Testimonials

As a four-time Emmy award winning producer, director/cameraman, and media director, I've had the privilege of working with many talented and creative colleagues over the course of 50 years in the business. My company, Woods Communications Ltd. continues to be present in the big media sector  worldwide. In sports we continue to support NBC Universal on the Tour de France. A 30 year run. We also continue to provide services to ESPN and FOX as well as to our anchor client and partner NBC for the Olympics. 

 

I was recently fortunate enough to engage Film Maker, Jainie Cowham, to cover the longest classic open water sailboat race in the Mediterranean, Le Bailli de Suffren. This was a challenging assignment. 

 

Jainie worked for the most part alone. She mastered a wide variety of tools for both in water and above water acquisition as well as on deck coverage of the race and life on board. The result is a moving, informative and emotionally charged film that exceeded my expectations. Now why is that? Oscar wild said it very well: "experience is the name we give to the mistakes we've made". Young film makers, although they master the tools and the medium, lack experience in the trenches that only a seasoned professional like Jainie can provide. She also knows how to meet the deadline and master of the complex flow of post production in today's world. And as  a Director Cameraman myself. I know what it takes. 

 

Jainie knew where every shot she took would enter into the narrative. As importantly, she knew which shots, however difficult they might've been to obtain, were not relevant. She was highly independent during the process, but willing to take direction when it did not compromise her artistic vision. And all that allowed her to deftly weave an extraordinary tapestry that only a talented and highly experienced director is able to put into effect. 

 

The edit room is where the magic happens. But only if you know what you have to work with and only  if you have the coverage. Jainie delivered a poetic yet informative depiction of a community afloat, but not adrift, in the service of the Mediterranean. This is only made possible when you combine creative ability, technical mastery, and above all, experience and storytelling. It's a package. Jainie delivered. I can't wait to work with her again and to combine her experience and professionalism with the youth and talent of my young film makers. I know that this will enable us to deliver best in class, award-winning content to our core media partner med.tv and the 200 million households they serve. 

 

Tom Woods
 

President Woods communications limited.

Chairman and Founder helpsavethemed.org