Thornhill News Digital Storytelling
Monday June 27, 2011 – Week 26, Number 25
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Digital Storytelling As Documentary Process
Creating Programming For Digital Media
The Thornhill News Digital Storytelling Seminar
An interactive production meeting for stories and storytellers
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Your Career, Digital Storytelling & Money
Are you expected to integrate digital assets into your documentary funding proposal? If you, your organization, office or company are planning a film, television show, radio special, Internet presentation or a interactive photo essay, the answer is yes!
To create a digital documentary using a competitive, multiplatform model, your timeline could be 3 years. Also, expect that your expenses might creep to $2 Million dollars or more.
As we each grow beyond social media, Digital Storytelling is turning into a hotbed for collaborative development and ever-expanding production crews. Team members learn from one another and your end product gains from the combined intellect, energy and projections. This means greater expenses.
Producers or project managers have no intention of adopting a new plan or process, at the risk of losing their financial success.
If your associates can’t relate to Digital Storytelling as a genre, try Multimedia, Webisodes, Branded Content or even Branded Entertainment. We offer these and many subcategories in the Thornhill News Digital Storytelling Seminar.
The focus of this leading-edge workshop is showing how to link the many necessary parts – from inception, through creative, technology and production, to traditional or digital distribution and real world business development.
The agenda for my brand of storytelling covers more than 50 items. Each one is offered in a way that shows how to be a winner in the specific category, yet still blend them all into a meld that guarantees continuity and continuous improvement.
And we continue to grow.
The Seminar Agenda - What’s Your Story
1. Introductions
Each person will have an opportunity to identify themselves and their interest.
2. What’s Your Story Concept? Participants will have 10 Minutes each to describe a current storytelling project. It will be hard work to stick to initially describing the story – and only the story.
When you get into production, telling your story sometimes is enhanced by the tools you have for telling the story or making the presentation. A strong voice, attire, props, flipcharts, whiteboards, slide shows or video might help – or hinder the affect. Telling the story sometimes can often be best realized as a simple narrative, then enhanced by the storyteller in painting a scene, constructing a photo essay – or changing your voice to play the parts of each character!
3. Thornhill News Digital Storytelling Checklist - “50 Steps To Documentary Success”
Storytelling is not new. Digital options are available for information collection, processing and distribution as you prepare and deliver your communication.
In the seminar, we discover the list together. In this scenario we expect you, the storyteller, to become familiar with 50 simple steps to carrying your thought-provoking story from a real conversation, to easy tools for interactive distribution, to a successful documentary. This requires learning, hard work and dedicated time. Having a checklist as a reference will surely help. Take notes!
4. Reviewing Digital Media Devices
The first wave is still coming in. Currently, the industry is focused on tablets, smartphones, e-readers and the necessary platforms. These devices are not personal computers.
5. Design Continuity - Concept, Base Element, All Together, Continuous Improvement
Once we have the row of elements we intend to use, we review to make sure that they work together, then to see if there is an over-arching concept. Once we have determined that, a base element is selected. Now - all together – does it look good. Yes, then on to continuous improvement.
6. Business Development
Remember, you are building this documentary to be a financial success. The basics of production are just the first step. You want partnerships, subscribers and sponsors.
Remember, you are building this documentary to be a financial success. The basics of production are just the first step. You want partnerships, subscribers and sponsors.
What is your structure? Is there a timeline? Can you build for growth?
7. Infrastructure
Infrastructure; this all-encompassing word is the overview of facilities, technology, set-up, preparing for hospitality and even making sure that there are fresh roses at each Thornhill News location.
8. Questions
We present regularly in Seattle. In mid-April we will return to Los Angeles. In June, 2011 we visit Pittsburgh and Tampa. If you want the seminar to come to your community, put your request in and let us consider the schedule and all related issues.
9. Work-In-Progress
Just added! You can request an opportunity to give a demo of your work. Digital production is the best, but you can exhibit any level of completion with your project. Different than “What’s Your Story”, bring the work to be distributed, played, exhibited or screened. Survey the audience if you choose.
Only $20 Per Person!
THE NEWS, our detailed event program
The live event gives me a calendar to start, a small, printed publication to distribute and networking with other like-minded, interesting professionals.
It includes:
· The Thornhill News Digital Storytelling “50 Steps To Documentary Success” checklist and up-to-date industry examples and news links.
· Beginning in May 2011, the publication listed “Everyday Resources” a slate of industry stalwarts providing no-cost, e-mailed, daily information reports on individuals, companies and trends in digital media – and the support for digital storytelling they offer.
· In June 2011 we add another important component – money sources. Could additional information help your quest?
· THE NEWS is available only at the seminar.
- The News – Updates - This will continue to grow. We can usually see three months ahead, but confirmations come in slowly.
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Digital Media Devices
Tablet Questions - Which Tablet Is Best For Me?
A Weekly Buffet Lunch.
Monday, August 1, 2011 - 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Live Discussion, A Tablet Questions Bulletin & All You Can Eat Buffet Lunch
$20 Per Person - General Public - Advance Registration Required
$15 Per Person - Thornhill News Subscribers - Advance Registration Required
Registration & Information: Eventbrite (specific information soon)
Old Country Buffet
4022 Factoria Mall SE
Bellevue, WA 98006
(425) 644-5499
Menu Samples
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FCC
The Information Needs of Communities
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
www.fcc.gov/info-needs-communities
The Information Needs of Communities
Press Release
http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0609/DOC-307411A1.pdf
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Writers
2011 LA Film Fest Screenwriter Chat
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckYKS1m6Mk8&feature=player_embedded
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Advertising
Storyteller
www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1x_MwBFigs
New Directors Showcase
www.saatchi.com/new_directors_showcase
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Programming
Ad Age Digital
Web Series 'Fred,' 'iJustine,' 'FreddieW' to Grow
Distribution Through Blip.tv Deal
Collective Digital Studio Brings its Roster of Talent to Blip's Network
http://adage.com/article/digital/online-video-fred-ijustine-freddiew-blip-tv-deal/227871/
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Critic's Notebook: Web TV is just waiting to click
Online television has yet to catch on like the traditional format, but it's just barely getting started and hubs like Hulu, Crackle and Koldcast point to a wide-open future.
www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-ca-web-tv-20110626,0,159877.story?track=rss
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Microsoft: Xbox to become entertainment brand
As much as 40 per cent of activity on the Xbox 360 is related to non-game entertainment according to Microsoft, as the company plans to reposition the Xbox as a more general entertainment brand.
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D9: Sinofsky unveils Windows 8, defends Microsoft (+video)
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For Digital Storytelling Weekly Updates & Calendar
http://digitalstorytellingseminar.blogspot.com/
Concept
Are you planning, producing or distributing a documentary style film, television production, radio special, photo essay or book? You are not alone. The documentary format has become so successful that hundreds of filmmakers around the world have embraced the form and are doing quite well.
Skilled professionals, including name producers, directors and technical support companies have begun their research to tell a story. Even celebrated actors have formed production companies to pursue the thrill of control, ownership and effective storytelling.
Can you build a proposal for a feature-length documentary film – or for a multiplatform television special? These properties can cost $2 Million dollars each. The Thornhill News Digital Storytelling Seminar is designed to help you create that winning proposal.
Many technology companies are enjoying tremendous success because they offer a way for any and every person to document themselves. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and the mighty BlogSpot are just a few of the successes riding the wave of “digital storytelling” and the companion wave of digital media, digital devices and digital expectations.
This year, the tablet computer and downloads on our smartphones give us presentation possibilities from basic color to full-motion video. Even the e-reader has made a strong comeback. There is no turning back.
As creative folks, we are no longer restricted to desktop computers, stand-alone cameras, printers and personal binding. With a Sony recorder, a Flip camera, or even the camera on your iPhone, one could become a walking studio.
The entertainment industries are now willing to review these digital storytelling steps to seek new creative talent, to review works-in-progress and to even build their own television shows and movies.
I am banking on the premise that individuals, organizations, companies and government offices will soon become very sophisticated communicators.
A referral: Today, Every Company is in the Media Game
http://chiefmarketer.com/disciplines/publicrelations/media-game-0707/
With new search, production, and distribution tools being offered every week, I am sure that each of us will want to know how to make our message clearer and our image stronger.
The Thornhill News Digital Storytelling seminar covers owning your story, telling your story and adding digital tools to more efficiently handle information gathering, building your package and product distribution.
In order to insure that you will be competitive, Thornhill News will introduce you to:
-- Digital Storytelling – The “50 Steps To Documentary Success” Checklist
-- Business Development - Partnerships, Subscribers, Sponsors
-- Digital Media Devices - Tablets, Smartphones, Readers, Platforms
-- Digital Media Devices - Tablets, Smartphones, Readers, Platforms
-- Design Continuity - Concept, Base Element, All Together and Continuous Improvement
Digital Storytelling as a work process is a hotbed for collaborative development and production. Team members and workshop participants will learn from one another and your end product will surely gain from the combined intellect, energy and projections.
And please remember, if our thoughts and conversations about business presentations are going to be relevant, some financial gain will have to come from these successes. If your associates can’t relate to Digital Storytelling, try the terms Multimedia, Webisodes or Branded Entertainment. We will offer examples in these and many other subcategories.
To insure that we have a solid program, each of our seminar presentations are delivered in a how-to workshop style that everyone can follow and use.
With new search, production, and distribution tools being offered every week, I am sure that each of us wants to know how to make our message clearer and our image stronger.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure; this all-encompassing word is the overview of facilities, technology, set-up, preparing for hospitality and even making sure that there are fresh roses at each Thornhill News location.
Reorganization
In March I announced that there would be a new profile by July.
Preparing for each seminar requires a high level of administration, financial and marketing planning. A major reason for our upcoming reorganization is to build a proper support system for the hard work we go through now – and for the promised growth we know we will achieve.
I see progress as a bank of administrators helping you through this experience. I see a new focus on establishing a Los Angeles office.
And I see a major structural change. Effective immediately, the Thornhill News Digital Storytelling work will be a part of the Thornhill Design Laboratory. Check the last page for the new stack.
And there is so much more. In my next report, I will give an outline of the new 2011 General Plan. Key to this evolution will be the very important financial planning grid. And for those who have insisted, our advance registration for the Thornhill News Digital Storytelling Seminar will have to leave our discounted rate of $20 and move to $50 per person.
Subscribers
As a nod to our friends and supporters, there will be a season subscription program announced in advance of the rise in individual event prices. Be sure to get on the wait list.
If you want Weekly Updates, go to http://digitalstorytellingseminar.blogspot.com. There is a new deal each Monday.
You Can Participate!
We’re looking for storytellers
The search is on at Thornhill News Digital Storytelling. Tell us your story concept and we could waive your registration fee for the next Thornhill News Digital Storytelling seminar in your area.
Storytelling is not new. Digital options are available for information collection, processing and distribution as you prepare and deliver your communications. When we combine these mighty forces we have the beginning of a magnificent process.
What part of this arsenal can be called interactive? Is a two-way conversation interactivity or are we only interested in digital downloads?
A few words of caution: (1) Start Small, (2) Outline Before You Write, (3) Write And Rewrite, (4) Think About Your Work Before You Talk About It, and lastly, (5) Get Busy With Team-Building.
Our team building is just starting. If you want to know more - thornhillnews@hotmail.com.
Partner
We expect our partners to be active. Each brings a special qualification to the game. Each must be, or become, a great communicator.
Because of our long research time in assembling the Digital Storytelling seminars and schedule, we gathered interest and offers from a nice variety of potential partners. Periodically we will introduce you to these outstanding businesses and link you to the product and personnel.
The first partner for The Thornhill News Digital Storytelling Seminars: Hyatt Vineyards. Shane M. Hyatt introduced me to Hyatt Vineyards years ago. First through the exciting product line and then, with a visit to the beautiful winery in Zilla, Washington.
After meeting with Shane and David Adair, National Sales Manager for Hyatt Vineyards to discuss possibilities, David sent this note: When Leland and Lynda Hyatt established Hyatt Vineyards in 1983, there were less than two dozen wineries in Washington State. Now the total is approaching 700+!
The virtue of owning all of our four vineyards, being vertically-integrated from grape to bottled wine, and our successes in now over 20 U.S. States selling our wines puts our family winery in the forefront of competitive NW wineries.
Add to that our extremely competitive pricing for both the Hyatt brand and our Reserve brand Roza Ridge – the top 10% of our production – and we occupy an enviable position among our many competitors by over-delivering on quality for our very modest prices.
David Adair, National Sales Manager, (206) 284-1951 - vintsel@seanet.com
Special Thanks To
Hyatt Vineyards
David Adair, National Sales Manager
(206) 284-1951 - vintsel@seanet.com
&
The Hyatt Vineyards Liaison
Shane M. Hyatt
Sponsors
A sponsor relationship is a very delicate balance between costs to the sponsoring entity and the benefits they receive in return. At this point, or sponsor fees are minimal. Yet, we can provide major exposure through the digital media industry, the creative communities and to our participants.
Will we have a sponsor for the overall series, or will it be wiser for all parties to take seminars on one at a time? We’re certainly open for that discussion.
We would be happy to talk with sponsorship candidates at any time. The sponsoring entity can be involved in research, the seminars, our tutorial, a printed weekly news booklet, the blog, hospitality and cross-promotions. In our current prototype stage, sponsor costs are minimal.
Benefits to the sponsor will continue to grow with the project. Our greatest return, in exchange for sponsor dollars, is participation in the growth of the Thornhill News Digital Storytelling Seminars and exposure to our audiences through the related events, media and campaigns.
The Thornhill Design Laboratory
Structure
Thornhill Design Lab Workshop
Design Review / Kai Zen
Thornhill News Digital Storytelling
Digital Strategy Seminars - Registration
THE NEWS - Subscribers / Subscription Management
A Blog
Client Services
Case Studies
Extensions
Digital Marketing Planning
Development
Editorial
Design Continuity
Administration
Database Management
Financial Planning
Integrated Marketing Planning
Partners
Sponsor Presentations
Sponsorship Portfolio Flyer
Los Angeles Studio
Schedule
Facilities / Environment
Archives
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For Digital Storytelling Weekly Updates & Calendar
http://digitalstorytellingseminar.blogspot.com/
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Thornhill News
Modern Life & Roses
A new property, The Thornhill News Radio Show, will launch with an audio documentary on
October 6, 2011. From there, the presentation will grow into a multiplatform experience.
Check www.linkedin.com/in/thornhillnewsradioshow.
thornhillnews@hotmail.com
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