TexasB-roll HD Rides Again, Supports Texas Motion Picture Alliance, Launches CityB-roll.com

Please visit TexasB-roll and CityB-roll online today.

“It’s been a long time coming” – David Crosby

Yes it has! In 2002, we started offering stock footage of Texas for sale in broadcast quality standard definition formats. Now our stock footage is fleshed out in true HD (1080-24p) and we are excited about our Industry Sponsor status with Texas Motion Picture Alliance. We have dropped prices on our footage to be competitive in a tough economy, and are now donating $5.00 for every HD clip sold on our sites to TXMPA.

If you are looking for stock footage for your next production, I hope you will check with us to see what we have, and know that your purchase is helping support an independent media professional and the excellent work of the TXMPA. If we don’t have the footage you seek, we will kindly refer you to other vendors who may be able to help.

Please view this YouTube video demo, a selection of footage available now at TexasB-roll.com and the new sister site CityB-roll.com >

There are a lot of opportunities to purchase stock footage on the Internet, and from the big providers (read: big corporations), the guy who actually went out and produced the footage only gets a small portion of the purchase price. We personally spun the wheels on thousands of miles of pavement to bring this footage to you, in a professional manner, at a reasonable price. If you have a question about a location or any other details regarding this footage, you can call and talk to us directly. You won’t get that from some of the “firms” that market footage online.

From camping out in the Palo Duro Canyon to hoofing it down the beach in Puerto Rico, I personally shot every frame offered for sale on these sites, and appreciate your support.

Please visit TexasB-roll.com or CityB-roll.com today. Thank you.

Tracy Ready
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Press Release 07/01/09:

Texas, USA and a Whole Lot More – Pro HD Stock Footage available online now at CityB-roll.com and TexasB-roll.com

Largest Selection of Texas stock footage in HD – anywhere!
Plus – Puerto Rico, New York, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Florida, Cities, Small Towns, Wind Energy, Electric Power, Oil, Skylines, Destinations, and Historic Sites … more HD added monthly.

Unique Pricing – Personalized Service
Have a cool shot at the Color Bar, the online store! Unlike many stock footage providers, CityB-roll and TexasB-roll doesn’t require you to purchase a pre-determined collection to get a discounted price. The store is structured so that you can mix and match clips from any category into a collection of footage that works for you. There are price breaks for quantities of clips purchased, all designed to fit your individual needs.

In the News
In Dallas, Texas, Director of Photography Tracy Ready is hosting a re-launch of the stock footage resource TexasB-roll.com and the official launch of the sister website CityB-roll.com.
His primary company Trace Productions provides professional video production services to a wide client base including major US corporate clients, broadcast and cable television outlets, and independent documentary producers. In 2002, Tracy created TexasB-roll.com providing royalty free broadcast quality stock footage online. Since then TexasB-roll clips have been used in productions for Sea World of Texas, Wachovia Bank, The Salvation Army, Cadbury Schweppes (Dr. Pepper), Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, University of Texas at Arlington and many more.

In 2007, the focus shifted to high definition acquisition, using the Panasonic HVX-200 P2 camera, and rebuilding the library in HD. Additionally, the CityB-roll.com domain was acquired, as a sister site to TexasB-roll, reflecting the diverse nature of the ever expanding library. Web Designer Clay Meyers, owner of CDM Grafx, began a complete overhaul of the existing TexasB-roll site and the creation of the CityB-roll site, creating a common database of clips to be offered on both websites. Tracy Ready worked closely with Creative Editor David Henson, owner of Distilled Images to import, archive, create previews of the significant amount of new HD footage in the database, and to create a new demo for the sites in HD. Freelance Production Assistant Jason Meyers tackled the job of clipping and logging the new footage.

In addition to Texas locations (every major city in HD) CityB-roll and TexasB-roll now offer HD clips shot in several other U.S. states, plus a nice variety of other non-location specific scenes. More than eight hundred HD clips are now available with new footage added monthly, so please check back often. Still looking for broadcast quality, standard definition 4:3 aspect ratio footage? We have it, at drastically reduced rates. Don’t see what you are looking for? Call for quote on production, or visit Trace Productions online.

True HD – Royalty Free
TexasB-roll and CityB-roll HD collections are composed of true 1080 High Definition footage, not HDV! Be sure to know what you are getting when shopping online – there is a difference!
This footage is professionally shot (tripod, static shots and smooth moves, sequencing) with the Panasonic HVX-200 P2 HD camera in 1080 24p (except where noted).
All TexasB-roll and CityB-roll clips are royalty free, meaning your purchase allows usage in local commercials, corporate communications, marketing, tourism, electronic press kits, industrial films, independent short films, and more. For usage in national commercials or feature films, you must contact TexasB-roll for pricing and individual release. You may not resell TexasB-roll or CityB-roll stock footage, except for as part of your finished edited program, and credited to TexasB-roll.com.

Questions? Call 972.437.4433 or email footage@texasb-roll.com

Every HD Purchase Supports the Texas Motion Picture Alliance
TexasB-roll HD is an Industry Sponsor of Texas Motion Picture Alliance. This organization is playing a pivotal role in bringing video, film, television and gaming business to Texas. Beginning in June 2009, for each HD clip purchased, TexasB-roll will donate $5.00 to the TXMPA, as part of this sponsorship agreement.

Buy from the ones who shot it!
Your purchase of CityB-roll and TexasB-roll footage supports the independent media professional and Texas Motion Picture Alliance, not a faceless corporation.
For links to all professional and social sites related to Tracy Ready visit TraceTV.tv
Visit the TraceTV Blog for current articles, items of interest, ramblings about Footage, Travel, Music, Food, Documentaries, more…

All images and video on this site are the sole property of Trace Productions. ©2009 Trace Productions. All rights reserved.
Unauthorized download and / or reproduction are strictly prohibited.

Tracy Ready is a Director of Photography / Writer / Producer / Vocalist based in Dallas, Texas.

Documentary Trailers Shown at Texas Music Mini-Conference

Hats off to the Dallas Public Library for hosting Texas Music Mini-Conference with an amazing line up of speakers, authors, historians – all for FREE. We attended these sessions in Dallas recently. It was a very informative day, and we received some very positive feedback on the trailers for South Texas Soul: The San Antonio Sound and Dallas Electric: The Texas Blues Story.
From Dallas Public Library Site:
“Twelve sessions will be offered covering a wide range of performers and styles, including Stamps-Baxter and Southern Gospel music, Texas blues, rock bands from the 60s, two noted women in Texas music, the Texas International Pop Festival, jazz in Texas, the Big D Jamboree, and more. Two film screenings will be included in the day: Teen-a-Go-Go and South Dallas Pop. The full day’s schedule is now available, as is biographical information about program presenters.”

SEE this site for all the details: Texas Music Mini-Conference

We were quite honored to be invited to have a small part in the day. During the opening registration at the Texas Music Mini-Conference we displayed trailers for two music related HD documentaries currently in production. These projects are being produced with support of the 501C-3 non-profit Still Kickin’ Foundation. See previous blog post: South Texas Soul: The San Antonio Sound

South Texas Soul: The San Antonio Sound – YouTube

Be sure to click the “HD” button on YouTube video to watch in highest resolution.

Dallas Electric: The Texas Blues Story – YouTube

We need to update this video on YouTube with new higher resolution HD setting, but you get the idea…
The native format for these documentaries is 1080 24p DVCPro HD, needless to say, YouTube doesn’t really do justice!
Thanks for visiting…

Tracy Ready is a Director of Photography / Writer / Producer / Vocalist based in Dallas Texas.

South Texas Soul: The San Antonio Sound – Documentary in HD Features Legendary Texas Musician Augie Meyers

Click “HD” button in window to see this trailer in highest resolution available on YouTube.
See the Hi Res Flash Movie at Trace Productions – South Texas Soul

DESCRIPTION:

South Texas Soul: The San Antonio Sound – Augie Meyers, Doug Sahm and the history and influence of South Texas on popular music of today. Documentary filmmaker Tracy Ready examines the influence of German, Polish and Irish immigrants in South Texas on popular music styles including Country, Tejano, Blues and Rock and Roll, from a unique perspective.

Musician Augie Meyers has taken the music of San Antonio to audiences the world over through performances and recordings dating back to the 1950’s. His long list of credits include Grammy award winning albums and extensive touring with Sir Douglas Quintet and Texas Tornados, solo albums dating back to the early 1970’s, motion picture soundtracks, and performance credits on landmark albums for a host of influential American musicians including Bob Dylan, Doug Sahm and John Hammond, Jr.

Meyers’ life as the son of Polish immigrants, who grew up in the multi-cultural melting pot that is San Antonio and then took that sound to the world, is the central focal point of the documentary, but the story begins much earlier.

The South Texas Soul will follow the story and musical influence of the earliest European immigrants to Texas, and carry it through to the modern age. The film will weave interviews and insights from working musicians of today, historians and fans with archival photos and rare performance footage. It traces the earliest entry of the accordion to the south Texas to the story of Augie Meyers, the Sir Douglas Quintet, and the Texas Tornados, and beyond to a new generation of the South Texas sound, carried on by such artists as Los Lonely Boys, Charlie and Bruce Robison, Robert Earl Keen and Shawn Sahm’s Tex-Mex Experience.

Tracy Ready will write, direct and produce the documentary in High Definition (1080 24p) with archival footage and photos from the past.

STATUS ANALYSIS:

Initial principal interviews were conducted in San Antonio in 2008 with Augie Meyers and Jim Beal, Jr. historian and music writer for San Antonio Express News. Additional footage of Augie in session recording his current solo album at Blue Cat Studios was also acquired as a starting point for the film.

Included also in the film will be never before seen interview and performance footage of Augie Meyers in an interview with Tracy Ready in 1989.

Tracy would like to thank Shawn Sahm and Clay Meyers and their families for their assistance in this project.

Support the making of this film with tax deductible donation to Still Kickin’ Foundation, a 501 C-3 non profit organization dedicated to capturing the stories of older Americans who have done great things late in life.
Please visit: Still Kickin’ Foundation

Thanks for watching, and for your support.

TXMPA Lobby Day Draws Crowd to Capitol Supporting Film and Television Production in Texas

Austin, Texas
March 4, 2009


An overcast sky gave way to a beautiful day in Austin as hundreds of people in the moving image industries (film, video, gaming) converged on the Texas State Capitol showing support for legislation which, if passed, will help repair the severely damaged industry in our state. It was an eye-opening experience for me, a Director of Photography, as I spend most of my time working on small crew productions, with little interaction with others in my industry. So, to be on the steps of the Capitol with a nice crowd who all have similar interests helped me understand the scope of the industry and how each of us play a part in a vital economic engine of the state.
This is an important cause, which has ripple effects to a multitude of support businesses, including hotels, restaurants, rental car companies, and on and on. Statistics show that we have lost more than $500 million in revenue and more than 7000 jobs across the state in recent years. Why? Because other states, most notably Louisiana and New Mexico, instituted major tax incentives to lure big budget projects to their states, and it has worked. Many of our fellow Texans have had to move out of state or commute back and forth to these neighboring states in order to stay in business. Given our long history with film production in Texas, this is a crying shame.
See Films Shot in Texas since 1910

The Texas Motion Picture Alliance is a statewide grass roots organization that I am proud to be a part of, and it is only through their tireless efforts that this legislation exists and has a chance at reversing the trend of jobs and revenue related to moving image industries shifting to other states.

This is an effort which should concern ALL Texans, not just those of us working directly in the industry, because television, film and gaming production in the state brings more jobs in various related industries, and because we at one time were considered “the third coast” for film production, and we have seen it seep away. There are many projects where Texas would be the first choice for production, because of the great locations available, and well trained, well equipped crews, but we are losing out because of the incentives offered by our neighboring states, and others around the country. Once this business is completely gone, it will be hard to bring it back.
Please support HB 873 and SB 605. It’s important to all of us.

Get involved! Join Texas Motion Picture Alliance
Read the story from Associated Press

From Don Stokes, President of Texas Motion Picture Alliance:

“Our lobbying effort is a community affair. It will take the efforts of all of us in the industry to make the enhanced incentive program a reality. Lobby Day 2009 was a phenomenal success and certainly raised industry awareness among the legislators. It is my honor as President of TXMPA to be part of this immense team.

We participated in the initial hearing on HB 873 on Wednesday, March 4 during our Lobby Day efforts. The witnesses that spoke on our behalf did so passionately and from the heart. Their testimonies spoke to the problems facing our industry in Texas and to the solutions for bring the business back. The committee members listened and I believe understood our message. I think we will make it out of committee and look forward to the placement of our bill on the House Calendar. At this juncture I feel good about our legislation passing but I know there will be challenges ahead especially on the appropriation front.

I would like to thank everyone for their efforts. Without all of you we wouldn’t stand a chance.

Don Stokes
President TXMPA

From David Friedman:

“Throughout TXMPA Lobby Day 2009, it became evident that legislators from across Texas were gaining a better understanding of how the moving picture industry impacts the economy. Many legislators were already onboard; whereas, some legislators were early in their understanding. The force of everyone pulling in the same direction, starting with Governor Rick Perry and the 700+ constituents at the Capitol, was felt by all the legislators. It was hard to miss on the Senate floor, the House floor, and on the front lawn of the Capitol. It was a great day for the state of Texas and our economy will be better off for it. The bottom line; is, creating and retaining jobs in Texas. Our collective efforts on TXMPA Lobby Day 2009 contributed to the bottom line in a significant way. Many thanks to all who attended in person and to those that were there with us in spirit.”

David S. Friedman, TXMPA, North Texas Regional Representative

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Tracy Ready is an independent Writer / Producer / Director of Photography based in Dallas, Texas
See: www.tracetv.tv

Trace Elements – Studio News

TRACE ELEMENTS – STUDIO CD – MUSIC RELEASE

Trace Elements is a Texas based recording band project spearheaded by vocalist Tracy Ready, whose career as a Director of Photography in television and documentary production has been interspersed with a passion for music with recordings and live performances as a vocalist in Dallas and San Antonio, Texas. Additionally, Tracy has been writing song lyrics and collaborating on original music since 1978. He was fortunate in his youth to know and be mentored by legendary musicians Augie Meyers and Doug Sahm, of Sir Douglas Quintet and Texas Tornados fame. As an adult, Tracy pursued a career in television, spent 5 years as a cameraman for CNN, and has now owned Trace Productions, an award winning video production business, for more than 12 years.
Trace Elements consists of some of the finest blues, rock and jazz musicians that Texas has to offer, a “who’s who” of Dallas and San Antonio professional players. The core band for recording is Sparky Montoya – Keyboards, Kevin Lewis – guitars, Mike Beall – drums, and John Echols – bass.
The first Trace Elements studio CD “Welcome to the Color Bar” (working title) is in production, with initial sessions completed at January Sound in Dallas and Blue Cat Studios in San Antonio.
In it’s entirety, the CD will be far from a standard blues record, but it will have some excellent blues numbers. It will be more conceptual in nature, also encompassing rock, Americana, and jazz styles as they have been an inspiration on Tracy’s personal experience growing up in the music scene in San Antonio, and later in Dallas. It will be a unique project, heavily marketed online, with additional promotional ties as part of the soundtrack to the documentary films “Dallas Electric”, and “South Texas Soul”. The idea is to have a multilayered approach to the marketing of the music and the documentary films whereby people who like the film will be interested in checking out the Trace Elements CD, and vice versa.
Musically, Trace Elements is a culmination of all the bands and songwriting collaborations Tracy has been part of since 1978. It features stellar professional musicians and guest appearance by Augie Meyers, whose status as a Grammy award winner, and legendary performer should by itself garner attention from music press and spur radio airplay, both in the U.S. and in Europe. The song “Elvis es mi Gato”, written by Tracy and Augie, is an infectious polka with a novelty hit lyric in the midst of a blues / progressive rock album, with Augie on accordion. Americana radio will love this one.
Additionally, blues great Brian “Hash Brown” Calway appears on 2 more songs, T-Bone Walker’s “Tell Me What’s the Reason” and the Willie Dixon classic “I Live the Life I Love”. His appearance is expected to attract additional attention from the blues music community in Dallas and North Texas.
These initial sessions produced 7 tracks, including one song “Prosperity Street” written by Augie Meyers some forty years ago, reworked with a New Orleans style groove by the band. This song has never been released in any form, is an uncovered gem that will surprise many.
Tracy’s original songwriting and collaborations with other writers will figure heavily in the album, with modern rock tracks, a funk / jam powerhouse called “Open Mind, Open Eye”, plus a driving Texas shuffle, “Turning Blue”, a blues rock showcase featuring guitarist Kevin Lewis.
The recording will continue with another tracking session in April 2009, with mix down and completion by August of 2009. Co-Producing the project are Tracy Ready and Composer / Arranger Sal Salvador. Songs from the San Antonio recording sessions are co-produced by Clay Meyers and Tracy Ready.
Engineering at January Sound – Tye Robison; Engineering at Blue Cat – Joe Trevino. These folks all were true professionals to work with, and we appreciate their skill and dedication to the craft.
SEE:
www.myspace.com/traceelementstx

STATUS ANALYSIS:
Basic tracks recorded for seven songs. Currently working with Sal Salvador producing demos for four more songs, to then record in two more sessions with the band. Vocal, guitar and keyboard overdubs and mix to be conducted at Sal’s home studio to ready the CD for release.
Promotion: We are building fan base using social media networks and preparing to release selected tracks for review on jambase.com and garageband.com. New website is being built by Clay Meyers, CDM Grafx.

Thank you for your consideration of this project.

Tracy Ready, Vocals; Kevin Lewis, guitars and fretless bass

Legendary Keyboardist Augie Meyers and Trace

Brian “Hash Brown” Calway and Kevin Lewis

Engineer Joe Trevino at Blue Cat Studios, San Antonio