Daily Blogs
Directing Multi-Lingual Television
Every once in a while I get a chance to flex my foreign language skills. Sure it does come in handy when you’re ordering from the menu of a Portuguese or Spanish restaurant, but in this global TV market being multi-lingual is a great plus. Because of that, I’ve been able to work with many […]
Directing Multi-Lingual Television
3D Animation: Make Some Noise!
PROJECT: “MAKE SOME NOISE” Giants stadium scoreboard prompt used during Giants home games at MetLife Stadium on the 4 large video boards. One of Ferro’s contractual responsibilities during the NFL season is to support the Giants “in– game show”. This includes videos and graphics played during time outs throughout the game. Some of those […]
3D Animation: Make Some Noise!
Learn to Listen
A million years ago I spent my days designing and studying the creation of sound through the technology of analog and digital synthesizers. My nights were occupied by pushing audio faders and tweaking EQs as a Studio and Live Sound Engineer throughout NYC’s recording studios, clubs and concert venues. Without realizing it I was rewiring […]
Learn to Listen
A Producer’s Role
The term “Producer” is as broad and varied as the industries they service. In theater and film the Producer is the dealmaker. Usually their responsibilities are: Find a project. Secure financing. Hire the major players; Director, leading actors, support staff, etc. and manage the team to a profitable conclusion. Their part is primarily that of […]
A Producer’s Role
Creativity is a Team Sport
Production or producing is a team sport. Or have we forgotten that fact, given the advent and advancement of new technology? With the advancement of technologically creative tools and their inexpensive price points, we straddle the fine line between “because we can, does that mean we should.” My point is this, just because technology allows […]
Creativity is a Team Sport
Shooting an episode of Charlie Rose
The day begins very early, because of the extremely high level of security screening. The location is The Waldorf Astoria and we’re here to tape an interview with the new President of Egypt, Mohamed Morsi. We load in half a cube truck of video, lighting, engineering and grip gear, then we’re given a small two […]
Shooting an episode of Charlie Rose
Managing on the Road
Since 1985 my company has done the production for Dick Fox’s The Golden Boys starring Frankie Avalon, Fabian, and Bobby Rydell. Acting as the Tour Manager, Road Manager, Production Manager, Lighting Director, and Video Director has provided me with some of the most memorable experiences of my professional career, and furthermore, my life. Just recently […]
Managing on the Road
The Trooper
By Joe Scacciaferro Original Design spec: The client needed a print and static web AD for their new headphones that were offered in multiple florescent colors. They wanted the ad concept to include the headphones, audio cassette and florescent colors. Execution Begins: They began by developing the look and style of the images called out […]
The Trooper
Operating the “TowerCam”
I’ve worked with tons of different cameras, lenses, mounts, robotics, jibs, dollies, just about anything related to capturing images, so when a new technology comes along, and I have the chance to work with it, I jump on the opportunity. The director for ESPN soccer games, who I’ve worked with for years, wanted to add […]
Operating the “TowerCam”
Debate Debacle
|riˈdəndəntce| I flew out to Colorado, to the University of Denver, as part of the ABC pool feed covering the 2012 Presidential Debate. We were the only unit covering the event, so our images were being transmitted out to the world. Our pool feed enabled ALL networks to take our images and use them whichever […]
Debate Debacle
Shooting a news show pilot for Chinese TV
I was recently hired to D.P. a pilot for the Chinese network, CCTV. It’s a news program call “I Cheng”, starring reporter Gloria Cheng Ai. The show is mostly interviews with politicians, economists and world leaders. There are also stand ups with Gloria, as well as ‘man on the street’ interviews and a lot of […]
Shooting a news show pilot for Chinese TV
THE GIANTS “BEAT”
Many “Journalists” may be focused on working diligently and creatively, just to keep their dreams alive. Dreams of someday becoming a “Columnist”… Or is that dream perhaps more of a nightmare, if and when it becomes real? Depends…. More on that later, what’s critical now is getting into the “BEAT”. Mixing it up with the […]
THE GIANTS “BEAT”
The New Age of Sports Reporting
This new age of digital media has been both educational and expansive for individual writers, and feel free to roll those descriptors up to the outlets that provide both print and online news sources. Just ask Ohm Youngmisuk – also known as @NotoriousOHM on Twitter – a prominent writer for ESPN New York who has […]
The New Age of Sports Reporting
Reel Ferro Open Breakdown
By: Joe Scacciaferro Original Design spec: Since this assignment was an in-house project for Ferro it was only logical that they would rely on the talents of their senior designer. Swen’s roll was expanded from designer to project manager of conceptual development and design, “We were looking to make an animated open for a new […]
Reel Ferro Open Breakdown
Life is a 3 Act Play
The other day I was in a discussion with the crew, (my idea of a discussion is, I talk and they listen… not really but I must admit it does seem like that at times). Suddenly I was rudely interrupted by a resounding, “yea yea we know! Telling a good story means telling it in a three-act structure. If it was […]
Life is a 3 Act Play
Photoshop Magic
By Joe Scacciaferro “The journey should be as exciting as the arrival”. A perfect example is watching a master craftsman at work. In the attached link we’d like you to sit back and watch as our senior designer and still photog, Matt Swensen “Swen”, applies his magic. Watch as he transforms a good photo into […]
Photoshop Magic
Creativity takes Courage
On the back of our Ferro shirts is a quote by Henri Matisse, “ Creativity takes Courage.” Three simple words which every time I hear or see, take on a new meaning. Throughout my career I have had the honor and blessing to work with some of the worlds most “creatively courageous” people. Many of […]
Creativity takes Courage
#GiantsCamp Finding Fun
#GiantsCamp always entails a 10+ hour workday. It is always hectic and MOST IMPORTANLY, it truly is always FUN! “Find a job you love and you’ll never work another day in your life.” Television is serious business. Work, in general, should always be handled with a sense of professionalism and significance … However, one must not forget […]
#GiantsCamp Finding Fun
Paul Schwartz – Home vs Away Camp
“We could walk with someone to their car … talk to players in a much more casual sense, outside the cafeteria” for example. “In Albany the access was much different.” recalls Paul as related to access… And access is precisely what this mini-series is all about! The words above are from the very talented Columnist, […]
Paul Schwartz – Home vs Away Camp
Albany vs. East Rutherford
Change is it good or bad? In which “CAMP” do you find yourself? In the summer of 1996, the New York Football Giants partnered with State University of New York at Albany and began a sixteen-season relationship in which Big Blue called the Central NY campus home for the month of August. That partnership has […]
Albany vs. East Rutherford
Associate Director and base-60 math
In my career as an Associate Director, I’ve been fortunate enough to work in varying AD capacities such as Control room, tape, post-production, sports and music. All those roles come with their specific responsibilities, as well as their own skill set needed to do the job. One AD role is not necessarily tougher than the […]
Associate Director and base-60 math
New Insider at Ferro!
Ferro recently had the opportunity to venture deep into the life and career of renowned Cinematographer and Director of Photography, Ken Kelsch, as he sat down with Joe Scacciaferro for an on-camera interview. Ken’s knowledge and experience in the industry is second to none, which is why we are very excited to announce the installment […]
New Insider at Ferro!
Ken Kelsch: Video Blog Intro
Ken on his career, influences, being a Director of Photography and his entrance into the world of no budget documentaries with his DSLR. More of Kens Video blogs Ken Kelsch BIO
Ken Kelsch: Video Blog Intro
A Fashionable Benefit for Autism
New York, NY MyGOAL Autism, whose Mission is to Support Families Facing Autism through education, marriage counseling, and advocacy as they navigate through the complex challenges associated with the journey of autism from diagnoses to recovery or a better quality of life, held an amazing Fashion Fundraiser at Sony Wonder Technology Lab in New York […]
A Fashionable Benefit for Autism
New Look for FerroProductions.com
The Featured Articles and Videos on FerroProductions.com, historically, have given you an in-depth look at the careers of the industry’s most seasoned veterans. We decided to mix things up a bit and give you, our fans, an inside scoop on the up-and-coming members of the production world. These new articles and videos will serve as both […]
New Look for FerroProductions.com
Directing for Blackberry
When Blackberry introduced their brand new Blackberry10 operating system and new phones, the Z10 & the Q10, they had to get the word out, they needed to reach as many people and media outlets as possible. The company’s market share had been shrinking dramatically, in part due to the iPhone’s continuing dominance and the slew […]
Directing for Blackberry
February @ Ferro
February was a busy month for Ferro Productions as we re-embarked on our path to seek out the industry’s most intriguing names for on-camera interviews. We were fortunate enough to sit down with three individuals, respectively, who represent very different spectrums of the production community. Each of our interviewees took us on a vivid ride […]
February @ Ferro
Teaching at William Paterson University
Sergio Geraldes is a freelancer who has decades of experience in television. Aside from Directing for Ferro Productions, Sergio has written and produced for networks such as Fox, ESPN 2, FX, CNBC, and MTV. In addition to his creative role in production, Sergio also serves as a Technology and Media Consultant for companies like Verizon, […]
Teaching at William Paterson University
Lighting for YES Network Live at Montclair
Each year the YES Network conducts a remote shoot at the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center at New Jersey’s Montclair State University. YES and Montclair have developed a great relationship with each other over the years due to this annual affair. This year the crew was back to shoot Yankees Baseball Tonight, but this time the stakes […]
Lighting for YES Network Live at Montclair
Stevie Wonder concert in United Nations
This was a really fun shoot, just because of how many great musicians were on stage. The event was a Stevie Wonder concert for the 67th Anniversary of the United Nations, with multiple walk on artists and speakers. The venue is the General Assembly building, where full council meetings of the member nations usually take […]
Stevie Wonder concert in United Nations
Shooting Camera for HBO Boxing
I was in Vegas a few weeks ago covering one of the most anticipated boxing matches of the year. Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez met for the fourth time in their respective careers in what was an absolutely star-studded evening at the MGM Grand Casino and Hotel. It’s always great to be back […]
Shooting Camera for HBO Boxing
LED Lighting for YES Network
Throughout my career I have experienced all sorts of annoyances and mishaps in the world of television and stage production. Whether it be lighting-fixtures burning out before show time, stressed-out directors screaming at crew members, or Video technicians nit-picking my every lighting decision; I’ve grown to understand that the show really does go on, and at […]
LED Lighting for YES Network
NJTV’s Hurricane Sandy Coverage
The wrath of Super Storm Sandy came and went, leaving in its wake a path of destruction of unthinkable proportions. Power transformers exploded, taking with it power lines and electric switching stations, leaving nearly four million homes in darkness. The Jersey shore was devastated, images of what was once the state’s playground was no more. […]
NJTV’s Hurricane Sandy Coverage
America’s Got Behind the Scenes Coverage
For the last three months, four days a week, 10 plus hours a day, hand cramps from signing non-disclosure forms, NBC’s America’s Got Talent has kept me very, very busy. The production takes place at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, NJ, and is produced by Marathon Productions. In previous seasons, the […]
America’s Got Behind the Scenes Coverage
Soccer in the Bronx
On July 22, 2012, the Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germaine match was the first soccer game ever played at the new Yankee Stadium. I’ve covered sports for a major portion of my career, and have covered events in many cities and countries, but this event was different. Watching the international pastime being played on the home […]
Soccer in the Bronx
The Graphics Wizard
Written By: Joe Scacciaferro For the past year Ferro Productions has been taking you behind the scenes of major events and network broadcasts. During that time we, Ferro Productions, have been busy producing dozens of our own network projects. Via our FaceBook/Twitter pages and articles you have come to know many of our teams names […]
The Graphics Wizard
Capturing 9/11 “Never Forget” a Production Company’s thoughts and memories
With the passing of yet another 911 anniversary I am always drawn to the day and the flood of emotions it created. For all of us there is “a” moment. The moment we heard, saw or felt the horror. The moment we realized how fragile our lives are. The moment we realized how much we […]
Capturing 9/11 “Never Forget” a Production Company’s thoughts and memories
Ferro Productions Reaches New Heights
Two TERABYTES of behind the scenes action was captured by Ferro Productions’ team upon finishing 14 hours of work at the NFL’s opening day rehearsal and setups at Metlife stadium. At the crack of dawn, as the sun rose over the NY skyline on another jam packed day, Ferro’s crew was already preparing for phase […]
Ferro Productions Reaches New Heights
NFL Behind the Scenes: Producer Blog
Rarely does a producer get an opportunity to spread his wings over a vast array of stories all in one day, all generic zoloft under one roof (or sky in this case). Yesterday marked the day before the NFL’s second what is viagra used for biggest pharmacy-online-7days.com event, the Season Opener. (The Super Bowl being […]
NFL Behind the Scenes: Producer Blog
Lighting at Sea Part 4
I figured out why those lights were having the problems that they were, they dimmer and color wheels were dirty and so the sensors where stopping the wheels in the wrong places. This is going to be a common problem, especially for my downstage fixtures, because they are right above pyrotechnics and get a fresh […]
Lighting at Sea Part 4
Learn to See
EYES A few years ago I was on holiday in the Costa Rican cloud forest. (BTW one of the most beautiful places on earth). While walking through the dense forest (jungle) I took a few minutes and applied my ear training to my vision. I sat down and “looked”. For the first […]
Learn to See
Lighting at Sea Part 2
I’ve taken over as the only light technician on the ship, and several fixtures took the opportunity to see if I’m up to the task. A Cyberlight went completely out of control during a show, doing ballyhoos during blackouts and other mischievous things and would not shutdown from the console. The logic card had gone […]
Lighting at Sea Part 2
Lighting at Sea
-Mr. Ben Lynford is a Lighting Technician working on different productions on-board a cruise ship. Stay tuned over the next few weeks as he blogs about his experiences at sea. I’ve now been on board the ship for a week and have begun taking over the day to day responsibilities from the outgoing Lighting […]
Lighting at Sea
The Art of Video Capture
Our job as TV / Broadcast Producers is to tell a story, optimally with as much visual content as possible. To capture that content, a Producer must rely on the talents and experience of his Camera Operators and Director of Photography (DP). However, all the talent in the world will not help Feeling. I as […]
The Art of Video Capture
Unsung but not Unheard: Audio Sweetening
The next time you watch TV, go to the movies, or view any professionally produced video close your eyes and “watch” it. If you are able to appreciate and “see” the story you rest assured the Wizards of audio sweetening had their hand in that production. As a producer and a former audio engineer / […]
Unsung but not Unheard: Audio Sweetening
Producer Blog
One of the more difficult things about producing programming for a sports team is being at the mercy of a constantly moving target. Every night our producers spend hours pouring over the teams next day schedule trying to match the team’s logistics to our shows content needs. Come morning’s 9:30 production meeting, the producers feel […]
Producer Blog
Training Camp ’12
Albany, NY Football is back! The New York Giants began Training Camp on July 26th at SUNY Albany with aspirations for yet another successful NFL season. Ferro Productions also began Training Camp on July 26th at SUNY Albany with aspirations for another successful NFL season. One working towards perfection on the grid-iron and […]
Training Camp ’12
Backstage @ The Garden
NEW YORK, NY ON THE ROAD AGAIN! Last week Ferro Productions took it to the streets, this time not in pursuit of the “pigskin” rather on a mission to document the “FUNK! The journey begins exactly with the formula they love the most. Another one of the world’s legendary stages of both Sport and Concert, […]
