Beer
“Your Favorite Video Production Ever?”
It’s a question that we have been asked many times over the years.
Beer is not typically the topic of most video productions. We have interviewed many VIPs, and so our encounters with people like Lucy Liu, Hilary Swank, Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell rank way up there. The eternally-young and charming Rob Lowe was a personal favorite. Sally Ride, the Astronaut and Engineering Professor was amazing. J. Craig Venter, the man who first mapped the human genome, was fascinating. Jerry Lewis was iconic. But our favorite video production?
Hands down – or should I say – Mugs up? – The San Diego Small Craft Beer Fest at the Town and Country Hotel a few years ago.
The Tasting Room
How often does a video crew get to cover the topic of beer? And furthermore, how often is a video crew encouraged to have a taste or two while on the job?
Hanging Out with World’s First Chief Beer Officer
Having been contracted by Starwood Properties as a two-person crew with equipment to capture what would become our favorite video production, we followed the world’s first-ever Chief Beer Officer (CBO), Scott Kerkmans, as he trekked the convention hall at the Town & Country talking to vendors. One of the best things about being a sound technician and a camera operator is that you are the “flies on the wall” that learn many new and interesting pieces of information.
We learned that a nationwide drought was cause for concern, as it meant there were less hops for beer. Then we found out how the water of various locales was a great part of what lent beers their unique flavor. We discovered how several small craft brewers were carving out highly unique flavor niches, leading to some of the beers we have today, such as Belching Beaver’s “Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Stout,” or Alpine Brewing Company’s “Willy Vanilly.”
Third-Generation Brewmaster, Jim Koch
In the tasting room, we interviewed Jim Koch, CEO and third-generation Brewmaster of Samuel Adams beers. Jim is as serious about beer as a guy could be. He let us in on a secret, that Sam Adams Brewery was developing a high-end beer for people who enjoyed thick and flavorful meads. This beverage would be to beer what port is to wine.
We called it a “Wrap,” and started breaking down our equipment. And we couldn’t help but think what a wonderful world we live in because we have beer. As Thomas Jefferson said, “Beer , if drank with moderation, softens the tempter, cheers the spirit, and promotes good health.” You said it, Mr. Jefferson!
Patty Mooney is a VP, Video Producer, Sound Technician, Teleprompter Operator and Video Editor at award-winning San Diego video production company, Crystal Pyramid Productions.
