Call it weird, but Eli Eisenberg is doing just what he set out to do as an 11-year-old kid.
“Since 11 years old, I knew I wanted to direct live events ? focusing on sports initially. Let’s just say I always knew what I wanted to do,” said Eisenberg, who heads Reisterstown-based VPC Inc., which stand for Video Production Consulting.
Eisenberg, a Baltimore native, said he gets an adrenaline rush from the live events.
He started VPC in 1992 with a focus on the sports industry. Initially, that involved helping sports arenas such as Baltimore’s Camden Yards, the Baltimore Ravens and Chicago’s Soldier Field determine what sort of video, scoreboard and audio visual needs would best serve the facility.
Eisenberg has grown the company to a full-time staff of seven with dozens of contractors ready to help with installation and working events.
In addition to sports, which the company continues to pursue, VPC has moved into non-profits and government work.
The company installed sound systems in Martin?s Caterers in Baltimore and a sound system and theater in Mercy Ridge Retirement Community in Timonium. Eisenberg?s work has taken him to the Carroll County Correctional Facility as well as local churches.
The work is comprehensive, including everything from the complete design of the control room, installing screens to laying the wires necessary to make the system work.
Eisenberg?s list of live events include the Greater Baltimore Committee Annual Meeting and 50th Anniversary Celebration and the Baltimore County Chamber Hall of Fame Dinner.
But Eisenberg said he gets his biggest rush with live events like the game day directing of U.S. Naval Academy Football games at the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium.
“Through a staff of nine, we produce every video feature and graphic, while also choreographing all live cameras and replays displayed on the stadium?s video board,” Eisenberg said.
“We coordinate the public address script and synchronize music with the video elements for a perfectly executed game day program.”
VPC handles similar game day coverage of Baltimore Blast professional soccer team.
Wayne Resnick, president of Martin?s Catering, called Eisenberg professional and everything he does.
“His guys show up when promised and they are very efficient. We are really pleased with their work,” Resnick said.
Eli Eisenberg
» First job: Raking leaves, shoveling snow
» Education: University Maryland, Baltimore County with a B.A. in interdisciplinary studies
» Best job perk: Making a difference and involved in notable events
» Number of daily e-mails: 175 to 250
» Number of daily voice mails: 10
» Essential Web sites: CNN.com and client websites: Steelers.com, NavySports.com, BaltimoreBlast.com, TicketMaster.com
» Career objective: “Make a dent, make a difference.”
» Favorite gadget: My analog stop watch for directing live shows. Weather band radio
» Hometown: Baltimore
» Birthdate: Feb. 14, 1962
» Original aspiration: To direct live events, focusing on sports
» Sports/hobbies: Riding bike at the shore, my classic 1966 Mustang convertible and coin collecting
