Digital – universal positive

Promo video primer: 30 first-class examples

May 14, 2024June 22, 2020 by Roger Darnell

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.

On-the-go with my hero and mentor Randy Baker

May 10, 2024March 16, 2015 by Roger Darnell

I had some very good luck in my budding career about 22 years ago, when many disparate activities started leading in some positive directions for me. One of those new avenues was my first gig as a television writer, which came about because of prolific producer, director and videographer Randy Baker. Although that project never quite made it on the air, it led to a lot of collaborations with Randy over the next several years, all of which impacted me profoundly.

Before any of that happened, back when I was still a student at the University of Central Florida and president of the film club, Randy was one of the esteemed guest speakers I’d invited in. Already well known for his career achievements and knowledge, Randy’s knack for stepping forward as a local industry leader was in many ways just getting started. So all those years later when I was concepting shows, writing business plans, grant proposals and news releases and doing audio for him on shoots, he was also teaching me what it meant to be productive, to be a leader, to earn money, and to live as a freelance business professional.

Leviathan experiments, inspires and engages

March 21, 2024January 22, 2014 by Roger Darnell

Last month, the principals of creative studio Leviathan decided to unveil their experimental proof-of-concept project entitled “Ghost Box,” which they designed to demonstrate how almost any product of any size can be brought to life by projection with you as the director. Distributed to leading creative industry media outlets worldwide as a video with a short description, the hope was to ignite enthusiasm and excitement around the project and Leviathan’s vision, artistry and craftsmanship. As shown in the demo video, Leviathan’s first application for Ghost Box was an interactive art installation involving music from Waveplant, but they also revised it into a custom car configurator. The video concludes, “Such technologies could be used for anything from a storefront window to a large-scale event,” and asks: “Now that we know it’s possible, what do you want to build?” Here are some responses.

Rogue and Universal Pictures put Ralph on “MacGruber”

April 11, 2024May 25, 2010 by Roger Darnell

The principals of award-winning digital creative agency Ralph recently announced their latest project, the official www.iamrogue.com/macgruber website launched on April 23 for feature film comedy “MacGruber” from Rogue Pictures. In that announcement, Jay Armitage, Ralph’s co-founder and director explained, “This is the first complete website we have produced for a major studio release, and we’ve … Read moreRogue and Universal Pictures put Ralph on “MacGruber”

Case Study: a52

April 4, 2024January 15, 2010 by Roger Darnell

Last updated on Jan. 15, 2010: a52 Earns Continuous Coverage in Target Market and Industry Trade Media, Extends Key Vendor and Client Relationships

“Strategic Public Relations Campaign Keeps a52 Atop Industry Radar”
See also: a52 MEDIA COVERAGE . ELASTIC MEDIA COVERAGE . ROCK PAPER SCISSORS MEDIA COVERAGE

a52, an award-winning LA-based visual effects boutique serving the international commercial, music video and premium-television industries.

Executive Summary
During DWA’s 10-year tenure as the PR agency of record for a52 (2000-2010), projects touched by the immense talents at the LA-based visual effects boutique earned top honors from Adweek, Advertising Age, ‘Boards, Creative Review, Creativity, SHOOT and Shots, top Automotive Advertising, BDA, British Design and Art Direction, Clio, Emmy (Best Main Title and Best Commercial), International Andy, London International Advertising and PROMAX Awards, among many others… and screened at the Museum of Modern Art in the prestigious annual AICP Show each and every year.

Cause Marketing Case Study: MTV Networks International’s “Burma Viral”

March 22, 2024August 6, 2009 by Roger Darnell

Cyclone Nargis hit Burma on May 3, 2008, dramatically increasing the suffering of more than 55 million people already living under the unjust rule of a notorious military government. News of the peaceful 2007 protests of hundreds of thousands of Burmese citizens reached the world over the internet, inciting executives from MTV and Ogilvy and Mather into action. Together, these groups enrolled many key players in creating, distributing and promoting a poignant, dramatic short film, targeted to MTV viewers and influential passionistas worldwide, all to urge the global community to support the people of Burma and donate to relief efforts.

Under Armour Brings Drug-Free Drama Back to Baseball

April 3, 2024March 25, 2009 by Roger Darnell

Here’s a great story from Adrants.com’s Angela Natividad on a new commercial my clients at creative production company Shilo brought to life for Under Armour. “Instinct Fast” stars New York Mets All-Star Jose Reyes stealing two bases in one pitch. The spot also features a theatrical original score from Echolab….read more

Case Study: Crest Digital

March 26, 2024March 1, 1999 by Roger Darnell

Lasted Updated on March 1, 1999: Film, Television, Music Industry, Airline In-Flight Entertainment… Crest National Does It All

“Public Relations Campaign Secures Successful Optical Media Launch and Dramatically Extends Film & Television Post Developments”

Crest Digital: A Hollywood-based provider of motion picture film lab and extensive post-production services since 1961 (including large-format telecine, subtitling, mass audio and video duplication and fulfillment), which had recently launched a full-service optical media operation.

Executive Summary
Back in 1998, Roger Darnell helped Hollywood-based Crest Digital partner with the Women in Film International Summit, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, AFI Worldfest, IFP/West, the Slamdance Film Festival and many others while reaching millions through a balanced cross-media marketing campaign. Campaign media highlights included strategic coverage in American Cinematographer, Billboard, Daily Variety, Film&Video, Game Developer, Millimeter, New Media, The Hollywood Reporter, and other top media outlets.