Inspiring Ideas For A New World

It is incredible when you find something or someone that inspires you.  Recently, I have been checking out the TED.com website and its “Best Of The Web” speeches.  If you have not checked this site out, I would highly recommend that you do!  TED’s Executive Director, Chris Anderson has helped launched a site for organizations and individuals to share video of their inspiration or ideas with millions of viewers online.  This is a monumental time of change in the way we communicate and TED.com is an incredible way to share ideas with the world.  It is very powerful!

One of my favorite innovators, Bobby McFerrin has a video that was posted on the  “Best Of The Web” site.  Bobby appeared on a panel at the World Science Festival in 2009. He is featured demonstrating audience participation with the ubiquitous nature of human understanding of the pentatonic scale.  He sings and dances, and has the audience sing while following his movements.  Wow!  He is an amazing innovator and has captivated the audience.  I have posted the link at the end of my blog so you can take a look for yourself.

Bobby McFerrin has been inspiring me for years.  When I was working on my undergraduate degree at Western Michigan University, I performed with McFerrin with my college vocal jazz ensemble, Gold Company.  He was at the top of the charts back then with his well-known hit “Don’t Worry Be Happy”.   I remember that he had the audience captivated with his vocal abilities.  One of the audience favorites was his performance of the Wizard Of Oz in five minutes.  He sang and performed a recap of the classic film live on stage.  It was one of the most creative and entertaining moments I have witnessed on stage. 

As a vocalist, McFerrin often switches rapidly between modal and falsetto registers to create polyphonic effects, performing both the main melody and the accompanying parts of songs. He makes use of percussive effects created both with his mouth and by tapping on his chest. McFerrin is also capable of multiphonic singing; as observed in his song "Drive" from the 2005 DVD Live in Montreal.  I really do not know anyone else in the world capable of singing two notes at the same time.  He is truly an inspiration to the music and vocal jazz community.

 

Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_McFerrin

Retrieved from: http://www.ted.com/talks/bobby_mcferrin_hacks_your_brain_with_music.html

The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences

            I was recently on the website of The National Academy Of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS).  The reason for my visit was to vote for the current Grammy Award nominees, as I’ve been a voting member for the past ten years.  While I was there I re-discovered all the fantastic programs that NARAS has that support their members. Since this organization was created by and for music industry professionals, I thought I’d tell you about NARAS and three major programs that support their members. The member support is provided through the Producers & Engineers Wing (P&E Wing), GRAMMY University Network (GRAMMY U), and the MusiCares program.

            The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, recording engineers and other recording professionals dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for music and its makers.  The Academy has twelve chapters in key cities throughout the United States.  In order to accomplish their mission, The Recording Academy has developed these chapters to provide industry service and program development. These chapters serve their members and ensure a truly national scope to their endeavors.  

            The Academy has recently launched the Producers & Engineers Wing (the first of several planned wings), which encompasses an ambitious program of regional outreach aimed at serving all their members.  The P&E Wing is made up of producers, engineers, mixers, and other technically involved professionals. It is composed of almost 6,000 members. The Producers and Engineers wing assists with services related to the recording profession. They also support music and recording arts education. The P&E Wing advocates professional usage of recording technology as well as the preservation of recordings.  The members of this division make up a large portion of those who vote for the Grammy Award nominees each year.

            The GRAMMY University Network is an organization for college students who are pursuing a career in the music industry.  The Recording Academy created the Grammy University Network to help students prepare for a career in the music industry.  The program helps students establish themselves as music professionals in the field. They do this through forms of networking, interactive educational experiences and programs as well as performance opportunities.  The program is designed to enhance students’ current academic curriculum with access to recording industry professionals who can give them perspectives on entering the recording industry.

            Lastly, I’d like to discuss a program that directly affects the lives of music professionals. The program is called MusiCares. The mission of MusiCares, from the NARAS website (www.naras.org) states: "We provide a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. The services and resources available cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated individually with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community."  Check out www.naras.org for more great information about these programs that provide a huge direct impact to the recording community.

It is clear that NARAS is an incredible organization that supports music industry professionals.  Each year around the holiday season, I research charities to support with a personal donation.  I think MusiCares is the perfect choice for my holiday charitable donation this year.  

The Master of Art

              It was a beautiful weekend, perfect for the 35^th Annual Festival of the Masters event at Walt Disney World.  I have worked for Disney for almost 14 years and yet, I have never attended this event.  This year I decided it was time to go because the event was benefiting The Red Chair Project, an Arts organization that is near and dear to my heart.

The festival takes place at Downtown Disney Westside and features amazing art from top artists.  Artwork mediums include photography, glasswork, paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, jewelry, leather & wood, mixed media and collage, as well as Digital.   Artists must have been a primary award winner in a juried art show or festival within the last four years to qualify to show at the festival.  Because of this exclusitivity, it has become one of the most sought after art festivals in the country. 

There was an abundance of creativity at this event so I was compelled to write about it on my blog.  The House of Blues displayed an array of Folk Art that was earthy and many interesting pieces caught my eye.  The Central Florida Chalk Artist Association was there in full force.  They decorated the sidewalks with amazing chalk art.  I even bumped into some of the cast members from Cirque du Soleil.  They were out meeting and greeting in the face painting and balloon animal area.  The kids had their own creative space near the LEGO store.  A LEGO master builder was out helping the kids with building their own amazing LEGO art.

The biggest surprise of my day was the opportunity to get a first glimpse of Epic Mickey, a new Disney Interactive online game.  The game is set to launch to the public at the end of this month.  It has the potential of becoming a huge hit for the company.

It was an event that was well-organized, creative, fun, entertaining, and best of all showcased some amazing art for a wonderful charity.  I will definitely make it a priority to attend again next year! 

Developing a Creative Team

Entertainment companies are continually looking for new ways to improve business results and profitability.  A strong team is required to deliver the results necessary to achieve these goals.  Recently, I have been researching team development and the qualities needed for my own company.  The three most important qualities required to work for my organization are leadership, innovation, and communication.  Determining these qualities have been an interesting process that I would like to share with you. 

The most important quality I require for my team is leadership.  All senior members of my team must be strong leaders.  They need to motivate others to reach the goals of the company.  Leaders will be empowered to make decisions about how to best serve the customers.  This builds trust and motivates them to produce quality work.  Each member should also share the values of the organization.  These values include honesty, integrity, diversity, openness, courage, balance, and respect.  A strong leadership team with common values is essential to the future success of my organization.

For my company, it is important to create a culture of innovation.  Creativity is an essential asset for each of my team members.  My creative company would not work without highly creative individuals.  The team needs to develop compelling entertainment that captures the attention of our customers.  In addition, we need to be innovative in our thinking of the business.  How can we create quality content while keeping our costs low?  It requires a team that is creative in developing new ideas for both business and content. 

Communication is also an important factor for me as I develop a winning team.  It is imperative for employees to be open and communicate their ideas and thoughts to the overall team.  A healthy debate is good for the organization and I want my company to have the tough conversations necessary to move us forward. Each member will also need the skills necessary to effectively present their ideas clearly and concisely.  

A strong team is so important to the success of any organization.  One person cannot do it all by themselves.  Careful consideration is required when developing a team.  For me, each candidate must have strong leadership skills, embrace a culture of innovation, and be effective communicators.  I believe these qualities are the recipe for a winning team.

References:

Retrieved from:  http://www.learningcenter.net/library/communicate.shtml

Retrieved from:  http://humanresources.about.com/od/involvementteams/a/twelve_tip_team.htm

Retrieved from:  http://www.entrepreneur.com/growyourbusiness/howtoguides/article83618.html

Fusing ideas together to create compelling entertainment

Recently I have been thinking of fusing entertainment together to create something fresh and exciting.  I believe this idea of merging two things together can lead to innovation.  This was brought to my attention by an article I read regarding a classical ballet company that collaborated with a Hip Hop musical group.  The ballet company had a desire to attract a new audience to their productions.  These two worlds seemed to be at odds with each other.  However, the creativity from each group blended together to create a compelling performance.  The result was something that increased the visibility and profitability of both groups. 

So I jumped on the Internet to see if I could find other entertainment companies who are doing similar things to stimulate interesting entertainment.  In my quest, I found an interesting video called “Creating a Culture of Innovation”.  It is an interview from Harvard Business Publishing with David Kester, the Chief Executive Officer of Design Council.  Although the video does not talk specifically about entertainment, it has ideas that we can use to help us create a culture of innovation in our work. 

Kester believes that leaders must do two things to build innovation within the workplace.  First, they must create a culture of innovation.  This must come from the leaders at the top.  Communication about innovation is key and should be delivered regularly to all employees.  Leaders must take the fear out of it so that individuals feel compelled to communicate their ideas.  Second, he discussed that habits must be developed to build innovation.  Everyone must understand these habits and develop them to increase the culture of innovation. He talks about how you should hire talent and look for individuals with different ideas.  Often when you introduce outside individuals to your organization, this leads to the connecting of fresh ideas and new possibilities.

I wonder what interesting things we can blend together to create entertainment that is unique and creative.  Do you have any innovative ideas that you would like to share?

References:

From: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyqHGdIMcas&feature=fvw

Keeping track of new content-delivery systems

Brian Lowry from Variety magazine has an interesting article this week entitled “Asking the right questions - It's tough to keep track of new content-delivery methods”.  We are inundated with announcements of new forms of technology every day.  Lowry talks about the need for a method to separate genuine contenders from the onslaught of pretenders regarding new technologies.  He rightly points out that nobody has the precise answers at this point as to how the industry is going to evolve.  We should take a journalistic approach and ask the right questions. 

Lowry suggests we should be weary of any company’s sales pitch that pledges to “revolutionize the television industry”.  He is not convinced by their promises and believes careful consideration should be applied when looking for the next new technology. 

Lowry offers a filtering guide for new entertainment technology, accumulated through personal insights as well as discussions with others examining the same business landscape.  He clarifies that defining success is not measured by whether or not you put your competition out of business.  It doesn't have to be as clear-cut as cassette vs. eight-track, or how Netflix and alternative means of movie delivery have helped push Blockbuster into bankruptcy.  New technologies will overlap and form niche markets within entertainment product and services categories. Perhaps this filtering guide will help as we look to new technologies as ways of presenting creative entertainment.

In this article, Wall Street Journal columnist Holman W. Jenkins Jr. suggests that cable is perceived as the next embattled incumbent.  He believes it is wedded to a business model that is headed for certain extinction and just can’t be saved.  “That is certainly possible”, Lowry comments, “junk the clunky wires and dishes – but it is still unclear who or what is going to administer the last rites”.

Internet television is closer to reality than we know and could have a profound effect on the cable industry.  It will be interesting to see what emerges and how the industry will adjust to this possible threat.  I believe that new delivery methods will emerge and Internet television may be the next delivery system.  This will systematically change the way we interact with programming on television.  I am fascinated by the creative potential of interactive television and how it will shape the future of entertainment.

References:

From:  http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118025764.html?categoryid=1682&cs=1

Interview with Disney Creative Entertainment Research Specialist

For this post, I wanted to interview an expert in the field of creative entertainment who may be able to talk about some interesting trends in the industry.   Through my LinkedIn contacts, I reached out to Cid Stoll, a Senior Research Specialist for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment.   This division of the company is responsible for all live entertainment in Disney Parks for both domestic and worldwide partners. 

RF: As a research specialist for entertainment, what exactly do you do for Disney? 

CS: My role is divided into three task buckets.  1) Information gathering and dissemination.   I collect information for the entertainment division that may be useful to our production and planning teams and distribute that information.  2) Research and Metrics.  There are many types of project and market specific research that take place prior to going into production.  I work with the production teams to be sure that they have the research supporting the project.   I also provide metrics for both qualitative and quantitative research.  3) Competitive Intelligence.  I am responsible for knowing what other companies are doing in the theme park entertainment industry.  This is not to spy on them or copy from them.  It is really to be sure we know what is going on in the other parks.  We will gather that information and strategically consider how we will respond with our next production. 

RF:  How do you become a Research Specialist for Disney?

CS:  Well, my background is in business, music, theatre, and math.  I have been working in the entertainment industry for over 35 years.  I started at Disney as a technician and worked my way up to my dream job.

RF:  In your research, what are the new creative entertainment trends that you are finding in the industry?

CS:  Everything is trending towards interactive experiences!  The audience must be able to participate using their social media networks.  They want to share their experience with their friends and family back home.  Our shows need to be timed so that each section flows quickly into the next.  The younger audience has shorter attention spans and is use to receiving information quickly.  They will not wait around long for something to happen.  We are also starting to see YouTube play a role in our younger consumers desire to see our shows.  If they watch a video of the show on YouTube and they like it, they are more likely to purchase a ticket to the park.  Furthermore, if the audience attends a bad show, they will share that experience with everyone.  If they see a good show, they do not share as much.  That is why all shows need to be presented well.

We are seeing other trends including big events and large mechanical puppets.  Disney is working on a large dragon for Fantasmic!  It was being tested at Disneyland and should prove to be quite the spectacle. 

RF:  What is the next big thing at Walt Disney World?

CS:  The Fantasyland expansion is going to be the next big thing for us.  It will include many new technologies as well as interactive shows for both boys and girls.  We are developing new ways to entertain the guests as they are waiting for the big attraction.  We will entertain them so they feel they are enjoying the entire experience as one.  In addition, we are opening a new resort in Hawaii and The Disney Cruise Line will launch their third ship, The Disney Dream.

RF:  Thank you Cid for your time with me.  I appreciate your insight.

CS:  Thank you, Ray

Well, as you can see, it looks like interactive experiences are here and are not going anywhere.  I look forward to exploring new ways to connect the show with the audience.  I hope you will join me.

Creativity and Technology required for Arena Rock Concerts

The article “High-end rock tours reach into bag of tricks” by Karen Idelson from Variety Magazine is a great example of how companies are looking for creative ways to present their entertainment.  The article suggests that audiences for arena rock concerts are requiring more technically advanced productions.  Willie Williams, designer for the U2 360 degree tour, believes that audiences are inundated with other forms of entertainment like high-tech videogames and amusement park shows.  This competition requires they deliver creative ways to use technology for their concert tours.

The article describes expanding video screens, a giant animatronic Fame Monster, and a mechanical dress that moves separately from the performer who is wearing it. 

For the mechanical dress, the Lady Gaga tour designer, Matt Williams, turned to the Jim Henson Company for the designing task. The creative supervisor, Peter Brook, from the Jim Henson Creative Shop created the dress using a type of plastic fabric similar to a shower curtain.  The fabric needed to be durable enough yet wearable for the performer.  The material was hand sewn from a London supplier.

The Fame Monster, also from the Lady Gaga tour, is operated similarly to the large dragons used in a Chinese New Years parade.  Dancers dressed in black leotards operate the enormous puppet using an old theatrical technique that still works today when done effectively.  If done right, the audience’s sense of disbelief is suspended. 

In a related Variety article, “Behind Fame Monster, A Rose”, by David S. Cohen, veteran puppeteer Tim Rose brings the fantasy creature to life.  Rose is well known in the movie business for his work on Star Wars: Episode VI -- The Return of the Jedi."  He also built the motion-control rig for the silhouette "Bat-wing" against the moon in Tim Burton’s "Batman."  Rose describes the Fame Monster as "a cross between a deep-sea angler fish and an octopus."  The creature weighed in at two-thirds of a ton and had to be counterbalanced so it could float in the air.  The team was given only four weeks to develop this creature.  They had to get it right the first time as to be sure to pass all the necessary government safety regulations.  It was a challenging task for the limited time given.

Both the creative development of the Monster itself and the methods used to build it stand as examples of the use of creativity and technology in large-scale concert productions.

References:

From: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118025398.html?categoryId=1009&cs=1#ixzz11rd6P2P7

From: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118025400.html?categoryid=1009&cs=1&ref=ma#ixzz11rnv6NSL

Welcome to Creative Entertainment Productions

What are creative entertainment productions?  For myself, they are opportunities to discover dynamic new ways to present entertainment.  These productions blossom from an idea and grow into amazing experiences.  They can range from multi-million dollar productions to smaller intimate shows with a limited budget.  The key element is utilizing the production team’s creativity and imagination to maximize the experience for the audience.

In this blog, I will share my ideas openly to generate discussion.  This interaction will spark new ideas for others interested in presenting innovative ways to entertain.  We will examine some well-known companies who have led the way by presenting creative entertainment.  Topics will include ideas for setting the right environment for creative brainstorming, available new technologies, and emerging industry trends as well as new talent. 

As an audience member I love to be presented with an innovative approach to producing a show.  For example, I remember the first time I experienced a Cirque du Soleil show.  I was blown away by the combination of technology, creativity, and the amazing talent.  This combination is an award-winning recipe for the Cirque du Soleil Company.   They started in Quebec Canada in a large tent with a handful of street performers in 1984.  Today, they are known around the world and have over 4000 employees.  The company has sought to evoke the imagination, invoke the senses and provoke the emotions of their audiences.  The company places creativity at the core of all its endeavors so as to be sure of limitless possibilities.  They are one of the leading organizations in presenting creative entertainment productions.

The first time I realized the full potential of imagination was during that Cirque du Soleil show.  I will always remember that amazing performance because it changed my life, it taught me to think differently.   It reminded me that talent by itself could be great.  However, talent presented uniquely by a collaborative team can be excellent.   As a Producer, my objective is to deliver an excellent experience for every audience with every production.

It’s not always easy, especially when you have a limited budget.  However, with creativity it is definitely possible.  Recently, I was working on a project with a minimal budget but I needed to produce an impactful event for the client.  This event could potentially lead to future business with this customer.   We wanted to satisfy the guests but had to deliver something extraordinary with limited funds.  I called a brainstorming meeting with the Creative Director, Production Manager, and supporting team to finalize a proposal.  We all openly discussed different ideas on creating a high impact event for this guest.   All team member concepts were considered without judgment.  The final plan that came out of that meeting was brilliant. 

We decided to showcase a wireless band with each musician playing their instrument in their own human sized sphere.  The use of in ear monitors allowed the band to hear the other members playing.  This band had a unique world beat sound that would appeal to attendees from all parts of the world.   The result was astonishing and worked better than we expected.  The client was so impressed with the creativity of this event that they signed an agreement for us to produce a much larger event in the future.    

My passion is continuing to push the boundaries and discover new innovative ways to present entertainment.  I will achieve this through creativity and exploring new technologies.  We have so much to discover and experience in the ever-changing entertainment industry.  Everyday we are learning and discovering new ways to more effectively communicate.  The evolution of technology is making entertainment more interactive, customizable, and immediate.   The audience has access to new forms of entertainment with the click of a mouse, a button on a remote or the screen on a smart phone. Producers are looking for the next big idea to capture the attention of this exploding audience. The challenge will be to create a need for your brand of entertainment as a product.

Let’s explore these exciting opportunities together.

References:

Retrieved from: http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/home.aspx#/en/home/about/details/history.aspx