Steve Twitchell Production is a small audio video production house designed specifically with the idea of helping small businesses level the media playing field with large national companies. We do things differently sometimes . . . like answering questions with no spin.

I've Never Produced "Media" Anything. What Do I Do?
First determine who your audience is. Second, think through what you want the audio or video program to accomplish. Then, call us.

Does STP Work Only With Advertising Agencies?
No. We prefer agencies because their expertise is beneficial but we are an equal opportunity tax payer and thus work with everyone.

The TV Stations Come With a Camera And Light. Why Does STP Need So Much Stuff?
It is the difference between documentary "that's the way it was" and the utopian "that's the way it should be." In simple terms: Why does it take a man a half an hour to get ready in the morning and women much (sometimes MUCH) longer? Do I dare ask - who looks better?!?

Why Doesn't STP Shoot With Film?
Film is a beautiful medium when done right. It is also a very costly medium when done right. Creative lighting with film is extremely difficult but it is in these difficult situations that film ultimately looks best. High contrast between dark and brightly lit areas; beautiful sensuous skin tones all look great on film - IF - they are lit correctly. Some producers who shoot on film just for the snob appeal take the easy, less costly way. They just light everything evenly and flat. This, of course, negates the reason for shooting film. Well lit film set ups usually take 25% longer than video. Personnel costs are higher too.

Video image quality has progressed by leaps and bounds in the last 4 years. On the high end, George Lucas is strongly considering shooting and releasing the next "Star Wars" in high definition digital cinema which is a form of video. Even with lower end digital video, proper lighting and a few digital enhancements have made many people wonder, "Is that film or video?"

STP shoots digital video for two reasons: cost and creative control. With video, you can monitor the impact of every light instantly. Thus, more creative looks. From mysterious shadows to attention grabbing bursts of color to subtle highlighting, you know you have it without waiting for "the lab." Cost is another major factor. Video is less expensive. Thus, we can put our investment into better and more lights and light controls.

Are the stills on your Web page from productions or were they shot on film?
The stills that look like they were part of a show are freeze frame exports directly from the video. Location stills were shot with a point and shoot digital. We take pride in the lighting and look of our productions.

Has STP Ever Done A Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Breakfast?
Yes. Our first was for the Columbia Center for Psychiatry in 1985. Since then we have produced programs for:

• City of Columbia
• Atkins Chemical Co.
• Columbia Regional Hospital
• Boone Hospital Center
• Columbia Daily Tribune
• Commerce Bank
• Boone County Fire Protection District
• University of Missouri
• Columbia College
• Stephens College
• Lenoir Retirement Center
• KFRU and many others.

Can STP Make My Show Into A DVD Or CD?
Yes.

Can I Use A Freeze Frame From The Video In My Print Advertising?
Not a good idea. Video is much lower resolution than print. The eye doesn't realize it because the motion hides it from us. Most video frames rarely look good blown up past 4"x 6" size.

Could We Do This In-House With iMovie Or Some Computer Program Like It?
Yes and no. Yes depends on how much you value your image in the public eye as well as the time of whomever gets assigned the job. Home video editing programs do not offer the capabilities nor the speed of professional systems. Add to that the intense learning curve and you will be investing heavily, much more than software costs. A video, no matter how basic, is not just the editing.

There are many other elements, let alone the skill of the operator. Soundtrack, graphics, lighting, camerawork, camera movements, acting , directing, casting, and yes editing all have a major impact on the 'watchability' and memorableness of the production. Generally speaking if the novelty fun factor is discounted and true costs are totaled, the vast majority of companies and associations are well served by having an in-house coordinator working with an outside producer. And, that's not just STP talking. Most of the big Hollywood studios are really no more. They contract with independent production facilities.

Can Steve Twitchell Production Do Animation?
Yes and no. Flying logos, yes. Basic chart reveals, yes. Flying text, yes. Map routes, yes. Basic 2D pans and spins, yes. Character animation like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, no.

Does STP Do Anything But Turnkey Projects?
Yes. We do narration for producers in 17 states. We do duplication for many other producers. We even work with some producers who shoot their own material and have us do the rest.

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