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November 11, 2007
RJ's Newsletter - November 6, 2006
 
RJ’s Newsletter—November 6, 2006
 
Welcome to RJ’s Inventive Productions Newsletter, which is written to inspire myself and everyone to live a “grand, heroic, life.”  (from a poem by Walt Whitman)
 
This newsletter is dedicated to my youngest sister, Patty McHatton, who is a Seabee with the US Navy in Iraq.  She is very excited about the opportunity to serve her country, and she makes me proud.
 
 
Great Quotations:
 
"Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life." -- Sophia Loren
 
"Don't join an easy crowd; you won't grow. Go where the expectations and the demands to perform are high." -- Jim Rohn
 
"Pain is Temporary. Quitting is forever."---- Lance Armstrong
 
"We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that self may prove to be." -- May Sarton
 
"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." -- Albert Einstein
 
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them."   --  Mother Teresa
 
 
Inventive Productions update:
 
1.    This past week we had the great fortune to interview several American Veterans for the Library of Congress and the Veteran’s History Project.  Here are some of the people we interviewed this week:
a.      Claxton J—(Veteran’s History Project).   It was exciting to hear Claxton’s story of his 30 years in the US Navy and how he worked his way up from poverty to becoming a Master Chief Petty Officer, the highest rank a non-officer can reach in the Navy. 
b.    Charles C—(Veteran’s History Project)— Charles was in Military Intelligence during the Vietnam era.  Because of his oath of secrecy, he still cannot tell people much about what he did during those days.  But he did tell about how this experience affected him as a human being.
c.     Al F—(Veteran’s History Project)—Al told of his experiences in the Infantry during WWII and how he took advantage of the GI Bill to return after the war to go to college.  He talked about how he went to school with Martin Luther King, Jr. and how he had gone on to earning more than one college degree.  Al is living proof that anyone can make it in America if you have the will.
d.    Jerrod S—(Veteran’s History Project)—Jerrod is an inspirational man.  He served in the US Navy on the aircraft carrier the USS Constitution during the Persian Gulf War.  I was overwhelmed about his heart warming stories of the Americans back home that mailed him and the other service people anonymous letters, and how much he and the other recipients really appreciated those letters.  He talked about the life-long friendships he made in the service.
e.    Norris B—(Veteran’s History Project)—Norris told of his first hand experiences during the Battle of the Bulge during WWII.  History books tell tales of battles, but the real story can only be told by someone who was there.
 
2.     We are proud to be an official partner with the Library of Congress on a quest to help capture the oral histories of the American Veteran.  As a partner in this project, we have volunteered to interview at least 25 vets (FOR FREE) about their military experiences, and to send the DVD interviews to the Library of Congress for archival.  If you know of a Veteran we should interview, please have them contact me for an appointment.  Here is a great website that shows some of the incredible stories that are just now being told.  http://www.loc.gov/vets/stories/
 
3.    91-year old nurse—This past week I interviewed a ninety one year old nurse who was working in Pearl Harbor the day the Japanese attacked on December 7th, 1941.  She told me how the building she was working in had a red cross on the roof, and that all the other buildings around her were blown up except the one with the red cross on it.
 
4.    CNN International—we were contacted this week by CNN.  They want to do a feature on our company and about how people all across America are giving the “gift of heritage” to their loved ones this holiday season.  Video Biographies are becoming the Ultimate Gift for people to give their families, especially during the holiday season.
 
5.    KUOW—a reporter from the local NPR station has been following our involvement with the Veterans History Project and has been interviewing several of the people we have interviewed so far.  Look for a feature story for the Veterans Day celebration.
 
6.    Family Business Magazine—here is a great publication worth reading— www.familybusinessmagazine.com
 
7.    Video Biographies in Australia—Now the concept of Video Biographies is catching on Down Under.  Here is a great article: http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2006/11/06/1162661589275.html
 
8.    Randy Kim—we have entered into a special relationship with local estate planner Randy Kim of RW KIM & COMPANY to help spread the word about the importance of creating a living legacy with video biographies.  You can learn more about Randy Kim and his philosophies at www.rwkim.com
 
9.    Dave D—we are going to Cle Elum next week to interview this hero from the Vietnam War for his Video Biography. 
 
10.           Richard & Joyce N—we are shooting the interviews for the biography of this couple this week
 
11.           Robert & Evelyn B—we are shooting interviews for the biography of this couple this coming week
 
12.           Ranier Rotary—we are doing a presentation about the trends toward personal history and video biography this Friday for the Ranier Rotary.  The local Rotary groups have been very interested in this topic.  We are currently scheduled to do presentations to six other local Rotaries in the next month.
 
13.           Association of Personal Historians.  We are grateful for this unique group of authors and video producers who have dedicated their lives to help people tell their life story.  To learn more about the APH, go to www.personalhistorians.org
 
14.           Dr. Mathias Berry—we are creating a series of training and marketing videos for this awesome, energetic, and inspiring Dr. Mathias Berry.  I must admit that I have not met such an impressive person in a long time.  To learn more about his unique services and ideas, go to:  http://ww3.komotv.com/global/Story.asp?s=3572283
 
15.           Interesting website:  http://www.instantvideogenerator.com/
 
16.           New PREVIEW COLLECTION DVD.  We have created a new free DVD compilation of short excerpts from several of our projects.  If you would like a free DVD sampler of our work, just email RJ@inventiveproductions.com and I will send it out to you.
 
17.           Seattle Times Article.  Our work on Video Biographies at Inventive Productions was featured in a cover page article in the Seattle Times.  You can read the article at:
Over the past week this same article has been picked up and reprinted by newspapers in Detroit, Chicago, Indiana, North Dakota, and Sacramento.  The word is getting out!
 
18.           Bremerton Sun Article.  Our work with the Library of Congress on the Veterans History Project was highlighted in an article in the Bremerton Sun newspaper.
 
19.           Fidelity Investors Article.  The Fidelity Investors newspaper did an article about the importance of using Ethical Wills to share your values.  Here is a link to the article:
 
20.           Dan F--  We are editing together an incredible five and one half hour interview with Dan.  Dan is a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient from WWII.  Dan was in the 75th Infantry during World War II.  After the war he raised a nice family and enjoyed a long time career with Liberty Mutual Insurance Company.  Today Dan is writing a book about his life.  He was very excited to get his story on DVD.
 
21.           Terry & Ted K—it was a real pleasure to meet and capture the life stories of this fabulous couple.  Married for over 60 years, it was inspiring to see them holding hands during our interview.  Ted worked for over 30 years with Boeing and Terry was born in Italy.
 
22.           West Coast Investors—we are creating a TV commercial for this real estate mortgage company in Portland.  You can learn more about their work at www.westcoastinvestors.com
 
23.           Mara Williams.  We are pleased to be helping Mara to create a Wedding Dance Party DVD.  Mara is famous for her expertise and insight on how to put on the perfect dance-themed party.  To learn more about Mara, go to http://www.havingaballevents.com/aboutus.html
 
24.           Greg Shaw.  We are producing a TV Commercial for Greg Shaw, a Top Producing Realtor from Magnolia.  To learn more about Greg go to his website:  http://www.searchmagnolia.com/about/about.php?l=about
 
25.           Emerald City Smoothie.  We are happy to help Emerald City Smoothie communicate through their in-store flat screen TVs.  They have these TVs in Smoothie stores.  Our goal is to create a five to ten minute loop tape that will help put these big screens to work, allowing Smoothie customers to be entertained, inspired, and educated while waiting for their Smoothies to be made.  To learn more about the incredible smoothies at Emerald City Smoothie, go to http://www.emeraldcitysmoothie.com
 
26.           It is hard to believe there are only 45 shopping days until Christmas.  Video Greeting Cards and Christmas Cards are a terrific way to express your feelings to a loved one.   Call me if you want more details on how we can create a custom Video Christmas card for your family.  Here is a sample of a great Video Christmas Card created by local producer Dan Morken http://www.goldmedalfilms.com/christmascard.html
 
27.           We are very grateful for the personal referrals we are receiving from our clients, friends, and family.  Thank you so much.
 
28.           Better Business Bureau.  We have been accepted as a member of the Better Business Bureau.  According to the BBB, “Members of local BBBs are businesses and firms which meet tough BBB membership standards, agree to follow the highest principles of business ethics and voluntary self-regulation, and have a proven record of marketplace honesty and integrity.”  We are dedicated to 100% customer satisfaction here at Inventive Productions.  For more info about the Better Business Bureau, go to www.bbb.org
 
29.           Letip Power Breakfast.  Our team really enjoyed capturing the exciting Letip Power Breakfast on October 31 & November 1st at the Marriott at the Redmond Town Center.  We are also proud to be a member of the Washington Letip organization.  It has been a fantastic experience to meet so many fine folks.  You can learn more about this group at www.washingtonletip.com
 
30.           Inventive TV Commercial.  Watch for our new Inventive Productions TV commercial that is airing across the Seattle area.  Here is a link to it:  www.inventiveproductions.com/samples.html
 
31.           Television Commercials:  We are now creating TV commercials for other people and companies.  If you have ever thought of getting a 30 second TV commercial created for your company, now is the time to do it.  Call for prices.
 
32.           This past summer, the Kiplinger letter wrote a great article about how Americans are starting to catch on to the Video Biography idea.  Let me know if you want me to email you a copy of the article. Earlier this year there was an article in the Wall Street Journal, and just a couple weeks ago another article in the San Francisco Chronicle.  Yes, Video Biographies are on the verge of becoming a main stream product that every family will want.
 
33.           Free DVD—we have created a short DVD that explains “How to Create a Video Biography”—call or email for a free copy of this DVD.
 
34.           A “Breaking News” tab has being added to our website.  You can see this new feature on our website at ( www.inventiveproductions.com )
 
35.           SPECIAL QUESTIONS—one of the reasons why people like our Video Biography system at Inventive Productions is our unique custom questionnaire program.  We use a teleprompter or cue card system during our interviews to help you feel comfortable on-camera.  Our questions are specially designed to help you tell your life story in an easy, professional way.
 
36.           D.R.W.—we are excited to be producing a surprise video biography for a woman’s 50th birthday.  Her family doesn’t want her to catch on to the surprise, so we are being super discrete.  We always are dedicated to total confidentiality and sensitivity to our subject’s needs.
 
37.           Al F.—we are nearly finished editing on the Video Biography on this grandfather in Sherwood, Oregon.  Al has led a very interesting life.  He was in the Merchant Marines during WWII and had a super successful career in the Insurance business for over 40 years.  Now he is limited a lot by a stroke he had a couple of years ago, but you sure can feel his enthusiasm for life.  He is a very inspiring fellow.  He really looks forward to seeing his children and grandchildren when they visit.
 
38.           Dean E—we are editing a Video Biography on a nice grandfather from Edmonds.  He has led a Wonderful Life.  It was very interesting to hear about his World War II experiences--he was there when the Americans liberated the Dachau concentration camps. 
 
39.           Bob & Jackie P—We are editing a great Husband-Wife Video Biography for a unique couple.  Bob & Jackie have been together for over 50 years.    
 
40.           Jan W—We are scanning nearly 20,000 incredible slides as part of the first stage of the production of a heroic Video Autobiography of Jan.  Jan has led such an interesting life.  She led an expedition of white water rafters down the Yangtze River in China, and that is just the tip of the iceberg on this story. 
 
41.           Shirley M—We are finalizing the last few fixes to Shirley’s production.   Shirley is such a positive person.   To hear her tell hilarious stories of her Mother and Father and her childhood is priceless.  I think it is awesome to be able to laugh so much about your childhood.
 
42.           Jim Z —We are in the final stages of post production on Jim’s biography. 
 
43.           Bill & Dorothy S—we are editing this wonderful love story of two people who met at a USO dance during World War II. 
 
44.           Gordy G—Our team is working on the post production of a full length Video Biography of Gordy.  Earlier this year we created a short Promotional Biography DVD for Gordy and his team.  Gordy is a nationally known motivational speaker and author who helps individuals and organizations cope with and make Changes.  He is known as the “Change Agent.” (www.ggco.com )  You can see the video online at www.inventiveproductions.com/samples.html   
 
45.           Steele Heart Documentary—Our team is producing a fun documentary about a remarkable group of musicians, the Steele Heart Band. (www.steeleheart.com ).  These musicians are actually RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) law enforcement officers who play Country Western Music in their RCMP uniforms at charity concerts all across America, Canada, and other countries.  Steeleheart is celebrating their 20th Anniversary as a musical group.  Our documentary is about how they got started, why they do these charity concerts, and about the people they help.  After seeing our interview footage, all I can say is:  these guys truly are humanitarians.  They have a great sense of humor and are world-class entertainers.   Steeleheart can get a crowd to dance, too.  It is awesome to see how they use their talent, music, sense of humor, and caring sense of community to help raise money for charities.   Our goal is to create a moving documentary that will help Steeleheart tell their story in their own words. 
 
46.           Bill E—How many lives does one man live?  Here is story of a Seattle-area man who has led several lives in one lifetime.  Here is the story of a veteran from WWII, a broadcaster who started on a small-watt radio station in Bend, OR, a children’s TV-show personality from the 60s in Seattle, a dedicated TV producer who captured exciting moments of the early years of NASA at Cape Canaveral, an author, a businessman, a pilot, and a grandfather, father, and husband.  I feel very fortunate to be able to help Bill tell his life story in his own words.   He has terrific stories to describe, and tons of great photos, home movies, and other materials that will help make this DVD a real treasure and heirloom for his family.  One of my favorite stories is about his trip across America with another WWII vet in a restored US Army Jeep.
 
47.           The Pacific Institute—we are producing a History and Culture series for the The Pacific Institute. Our mission is to create a mini-series of documentaries that will chronicle the history and culture of this incredible organization.  This weekend we are interviewing several clients and employees from over 30 years.  To learn more about the Pacific Institute, go to www.pac-inst.com  
 
48.           Stroke Victim DVD--In this short documentary, Gordy Graham explains his remarkable recovery from having a stroke, using visualization techniques to speed up his recovery.  You can see this short documentary at our website www.inventiveproductions.com
 
49.           Your Own Autobiographical Website—we can now create your Autobiography on the Internet with your own Custom Autobiographical Website.  Using the information you give us in our interviews, we can create a professional website with pictures, video, and more.
 
50.           Coffee Table Books & Movie Posters--We can now create a beautiful hard-bound coffee-table Picture Books & Movie Posters. 
 
51.           DEMENTIA--50 FIRST DATES--Experts have testified that Biographical Videos can greatly enhance and help in the care of people with memory loss, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and amnesia.  Have you seen the movie 50 FIRST DATES?  By watching a video DVD of their life, a person with memory loss can help remember who they are and feel better about life.  Dr. Richard A. Wyckoff  told me that Biographical videos really do help people with memory loss remember their identities.   Check out his website www.geroservices.com  
 
52.           Are you too young?  Many people think they are too young to have a Video Biography created on their life.  We have one client who had his Video Biography created when he was 23 years old.  Now he is 28 years old.  His goal is to update his biography every five years of his life.  He feels that his Video Biography helps keep him focused on his life goals and to remind himself of his values.   Why not start capturing your life on Video today? 
 
53.           Packages and Prices—our packages and prices are now available in the BREAKING NEWS area of our website at www.inventiveproductions.com
 
54.           Financing Available—we are pleased to be able to offer financing if needed.  Call or email RJ for exact details.
 
55.           Ship of Miracles.   I am making modifications and creating the final version of the film.  To learn more about the SHIP OF MIRACLES, go to www.shipofmiracles.com
 
56.           Writing. I am pleased to have received my first box of my new book “BONUS TIME AND OTHER SHORT STORIES”.  Email me if you are interested in reserving a signed copy.  My first two novels are available on AMAZON.COM.    Just go to www.amazon.com and do a search for RJ McHatton.  You will be able to see my first novel, “THE DIRTY DEED,” and my second novel “MY KIDS.”  My fourth book, “THE BRILLIANTS AND OTHER SHORT STORIES” will be available early next year.  You can learn more about my writing at www.whiteknuckles.com   Thanks goes to Laura Standring for helping me type up my books.  She is awesome.
 
57.           Umatilla Film.  My award-winning documentary, UMATILLA, is now available on DVD on Amazon.com.  Just go to www.amazon.com and do a search for UMATILLA.  You will see my DVD there.  You can learn more about this project at www.whiteknuckles.com
 
58.           Family. We have only three little puppies left from our recent batches of miniature dachshunds.   You can see pictures of our puppies at www.astoriaweenies.com   
59.           Home for Sale. We are selling our home in Astoria, Oregon.  It is a restored 1900’s Victorian with awesome views.  You can see pictures of the home at www.astoriaview.com  
 
60.           Joke of the week:
Q.  What did one magnet say to the other?
A. I find you very attractive.
                   (Joke submitted by my son Jason)
 
61.            The Inventive Productions Team:
Executive Producers:  Bill Peare & Jeff Sites
Producer-Director:  RJ McHatton
          Sales Producers:  Akina Moscinski, Anita Johnson, RJ McHatton, Matt K., Virgil B.
          Managing Editor:  Tyler Griffin
          Production Coordinator:  Kellie Ridenour
          Associate Editors:  Kenny, Shayla Jones, Olivia Howe, Nate, Shawna Cook, Gary Schmidt, and Gary Gervais.
          Graphics Designer:  Bekah Laughman
 
Would you like to read some of our old RJ’s newsletters?  Go to:  www.myspace.com/inventiveproductions
 
Thanks for reading my email newsletter. 
 
If you have any questions or suggestions, please email RJ@inventiveproductions.com
 
To learn more about Inventive Productions, go to www.inventiveproductions.com
 
Feel free to forward this newsletter to your friends and family.
 
Have a great day.
 
RJ McHatton
Inventive Productions LLC
3625 132nd Avenue, S.E.
Suite 100
Bellevue WA 98006
Studio office 425-747-4538
Fax 425-747-4564
cell 503-470-0728
 
If you would like to be added to or removed from this email list, please email RJ@inventiveproductions.com
 
 
 

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