NEWS Recent Shake Up Causes Bootleg Minneapolis To Go Offline: Jeff Henneman's request for larger site memory is granted. Bootleg Minneapolis begins to look like the comprehensive site envisioned by collaborating co-creators. Jeff meets with representatives of Target and or Marshall Fields. Jeff Henneman decides without discussion to take control of project, removing all finished work from the site and maintaining posession of hard copies.

IN THE BEGINNING KTCA Public Television (Channel 2) was beginning to experiment more aggressively in picking up hip younger audiences in 2002. We showed them completed footage of some video segments and special unedited material of bands playing passionately in front of the regularly excited audiences of the Twin Cities. At this time the, then transitioning, KTCA Public Television station was finding its new identity as TPT2. Jeff Henneman and I prepared a couple of completed music segments and pitched the idea to their programming directors. Incidently, those segments were polished up to be included in our Sunday night at 11:00, debut at TPT. Thomas Holter and Shirley Meeks were very supportive of the idea and were particularly interested when we began discussing some long standing local powerhouses that we were shooting at the time. We accepted their offer and produced 12 episodes that aired from late April - June of 2003. The bands we highlighted at the time continue to meet various levels of success. Some performers have had songs in movies, been on the David Letterman Show, numerous cd releases, and been involved in some really awesome local performances, like before, during, and after the Voltage Fashion Show at First Avenue (If only I could have had a 4 cameras there). Bootleg Minneapolis continues working with talented musicians and the opportunity for quality work is easy to shoot. We approach the bands and work with them under strenuous time constraints. We shoot two or three shows a week to come up with the concert music footage. Sometimes backstage footage will fill the segment but often we will organize shoots with band members outside of the concert. Scheduling around day jobs and life, we create a music video or two to be included in the segment of the highlighted band.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Bootleg Minneapolis aired twelve 30 minute segments during 2003. In that time we developed a fan base, achieved record viewing household numbers, and completed quality documentary artistic entertainment.

TPT2 Public Television was the perfect setting for the initial launch. When we accepted the offer we found ourselves on the fast track. Producing the first season of shows was a constant race to meet the next week’s deadline. We had much to learn and were thankful to be given the opportunity to contribute under the guidance of TPT2’s development staff.

Using prosumer rentals and handheld consumer video equipment, we generated a selection of raw footage. Editing the footage on a loose network of semi compatible computer systems, we created interestingly intimate and comprehensive documentaries. We learned of our need to make slight upgrades in equipment, scheduling, and choice of material. Given our tight budget and the need to make deadlines, we learned to most effectively allocate our assets until such upgrades were possible.

The experience we gained has positioned Bootleg Minneapolis to become a valuable tool for connecting with users of entertainment content. New technology is allowing viewers the choice to search out and view entertainment of their own interests instead of watching what is “best” in this weeks TV Guide. New technology is also responsible for greater accessibility in generating this intellectual content.

By all accounts Bootleg Minneapolis is good for everyone involved. The bands are enthusiastic to generate material that will allow them to reach a greater audience. The venues are cooperative and see the advantage of advertising that comes with supporting the filming on their stages. Fans are introduced to new bands, or get to see their favorite bands up close, and are offered insights that the artists seldom share on stage.

How cool will it be when Bootleg Minneapolis has all the elements in place for complete support of this concept? Bootleg is redefining itself. Are you?

FUTURE OF BOOTLEG MINNEAPOLIS

My desire is to keep the expanded memory, comprehensive site of late September 2005, online as a historical reference of the collaboration during Bootleg Minneapolis' debut TPT run.

I believe the work completed during that time has value and should be available to artists, fans and contributors. Unfortunately, upon Jeff's request, I entrusted him with all of the hard copies of completed work. Then foolishly did not back up the site. A simple task that was only necessary if I did not trust my partner to act with integrity.

TODD'S FINAL WORD

Lesson Learned: Get It In Writing.

To those who have worked with Bootleg Minneapolis I thank you for your support. Without your trust we could have never created the amount of work we completed. I regret that your work currently is not available for your viewing and reference online. I am sure Jeff will mount another version with new visions, promises, backers and interested parties. However, in doing so he will be neglecting a partnership that was not properly resolved.

I have been honored to work with some of the most creative musical artists performing in the Twin Cities. If you appreciate the way I work and would care to collaborate in the future, please stay in touch.

Sincerely,

Todd Bruse
Bootleg Minneapolis
Co-Creator and Producer Todd@bootlegminneapolis.com