A trademark is more than a label. Sure, when you go to the grocery store and pick out your favorite brand of coffee, you admire the presentation, but I’ll bet you choose your particular blend because you enjoy the signature taste. When you sip your favorite cup of coffee, you are tasting the brand.

I recently rebranded my company, Crooked Lake Productions. It was something I’ve had in the works for some time now but for one reason or another it never made it to my work bench. Early in October, I noticed that another more established production company was starting to adopt attributes from my original logo. The most discouraging part was an iconic tree on a horizon line with its reflection on a lake, which was similar to the visual concept I had developed for my logo. I didn’t think they were doing a very good job with the symbolism. I created the original CLP logo in 2005 when I first learned how to use Photoshop. The image was based on a lake in Northern Wisconsin, where my father used to take me. At the lake, I would fish, learn how to swim, read, and discover my creative side. Later in 2006, my good friend Terance Tucker took that image and transformed it into a statement. We made a logo, business cards and a black and white logo animation without sound. It was a triumphant step forward. For the first time, my company had a face that people would start to recognize. I remember shooting video productions around downtown Seattle and people would come up to me and say, “I know you! You’re the guys with the tree!” We had a face but our lake was still nondescript.

Crooked Lake Concept 2005

Crooked Lake Productions Logo 2006

After I saw the other production company’s failed attempt at our brand I decided to reconstruct. I looked at what we (Crooked Lake) did right and what both the other company and I did wrong. The first problem was the lake. We weren’t Crooked Tree Productions, we were Crooked Lake Productions and the community needed to see the lake I grew up on in my identity. The tree was a perfect element to the lake but the lake needed to dominate the reflection. The second problem was even though CLP’s image was strong, there were too many details. It wasn’t simple enough to be blown up to the size of a billboard and it was too convoluted to shrink down to an icon. It wasn’t vectorized so every time its size shifted, so did the pixels and that was when distortion happened. No one wants a disfigured identity. The third thing was the taste. We knew what the lake looked like…but how did it feel and what did it sound like?

I took my original 2005 concept, Terance’s beautiful 2006 animation, and started to build a team that could bring my lake to life. Dave Drage, a very talented Colorado based designer, took the reference images and built a magnificent logo. The words outlined the phantom horizon without showing land, the tree in silhouette etched a perfect stencil, and the reflection was equally cut but more fluid. The logo was still, but its persona moved. The color renditions added nostalgic feelings of seasons and temperature. Next was the animation. Matt Jorgensen, a former co-worker and good friend, made my lake move. We made sure to add outside elements that added life to the scene: rain for temperament, fog for ambiance, and a bird for humanity. Adding a living creature to the setting was the smartest thing we did. The video starts with a portrait of the mockingbird perched on a branch. As the frame pulls out and the bird takes off, we reveal the blue landscape, the lake, the tree, the logo, and us. The bird sets a scene that anyone can remember and everyone can appreciate. But what does the lake sound like? The award winning Eric Goetz knew the answer. His melodic instrumental with ambient tones accompanied by Peter Comley’s collected sounds of rain, wind and chirping created a miniature opus that screamed Crooked Lake Productions.

In 19 seconds of playback anyone can discover what Crooked Lake Productions is without any words. Crooked Lake Productions is memorable, elegant, soothing, visual, easy listening, independent and strong. Strong like the recycled card stock from Moo that our technologist Nate Vaughn chose for our business cards. Bold like the rocky font Drage used in the brand’s typography. Original like the concept Terance and I crafted together so many years ago. Lively like the mockingbird in Jorgensen’s animation. Loud like Comely’s sound and smooth like the melody from Goetz. Crooked Lake Productions is…well, see for yourself.

Crooked Lake Productions Logo Animation 2012 from Crooked Lake Productions on Vimeo.

Here is some previously recorded coverage from Colorad Film and Video Association’s (CFVA) Town Hall meeting. After the panel spoke there was a lively discussion; people discussed their wants, concerns and some of us applauded the things we love most about CFVA. CFVA helped Crooked Lake Productions out a great deal as we transitioned to Colorado from Seattle. we feel very fortunate to have found an organization as strong as this one.

CFVA – Town Hall Meeting 11-16-2011 from Kerndt Design, LLC. on Vimeo.

This is video of our Colorado Film and Video Association’s Town Hall meeting on 11/16/2011 at Lighting Services, INC. in Denver, Colorado.

We start with reports from our committees about our association. Then we field questions from a list sent to us before hand and also some from the audience.

A lively discussion about what our association is doing to help our members and the industry as a whole in Colorado.

UPDATE 1.29.2012: Yesterday morning Colorado Public Radio released two beautiful segments pertaining to Colorado film and the incentives program.  Listen to them here!

CO Tries New Route With Film Incentives
Exploring Colorado’s Hollywood Connection

Original Post:
So you say you want a revolution? Show it by being present at the monumental steps of the Colorado State Capitol, February 8th! We need large amounts of film professionals and supporters to help convince our legislators that Colorado is prepared to be the next big thing in the movie business. The objective is to gain support from our State Legislators for increased film incentives in Colorado.

Help create awareness, help create jobs, help Colorado create.

Take a look at the promotional video from James Drake featuring Colorado filmmakers, local businesses and Colorado’s Film Commission Director, Donald Zuckerman.

Official details here: http://cfva.com/events/cinema-co

More information: coloradofilmincentives2012.com

Dustie Pierce pulls light from the darkest patches of black canvas… Traditional painters start with white terrain and flood it with shades until an image is articulated. Dustie uses lighter colors to express her details so the oils can pop out and say “Hey! Pay attention, I’m talking to you.” I say this because when you look at one of Dustie’s paintings, you can’t help but pay attention. Each brush stroke adds to the design the way a line from a book would develop a narrative. Dustie has donated an original painting she created for the PHOENIX FALLING short film, her Icarus has flown from the cloth and has become quite the co-star. Below is her painting and artist statement.

“The harmony of seeing the way the Phoenix Falling crew interacts with one another is mirrored in the harmony I find in working on this project. The tale of Icarus, Louise, and my struggle as an artist to maintain a balance between the euphoria which comes with the acceptance of one’s work and the desolation that invades as one faces obstacles, frustrations, and failures coalesced in the midst of my research and preparation for painting Icarus. The moment one begins to fall is not always apparent, but with careful observation one can ascertain that something is not quite right. A sense of unease creeps in as doubt invades. Am I falling, flying, or maintaining that elusive balance between the two?” – Dustie Pierce

Original art by Dustie Pierce

More blogs featuring Phoenix Falling and Dustie Pierce:
Behind PHOENIX FALLING
1st production still – Phoenix Falling Prologue
Phoenix Falling Short Film Audition – CASTING CALL
Louise Swanson, Character Sketch, Project Phoenix

Ben and Grants TV Spot HD (VISUAL CUT) from Crooked Lake Productions on Vimeo.

Customize your car’s sound system, body, wheels, interiors, accessories, screens and much more at BEN AND GRANTS AUTO WORKS.

Customize your car’s sound system, body, wheels, interiors, accessories, screens and much more at BEN AND GRANTS AUTO WORKS.

The crew for Phoenix Falling (16mm short film) explore Dustie’s art studio. The inspirational artist and her home studio provides a plate full of “food for thought” for production designer De Ann. The behind the scenes footage was captured from the flip video ultra HD.

Flipping zip lines in Costa Rica… “Once a realm limited to scientific investigations, canopy exploration has quickly become one of the fastest growing and most sought after tour frontiers of the rainforest. The ideal site area, a 17-acre tract of virgin forest, is called Miramar or “ocean view” referring to its commanding view of the Golfo Dulce and the surrounding rainforest. The platforms are strung along nearly a mile of rainforest canopy reaching heights of 138ft.” – Crocodile Bay

CREW photo with DR. GRAHAM : Scott Wilson, Lindsay Marcus, Henry Darrow McComas and Nick Marchant.

WHAT: Auditions for the hilarious narrative, YOUR CHEATING ART, an original short film being produced by students in the University of Washington Independent Filmmaking Certificate Program.

WHEN / WHERE: Auditions will take place Friday, January 22nd, 6 – 9 p.m. at TPS in Seattle. Shooting will take place February 6th at Microsoft Studios in Redmond.

NOTE: Unfortunately, this is a NO PAY production (we may be starving students, but we’re also dedicated storytellers with a great flick to shoot); however, we offer a shiny copy mastered to DVD and a digital copy for your reel, an official credit for your resume, and food the day of the shoot ’cause everybody has to eat.

SUBMIT: If interested, please email your headshot and resume to ycathemovie@gmail.com Please include a link to your reel or Web site (if available). On-camera experience and/or stage experience is encouraged but not required. State the name of the character for which you are submitting. If interested, you will be contacted with specific audition information. No phone calls or walk-ins please.

SYNOPSIS:
Everyone has a bad day at the office once in a while. But for klutzy nice-guy and erstwhile art thief, Chad, this day is quickly turning into the worst ever. First his negligence almost results in his and his partner’s capture. Then his girlfriend wants to break up because she thinks he’s being unfaithful. Can Chad avoid capture, convince his girlfriend of his undying love, and find that ever-elusive work/life balance?

CASTING BREAKDOWN:
CHAD
Male, late-20s, in decent shape, handsome despite a bad haircut. Chad has the best intentions, but is a classic screw-up. Physically awkward even though he’s somewhat athletic. Works as an art thief by night, pretends to be in construction by day. Loves Lisa.

RICKY
Male, mid-40s, thin, mustache or other distinguishing facial hair preferred. Ricky is Chad’s partner and mentor, and provides the experience and know-how for their capers. Suave, polished and good at what he does. Impatient with Chad.

LISA
Female, late-20s, pretty, attractive. Lisa works as a waitress, though her goal is to finish her art history degree and teach. She loves Chad, but thinks he might be cheating on her. Smart, sad and a little passive, but capable of great passion under the right circumstances.

LANA
Female, mid-30s, neither attractive nor unattractive. Lana has been working as a waitress too long. She’s jaded, savvy and quick to assume the worst. She divorced her husband over his infidelity and now assumes all men are cheats.

MUSEUM GUARD
Female, mid-40s, plus-size preferred. Sexual, lusty, sassy. She works as a museum guard, but she’s really not into her job. Small part with big impact.

Theatre Puget Sound

Craigslist

WHAT: Auditions for “Phoenix Falling,” an original short film being produced by students in the University of Washington Independent Filmmaking Certificate Program (Seattle campus).

WHEN / WHERE: Shooting will take place in February and/or March at Microsoft Studios in Redmond (some exteriors may be required at other locations).

NOTE: Sorry, this is NO PAY involved, however, we will provide a copy for your reel, a great credit for your resume, and food the day of the shoot.

SUBMIT: If interested, please email your headshot and resume to phoenixfallingfilm@gmail.com. If you have one, please also include a link to your reel or Web site (on-camera experience is encouraged but not required). State the name of the character for which you are submitting. If interested, we will contact you with specific audition information. No phone calls please.

CASTING BREAKDOWN:
LOUISE – late 20s, female, artist, intense, manic, emotionally detached, a thin woman who doesn’t eat for days at a time, dark features, long dark hair (brown or black) preferred but not required.

DR. GRAHAM – early to mid-30s, female, therapist at mental institution, confident, driven, ambitious, goal-oriented, ladder climber, light features, red or blonde hair preferred but not required. She is Nurse Ratched on Prozac.

DR. ISAAC – 50s – 60s, male, therapist/team leader at Phoenix Mental Hospital, tall, distinguished, cultured, well-spoken, well-groomed, salt & pepper or white hair preferred but not required.

5 Extras – 2 Medics, Jacob (Louise’s husband), and a Mother and her Baby (infant age – no toddlers). Please note that extras have no lines so only submit if you are okay with that.

Craigslist

Theatre Puget Sound