlebaum has also developed a reputation in the broadcast television arena as the director and co-producer of ‘Wichita Sessions,’ KPTS’s highly acclaimed public television music performance series, which he has helmed since 2008.

“What attracted me to Intake Studio was its commitment to making each job the best it can be, and the direction the company charted for its future growth,” notes Quattlebaum. “They have assembled a talented team of artists, a cutting-edge arsenal of technology, and created the kind of easy-going full-service collaborative environment that makes working here a fun, creative experience for both staff and clients.”

Wichita native, Kevin Wildt – an accomplished editor, photographer, and director – is a multi-talented force that brings a passion for all things creative to his new role as editor. Wildt was introduced to Intake Studio as a freelancer, demonstrating his versatility as photographer for the print components of the company’s commercial campaign, ‘Cox Spring Sale.’

Wildt also brings a diverse set of skills to the craft of editing. After graduating from Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida in 2004 he moved to L.A. where he established himself as a sought-after editor. At the same time he mixed it up, directing and editing music videos. Repped by Red Van Pictures/LA, his fresh eye and innovative style attracted work from labels such as Virgin Records, Mercury Records, Century Media and Suretone Records. Two of his music videos, ‘When All Is Said And Done’ for Napalm Death and ‘Dressed For A Friend Request,’ for the band Drop Dead, Gorgeous were online phenomenons, attracting just shy of 1.5 million hits each on You Tube. Kevin’s latest music video ‘Buffalo’ for the band Powerlifter, was asked to be shown at the 2010 ‘Fresh Film Fest’ in Prague.

“Lonny and Kevin represent a new breed of talent with a passion for – and experience working in – every phase of crafting innovative visual stories, from concept development and production to visual effects and finishing,” notes Balderston. “Their contribution to Intake Studio goes far beyond the tradition roles of their titles as senior editor and editor. They both bring a broad range of skills in a diverse mix of discipline to every phase of a project – and their experience in the indie film and music video arenas brings an invaluable perspective to the table. Our entire creative team is thrilled to have them onboard.”

“With the addition of Lonny and Kevin Intake Studio’s editorial department has been taken to next level and come into its own, which is a real benchmark for our company,” notes Lott. “And, with Media Composer 5 at their fingertips both editors play key roles in transitioning the fundamentals of our editing model, and overall business model to the next level.”

“This expansion of our Wichita-based location, along with the launch of our new satellite company in Kansas City has made for an exciting first half of the year,” adds Lott. “And with the response we’re getting from clients the second half is keeping us just as busy.”

Senior Editor Lonny Quantlebaum and Editor Kevin Wildt join postproduction director Troy Lott, as well as DP Todd Schwartz, creative director Heath Balderston, motion graphics artist/art director Corey Tyrell and motion graphics artist Brian Simpson on Intake Studio’s staff.

Screen – TGW

Intake Studio Blurs the Lines Between A 3D World and Reality in an FX-Driven National Campaign for Golf Warehouse and Armstrong Shank

August 31, 2010
Source: Screen Magazine

Intake Studio, the visual effect, animation, production and editorial boutique, was chosen by Armstrong Shank to produce, shoot, create visual effects, edit and composite a national television campaign for its client, The Golf Warehouse and their specialty website, BaseballSavings.com.

The creative team at the full-service advertising, marketing, public relations and interactive agency collaborated with Intake Studio on eight FX-driven spots promoting the online catalog retailer’s equipment, apparel and accessories, which utilized a fusion of cutting-edge production and visual effect technology to bring home the client’s message.

Troy Lott, president of Intake Studio, and the commercial production company’s director of post production noted, “Armstrong Shank came to use with a great concept, script and general storyboard. Our team evolved these elements into a campaign that takes the viewer into a three-dimension world, creating a series of spots that build upon its contemporary brand.”

Intake creative director Heath Balderston and the agency collaborated closely throughout every phases of the production. DP Todd Schwartz shot the actors on green screen using the state-of-the-art Red Camera.  The design elements were created in a 3D world on Cinema 4D and then composited into a more realistic 2D environment.

“The most challenging component of the job was taking composited elements and giving them level of realism,” noted Balderston. “Working in Red’s high-resolution format enabled us accomplish that with its unique ability to maximize flexibility in the post production arena. The format allowed us to manipulate the visual effects more effectively and achieve the level of keying and detail needed to transition the look of the spot from visual effect-driven image to a more realistic style.”

“More and more frequently Intake is getting an opportunity to create spots for the national arena, and we’re thrilled about the opportunity to have our work reach a broader audience,” said Lott. “Armstrong Shank brought us creative concepts that were both fun and challenging to produce. Their team once again created a fresh, innovative idea and worked closely with us – from its inception to the completion – providing us with the level of collaboration needed to take this campaign to the next level,” added Lott.

Credits:
Client: Golf Warehouse
Category: National TV campaign: Title: ‘My World’ Eight :30 spots
Agency: Armstrong Shank/Wichita: Director of Marketing Services and New Product Development, Mark Chamberlin; Senior Writer/Copy Writer, Chris Steiner.
Production, Visual FX, Motion Graphics Company: Intake Studio/Wichita: Director/CD, Heath Balderston; Director of Post Production, Motion Graphics, Troy Lott; DP, Todd Schwartz. Studio: Bulldog/Tulsa; Audio Company. Lucky Dog/Little Rock, AK ; Music: Stock – Killer Track Library

Animation World Network

Intake Studio Blurs Lines In Golf Warehouse, Armstrong Shank Spot

August 31, 2010
Source: Animation World Network

Intake Studio Blurs Lines In Golf Warehouse, Armstrong Shank Spot
Intake Studio, the visual effect, animation, production and editorial boutique, was chosen by Armstrong Shank to produce, shoot, create visual effects, edit and composite a national television campaign for its client, The Golf Warehouse and their specialty website, BaseballSavings.com.

The creative team at the full-service advertising, marketing, public relations and interactive agency collaborated with Intake Studio on eight FX-driven spots promoting the online catalog retailer’s equipment, apparel and accessories, which utilized a fusion of cutting-edge production and visual effect technology to bring home the client’s message.

Troy Lott, president of Intake Studio, and the commercial production company’s director of post production noted, “Armstrong Shank came to use with a great concept, script and general storyboard. Our team evolved these elements into a campaign that takes the viewer into a three-dimension world, creating a series of spots that build upon its contemporary brand.

Intake creative director Heath Balderston and the agency collaborated closely throughout every phases of the production. DP Todd Schwartz shot the actors on green screen using the state-of-the-art Red Camera. The design elements were created in a 3D world on Cinema 4D and then composited into a more realistic 2D environment.

“The most challenging component of the job was taking composited elements and giving them level of realism,” noted Balderston. “Working in Red’s high-resolution format enabled us accomplish that with its unique ability to maximize flexibility in the post production arena. The format allowed us to manipulate the visual effects more effectively and achieve the level of keying and detail needed to transition the look of the spot from visual effect-driven image to a more realistic style.”

“More and more frequently Intake is getting an opportunity to create spots for the national arena, and we’re thrilled about the opportunity to have our work reach a broader audience,” said Lott. “Armstrong Shank brought us creative concepts that were both fun and challenging to produce. Their team once again created a fresh, innovative idea and worked closely with us – from its inception to the completion – providing us with the level of collaboration needed to take this campaign to the next level,” added Lott.

Credits:
Client: Golf Warehouse
Category: National TV campaign: Title: ‘My World’ Eight :30 spots
Agency: Armstrong Shank/Wichita: Director of Marketing Services and New Product Development, Mark Chamberlin; Senior Writer/Copy Writer, Chris Steiner.
Production, Visual FX, Motion Graphics Company: Intake Studio/Wichita: Director/CD, Heath Balderston; Director of Post Production, Motion Graphics, Troy Lott; DP, Todd Schwartz. Studio: Bulldog/Tulsa; Audio Company. Lucky Dog/Little Rock, AK ; Music: Stock – Killer Track Library

Scary Ideas

The Golf Warehouse, My World

August 27, 2010
Source: Scary Ideas

VizWorld

Intake Studio and RED Camera blur 3D And Reality

August 27, 2010
Source: Viz World
A commercial for The Golf Warehouse brought live video shot with a RED Camera together with design elements created in Cinema4D in the hands of Intake Studio, to create this visually compelling ad..
“The most challenging component of the job was taking composited elements and giving them level of realism,” noted Balderston. “Working in Red’s high-resolution format enabled us accomplish that with its unique ability to maximize flexibility in the post production arena. The format allowed us to manipulate the visual effects more effectively and achieve the level of keying and detail needed to transition the look of the spot from visual effect-driven image to a more realistic style.”

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