The Big Gig

1997

Telethons and The Big Gig

Shooting at Summerfest

In 1985 Midland Video spent an entire 24 hours broadcasting a live telethon for the March of Dimes from a stage on the Summerfest grounds.  It was hosted by Summerfest icon Bo Black and Milwaukee Buck Bob Lanier. 

Working anywhere that a lot of alcohol is consumed can be a challenge, but shooting at Summerfest all through the night was entertaining as well.  The army that cleans up after the festival closes for the night was our only audience during the wee hours and security required that the only way to get tapes delivered to the production during the night was by boat.

1n 1997 we produced a promotional piece for Summerfest that required crews to be on the grounds practically from the moment it opened to last call every day.  The production featured Tina Turner, James Taylor and countless other acts and the crews made sure to capture the endless variety of food and other activities throughout the festival.  Here’s a quick trip back to the summer of ’97 and The Big Gig.

Here’s a quick video trip back to the summer of ’97 and The Big Gig.