We're Here For You - Working From Home
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As a production wraps we’ve all heard (or said) “We became like a family.” It’s true that working in production forms memories, friendships and an end result ‘product’ that requires us to depend on each other, trust one-another and appreciate the inter-actions of our production team.
During the WFH status, the USF Production Group staff has learned that communication can be generated from mobile offices in living rooms, on patios or in some cases, our cars! And still we’ve supported our production clients through this period, working together for solutions in scheduling and to begin the process and plans of re-opening our stages and backlot locations.
On our lot, we’ve had a head start on what will be new guidelines for maintaining a safe environment for the production teams and crews. Plus, the
Green is Universal
initiative (see enclosed article) is a company wide effort that has been in process for years and will continue as we get production rolling again.
We’re available and enthused to hear about your plans to return to create tv series, films, commercials and other media content soon from Universal.
Our legendary motto “The Show Must Go On” might just be amended with “Again!” And, my friends, we will do this together.
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USFPG Launches New Website
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“We are pleased to announce the launch of our completely new website,” states Pamela Tuscany, Vice President / General Manager of Universal Studios Florida Production Group. “Our focus is on function and ease of use for our production community.
The new site is designed for easy navigation of the many production opportunities available at the east coast’s premier production facility. Details such as drawings and renderings of our soundstages, and photographs of our backlot locations, the recently remodeled screening theatre and production offices turn a visit to our site into a truly virtual tour.”
The extensive photo library makes location scouting efficient and all information about the USFPG team, production and office services, security, catering and our ongoing
Green is Universal
environmentally friendly components are easy to access and understand.
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Katrinka VanDeventer Named Senior Manager, Studio Operations
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Katrinka VanDeventer has been promoted to Senior Manager, Studio Operations for the Universal Studios Florida Production Group. “I’m enthused to broaden my ‘universe’ and be a part of the larger mission within our company and in my interaction with clients,” stated Katrinka.
As Senior Manager, Katrinka will expand her current responsibilities to oversee studio operations, on the lot clients both long and short term productions and the Media Broadcast Center. “We’ve completed a thorough update of every corner of our production facility,” explains Katrinka, “and it’s been wonderful to have hosted several of our Comcast/NBC winners including
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
and the legendary game show
Deal or No Deal
.
Katrinka is involved in the Florida production community having served in various positions with Film Florida and Women In Film. She is also a recipient of the Universal
Gem Award
a highly respected acknowledgement for “Going the Extra Mile.”
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Warner Horizon's
The Right Stuff
Sustainability Efforts
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The
Green is Universal
initiative was launched over a decade ago to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices across the NBC Universal brand. “We began to view our highly diverse production footprint in a new way,” states Michael Hetchler, Senior Manager, Studio Facilities for Universal Studios Florida Production Group. Hetchler supervised the thorough renovation of what was the legendary Nickelodeon Studios into a multi-faceted production and office facility. “We have made substantial environmentally friendly updates to every square inch of the Production Group soundstages, production offices and exterior areas. These changes also provide economic savings to our production clients and our daily business.”
During, Warner Horizon’s scripted series
The Right Stuff
for National Geographic tapped into many of the Green options and cleverly added a few of their own to include a dishwasher rather than the use of paper products. Candace Rodatz-Barnes, consultant to the Green Is Universal mission commented, “Universal Studios Florida Production Group was the perfect fit for
The Right Stuff
and all productions looking to reduce their footprint. The Production Group and, in fact, all of the Universal corporate properties including the theme parks have in place ever evolving programs to provide energy conservation in many areas from water to waste, greenery (replanting of trees) and even clothing (wardrobe) donations. “The muscle memory is there and it’s a convenient and highly important program to tap into,” noted Rodatz-Barnes.
“Long before our official commitment to this effort the team at Universal Orlando was recycling,” remembers Jason Stonesifer, Manager Park Services Projects & Sustainability. “As early as 2007 we were recycling cardboard and plastics. It’s been quite amazing to be part of this ambitious effort that is supported across all areas of our company.”
Visit the Green is Universal website to learn more about this effort which includes reclaimed water in the centralized chilling plant that provides air conditioning to the soundstages and production offices, bio-diesel fuel for all mobile diesel transportation on property at Universal Orlando Resort and wet downs (for production scenes) from reclaimed water.
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Visit the Green is Universal website to learn more
“As a major production studio we’re very proud to be a leader in this important area of our business as it impacts our environment," adds Pamela Tuscany, VP/General Manager, USFPG.
Read more
www.greenisuniversal.com
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About USFPG:
The Universal Studios Florida Production Group is made up of production professionals whose role is to assist all productions filming in the soundstages and on the Universal Orlando properties. USFPG is also responsible for booking and maintaining the production offices, support spaces, stages and crew parking to ensure everything is operating to a client's satisfaction. The Universal Studios Florida stages have hosted thousands of film, TV, and commercial productions since its inception in 1988. Please contact us at (877) 612-3737, or visit us at
www.usfproductiongroup.com
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