Q&A Session

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Question: What does "LD2k" stand for?
Chris: In 1999, when Phil Jackson arrived as the Lakers head coach, I decided to create a pen name for message forums I was posting in. When I thought about Phil, who had recently led Chicago to six championships in the 90's, I thought of a possible Los Angeles "Dynasty." Then I created the pen name "Lakers Dynasty 2000" or "LD2k" for short. It has stuck with me over the years and ironically, the Lakers turned into just that - a dynasty.

Question: How did you get into video editing?
Chris: I got into video editing shortly after realizing the kind of message you can express through visuals. My original career aspirations were to get into journalism, but one message you cannot convey through writing is emotion – at least not to the extent that you can through visuals. When I saw this quote, it really sold me and I’ve always saved it because I agree with it so strongly: "The combination of moving vision with sound, allows for complex messages to be conveyed in a far superior way to that of any written information."

Question: What editing programs do you/have you used, and what would you suggest to people interested in editing?
Chris: I've used them all; practically everything from windows movie maker to AVID. It doesn't mean I've released videos online with all these programs, but I have used them all: iMovie, Adobe Premier, Sony Vegas, Pinnacle, Final Cut and Avid. For my videos, I've been using iMovie, Final Cut Pro, and Adobe After Effects when needed. I just finished my extensive course of AVID - 90% of primetime television shows, 85% of feature films and 80% of commercials are cut with AVID programs - where I shortly plan to become an AVID certified user. When I get my AVID system set up, I will create all my future projects in AVID. For a beginner, I suggest trying out iMovie or Windows Movie maker. I've noticed alot of people use Sony Vegas programs; a very nice program but like Adobe Premier, it takes alot of patience to get familiar with.

Question: What are some of your hobbies outside of sports, editing, and the Lakers?
Chris: Outside of sports, I love my family. My father is my biggest influence in life and we share an unbelievable bond when it comes to life - especially sports. I also love playing poker - Texas Hold'em! My other hobbies include playing basketball, reading, and enjoying life out here in Pasadena where I attend college. I also love to be entertained. I love watching movies and really seeing people's reactions to them. Reading reviews, the critics' comments, and just seeing what appeals to certain people in terms of Hollywood entertainment.

The Biography of Chris Manning

What's my story?

Thank you for taking the time to view my website and video productions. I hope you will enjoy! My name is Chris Manning and I am also referred to as "LD2k" for short. Being an ambitious 20 year old and lifetime Los Angeles Lakers and NBA fan, I have made numerous Los Angeles Lakers short video productions to stimulate the worldwide Lakers and general NBA fan base. I am the ultimate fan. None of my work has been for commercial gain, just the joy and fun of producing them as well as improving my video production and movie making technical skills. My productions are intended to tell the Lakers’ stories and history with a blend of video, music and themes in order to send a chill up your spine and get us all ready for the upcoming season as well as remembering the greatness of the past. The worldwide feed back I get back on my work serves as a ongoing motivation to continue to create and improve.

I am currently enrolled at Pasadena City College where I am studying in the field of Communications (journalism / video productions and film making). I have completed my first two years of college, including many courses of learning Avid. Outside of school, I spend all my time further preparing, studying, and learning every aspect of the Avid program for me to eventually achieve my goal of becoming an AVID certified user.

Over the summer of 2007, I had a chance to intern for Kobe Bryant's marketing company, Zambezi Ink. During this time, I became efficient in Final Cut Pro and got a great chance to work on professional projects. It was a great learning experience and I am extremely appreciative for the opportunity I got. It was a great learning experience for me, and I am greatly thankful.

Being an insulin dependent diabetic, life has already taught me that if you work hard and keep a positive outlook no matter what cards you are dealt in life, you CAN make dreams a reality and that nothing can replace a good work ethic and professional drive to succeed.

I am simply chasing my dream. I have had more than 5 plus years of developing my video production skills over a number of opportunities afforded me. My work has a wide-range of variety including single-game coverage, pump-up type trailers, merging movie trailers accordingly with Lakers footage, and entire playoff-series videos. Due to the popular interest for my productions, I eventually created this website which provides a list of my work and fan based comments. People from all around the world ranging from 80+ different countries come o view my work each month and to share the passion we all have for the Los Angeles Lakers, the NBA and sports in general.

I always try to create and present material which not only captures the story and creates excitement, but also blends in the human interest story of sports. I have always loved sports, especially basketball. Over the past few years, I have continued to grow as a person and to improve my technical skills. I truly believe sports are the entertainment vehicle that provides the necessary escape and outlet for all who work hard to earn a living every day.

I thank you again for stopping by and hope you enjoy reviewing my site and material. I love the passion of sports and the motivation it gives me to grow. Producing Lakers videos has always been an exciting aspect of my life thus far. I look forward to any and all feedback from anyone who desires to leave comments or wishes to contact me.

Hopefully one day I will be able to utilize my talents and develop enough skills to be able to work on productions for the Lakers organization directly. Beyond that, I hope to enter the motion picture or sports entertainment industry and am confident I can/will make an impact. Shortly, I will begin my "Vison of the Fans" marketing services designed to advertize and motivate the fan base of sports franchises around the planet. Watch out Hollywood and New York.... I’m getting ready! Thanks again and have a great day and a better Lakers season.