Non-Profits in Today's Economy

We must continue to support non-profits in difficult economic times. We've been talking with the people at Aqua Clara in Holland, a group that's doing innovative work for clean water around the globe.

"Aqua Clara International exists to aid in the establishment of sustainable locally owned businesses that provide cheap, clean water for children and families worldwide."

You can check them out at AquaClara.org to get involved.

GRBJ Story on Creo/1041

Jake Himmelspach (http://twitter.com/jhimmelspach) from The Grand Rapids Business Journal wrote a story on two GR video production companies, 1041 and Creo.

Click to subscribe to GRBJ for the whole story. Here's a couple clips:

Across town at 40 S. Division Ave., Creo Productions is a full-service media company specializing in writing and video production. Creo, led by Aaron Carriere, creative director, and Andrew Tingley, chief cinematographer, editor and animator, will celebrate its third anniversary in August.

In that time span, Carriere has seen a rise in the amount of videos that businesses are using, especially for their Web sites.

"It gives voice to small and medium-sized businesses that couldn't afford to do advertising before. It allows those types of business to engage with their customers," said Carriere.

"So much commerce is done on the Web now. I think it's an added tool."

The advancement of 2-D and 3-D animation along with using cinematic techniques has been part of Creo's success. The company uses storytelling to bring a company to life and pass on its message.

"People remember stories. People have communicated through stories for a long time. If you can draw a narrative out of a business, it helps define who they are, and it also engages the viewer to say, 'I'm going to remember something about what I just saw,'" said Carriere.

"I've always said when people watch something we've created, let's give them something — not just try to sell them something. Let's give them a story or some kind of information. Then, if they want more, they can make their purchase."

Aaron on the Radio

Aaron was interviewed on WGVU by Shelley Irwin and Spearia's Danny Becket on entrepreneurship yesterday morning.  

You can listen to the interview online on WGVU's website. 

You can also follow us on Twitter: 

Aaron

Andrew

Matthew

An Award to Remember

Baudville's employees were ecstatic about helping out on the shoot, and worked for pizza as extras. The crowd is all Baudville. "Todd" and the unnamed manager are both actors.

Baudville #3: Motivational Manager

A last second gasp for this manager. We used a 10-foot jib to capture the fluid shot.

Priceless Presentation

This is a risk worth taking. Here's Baudville's second short film, "A Priceless Presentation." On the technical side, notice the whole spot was done in one fluid shot using a track and dolly.

Video Series: Baudville #1

Grand Rapids recognition gifts and custom awards company Baudville approached us about doing a series of creative commercials for its new website and trade shows.

It's been a great experience working with their creative team, bouncing ideas back and forth. I'm impressed with Baudville's willingness to innovate, stand out and take chances. Over the next few days, I'll be embedding the four videos. We shot "Sincere Service" last month.

Motocross Video: Watch Andrew's Bailout!

Counting Crows + Creo?

Last night, I (Aaron) saw the Counting Crows perform in Muskegon.

The music was amazing, but Adam Duritz said something that really stood out when we reflect about the purpose behind our recent expansion. It sounded something like this:

"There's so many great songs out there that come and go," Adam said, musing on unknown musicians and the multiple bands the Crows were in before August and Everything After. "Thousands of songs. Some don't even get recorded. It's a shame."

Well put, Adam. I've often wrestled with similar thoughts. So many songs are written, sitting dormant on computers or in the bottom of guitar cases, trapped in the fingers and throats of musicians, yet few will ever hear their art, and if no record is made, they'll disappear.

One of our goals with the audio studio is to help musicians make high quality, affordable records, so everyone with a voice has the opportunity to be heard. We're running a summer studio special to do exactly that.

We're living in a digital age where we can literally record one minute, and send the art around the world the next. What a weighty honor. What potential. How exciting.