WIRED on the Future of Music

The latest issue of WIRED has two fascinating articles by David Byrne on the value of music. The first is an interview with Radiohead's Thom Yorke on the band's decision to release their new album digitally first and have fans name their own purchase price. Interesting idea.

The second is about the changing landscape of the music industry. Byrne discusses "Six possible music distribution models, ranging from one in which the artist is pretty much hands-off to one where the artist does nearly everything."

It's a digital age; discussions on content and form of delivery apply to all creative industries.

Xtrepreneur: Helping Ex-Convicts Succeed

Rob Tillman founded Xtrepreneur to help ex-convicts and marginalized people escape “recidivism,” or “The Cycle” of repeated crime and incarceration, by equipping them to become successful entrepreneurs. We scripted and created a 2-minute animated video explaining Xtrepreneur. Our video has received an “amazing” response and has been viewed by producers at Oprah and NBC.

Watch it below to find out more about Rob’s work.

A Revolutionary, Global IT Platform

We scripted and created an animated 30-second spot for the launch of a global IT solution for small to medium sized businesses. UFlexData was created by Mandragore, a Phoenix and NYC based firm. It allows businesses to connect its entire computer network virtually from the Internet—it’s a brilliant, efficient system and the future of IT technology.

We’re excited about the video and the quality of the 3D animation. Watch it below or as a high quality QuickTime file on Mandragore’s site. Feel free to email us if you’re interested in connecting your business with Mandragore.

Give the Gift of Yester

GRnow.com profiled The Yesterdog Documentary, calling it "an impressive twenty five minute video. Halfway through the film, I wanted a Yesterdog. The craving intensified as the credits ran. Later that night, I indulged. It was everything I hoped for." Read the full article here (and bookmark the handy site to keep track of local GR life).

The Grand Rapids Press also recommended the documentary as a great Christmas gift for under $25, writing, "A documentary on DVD compiled by West Michigan filmmakers delving into the history and appeal of Grand Rapids' beloved hot dog joint. It's almost as good as having an Ultradog." The link to the article is here.

Our founders' Alma mater, Ferris State University, also profiled our company and the documentary in the alumni magazine Crimson & Gold. Check out the article here.

(If it's your first experience with The Yesterdog Documentary, check out trailer and read more about the project at www.YesterdogDocumentary.com.)

What's Your Big Idea?

I love ideas.

In fact, I diligently keep a folder entitled "Big Ideas" on my computer.

After reading Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink, I started reading his other bestseller, The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference. “The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips and spreads like wildfire.”

Yes; this is great. Why?

People have ideas.

Ideas need people.

People spread ideas.

Ideas need vehicles.

And this is why I’m excited—video can spread ideas that ignite positive change.

We’re in the middle of an incredible shift in the way the world communicates. Video is one part of that. Why? Because it's no longer restricted to paid prime time TV ads—today’s outlets are nearly endless—from online social networking sites to an iPhone to a compelling opening to a live presentation.

There are amazing “ideas” impacting the world in a positive way. For example, how does microfinance really work in struggling, rural nations?

Later this month, I’m headed to Zimbabwe for two weeks. And I can’t help but wonder—if more people understood microfinance, could it reach “the tipping point” and change the world?

We want to talk to people and companies with big ideas. When we successfully communicate big ideas, it’s an opportunity to spark change.

So, what’s your big idea?

Creo on the Radio

We're going to be on the WGVU Morning Show with Shelley Irwin on Wednesday, November 7 at 9:30 a.m. EST! We'll be talking to Shelley and Yesterdog owner Bill Lewis about The Yesterdog Documentary, Yesterdog and Creo Productions, LLC.

WGVU is the West Michigan National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate. Tune in live at WGVU-FM 88.5 & 95.3, WGVU-AM 1480 & 850 or listen to the streaming interview online live by clicking here.

WZZM "Take Five"

You can watch the ABC WZZM 13 story on Yesterdog and The Yesterdog Documentary here.

Visit www.YesterdogDocumentary.com for more information on the documentary.

Hollywood and Ads

The New York Times ran an interesting piece about Hollywood directors being courted by companies to create commercials.

"The advent of high-definition television means commercials must be expertly filmed, advertisers say, and the rise of DVRs means people need compelling reasons to watch ads rather than skip them."

It's never good to have your CEO create your video. In addition to the upcoming digital switch to HD in 2009, the piece also talks about the increased use of graphics and animation in national spots, a trend we've also experienced.

News: The Yesterdog Documentary

We were recently interviewed by Grand Rapids ABC affiliate WZZM 13 for creating The Yesterdog Documentary. We'll be on the air on Wednesday, October 24 at 4:30 p.m. EST on the "Take Five" segment. On Thursday, the piece will be streamed at www.wzzm13.com by clicking on "Take Five Video."

In-Mid Stream

Media Week posted an article entitled, "In-Mid Stream," about how marketers are leveraging online video. The article points out that people are still receptive toward online video, while marketing spending is projected to increase from $775 million this year to over $4 billion by 2011.