As we end another school year of filming and prepare for the next one, we proudly present our research and thoughts on using video marketing from behind the scenes.

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Private liberal arts colleges are struggling right now as parents question the value of an expensive school and incoming students say they are more concerned about finding a job.

However, small colleges have an advantage in several areas:  sports, extra-curricular activities, small class sizes, and access to experiences that would be impossible for most students at a large university.

We think video marketing can be an effective way for colleges to connect with current and prospective students, as well as alumni.

Here are 7 reasons why:

1) Small colleges have amazing stories to tell

Small colleges and universities typically have a higher percentage of athletes, actors, musicians, artists, and other students achieving remarkable things on a weekly basis.  This is … Read More »

Little known fact, Milwaukee is home to the world’s oldest operating motor speedway, the Milwaukee Mile.  It’s sort of like the Lambeau Field of motor sports (the Packers even played there from 1934 to 1951).

An even lesser known fact is that social media is helping save it.

In 2011, it looked like the Milwaukee Mile was on it’s final lap.  A series of promotional missteps led to lower attendance and some people at the state capitol began discussing a new redevelopment at the site.  Then the IZOD IndyCar circuit left Milwaukee off the 2012 schedule due to attendance issues.

Enter Michael Andretti’s team.

In 2012, Andretti Sports Marketing brought Indy style racing back to Milwaukee at the Milwaukee Mile, in an event called IndyFest.  To help raise awareness, they teamed up 26 volunteers with the 26 racing teams to use social media to tell the race … Read More »

I was just in New Zealand at a conference and visited Hobbiton, the hobbit village set used for Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.  Pictures and a video coming next week. You can subscribe to our blog here.

While in New Zealand, I also had the opportunity to network with social media and technology professionals.  I thought I would share what I found.

When looking at a map or globe, you’ll see that New Zealand is somewhat isolated and is a long way away from its nearest major neighbor, Australia.  Consequently, the cost of internet and mobile is very expensive.  At home, 30 GB of data will run you $53 USD/month, while unlimited internet will cost $70/month.   Combine that with the even higher costs of mobile and you can see why social media, while important, is still growing in … Read More »

If you’re a fan of film, fashion, or just wanna see your favorite movie win the big award, we want to chat.  This is the big event for our industry and we don’t want to feel like the only nerds in town.  Help us out!

Step 1) Check out yesterday’s video guide to the Oscar nominations.

Step 2) Join in the discussion.  Don’t be shy.

Aaron and Caleb will be hosting a live online discussion throughout the entire Academy Awards ceremony:

- On our Facebook page
- On Twitter using @AttentionEra and the #AEoscars hashtag
- Right here below in the comment section as we update winners

First topic for discussion?

The red carpet.

- Who was best and worst dressed at this year’s Academy Awards?
- Do you like or hate Ryan Seacrest’s new hair?

Here’s the livestream replay of it:

Watch live streaming video from theoscars at livestream.com

The 85th Academy Awards Ceremony

- Discussion about Argo winning … Read More »

Two important trends you shouldn’t miss in the marketing world right now:

1) Twitter

I was featured in today’s USA Today Money section in an article about using Twitter to hire people.  I hired a social media manager back in 2011 for a new series I was producing and we only talked via twitter during the screening and interviewing process.  Now it looks like a trend is starting to form.

Twitter is being used for more and more things every day (Forbes offers nine different ways).  Some firms are getting feedback on important decisions in real time (Maker’s Mark should try that).  Others are using it for tech support (Best Buy), customer service (Zappos, UPS, XBox), hanging out with their customers (Applebees), and now interviewing potential candidates for a job.

If you’re not on twitter for marketing (yourself or your brand), now is the time.

2) … Read More »

Today popular photo sharing social network Instagram (owned by Facebook) announced they are claiming the right to sell your photos without permission or payment.

Obviously, this has upset many people.  We thought we’d have some fun with it.

We love photography, but most photos on Instagram are probably not worth selling.  However, we realize that Instagram needs to make money (they cost Facebook $1 Billion), so we came up with the following list of ideas for them to make money by selling your photos for books or magazines.

Let us know if you have any other ideas.

- The Real Housewives of Instagram
– The Instagram Cookbook
– 10,000 Sunsets You Should See on Instagram Before You Die (foreword by Tony Bennett)
– American Kennel Club’s Guide to Instagram Dogs
– Self Portraits of an Instagrammer (featuring Corey Pieper, James Sather and Trey Cochran)
– 50 … Read More »

We’re definitely thankful for a great year and all the amazing people/brands we’ve filmed this year.

However, we thought it would be fun to share five things we’re NOT thankful for:

1) Facebook changes to small business updates in the news feed (EdgeRank)

Basically, small businesses (like ours) have to pay to get their message in front of all their connections now. Sad, since these “fans” opted into getting those messages. Seems like bait and switch, especially sad since social media used to be about message, not about money.

2) Automatic Direct Messages on Twitter

We love Twitter and our entire team uses it like crazy. However, we’re not thankful for all the automatic direct messages we get each day from well-intentioned tweeple. It clogs up our email and makes the DM feature on Twitter nearly useless.

3) Battery chargers that cover up 2-3 electrical sockets

When … Read More »