2008 August | Groovy Like a Movie

the change is coming… and this time I mean it!

August 28th, 2008

We’ve been hearing for several years now that television advertising is becoming an endangered species. TiVO was going to kill the 30-second spot and we as viewers will be awash in product placement and “This Show Sponsored By” promos.

Um… don’t look now, but in a few years, the problem may be that no one is watching TV at all. According to a study mentioned in the New York Times Technology section, 83% of children ages 10-14 spend an hour or more on the Internet per day, compared to 68% in the same age range spend an hour or more in front of the TV.

That’s a bona fide trend, and it is only going to get worse for television advertisers. Even at that relatively young age, a majority of children did research online before making purchase decisions.

What is an advertiser to do? Well… you have to look for innovative ways to get your message out there. Any campaign must have an online component, and online video is becoming more and more popular. You must also develop a social networking strategy. The same study cited by the New York Times says 72% of children aged 10-14 belong to a social networking site (like MySpace). In a few years when this group enters the workforce and develops their own purchasing power, they’re going to be less influenced by television, and more influenced by what they come across online.

Written by Brent Altomare

Categories: news.and.notes Comments: 1 Comment

Lights, Camera, Music!

August 26th, 2008

I am not much of a concert-goer, however, when an artist I love comes along to perform– I’m there. And I was definitely “there” this past Sunday night at the Hollywood Bowl to see Radiohead (one of the greatest bands of our time, if not the greatest). Not only was I blown away by their incredible performance, but I was greatly impressed by their visuals. Just a few years ago, concerts mainly stuck to flashing lights and a camera or two on the band (for those with lousy seats in the back). But now, thanks to technology and creative minds, not only do we get a treat for the ears at these concerts, but a treat for the eyes as well! Radiohead’s set had thoughtfully chosen colors, patterns, and movement that went along with the mood and tempo of the song. The screens showed more than one camera on the stage. They showed each band member as they performed with various filters and colors along with it. This reminded me of a show I had gone to last year for a band called Of Montreal. Not only did they have lights and screens, but instead of showing the band play on the screens, they had animation as well. Not even live video but video made especially for the concert.

Of Montreal
Of Montreal 2007

Radiohead
Radiohead 2008

And all this spectacle does not take away from the performance at all. I would say it enhances it. I think more bands should have videos during their concerts. Musicians are artists (most of them) and with that, artists generally have an appreciation for all other forms of art. In bringing video into their performances, they are sharing their love of other forms of art with their fans as well. Radiohead even has a special relationship with artist Stanley Donwood who is in charge of all their album art. Of Montreal has used artwork by David Barnes, frontman Kevin Barnes’ brother. He has done music videos and album artwork as well.

Music and video have been used together for years, but now it’s in a new, refreshing form.

What shows have you been to that have blown you away aurally and visually (with the use of video)?

Written by Brent Altomare

Categories: inspiration, technology, video Comments: 0 Comments

6 easy steps to be a movie and tv mogul

August 15th, 2008

Here at Groovy, we have the privilege of playing a small part in the syndication of Tyler Perry’s House of Payne. When we landed the gig, I began to do some research on Tyler Perry, and after reading quite a bit about him, I realized that he has provided us with a blueprint on how to become a TV and movie (and theatre and book should you choose) mogul.

1) Take risks – Early in Tyler Perry’s career, he had a string of failures that left him homeless and sleeping in his Geo Metro. But he stuck to his creative guns and eventually struck a chord with his audience.

2) Understand your audience – Had Tyler Perry not had such a keen understanding of his audience, he never would have been able to overcome his initial failure. With a troubled childhood, and the experience of being a young African American male he had a wealth of experience to draw from that allowed him to speak to his audience in a way they’ve not often heard.
3) Have something to say – A large part of Tyler Perry’s success with his audience is that he has a message that resonates. His moral compass comes through strongly in his work, and people respond.

4) Own as much of your content as you can - Of all his accomplishments, the fact Tyler Perry has managed to own almost everything he has produced is probably the most amazing. That’s just not the way things have traditionally worked in the “biz.” Even Steven Spielberg doesn’t own his work outright! Was Perry able to pull a fast one on the studios, or is this the future of entertainment? Only time will tell.

5) Work your tail off – I’m convinced that the man doesn’t sleep. He is completing construction on a 28 acre studio outside Atlanta, just completed production on 100 episodes of Tyler Perry’s House of Payne (and TBS has ordered an additional 28 episodes), is about to release 2 films: “The Family That Preys” (September 2008) and “Madea Goes to Jail” (February 2009), his play “The Marriage Counselor” is currently touring, and he has signed a deal with Lionsgate Films for three additional films.

6) Be damn good at it – Bottom line? Tyler Perry is extremely talented. He is produces consistently high quality work that people want to see, and that is awfully hard to do.

Can everyone do what Tyler Perry has done? Absolutely not. What seems so simple on paper is not as easy to do when faced with the prospect of sleeping in your own metaphorical Geo Metro. Life often causes people to lose the laser-like focus required to pull off what Tyler Perry has accomplished. Add to that the fact that very few people come close to the level of talent that Tyler Perry has, and now you know why he is where he is.

So can you be the next Tyler Perry? Just follow his 6 easy steps and remember to thank me when you get to the top!

Written by Brent Altomare

Categories: inspiration, news.and.notes Comments: 1 Comment

We are certifiably green!

August 13th, 2008

It is official! Yesterday we got our green certification! Everyone here worked really hard at it and it took us only about six months to complete and I think the results are amazing.

Something for us all to be proud of. I hope other companies in San Diego would consider going through the program as well. It is totally painless, it’s good for the environment, and man.. it makes you feel good too..

Check out their website www.sdgreenbiz.org for more info on how you can go green!

Written by Brent Altomare

Categories: green, groovy Comments: 1 Comment

Start off in the right direction

August 8th, 2008

This entry is geared a bit more towards those just starting in the film and video world.

While I’ve only been in this industry about a year and a half, I have noticed one thing about the production industry: NETWORKING IS A MUST.

Now, while networking will help you find jobs and people with equipment and all that… there are certain aspects of networking that I feel are more beneficial:

1. You can take the experiences of others and learn from them. Let’s say you are about to work with HD footage for the first time. Talk to someone who has already worked with HD footage and you can avoid costly mistakes.

2. Networking can provide numerous opportunities to collaborate with others who have similar artistic styles and creative goals. Find good people who are able and willing to work on a project with you and you can produce something you are truly proud of.

3. You can draw inspiration from talking to others and reading forums, etc. Listening to what others have to say about the film and video world will help you realize what you like and don’t like and help you develop your aesthetic.

These benefits apply to ALL parts of production. Now, what kind of blog would this be if I didn’t provide some networking links, hmm? Enjoy.

Forums and more:

Student Filmmakers
Creative Cow

Join Groups:

San Diego Filmmakers
Myspace groups
or better yet… Facebook groups

Craigslist can help you meet people and find jobs!

Spread the word! Inform others about the talented people you know!
For example, here is a talented friend of mine:
Jay Drose

Written by Brent Altomare

Categories: groovy, inspiration, tips.and.tricks Comments: 2 Comments

groovy gives back

August 3rd, 2008

We’re in the middle of our 2-week summer camp for students of the Monarch School. Week 1 was spent learning about film making tools and during week 2, the students will actually shoot and edit two short films.

Over the weekend, we were featured on BizSanDiego’s website for our work with the kids.

Stay tuned! When the films are complete, I’ll post them both here.

Written by Brent Altomare

Categories: giving back, groovy, news.and.notes Comments: 1 Comment

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Archive for: August, 2008

the change is coming… and this time I mean it!

Lights, Camera, Music!

6 easy steps to be a movie and tv mogul

We are certifiably green!

Start off in the right direction

groovy gives back