Blogs and Beginnings

When we opened our first cramped office, no one at Stonefilms of Texas knew what a blog was. We were lucky we didn't misplace our floppy disks. It was 1991, a world of Beta tapes and VHS, with the office computers handy as word processors. Stonefilms' founder, Ron Stone, was still holding down the anchor desk at Houston's KPRC-TV, but would retire the following year as he and his son Billy grew their business.

In 2009 we have, I am happy to say, a much larger office. Our once proud tower of VHS machines is dusty from neglect. The Avid Master Editors at Stonefilms use a high definition canvas. And our clients are demanding an ever-widening array of delivery options, from web content to broadcast television.

To help document what has become the most exciting time in the history of our company, Stonefilms is creating this blog. Here we'll explore our latest projects, take a look at the creative process, and tell a few stories from the field.

From floppy disks to blogs, we've had one constant over the years, and that is client loyalty. Stonefilms President Billy Stone is producing a new video for an old favorite of ours, BP. Our business relationship with the petroleum industry giant dates back to the mid-90s. Billy's latest project will result in an in-house production that codifies standards and practices for BP.

Another longtime client is MHMRA, the Mental Health Mental Retardation Association of Harris County. Several years ago we created an online virtual provider fair for MHMRA. Now Ron Stone Jr. is producing a series of pieces for the client's website, all designed to give a brief overview of programs offered by MHMRA. These pieces will be available in English and Spanish, and allow the agency to broaden its reach in the community.

Last year we began a partnership with Comcast Cable that continues to grow. Stonefilms Executive Producer Katharine O'Brien works with client producers in Philadelphia to create content for Comcast On Demand programming. These programs range from "Police Blotter" to "Pets on Demand"; but the most challenging assignment always seems to be "Dating on Demand", shot on location at various watering holes across Houston. Combine Saturday night, a few cocktails, and some embarrasing questions about modern romance, and you have some of the most memorable shoots in Stonefilms history.

There's much more to discuss, from our history to the here-and-now, and we'll bring it to you on this blog. You can read more about us at our website, http://www.stonefilms.com .