East Bay Photos

Posted on June 18, 2012 by Anna Newman

I have been getting a set of photos ready to post from Wade Krause’s recent trip up here. I don’t know if I have mentioned this or not, but the PBDG DVD will include documentary material about Wade and his work on the clear pinball games, Hellacopters, etc.

I should have that post ready tomorrow. First — I want to share a photo I took last night on the way home from a screening:

These giant sculptures from Burning Man by Karen Cusolito are outside American Steel Studios an amazing art place in Oakland where they are created. Cinematographer Charlie Kuttner (who is also working on the Wade project), told me about them and taught me how to take these long exposure night photos. So cool!

photo by Charlie Kuttner

You can’t imagine how huge these pieces are until you see them.
We also stopped on Treasure Island to take some skyline photos. We had the good fortune of a barge passing through some of the shots.

transamerica buiding and skyline with barge

photo by Anna Newman & Charlie Kuttner

So when you all come out to the East Bay to visit the Pacific Pinball Museum, there is a ton more to do and see as well!

Pinball photos tomorrow.
Happy Fathers Day!

PBDG visits Pin-a-Go-Go

Posted on May 21, 2012 by Anna Newman

Associate Producer Lily Achatz and I attended our first Pin-a-Go-Go in Dixon, CA. We got to meet up with lots of Pinball Donut Girl supporters, play great games (there were around 200 pins, I heard), and enjoy some perfect central valley weather. I will definitely go back next year; I had a really good time.

It’s always the first Sunday after Mother’s Day — mark your calendar now 😉

Lily plays Bowling Queen in the back room.

Bowling Queen backglass detail.

I was totally taken with Star-Jet’s art.

Star-Jet playfield detail.

Star-Jet backglass detail.

More Star-Jet playfield.

I also got to see a Palooka Dan Kramer had restored. Very cool.

Palooka backglass.

Palooka playfield detail.

I love the speed bag with a face!

The turnout was strong with people enjoying both EM and SS games.

Lily and Eight Ball Deluxe.

Bounty Hunter backglass art.

This young lady was part of the fun tournament.

And this little guy was making the rounds with his dad and a step stool.

I was happy to see Wade Krause and meet Dirty Donny Gillies, the artist behind Hellacopters and other custom art games Wade has worked on. Donny, Wade, and Tanio Klyce were so generous to let us use Hellacopters in the Pinball Donut Girl tournament scene.

Wade and Donny at Pin-a-Go-Go 2012.

Lily and I also got to visit with the folks of Planetary Pinball.

I can’t get enough of taking pinball photos…

Foto Finish playfield detail.

Star Pool backglass detail.

Star Pool backglass — seems like this should be a poster!

PBDG Meets a Young Pinball Ambassador

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Anna Newman

Meet Brian and Chris. Long time supporter of the Pacific Pinball Museum, Brian brings his son Chris on regular visits.

Nine year old Chris is an excellent docent and pinball ambassador. Cinematographer Charlie Kuttner and I were at the PPM to film some more clear game footage, and Chris introduced us to Adventures in the Development of Pinball, the new exhibit. The show includes one of the Bally Freedom clear games built with Wade Krause.

Chris is pretty good at the clear game — he had moves!

On display are a set of images and interactive exhibits that explain the development and workings of pinball machines. Chris walked me through several of them with great expertise.

Be sure to stop by the PPM when you are in the Bay Area to visit the exhibit, check out and play the new visible pin, and of course play the other hundred plus games at the museum. Michael Schiess and his crew have everything set it up to be very hands on, and as you can see, kids will definitely enjoy it.