Wade Krause goes to Pinburgh

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Anna Newman

Wade Krause, pinball artist and PBDG supporter, let me tag along with him in Pittsburgh as he attended PAPA’s Pinburgh tournament, checked out Dave Baach’s amazing custom games, and met with local artists.

Wade with Luther's Vendetta artist Brian Holderman

Wade and Brian Holderman

Wade collaborates with Dave, and I was able to go behind the scenes to find out what they are up to, including a chance to see the Brian Holderman custom Luther’s Vendetta and Freak Out by Mike Budai.

Dave showed us all around Pittsburgh, going above and beyond as a host. Thank you, Dave!

Another highlight was a visit to the amazing collection of Ed Beeler (more photos coming of Ed’s place). Wade and I had a great time exploring 8,000 square feet of pinball and arcade games.

No weekend in Pittsburgh is complete without a quick day trip to Philly (yes, I am crazy), where we met with wonderful PBDG supporter Rob Loring and the folks at PinRescue and Harry Snodgrass, the PBDG sound designer.

Back in Pittsburgh, Wade checked out the work of fellow screen printer Andy Warhol at the Warhol Museum.

Always ready to lend a hand, Wade helped Director/Cinematographer Don Starnes and me with PBDG filming.

Is Wade contemplating the Trinity Cathedral, or wondering how his El Dorado boards are drying back in Clovis, CA? Thank you for the great company, Wade!

Filming Surf Champ

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Anna Newman

This weekend I got to return to the Pacific Pinball Warehouse to film some material for a piece on the Clear Pinball games created by Wade Krause, Michael and Christian Schiess, and others at the PPM. DP Charlie Kuttner (who also worked on PBDG) and I were trying to capture some of the magic of the visible games.

They are pretty magical.

Michael has been such a huge supporter of PBDG — I’m really excited to be working on this small video for him and the museum. It will be included in the bonus material of the PBDG DVD.

It’s tricky to light all the reflective surfaces in the games, especially the clear pins.

photo by Charlie Kuttner

Unfortunately manipulating the playfield directly is not only the way to get the sounds that I want for the footage, but also the only time I ever get a free game ;).

Even the new artwork in progress at the warehouse is impressed by Surf Champ’s beauty.

PBDG Behind the Scenes with Anna

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Anna Newman

While Director Don Starnes and Editor Rick LeCompte get PBDG ready to ship on to sound design, I’m working on the bonus material captured by Audrey Daniel during the PBDG shoot.

Here’s a little interview where I talk about pinball and PBDG.