Former House Speaker, Newt Gingrich - CPAC Orlando, Fl. 2011

Go To Team’s Orlando DP/Partner Dan Beckmann helped cover CPAC in Orlando, Florida last month.

CPAC, the Conservative Political Action Conference, helped bring together three republican candidates vying for their parties presidential nomination.

Shooting in high def on the Panasonic HDX 900, Beckmann and Audio Operator, Trey Jenkins captured the speeches of the former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, republican front runner, Mitt Romney, and Minnesota Congresswoman, Michelle Bachmann.

Held at the Orange County Convention Center, the event brought thousands of supporters from a across the state, and the country.

Founded in 1964, the ACU (American Conservative Union who sponsored the event), is America’s oldest and largest grassroots conservative organization.

The republican candidates debate - Orlando, Florida

Front Runner - Mitt Romney takes to the podium

Minnesota congresswoman, Michelle Bachmann states her position to an enthusiastic crowd

Go To Team has had its passport stamped many times over.

And GTT’s Orlando-based Partner/Director of Photography, Dan Beckmann, has had many pages added to his already crowded passport.

From covering wars in the Middle East, to shooting documentaries in Belfast, Beckmann has covered some of the world’s largest media events; like the grand opening of The Atlantis Resort on the Palm Jumeriah Island in Dubai, United Arab of Emirates.

World famous celebrities were numerous, as was the fireworks display;  just over 100,000 fireworks to be exact – seven times the amount used for the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  It was the worlds largest fireworks display – seen even from the International Space Station, and the event was covered by every major news organization around the world…

Beckmann on the roof of The Atlantis

The Fireworks display over The Atlantis Resort Dubai

Watching the Fireworks from The Palms

The city of Dubai in the distance from The Atlantis

Flying home - over Iran at 36,000 feet

Check out the fireworks display…

Dan Beckmann with Johnny Weir and figure skaters for the MAC Cosmetics Glitter and Ice show

Orlando DP/Partner Dan Beckmann and audio operator Paul Gramaglia spent the day with Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir.

Shooting on the HVX 200 and the new Panasonic 3DA-1 camera, Beckmann and Gramaglia captured all the day’s events for MAC Cosmetics.

Thousands of guests stopped by, as MAC Cosmetologist’s from across the country gathered for the MAC’s Glitter and Ice event at Orlando’s Mall at Millenia.

“We are glitzy, we’re glamorous, and we’re for everybody.  And Johnny Weir and MAC Cosmetics are a perfect fit.”  Said Lauren Patterson, Executive Director of Field Services for MAC Cosmetics southeast.

Paul Gramaglia shooting in 3D

Virgin Atlantic's Boeing 747-400 waits on the tarmac at Tampa International Airport

Orlando DP/Partner Dan Beckmann hung out with the Tampa Bay Buccaneer’s for the NFL Network. Shooting on the Canon 7D, Beckmann captured the player’s loading up and readying themselves for the trip to London.

Buc's players take their seats

The Chicago Bears took on the Bucs at the UK’s Wembley Stadium as part of the NFL International Series.  Director of Photography, Jeff “Boomer” Alred, shot on Sony PMW F3L with audio operator, John DeMaio.

The Bears/Bucs game marks the second straight season Chicago has played an international game. The Bears beat the Buffalo Bills 22-19 in Toronto, Canada last season.

This year’s game marked the fifth time the NFL has held the International Series in the United Kingdom. Last year, the 49ers beat the Broncos 24-16 in front of a sellout crowd at Wembley.

DP "Boomer" Alred and John DeMaio capture Buc's players getting their plane tickets

Jamie Foster and Elise Neal

Orlando-based DP/Partner Dan Beckmann spent a day at Walt Disney World with Jamie Foster Brown, “The Barbara Walters of Print.”

Jamie has been the publisher and sole owner of Sister 2 Sister (S2S) magazine since 1988. The monthly publication has made her one of the most prominent black women in entertainment journalism.  She’s the consummate confidante to the stars, and is often the first (and sometimes ONLY) person to get interviews with major celebrities.

Shooting in high def on the HDX 900, Beckmann captured all the action of Jamie’s Girl’s Weekend Away with actress Elise Neal.  The two spent the weekend getting golf lessons, facials, and finding the best eateries throughout the various Walt Disney World parks and resorts.

Click on the link and check out Jamie and Elise’s fun-filled weekend…

Dan Beckmann and Paul Gramaglia capturing cooking segments for Rachael RayRachael Ray, the widely successful syndicated TV star - the iconic Food Network personality - is also a best selling author. 30 Minute Meals has found its way into millions of homes across the country. And it's helped created Rival Ray - a "cook off" competition, of sorts, made famous on her TV show.

Orlando-based DP/Partner Dan Beckmann traveled to Jacksonville, Florida to capture one family’s attempt at cooking through Rachael’s 30 Minute Meals  cookbook.

The Cooke's discuss their triumphs of cooking

Susan and Jeremy Cooke, have been using Rachel’s guide for nearly two years.  They cook together as a family and marvel at how incredible the meals look and taste!  ”We’ve come a long way from Beenie-Weenies,” says Susan. While she takes charge in the home kitchen, Jeremy tackles the responsibilities at his work – Fire Station 42 in South Jacksonville.

According to Rachael Ray, she grew up in food. “My first vivid memory is watching my mom in a restaurant kitchen. She was flipping something with a spatula. I tried to copy her and ended up grilling my right thumb! I was 3 or 4,” says Rachael, who insists that cooking is a way of life she was simply born into. “Everyone on both sides of my family cooks”

Beckmann and Paul spent the day cooking with the Cooke’s – shooting on the HVX 200.  And somehow, by the end of the shoot, both Paul and Dan had a new book for their kitchen arsenal.

Susan explains how dinner one night, caused the smoke detector to go off - resulting in Jeremy's fire station making an unexpected appearance.

Go To Team’s Orlando DP/Partner Dan Beckmann, and Raleigh Cameraman Jimmy Hall traveled to Zurich, Switzerland last month for a week-long shoot with Tennis great, Roger Federer.

The assignment: an hour-long special, “Game, Set, Match” which aired on CBS Sports during the final round of the U.S. Open.

Shooting on three Panasonic HDX 900′s, a 3-foot Slider, a Canon 5D, and a Go Pro – the crew captured the story shooting every conceivable angle!

Producer Logan Swain and Cameraman Jimmy Hall - Milano, Itlay

While traveling to Milano, Italy, for a day off, the crew stopped to take in the breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps…

The Swiss Alps

Beckmann on final approach into Key West - with a Go Pro mounted on the dash.

One of the things Go To Team prides itself on, is not only the ability the stay ahead of cutting-edge technology -but finding new, creative ways to put it to use.

Go Pros are fun and easy to use.  They take amazing pictures, and you can put them almost anywhere.  A surf board, a helmet, the roof a car- even on the wing an airplane!

Dan Beckmann is not only an author, a writer, and Go To Team’s Director of Photography in Orlando, Florida – he’s also a pilot.  Dan took to the skies in a Cessna 182 for some unique aerial photographs of the Sunshine State.

Beckmann, circling the Everglades from 6,500 feet.

Flying over Key Biscayne at sunset. The Go Pro is attached to the left wing.

Beckmann's view of the new bride - Royal Wedding - London, England

Orlando DP/Partner Dan Beckmann, has been Globe Trotting for nearly twenty years for a variety of news and entertainment organizations.

2011 was no exception.

From Alaska to Italy, Dan clocked 40,000 miles and traveled to 5 countries.

Shooting in HD and writing for major newspapers and television outlets, Beckmann captured a front-row seat to some of this year’s biggest events.

Sunset over Lake Zurich, Switzerland - CBS Sports shoot with tennis star, Roger Federer.

Aboard the Disney Wonder's Inaugural Alaska Cruise - along the Inside Passage at Tracy Arm Fjord.

Beckmann braving the cold at the Royal Wedding - London, England. Writing for Central Florida News 13 and WCIV TV, Charleston, SC.

Producer, Logan Swain and Go To Team's Jimmy Hall in Milano, Italy. Beckmann, as usual, is behind the camera.

The Disney Wonder’s port of call – the city of Vancouver, British Columbia – Beckmann shooting in high def on the HDX 900.

Beckmann reading his article in The Sentinel on NBC News Correspondent, Jay Barbree

Go To Team’s Orlando-based DP/Partner Dan Beckmann, is also a Guest columnist for the Orlando Sentinel newspaper.

Recently, Dan contributed an article on NBC News correspondent Jay Barbree’s 50 years of broadcast journalism.

Beckmann’s next article was featured in the Op Ed section in early October.

Check out the Jay Barbree piece via the link below…

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/os-ed-jay-barbree-space-shuttle-0821120110819,0,6073971.story

It was a galaxy-sized event as Disney President Bob Iger, and Star Wars creator George Lucas welcomed thousands of fans to Disney’s newest attraction; Star Tours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida.

Shooting on the HD/XD cam, Go To Team’s Orlando-based DP/Partner Dan Beckmann, helped Disney cover the event.

The new, revamped attraction, immerses guests in a completely new Star Wars universe.  The ride’s 3-D film is now divided into 54 different combinations.  Kathy Rogers, senior show producer for Walt Disney Imagineering, say’s guests will notice the difference, “as soon as you come in the door.”

Bob Iger, George Lucas and R2D2

Mickey rides an X-Wing Fighter

For the past eight years, Go To Team’s Orlando-based DP/Partner Dan Beckmann has helped Universal Studios capture their annual Halloween Horror Nights event.

This is Universal Studios 21st year of scaring guests – and Beckmann, shooting in high def on the Panasonic HDX 900, was there – once again – for a front row seat.  Editor John DeMaio teamed up to help edit and produce a sneak-peak of what promises to be the scariest and most creative HHN event yet!

The In-Between, a 3D house, the likes of which folks have never seen before, is one of the highlights of this years Houses.

The backstory:

A couple of college students find a board game.  They play it.  Then, of course, something goes horribly wrong – a portal opens up into another dimension.

“The level of 3D that we’re going to give you this year – you’ve never seen before,” says T.J. Mannarino, director of art and design for Universal.

Click on the link below.  Grab your 3D glasses and get ready…

For the past eight years, Go To Team’s Orlando-based DP/Partner Dan Beckmann has helped Universal Studios capture their annual Halloween Horror Nights event.

This is Universal Studios 21st year of scaring guests – and Beckmann, shooting in high def on the Panasonic HDX 900, was there – once again – for a front row seat.  Editor John DeMaio teamed up to help edit and produce a sneak-peak of what promises to be the scariest and most creative HHN event yet!

The Forsaken:

Forget everything you learned about Christopher Columbus.  It wasn’t just the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria that sailed towards a new world – there was a fourth ship.  One that never made it.

Condemned to a watery grave, the crew has returned with a vengeance.

Click on the link below for a sneak peek…

For the past eight years, Go To Team’s Orlando-based DP/Partner Dan Beckmann has helped Universal Studios capture their annual Halloween Horror Nights event.

This is Universal Studios 21st year of scaring guests – and Beckmann, shooting in high def on the Panasonic HDX 900, was there – once again – for a front row seat.  Editor John DeMaio teamed up to help edit and produce a sneak-peak of what promises to be the scariest and most creative HHN event yet!

Nevermore – The Madness of Edgar Allen Poe

This house is unlike any Universal Studios has created before.  Step into the mind of the iconic writer and watch Poe’s greatest works come to life.  Every turn of the page takes you closer to the brink of insanity.

Click on the link below for a sneak peek!

Beckmann live with NBC Correspondent Kerry Sanders, just south of the Outer Banks in North Carolina.

It’s been a light year as far as storms are concerned.  However, since we’re smack-dab in the middle of hurricane season, I thought this might be a good time to give a brief overview on what to expect when covering a hurricane:

For the past 15 years, I’ve covered almost every major storm for NBC News…Today Show, Nightly, MSNBC, you name it!  If it’s got a peacock icon on it, I’ve shot for it.

It almost becomes a template, of sorts, covering these things.  And although the technology may change (HD, Go Pro’s, P2 cards, etc.) the coverage remains a constant year in, year out.

Take any stand up, from any reporter, from any year – and replace it with another one from a previous storm. No one would be able to tell the difference.  Standing on a beach?  Check!  Wind blowing?  Check!  Rain slanting? Yep, got that too!

Here’s a brief overview – in pictures – of what to expect…and how to cover a storm correctly:

First, carefully track the path of the storm. Position yourself in the "proposed" bulls eye. Be prepared to move. Then be prepared to move again. Then again. Stock up on gas cans, beef jerky, and Marriott points.

Next, look for spooky weather. It's important to shoot the scary clouds. The calm before the storm always looks menacing. Enjoy the moment. As it will be the last time you'll be dry and comfortable for days.

Look around for a pier that is in tact. Chances are it won't be the next morning.

Find that same pier during the storm. Watch for it go away. Lock down your shot and be prepared to roll hours of tape, or P2 card, waiting for the pilings to crumble. Your correspondent will thank you for it later.

When the storm passes you'll be out of food, out of water, out of clean clothes, out of the hotel you've destroyed, out of cell service, and out of patience. But the "day after" brings plenty of sunshine and heat. Car roofs are an excellent way to do laundry.

For the past eight years, Go To Team’s Orlando-based DP/Partner Dan Beckmann has helped Universal Studios capture their annual Halloween Horror Nights event.

This is Universal Studios 21st year of scaring guests – and Beckmann, shooting in high def on the Panasonic HDX 900, was there – once again – for a front row seat.  Editor John DeMaio teamed up to help edit and produce a sneak-peak of what promises to be the scariest and most creative HHN event yet!

Nightingales – Blood Prey

Within every war, the nightingales have appeared. Able to transform themselves to fit any setting, these savage banshees feed on the weak and the helpless.

Patrolling and winding your way through the trenches of a World War I battlefield, you’ll quickly discover that are you more than just at war… you’re being hunted!

NBC's Kerry Sanders In Hurricane Irene

Orlando DP/Partner Dan Beckmann has been covering hurricanes for NBC News since the late 90′s.  And he’s teamed up with NBC Correspondent, Kerry Sanders for almost every one of them.

This year, as Hurricane Irene approached the North Carolina coast, Beckmann and Sanders teamed up again.  More rain, more wind, more lost electricity, and this time…a bit more sand.

Check out one of Kerry’s many live shots during the storm:

Enjoy…Kerry sure didn’t…

Barely a decade into the new millennia, the Casey Anthony saga has already been called the Trial of the Century.  Touted as the biggest “social media” judicial proceeding ever, the story lived up to the hype. TV Networks from around the world descended upon Orlando, Florida, covering every inch of the trial.  As is normally the case, when the “big story” breaks, Go To Team is there.  Always with a front-row seat.

For the past three years, Orlando DP/Partner, Dan Beckmann has covered several aspects of the Casey Anthony story.  Recently, spending two-and-half weeks covering the trial.  From live shots for the Today Show, and elements for Dateline and MSNBC, to live shows with CNN’s Headline News with Nancy Grace, and In Session, Go To Team was everywhere.  Even scoring an exclusive interview (the ONLY interview) with lead defense attorney, Cheney Mason.

Check out some of the pictures below chronicling Dan’s coverage:

A fight breaks out in front of the Orange County Courthouse. Spectators exchange blows, while trying to get seats inside the courtroom.

"Camp Casey" from defense attorney, Cheney Mason's office.

With the versatile Panasonic HDX 900, Beckmann was able to shoot in 24p at 720, and 60 frames at 1080i – capturing elements with various looks for marketing, advertising, and PR. Beckmann flew over glaciers in a float plane, and even went Zip Lining through the Alaskan Wilderness – shooting with the Canon 7D along the way.

With snow capped mountains in every direction, Beckmann was also able to spend some time at several glaciers; Tracy Arm Fjord near Juneau, and Mendenhall Glacier National Park. The Wonder set off from Vancouver, BC, and sailed along the Inside Passage – stopping in Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.

The crew spent the week in Zurich and Luzern, Switzerland, working with Tennis great, Roger Federer.  Using a three-foot Slider, 3 HDX 900 Panasonic cameras, and a Canon 5D, the crew captured beautiful images in one of the most breathtaking spots in all of Europe!

It was an “all-hands-on-deck” shoot.  Audio operator, Carl Mullins had his hands full – not only with audio responsibilities, MP3 transcription recordings, and lighting duties, but Carl also helped man the third camera position during Roger’s interview.

It was a true team effort!  Now, it’s off to Italy for a day, then back home to the States for the next, big gig!