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                         February 1, 2002

Informational video released in time for Bicentennial; cited for excellence

Pfc. Nate Jastrzemski
Staff Writer

Just in time for the U.S. Military Academy bicentennial in March, the Public Affairs Office and Daniel Productions of New Jersey have produced a long-awaited replacement for the informational video used at the Visitors Center.

"It’s important that people coming here get a good first impression at our Visitors Center," said PAO Policy and Plans Officer Andrea Hamburger.

"The old video was made in the ‘80s and was looking vary dated -- we needed a fresh look," she explained.

The 22-minute video -- called "West Point: 200 Years of Timeless Leadership" -- was narrated by Walter Cronkite and contains footage of current cadets in training and in class, and even sports examples of what new cadets are subjected to when they arrive on Reception Day.

"We were filming from early July until November," said producer Chris Daniel. "We covered R-Day, graduation, media day and also got plenty of material of cadets in classroom settings as well as scenic shots."

"Many people think the Visitors Center is just there to give out directions, but it is there to inform the public about West Point," Hamburger said. "With this new video, which is designed to fill a half-hour time slot on television, we hope to give a brief view of life and history here."

Daniel said he hoped to make people stop and reflect on the big picture historically.

"West Point has always been in the background in support of our country, and I want to show that everyone who attends USMA has the same opportunities for greatness as Macarthur or anyone else in history,"he said

The graduates he met, because they all continue to follow the ideals they were taught here even after retirement., impressed Daniel.

Daniel also produced a 30-second public service announcement that has appeared on the Command Information Channel 23, during the Army/Navy game and can be seen on the USMA Web-site.

Both the commercial and video were submitted to the 2001 Communicator Awards -- an annual independent program judged by television, advertisement and production professionals in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area -- and won "Excellent" marks in their respective categories.

"Making these [products] was a great experience for me," remarked Daniel. "It was great to be part of an American icon and make something so worthwhile.

"I’m really proud that I got to do this and I hope the video will get seen every day at the Visitors Center and maybe influence some young people to want to attend West Point."

Editor’s Note: "West Point: 200 Years of Timeless Leadership" is available in three formats for use at speaking engagements, by school groups for academic functions, and other affiliations.

Beta copies of the video are also available for media-related needs. Call the Public Affairs Office at 938-3614 for more information or to request a copy.