The Niagara Association of Realtors brought PPI in to build a captivating video for their website home page. Together we designed a piece that delineated NAR,s commitment to providing services and resources to its members to ensure a high standard of business practices and ethics.
We utilized some light hearted special effects and a warming story line to communicate the dedication and genuine sense of concern these professionals have for their clientele and the Niagara community they live in.
Port Colborne - Uncharted...Unexpected
The City of Port Colborne challenged us to create a new home page web video that would reflect the many experiences available to visitors bound for a Port Colborne stay-cation. In concert with their “Passport to Adventure” program where visitors were given GPS coordinates of key tourism “must see destinations” we created a “GPS Port Colborne” theme. We brought industry sector stakeholders together on screen with vibrant HD imagery and the result was an exciting look into the Port Colborne experience “Uncharted...Unexpected”
Get John Young
John is a highly perceptive and innovative marketing specialist. He has an amazing
capacity to “tell it like it is.” Working with him was indeed an honour.
John wanted to create an edgy video that would reflect his cutting edge message that he could provide his agents and also display on his You-Tube sight. He wanted to create something that would set him apart from the competition and make him stand out.
To achieve this we created graphic composites, green-screen overlays and dynamic edits with music and sound fx.
John has received rave reviews from the agencies and many of his esteemed
colleagues in both the US and Canada.
Prime Cuts Specialty
Meats and Deli
Cliff Oldford and Angelo Aliberti, both legends in the food preparation and grocery businesses have teamed up to offer the highest quality of meat and pre-prepared meals available anywhere.
We designed this home page web video to convey the up close and personal nature of the service shoppers can expect at Prime Cuts utilizing a jiggy “ have fun” style. Located in Fort Erie, Ontario Prime Cuts draws enthusiastic customers from throughout the Niagara Region and Western New York.
Following the success of the web clip we cut it into a 30 second TV spot which has been a profitable addition to this marketing project.
Destination Niagara Falls
Joyce Morroco and her team have created an exciting new website “Destination Niagara Falls.” The site showcases Niagara Falls and the Niagara Region as a place to visit, explore, or plan your next business meeting. Working with Joyce is invigorating to say the least and this Home Page Website intro conveys the enthusiasm she has for Niagara, the place she proudly calls home.
Fort Erie 1812 Web Video
Fort Erie played a significant role during the War of 1812 and the Bicentennial Celebration steering committee needed a brief dynamic video introduction to their new website.
PPI employed powerful imagery filmed at the “Siege of Fort Erie” re-enactment to convey to visitors and trip planners the colourful events to be experienced during the 2012 - 2014 Bicentennial celebration recognizing 200 years of peace between two great nations.
Robert Preece Realtor
This project was a lot of fun. Robert wanted to create something eye catching and edgy to advertise his unique selling proposition as a realtor. He planned to utilize it as an ad trailer at The Boutique Movie Theatre and as a web promo.
This was shot entirely in our green screen room and edited in gray-scale to give it a tongue-in-cheek Pythonesque (if you will) treatmentl. We had a blast working with Robert.
The Power of N
NEDC asked us to construct a powerful one-minute presentation opener for their delegation to use in Japan and Germany.
As the exercise was to attract foreign investment in Niagara our writer created this clever “Power of n” concept. The plot was to marry the vast availability of hydropower that defines Niagara’s history with the power inherent in locating global operations in this region. We combined our library of Niagara footage with international currency symbols and a fast paced design to create an edgy flavour.
This video is now a signature part of the corporation’s website and You-Tube presence.
Hospice Niagara
Judith Barker and her team of caring professionals invited PPI to tell the story of Hospice Niagara. The challenge was to convey how this organization of caregivers serve to improve the quality of life for people with a life-limiting, progressive illness from the time of diagnosis. Their focus is on caring, not curing, and on life, not death. Hospice care extends to family members and caregivers, helping them to care for their loved one and to care for themselves.
Creating this short film was unarguably an enlightening and rewarding experience that words alone cannot even begin to describe. Thanks Judith, you have changed my life!
Ridgeway by the Lake
Endorsement Video
As a sequel to the first Niagara Lifestlye video we produced for Rob Mills of Blythwood Homes, this developer extroardinaire sequestered us to create an encore trio of new web marketing videos for his Ridgeway by the Lake website.
Located in historic Ridgeway Ontario this upscale adult lifestyle community with beautiful new homes and a fabulous club house right on the shore of Lake Erie must be seen to be believed. These three videos capture the experience of living in Ridgeway, the unbeatable quality of design and craftsmanship in these homes and the friendly sense of community that permeates this neighbourhood.
Ridgeway by the Lake
A Sense of Community
Keeping with the “Village within a Village” theme....in this piece RBTL residents describe the close sense of community, friendship and respect residents share with one another.
Living in Ridgeway by the Lake is a peaceful, secure experience but at the same time active and outgoing with a robust healthy lifestyle.
Ridgeway by the Lake
Fabulous Homes
Rob Mills, the builder and RBTL residents describe the quality, grace and bright airy
living spaces built into each customizable home. These highly comfortable, well
constructed energy efficient homes are second to none.
Niagara Greenbelt
The Niagara Economic Development Corporation in cooperation with Brock University and the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation challenged us to create several eye catching web clips to use on the Web Site’s landing page.
We all wanted the clips to incorporate interesting design elements with a playful spin to give it a light, adventuresome quality. We chose to utilize a “passing through the Greenbelt membrane” concept which portrays Greenbelt visitors discovering a magically beautiful garden once they’ve arrived. A “Through the Looking Glass” style journey to “Where Possibilities Grow.”
We filmed with Michael our DP from Strange Communications on Standard Definition Beta SP and created special effects in our Apple Suite.
Grant Thornton
CEO’s Website Message
At the onset of global economic downturn Grant Thornton’s national team felt compelled to offer exceptional proactive service to their clients and all businesses seeking consultation and guidance at this difficult time.
PPI has been honoured to work with Grant Thornton Canada for many years and is always highly energized to rise to each new project challenge. In this instance our crew was at head office to record on white screen this powerful message from CEO Phil Noble, outlaying Grant Thornton’s commitment to its clients.
The message was displayed on the GT national website.
We are Grant Thornton with Grant Thornton LLP
Grant Thornton LLP has for several years been identified within the Top 50 Best Workplaces in Canada and it comes as no surprise when you are fortunate enough to work with these people year after year.
It is with a great sense of team spirit and pride that we develop corporate profiling in collaboration with their Human Resources and Marketing departments, assisting them with their Annual Partners Meeting and providing both internal and external web messaging for their principals.
“We are Grant Thornton” was filmed coast to coast by our DP’s and location crews in Vancouver,Toronto and Halifax. With scripting and direction provided by Human Resources we assembled a Rant that conveys the deep sense of belonging and commitment that makes this amazing firm the success it is. This corporation is quite simply a creative group on the move that is a transparent trusted advisor to its high profile diversity of clients.
Thanks GT for all of it.
Made In Welland
The City of Welland’s Economic Development department wanted to showcase a concept they were proposing for a Life-Sciences corridor along the Welland Canal. The cluster would comprise the hospital, McMaster University Research Centre, Brock University Centre for Human Performance, Niagara College Applied Health Institute and the Rowing/Kayaking Clubs.
Our challenge was to create an exciting glimpse into what could be. With generous help from Dan Degazio EDTC General Manager and then Mayor Damian Goulbourne the result was a high energy high impact piece that inspired investors and site selectors.
Canadian Red Cross was developing a training program to address the often occurring and many times catastrophic pitfalls experienced by new employees while becoming familiar with the caregiver/patient relationship. Utilizing a training film was seen as a distinct advantage as it would tell the same story consistently to all viewers and at the same time reduce the cost of providing a training team to visit all Red Cross locations. “Who is Helping Whom” was designed by PPI to clarify the do’s and don’t’s when visiting patients' homes and tending their needs.
Seen here is the evocative opening and the first 5 minutes of the 35 minute film. This was large scale project that was filmed with a six man crew at many Niagara locations over a two week period. The film has become a training staple utilized at Red Cross offices throughout Ontario and the Maratimes.
Hands Off Tactics
Perry Heidelberger was for many years a social services worker in Manhattan New York.
He and his life long partner Lydia came to PPI to propose their vision for creating a 3 DVD training package designed as a learn at home program to empower young people with the means to free themselves of a potentially dangerous restraint and flee to safety.
Seen here is the opening segment of DVD number one followed by a training sequence from the same disc . Adopting a reality-TV style PPI employed the services of local elementary and secondary school students of various shapes and sizes, and a full scale crew, to film inside the crumbling graffiti ridden remains of a change-house at Crystal Beach Ontario. Other locations included Ridgeway Crystal Beach High School, Ridgeway Public School, ironically the Fort Erie (Friendship) Trail, PPI studios and a private home.
The resulting DVD collection has received critical acclaim with sales world wide and was highly recommended in the Washington State Video Librarian Magazine as a “must have” addition to school libraries throughout North America.
For several years now PPI has provided the Business Education Council with a Powerpoint presentation for their Annual Breakfast where nearly one thousand participants from many sectors including education, business, community organizations and government gather to exchange viewpoints and forge partnerships. BEC is the glue that brings and keeps these long-term partnerships together.
Additionally we have been creating video content for presentation at these forums to deliver themed messages about current initiatives in an informative and entertaining fashion. These three are from the 2011 Breakfast presentation at the Marriott Gateway on the Falls.
BEC J. Reid AGM address
Judy delivers the essence of the theme for each years' meeting. The 2011 breakfast featured the construction and subsequent expansion at two of Niagara's key educational institutions, Niagara College and Brock University. Utilizing the acronym P.O.T.E.N.T.I.A.L she gives insight into the magnitude of educational possibility inherent in these projects, with a bit of SFX at the end.
BEC T. Palmer AGM address
Ted is always a great sport. His video address comprises an overview of the BEC's
mandate with a view to what's next. His cameo winds up the Breakfast presentation and
as such we try to have a little fun with it. In this instance he and Judy have a Star Wars
style duke-out as a light hearted wrap up.
The Boutique Movie Theatre
Heather Bauer has created a one of a kind venue in uptown Ridgeway Ontario. This boutique theatre offers two large screens with 40 high back reclinable seats in each providing a marvelous movie watching experience.
Heather asked PPI to create a community partners video to play as a pre-show trailer. We employed some actual HD footage of an antique 35 mm film reel in this studio setting coupled with some electronic graphics, fog and the many hands of partners to showcase the Ridgeway business community and convey a sense of togetherness and cooperation.
Circle P Paving
Dwight Phibbs and his sons have developed a Cold Central Plant Recycling service for Circle “P” Paving’s smaller specific asphalt repair applications. It was our challenge to utilize a script and photos supplied by the Circle P administration to build an evocative and inspiring sales and marketing piece for public viewing. PPi chose to enhance the photos by giving them an embossed storybook illustration appearance. We combined progressive text screens and some chroma key studio inset shots to further develop the book-like theme and as well, provide more motion to the video.
Eurocopter Video
Eurocopter Canada wished to create a series of short videos that demonstrated their new Supplemental Type Certificate (add on aircraft features) to be utilized at trade show displays in the US.
The challenge was to create an economical High Definition solution with a Hi tech appearance that clearly demonstrated the advantage of the new products over the traditional ones.
Working against extremely tight deadlines PPI delivered a package of 6 HD DVD videos and a complete Digital Photography package on time.
City of Port Colborne Public Info
Created at the same time as their home page web video this condensed version of the Uncharted...Unexpected project was designed to play at the Niagara Falls Scotia Bank Convention Centre. The video loops continuously on a display screen in the Port Colborne Lounge where visitors gather and relax before and after events. This piece also plays without sound at the Port Colborne Visitor Information Centre.
Welland LED Lighting
CRS Electronics located in Welland, who has become one of the leading suppliers of LED technology in Ontario, partnered with the City of Welland to replace the city’s Main Street lighting with new LED lamps. PPI was asked to build this explanatory video featuring endorsements from Mayor Damian Goulbourne and CEO & President of Welland Hydro Ross Peever.
Dominic Mancuso at the 2011 Crystal Beach Concert for Peace
Dominic always performs in the company of some of the best players in the business.
This performance is certainly no exception. We recorded this at the most recent
Concert for Peace which is lovingly organized and hosted by Michael and Louise Pickett
at their home. This natural outdoor setting in Crystal Beach Ontario provides an
unforgettable listening experience with many thanks to Steve at J&B Pro Music for the
live feed and David Morrison for Pro Tools recording.
Michael Pickett and Rick Taylor
Filmed in 1080 23.98p on our Sony XDCAM we shot guerilla style with wild audio at Michael Pickett’s Concert for Peace 2009. Michael invited Rick Taylor to the stage to perform “Peace Stories” for the first time before a live audience.
Again, what an opportunity to work with an entertainer of this stature, Michael being a founding member of legendary Canadian blues/roots bands “Whiskey Howl” and “Wooden Teeth” and is also a multiple Juno nominee.
Elton Lammie in Concert
Filmed in 1080 23.98p, we captured Elton’s performance at the Fort Erie Municipal Centre. This segment is his interpretation of “I Dreamed a Dream” from the Broadway smash Musical “Les Miserables.” Again, shot guerilla style with wild audio, brings raw quality realism to the experience and enhances Elton’s sensitive and dynamic delivery of this piece from his “Opry to Opera” show.
Dominic Mancuso at the Crystal Beach Concert for Peace
O Sole Mio is a classic Italian masterpiece and is recorded guerilla style here at the Concert for Peace in this breathtaking performance by Dominic Mancuso and Toni Zorzi utilizing just a mono line feed and a wild shotgun mic. This is certainly one of the most deeply heartfelt versions of this epic piece of music this producer has experienced and Dominic and his band are always a pleasure to work with.
Rick Taylor at the Michael Pickett Concert for Peace
Rick is a monster singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist. I lifted this ultra hot
guitar solo form my recording of his performance of Colleen Peterson's “Not the
Only One” I had the pleasure of performing and recording with him in the Kathy
Gregson Band in the early '80's.
Sean Ashby Live
at The Crystal
The Crystal Chandelier Cafe etc... is a one of a kind eatery/entertainment venue. In their words “One part Casablanca, one part Lauren Bacall, add a dash of romance, a whiff of heaven and you have it. The most charming cafe etc,,,,anywhere, anytime.”
It is only fitting that we would record the eclectic poetic musings of Sean Ashby here in this spicy little venue. Sean was kicking off his 2010 Canadian summer tour. It was a pleasure to record this guerilla style clip of this long standing songwriter/guitarist who has for over a decade been a central part of Sarah McLachlan’s band.
Kimberly Zanko, then Director of Marketing, explains the Patrick Mines Customs
Brokers' value proposition to new customers.
P. Mines Welcome
Patrick Mines needed a cordial web site welcome to augment his Customs Brokers site. Utilizing Green Screen Chroma Key technology PPI created a seamless web spokesperson layer to add a welcome message from the president and the then marketing director Kimberly Z.
