An Evolving Studio: The Beginning

We all start somewhere and for us we couldn't have done this without the support of The Garage: Games & Geekery in Maple Ridge, BC, Canada.  http://garagegames.ca/

A studio space was essential to be able to produce at the level we envisioned.  We required a space big enough for multiple cameras and operators as well as ample lighting.  Before episode 2 we tried to shoot with a makeshift "fortress" in the back of the store using table toppers as the back wall and that didn't work out so well.  We also rented a stage at a local community college for Episode 1: Stephen vs Mike, however the set up and strike down as well as schedule made it prohibitive as a long term solution.

Talking with the owners of the Garage: Games & Geekery we knew we found great partners who were enthusiastic about servicing the gaming community.  Our mandate at the time was to "inspire people to play" and the Garage wanted to be the "destination for play".  The synergy meant before long that there were framers in the back of the store putting up a 12' wall with enclosures for light boxes.  Tak worked with Rob to design the space, and later on Tak actually decided to remove the light boxes due to cost and Rob went through with it anyway because it was just too cool not to.  Regardless to say we are super happy the light boxes stayed.

Where we started with lights on stands on the floor and a rig to hold aloft our overhead camera, at the time a GoPro Hero Black 6, in eventual battle reports you won't see the light stands or rig anymore because The Garage built us mounts that support our gear above and out of sight.

Eventually our overhead camera became another SLR for better quality and the GoPro and painters tape rig were retired.  And yes, in that photo there is painters tape holding up our GoPro.

A birthday is a time to celebrate but also a time to reflect and grow. We are proud of the hard work that went into the content we produced during our first year and look forward to the years to come. With every video we evolve and we have all of you to thank for that. We appreciate the support you all given us and cannot wait to share with you what the future holds.

What do you think of our start?  Would you have done something differently?  Let us know! PLAY ON!