Those of you who have followed me through the years know that I honor my grandparents each year by carrying on the tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes. A southern Italian tradition that involves at least 7 kinds of fish and in our family tradition, each person must try 13 items, 12 for the Apostles and one for Jesus. I have a bunch of recipes and more of the story on my food and travel blog. 2017 presented a new challenge for me as we have been living in an apartment for the first time in our married lives. No more dual kitchens like my house of 18 years, no more oversized family room and an even smaller kitchen!
Going Airborne for new Georgia-Pacific Image Campaign
Last week I traveled to Brunswick, GA to oversee aerial filming for a new Georgia-Pacific image campaign focused on sustainability. There are many steps and actions GP does every day to ensure the land and water in their communities is protected and will be here for future generations. Trying to explain those ways can be complicated and long-winded. So I developed a campaign that involves just one, maybe two shots in a series of 10 - 15 seconds spots. Each spot is a single message, simplifying the storytelling to help encourage audience retention and social sharing.
New Branding for Georgia-Pacific Corrugated
Really excited to see my new branding campaign launched today. “Life of a Box” introduces new branding for the Georgia-Pacific corrugated division. Taking viewers through a three part story on how Georgia-Pacific produces a better box to help protect the most precious cargo.
Holiday Facebook Live with GP CEO Christian Fischer
We brought the iOgrapher out again today for a great Facebook Live chat with Georgia-Pacific CEO Christian Fischer hosting Major Bob Parker and wife Captain Kathy Parker from The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta's Angel Tree Program.
Gee. Do They Still Make Wooden Christmas Trees?
One of my favorite lines from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" came to mind when I returned to Georgia-Pacific Center after the Thanksgiving break and saw not one but 4 real Christmas trees adorning the main lobby. The main one stands the height of the nearly three story lobby. I honestly can't remember the last time I saw real trees inside a commercial building, but then it makes sense given that GP is part of the timber industry. They're quite beautiful and if you're in the Atlanta area over the holidays, swing by the GP Center lobby and have a look.
New Georgia-Pacific Storytelling launches with "We Are: Brewton, Alabama"
My new storytelling initiative for Georgia-Pacific was rolled out externally this week, "We Are: Brewton, Alabama." It's a few months later than originally planned, but forces beyond my control delayed the external release. But Episode 1 of the series featuring the incredible Glen Freeman is now live.
Taking the Dixie brand to VR by Working Backwards
In order to sell a product well, you need to understand the manufacturing process. The entire manufacturing process. GP Studios was tasked with creating an immersive experience to showcase how Dixie products are made to the internal sales teams. Originally it was planned to start with the papermaking process, however I proposed starting at the very beginning, in the forest. That segment introduced a vital message to the sales team, the sustainability of forests is first and foremost in everything Georgia-Pacific does. Sustainability is a buzzword that can be tossed around, but to visually be reminded that this is more than just a word, turned out to be a key takeaway from the presentation.
Storyboarder is a Great Storyboard App.
I storyboard everything from the most basic project all the way through multiple episode series. I can't draw worth a lick, but even stick figures show the basic idea of what you're trying to accomplish for a given scene. I've always used 4x6 index cards, but when I purchased my Microsoft Surface Pro with the ability to draw right on the screen, I wanted to start storyboarding right on the computer. I started out playing with Sketch.
Video Producer course now available from Lynda.com / LinkedIn Learning
What exactly does a video producer do? Understanding the role of the modern video producer will help you recognize if you have the skills and the mindset to take on the job. A good producer not only knows video inside and out, but also can manage time and money effectively, resolve conflict, maintain morale, and plan logistics. Above all else, a video producer has to be flexible and able to make decisions quickly, on the fly.
In this course, I take you on set and show you how production decisions unfold in real time, whether you're scripting, scheduling, directing crew members, or providing feedback to post. Follow along and explore the responsibilities of a producer in all stages, including pre-production (planning), production (running a set), and post-production (editing and delivery). By the end, you'll have a better understanding of skills and techniques it takes to run a smooth and successful video production. Topics include:
- Scripting and storyboarding
- Casting
- Scheduling
- Running a set
- Paying your crew
- Working with post
- Providing constructive feedback
- Mastering
This course is available through Lynda.com and LinkedIn Learning.
Sustainable Wood Forestry Messaging with Snake Chaps
“Folks, here’s the snake chaps, be sure to put them on so the rattlers don’t get you.” Now THERE’s a phrase I’ve never heard in my 25+ years of storytelling. And let me tell you, that phrase wakes you up in a hurry. Of course my response was, “I make these look good, don’t I?”
Get A Life!: Buckle Up. Always.
This "Get A Life!" installment is a reminder to buckle up anytime you get into a car. Yesterday while leaving work, I was T-Boned by an SUV going the wrong way on a one-way street. It looked the truck was going to come straight through my driver's side door. I had only driven one block from work and was on a city street.
Barry Manilow comes to Atlanta. Hey Barry, I know the Band!
Ok, I don't know 'the band,' I know one really talented musician IN the band! Barry Manilow came to town last night giving me a wonderful opportunity to not only see a classic performer live, but reconnect with a friend. Joey Melotti is a friend I met years ago through a dear friend and also very talented musician, Jayne Olderman.
Filming a new "Video Producing" Course for Lynda.com
This past weekend I got to film a new Lynda.com course on Video Producing. This time Rose and the crew came to Atlanta to do the filming. This time the course is all about Video Producing, or what exactly DOES a Producer do in the modern production world?
Trint: Transcriptions Redefined
A friend pointed me to Trint transcription services. They claim to have redefined transcriptions by creating a superior software algorithm to quickly and pretty accurately turn around transcriptions from audio and video files. I was very skeptical having tried software like this in the past. Well, after trying them out, I am quite impressed.
Telling a New Story for Georgia-Pacific
When I was brought on as the first Creative Director for Georgia-Pacific, the main thing I was tasked with was bringing a new storytelling focus to GP's external communications and branding. In particular, transforming GP from a big corporate brand to people. With over 33,000 people working in over 200 locations across the United States, there are many stories just waiting to be told.
Biscardi Creative Donates Equipment to the Next Generation
When the time came to relocate the Biscardi Creative Media, we knew we had to part with some of our gear as we downsized our working space. While we did sell some of the equipment and furniture, BCM Principal Walter Biscardi, Jr made a determined effort to ‘pay it forward’ to the next generation of media professionals.
Flying Commercial is so Yesterday....
Well, just a month or so into my career at Georgia-Pacific and I got a very special treat this morning. Flying on the corporate jet. With over 200 operations across the US, it just makes sense that GP would have a couple of jets based in Atlanta.
Never Work with Animals, unless it's a Dog and Pony
There's a classic production adage that says never work with children or animals because they can both be difficult to work with. Well, this week we broke that rule by bringing in a dog, pony and monkey into GP Studios.
Get A Life!: Classic Pizzelles
In this "Get A Life" installment I'm talking Pizzelles! Classic Italian wafer cookies that are generally a staple of any holiday gathering. Often flavored with vanilla or anise, these cookies are made quite simply with, essentially, a waffle iron.
Georgia-Pacific is Tourney ready. Are you?
One thing about taking on a new role at Georgia-Pacific… you hit the ground running. March Madness is such a fun part of American sports and we have tons of certified sports nuts working at GP. Our Social Media team was looking for some way to have a little fun with the basketball tournament. So I quickly sketched out a storyboard and hatched a plan with lead on our intranet to recruit ‘actors’ for the spot. This turned out to be so much fun.