videos for Pinball Expo 2020

As part of my freelance work, I build art and help develop products for a small pinball printing company. Among other things (backglasses, plastics sets), we make Hardtops™, the premier pinball playfield restoration solution. We have about 20 classic games available, and have been releasing a new title every month or so. 

We first attended the Chicago Pinball Expo in 2014. We had a vendor booth in 2015, 2016, and 2017, and won "Best Exhibit" all three years. This year, instead of cancelling the show, the Expo was virtual (a major feat of coordination). They live-streamed hours of seminars, interviews, tours, playing, and vendor ads.

​I put together three videos. They're just simple editing of footage others supplied, but many times "simple and done" is better then "advanced and still not done". One was instructional (Hardtop installation), one promotional (old pinball machines need your restoration help), and the last was submitted just for fun (celebrating friendships made at the show). 

I then had a really nice surprise - my "Friendship" video was chosen to close out the 4-day show. I'm touched and thrilled about that, because I had tried to sum up what made it an event we really looked forward to every year - the great people we meet to share in a hobby we love.

http://www.outsideedgeproducts.com/hardtop-music-videos.html

For the promotional video I used an unused music mix I made in 2007 that had been sitting on an old hard drive just waiting for the right moment. For the friends video I picked a song from Shot Baker for a couple reasons. First, the lyrics were perfect for the struggles of this year. Second, they are a Chicago band, and Chicago is the home of pinball and the Expo. Third, I kinda loosely know them, have seen them play three times, and was able to get permission to use the song. Thanks guys!

Their music just makes me feel good. 

LYRICS:
All my love is a compilation of the ones that I have grown to trust
We have withstood the test of time and you’re consistently still kind
The things I like about myself I feel I owe in part to everyone
who has made me feel like I’m worth knowing
My friend I know you’ll always be a part of me
Oh the finest moments when we are in tune
I’ve learned the world with you (my strength against the grain)
I’ll face this life with you
Hey! We’re OK!
Look ahead the struggles never end I know that we’ll all end up dead
Before I make my great depart just know the love’s stained on my heart
And if this bond should slip away everything I’ve learned will still remain
and I’ll smile sometimes when I think about you
My friend I know you’ll always be a part of me
And in finer moments know just why you’re close to me
I’ll see you on the inside
Sometimes we’ll break these barriers
Lost and imperfect with my friends.