In-depth PR case study materials follow. Last Updated 28 March 2024
Visual Timeline and PR Case Study: Roger Darnell
In-depth PR case study materials follow. Last Updated 28 March 2024
Pundits
In-depth PR case study materials follow. Last Updated 28 March 2024
MLK Day of Service 2024
The MLK Day of Service is an opportunity for Americans to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Junior’s legacy through service and volunteerism.
Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’”
Each year, Americans across the country answer that question by coming together on the King Holiday to serve their neighbors and communities. To learn more, please visit https://www.nationalservice.gov/mlkday.
Jonah Hill, thanks for the life-changing “Stutz” documentary
Last October, Netflix released a feature documentary directed by Jonah Hill. It instantly leapt to my attention through the platform’s recommendation engine, but its buzz reached me from all directions. Still, it took my wife bringing it up in January for us to make the time and screen it together. For the record, it has changed my life.
Even in the trailer, Hill acknowledges the oddness of “a patient making a documentary about his therapist” (his words). Beyond that, I find Hill to be a fascinating and multi-talented person, and Dr. Stutz to be a bona fide gem. Even more specifically, with his process and his tools, the good doctor has helped the filmmaker immeasurably. To bring those tools to the attentions of others and facilitate understanding, Hill presents them methodically, then uses his own experiences to bring the lessons home in some surprising and authentic ways.
Read moreJonah Hill, thanks for the life-changing “Stutz” documentary
MODE Studios Visual Timeline and PR Case Study
In-depth PR case study materials follow. Last Updated 16 May 2022
Josh Swade and Friends, Thanks for the Inspiring Ricky Powell Documentary
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,
Read moreJosh Swade and Friends, Thanks for the Inspiring Ricky Powell Documentary
Ting Poo and Leo Scott, Thanks for the Val Kilmer Documentary
For American high school students of the mid-80s, “cable” and MTV radically impacted our perceptions of the world – and of the realm of possibilities. Driven, determined, ambitious, and male, my own dreams of success (focused in aerospace – and/or show business) took high-contrast form under the spells of John Hughes, Randal Kleiser, George Lucas, and Steven Spielberg. “Risky Business” was another phenomenon of time-space that refracted my aspirations. When the bold “Real Genius” and the ridiculous and ballsy “Top Secret!” appeared on HBO, I was star-struck. Next came “Top Gun,” and the alchemy of Cruise, Kilmer and their like cinematically orchestrated by master storytellers subconsciously seized control of my outlook.
Thus inspired, I brought my A-game to the film and television industry. Along the way, through digitalization, cameras became more accessible. Despite not being in position to direct my own “National Lampoon,” I could shoot stuff for fun, experiment, and document my life.
It winds up, while he was living the life millions dreamt about, heartthrob and “Einstein of the 80s” (according to the “Real Genius” poster) Val Kilmer was also shooting stuff for fun, and documenting his life.
Read moreTing Poo and Leo Scott, Thanks for the Val Kilmer Documentary
Promo video primer: 30 first-class examples
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
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
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
