Tag Archives: economic development

International Trade Commercial

Generally, I am an advocate of letting clients speak on your behalf verses cutting a straight commercial with voice talent and nice music. I call it real marketing. But in listening to my client I heard that what they really needed was a video that would set an energetic tone – more of a wow piece – that could also be highly informative. In addition, it would work well as a 15 or 30 second promotional spot.

Since I had already produced this Telly award-winning video for Trade that did have good testimonials, it was decided to pursue something different. This piece uses heavier animation work and a fast-paced rhythm to hopefully incite the target audience to take action. I was keen on using a female narrator of which I auditioned several, and very particular about the script balancing practical information with some sales sizzle.

Check it out!

German Investment Video

Here is my latest production. An inside look in to the lives and businesses of three German companies who fabricate elevators you ride, industrial systems you need, and most of the world’s pressure gauges you depend on. It offers a little mountain biking, Mexican food, running, welding, robots and virtual reality.

As is often the case with these video productions, it provides me the opportunity to meet new people and get behind-the-scenes of what makes global companies tick. Before a video camera is ever turned on I have done quite a few things:

  • An extensive amount of research on the company’s brand, operations, employees, and competitors.
  • Met with company executives and stakeholders.
  • Thought very carefully about the target audience and any cultural nuances.
  • What kind of supporting locations and footage would bolster the story?
  • How much can I realistically cover with the budget available?
  • What are possible risks that I may face?
  • How much crew do I really need?
  • What permits do I need?
  • What will effectively tie the piece together?
  • What will be the timing for each shoot and where?

And the list goes on. But one key factor that I think is often underestimated is getting very busy executives to open up their lives and their companies. To potentially spend a whole day with me while we get this shot, and that shot, and that quote and, can you say it again but like this?

Don’t ever discount what your mom and dad taught you about being a people person. These productions require a lot of moving parts, and the coordination of many different people.

Once the video shoots have taken place there is a considerable amount of time spent:

  • Selecting the right scenes and quotes.
  • Making sure the international translations have the right message, tone and inflection.
  • Developing the script.
  • Listening to dozens of voice talents if the piece requires professional narration.
  • Carefully choosing the right mix of music tracks and sound effects.
  • Ensuring that each scene informs the next scene for a seamless story.

Sure, I’ve had many 5:00am starts, flipped an ATV, crashed a drone, equipment malfunctions, no shows, bad weather and host of other issues, but it is all part of the process in telling a great story and learning a few things along the way.

Like what you saw? Also check out this China Investment Video.

Print Ad Campaign

One of the print buys I manage on a regular basis is Delta Sky. While many of the print publications out there are hard to quantify in comparison to digital tracking and analytics, I do see the value in this buy due to its captivated audience and sheer reach to business travelers. Good old circulation!

Taking a look back at the past 9 months, you can see the approach in terms of using real images and names of companies as opposed to your general ad fluff. It takes more work on my part to source all of the materials and get company approval, but I think it is worth it.

This post has been updated to include more examples.

Check them out:

Advanced Manufacturing Video

This is my latest video creation.

The advanced manufacturing capabilities of this company, and the infrastructure and logistics they need to move their product, is incredible in size and scope. It was an ideal backdrop for producing a video like this.

Creative
I took more of a documentary approach with subdued music and narration to seem less like a marketing piece. The sponsoring brand only appears at the very end.

Lesson Learned
If you want to use a drone in a facility this size then make sure you test it beforehand or are clear as to whether it will function properly inside an area with a lot of electromagnetic disturbance.

Platinum Hermes Creative Award

I am pleased to say I have just won top honors in the annual Hermes Creative Awards for the Georgia is Built for Business video.

An international awards competition, the 2016 Hermes Awards recognize outstanding work of creative professionals involved in the concept, writing and design of traditional and emerging media. The competition has grown to one of the largest of its kind in the world. This year they received over 5,500 entries from the United States, Canada and several other countries.

Only 15 percent of entries received a Platinum Award, which is the highest honor offered in the competition.

This video represents a lot of behind-the-scenes work – 9 versions of the script, countless site visits to places like Lockheed Martin, Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Global Center for Medical Innovation, and the list goes on.

What do leading brands like Home Depot, Delta, UPS, Gulfstream, Lockheed Martin, JCB, Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems and The Coca-Cola Company all have in common? See for yourself…

IEDC Digital Marketing Webinar

Join me for an upcoming webinar on digital marketing for economic development for the International Economic Development Council.

Find out more about why The Future of Economic Development is Online at www.iedconline.org/web-pages/conferences-events/digital-marketing-webinar-series.

Oct. 27th: What You Need to Know about Digital Lead Generation | 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET

How do you turn a visit to your website into an investment? First impressions matter. Digital lead generation is all about capitalizing on prospects: first by wowing them, and then by connecting with them. Discover the seven strategies to supercharge your organization’s digital lead generation efforts. This webinar teaches participants how to create a customer-focused website, as well as how to both promote it and make use of tools that will maintain a dynamic online conversation about your community.

Speakers:

payneGold Award for New Media: Robert Payne, Director of Account Management, Georgia Department of Economic Development Robert Payne has more than 15 years of digital marketing, technology and economic development experience.He currently serves as director of global account management for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. He and his team help the state of Georgia compete in global commerce, innovation, international trade and tourism across a variety of industry sectors including aerospace, information technology, advanced manufacturing, logistics and destination travel.

mazierGuillermo Mazier, Vice President of Strategic Accounts, Atlas Advertising | Denver, Colorado
Guillermo Mazier is Vice President of Strategic Accounts for Atlas Advertising. Atlas helps economic developers effectively reach site selection and prospect audiences through branding, digital marketing, and GIS enabled websites. Founded in 2001, Atlas has worked with more communities than any other marketing firm in the past 10 years including 165+ economic development clients in 46 states and six countries.

wakefieldJennifer Wakefield, APR, Vice President, Marketing and Communications | Orlando Economic Development Commission
As Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Jennifer manages the strategic marketing and communications efforts of the organization, including providing counsel to the organization’s executives and board officers. She also is managing the new regional business branding initiative. Jennifer has fifteen years of experience in marketing and communications and holds her accreditation of public relations (APR), which signifies a high level of professional experience, competence and ethical standards.

Real Success Video Platform

Real Success is my latest web development project, and it represents a culmination of more than 3 years of producing videos for the state of Georgia.

Using html 5 and YouTube’s api, this video hub has unique features that deliver a visually stunning experience with a focus on lead generation. I’ve always been a proponent of “real marketing” which to me means delivering your message through the voices of your customers. In other words, don’t listen to me, listen to them.

If the user pauses the video they are presented with the option to learn more information or view another video that is tagged to the same industry. Alternatively, they can close the video player and explore other industries. Other features include a share feature for social and email and a scrubbing tool, timecode and volume control.

Of course I think it’s cool, but check it out for yourself – Real Success.

Manufacturing Video

This manufacturing video is my latest creation. It is hard to believe that I started on the script in March, but it required a lot of moving parts to make it what it is. One thing is for sure, it took me to some pretty amazing places.

Hope you enjoy!

Automotive Economic Development Video

This is my latest video project, which took me to West Point, Georgia to detail the entire process of producing a Kia vehicle. The biggest aspect of the story is the customized workforce training that has been put in place to prepare Georgians for future job opportunities. In addition, it helps Kia to stay competitive and efficient.

I also had the chance to meet and interview the mayor of West Point. Kia’s presence has truly transformed his community in many positive ways. Historically, the town had fed its economy with the textile industry, but it had slowly deteriorated to the point of becoming obsolete.

When Kia expressed interest in their location, the mayor’s father went door to door to convince 20+ different property owners to come together to provide one contiguous mega site that would accommodate Kia’s plans. Now that’s small town tea on the porch collaboration.

Thanks to Dave Bolton and Billy Earle at Quick Start for supplying the b-roll of the manufacturing facility. Saved us a lot of time and money.

IEDC Award for New Media

2014 IEDC Awards Ribbon goldGrowing the life science industry in Georgia has been one of the economic development endeavors I have been working on in recent time. After extensive research and planning, a multi-channel marketing campaign was launched that targets very specific sectors within the life science industry:

  • Cold Chain
  • Fill Finish
  • Hematology and Immunology
  • HIT
  • Medical Devices

The usual suspects of digital marketing, print advertising, events and tradeshows and public relations were employed to generate new leads.

I also utilized social media in the form of a Health IQ quiz that was designed to be fun, informative and interactive. It generated some great results and figured it was worth submitting for the International Economic Development Awards. I am pleased to say that the campaign was awarded Gold in the category of New Media in a population greater than 500,000.

You can learn more about the life science campaign by visiting Georgia.org/LifeSciences.