Soapbox - Videos

A Bird's-Eye View of the Queen City

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Cincinnati is well-known for its picturesque views. Devou Park in Covington, the observation deck of Carew Tower downtown, and Bellevue Park in Clifton all offer beautiful vistas of downtown, the Ohio River, and the seven hills of Cincinnati. This week Soapbox and Seven/Seventy-Nine show you two different and equally unique ways to see Cincinnati. One way is a river-level view from the duck boat tours operating out of the Newport Aquarium - the other is a birds-eye view from the helicopter tours operating out of Newport's Riverboat row. Come along for the ride and experience Cincinnati like you've never seen it before.

"Traffic" Ten Years Later

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Feature films love Cincinnati's old world architecture, particularly its preserved turn-of-the-century neighborhoods like Over-the-Rhine which has hosted more than a dozen film projects over the past 25 years. Soapbox and Seven/Seventy-Nine take a present-day look at locations from one of those feature films, the award winning drama "Traffic," ten years after the production was partially shot in Over-the-Rhine, Downtown, and Hyde Park. We found that while some things have stayed the same, many of the locations used in the film for their gritty reality have already transformed or will soon be transforming right before our eyes - and all without the magic of Hollywood special effects.

Mural Mural on the Wall

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Cincinnati is Mural City. Plain and simple, we're staking our claim for the most interesting and diverse murals in a city center. There's "Campy Washington" in Camp Washington, the mural of former Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jim Tarbell (as 'Peanut Jim') at the entrance of the Gateway Quarter in Over-The-Rhine, and the Cincinnatus mural across from the Kroger building in downtown to name a few. Many of these murals were created by Artworks, an organization that connects artists of all ages through apprenticeships, community partnerships, and public art. The US Council of Mayors recently awarded Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory with the City Livability Award for the ubiquitous "Mural Works" program. Soapbox and Seven/Seventy-Nine talk with Artworks about what they do, why they do it, and takes a look at one of their latest creations in Over-the-Rhine.

Watch CCM grads' award winning video "Today"

Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CCM graduates Dustin Chow and Steven Schaefer are responsible for creating an award-winning short musical film, "Today." Featuring a dozen CCM musicians, "Today" was produced as part of UC's Senior Showcase and won the College Television Award for Best Use of Music. The CTA's are sponsored by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation. The score was composed by Chow's band, Where They Landed, and engineered by Jason Nix. Andy Gasper was the Director of Photography.

Ohio's Third Frontier

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Soapbox reminds you to get out and vote today! Ohio Third Frontier represents an unprecedented and bipartisan commitment to expand Ohio's technological strengths and promote commercialization that leads to economic prosperity throughout Ohio. Designed to build world-class research programs, nurture early-stage companies, create jobs, and foster technology development that makes existing industries more productive, Ohio Third Frontier creates opportunity through innovation. Voting 'Yes' on Issue 1 in Ohio's statewide ballot Tuesday continues the forward thinking work of OTF. Want to learn more? Watch this week's video by Seven/Seventy-Nine in partnership with the Creative Department and Barking Fish.

Master of Puppets

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Cincinnati is home to one of the largest touring puppet theaters in the country. Madcap Puppet Theatre, which began when a Cincinnati native returned to his hometown after working with Muppets/Sesame Street creator, Jim Henson, is now nationally recognized for original in-school educational programs that include performances, workshops, and residencies. In addition to playing at schools, Madcap's giant puppets frequently play libraries, festivals, museums, and an occasional performance with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Find out more as Soapbox and Seven/Seventy-Nine go inside Madcap Puppet Theatre.

Valuable Deconstruction

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

When buildings are demolished, the debris is usually hauled off to a landfill. However in the spirit of society's ever increasing environmental consciousness, the folks at Building Value in Northside began using an alternative method. By deconstructing a building, they are able to salvage and reuse more than 80% of the building material. As a subsidiary of the Easter Seals Work Resource Center, they also provide valuable job training in the process. This week Soapbox and Seven/Seventy-Nine take you behind the scenes to show the benefits of deconstruction versus demolition.

What's the buzz at Hive 13?

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever wanted to take something apart to learn how it works? If so, then you might be interested in Hive 13 - Cincinnati's first hackerspace. Located in Northside, Hive 13 is a place where science and technology enthusiasts gather to exchange ideas and skills as well as to build things. 3D printers and transforming glass block walls into art using programmable LED lights are just some of the projects underway. Take a look inside the Hive with Soapbox and Seven/Seventy-Nine.

Toy Story

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

If you've ever walked down the toy aisle of any major store, chances are you've seen the work of Sculpco. Located in Walnut Hills, Sculpco is a Cincinnati based company that creates action figures for Hollywood Blockbusters, hit TV shows, video games, and things we haven't heard of yet. This week, Soapbox and Seven/Seventy-Nine take you inside Sculpco to see how this unique Cincinnati business works (and plays).

Buying Cincinnati

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The holiday season is upon us and this week's original Soapbox video from our friends at Seven/Seventy-Nine, Ltd., can help you find gifts that are uniquely Cincinnati. What better way to do that than shopping at one of the Gateway Quarter's independently owned and locally operated specialty retailers. Hear about their plans to reinstate downtown as a traditional holiday shopping destination with unique events and promotions as well as providing gifts difficult to find anywhere else.

Behind the Scenes with Seven/Seventy-Nine, Ltd.

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This week's original Soapbox video goes behind the scenes with our friends, Seven/Seventy-Nine, Ltd. - a locally based film and video production company that has produced content for Christian Moerlein, The Over-the-Rhine Foundation, The Ohio Justice and Policy Center, and the University of Cincinnati, as well as delivering original Soapbox videos each month. Take a look at what goes on behind the lens and what inspires their fresh take on innovative advertising/internet production and narrative-based independent filmmaking.

Behind the Scenes with Seven/Seventy-Nine, Ltd.

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:51:46 GMT

Cincinnatians for Progress

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This week, Soapbox and Seven/Seventy-Nine spend some time with Cincinnatians for Progress - an all-volunteer activist group formed in response to a charter amendment ballot initiative that proposes taking critical future transportation decisions out of local government's hands. The group's goal: to defeat the measure, allowing job creation and the ability to make Cincinnati more economically competitive, has been championed by civic and business leaders alike.

Take A Ride

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In this companion video to our feature story, Soapbox and photojournalist Jeremy Mosher take you along for the ride on Portland, Oregon's Streetcar, introducing the people who use the city's popular public transit system and allowing viewers to experience first-hand the role it has played in the city's re-imagining of its urban core.

Fountain Square

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This week, Soapbox and Seven/Seventy-Nine take a look at the new Fountain Square - three years after its $42 million face lift and redesign, the Genius of Water is doing something the old Square could not - bringing people, and business, back to the city center. And its doing it with creative multi-use programming - from aerobics demonstrations to cooking shows, diverse musical events, and fun, oddball activities that appeal to families, indie rockers, and tourists alike.

Over the Rhine: Take Another Look

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Each week Soapbox takes a look at our city, challenging our readers and ourselves to examine it in a new light, gathering a new perspective. Such is the case when we profile people and places like this week's feature story on green possibilities in Over-the-Rhine. The same holds true for this video created by Seven/Seventy-Nine. We encourage you to take another look at OTR.

Christian Moerlein

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It's no secret that Cincinnatians love their beer. Over 50 breweries once existed in Over the Rhine alone, including the impressive multi-building brewery of Bavarian native Christian Moerlein. In addition to making a fine lager, Moerlein was the first brewer to market his popular libations outside of the region, and his business prospered until the rise of Prohibition. Today, Moerlein CEO Greg Hardman is credited with revitalizing the once grand brand and continues his company namesake's ambitious marketing strategy to get the word out about great Cincinnati based beer.

Findlay Market

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Located in Over the Rhine, Findlay Market is Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market. This week Soapbox takes a tour of the market and shows it's not all about groceries. Home to dozens of outdoor vendors, numerous street performers, and lots of special events, the Market is a gathering place for young and old and attracts perhaps the most socially, economically, racially, and ethnically diverse crowds found anywhere in Cincinnati.

Jazz in Cincinnati

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Cincinnati is a town best defined by its music - a rich and diversified mix of multiple genres and influences. This week Soapbox and Seven/Seventy-Nine explore Cincinnati's cool jazz scene which is seeing a growing audience thanks to clubs such as the Blue Wisp and Mr. Pitifuls.

Natural Networking

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Natural Awakenings a healthy living magazine that sponsors natural networking events at Park + Vine draw an eclectic mix of local vendors and those interested in facilitating their green living lifestyles. Soapbox videographers Seven/Seventy-Nine were on hand to capture the tastes and sounds of the rockin' event.

DAAP Fashion Show

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Over 1500 people attended DAAP's 58th Annual Fashion Show where the school's finest showed off why graduates of the University of Cincinnati's award-winning program creates some of the industry's most sought-after talent. Local video production company Seven/Seventy-Nine, Ltd. spoke with DAAP Fashion Show Director, Laurie Wilson about what it takes to make the popular annual event happen.

Cincinnati Innovates Featured Entry: BudgetSketch

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ready to get a handle on where your money will go, rather than on where it's already went? This week's featured innovator is Dewayne Greenwood and Bill Barnett of BudgetSketch - an online budgeting program that maps out where your money will go as it comes in, instead of simply showing you where it's been spent.

Cincinnati Innovates Featured Entry: xRP and xRP Agented Network

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Is manufacturing in Cincinnati dead? Not if the creators of xRP and xRP Agented Network have anything to say about it. With the manufacturing industry down to 12 percent of Gross Domestic Product in the US, local author and innovator Ben Moore sees an opportunity to help reverse that trend.

Cincinnati Innovates Featured Entry: Electricity from a bacterial reactor

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This week's featured innovation comes from Jason e Barkeloo who proposes the development and licensing of a microbial fuel cell which can generate electricity and hydrogen gas from the metabolism of sewage and other organic materials.

This is only one of the many great ideas proposed at Cincinnati Innovates.

New take on Over-the-Rhine

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As we work throughout the week identifying and reporting the new Cincinnati story, the Soapbox staff continually challenges itself to see our city in a new light, from a new perspective. From the pieces that we write to the images we broadcast, the hope is to shake ourselves, as well as our readers, out of the rut of what we take for granted as familiar. Our jobs are exponentially more gratifying when we find someone else doing the same thing. Such was the case when we were able to see this beautiful piece created by a remarkably talented video production company named Seven/Seventy-Nine.

Cincinnati Innovates: celebrating and rewarding region's entrepreneurs

Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For the next several weeks, Soapbox will partner with Cincinnati Innovates to celebrate our region's homegrown entrepreneurs and inventors by using our video section to highlight entrants to the CI innovation competition. The contest is open to anyone who has an innovation, idea, or invention and has a Greater Cincinnati connection (including Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky) and can score the winner up to $20,000 in cash. Watch this week's video for more information or visit here for more information.

Tucker's Restaurant serves up a unique Cincinnati experience

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Tucker's Restaurant on Vine Street in Over-the-Rhine is a Cincinnati institution. Proprietors Joe and Carla Tucker fit the neighborhood like a well-worn glove, offering some of the city's most unique (and vegetarian-friendly) dishes, all served with a side of Cincinnati hospitality. Everyone is welcome at Tucker's as evidenced by Kelly Kruthaupt's day spent at the local hot spot.

Sign of the times

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Tucked into a corner of the Essex neighborhood sits the American Sign Museum - home to over 3,000 signs of by-gone eras including hand-lettered Sinatra and Charo show cards, chasing light bulbs, radio wave neon as well as a collection of sign-making equipment, materials and tools, salesman samples, and three-dimensional architectural models.

The dry cleaning concierge

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Cincinnati has a number of concierges, but they're not all necessarily working at the hotels. A new resident to the Queen City found a treasure trove of information about her new home in an unlikely source: Brad Teaney, owner of 7th Street Cleaners on 7th and Elm downtown. Turns out Brad has been offering more than just stain prevention tips during his time at the cleaners. He is a living guide to what's happening around town and an invaluable resource to his non 513 area code customers.

Last Supper

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Last month saw the turning of a page in the Cincinnati dining scene as Jean-Robert at Pigall's closed its doors for the last time. Soapbox photographer and long time associate of Jean Robert de Cavel, Scott Beseler documented a special final seven-course meal at the Chef's kitchen-side table. Restaurants come and restaurants go, but talent and innovation are both renewable resources. Happily Chef Jean Robert de Cavel will remain in Cincinnati. We look forward to pulling up a chair to his next exciting project. Bon Appetit!