High-definition Video Production Wins National Award for Columbia Gorge Video Producer

“Simply Sunsational” the latest video released by Columbia Gorge-based video producer John Hardham of Light Wave Communications was chosen for a Bronze Award in Public Relations from among the over 14,000 entrants to the prestigious Telly Awards international competition. Shot on location in The Dalles and the eastern Columbia Gorge in HDTV, “Simply Sunsational” was produced for The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce to promote economic development in The Dalles. A version of the video will be placed on the Chamber Web site to further encourage tourism to the area.

Hardham, owner of Light Wave Communications, worked closely with David Griffith and Lee Weinstein of the Chamber of Commerce Marketing Committee to develop the video, and features interviews with local business owners, city officials, educators and artists as they provide candid observations about living and working in The Dalles. The program highlights the key features of the area, the many days of sunshine, and the values that make this community strong. The program is intended to be used for marketing, recruitment, and speaker support and is available now to members of The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce for distribution.

“These videos are a great tool in our toolkit to bring tourists and businesses to the area,” said Chamber Executive Director Dana Schmidling. “They’re going to be the face of The Dalles, which people might not see if they’re driving by on the freeway.”

“I want to thank the people of The Dalles for their cooperation and willingness to participate in this project,” said Hardham who added that the most difficult part of the project was trying to choose which comments to include from all the excellent interviews people gave on-camera. “It’s tough when all everyone has to say is superlatives about what a great place this is.”

Additional footage was shot by Dan Kelly, and the video includes some cuts from local musician Victor Johnson. Visual highlights include scenes of the river and wind sports, downtown The Dalles, biking, cherry orchards in bloom, fall colors, vineyards, and scenic hiking areas.

“Simply Sunsational” was funded in part by a marketing grant from the Oregon Investment Board. Light Wave Communications is a full service, independent media production company, serving clients throughout the Pacific Northwest from the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. Programs are distributed on DVD and over the Web. More information can be obtained by visiting www.lightwavevideo.com

Founded in 1978, the Telly Awards is the premier award competition honoring outstanding local, regional and cable TV commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions. The 29 th Annual competition received over 14,000 entries from all 50 states and many foreign countries. The Telly Awards annually showcases the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators and corporate video departments in the world. The Telly Awards is a widely known and highly respected national and international competition.