Tuesday, October 20, 2009

{A Day at the Races}

I had so much fun doing this story! It was dynamic and visually rich with a ton of
good nat sound just waiting to be captured. I got some good video! And that always
makes for good TV.

Cool part from filming --
The starting gates were around the far side of the track and could not be seen from
the gallery and finish line. I asked if I could go over there to get a shot of the horse
coming out of the gates, and they were happy to help. They had me jump on the back
of a truck with the handlers and the videographer from the track. I set up my camera
and got one shot as the horses blew through the gates. They move so fast, there is only
time for one! So, we'd jump back in the truck to ride around to the finish. When the next
race started 20 minutes later, I rode to the starting gates for a second shot (so I could
edit a sequence together).

You get to go to and do some pretty cool things when you have a camera in your
hand. I love that part of this business!




The owners of the horse track are hoping to get the go ahead to build a recino --
that's a racing casino -- soon. It's up to legislators to decide if they get it. But the
track has offered Arizona 45% of the profits. They say that's much higher then the
1-8% they get from most casinos. Track owners say it's an offer the state should
consider as part of their solution to the current budget crisis.

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UPDATE: Evelyn remade this story in Spanish to go into Spanish newscast they do
every other week. She did a great job, and I was happy my footage get some extra
mileage! CLICK HERE to see her version.

6 comments:

Lindsay Teague Moreno | 5ive Photo said...

ooh, this is your best one yet...good shots!!!! Good job! I watched it twice!

L

Samara Link said...

YAY!! Thanks, Linds! Yes, it helps a lot to shoot something that's exciting. Some other subjects don't come with built in action. This was just a really fun shoot -- happy people, awesome weather, beautiful horses, tons of sound. I had SO much fun shooting it. It was by far my favorite shoot with video so far. I'm really glad to hear you liked it! Thanks for the feedback.

Unknown said...

OMG! I Have to agree with Lindsay...this is the best one yet! So natural you are. Wow, can't wait to see you on TV someday :) Do you shoot all your own video? AMAZING JOB!!

Samara Link said...

(Blushing) Thanks, Olivia! Yes, I do all my own shooting. I love that part! I come up with most of my own ideas, shoot, write, & edit.

JENNY @ jennybandco.blogspot.com said...

awesome sam!!! I can't believe you do it all!!!! fab!

Kristi @ Mi Vida Ocupada said...

I have been meaning to ask you about Kronkite News... Is that a local station or the school station? You're getting so good, Sam, better than a lot of the ones out there who're getting PAID!! I think its pretty awesome and I can't wait 'til you hit it big