WestGlen Communications began in 1970 as a distributor of sponsored 16mm films and as a producer/distributor of news films, the forerunner of video news releases. Their early clients were sponsors of television documentaries who wanted further exposure in the nation’s classrooms. From those beginnings, they grew to be a leader in broadcast public relations and weathered many of the storms of our industry over the past decade and was on the cutting edge of providing services in the emerging technologies.
WestGlen filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on July 16th and their entire staff of employees were let go. I had heard the rumors flying for weeks from several colleagues that WestGlen was in trouble, but thought they were just that – rumors. For anyone who worked with them on the production side, we were well aware of behind-the-scenes cash flow issues from time to time, but they always seemed to pull it together and land on their feet.
You may not know that I was WestGlen’s dedicated West Coast Producer since the late 90’s for over a decade producing for them where ever in the country I was needed. Even after I launched CMP Media Cafe, we still worked together and always had a “gentleman’s agreement” regarding clients. You may not have known that I produced VNRs, SMTs, PSAs, and more for them since I was their “ghost” on the coast so to speak and worked seamlessly as a part of their organization (not revealing I was a stringer for them and other organizations as well), but I feel I no longer have to wear the “cloak of invisibility” with this recent public announcement. They knew their clients were in good hands when they assigned projects to me under their company banner and it was my job to uphold their stellar reputation.
I really enjoyed working with their team of professionals on the East Coast and my many interesting assignments over the years that took me into the offices of Governors and the dressing rooms of movie stars to less glamorous locations like the grape vineyards of Coachella east of Palm Springs. But all good things must come to an end, I guess. The assignments started to decrease around 2006 when they hired some excellent full time producers which had become more economically feasible than hiring “freelancers” and my last project I produced for them was in June of 2009 – a remote satellite media tour with Bob Greene at a supermarket in Thousand Oaks.
I’m sad that this institution in broadcast public relations has shut down after it had managed to hang in there for over four decades. I have always held WestGlen in high regard, enjoyed our professional relationship and it was an honor to provide them with production services they could rely on.
As they leave a hole in this industry, they will be missed. I hope you’ll consider letting CMP Media Cafe assist you and your clients to achieve your broadcast campaign objectives in their absence.
Peace and coconuts,
Marianne Schwab, Executive Producer, CMP Media Cafe
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