Go To Team HD Video Crews

New High Definition Reel for Go To Team Charleston DP

2008-07-02T10:00:00.005-04:00

In addition to being an outstanding Director of Photography, Go To Team's Tom Wells has an eye for editing. Tom had already created a timeline with a rough cut and just wanted to add a couple of shots and some titles. As an editor for Go To Team I was thrilled to work with him on his latest demo reel. Tom knew the type of shots he wanted to showcase. He wanted to focus strictly on his high-definition work and he wanted to use shots that emphasized his artistic eye and production capability.

We used a combination of Varicam and F-900 HD footage. As Tom selected the shots for his reel, he emphasized production. When on location he packs a 7 head ARRI kit, a Microdolly and an array of high-definition lenses and even an HD Pencil Cam to name just a few of his toys. We wanted to take this opportunity to show off some of Tom's high-definition capability.

Tom's lighting is just one of his strengths that we incorporated into his reel. His production capability separates him from a typical ENG shooter. "I can set up the Microdolly and Jib in less than five minutes and break it down in under three." he told me. Just to demonstrate that, we edited a time lapse of Tom setting up his jib and incorporated it into his reel.

To see more of Go To Team's Charleston Director of Photography, Tom Wells' work, see his resume page.

Raleigh Crew Ride with a Hall of Famer

2008-06-25T00:00:00.003-04:00

Go To Team's Raleigh crew headed down US1 to Southern Pines NC to meet up with recent olympic hall of fame nominee equestrian J. Michael Plumb. Plumb’s first Olympic Games experience took place in 1960, when he was 20 years old. He was named to every Olympic three-day team from that Games through 1984, earning six medals: team silver in 1964 at the Tokyo Games; team silver in both 1968 and 1972; team gold and individual silver in 1976; and a team gold in 1984.

Cameraman Jimmy Hall used the Sony HVR - V1U which was then mounted on the micro dolly for smooth but subtle movement. "The micro dolly is such a great tool that definitely adds a higher quality to the project, plus its quick and easy to setup...when given the opportunity I'll bust it out in a heartbeat."

The piece will air during the induction ceremony in Chicago, IL.

Put A Cork In It!

2008-06-24T20:30:00.011-04:00

Ahhh... California's wine country. The serene views of rolling hills covered in vines as far as the eye an see. The feel of calm as the breeze lightly plays on the skin. The smell of exhaust and burning rubber..... Must be Sonoma weekend as NASCAR brings the show to the mountainous Infineon Racetrack. TNT along with Go To Team's Skip Clark and Rene Cusson were on hand to show the nation the view from the track to the neighboring hills of San Francisco.

Through the lens of their Panasonic Varicam they shot crowds at Fisherman's Wharf and overstuffed Cable Cars, grapes ripening on the vine in the sunshine and wine being enjoyed by racegoers overlooking the track, and racecars ripping through S curves. A wonderful time creating some great TV. The only gripe was heard from Audio Guy Rene during an interview at the track. As a car roared through during a nice soundbite he wished racecars were more like wine bottles... Put a cork in it!

Two Teams Merge for Tornado Victims

2008-06-17T13:52:00.013-04:00

Go To Team's Raleigh crew spent a week with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team in Macon, Georgia, after tornadoes pummeled the area. The Rapid Response Team is a group of chaplains who are deployed to share God's love, comfort, and hope to those affected by a man-made or natural disaster. Cameraman Jimmy Hall, Audio Op Ian McCullen, and producer Janet Stone shadowed the chaplains as they visited and brought spiritual comfort to the victims of the tornadoes. The chaplains not only comforted the victims but also provided comfort for Samaritans Purse volunteers who had traveled from all over the Southeast to help with the clean-up.

"It's comforting to know that people are willing to put their life on hold and travel hundreds sometimes thousands of miles to help strangers. I was overwhelmed by their generosity and dedication."

To document the five days in Macon the crew shot with the Cine Alta Sony F900.

You can go here to find out some more about the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team.

Check out the piece here:

Talk About Frequent Flier Miles!

2008-06-10T00:23:00.007-04:00

Go To Team’s Skip Clark and Rene Cusson had a busy weekend. Traveling with the Panasonic Varicam, they left their home city of Charlotte, North Carolina, on Thursday and traveled to three states in three days! They covered more than 4130 miles by jet, helicopter, and car to follow NASCAR’s Kyle Busch as he went to Dallas-Fort Worth, Nashville, and Pocono, PA, to race in all three of NASCAR’s racing series. Working with producer Pam Surbaugh and TNT talent Ralph Sheheen, the crew produced a feature that aired in TNT’s pre-race show on Sunday. No one had attempted to race in all three series in three different cities until this weekend. “It was a well planned out strategy. The jets were on time, there was a helicopter waiting at every stop, and there was always food,” is how Skip summed it all up. Nothing was left out from the plan. And that was just Busch’s entourage. TNT’s Production Coordinator Kristin Mosher worked with Pam to keep the crew moving, even arranging at the last minute (they were literally on the plane as plans changed) to have a chopper waiting for them in Texas! Without them there would have been no way Skip and Rene could have kept up with Busch. Keep watching TNT’s pre-race shows the rest of the season as Go To Team crews are there; the Clark crew continues to travel on the NASCAR circuit while Charlotte’s David Baker and Raleigh’s Jimmy Hall are picking up shoots in North Carolina.

Rouge Picture's "The Strangers" in theatres now

2008-06-09T00:19:00.005-04:00

Rouge Pictures has released its newest thriller, "The Strangers", starring Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman. Last year GTT's DP Tom Wells was contracted by New Wave Entertainment to shoot the EPK for the movie, keeping him on location for 17 days with the CineAlta Sony F900. The footage was shot for promotional use before the film's release as well as bonus features that will ultimately be included on the DVD. While on set the crew focused on special effects, makeup, and interviews with all the cast and lead crew members. The movie is getting great reviews from critics, and several of GTT's members who have seen the film agree - it's freaking scary!

Go To Team Management Runs Laps with Clark Crew at Coca Cola 600

2008-06-04T15:52:00.006-04:00

In the field for a day with Director of Photography, Skip Clark at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

I get to travel a little with Go To Team, but don’t log nearly the miles that our video crews (Skip Clark, Tom Wells, Dave Baker and Jimmy Hall ) do. My job as Operations Manager is first and foremost to provide support to our guys, while they’re busy “Making Cool TV”. It’s always great to get out from behind the desk and remember how much hard work Go To Team Crews do and how much fun they have doing it!

I recently had the opportunity to visit Partner and Director of Photography, Skip Clark in Charlotte, NC and spend a day at track visiting our NASCAR clients, including FOX Sports. The FOX Sports crew is a remarkable organization that’s taken our crews across the country for Races, Football, and even Monster Trucks.

I’ve always thought of Skip as a Rock Star, but it’s always good to be reminded why. Skip has the coolest toys and newest gear. I see the invoices and have a TV production background, but the gear he has is amazing not to mention what Skip can do with it. Skip’s "Do Whatever it Takes" attitude hasn’t changed in his 8 years with Go To Team and has been passed on to every single employee here.

I had a great time meeting with our clients and crew members… putting faces with voices or emails. I don’t think there’s a corner of the track we didn’t go to. I had the opportunity to see Fox’s “Hollywood Hotel” set, stand on top of the trailer in the infield, talk to Fox Anchor Jeff Hammond (and, a shout out to Danny Shull).

While traveling up to the top of Lowe’s VIP area we bumped into “Humpy” Wheeler who just retired as manager of the Speedway. What an honor on his last day. He was gracious, accommodating, and funny. A treat for someone who can appreciate his tremendous marketing efforts. Watching the pit crews work in the garage area made me think about the team aspect to NASCAR that we at Go To Team can appreciate.

Baker May Tour '08 Comes to Close

2008-05-28T23:46:00.016-04:00

May Has been an extremely busy and exciting month for Go To Team's Charlotte based Baker Crew. Starting with a trip to Sea Island, GA for CNBC Coverage of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta's Financial Markets Conference with Steve Liesman.

After making the 6 hour drive back to Charlotte, the Baker crew went to work with American Express at the

Black

Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference, creating Web content on the Panasonic DVX100A, and enjoying the rare

night's sleep in their hometown.

Two days in Charlotte was 2 days to many for the Baker crew. Fortified with a good night's rest, the Crew packed up the Panasonic Varicam, and headed off to Des Moines Iowa in pursuit of Motocross/Supercross Legend turned Stock Car Driver Ricky Carmichael. The weather was tailor made for working at the track, and an early mishap on the track kept the crew busy through a slew of frantic pit stops. Iowa however, soon faded from the rear view mirror, as the Crew followed Ricky to his training facility/Motocross track outside

of Tallahassee Florida to give TV viewers a previously unheard of glimpse of his personal life. While there, the Baker crew witnessed Ricky setting a 36 foot Step up jump record....from the top of the ramp!!

Having had their fill of the Sunshine State, the Baker Crew shot back through Charlotte and on to Mannsfield Ohio to cover the Nascar Craftsman Truck Series for Speed channel. With the prison used in "Shawshank Redemption", Trains, and even a friendly Steer, Mannsfield certainly offered up a lot to shoot, and the access to trackside during the race, truly helped the Baker Crew bring viewers up close and personal with the race. It's a dirty job, but someone has got to do it!

The Tour concluded with a quick run into Cleveland for an Indians/Rangers game. A perfect ending for a varied and exciting month of shoots spanning five states. Dave Baker and his crew are presently home in Charlotte, rested, repacked, recharged, and ready for the next tour......

Blazing Saddles

2008-04-30T19:14:00.006-04:00

Go To Team's Raleigh, NC crew Jimmy Hall and Ian McCullen hit the road for FOX News to cover a story about Mini Guide Horses.
The heart of the story centered around Dan Shaw, the first recipient of Cuddles, a Mini Guide Horse, in Kittrell, North Carolina.
The crew spent the day on the farm where Cuddles was trained. They also followed them to their favorite BBQ joint to capture Cuddles' unique way to assist Dan in public.
The crew learned some interesting facts about Mini Guide Horses while on the shoot; for instance, Mini Horses live nearly 30 years longer than K-9's, who are typically trained for this type of assistance, they're less expensive to take care of, and Mini Guide Horses also live in homes.. and wear sneakers!
Check out this site to learn more about Dan, Cuddles, and Mini Guide Horses.

www.guidehorse.org

Go To Team Plays With Red Demolition #18

2008-04-30T10:09:00.009-04:00

Fox Sports tested the Red Camera in Talladega this past NASCAR weekend and Go To Team DPs Skip Clark & Tom Wells were on hand to demo the prototype Demolition #18. The Red Camera is a huge leap in High Definition and offers a lot of creativity to both the DP and the editor. While at the track Skip and Tom tried out a number of configurations; they used an 8mm prime lens for footage on the grid, a Canon 4.7 wide angle and a 21X long lens for ENG, and an Angenieux 25 to 250 cine-zoom long lens for some high speed trackside footage. While the camera is designed with a PL mount, Tom rented a PL-B4 adapter from Abel-Cinetech so they could mount their ENG lenses to the camera. And as with all things prototype, there are still some bugs to work out. With no viewfinder available, Tom & Skip had to use the Red monitor for shooting; this made an already large rig that much more cumbersome. But the weekend was still a success, great footage from trackside and a great Victory Lane celebration from Kyle Busch. Gatorade always looks good in slo-mo...

Breaking Cameras

2008-04-22T12:20:00.007-04:00

Go To Team's Skip Clark and Rene Cusson were in Dallas-Forth Worth, Texas, for the NASCAR race. And while they were they there, they broke some cameras. But it was all planned out. Fox Sports talent Jeff Hammond and NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer were at the Fort Worth stockyards to drive Chevrolet's monster truck, the Bounty Hunter. If there's a monster truck, stuff has to get broken. Skip, Rene, and Jimmy Lucas set up several cameras for the shoot; two Toshiba IK-TU51 Ice-Cube cameras for in the cab and under the nose, and a whole bunch of Panasonic PC823 board cameras to run over. The Toshibas have always been a great camera for in-car shots, but when building them into a monster truck, extra care had to be taken to secure them. The board cameras were easy; the crew used a little gaffer's tape and then ran a long cable out to the deck. The rest was up to the truck and the drivers! Check out a short video on You Tube...

Raleigh Crews hangs with an All Star

2008-04-16T10:06:00.006-04:00

Go To Team's Raleigh North Carolina cameraman Jimmy Hall traveled down to Summerville SC last week for a shoot with America's Most Wanted All-Star finalist Randy Botten. Click on this link to AMW's site to see the story:

http://www.amw.com/allstar/2008/nominee_detail.cfm?id=5048

GTT throws down with HDNet Mixed Martial Arts

2008-04-13T18:01:00.007-04:00

Charleston based DP Tom Wells and Nick Modisett traveled up to Fayetteville, NC this Saturday to cover a Mixed Martial Arts competition for HDNet's 'Inside MMA'. The event was produced by Spartan Entertainment Group and the crew followed the competition from beginning to end both inside and outside the cage and covered each battle as it unfolded in front of the crowd at The Crown Arena. Again the crew used their Sony CineAlta F900 which conforms to HDNet's technical specs of 1080i @ 60fps. You can see the fight action on HDNet's 'Inside MMA' throughout the week.

Forensic Files Adopts F900, Wells Crew Follows

2008-04-10T09:53:00.008-04:00

Forensic Files recently upgraded its productions from Standard Definition to High Definition. It's camera of choice? The Sony CineAlta F900. This shift is yet another sign of the changing times, as more networks begin gearing up for full HD broadcast in the coming months. Charleston based Director of Photography Tom Wells was happy to hear of the show's decision. What DP in their right mind wouldn't be excited to put down their BetaSP camera and instead pick up their CineAlta HDCAM 1080P package for one of their clients? Go To Team's Crew spent several days shooting interviews, reenactments, and of course Forensic Detectives at work in the lab while utilizing their F900 along with Jib, Dolly and a TON of gel packs (the show is known for it's heavy use of color and dramatic lighting). You can catch Forensic Files daily on TruTV, formerly CourtTV.

Go To Team Annual Shareholders Meeting

2008-03-13T14:59:00.008-04:00

The big wigs at Go To Team got together for the Annual Shareholders Meeting and headed off to a plush five star spa and resort... well, not exactly. We headed to Pisgah National Forest, near Asheville, NC, and hiked in 2 miles to a pretty cool waterfall. Of course, the Shareholders consist of Skip Clark and Patrick Bryant, but we're growing so next year the "retreat" might get even bigger.

We used the trip and the time to discuss the future of Go To Team. We especially discussed our terrific clients, and the Go To Team staff members that we have to do everything to keep! These guys (and girl) are the life blood of the Go To Team attitude... "Do Whatever is Takes". They work hard on every shoot to provide the best quality footage. If you know or work with one of our DPs you know what I'm talking about. They are truly committed to Making Cool TV.

We also, had some real fun. Pictured here is the beverages from cocktail hour (Two frosted 7 and Gingers straight from the stream). We hiked from the head of Club Gap Trail along Avery Creek to the Waterfall and set-up the campsite within view of the waterfall. Skip invited along his red headed girl friend (sorry ladies he's spoken for), Maggie.

Baker Crew "Gets Axed" by Modern Marvels

2008-03-09T18:04:00.008-04:00

Recently, GTT's Charlotte Based Baker crew once again "made the cut" with Modern Marvels. Starting at the Council Tool's Forge in Lake Waccamaw, NC, the Baker Crew tracked the
creation of Fireman's axes from their humble beginnings as unformed steel, to the drop-forged, razor sharp, iconic realization, embodied in their finished state. It was hot, it was dirty, and it was loud, but the Varicam once again proved its.....mettle?.....

Having seen the Modern segment of this particular marvel, the Baker crew headed to the Schiele Museum in Gastonia, NC to meet up with Prehistorian Steve Watts, to learn how the first generation of lumberjacks crafted their tools from scratch. After seeing him work his craft and share his knowledge of prehistoric tool building, the crew decided that Steve Watts needs to be cloned and put out on the market as the ultimate survival tool. Producer Steve Gurgen really knows how to find an expert! The Baker crew would like to thank the both of them for one of the most interesting and informative shoots ever.

We would also like to thank Steve Watts for making the

best coffee ever shared over the creation of a stone axe.

Wells Crew takes to the air for Discovery Channel

2008-03-01T20:43:00.005-05:00

Charleston based Director of Photography Tom Wells and Nick Modisett took to the air by helicoptor Saturday for a new upcoming program on Discovery Channel. The Go To Team crew's mission was to shoot the YAUST, the world's largest Car Carrier, while still out at sea. The crew utilized a Tyler Mount rigged with a CineAlta F900, shooting 1080P at 25 fps. Tom shot on the Tyler Mount from the back seat while Nick rode up front, acting as a second set of eyes with a 9 inch HD monitor and helped communicate the shot list to the pilot. While in the helicoptor the crew was in communication with both the ship's captain and their client in New York simultaniously by both phone and email, allowing seamless coordination between everyone involved. Because of the great weather the crew was able to get up close and personal with the ship on more than one occasion, as you can see in the video below.

Yow Shares Inspiration with Raleigh Crew

2008-02-21T15:18:00.000-05:00

NC State Head Women's Coach Kay Yow shared her story of being a cancer survivor with Go To Team's Raleigh crew. Yow spoke about the ESPY award she received which is named after the late Jim Valvano for her perseverance in being able to continue to coach while battling cancer. Coach Yow is one of the winningest coaches in NCAA history..."it was a real treat being in her presence, one thing she said that really stuck with me was "if life kicks you, make sure it kicks you forward." Go To Team cameraman Jimmy Hall felt priviledged to be apart of such a great piece.

Raleigh Crew Attempts Arabesque!

2008-02-20T12:34:00.004-05:00

Go To Team's camera op Jimmy Hall hit the road for a couple of days for a shoot in South Carolina with E! True Hollywood Story. The piece is a behind the curtain look at competitive cheerleading. Sadly for the crew, the story focused more on injuries and local scandal than getting to shoot the pyramid or some other aerial technique.

Look for the piece to air on E! sometime in May.

On the Tobacco Road

2008-02-20T11:09:00.009-05:00

Go To Team's Raleigh camera op Jimmy Hall and crew were in the Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) and Winston Salem working on a piece about the history of Tobacco Road for ABC Sports. The piece focuses on how these cross town rivals began and have become the most fiercest rivalry in basketball history.

It was an awesome week for basketball starting with the NC State vs. Wake Forest then Duke vs. UNC and to end it with Duke vs. Boston College at Cameron..."our main goal was not to cover the action on the court but the flavor of the competition, fans, coaches, pre-game rituals, and school tradition."

Clark Crew Shoots Superbowl, Makes us Laugh

2008-02-04T15:18:00.001-05:00

Skip Clark and John South just wrapped a big week shooting behind the scenes at the Superbowl. Shooting alot of the pre-production for the Fox Sports Pre-game show and other taped pieces for the big game.

They were all over the place... "in everybody's faces", as evidenced by this photo from USA Today of Skip on the field with Eli Manning. They also shot with Michael Strahan on media day. Strahan doing some shooting of his own, made fun of the camera crew as he followed them.
The clip from Fox Sports' Pre-game Show is up on our You Tube site.

Modern Marvels hires GTT

2008-02-01T12:04:00.000-05:00

Go To Team's DP Tom Wells and Nick Modisett were back on the road this week in southern Georgia shooting a segment on trains for History Channel's Modern Marvels. The location was a trainyard used for servicing and repairing locomotives. 100 ton cranes, 30 ton diesel engines, hard hats and steel toe boots all played a part in the production. You can see from the pictures that the latest Parisian fashions were NOT part of the shoot, however. Nick especially fell victim to the fashion trends that day, sporting a hybrid outfit apparently inspired by the village people. Tom donned a similar outfit but was somehow able to avoid being photographed all day, or perhaps he just deleted the pictures - we'll never know. All the fashion faux pas were overridden, however, with the fact that the segment was shot in HD on the Panasonic Varicam.

Double Coverage

2008-01-28T10:22:00.000-05:00

As a SC based crew, Go To Team's DP Tom Wells and Nick Modisett can't complain. This year the SC Primaries were held independently of one another, with Republicans voting for their candidate of choice on January 19 and the Democrats casting their votes a week later on January 26. All politics aside, this equates to one thing for the GTT duo - double coverage. After a week of following Gov. Mitt Romney and Senator McCain around the state, Tom and Nick transitioned over to the Democratic party's campaign efforts, focusing on the Clinton campaign with ABC Correspondant and GMA Weekend Anchor Kate Snow. Bill and Hillary Clinton both made stops throughout the state most of the week asking for voter's support. If there was a brief lull, however, the crew jumped onto the Obama campaign trail, following both the Senator and his wife as they drummed up support for Saturday's voting. The week ended for the crew with a two camera interview between Barack Obama and Kate Snow, which aired Saturday, the day of the Democratic Primary, on Good Morning America. After 100+ hour weeks back to back, the Wells crew is at home "charging their batteries" before their next assignment begins later this week.

Wells Crew On The Trail

2008-01-21T18:37:00.000-05:00

DP Tom Wells and Nick Modisett are on the trail with ABC News for the SC Primaries, covering the events as they unfold. The two week tour started mid January as the Republican Presidential Candidates began their final push through the state. Tom and Nick were assigned with ABC News correspondant Ron Claiborne to follow Senator McCain. First on the agenda was McCain's Michigan Primary Watch Party, where he took second place behind Mitt Romney. In the following days McCain held rallies in Myrtle Beach, Columbia and Charleston, drumming up support from SC voters. The McCain SC Primary Campaign Tour ended successfully Saturday night after he took first place over Mike Huckabee and Fred Thompson. The crew broadcast live that night for ABC World News from the Citadel, the location of the McCain Watch Party. Wells and crew are now on the trail with ABC's Good Morning America Weekend Anchor Kate Snow following the action as the Democratic debate approaches this Saturday. Tonight they are covering the CNN Democratic Debate from Myrtle Beach's Palace Theatre. More to come.....

New Website Supports High Definition Video Crews

2008-01-12T15:14:00.003-05:00

In January, a new site launched on-line devoted to helping producer's find High Definition Video Crews. The site hdvideocrew.com offers cameramen and directors of photography across the US the ability to add all the cameras they offer that are high definition. Producer's can register to view ALL the contact information of the crew. Unlike other paid services. hdvideocrew.com will let users see contact information, and book shoots with specific crews for FREE.

"That's why, at Go To Team we love it. The crews are able to enter all the information for free, and the producer's can find crews for free." Patrick Bryant, Managing Partner for Go To Team, " it should really empower all the potential clients out there with the data about the best rated, closest crew with the right camera... of course, we hope that is us!" Go To Team signed an agreement to sponsor the new site for it's first two years.

"We really see the value in the long term of a site like this existing in the video production industry. If we can provide specific cameras, local markets, formats, and client feedback for video crews across the country it will instantly allow producers to get the information on local crews that they need." Dave Wilson, Inspired Hype.

Inspired Hype is an interactive marketing and communications firm based in Columbia, SC and owns the site.