“Hopefully this film will become a footnote in the grand scheme.” –Ernie Webb

Last night’s opening night screening of Reel Injun was an exceptional event to kick-off the 10th Annual Native Cinema Showcase. As Jason Silverman, director of Cinematheque at the Center for Contemporary Arts, pointed out in his opening night speech, “this film could be our (NCS) patron film as it explores the exact issues of our focus.” The film was preceded by White Fawn’s Devotion, the earliest surviving film by a native director.

When watching this documentary one feels like a time traveler glimpsing into the decades of the 20th Century with brief flashes of the present-day results of the historic events. The insight of the film is perfectly paired with humor and emotion to make the experience a true adventure through time.

Following the screening, a very enthralled audience was given the opportunity to get into the minds of the filmmakers and participants. Neil Diamond (director), Ernie Webb (co-director), and Chris Eyre (interviewee) shared personal stories of the making of the film, their inspiration as Native filmmakers, and the childhood experiences that illustrated the effects of the “Hollywood Injun”, chronicled in the film, on these three men.

Anyone who missed the amazing event should catch the rescreening on Saturday 3:00PM at the Cinematheque.  Another NCS featured film directed by Diamond and Webb, The Last Explorer, is screening on Saturday at 12:45PM at the Cinema at the Cathedral, and is sure to be another example of the true artistry of these individuals.

We thought we would take an opportunity to share some of the items that are a part of our everyday lives here in the Bullpen, and when we’re out and about.

• We have been test-driving a new stereo on Dee’s desk in the Bullpen courtesy of Bose.  The new Wave Music System with SoundLink arrived a couple of days ago, and we have been blasting it non-stop.  We already have two of their Home theater-type systems here, but we were looking for something that offered a robust sound in a compact space. We were jamming Sublime a few minutes after opening the box.   The nifty thing about this system is that we can send the music remotely from any of our Macs via the SoundLink wireless transmitter.  We dig it, so we’re going to get a couple more.

• Despite the mass hysteria induced by the advent of the eagerly anticipated iPad, we don’t plan to ditch our trusty Kindle devices so hastily.  While some of us still prefer the tactile feel to a real book, the digital ink is more comfortable to read for longer periods of time than a monitor display.  Rich uses the new Kindle reader on his BlackBerry when he doesn’t have his Kindle handy, and says it allows him to read anything in his library when he is waiting for an appointment or a long line at the bank.

FYI: We will be reviewing the iPad within the next few weeks, so stay tuned for that if you work in our industry, as we will be tricking them out for our use.

• All – yes, all – of us carry a Verizon MiFi intelligent mobile hotpot.  Weighing in at a super-sleek 2 ounces, it allows us to connect up to 5 wi-fi-enabled devices at once for hi-speed online access.  Ken has one hidden in the armrest of his truck, so when he is on location, his truck is a literal hotspot for his MacBook Pro and BlackBerry (since he is on AT&T, this boosts his connectivity via wi-fi).  If he needs it, he just reaches into his armrest and drops it in his messenger bag.

Full Disclosure: We have an exclusive relationship with a Los Angeles-based Verizon partner, so we get our MiFis at a majorly HUGE discount with NO contract or other fees.  If you would like us to connect (pun intended) you with that company so you can take advantage of the same deal, shoot us an email.

• As mentioned previously on this blog, we use Flip UltraHD video cameras, and find them useful for a broad range of situations.  All of our Unit Publicists carry one “just in case” an interview or other video/photo op comes up while on location.

• Rich picked up an Altec Lansing Orbit Speaker for his MacBook Pro and absolutely loves it.  He uses it in his office and throws it in his bag when he hits the road – turned out to be a total necessity during recent business trips to South by Southwest (SXSW) with all the demos delivered to him.  It is compact and really affordable at 40 bucks!

There you have it – a few little odds and ends that make our life a little easier…and more fun.

Here in the HR Department, we have all been inundated with literally hundreds of internship inquiries.  After several hours of reviewing some rather pathetic introductions, I thought it best to post the following hints for what we prefer to see as your professional self-introduction to our company.  (I should issue a brief disclaimer in that I did not intentionally set out to vibe on some of our previous blog entries…but SERIOUSLY people…)

Presentation should not be thrown out the window because the Internet seems somehow less formal or impersonal to some.

While recently reviewing employment inquires sent to my email, I was greatly disappointed to find applicants attaching professional resumes’ to poorly drafted emails, and sending from inappropriate email accounts.

Let me clarify:

• Emails are not text messages or informal notes to a friend.  A professional email should resemble a formal letter and, as such, include a heading, inside address, greeting, body, complimentary close, and a signature.  A standard email contains a subject and recipient entry field, which act as the heading and inside address.

• The writer of the email is responsible for including a greeting, body, complimentary close, and signature.

• The greeting and closing should be appropriate for the sender, recipient, and subject of the email.  Do not greet with “Hey” or “Hi,” or close with “Laterz” (I actually read this closing to an email).

• All portions of a formal letter, and thus an email, should be mechanically correct: proper spelling, grammar and punctuation, and clear and concise language (don’t *&$^*#% ramble).

• Any written documents, including formal letters and emails, should be drafted, reviewed, and edited at least once, but additional edits should be completed as needed.

• Many email editors allow users to create a standard signature.  Whether a standard signature or entered signature is used, this part of a formal letter should include all relevant and current contact information, including First and Last Name, phone number, and email address.  Additionally, after drafting a complete professional email do not send from hotmama69@… or all of your hard work and attention to detail will immediately become irrelevant.  If you must, create an email account that includes all or part of your name such as JohnD@… or JDoe@… These account names are not particularly creative or individual, but these characteristics should be portrayed in a cover letter, resume, or personal interaction, and not in an email account.

Please put this advice to use and improve your professionalism online today!

Genevieve Gonzales

hottmamafosho@1680PR.com

Those who follow our blog will surely note that I am usually the one to rant in a semi-sardonic vibe.  I can’t help it; it is just the way I’m built.  It also makes it more fun for me to address certain topics sans my typical eye rolling since the reader is not in front of me to note my visual cues… however, it is time to re-visit a topic which I speak about quite frequently: the difference between PR and Publicity.

Public Relations (PR) is a communications practice.  It is strategic in nature, requiring diligence in research, planning, more research, and surgically precise implementation to achieve a prescribed result.  The best PR professionals use a wide array of new media technologies combined with traditional methodology to create an engineered perception of your story, idea, product, identity, etc. by the public-at-large, internal constituents (Stakeholders, Board members, etc.) or other targeted demographic.

In all cases, well-executed PR campaigns and initiatives are not only seamless – they are invisible.

To that end, 1680PR, along with a handful some of the world’s leading agencies and boutique firms, does not list its clients on the web or other collateral materials for a totally simple reason: the public-at-large tends to frown upon any feeling of its perception about a person, product, company, etc. being manipulated or influenced by anyone other than its own peer members or organizations.

Publicity essentially is the act of getting attention, rather, earning attention (as in attention that is not paid for): printed articles, interviews, blog postings, etc.  Marketing Master Seth Godin sums it up nicely as, “…getting ink.”

While generating publicity is a component of public relations practice, the two terms are not interchangeable.

I continue to find Godin’s recent charge that “most PR firms do publicity, not PR” to be an unfortunate, yet spot-on, assessment of the current state of the industry in general.  1680PR understands the difference, and now, so do you.

Let’s talk about your needs.

I’m not a snob.  I know the title of this rant indicates I am, but, you have no idea what my everyday-business-world entails, and how many crappy scripts have found their way onto my desk.  So, please just take my word for it: I am not a snob.  That being cleared-up, let me offer some further clarity as to what it is we do here.

First and foremost, 1680 is a Public Relations firm.  In a nutshell, we develop and initiate ways to best communicate whatever it is that our clients wish others (internally or externally) to perceive about them.  We get paid to do this.

If you have done your homework, you know that we have a “Talent” department at 1680 – actually, on the website it lists “1680 Talent,” so just nod your head and agree with me.  The “Talent” we refer to generally fall under three categories for our intents and purposes: literary, intellectual, and entertainment.  This is where you – the screenwriter, author, etc. – would most likely position yourself to pitch your idea.  You may have heard rumors that we invest in Film and TV projects…well…we do; however, those special projects are developed within the context of our original Think Tank (also referenced in our website), and are not produced by 1680, per se.

1680 talents are people/productions whom we represent, rather, we represent the intellectual property and/or particular skills they possess; e.g. scripts and treatments, book ideas, dramatic performance, public speaking, etc.  We get paid to do this, too; but in most cases, it comes out of what is called the “back end” – meaning we get paid after the talent does.

Now, if you believe you would benefit from having our agency “shop” your script and you around the block to the production house powers-that-be, we most certainly welcome you to begin a dialogue with us…our way.

The Aforementioned “Our Way”

• Inquire via email to talent@1680PR.com to find out if, in fact, we are currently looking for new talent.  Please do not inundate us with phone calls.
• Patiently wait for a very nice person to reply with information (via email, or perhaps a phone call) on what the next steps are, and possibly a request for materials or more information.
• In any event, DO NOT waste your time trying to cold call (an industry term applied to someone who shows up on our doorstep uninvited, consequently giving us the impression that they are totally insensitive and ignorant) on us at our offices, because we will not authorize your entry on lot without an appointment.  Whereas, we realize that you are special because your script is the best ever written and surely will be an award winner, THIS APPLIES TO EVERYONE, EVEN YOU.
• Don’t send anything to us that we haven’t requested in previous dialogue.  We won’t read scripts and treatments sent without our request.  They will be used to make avant-garde sculptures, fire kindling, or end up in one of our many round files.

There you have it.  Basically, if you respect our time, we’ll respect your effort, and the world will work in perfect harmony.

Now get back to work on the 22^nd re-write of your totally original script about a vampire or wizard…

First of all, let me be the first to say that all of us at 1680 recognize how amazingly blessed we are (most especially in today’s economy) to not only have jobs and plenty of work, but to have killer jobs and killer clients we love. I will say it again: we are truly blessed…and we’re hiring.

So before HR hands me another stack of what I will undoubtedly refer to as “crap”  (a professional term we use in PR), please take a moment to read what separates “prospective” from “no-chance-in-hell” candidates.

1. Follow the simple instructions found in the “Careers” section of the 1680PR website.  This is not only a commandment, but also demonstrates you can follow the simplest of directives.

1. In the unlikely event that I specifically tell you to contact me in a specific manner regarding internship or employment, and further direct you to provide a specific set of information in a specific manner or format, well…just do it that way.

1. Please don’t cold call us to say you’re friends with “so-and-so” and leave a verbal resume’ on our voice mail.  If you really are a “friend” of one of our employees, colleagues, or trade associates, list them as a reference on your cover letter and resume’.

1. We look for qualities and character hallmarks of applicants, not just skill sets.  What that translates into is I am just as apt to train someone who demonstrates they are a “go-getter” and “mover –and-shaker,” as I am to hire someone who has experience.  If you are willing to put the time into learning what we need you to, you are already half way to finding yourself a place here.

1. THIS IS A MAJOR TIP: Before you contact us, take the time to research what our corporate climate is like: e.g. are we hip and culturally relevant, or ultra-conservative and stuffy…what services do we offer our clientele…what trends are in our social media streams, etc.?

1. If you score an interview for internship or employment, come to the interview ready to play.  What this means is, if you don’t know what you bring to the table, I won’t offer a seat to you.  It is like a first date: impress me by being impeccably dressed, on time, and prepared.  If you don’t have a suit or other appropriate corporate outfit, borrow one if possible.  At the very least, iron that shirt or blouse, and clean/polish those shoes – even if all you have are sneakers.  Even though most of the positions available at 1680 carry a relaxed dress code – jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers – there will always be occasions requiring traditional conservative corporate dress.

There you have it, kiddos.  It isn’t rocket science.  Good luck.

See you in the Bullpen…

A few days ago, a woman named Linda stopped at a gas station for a fill-up. While closing the lid to her car’s fuel hatch, Linda noticed an elderly woman struggling to fuel her own little car.   Linda asked the old woman if she could use a little help, and proceeded to finish what the frail elder had been laboring to do.

With the small deed finished, Linda left the corner “gas & sip” and headed down the block to the local grocery store.  Having picked-up a few odds and ends for the week’s meal plans, she arrived at the check-out lane which was six people-deep, and was amused to find herself behind the same elderly woman she had briefly assisted at the station.

As the two women engaged in what most people consider “small talk,” the elder woman mentioned that she lived alone just a block away from the store.  Seeing that the woman was having trouble managing the shopping cart and its contents, Linda offered to follow the elder woman home to help carry the groceries inside.

Though I was not present to witness these events, I do know that Linda herself surely experienced her own difficulties while helping the old woman – difficulties she would not complain about.  I know this for two reasons: first, Linda is disabled: her left arm and most of the left side of her body are not fully functional – residuals of a horrible vehicle accident; second…well, I’ll get back to that in a bit.  Please read on.

As professionals in today’s business world, some of us (myself included) tend to find nationally observed holidays to be an inconvenient interruption of work flow and agenda.  I confess to having uttered on scores of occasions something like, “the deadline is such-and-such date because so-and-so’s offices are closed on [ insert any holiday here ]!”

I’ll step a little further out on the plank and admit that I have – on even more occasions – found myself sitting behind the massive desk in my office on many holidays literally questioning my associates’ work ethic because they were spending well-deserved time off with their own families.  The nerve of some people…

I’ve decided to do things differently this year for the Thanksgiving holiday.  Instead of inconveniencing my family by making them plan their day around my self-imposed work schedule, I’m taking Thursday and Friday off.  Barring any client’s unforeseen need for emergency social triage (after all, I am in public relations), I will enjoy my turkey at a traditional time with my family.

Oh yeah, that second reason…Linda is my mom.

As for the elderly woman who lives alone (almost said “in a shoe” – where did that come from?), I’m setting a place for her at our table.

I find it interesting that so many of our contemporaries and peers in the field of Public Relations list their own case studies. Don’t get me wrong, I believe in sharing information as an educational resource, but I am of the opinion that some companies often blur the line between name-dropping clients and providing a factual study that offers valuable merit.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far away…

Ok, not really, it was recently in the great Southwest that one of the region’s mega-churches erupted under the explosion of a major leadership crisis. Arguably fielding the largest constituency in the city – and the state – the church’s lead staffers were under pressure to address the congregation’s questions, the undercurrents of which were already causing a schism.

It was amidst a media maelstrom that the principal leaders brought in the region’s leading PR firm to help “manage” the communication stream, with the intent of reducing the growing division within the church’s several thousand-member constituency. What happened after all of the smoke cleared is not the point; I don’t want to harp on the failure of that scenario. Suffice it to say; however, that anytime an audience perceives they have been manipulated by “slick” PR overtures, trust is reduced – if not obliterated – in the relationship.

Fast-forward to the present. A perusal through the aforementioned PR firm’s website lists the mega-church as one of their top-tier clients, but that’s not all –

It actually briefly details the scope of their engagement for the debacle.

Yes, dear reader, they actually reference how they influenced people’s perception of the situation and the key leaders.

I’m anonymously sending that firm a copy of Chris Brogan’s book Trust Agents…

In summary, I believe case studies should provide a blueprint for learning. In retrospect, maybe that firm was attempting to demonstrate what not to do crisis situations – although I doubt it, since it isn’t referred to that way…in any way, actually. No, my friends, this was – and is – most definitely a case of name-dropping for reputation building.

We’re often asked why we don’t list our PR clients – some of whom are well-recognized individuals, brands, and corporations, – on our website and in our collaterals. The answer is simple: it conflicts with my personal philosophy regarding what I believe to be good PR practice:

Successful PR campaigns are invisible. Properly implemented, PR strategies foster positive perceptions of our clients’ goals in a transparent, thought-provoking manner. Transparency is key, truth is paramount, integrity is essential.

We measure our success by the outcome of our collective efforts. If we do our jobs well, then the politician, celebrity, brand identity, or corporation you read about next, just might be one of our clients…and you will not know it.

Lately, it seems more of my clients ask me for travel advice: essential tools and gear, general habits, where I get my shoes shined, how I show up at the crack dawn – or late at night – refreshed and ready to roll, etc. As I am actually on a layover from Hell right now, there’s no better time than the present to list my personal travel routine.

Most of you will probably think I’m nuts when I reveal my first and foremost personal travel practice: If I am travelling for business pursuits, I always dress in boardroom business attire – as if I am on my way to broker a billion-dollar merger. This includes the appropriate seasonal weight suit, tie, silk knots (saves time in security, and I tend to save the cuff links for after 5pm) etc. I also do NOT wear “airport-friendly” shoes because they contradict the rest of the ensemble.

Before you decide I am insane, allow me to explain…

After the pleasantries are exchanged and I have settled into my seat, the inevitable question always arises: what do you do for a living? I believe in first impressions; blame it on my Mother. I present the appearance that I most certainly would be the person a multinational corporation, screen celebrity, musical act, or politician would entrust the management of their most trusted asset – their name – to.

To be quite honest, I have been fortunate to generate several worthwhile business relationships, and more importantly – new client business – during airline flights and layovers. More than enough to justify the extra fuss and muss…

Another reason I preach about the principles of well-dressed travel is that there is a certain amount of biased stereotype that I employ to my advantage when doing so; e.g. I am less likely to encounter negative resistance from airline personnel if I look like I could own the plane someday. Sounds funny, but I never get bumped from last-minute-booked flights on standby; the guy next to me in the torn Motley Crue t-shirt (that’s not to say I don’t actually have one of those…I do.) usually does.

This is my golden, numero uno, nearly unbreakable rule – even when I’m on an overnight flight to Shanghai.

My Bag(s) and What’s Stashed In ‘em

In accordance with my primary rule, I believe that messenger bags are for college kids. I will go against that notion every now and again, but not often. If I do, I prefer Chrome Messenger bags, especially when on longer journeys abroad. My Chrome bag is obnoxiously huge and wicked-sturdy; I can carry a small car or livestock in it…

I usually carry a leather and wool briefcase made by Pendleton. It is not terribly roomy, but provides a certain weathered look that is distinctive when I’m standing in line or in a meeting with twelve other people who have leather briefcases.

1. I also carry a tiny, key-chain sized thingy that turns into a decently roomy handbag. It comes in handy if you happen to need an extra bag for shopping, or if you are out buying dozens of bootleg Blu-ray DVDs in the outskirts of a Chinese metropolis, and need something to carry your spoils in…of course I’m just assuming it would.
2. A MacBook Pro provides all the mobile muscle I could ever possibly need; however, for smaller jaunts…
3. …my BlackBerry Bold is always attached to me. Seriously, it should be surgically grafted to me. I use the phone to manage my multiple email accounts, navigate routes, and read my essential RSS feeds to keep on top of what I need to know. I have the number, directions to, and in some cases the management info, of the restaurants of note in the cities I conduct business in most frequently loaded into it – saves time when scheduling a last minute meeting, or if I’m lucky, a dinner date. I also watched last season’s cliffhanger episode of NCIS on it while on a recent trip to Vancouver…
4. My Flip mino HD video camcorder is an essential tool for memorializing everything from Will Witherspoon’s moves on the NFL field, blog content, and behind-the-scenes footage and interviews on movie sets, to what I’m eating at a Rifle Club Fish Fry (true story) in an obscure area of Illinois. All of the unit publicists at 1680 carry one.
5. Longer travel itineraries call for excellent headphones. I have recently switched from Bose to beats by Dr. Dre. I prefer their Studio model, even though they are bigger than the Tour model earbuds. The added bonus is they replace my earplugs when I just need quiet time.
6. A titanium flash drive. Always.
7. Verizon Broadband ExpressCard – don’t use it as often as I used to with all the increase in Wi-Fi availability, but it is always on me if I need it.
8. Peter Shankman recommended the Monster Power Outlets to go 4 a while back, and I am so happy he did! This nifty gadget allows me to charge/power multiple toys at once, which is really handy in airport terminals where there aren’t enough outlets to go around.
9. I am absolutely sold on the benefits of Isagenix nutritional supplements. I always carry a couple of IsaLean Bars and some Want More Energy? Sticks (you mix them with bottled water, so it is totally convenient) to make sure my body is fueled for the road warrior battles.
10. The clear zip-lock baggie we’ve all come to know and love in the security lines contain the following: a small Evian Brumisateur Natural Mineral Water facial spray – a few pumps of the nozzle on my face and neck instantly recharges me; Benadryl; Tide to go mini Instant Stain Remover; small tube of Aveda Hand Lotion; couple of sanitizing towlettes; allergy-relief eye drops, and a toothbrush and paste.
11. I keep time with a GMT Master II – an old-school classic that is great for tracking dual (and even triple) time zones. It is very handy when managing contacts in other parts of the globe.
12. My passport cover is purposely bright red – helps me keep an eye on it when travelling with a group through customs.
13. A book. I mean a real book – not a Kindle, or similar reading device – I just like the old-school tactile sensation of holding paper. I still read the Times in print, despite having a subscription on my Mac. In the Spirit of Crazy Horse by Matthiessen is in my bag now.
14. A small Moleskin notebook with pocket for miscellaneous receipts, notes, etc. I always have a Mont Blanc pen on my person – goes with that whole, well-dressed practice.

On the Ground

1. I always have a Ken Onion pocketknife on me, no matter what I’m wearing. I am a big fan of the “Random Leek” model that has a semi-automatic opening system.
2. If I have a major layover, I retreat to the Delta Crown Club, if there is one in the airport. The opportunity to relax, take advantage of the amenities, and be productive is definitely worth the annual fee.

I wish we had a nickel for every time someone raises the following complaint: “I can’t believe they printed that! I said it was ‘off the record!’”  We’d be retired already…

One of our chief suggestions to our clients is to never mention anything to a reporter or media contact that isn’t “fit to print.”

Never.

Ever.

A reporter’s job is to gather as much information as possible to frame the reference for their pitch or story assignment.  Despite the utterance of phrases like, “off the record,” and “confidentially speaking,” there is nothing tangible that binds the interviewer to some code of silence.  If it is said, it is open game, and chances are that juicy piece of insider information may lend itself to the validity of the angle the reporter is looking for, or a testimony in itself.  Contrary to what many believe, the story – or interview for the story – is not under the control or direction of the person being interviewed.

This goes hand-in-hand with another complaint we hear: “I (we) never had a chance to proofread the story before it ran!”  Most credible reporters do not share what is intended for print/broadcast with the parties that were consulted/interviewed.  If a reporter were to clear the story, or allow the story’s source or subject editorial control, there would be no journalistic integrity – or merit – to the coverage.  It would simply viewed as a non-credible, non-objective “advertisement” opportunity for the interviewed subject’s own interest.

PR professionals know how to distill the important copy points into a concise, appropriately transparent communications package geared specifically for press consumption.  We know what the press is looking for, and how to maximize the coverage.  We know how to leverage the positive points of your interests and agenda to ensure favorable media exposure.

Any media contacts want to weigh in on this blog topic?  The floor is open for comments.