The Presentation Room

In an effort to generate some working cash flow for Motown Initiative, the team set off to Chicago to meet with a couple marketing agencies for production work.  Using 4^th Deck, our production arm, along with the knowledge of online video we have developed over the past year, we compiled a compelling presentation for potential clients.  We saw this as the only logical route to generate additional revenue in meantime.  Our main meeting was with Burrell, a well known agency that has an expertise in minority market strategy.

Early Thursday morning, the team met up in the basement of Burrell’s building on Michigan Ave.  It was an ideal location, with its plethora of restaurants.  At this point, just a couple hours before the meeting, we had not had time to actually do a group run-through.  This was the first time we’d coordinate who is speaking on what slide and how to manage transition between speakers.  To add to the challenge of preparing for our 10:30am meeting, our laptop batteries starting running out and the coffee shop we were at had no plug. Can you imagine?!? Its no wonder we were the only people in this place…should have got a clue I guess J.  Either way, we were able to complete our slides and vaguely plan out our presentation strategy.   Our next stop was Dunkin Donuts, because we didn’t want a hungry audience.  Not to mention, I miss Dunkin Donuts after being on the west coast for four years.  After spending an unbelievable amount of money on pastries and coffee we were off to the 29^th floor (we spent $75 btw…dang coffee is expensive).

Read the rest of this entry »

As the trip to New York get closer, there is a lot of planning needed to ensure that everything goes to plan.  We have meetings, events and much more to juggle so its a good thing I got my “get organized” wake up call. This week I was reminded of how key organization is to progress.

Monday we had a conference call with Entitled Entertainment regarding an upcoming show with Krazy Bone.  The plan was to connect Entitled with the management of Mitsue and Boola (artists our production group works with).  Then we’d plan out their trip, video opportunities and support the party/performance.  I had everything scheduled, a conference call number setup through instant conference.com and the time/agency for the the call.  When the call came, I was no where to be found.  Moreover, my NY counterparts also weren’t on the call because I didn’t put a specific date in my invitation e-mail, I simply said “tomorrow”.  As we all know, the word tomorrow is subject to interpretation, especially when someone gets the e-mail the day after it’s written haha.

Now this wasn’t a major slip, we pulled the call together 20mins late and got everything accomplishment in a concise timeframe.  However, it was a little bit of a wake up call, because as things continue to ramp up, the schedules will only become more complicated and time contingent.  So this weeks lesson?  Might be time for a blackberry or some sort of desktop based scheduling system that can txt my phone.  If I am able to find such a program for the team, I’ll let you guys know.

I feel as if I’ve mentioned 4^th Deck Productions (4DP) before, but allow me to give a proper introduction. Based in NY, 4DP represents the content and development arm of the Motown Initiative. From original programming, to lifestyle events and commercial productions, they do it all. In the upcoming weeks we’ll be working on the pre-production component of our first MotownIni video. There will be a series of brand videos that will use to help spread the good word about the Initiative. Currently, 4DP is focusing on their latest client Mitsue artist. I think 4DP is going to be able to derive some exciting content from their work with her.

June 10th, 2009….Got my ticket to NYC today from Virgin Air, my favorite airlines hands down. If you haven’t been on one of those planes yet, you’re really missing out. Even when you’re not in first class, the ambiance and accommodations are second to none.  Now that they have wifi on all their planes too, I’m quite sure this going to be the best cross country flight ever.

My trips are always for business and pleasure, so I’ll be catching up with some of the parties involved with the Motown Initiative, as well as some family and friends. Should be good times. Our production partner group, 4th Deck Productions, has setup shop and is rolling right along, so that will definitely be my first stop.  We’ll be starting some work on pre-production work and some company strategy task.  It’ll be nice to working with a team and be amongst what’s happening now. I also hope to officially confirm our first strategic alliance during this trip. If there are any good industry events or parties during my stay in NY? I’ll post them up here, so you can look out for that.