The Official Creative Vado Pocket Video Camera Blog

We recently announced our Vado HD Pocket Cam Film Contest to the press and the rest of the world, but for Creative folk- the contest is in full swing. We currently have 17 schools participating in this awesome contest where winners walk away with upwards of $1,500 cash, killer prizes like Vado HD pocket cams, speakers, DVD players, even an internship with a famous Hollywood film maker. With prizes like that- what could possibly deter a person from participating. If you decide not to enter the contest, you can still view the videos and vote on your favorite ones.

In addition to killer prizes, we also have a panel of judges that will knock you out of your socks. From industry greats lik Phillip Noyce and Ken Arlidge, to web-classic Darren DiSaronno and jack-of-all-trades Matt Ward, to film mavens John-Paul Beeghly and Jon “JK” Klaczkiewicz. Well the stardom doesn’t end there. We’re back to introduce you to two more film experts.

Expert Judge, Yaz Takata

Yas Takata has an unexpected resume. Maybe it’s because he isn’t your typical film-guy. When one thinks about film, we relate it to the story it tells and the ride it takes us on. Yas’ films have managed to take viewers on rides, quite literally, in fact. Yas serves as the Director of Special Venue Film Entertainment for Blur Studio and heads its newly formed theme park and special venue film division.

Yas is one of the ride film industry’s most talented and experienced creatives. He is currently directing a stereoscopic dark ride for a new theme park located in Abu Dhabi, UAE, slated to open in 2010, and last year worked on Universal’s “The Simpson’s Ride” which was voted Best Attraction by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA). Yas also co-directed Paramount and Nickelodeon’s “SpongeBob SquarePants in 3D,” which remains a blockbuster theme park attraction for Paramount Parks. Previous to that he directed the sci-fi hit venue film based on the popular tv-series, “StarGate 3000″ for MGM and was the lead creative on “Stan Lee’s 7^th Portal 3D Simulation Experience,” yet another hit for Paramount Studios theme parks.

It appears Yas is driven by a desire for something more- something that tests limits and blurs boundaries. Yas spent 21 years in film, over a decade of which he acted as Director. Of these years in film, Yas has chosen to create films so bold they allow the audience to experience an aspect the world otherwise untouchable–unless of course, you are among our readers who seek extreme situations. Yas opens up the world for the rest of us, and for that we are incredibly grateful to have him on our expert panel of judges.

Yas grew up in San Francisco, earned a degree in communications from the University of California, Berkeley (go bears!) , and began his career with Midland Productions in nearby Richmond. While helping that company expand its business in commercial and corporate media production, he launched it into the nascent business of ride film production. He produced and directed ride films for Iwerks Entertainment, Imax, Busch Gardens, Busch Entertainment’s Sea World parks, and the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Among his credits is Wild Arctic, an attraction featured at Sea World parks. It takes park visitors on a “jet helicopter” ride through a frozen wonderland to come face-to-face with walruses, beluga whales and polar bears.

And as if that isn’t enough, Yas is also a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences.

Expert Judge, Todd Busch

Todd Busch is the man behind some incredible industry films. The kind of films most everyone has in their home and love to watch over and over again. He got his start doing post-production for infamous Lucas Films in 1990. When the Avid took feature editing by storm in the mid-90s, Todd road the wave of technology on a list of high profile projects, including Eraser, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, Terminator 3 and Beowulf. He spent four years on the Editors Guild Board of Directors and has been a contributor to the guild’s magazine. Todd continues to work on the cutting edge of post-production and is currently working on Tony Scott’s action thriller Unstoppable.

Todd’s long list of accomplishments speaks to what an impressive individual he is. Just imagine this expert-editor watching your film and giving you the thumbs-up!

We’re expecting a great turn-out for this contest and are thrilled to have a panel of such impressive judges.

Stay tuned! We’ll continue to keep you updated on our Vado Film Contest!

-Tawnee