Signs of the Time is a documentary film project that is being sculpted through the collaboration of many creative individuals. The entire production is being shot on film and transferred directly to HD for crisp image quality, implementing state-of-the-art post production, sound design and graphic animation techniques. The result is a vivid audio and visual experience that brings the early history of baseball to life. Signs of the Time is a production of Crystal Pix, a nationally recognized film and video production facility in Upstate New York that has worked on a myriad of projects ranging from historical documentaries and award-winning short films to internationally distributed feature films.
Don Casper{ don@signsofthetimemovie.com }
Director
For over 2 decades Don has been involved in all aspects of filmmaking including 8 years as Television Director at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf and 7 years editing nationally distributed productions with Crystal Pix. He recently produced and directed the acclaimed short film Certain Death which was recognized at the Rochester International Film Festival and is an official selection at the 15th Annual Woods Hole Film Festival. His greatest baseball memory is watching his beloved Boston Red Sox break the dreaded curse.
Jim Hughes{ jim@signsofthetimemovie.com }
Screenwriter
Jim is a 25-year veteran of the production industry. He has produced and directed dozens of projects throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Africa. He recently produced and directed the historical docudrama The White Cockade, the Final Cry for Freedom. This award-winning film portrays the anguish of the final violent days of 18th century Scotland's struggle for independence. The film was shown on PBS, in independent theaters, and enjoyed national distribution via the internet. Jim's most memorable baseball experience is throwing-up Cracker Jack at the 1970 Little League World Series.
Eric McMaster{ eric@signsofthetimemovie.com }
Director of Photography
Over the past 20 years Eric has contributed to multiple award-winning documentary and feature films amassing numerous film credits. McMaster Productions, his own production company specializing in camera and lighting equipment has become a leading provider of film and television production services in the Western New York Region. His fondest baseball memory is being in attendance for Willie Stargell day at Three Rivers Stadium when the Pirates retired 'Pops' number 8.
Ray Manard{ ray@signsofthetimemovie.com }
Cinematographer
Ray Manard is an award-winning producer, director and cinematographer with over twenty years in the film and video industry. Manard's first experience in feature film was working as second camera on Fatal Encounter with Karen Black in 1990. Subsequently, Manard has participated in the creation of numerous documentaries, television programs and feature films. He directed Early Times Rod Run with drag racing legend Tommy Ivo and Building the Best, a documentary about the passion of hot rod building and racing. Manard's award-winning documentary about American Lighthouses, Sending Out the Light enjoyed critical acclaim and success through PBS. He is currently a managing partner at Crystal Pix, Inc. in Fairport, NY. Ray's debut as the starting pitcher in Little League lasted 3 innings and allowed 11 runs. He became the left fielder.
Caroline Manard{ caroline@signsofthetimemovie.com }
Computer Graphic Artist/Animator
Caroline Manard has been creating award-winning graphics and animation for over twenty years. Her work has appeared in a wide variety of mediums including national commercials, feature films, documentaries, and children's television programming. She has created 2D and 3D animation, graphics and other special visual effects for clients such as Good Morning America and ESPN. She is currently a managing partner at Crystal Pix in Fairport New York. Caroline's most vivid baseball memory is sitting in disbelief in the stands at Silver Stadium as her mother cheered for the opposing team during a Rochester Red Wings Game. It took months of professional intervention, but fortunately, she and her mother have since reconciled.
Greg Short{ greg@signsofthetimemovie.com }
Visual Effects Supervisor
Over the past 15 years, Greg has produced a comprehensive portfolio of award-winning eye candy for national television campaigns, feature films, and corporate presentations. He is constantly retooling his skills by keeping up with the latest innovations in graphic design, interactive media, and visual effects. He has been recognized for innovative design with multiple awards, including the coveted ADDY. Most recently, Greg created the visual effects for the independent feature 'Smoking Laws' by Eggwork Productions. His greatest baseball memories are enjoying the many world championships by his home-town team, the New York Yankees.
Rob LaVaque{ rob@signsofthetimemovie.com }
Composer & Sound Designer
Rob is a talented musician, composer, and sound engineer. He has toured internationally with Grammy Award winner Richard Marx, and Multi Platinum recording artist Greg Lake of ELP. He has also worked with the likes of David Foster, Chuck Mangione, and Lou Gramm. As a composer, he has charted songs in the top ten regionally, and wrote the title track for national recording artist Head East. Rob's team record for the first 2 years of Little League was 1 win, and 23 losses. In reminiscing of his glory days, Rob says, "We stunk... but it wasn't MY fault!"
