Celeb-extravaganza - by Patty Mooney

My partner, Patty Mooney, compiled this slide show of celebrities whom we have encountered along the way on various video productions and interviews conducted via our video production company, Crystal Pyramid Productions. You may be able to recognize a face or two......

A Timelapse of A Video Production Set-Up - Video by Mark Schulze

Here's a 30-second timelapse of a satellite video production set-up that took all day. This was a five-camera shoot (two mobile and three long-lens cameras on tripods in the back of the performance center in Escondido. It was a Christmas presentation by Mystery Science Theater 2000 with Weird Al Yankovich and ranks by the crew as the most fun video production gig of 2009.

Mystery Science Theater 2000 Production Set-up Timelapse from Patty Mooney on Vimeo.

Happy Holidays to All

Wishing everyone a happy holiday season filled with laughter, good friends, family and fun times. This is a good time to look back at 2009, remember all the highlights and express gratitude for all the learning experiences. As Susan B. Anthony said, "Failure is impossible." Just learn from any mistakes you made and move on.

I will now leave you with a slideshow of holiday images to enjoy. Photographs are by my partner, Patty Mooney.

Proud Finalist of "Most Admired CEO" Awards

I was honored to be a finalist in the San Diego Business Journal's Third Annual "Most Admired CEO Awards" competition. SDBJ held a well-attended gathering downtown at the San Diego Marriott Ballroom where we all had a chance to network with each other and enjoy "heavy hors doervres." I was in great company with other CEO's from around the region.

It's always a good thing when you receive recognition for your work. And my profession as a video producer and Director of Photography is a little bit different than your usual "nine to five." Each video production calls for a whole new venue and cast of characters. It's rewarding, but there's a lack of consistent social interaction, as you would find in most jobs. So shaking a few hands and networking with other CEO's was a lot of fun for me.


I even had a chance to say hello to San Diego's Mayor, Jerry Sanders.


Photographs by Brian Bostrum, Brian Bostrom Photography. Thanks Brian!

DOF Secretary Hilda Solis Visits San Diego - by Mark Schulze

Crystal Pyramid Productions recently had the opportunity to videotape the visit of Department of Labor Secretary, Hilda Solis to the Veterans Village of San Diego, a nonprofit organization that works to bring homeless veterans back into society. VVSD was celebrating the completion of the construction of Phase Two of its rehabilitation center for homeless military veterans suffering from chemical dependency or mental health issues. This phase of the project adds 112 early treatment beds, a medical facility, an employment center and administration building to better serve those in need.

Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD), aka Vietnam Veterans of San Diego, is dedicated to extending assistance to needy and homeless veterans of all wars and eras and their families by providing housing, food, clothing, substance abuse recovery and mental health counseling, job training and job search assistance. Their mission statement: "We believe in the inherent worth of each and every Veteran and his or her right to a rehabilitation program which leads to renewed self-worth and independent living."

Here I am videotaping the speech that Secretary Solis delivered to the residents and volunteers at VVSD.

These are some of the residents of VVSD, formerly homeless veterans who have made the commitment to eliminate drugs and alcohol from their lives, participate in a year-long live-in program at VVSD, and return as healthy and beneficial members of their communities.

Phil Landis, CEO of VVSD, stands in front of a mural that features himself as a young man who served in Vietnam

I discovered this video on youtube that covers Secretary Solis's visit to VVSD. I am the camera operator wearing a white baseball cap. And my partner and wife, Patty Mooney, who shot the above three photographs, is the woman in blue carrying the boom pole. This is rare footage of us, the people usually BEHIND the scenes.

San Diego Comic Con Back in 2001 - by Mark Schulze

A view of the convention floor at San Diego Convention Center from above. At the time we were amazed at the crowds, but this appears empty compared to today's standards. The show has been sold out for weeks. There will be many people trying to sneak in and there will be many disappointed people who cannot get in.

Electronic Playground's Julie Stoffer interviews Director, Bryan Singer, on the fly.

The crew poses for a group photo after a two-day shoot together. Seen are myself (Mark Schulze), Patty Mooney, Tommy Tallarico, Victor Lucas and Julie Stoffer

Top two photographs by Patty Mooney who was a Sound Technician on this gig.

San Diego Comic Con Blast From the Past - by Mark Schulze

Photographs of some interesting conventioneers on the floor of the San Diego Comic Con back in 2001.

Photographs by Patty Mooney.