Tuesday, March 31st, 2010

STREHLE RETURNS FROM OLYMPIC GAMES, INSPIRED!

SNOQUALMIE, WA – Producer, director, and cinematographer, Keven Strehle, returned home from the Olympic Winter Games after a month covering alpine skiing in Whistler, BC.

Broadcast partners, Ron Thulin and Keven Strehle provided content for Olympic Broadcasting Services and was viewed by millions world-wide, their coverage included one-on-one's with the athletes, medal winners, volunteers, national and international media and every thing in between.

One of the coolest things, was covering the "mix zone." I have covered other Olympic games, but this one was unique becasue of the access to the athletes. In the past, we were never allowed to get to the athletes, guys like Thulin and I were "providing" the sound from the athletes, this time I was on a first name basis with Lyndsey... Vonn that is...

The mix zone is a horseshoe shaped press area that athletes pass through to speak with broadcasters. Tiny, little stalls about 3 feet wide, cattle waiting to feed. Before the competition started, we would spend most days, standing in the rain with the occasional test run in between storms. But when the competition started, it was cool. Athletes passing through, talking about the experience, winning, the atmosphere, the feelings, emotion and vibe. It was inspiring, truly.

One of the most amazing things, were the crashes. Man there were crashes! Lots of crashes. One in particular, Anja Paerson's, was brutal. I am sure you can find it on Youtube, I dare not show it for fear of the Olympic Police, they might put me in Olympics jail. The day after that horrific crash, she won a bronze medal. It took a Vonn spill to give her that medal, but you know, luck is just "putting yourself in a position to be successful," right? Paerson, wouldn't have won a medal had she not qualified, Lyndsey crashes, so on and so on.

Another inspiring moment, hearfelt moment was when Maria Reisch of Germany won the slalom moments after her sister crashed. With only a few gates to navigate, Sussane Reisch, on pace to medal along with Maria, bit the dust. Boy was she devastated, crying profusly in the warming tent when Maria came in after posting the best time. It was a real tearjerker, seriously. I felt so badly for her, but shooting it gave me chills. That doesn't happen often anymore.

All in all it was a tremendous experience, one that will place very highly in the Keven Strehle vault of media experiences. Can't wait till the next games. -K

Gold Medal winners Maria Reisch of Germany and Lyndsey Vonn of the United States are interviewed by German television in the Whistler Creek side press mix zone.

Strehle Media Group, Inc. is dedicated to producing original television programming and feature documentary films for national and international distribution.

SMG also produces commercials, industrial and corporate videos, and promotional programming for a limited number of national and regional clients. SMG is a full-service production facility, featuring true high-definition videography and post-production. In-house equipment includes: a Sony CineAlta HDW-F900 High Definition Video Camera package; Avid offline and Avid Adrenaline online editing suites; including dubbing, mastering, and reproducing equipment in all formats (HD, Blu-Ray, SD, and BetacamSP).

www.strehlemediagroup.com
Contact:
Keven Strehle: 206.605.0627