 Ed
Rowles of Multimedia-Pro, takes a small business approach to making
multimedia shows. Located in the basement of his home, the business
boasts a small but rather sophisticated production facility. There
is a modern office with a number of Macintosh computers. There
is a HDTV video projectors controlled by a computer linked to
the sound equipment and a theater to preview the results.
Why build a business around multimedia?
As a true multimedia artist it was a natural
choice. "While I'm trained in all the visual mediums (videotape,
motion pictures, still photography, fine arts, and multimedia
production), computer multimedia presentations are my preferred
communication medium. Like many artists, the day I brought home
my first Macintosh computer changed my life. With a new G4 Power
Macintosh, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Premiere,
Power Point and Director now have creative tools to control
every aspect of the presentation. For the first time I have
the power to deliver a professional product at an affordable
price."
 Ed
has created hundreds of wide screen multi-image slide shows
for his clients over the years but today all of his show are
created digitaly and projected using high end video. "Wide
screen video has become the medium of choice for communicating
a message to a large audience. The projected images are so sharp
and colorful, combined with power of digital sound, the end
product can be very dramatic."
Ed has produced professional multimedia program
for : Rite-Aid drugstore chain, Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone
Co., Bell Atlantic, RCA, Ford Motor Company, National Geographic
Magazine and .
 National
Geographic was one client that pushed Ed's creative skills to
the limit , not once but twice. The first project was entitled
"Discovering Britain and Ireland." Using nine projectors,
it showcased the magazine's photographers and their experiences
photographing in the British Isles for the production of a new
book.
The second project, "On Assignment:
The Photography of National Geographic," was produced to
celebrate National Geographic's 100th anniversary and covers
the Geographic's photographe rs,
focusing on the excitement and difficulties of working on location
around the world. This show is divided into segments covering
news, nature, people, underwater, science, and adventure. Both
shows are essentially marketing tools, developed to attract
potential advertisers. However, they have educational, entertainment
and creative value as well.
Mostly the multimedia shows that he puts
together are used by his clients to motivate their employees
or to introduce a new product.
Assembling the shows in final form can be
rather intense. The final production process can be a very nervous
time. There's no such thing as sleep. He works very late into
the night to get things done just right and on time. After all,
if he fails, he loses the client.
Although his shows can involve, Multi-Image
Productions also takes on less complicated projects. Recently,
he produced a hot animation PR piece for the Human Performance
Technologys called Winning Ways. Even though the show was created
on a small budget, the animation was very dynamic and it was
a big hit at the convention!
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