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San Diego Video Production
Semper Fi-ghting With "The Expendables"
July 26, 2010
It doesn't get more badass than this -- Sylvester Stallone and his tough-guy co-stars from "The Expendables" joining forces with the Marines at Camp Pendleton! This San Diego video production was actually the premiere of the new action movie, held at the 1,300-seat theater on the Marine base in Oceanside. Our San Diego video crew nabbed a TV exclusive for "Entertainment Tonight" as Stallone pulled up to a cheering crowd of Marines and their families in a Humvee. Also arriving in Humvees -- co-stars Terry Crews, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Randy Couture, a six-year military veteran. The crew stayed up close with the stars, grabbing tons of memorable moments as Stallone and the boys signed autographs, posed for pictures and high-fived Marines. Inside the theater, we rolled as "The Expendables" bolted down the carpet to thunderous applause and introduced their new film, which opens Aug. 13. Our footage aired on "ET" Monday, July 26, and was featured on the show's website, www.etonline.com.
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Keeping Up With Kathy Griffin
July 18, 2010
We couldn't have asked for a better gig than covering Kathy Griffin's book-signing for "Entertainment Tonight!" From start to finish, this San Diego video production was one belly laugh after another as Kathy lamented the engagement of her "My Life on the D-List" boy-toy Levi Johnston, and had a field day with Mel Gibson's phone recordings. The energetic comedian popped into Border's Books with her mom Maggie Griffin to promote Maggie's new book, Tip It! -- and sign copies of her own best-seller, Official Book Club Selection. My San Diego video crew and I squeezed in with the crowd of about 300 that crammed the bookstore to see and hear Kathy in person. And she didn't disappoint -- signing and posing for every last person!
Los Angeles Video Production
Solana Wins with 'Biggest Loser' Trainer
Solana Productions captured all the drama as Jillian Michaels, fitness trainer on TV's "The Biggest Loser," invaded a former Hollywood star's home for a complete diet and fitness makeover. ...more
Client Testimonials
"Thanks again for the remarkable video production services provided for our series "Animal Miracles with Alan Thicke." Each time we are more and more impressed with your team when we shoot at various locations throughout the western United States."
Client Video Production experiences...
Video Production Services FAQ
Solana Productions is your best choice for San Diego video production or Los Angeles video production. Solana Productions Northwest is your best choice for Seattle Video Production.
What's Your Day Rate?
Our rates are based on several variables. These include number of days, equipment required and location. We offer half-day rates, one-person crew rates and significant discounts for multi-day bookings. Please call for details.
Will you travel? How much does that cost?
We have traveled all over the world, many times over. Travel days are usually billed at 75% of the day rate for personnel. We do not bill for gear on travel days. Please keep in mind that these rates are flexible depending on the project.
Are permits required for shooting on location?
The City of San Diego does not charge for permits. It provides permits just to notify city services of larger productions. San Diego County does not require permits. Los Angeles, and several cities in that area, do require permits. Shooting on beaches is a guarantee of getting your permit checked. The permits are expensive and city workers, including lifeguards, check crews religiously. Seattle does not require permits. Please check our links page for more information.
Do you have insurance?
We have $1,000,000 liability coverage and all the equipment is insured for theft and damage. The liability policy covers damage done to property by those working for Solana Productions.
Will my client be impressed with your crew?
This is a question many producers have and don't ask. We want you to know that our crews arrive on time and in a good mood. They wear appropriate clothing. Shorts and t-shirts work on the beach, but not in the boardroom. We understand that. We also work quietly and professionally.
I'm looking for a distinctive style of shooting. Can you capture that?
We are constantly challenged to match specific looks. And we have a record of "getting the look" 100% of the time. For Dr. Phil that may be two specific filters, soft lighting and paying very close attention to the background. On a recent American Express shoot it meant matching our shoot to emailed pictures. We have consistently been able to maintain high quality and client satisfaction. We understand that making clients happy is our primary job.
What Lighting/Grip equipment is included?
Our standard production package includes ARRI kits with Chimeras, gels, diffusion and assorted color correction. We also provide an extensive grip package that includes, silks, flags and c-stands. HMI lighting and full grip truck/packages are available for an additional charge.
What is required to book a shoot?
For new clients we require a 50% deposit to hold shooting days. If the shoot is last minute we will work out other arrangements. This can include using credit cards through PAYPAL. The deposit is fully refundable under most circumstances. If cancellation occurs within 24 hours of the shoot day the deposit is not refunded. We have a short production agreement that outlines these terms.
International Shooting
We have extensive experience shooting all over the world. However in a post-9-11 world it’s become increasingly difficult to easily cross international borders with video production equipment. Below are the guidelines for booking a shoot in Canada or Mexico. Please contact us for specific requirements for other countries.
Sometimes crossing is a simple wave through. Other times we’re sent to secondary for further inspection and questioning. This can delay, sometimes considerably, the shooting day. And is one reason we require an interpreter for trips to Mexico. We have some Spanish speaking crew members but cannot guarantee their availability. Interpreters are readily available in San Diego and Tijuana.
US Customs requires a Certificate of Registration with a list of every piece of equipment taken across the border. This means a trip to their office before the day of the shoot. The equipment is inspected and the certificate is stamped to insure there will be no problems re-entering the US with the gear. We charge a half-day labor rate for obtaining this certificate.
We have never been turned away at the border however crews have been denied entrance. It is our policy to charge our client a FULL day rate if we are denied entrance to Canada or Mexico for any reason.
Clients are responsible for Canadian work permits as well as international insurance coverage. This includes vehicle insurance and international gear insurance. Work permits are not required in Mexico. Auto insurance is under $50.00. An international insurance rider for equipment is about $300.00. This paperwork must be completed 24 hours prior to the shoot day.
Sometimes we have insurance in place from previous shoots and can waive that expense. However we will not cross the border without all of the above requirements being addressed. We will not cross the border on short notice if it requires waiving the above requirements.