Say Hello To Video Journalists Laura Jobe And Ben Schreiner!

With the final days before the official start to EAA AirVenture 2008 counting down all too rapidly... and, not quickly enough... ANN's senior staff is all-too-aware of the Herculean task ahead of us in reporting EVERYTHING that's news at The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration.

Fortunately, this year we'll have some help... and some really GREAT help at that. Over the next several days, we thought we'd take the time to introduce you to the staff members -- both full-time, as well as our "stringers" -- who will be bringing our readers and listeners all the news from Oshkosh that's fit to pixilate, orate and videotape this year.

And now, without further ado...

Laura Jobe

The Aero-TV team is extremely honored to have Laura Jobe joining us at Oshkosh this year. As our only female video shooter and editor, she certainly holds her own when it comes to her expertise and talent. After graduating from Flagier College in St. Augustine, FL, Laura continued her video crew filming documentary features on women's surfing both in Florida and Costa Rica. In addition, she operated morning show production for a local news channel. Joining the Aero-TV crew has been a unique opportunity for her to continue to develop her shooting and editing skills, from documenting fast-pace jets to air-to-air shoots.

"There is nothing more exhilarating than being able to shoot a plane six inches off their wing," Laura said. "That's a chance that so few people experience and I feel so honored!" An adrenaline junky herself, having the opportunity to engage with aviators who carry the same passion for unique experiences has been extremely motivating. "Shooting with Aero-TV has definitely solidified my desire to get my pilot's license! That would be absolutely amazing to accomplish!"

She has also gained a wonderful curiosity and admiration for aviation technology. "[Synthetic vision] is stunning to me! It looks just like the video games I used to play as a child. To see that technology translated into a real life application is astonishing."

Heading into Oshkosh, Laura looks forward to seeing more of that advancement; she is particularly excited to watch the Rocket Racing League demonstration. "All around, it's going to wonderful to immerse myself in the atmosphere of AirVenture. I would love to get up high enough to capture the shear enormity of the people and planes. What an amazing event!"

Ben Schreiner

Joining the Aero-TV crew at Oshkosh for the first time, Ben Schreiner will bring years of experience from a variety of different fields. Having graduated from Indiana University with degrees in both Philosophy and Telecommunications, he continued his vision of video development through his own production company, Puma Video Productions.

"I enjoy working in a number of different production styles," Ben says. "I'm always willing to take that next opportunity to explore a new world through video."

Ben has certainly proven that range of expertise over the years. He worked for five years at the Bloomington, IN PBS affiliate, WTIU, as a camera crane operator, director, technical director and editor on a variety of productions including "The Friday Zone," and "The Weekly Special." In addition, Ben has worked extensively with the N.C.A.A., N.B.A., and W.N.B.A. as a camera operator, covering both the Indiana University basketball teams as well as the Indianapolis Pacers.

"Sports Photography has always fascinated me; the exciting atmosphere of the crowd is thrilling to capture," Ben says. "Most of all, I love the challenge of tracking the fast-paced action. You really have to be in-tune with the movement of a game to keep up while still maintaining well-framed shots and critical focus. I'm sure that experience will prove beneficial at the air shows!"

He is extremely excited about the opportunity to finally visit Oshkosh. His love for aircraft goes back to his childhood and he still dreams of becoming a pilot someday. Ben is especially eager to see the enormous Boeing Dreamlifter and the Lockheed U-2 up close. "There are too many things to name that I can't wait to experience -- the Rocket Racing debut, the Martin Jet Pack. Overall, I just know I'll enjoy trying to capture someone else's vision while having the opportunity to develop my own!"

FMI: www.aero-news.net, www.airventure.org