Opening:
Since 1981, CVW has been more than just a video production company. Earning multiple Telly Awards and a spot on the “Top D.C.-Based Media Companies” list six years in a row, it is no wonder it has become one of the region’s most respected live event production profilers.
The Beginning
What started out as a one-man video production company in college evolved into a full-scale audiovisual and video production company. President and founder William “Kirby” Whyte was making a name for himself well before graduating from DePauw University. Majoring in video production and communications, he was THE go-to camera operator when it came to producing the university's athletic games.
Following graduation, Whyte was appointed account executive and producer for the company known today as Jack Morton Worldwide. He quickly gained expertise that sparked a future vision and required him to build something of his own. In the summer of 1981, Creative Video of Washington was born.
Happy Faces
Whyte’s first project, “Happy Faces,” provided clients with a highlight reel, capturing a candid summary of events. That concept was so popular, it became the gateway behind Creative Video’s evolution. From there, Whyte provided video support for trade associations in the D.C. area. Over the past three decades, the company has morphed into what it is today—a full-service audiovisual, video, lighting, and staging company for events across the country.
The Talent
Behind every fantastic leader is a fantastic team. Vice president of production Matthew Eidemiller and senior event producer Jason Vaughn have collectively been with the company for 30 years. Both came to the company with diverse backgrounds and rich experience in audiovisual and video production.
With a trifecta of expertise, the three have formed the ultimate “Dream Team,” and have continued to expand, bringing on several other highly trained professionals that complete a cohesive and seamless operation.
The Experience
For the past 38 years, Whyte and his team have worked alongside thousands of associations and organizations in the D.C. area and across the country.
Today, they are one of the go-to vendors in venues such as The Anthem and Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium.
They have worked in practically every hotel and conference center in the metro area, as well as some of the country’s most historic performance venues, including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Warner Theatre.
They produce anywhere from 50-60 major events a year and hundreds of smaller events sprinkled in between, totaling to about 300 events annually.
The Skills
CVW’s expert staff has the ability to make any production you can imagine into a reality. For corporate and social events, concerts, award banquets, galas, and other unique functions—you name it, they can do it!
With a substantial equipment inventory, it comes prepared with the best package of services and the best equipment on the market to date.
Using a variety of HD and 4K cameras, the staff is experienced in single and multi-camera productions, interviews, video marketing, and B-roll coverage. This ranges from one-camera coverage of a smaller board meeting to an eight-camera live broadcast. A wide range of projection screens and projectors are available, as well as projection mapping and LED walls.
CVW’s lighting designers are adept at designing for decor as well as stage and video. They specialize in lighting design and complete lighting systems. They take great pride in providing clear audio, offering assorted digital consoles, public address and sound systems, and digital wireless packages. Additionally, they offer staging, drape, and decor solutions.
CVW is home to one of the region’s few soundproof narration and audio recording booths, as well as one of the last and largest insert stages, which includes a green screen.
What is a video production company without an in-house editor? CVW provides a full-time video editor who specializes in content management and full HD pre- and post-production.
The Rebrand
Because of Creative Video's evolution from a video production company to a full audiovisual event and video production company, it was time to give the company a name that reflected just that.
In September 2018, Creative Video of Washington became CVW Event Productions.
Whyte explains, "With our new identity, we’re now better aligned with the market, while still priding ourselves on the same quality, value, and service our clients have come to expect since 1981. The same great team you know and trust, with a renewed focus on being the best true full-service event production company in the region.”
The End
Whyte has cultivated and led not only a superior team but built an extension of his family. His leadership and knowledge of the industry have been obvious to his clients, which is why they keep coming back.
At 38 years strong, his company is still delivering superior results and happy faces.
You need anything? Whyte will most likely reply with, “You betcha!”
“I have had the pleasure to work with CVW Event Productions on multiple occasions. I always have peace of mind that the event will be successful due to the professional support and expertise Kirby and his team continue to provide. They are the experts in the industry and have continued to deliver wonderfully successful company events.”
– Gary Robbins,
Ford Motor Company
