Archive for December, 2008
BK “Flame” Perfume
Burger King has created The Flame, utilzing the seductive scent of flame-broiled meat.
The Whopper sandwich is America’s favorite burger. Flame by BK captures the essence of that love and gives it to you. Behold the scent of seduction, with a hint of flame-broiled meat.”
(Notice the web address? Fire meets Desire? Amazing! Background music is also reminiscent of Barry White)
Make sure to interact with the spray bottle, you will be pleasurably surprised with an intimate encounter with the Burger King himself. (Robert Redford whaaaaat?) As he tells you to, “Stop, Drop, and Roll.” If you are persistent and “mist yourself enough” you will eventually be lathered with whipped cream by royalty.
Will the wonders ever cease? You can actually buy this for $3.99. I must say the concept is catching, I’m dying to taste er…. smell this and see if I am taken back to my first whopper encounter. Maybe this will make vegans smell more friendly? At the very least I will be dabbing this on my girlfriend to see if fireworks happen.
6.5 Steps To Better Networking by Geoffrey Gitomer
Let me begin by stating that it is absolutely crucial for any blogger dreaming of even marginal success must be an avid reader. Not only a reader of his particular profession, but also that of his diametric opponent. Why? This fuels the imagination, and at the very least forces your mind to contemplate vocabulary and voice that you yourself do not employ. That being said Jeffrey Gitomers book is the fun, helpful trip through a wise old sages colorful mind.
1. Subject
Naturally, we have all been through some sort of self imposed course on how to interact with others and utilize these relationships for business purposes. However, I for one have struggled while search for a simplistic, non-verbose, book to give me a nudge every once in a while. Gitomer does a good job of engaging you, and teaching you the fundamentals of networking.
2. Structure
The book is bound in black felt, which is very fun to hold while reading. Perhaps you are like me, and even appreciate the binding, font size, and even the paper type of a given book. Gitomers book has it all. From its simple chapter and subject structure to the glossy finish and sweet smelling pages. You can easily read through his chapers, and are not struggling to finish. He even adds a red bookmark! Yes, I love the structure.
3. Content
Excellent tips and tricks for the novice and professional alike. He provides basic checklists, and quotes for your reading pleasure. Full of personal anecdotes and trite recommendations I felt as if I was reading a wise old uncles cheat sheet to business rather then a stuff biz book.
Conclusion
I can not recommend this book enough to every web series creator, and new media creator. Why? Because a very large part of our business by nature is determined through social mixers, and other events which fit perfectly alongside Gitomer’s gameplan. Its a fun and easy read, that is just as good the second time through as the first.
Streaming vs. Download Research by Ipsos News Center
With Growing Appetite for Longer Form Online Video Content, Consumers Show Interest in Monthly Subscription-based Models for Online Streams
New York, NY — Americans have embraced streaming video, often at the expense of video downloading. Recent data from Ipsos MediaCT’s MOTION study confirms that nearly six in ten (57%) U.S. Internet users 12 years of age and older have streamed video in the past 30 days – 7% higher versus the end of 2007. In comparison, one in five (22%) have downloaded video in the past 30 days.
One commonly held belief for long-form video formats, such as movies and TV shows, is that they benefit the most from downloading, since it allows consumers to save, potentially “own” their downloaded videos, and have the ability to port these videos to other devices. However, it is clear that consumers are seeking other alternatives rather than paying the current prices associated with a movie or TV show download. In addition, many consumers may be reticent to download movies and TV shows due to potential storage and portability issues on their PCs and portable devices, as few downloaders and streamers have ever burned their videos onto DVD or transferred them to other devices.
Ipsos MediaCT conducted a pricing analysis among downloaders and streamers to determine price sensitivity for movies and single episode TV shows. For movies, consumer trial for one full-length movie download would be maximized well below the current pricing offered by most downloading websites, which often charge prices closer to the current retail price of a DVD. The Ipsos analysis also revealed that a majority (59%) of downloaders and streamers would prefer to have physical copies at current download prices. Since many consumers do not have the ability or knowledge to create a physical copy from a download, movie distributors may consider offering their movie downloads at lower prices than DVDs.
“U.S. consumers have shown their willingness to adopt new technologies, as demonstrated by their use of the myriad of digital services offered by the Internet,” explains Brian Pickens, Senior Research Manager at Ipsos MediaCT. “However, consumers need that initial trial incentive, and offering movie downloads at a price lower than DVDs would help drive trial. While there may be a cannibalization concern for physical DVDs by lowering the price for online movie downloads, a strong demand for physical DVDs remains. The movie download option could prove to be a significant revenue source for the studios.”
When considering TV shows, past 30 day TV show streaming currently resides at a quarter (25%) of the streamer/downloader population, which is double the proportion seen in early 2007 (12%). It is clear that the free streaming offered by the major networks is having a profound impact on the digital video industry, as those who miss a single episode of their favorite program can view the episode they missed and do not feel the need to own it.
A key finding in the Ipsos research is consumer willingness to pay for Movie/TV Show streams. Ipsos MediaCT also analyzed the ideal pricing for a monthly subscription-based service to an online website with unlimited streaming of movies, TV shows and other events. Ipsos researchers found that acceptable monthly service charges fall in the $5 – $10 per month range for an unlimited version of video streaming service, while also alleviating the storage challenges inherent in video downloading. Brian Pickens concluded: “Obviously, this is driven by the long-form content available to the consumer for subscription, but it is important to note monthly streaming services could become a significant subscription-based opportunity versus fee-based downloads for video content. While we have seen ad-subsidized streaming grow dramatically in the past six months with sites like Hulu, Veoh and Fancast—providing a significant outlet for ad-supported streamed content—we are also seeing consumer willingness to pay a subscription to have online access to long-form video content streams such as movies and TV shows.”
Another important aspect of the digital video streaming model relates to the equal proportions of men and women who have streamed a TV show in the past 30 days. While downloading is dominated by 18-34 year olds and men, the video streaming model will provide advertisers with the opportunity to reach a broader and demographically diverse audience.
About Ipsos MediaCT
Ipsos MediaCT is the specialization within Ipsos dedicated to serving clients in the converging Media, Content, Telecoms & Technology Industries. Areas of expertise include audience measurement, consumer insight, customer acquisition and retention, market sizing and new product development. Our global team combines rigorous research skills with a clear business focus to assist companies in maximizing their return on investment.
To learn more, please visit www.ipsosmediact.com.
About Ipsos
Ipsos is a leading global survey-based market research company, owned and managed by research professionals. Ipsos helps interpret, simulate, and anticipate the needs and responses of consumers, customers, and citizens around the world.
Member companies assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media. They measure public opinion around the globe.
Ipsos member companies offer expertise in advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, and public affairs research, as well as forecasting, modeling, and consulting. Ipsos has a full line of custom, syndicated, omnibus, panel, and online research products and services, guided by industry experts and bolstered by advanced analytics and methodologies. The company was founded in 1975 and has been publicly traded since 1999.
In 2007, Ipsos generated global revenues of €927.2 million ($1.27 billion U.S.).
Visit www.ipsos.com to learn more about Ipsos offerings and capabilities.
Happy Birthday Hulu
Hulu has change our dreary lives forever. Hulu has most recently been voted into the top 10 websites for this year. It is changing the way that we consume content, but more important where we consume it. No longer are you locked into watching your television or attempting to strain through torrents to find the poor grade of quality. Besides that now you are no longer being a deviant and watching pirate content. Anywho…..Hulu has changed alot. Mostly for the better, some of it could be better though.
Positives
1. First Mover
Hulu is the new cool kid at the party. Not that nerdy one that just moved into the neighborhood. Nearly a year after its dubious launch everyone is attempting to do business with them. It is estimate that by the middle of next year they will have matched Youtubes advertising. This is very impressive due to the fact that Hulu does not have 98% of its content considered a loss.
2. Embeddable
Naturally, there have been several other contenders in this arena, but Hulu is the first that has been able to do it with some class. Sure Youtube, but thats about as ugly as you can get. Also the variety of content that you are LEGALLY allowed to embed is purdy nifty. Which brings us to….
3. Broad Content
Hulu never ceases to amaze me with its broad array of content both old and new. I can’t explain the sheer joy of being able to watch “He-Man” on Hulu, as well as the latest episode of “Prison Break.” Interestingly enough networks are eager to place their content here, and other directories are beginning to shape up under this
4. Simplistic
It might as well be copied by ____ . Other corporations are slowly getting the idea. ABC causes users to utilize their premium player. Joost most recently discontinued their download P2P software in favor of promoting their .com home.
Negatives
1. Fix Awkward Update
Hulu has the habit of releasing content either far ahead of schedule, or a day after. “Hooking Up” (HBOlabs) experimented by releasing to specific locations (colleges) earlier then other destinations. The next most plausible step is to release them the day of, regardless of time slot. It would be in hte networks/hulus best interst due to the fact they control more rights and revenues online, and would further speed the public’s interest in consuming professional content online. A golden example would be the Olympics. Reports placed nearly half its viewing audiences consumed the events online. What more of a incentive or proof of concept do you need?
2. Add Independent Webseries
Currently, Hulu has made available a select few independent webseries. Since the somewhat recent success of “The Guild,” and “Dr. Horrible,” you would imagine they would eager to find and expose other undiscovered talents. However there is only one member deciphering through these content with no discernible criterion for accepting webseries into their almighty directory.
3. Create Content
Hulu is poised to be the first directory to cross over into creating content. Typically it has been content creators such as ABC, and CBS to create thier own destinations. Without Hulu establishing an additional incentive for this glorified directory will lose its prominence. Content has been/will be king, so why not partner with some growing studios?
Mixer Networking 101
I most recently had the pleasure of being invited to the Producers Guild of America’s New Media Council. (For those of you acronym prone thats the PGA NMC.) I must say I was most impressed with the overall organization, beneficial industry contacts, health benefits, and tasty treats.The event was orchestrated by two newfound friends, Susan Zwerman and Alison Savitch.
While there I had an interesting discussion with several other webseries creators regarding the intent and benefit of social mixers. We came up with the following short form list to help all those entering into the social underworld of new media how to network. Feel free to add to this list to your hearts content.
1. Scout : Scan the room, and identify the persons you would like to speak before the night is out. Perhaps it is a popular web or television star, producer, or agent that you recognize. DO NOT approach these people first. You need a bit of time to practice your pitch. Everyone from professional athletes to musician need time to prep and warm up before they knock it out of the ballpark or take their place on stage. Why should this be any different for those pitching their profession?
2. Network : This may seem like an over simplified step considering you are at a social event, but you will be surprised at how many people attend a mixer and talk to only one or two people. Remember this is like speed dating. Make a great first impression, get an overall understanding of who they are and what they do, and move on to your next person. They may be your next best friend. I have several now, and they all started out as strangers. Don’t be afraid.
3. Pitch : I have heard thousands of pitches over the course of the years, and the most impactful pitches are passionate, informative, but most importantly SUCCINCT. Your pitch should consist of only a few sentences, ending with a call to action. Stay on target, cover the basic information. Avoid false starts and rabbit trails. Don’t forget to smile. Remember you like what you do! No one wants to work with a Negative Nancy. How do you perfect this pitch, you ask?
Pitch Tip #1 – Begin by practicing your pitch even before you leave your car. Remember to actually say it out loud. It may feel strange, but you will be able to catch your verbal fumblings and ramblings faster. One attendee stated she forces himself to say it 7 times. Each time slightly different and she picks the one she likes best. It’s somewhat similar to actor’s rehearsing.
Pitch Tip #2 - Next try your pitch on the greeter at the front door. These persons are naturally friendly, and have waded through everyone that has already pitched them. Follow up after you are done, and ask them if they need clarification. Finish by asking, “Who else is here that you think I should talk to?” They will point you in the right direction. One of my best leads last night was Greeter Drew, a Post-Production Supervisor at Fox.
Pitch Tip #3 – Before you go and pitch to the few persons you REALLY want to talk to take a brief moment, and perfect your final prep pitch. Waiters/Bartenders. Every mixer wouldn’t be complete without one. Some of the best critiques I received have been from waiters. If you can inform an innocent bystander with you and your profession, especially given they are unfamiliar with you turf, then you are well on your way. Besides that they may reward you with tasty good treats. (Last nights food was delectable. I still crave those pot stickers.
4. Communication Etiquette : Current pop culture topics are always great conversation starters. Its a lonely place to be the only one standing around with no clue what happened in todays news. Avoid inflammatory topics as much as possible. Religion and politics very quickly parts the room, and you don’t want to be caught in awkward silence from an easily avoidable slip-up. Also make sure you do not interrupt another persons conversation. Very irritating, and a horrible first impression. I overheard somewhat of a heated argument regarding the recent election. Does it really matter right now at that moment? Probably not.
5. Enjoy Yourself! : The reason mixers are thrown is to build a sense of camaraderie and friendship between people of similar interests, not to mention the networking benefits. Bring a camera take plenty of pictures of you and your new found friend. Upload them to your social network and give them a reason to stop by for a follow up visit.
Conclusion
Hopefully this has been either an eye-opener or a refresher course for you on how to not only survive, but thrive in this social media world. Thank you once again to Susan and Wendy for throwing a great mixer! Feel free to add any comments, rants or raves, anecdotes or accolades from your mixers. Enjoy.
5.5 Questions for Creative Communication Success
Often we filmmakers must be one part creative genius, three-fifths entrepreneur, and about 20% therapist. We must also understand braille, pig-latin, sign language, and any other relatively obscure methods of communication. I have often found that a majority of unending, unrewarding film work is due to either miscommunications between client and production house or creative shortsightedness.
I submit several questions that should be asked in any meeting that will get your clients talking, and you will hear their intentions for your interaction. Always remember they want you to succeed as well!
1. “How can I help you?”
This idiom is typically overlooked or reduced to a sappy yokel introduction, but the mystic is within the profound direction it contains. It frames the conversation in their terms, and on their turf. Remember they have a problem, and they are looking for you to fix it, because they either can’t or won’t. Think of them as a damsel or dude in distress, and your the knight in shine armor.
2. “What do you hope to gain?”
Now that they have previously framed the conversation you are now plotting a destination. What exactly is the end game? Naturally more money, but how? Lower overhead? You now have perimeters to work within to give your pitch
3. “Is this something you are interested in?”
Perhaps you are NOT the answer to their problem. However if you can point them in the right direction they will appreciate it, and remember you and your work when they need it.
4. “What changes do you want to see?”
This allows them to realize the position you have given them. They hold the power. It is a very creatively bare place to be. Open to all criticism for the benefit of the project. Never be defensive. You may deflect an ingenues notion. Also you have allowed them to see your flexibility and ease of work flow. Everyone wants to work with a friend. Be that friendly face.
5. “If you like this, you should see what I am working on now!”
This is an excellent showstopper at the end of a meeting, but must be said with utmost sincerity and respect. You are now showing instant growth. It does not demean your current project in the least, but it does spark their interest on your current workload. If you have a trailer, concept art, or exciting casting development give a little taste of it. This is your fallback. Perhaps your meeting didn’t go as well, but this opportunity may leave something with them to call you back in the future.
5.5 “Thank you for ……”
Never forget the power of being polite. Before you leave thank them for their time, their effort, their perspective. Whatever. Everyone loves to be validated and appreciated. You will find that once you set the cordial tone this will continue on into the more tense situations which are bound to arise.
Hopefully now you have some great questions to keep in mind for any creative meeting you may be heading off to. I’m curious to see if these questions are applicable to other creative arts. Can anyone add to this list?
Webseries Kiss of Death
The recent surge of webseries popularity, and the overall improvement of quality has made webseries the new kid on the block. Formerly technologies, directories, and applications stood within the limelight, but thanks to programs like “The Guild” (Felicia Day) “Hooking Up” ( ) There is a immense interest in getting your webseries sold or better yet licensed.
I suppose I should have named this entry “Webseries Negotiations Kiss of Death Comments,” but the title was far too long, and not nearly as snazzy as I would have hoped. I have included several phrases which spell death for any webseries creator to utter.
1. How much money do you think I can get for it?
You just made it embarrassingly well know that you don’t know the value of your market, let alone of your product. If you don’t understand its value why should your audience appreciate and therefore I pay you for it?
2. If the money is there I can make many more!
Obviously. This goes without saying, that if someone paid you to do, what you love, you would do it. ALOT. If a fat kid was paid to eat candy he would make the effort. Catch the drift?
3. “We aren’t looking to sell it, just see where it goes.”
Essentially you just disclosed that the project is a lose leader with no vision or exit strategy, and very few companies are looking to acquire lose leaders. One exception that I am aware of HBOlabs. Woody has stipulated from the very beginning that it is a testbed. Excellent. However in the real world no vision + no direction = No money.
4. “I really don’t know.”
In this case ignorance is not bliss. Admitting that you don’t know is alright, but please follow up with what you are doing to remedy this. The unknown is incalculable, and irritating. We want to feel secure in working with you, no innundated with factors which may lead to our demise.
5. “I…I…I….”
Believe it or not its NOT all about you. I would like to work with you to see what you can do for ME. Definitely let me know what you do, but never fail to bring it full circle to let them know EXACTLY how they can benefit from your relationship. Remember I have the money, connection, distirbution, etc. and you have to convince me that you are trying to get ahead, but that you have my best intentions at heart.
Ownership : There are few things to consider when negotiating. Either you can own alot of nothing, or some of alot.
Revenue Model? Is it Pay Per Minute? Revenue Shares?
New Media Rock Star Kit I
What is a New Media Rock Star? How can I become one? Sadly, there is no simple substitute for hard work, and determination. However there are a few hints, tips, and tricks for you to consider which I have accumulate over the years from a successful online personalities and new media entrepreneurs. The result of conversations at mixers, soft sell pitches, closing meetings and so forth. Enjoy, and feel free to add to the list.
1. Reel or Portfolio
Always have an example of your creative project ON its medium. If you sell video, show it to me on a ipod. If you sell comics, bring me a paperback. Don’t just give me a card with a link. I’m busy, and to be honest, unless you really interest me I may not remember your face, name, or card due to the number of other new people I meet. Give me a tangible. Personally, I take my iphone and play the content right there on the spot. Gauge their reaction, and change based upon that.
2. Debrief Kit
Pen & Pad. Both small. Don’t bring a leather portfolio or a pocket full of sharpies. You want to keep your hands free for shaking hands, hugging people, and randomly kissing the occasional passerby. I bring a notebook that fits in my back pocket and a golf pencil. Small and cheap. Yes, this can be used for contact information, but here’s a new idea. I write a checklist throughout the event of what I have or have not been doing in conversation. Basically I become my own business coach. I read this before my next conversation. Typically my personal notes contain, “Talk slower” and “Get to the point fast” most often. I collect these personal critiques, and am now able to use these notes as my “debrief” before my next meetings at a later date.
3. Gifts
Small gifts for your new found friends really makes you memorable. Not bribes! Who doesn’t like gifts? I have been given some of the oddest trinkets by some of the most amazing people that I remember to this day. Whereas their pitches may not have been perfect, their personality and inspiration remains with you, and in turn the pitch. I have received plastic black widow spiders, a cloth orange, a chocolate Easter bunny, army men, a pocket mirror, and body lotion (don’t ask). All of which are small enough to place in my pocket, I can’t throw them away. I’m emotionally attached to this and the odd person. (I still have them even though only one of them ended up working.)
4. Deliverables
Let the other person know the actions you will be taking after this conversation. Wheather its keeping them on file or emailing them on Tuesday. (Never Monday) This helps them connect the dots later on. Typically I say I will send them an email with either more content or even arrange for a phone conference with them on a specific day/time.
This is a very good foundation for your Media Rock Star Kit. Begin with these, and gradually add to it the more mixers and/or events you attend.