Blog Feed - Road Pictures

Glenn & David

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 19:53:00 GMT

I consider myself lucky to have a job I really love. I’ve made a living, raised kids, given opportunities to others, and worked with lots of creative, interesting, cool people. The job came with a few adventures…shooting in amazing places, seeing most of the US and a good chunk of the world.

There were, of course, some key folks early in my career, people who opened doors, who challenged me, whose influence stays with me to this day.

Two of those folks departed this life in 2021. Knowing that both of these outstanding people are now gone definitely has me in a thankful mood.

David Cranfill, through Cranfill Advertising, which later became 360 Group, gave me my first career job in Indianapolis. Working as an on-staff production manager, I learned how commercials come together from first concepts to distribution. I still am in awe of the projects we shot for Farm Bureau Insurance and their Indiana Legends campaign…moments in the lives of Wes Montgomery, Carole Lombard, the Reno Gang and so many more.

Glenn Roberts, the owner of long-gone Producers International, took me from coast to coast working for big companies and institutions, from AT&T to the U.S. Army. Those of us who worked on the mini-series “Private Victories” will always cherish the memories. The list of people who worked with Glenn reads like a who’s who of Indy’s production community.

Interestingly, the two of them worked together in the years before I met them. And they took different paths later in their careers: David worked up until the very end, with 360 Group at the top of its game (and Road Pictures a proud vendor to them), whereas Glenn retired (at what now seems like a very young age) after selling his company.

David & Glenn. Incredible men. I am indebted to the opportunities they provided. Words are not enough.

Greg Malone, Producer/Owner, Road Pictures

What we did during the pandemic, part 2

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 20:41:00 GMT

The New Harmony Project commissioned some of the best writers in America, including John Pielmeier, Theresa Rebeck, James Still, Vichet Chum and Isaac Gómez to write short pieces about hope while everyone has been in the throes of the pandemic. Road Pictures is honored to have produced five of these films. The virtual premiere, under the title Sunrise, was on Thursday, December 10, and now the films can be found in the Work section of this site. Thanks to the dozens of people who worked on these, including directors Ron Hamad, Tim Taylor, Lindsay D Mitchell, Mike James and Ron Sim & Dan Meadows. Dan Meadows edited two of the films, and his colleague at CMG, Marc Wellington did color & finish duties on three. John Scofield and his team at Scofield Digital provided the beautiful finish on A City of Stories. Rick Such and the folks at Earshot Audio Post lent their talents, as did a terrific group of actors including Roma Hamad, Sharon Washington, Heather Meadows, Jan Lucas, Jen Johansen, David Mosedale, Chantel Massey and Frankie Alvarez. And boy, did I learn a lot about stock footage, and learning about the resources of the African American Home Movie Archive and it's amazing director Jasmyn Castro alone was worth all the detective work.

The biggest thanks of all to David Hudson and Lori Wolter Hudson, who both provide brains and talent, verve and nerve to the world through the New Harmony Project. May 2021 bring us all some semblance of normalcy, and allow them to bring together artists in person in New Harmony, Indiana, the way it's been done for decades.

The Mask Goes On

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 20:54:00 GMT

I can't believe it's been five months since my last post. And I can't believe all the things that have changed, and have not changed. Five months on set, shooting versions with masks and without. Creative influenced by the pandemic. Learning how to hear what folks are saying through masks and understanding personal cues from only the eyes (and occasionally the waving arms). Realizing that winter with masks is more comfortable than summer with masks. Including a COVID page in treatments. Going from assuming that no one around you has gotten sick to learning that lots of people have. Worrying about face masks, hand sanitizer, air flow, and how to spread people out for lunch. Being thankful for the work and the opportunity to hang, however briefly and however distanced, with the wonderful folks in the filmmaking community. The Mask is on, but sooner or later, it will be a memory. See you on set, live or through the miracles of modern streaming technology.

What did you do during the pandemic, Daddy?

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 20:54:00 GMT

Well, my love, we've been making movies. We've been working with amazing writers like James Still, John Pielmeier, Theresa Rebeck and Isaac Gómez. And we've paired them with great directors: Tim Taylor, Ron Hamad, Lindsay Mitchell and Mike James. All under the banner of The New Harmony Project, who commissioned the writers and partnered with Road Pictures to make some art during this crazy time. The first four films are almost done...keep your eyes peeled...we'll get out invites to the virtual premieres soon.

Stay safe, and keep hope close!

Covid considerations.

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 16:52:00 GMT

Pre-production has always been crucial to production success, and as we move into a prolonged period of co-existing with COVID-19, preparation will be even more critical. At Road Pictures, we have developed appropriate plans to keep everyone safe while still providing buttoned-up, seamless production.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Protocols. We have detailed approaches for smaller and larger shoots and are happy to share them. One size does not fit all, though certain protocols do.

• Creative. Multiple locations and larger casts will mean more time needed for production and could have a bigger impact on your budget than in the past.

• Schedules. For the time being, please consider adding a week during pre-production for most projects to allow for additional protocols needed for COVID era production. (For example, casting will be remote self-tapes, and additional days may be needed for that, depending on the number of roles.) Health screening and social distancing protocols on set may add to shoot day length.

• Attendance. We will need to know at the bidding stage how many client and agency personnel you anticipate being on set…and off.

• Production options. There are many choices out there. Let’s discuss the smartest way to achieve your production goals.

• Streaming. Before we bid, we’ll need to know how many streaming locations you anticipate, the viewers’ need for control (playback, for example) and your security concerns. Some viewers may need access to different devices than they own or be willing to download apps.

• Locations. Anticipate fewer location choices, more cleaning expenses, and more time for clearing.

• Food. Limited options for catering and craft service will be with us for the time being.

• Wardrobe. We do not yet know how retailers will be changing their return policies, and what that will mean. Plan on a remote initial wardrobe review and, most likely, fewer options on set.

• Health. We will ask everyone attending the shoot to confirm in writing that they are COVID symptom-free and have not knowingly been exposed to the virus in the previous two weeks. We will require everyone on set to be masked. On-set medics and temperature checks will be instituted for larger shoots. Let’s talk about the best way to handle this with your clients…and what’s right for your project.

• Safety and sanitation. We will follow appropriate CDC, AICP and local governmental guidance and hold a safety meeting at the beginning of each shoot day. Cleaning protocols will be appropriate for the location and situation.

• Budget. Additional costs will be incurred thanks to the pandemic. We will clearly delineate those in every bid.

• Hold harmless. We will be asking crew and talent we pay to sign a hold harmless statement regarding possible exposure to COVID-19. We are ready to work with our agencies and clients regarding the same, knowing that each business needs to approach this situation individually.

• Moving target. Recommended protocols change, and requirements vary from locale to locale…nothing is written in stone. And we’re happy to talk to you about everything…communication is more important than ever.

Thank you so much for reading! Please let me know of any questions or concerns. If you want to review or discuss our safety protocols prior at any time, don’t hesitate to ask.

It is time to produce again.

Fri, 22 May 2020 12:00:00 GMT

Coronavirus lockdowns are easing across the country, and though business as usual is not quite on the radar, Road Pictures is again producing new content. Production has always required resourcefulness, flexibility and practical creativity, and now is no different. With more than 20 years in business, our experience makes us the ideal company for your production needs.

We’ve always been about matching directors and DPs with scripts and ideas. And we’re equally ready to match safe production solutions with your project’s creative, budgetary and logistical needs.

There are so many options for getting your story produced and on any screen:

• Traditional live action production. It’s still very much available. There will be new requirements of agency, client, crew and talent…and we are ready with smart, sane, common-sense protocols.

• Remote direction. Using one or more of the tools noted below, a trusted director can bring a lot to the table, even if he or she is at her own table, you’re at yours and the talent is someplace else.

• Micro-crews. A crew of two to five people can accomplish many things. We have director/DPs able and willing to work with tiny crews as well as vetted, talented, independent teams available in virtually every major market in the US and Canada.

• Streaming. When you or your clients are not able to be on set, you can still be a part of the shoot. Wherever you are, and wherever the shoot is, we can customize the option best for your project and budget, from a footage review at the end of the day to non-stop hi-def streaming with two way communication between you and the set.

• Post. Whether you’re dealing with all new footage or existing stock, post can be handled remotely easily and efficiently.

• And more. Drop-off packages. Augmented computer/smartphone setups. User Generated Content (UGC). Let’s work together to ascertain your needs and find the right solution for your timeline and budget.

Thank you so much for reading. Now let’s get your message where it belongs: on screen!

If you’ve got questions or concerns or are ready for a bid, please give Greg a call at the office at 317-267-9590, on the cell at 317-695-7419 or email him at gmalone@roadpictures.com.

Joy in the trees.

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 16:06:00 GMT

I wanted to throw in a nice image to counteract the bad news we get on an hourly basis. The photo on this post was taken outside the Cleveland Museum of Art in August of 2018, where Yayoi Kusama's amazing exhibit was running. I've got some additional great photos I'll have to add from time to time in this space. Kusama is an artist who really channels joy, IMHO.

In the original version of this post, I said we're prepared to help our clients figure out production solutions nationwide, even given what we're battling. Let me re-phrase: there might be a solution for you and your client...and I'm willing to do the research to help you out. But maybe we should all just be at home!

It's Quibi Time!

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 16:46:00 GMT

EP Greg Malone took a minute from his schedule producing sponsored content to spend a couple of weeks in the Quad Cities of Illinois/Iowa, producing second unit for the new Farrelly Brothers Quibi show, "The Now," starring Dave Franco, O'Shea Jackson, Jr., Darryl Hannah and Bill Murray. The main unit filmed in Vancouver, but the story takes place in Moline, Illinois...and Greg put together a team of Hoosiers, Chicagoans and Quad City folk to capture the essence of the place. The highlight was shooting stunt drivers speeding through fields and small towns as one character is rushing another to the hospital. (Don't worry, it's a comedy and there's not a big body count.) Quibi is a new streaming service coming to your phone in April.

Making it in NOLA

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 21:46:00 GMT

Yeah, it's been a minute and a half since we posted about Lionel Coleman being accepted into the CBS Directors Program. It's been a busy time for the Road director. He's shadowed on a bunch of show and has now earned the director credit on God Friended Me and NCIS New Orleans. The God episode aired last fall, but you'll have a chance to see his episode of NCIS New Orleans Sunday, February 16! Enjoy!

Director Lionel Coleman Named to CBS Directors Initiative

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 08:15:00 GMT

Road director Lionel Coleman has been named one of four participants in the 2018-2019 CBS Directors Initiative. While still maintaining his availability through Road Pictures for commercial and branded work, he will be shadowing the production of one or more major CBS drama series. It’s an amazing opportunity. Here’s a link to the official announcement:

CBS Directors Initiative Announcement

I love this quote from his bio on that link regarding his directorial ethos: Lionel ‘began to build a point of view around what Eudora Welty called “the still moment,” that fleeting, nearly uncapturable now.’

Working with Lionel is indeed about ‘capturing the now;’ his style has a documentary immediacy – every shot rings true…but his footage is always beautiful to look at. His is an experienced cinematic eye.

Athletics, tourism, healthcare, celebrities, docu-style…if you’ve got a project in those realms or anywhere near them, you should give us a call about Lionel. And if they’re not in those realms…well, so much the better: Lionel as a filmmaker is up for anything, any challenge, any opportunity.

Here’s a link to his portfolio on our website: https://roadpictures.com/lionel-c

Congrats, Lionel on this terrific honor.

Stepping Outside

Wed, 10 Oct 2018 09:00:00 GMT

Living as I do in the world of sponsored content, I love the opportunity to occasionally step outside that world. Road Pictures director Tim Taylor has brought several ideas to us, and we’re so glad that we’ve been able to partner with him. Two of our favorites are award-winning short documentaries, “Citizen Teklit,” which follows the journey from refugee to American citizenship for a young man from Eritrea, and “Go Get Your Horn,” where a monthly jam session at Indianapolis’s renowned Jazz Kitchen brings a diverse group of music lovers together.

Both films speak directly to today’s issues. Immigration as an issue is first in line on our news feeds many days. And the universality of music provides common ground in today’s oft-divided society.

Tim as a filmmaker is focused on hope. It’s something we too often lose sight of: There is hope in this world, there is goodness, there is joy. And getting to make those points through the art of the motion picture is something I relish as a producer. I hope I have many more opportunities.

Cliff Ratliff in “Go Get Your Horn”

Welcome!

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 09:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the new Road Pictures website!

The landing page provides you a glimpse of our latest work.

The Commercials page represents a variety of genres and styles and work from a number of directors.

Our Featured Directors portfolio offers you a deeper dive into the work of our most frequent collaborators, the people who have developed a special bond with our clients. These talents available exclusively through Road Pictures for projects originating in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.

Finally, this website showcases only a tiny fraction of what we've done...which is appropriate considering how long we've been in business. We know so many more directors whose work is not featured, and we have done so many other projects...if you don't see a sample or a style that you have in mind, please ask!