Publishing – universal positive

Visual Timeline and PR Case Study: Roger Darnell

March 28, 2024March 28, 2024 by Roger Darnell

In-depth PR case study materials follow. Last Updated 28 March 2024

Josh Swade and Friends, Thanks for the Inspiring Ricky Powell Documentary

February 5, 2024February 1, 2022 by Roger Darnell

YouTube commenter “Heckler 220” mentions thinking about this documentary every day since seeing it: I can relate completely. Everyone who grew up in my generation was saturated with exposure to the Beastie Boys, Run DMC, and all the stars deemed famous by the non-stop pop-culture shock-and-awe of our era. Imagine hanging out behind the scenes with one of the wildest party people given total free range among the glitterati, who had the tenacity, gumption, and skill to capture them all through his camera lens.

That is the scene writer-director Josh Swade and his collaborators plunge us straight into, turning deep admiration and their all-seeing camera toward the world famous Ricky Powell, who lived that feverish dream until leaving us a year ago today at the age of 59. On film,

Frank Marshall: Thank you for the much-needed Bee Gees documentary

February 16, 2021February 16, 2021 by Roger Darnell

To be perfectly honest, I didn’t know how much I needed this film in my life. Expertly directed and produced by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker (“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “Seabiscuit”) Frank Marshall, “The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” is currently streaming on HBO Max. Chronicling the triumphs and hurdles of the phenomenal brothers Gibb, otherwise known as the Bee Gees, esteemed producers also include Nigel Sinclair, Jeanne Elfant Festa, and Mark Monroe.

I was only about five when Barry, Maurice and Robin had their first number one hit in the USA: “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart.”

Famous Images: Street Level Photography 2020

March 7, 2024February 2, 2021 by Roger Darnell

Street Level Photography was born as a community of photography enthusiasts, with particular interest in street photography. On its popular YouTube channel, you will find various contents: Top Selection photogalleries; reviews of books and photographic products; video tutorials to improve photographic techniques; chronicles of photographic travel experiences, and much more. All these themes are fully explored through the common lens and language of photography.

Pippa Ehrlich and James Reed, Thanks for the Octopus Documentary

October 11, 2020October 12, 2020 by Roger Darnell

As you may know, I have a few side-hustles that sometimes play into The Darnell Works Agency’s flow. For example, my original, experimental travel series “Rare Air” draws together my favorite pastimes to immerse viewers in spectacular natural settings. So far in life, these industrious filmmaking adventures have taught me an awful lot about what it takes to create quality entertainment. My education continues.

For as long as I can remember, I have always been deeply inspired by nature documentaries. Today, there are a number of series I tune into regularly to feed my interest. Forging ahead with “Rare Air,” I am now seeing some exciting new dimensions opening up. According to plans made over the past several months, the very next episode will share one of two momentous encounters I’ve ever had with an octopus. For the record, both felt very special.

A few weeks ago, while thinking about sharing that ultra-unique remembrance with others, I was startled to log into Netflix and see promotions for an award-winning documentary entitled “My Octopus Teacher.” Directed by Pippa Ehrlich and James Reed, the story spans a year in the life of acclaimed director, cinematographer and producer Craig Foster, in which he makes an amazing personal connection with an octopus.

Paul Dugdale, Thanks for the Spectacular Jeff Lynne, ELO Documentary

March 25, 2024August 11, 2020 by 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.

Promo video primer: 30 first-class examples

June 22, 2020June 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.

The FvF mixtape series: still going strong

July 15, 2020June 16, 2020 by Roger Darnell

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.

Five Essential COVID-19 Adaptive Marcom Tips, Week of 27 April

August 19, 2021April 27, 2020 by Roger Darnell

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.

Five Essential COVID-19 Adaptive Marcom Tips, Week of 20 April

August 19, 2021April 20, 2020 by Roger Darnell

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.