Let them lead the way… Thank you Mr. Youth for this wonderful insight:
Get ready!!! From September 20-24th, 2010, you will learn everything you never knew you needed to know about how to leverage social media for your business and personal needs! Social Media Week is presented in five cities around the world in a collaborative effort to educate, network, and create. Representatives from top organizations and projects will be on hand for a series of workshops, panels, mixers, parties and more. This year’s presenting cities are Milan, Bogata, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, and Los Angeles. Not to mention, that our own Chris Denson is on the Los Angeles advisory board! So whether you’re in the Arts, Television, Film, Music, or Non-Profits, Social Media Week is a great education destination!
Visit www.socialmediaweek.org for more information!
Be sure to enter Genius Effect code, “GEM” for discount!
http://gamenext.eventbrite.com/
GameNext: Top Trends for Game Industry: Mobile, Online, and New Products
New Speaker Just Added: Dan Morris, Electronic Arts, Director of Strategy and Development
In just the last year, new markets are opening for social media and mobile applications for games. Understand how to build for new platforms, business strategies to become successful, and how you can tap into these new networks. If you are attending the E3 Expo, then join us for GameNext, a jam packed networking mixer for anyone from the Game industry who wants to succeed in new markets, delicious 8 course Chinese Banquet and program.
If you have a cool product, service or application you want to show to publishers, investors, partners, or prospective clients, then take advantane of our low cost Demo Showcase tables. For only $95, you will receive a 4×4 table where you can give a demo during networking and dinner.
We discuss these hot new areas and how you can take advantage of new business opportunities:
* Social Games and Social Media like FarmVille
* Mobile, iPhone, Android Apps
* Augmented Reality and Virtual Worlds
* Advertising and Branded Entertainment
* Natural Movement based games
This will take place the day after our conference 3D Next on June 14 addressing the future of 3D for film, TV, production, games and Internet. View more about 3D NEXT here.
Attendees can choose to attend the program only; or also enjoy a gourmet eight course Chinese banquet. Last week over 280 attended a similar program and dinner during the Cable Show. This event is independently produced and not affiliated with E3 Expo.
* Network strategically with top talent and executives so you can take advantage of new business opportunities
* Gain insights on how to navigate these new markets and create lasting business models for mutual benefit
* Learn where the industry is going from top executives in games, entertainment and web services
* Discover the trends shaping the business of game design in online, mobile, console and PC games
Schedule:
5:00-5:00 Networking with Investors and Demo Showcase
5:30-6:30 Attracting Funding and Strategic Investors for Digital Media, Mobile or Game Startups
Hear from venture capitalists, angel investors and strategic investors on how to obtain funding, hot areas of investing, relationships with investors, and attracting capital. Three startups will be selected in advance to give a 2 minute pitch to the panel of investors and hear their feedback.
Want to pitch investors:
In order to apply, send an email with a description of your company including funding status, partners, technologies, founders and management team with “pitch”in subject line to info@techsupperclub.com.
Confirmed Investors on Panel:
* Bipul Sinha, Principal, Blumberg Capital
* William Quigley, Managing Director, Clearstone Ventures
* Tim Chang, Principal, Norwest Venture Partners
* Robert Pace, Principal, GameStop Digital Ventures
* Samir Gupte, Associate, Comcast Interactive Capital
* Alan Resnikoff, Senior Associate, Shamrock Capital Advisors
* Moderator: Michael Stroud, CEO, iHollywood Forum
6:30-7:30 Dinner, Demo Showcase and Networking
7:30-8:00 European Gaming Market Update and Trends
Hosted by the European American Enterprise Council
and the SoCal French American Chamber of Commerce
8:00-9:00 Panel Discussion followed by networking at 9pm
Confirmed Speakers for Panel :
* Ross Cox, Senior Director, Advanced Platforms, Cartoon Network/ Adult Swim
* Jay Wright, Director Business Development, QUALCOMM
* Dan Morris, Director Strategy and Development, Electronic Arts
* Brian Selzer, President / Co-Founder, Ogmento
* Ginny Musante, Trade Marketing Group Manager, Microsoft Entertainment & Devices Advertising
* Moderator: Lewis Ward, Research Manager Consumer Markets: Gaming, IDC
Here are issues we will address:
* Market Outlook: What are market trends, where is the industry headed and what does it take to build a successful game in these new markets?
* Hollywood and Licensing: What are current trends in licensing deals for games and film franchise properties?
* Natural User Interface: What is in store for movement based and controller free games?
* Distribution: What are strategies for creating strong distribution and originality?
* Social Games and Facebook: What is the best practice to build a game on top of Facebook? How should users connect to their Facebook friends when playing the game?
* Opportunity for Startups: What does it take to attract funding and compete with well funded, high profile companies that already dominate this market?
* Audience Development: How do game developers drive user engagement and develop a loyal audience?
* Concepts: What are the key concepts to understanding how to develop online and mobile games and why they work?
* Cost and Budget: What is the cost structure and time frame for building new games? Should you outsource development or use in house developers? What types of features makes games more engaging?
* Publishers: What is the role of the publishers and console makers to develop distribution and infrastructure?
Money is a big part of fulfilling big ideas but nowadays it’s even harder than ever to come by. Luckily, Pepsi can help! While choosing to skip the $3 million Super Bowl ad for the first time in 23 years, they have set aside many more millions for the Pepsi Refresh Project. Every month, Pepsi is accepting 1,000 ideas in areas of Health, Arts & Culture, Food & Shelter, The Planet, Neighborhoods and Education. Regular folks like you and me, businesses of all sizes and non-profits are all welcome to submit. With grants from $5,000-$250,000 are awarded to up to 32 ideas, what’s there to lose?
Good on Pepsi for embracing digital, not to mention giving people a chance to make positive changes in their communities. Most of the Super Bowl ads this year lacked the pizzazz of years past anyhow. BTW, who still watches commercials? Even my mom skips them and she doesn’t even know what a DVR is. But I digress.
Have a light bulb moment today? You should head over to RefreshEverything.com to submit your idea or check out the leaders in each category and vote for your favorites. If you want to see how some of the past winners are doing, head over to the blog and read some of the grantee stories. There’s a really great one about a Twitter based app that allows young volunteers to measure and share their impact based on geo location. For more info on this $25,000 grant recipient, go to myImpact.org.
Great post from Ad Age. Enjoy the exerpt! Read the full blog here.
To monetize content requires a shift in thinking because one must move from sticking with the traditional push business model to accepting the web’s “pull” approach. In making this transition we uncover where people will place value (and their dollars).
Use content to attract audiences
Content is really good at attracting audiences — but it’s not so great at directly generating revenue through gated-content subscriptions. Sorry, but you just need to get over it (unless you are the exception: The Wall Street Journal). Most people can get most content one way or another and circumventing the gated-content model is not that hard for users. Media companies trying to figure out how to plug all the naturally leaky ways content gets out there is like trying to win at whack-a-mole. Frustratingly unsatisfying.
Create a community to coalesce audiences
This is the magic moment when content can begin to drive revenue because once you have the audience — thanks to your content — you have the mechanism to create compelling community experiences. The benefit of a community is that this shifts users’ loyalty from just your content, available in lots of online places, to your site because of the community. The revenue possibilities expand as your community creates the all-important “sticky” user experience.
Successful communities utilize all the new social-networking tools and technology to create vibrant user interactions. They introduce technology that lets members engage in real time with each other, they permit many forms of self-broadcasting and publishing, and they provide a platform for members to connect around a shared passion or issue.
Ignite passion in your community and the content monetization engine begins to stir.
Leverage the power of your community to drive revenue
Once you have established a core community of users, this is where monetization can occur because now you are in a position to: a) offer a variety of services or products to your members; b) leverage the power base you have created; and c) you will probably see more ad revenue (though probably not for some time).
Here are some examples of effective community revenue opportunities:
* Provide services to enhance community connectivity using video and audio
* Offer products to introduce “fun” into user interactivities (Facebook does this better than anyone)
* Integrate technology to provide members with video, broadcasting, and content creation tools
* Enable new ways for members to access content via multiformat services
* Create new programs where community members can be rewarded for their participation (e.g., converting members into affiliates)
Anything that captures your community’s passion is an opportunity for new revenue.
In case you are wondering whether this monetization engine works in the real world, there are great examples to study. Sites such as TechCrunch, Huffington Post and Mashable are particularly effective at attracting users through content and then sustaining user engagements profitably through enriched community experiences.
by Chris Denson
At Genius Effect, we root for everybody. We’re on the side of everyone with a story to tell when it comes to creating effective media and reaching an audience. With that in mind, its important to know some of the do’s and dont’s in effectively navigating the boundless number of tools that are available to us. With the internet and technology bridging the access gap for media creators and marketers, there are several new-jack rules to follow. Here are a few sure fire ways to be sure that you’ll fail in whatever you do in today’s marketplace:
1.) Ignore Trends. There are so many companies and individuals who remind me of the proverbial “in-my-day” old man. They don’t “like” Facebook. They don’t know how to use a blog. Twitter is dumb. “I don’t need to know what everybody’s doing all the time,” they say. On the contrary, you need to know EXACTLY what everybody’s doing all the time. Proven many times over, including Barak Obama’s recent Presidential campaign, “change” has become the norm and audiences everywhere are growing and changing more rapidly than ever before. If you get too comfortable in your methods, or don’t make the attempt to incorporate your product in the culture of change… you’ll be short changed every time.
2.) Be a One Trick Pony. I hear over and over, how “we’re gonna sell the cd on these websites,” or “we’re gonna put the videos on YouTube,” or my favorite, “we’re gonna build a social network!” “Good for you,” I respond as if talking to my 4-year-old who just tied a ribbon in her own hair (lest I remind you that it ain’t pretty). Media creators must understand that putting something on the web is not marketing something on the web. Placing something on the internet requires just as much attention and push, if not more, than any traditional marketing campaign. Why? Because there are MILLIONS of products vying for the same eyes that you are. How are you going to bring people to your video or website? What value are you providing to your audience? How do you keep the audience engaged after they encounter your product? What’s going to make them love you? Remember, at the end of the day, you are a needle in a haystack. It’s on you to help people find out that you’re not like the rest of the hay.
3.) Create No Dialogue. Social media is about two things, and two things only: Sharing and Discovery. People love to be the first to know and the first to tell. And they want to do it all the time. Find ways to give your audience that opportunity. Too many media creators do a big push for a particular campaign, and then after the first three weeks or so, have nothing left to say. Which is fine until season two rolls around. Or the sequel. Or the newer version. Or the next event. Or the new line. At that point, instead of multiplying and building on the presence you’ve already established, you’re attempting to re-engage the audience. And in today’s climate of change, anything can catch a consumer’s eye if it’s not on you. Build campaigns that have longevity and relevance and offer a chance for individuals to intellectualize your message, speak it to others, and come back for more.
4.) Forget That REAL People Exist. Real people are not just on line or on electronic devices. Real people are still in grocery stores. Real people still go to the movies. These spooky individuals are all around us, walking the streets and eating in restaurants, and even speaking to one another. Basing a campaign strictly on internet based interaction is a huge mistake. It’s kinda like internet dating. At some point, the person you’re courting is going to make sure you look like your pictures. People still need to know that you’re as good as you seem. Find ways to tie live events and experiential marketing into your online push is essential. It gives the audience even more of an incentive to go back and tell the world about you.
5.) Don’t Make Friends. In the multi-media world, strategic relationships are an imperative. This is not Jesus in the desert, folks. Hardly any one goes it alone. Where would Hulu be without the networks as buddies? Where would Twitter be without Ashton Kutcher and Diddy? Where would the Nissan Cube be without Heroes (which is probably my favorite use of branded entertainment this year)? The most successful people and businesses – especially when using social media – surround themselves with others that are better-versed and have a longer reach than they do, in one area or another. Make friends. Think of the unique qualities you have to offer, and how those compliment your “friend’s” efforts and skill sets.
6.) Don’t Dissect Your Audience. Today we know more about our audiences than ever. Unlike television’s Nielsen Ratings, we have an almost instant ability to know everything about each individual enthusiast, from exact zip codes, lengths of engagement, level of interest, to type of computer, ISP’s, referrers, most popular regions, and every other intricacy you can think of. In most cases, we can find out exactly what they are saying about us, as soon as they say it. With this newfound wealth of information, we are now able to access market segments that only a few years ago we may not have known existed. This instant access allows for on-the-fly changes, adjustments, and an ability to tweak components of your campaign that speak directly to individuals as well as the overarching masses.
All in all, the internet is not our sole form of presence, but is a compliment to a larger world that we create and pull others in to so that they can discover and share valuable information about us. If we recognize that it’s not the whole, but a piece with many changing pieces within, we shall see a successful future.
by Chris Denson
Celebrity sex tapes have become a staple of success in pop culture. From Paris Hilton to Ray-J to Pamela Anderson, Kim Kardashian, Verne Troyer (aka “Mini-Me”) and everyone in between (no pun intended). It’s almost like you’re nobody until somebody _____s you on camera. Although it’s a sad state of affairs, there is definitely something to be learned from the sex tape play book. Here are a few golden points to take with you on your branding journey.
1.) Make Your Privacy Public. Everyone loves an inside sneak peek. Granted you don’t want to show everything you’ve got, but you do want to give your audience a little more than what they bargained for. “How To’s” and “DIY” are extremely popular sources of interactivity on line or even at a live event. Sharing a secret or two doesn’t give away the foundations of your business to the masses. Instead, the snippet only proves you to be an authority in what you do best. Just as the sex tapes are never fully lit and often don’t give you the full gambit of skill level, your brand’s sex tape should leave your audience wanting to see more of you.
2.) Always Do Your Best. If your corporate sex tape lacks the skill and polish your audience has come to expect, you’ll leave them disappointed and they are much less likely to come back for more. Although you’re giving a piece away for free, quality still comes first. If by chance the production resources are lacking, learn to play to it. You have to admit, there is something oddly intriguing and creative about “night vision.” On the other side of the token, a 90 minute feature projected that way will drive you up the wall. Know your intention and be empathic to your audience. The information you present and how you present it should be reflective of your brand’s integrity and consumer understanding.
3.) Know Your Partners. Celebrities constantly claim they don’t know how these “cut scenes” get out into the world. For now we’ll just call this the Deliberate Accident. It’s also the way viral marketing and word of mouth work. Find the right partners who will help you trickle your message down to their audiences and sit back and watch the waves of interest come your way. Notice we said the “right” partners. Just because a company or individual is “cool” or well respected doesn’t mean it’s the right one for your brand’s image. Be thorough, and be deliberate.
4.) For Pete’s Sake, Have A Story! The key here is to not leave your audience with a what-the-heck-was-that experience. There’s nothing worse than watching your favorite sex tape celebrity wander aimlessly, fumbling around in a dark room. Find your story, stick to it, and tell it well – and maybe even offer a special incentive or surprise ending for sticking around. You want your audience to be familiar with what their experience will be like – and delivered through a medium that speaks best to them. Any thing else is icing – if done well. If there’s no need for your brand to have a Facebook page, then don’t have one. Otherwise you’ll look silly. Learn to make the experience polished, deliberate and valuable. The idea is really to give the consumer a good show every time, and continually up the ante on your own abilities.
5.) Don’t Fake It. Everyone will know. Consumers are becoming wiser and wiser and have a propensity for knowing when they’re being duped. Be authentic. Be true to who you are and what you represent. There’s no need to do cart wheels and yell and scream, if that doesn’t come from a place of authenticity. If you’re sensual, be sensual. If you’re fun, be fun. If you’re political, be political. Keep your imaging and interaction as a mirror of who you are as a brand.
6.) Too Much of a Good Thing. Notice how there is very rarely, if ever, a celebrity sex tape “Part II.” At the end of the day, those who give too much of their goods away end up alone, broke, unhappy, or with some form of offspring they didn’t intend (remember Pepsi Clear?). It’s why Gilligan was always Gilligan. Sure it was a successful run, but did he get very many acting roles after that? None too memorable. The point here is not to beat your good thing into the ground. People will get tired of it, and they’ll get tired of you. Kenny Rogers said it best. “Count your money while you’re sitting at the table… Know when to walk away, know when to run.” That’s how we grow. The world is abundant, and success can be had many times over… but you have to pay attention.
Keep in mind this “sex tape” of yours is in no way literal. At least we hope not. It can be anything. A video. A promotion. A web series. An event. The choice is yours. Whatever you do, do it well.
Genius Effect truly believes in the power of media convergence. Traditional brands, businesses, and entertainment properties are consistently making agile moves from one medium to the next. If you want good networking, and you want to learn from some of the best people doing it to date, we highly recommend attending any of these conferences. Plus we’ll be there as well! Prices range from free to $600 bucks. Check out the links for more info!
*By the way, please do not attempt to RSVP with us. We’re just the man sitting next to the man. 
Enjoy!
http://producedbyconference.com/
A gathering of the GREATEST PRODUCERS IN FILM, TELEVISION, AND NEW MEDIA. (of course Genius Effect will be there too!)
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday JUNE 5,6,7
For one weekend only — you will have access to the likes of CLINT EASTWOOD, JAMES CAMERON, MARSHALL HERSKOVITZ, KATHLEEN KENNEDY, NORMAN LEAR, AND MANY, MANY MORE.
Learn from the masters at more than 30 seminars. Participate in our first-ever Mentoring Roundtables, where you and nine other attendees can sit for ONE HOUR with the producer of your choice, and ask the questions you’ve always wanted to ask!
____________________________________________________________________
Nordic Games and Film Lounge @ E3
E3 (www.e3expo.com) is back at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and with more than 50 000 people expected to attend from all over the globe, the excitement is building. Digital Media Wire and Nordic Game are pleased to announce that we have joined forces to bring together an eclectic mix of leading companies, talent and celebrities in film and games from the United States, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden to focus on international business opportunities at the intersection of these two exciting media industries. Both days offer great networking opportunities with more than twenty top Nordic and U.S. digital media companies in a relaxed environment just blocks from the noise and crowds of the E3 convention.
Who should attend?
This invite-only forum, lounge, showroom and party will bring together more than 300 executives, producers, investors and financers to focus on the latest international trends in film, gaming and technology at the Figueroa Hotel, all within convenient walking distance from the E3 trade show at the convention center.
____________________________________________________________________
Altered States Media Conference
http://legacy.tft.ucla.edu/festival/index.cfm?action=altered_states
The Altered States Media Conference on June 13th will bring together leading media creators, scholars, and industry practitioners to discuss the future and evolution of media arts, technology, scholarship, and commerce. We are very proud to feature Bran Ferren, one of the most creative and innovative thinkers in America today, as our keynote speaker. Panelists include:
Jesse Alexander, Exec. Producer, Day One, Heroes, Alias
Miles Beckett, Co-Creator/Exec Producer, lonelygirl15, KateModern
David Gale, EVP, MTV New Media
Gregory Goeckner, General Counsel, MPAA
Peter Guber, Chairman, Mandalay Entertainment
Chris Metzen, VP of Creative Development, Blizzard Entertainment
David Neuman, President of Programming, Current TV
and many more…
____________________________________________________________________
by Chris Denson
During the last couple days here in LA, there’s been a tremendous police crack down on people who are operating their phones while driving. Five-O have been posted up on corners simply waiting for the light to turn red and giving tickets to people twiddling around with their phones. Texting, talking, YouTube-ing, downloading, “shazaam’ing,” taking self portraits, or whatever else today’s phones are capable of. I don’t yet know the number of tickets they’ve issued thus far, but when a friend of mine calls me from another part of town saying he’s seeing the same thing – at the same time (and we’re both on our phones) – then there’s definitely the smell of a universal trend in the air.
This got me to thinking. We as a society have become so obsessed with being connected that the government has had to institute LAWS to keep us safe from ourselves. And even still, those laws are broken tens of thousands of times over each day. Even my cab driver was on the phone while toting me around town. So not are we doing this while we’re in the car, or even simply on our phones, but everywhere we go, we are connected to what’s going on with everyone and everything at every moment. Facebook at work, YouTube in the bathroom (I’m guilty), IM’ing during business meetings, catching up on show clips during dinner, Playstation web browsers, and let’s not get started on Twitter or Twitpics!
As a business, its imperative – and often provides a better ROI – that you find ways to reach your audience, no matter where they are. It makes very little difference what your business is – you have an audience. Whether you publish books, have the #1 television show on the planet, design doggie clothes, sell homes, or you’re Joe the Plumber, your audience is there, and they are passionate about your business. Not only are they passionate about your business, but they’re obsessive about exploration and connectivity, in a way that the world has never seen. Gone are the days of the family gathered on the couch to watch how Frosted Mini Wheats brings out the kid in you. Today we’re bringing the kid out in you by offering online games, video contests, branded entertainment, cool in-store events, weird viral videos and a balls out funky good time no matter where you are. THEN you’ll eat the cereal. And after that you’ll keep coming back for more. Even if it means getting a traffic citation to do so.
