It’s A Busy Summer for Video One Productions

Two half-hour television shows a month, shooting the Video Club’s fifth Short Dramatic Film, and a variety of external video projects for Village organizations are keeping members of the Video One Productions team busy this summer.

VidOne is a Video Club Forum (special interest group) for club members working together on team-based video projects. Led by their new Facilitator, Ward Cushman, who stepped up to replace the late Fred Harshbarger, VidOne continues to meet during the summer via Zoom on second and fourth Fridays at 1 pm. For more info or a link to attend, contact Ward at ward.cushman@gmail.com.

Ward’s Back on His Bike with His GoPro

Ward reports that he’s gotten back on his bike following a painful accident earlier this year and has begun shooting on his ambitious “Visit Every Village Manor – on A Bicycle” project. Ward recently added a GoPro camera to his video equipment but says that, so far, he’s “finding the footage jumpy.” Hey, get that man a gimbal!

“Eyes on Books” in July and August

In July, “Eyes on Books,” which airs on Village Television Mondays and Thursdays at 9:30 am, interviews novelist and screenwriter Owen Pataki (shown at right with sister Allison), who called in to the show from New York via Zoom. Steve Savlov and Elaine Schnitter host the episode, discussing Where the Light Falls: A Novel of the French Revolution, written by Pataki and his sister, Allison Pataki.

In August, Steve Savlov and Susan Wheeler interview New York Times best-selling author Christina Baker Kline about her recent book, The Exiles, described on the author’s website as “a powerful, emotionally resonant novel that captures the hardship, oppression, opportunity, and hope of four women’s lives – three English convicts and an orphaned Aboriginal girl – in nineteenth-century Australia.”

“Beyond the Gates” in July and August

In July, “Beyond the Gates” goes to the Senior Center in Irvine to learn about Bollywood dancing and a mahjong tournament. Hosting the show, Susan Wheeler also visits the Irvine Historical Museum (above) and checks out farm-to-table southern coastal cuisine at at the Porch and Swing Restaurant (right) on Main Street. The show airs Wednesdays at 11 am and Sundays at 9 am on Village Television.

In August, “Beyond the Gates” visits the Norman Murray Community and Senior Center in Mission Viejo, where an informational Expo – plus a “slightly-used jewelry” sale – are in progress. Cherri Farah hosts. Another August segment will feature host Bill Hemberger visiting Mission Viejo’s Savour Bakery and Cafe.

Both half-hour shows are produced monthly by Suzanne Savlov with principal camera work by Jack Crawbuck. John Glassco frequently lends camera assistance. Joan Carman handles makeup.

Recent External Video Projects

Video One Productions has been doing a lot of pro bono coverage for Village organizations lately (well, we DO appreciate donations to the Video Club). Jack Crawbuck, Jim Rohrs, and John Glassco shot the Juneteenth Celebration on June 17. Jack will edit. Earlier, Jim Rohrs shot and edited the Intercultural Festival and Fashion Show sponsored May 22 by Community Bridge Builders and the Village’s African American Heritage Club – but, alas, the groups were not able to use Jim’s video because no notice was posted informing the audience that video would be taken. (The VidOne team didn’t repeat that mistake! At the Juneteenth celebration, video notices were posted.)

But the above coverage just part of the outside video work VidOners have been doing! Back on May 16, Jack Crawbuck and his Video One Productions team shot “Free Radicals,” an intense one-act drama, presented in Clubhouse 7 by A Music Lovers Club and One Foot in the Grave Productions. Jack was also scheduled to help shoot an upcoming poetry reading in the Video Studio, as well as a Band X performance on July 16, (including drummer and Video Club member/”Beyond the Gates” host Bill Hemberger). The Village-based rock band will be at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, opening for a Tony Bennett tribute band.

Help Shoot the Aquadettes’ Next Show!

Currently, Ward is recruiting Video One Productions members to help shoot the Aquadettes’ 2023 show, “The Aquadettes on Broadway,” scheduled August 10, 11, and 12 at the Clubhouse 1 Pool. If you can help, email Ward at ward.cushman@gmail.com.

After a successful 2022 Aqua Follies (see the finished video edited from VidOne footage shot last year), the swimmers continue to raise money to upgrade their much needed-sound system, curtains, and costumes, partnering with the Village Community Fund. Tax-deductible donations will be welcome on the VCF site.

Other Video Club TV Programs

Tom Nash’s long-running show, “Laguna Woods Stories,” featuring interviews with interesting Village residents and produced by Video One Productions, is currently in re-runs, but productions is expected to resume. Fred Harshbarger’s two TV shows, “Video Club Spotlight,” featuring short videos by club members, and “Jazzing Around,” featuring Fred’s original footage of West Coast jazz performances, are both in re-runs.

WATCH OUR SHOWS ON VILLAGE TV
“Beyond the Gates” – Wednesdays at 11 am and Sundays at 9 am
“Eyes on Books” – Mondays and Thursdays at 9:30 am
“Laguna Woods Stories” – Wednesdays and Sundays at 12 noon
“Video Club Spotlight” – Sundays at 4 pm
“Jazzing Around” – Fridays at 8:30 pm and Sundays at 4:30 pm