Unique insights and actionable ideas from The Darnell Works Agency’s daily quest for greatness.
Roger Darnell 
When you think about what music means in your life, isn’t it amazing to consider how essential it is in your emotional scrapbook? I grew up in the 70s and 80s; you can guarantee that whenever I witness a John Hughes movie on a screen, I’m going to pause and savor at least a minute or two immersed in his captivating audiovisual storytelling.
Read morePaul Dugdale, Thanks for the Spectacular Jeff Lynne, ELO Documentary
Back in 2014, a story from Chris Trimble appeared in the Guardian proclaiming video as the future of content marketing, with this dire warning: “small businesses who ignore it do so at their peril.” Since then, video usage has continued to climb, and more and more people and businesses are trying to engage, entertain and educate us with their on-screen storytelling. Bearing this in mind, I’m very happy to share some of the videos I’ve collected working alongside some phenomenal storytellers.
For your reference and enlightenment, I have chosen 10 examples apiece for three well-established niches of corporate communications. While most of these videos were designed for business audiences, each is artistic enough to appeal to just about everyone.
When I last wrote about Friends of Friends – the international interview magazine that illuminates people of diverse creative and cultural backgrounds in their homes and within their daily working environments – the subject was their latest mixtape. At that time it was number 101, and it featured the artist known as Kyson.
Each FvF mixtape offers an amazing contemporary soundtrack for your life, and that is definitely true for the latest. It is number #163, and it features the renowned German electro-pop duo, 2RAUMWOHNUNG.
Being an excellent communications consultant is highly demanding. On top of all the other diligence and expertise, sustaining professional development is challenging – but also, very rewarding. This mindset introduces wisdom from those who have learned to excel through lifelong learning – and mindful sharing. I encourage you to catch this week’s free webinar, “How to Make Better Decisions” from the illustrious Elise Mitchell, and analyze the latest output from her accomplished peers.
Read moreFive Essential COVID-19 Adaptive Marcom Tips, Week of 27 April
I learned a lot in the course of writing my new book, which teaches others the essentials of communications consulting. One key lesson was driven home by OpenText, a company that defines a business of the future as one dedicated to the Continuous Connected Customer Journey. Salesforce.com is equally adamant about us all needing to prioritize happy customers (see http://sforce.co/2fHn7x7). Bear these successful ventures’ well advised handling notes in mind as you review the following.
Read moreFive Essential COVID-19 Adaptive Marcom Tips, Week of 20 April
Award-winning Writer-Director Ben Strang’s “Beast: Chapter 1” debuts on Omeleto on 20 April.
Winner of the coveted SXSW Episodic Jury Prize, “Beast: Chapter 1” introduces teenage boy Daniel, who recruits a mysterious fisherman to learn more about his missing father. Eighteen minutes in length, this suspenseful short has already drawn widespread critical acclaim: Indiewire’s review compared Ben to Steven Spielberg, and his story to “Stranger Things.”
Read moreStream Ben Strang’s “Beast: Chapter 1” on Omeleto, starting 20 April
I’ve written a book over the past few years, aiming to teach others to be highly skilled communications consultants, capable of making invaluable contributions to those they serve, with the ability to live, work and thrive almost anywhere. Thankfully, that research and writing has fortified my job qualifications; suddenly, being successful is infinitely more challenging. Regardless of our experience and skill levels, right now, we all need leaders we can trust to help ground our thoughts and guide our actions.
Read moreFive Essential COVID-19 Adaptive MarCom Tips, Week of 13 April
Cutters Studios, Another Country on Facebook: “Check out all of this year’s Super Bowl spots, via the USA Today Admeter. At Cutters Studios, we’re beyond grateful and extremely thrilled to have been a part of numbers 1, 5, 13, 22, 27 and 38.” Read on: https://admeter.usatoday.com/results/2020
Read moreJeep, Bill Murray win USA TODAY’s Ad Meter with hilarious ‘Groundhog Day’ commercial
During my weekend reading, I had an opportunity to consider what happened during The Great Depression – and its permanent effects on those who endured it – alongside the current pandemic.
Read moreFive Essential COVID-19 Adaptive MarCom Tips, Week of 6 April
A month ago, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Deputy News Media Branch Chief Benjamin Haynes issued his COVID-19 briefing update, reporting on the “very few cases” of Corona Virus in the U.S., and “no community spread.” Mr. Haynes also seized the moment to inform us of impending disruptions to our lives. Today, with most of us ordered to #StayAtHome, the number of domestic reported cases will soon exceed 123,000.
Read moreFive Essential COVID-19 Adaptive MarCom Tips, Week of 30 March