In 1978 I started The Chicago Multi-Media Company. We used a lot of slides. And a lot of slide projectors, all coordinated by a computerized programming system.
At first it was just me and one or two others, working out of my house. After two years there were too many people – clients and workers – showing up at my house; the business was growing rapidly and I think my neighbors were getting a little annoyed.
We moved into 4200 square feet of real commercial space, remodeled it for our purposes, and produced mostly corporate events for the next thirteen years. We did a lot of annual sales meetings and pharmaceutical launches, and fund raising events for non-profits. It was highly complex and a lot of fun. Think of thirty slide projectors all choreographed to create a wondrous, bright and colorful piece of entertainment on a huge screen.
This was before video projection technology was even close to looking great on a big screen.
The years went by, and the fascination that many corporate event planners had for multi-image passed. Video technology was starting to surpass multi-image in quality and ease of use.
I joined my friends over at Lighthouse Productions as their VP of Production. Here, I managed a staff of about forty talented producers, coordinators, designers, artists, writers and all-around creative folks, producing more corporate events, video, and “new media” interactive projects. A few years later, we were acquired by Caribiner Communications, an international company producing mostly large corporate events. Here, I served as an Executive Producer and Creative Director.
After a short time, an opportunity popped up to co-found a brand new Integrated Marketing Communications company, Thinktank LLC, operating from the 18th floor of NBC Tower in Chicago. We had a three year run creating brand identity, marketing communications programs, a lot of print materials and interactive programs, and a little video.
I had come pretty far from my roots and had learned a lot of new things in the process. But it was time to get back into what I really loved doing, and the reason I got into this business to begin with – the hands-on creative and production. So I went back into business for myself. What required 4200 square feet and a staff in 1980 now requires me, some freelance help when needed, some video gear, and a few computers.
