First reaction – WOW! I have been editing with Premiere Pro for over six years, and have to say with this release, Adobe not only listened to the professional editor, they have also brought Premiere to the forefront of software-based editing applications.

A completely redesigned user interface eliminates desktop clutter, allowing an editor to focus on the job at hand. New keyboard shortcuts will make many Final Cut Pro editors who are transitioning to Premiere Pro CS6 feel right at home. The ability to stabilize shaky footage from within PPro is a real timesaver. The feature I have found very useful is the ability of PPro to keep playing the timeline while you move around in or out of the application. Nice touch Adobe.

The audio mixer display has been redesigned as well as the timeline VU meters – they give real-time update of levels as the timeline plays, so you can readily see how your levels change across playback. Very nice for creating great mixes!

The introduction of adjustment layers into PPro gives users the ability to set up effect layers without having to add effects to individual clips. This is a huge timesaver in previewing how different effects may look. Add multiple adjustment layers with various effect combinations and toggle the layers off and on during real-time playback —excellent for quickly previewing looks with an Art Director looking over your shoulder.

The addition of Speed Grade to the CS6 suite brings high-end color correction to the desktop. Not only can you achieve an initial first pass technical grade quickly, you can also apply or create custom looks that mimic those found on the big screen or primetime television. This alone is worth the price of the suite upgrade. Color correction is what makes a great edit into an award winner — having this integrated into the Adobe CS6 Suite is a real step toward a complete finishing package.

The CS6 Media Encoder has a completely redesigned interface that is easy to navigate and includes presets for broadcast, web and personal device video. Also, you can apply multiple presets to a single video source — again a huge timesaver. Did I mention background rendering? Not new to Media Encoder, however, being able to edit, work in

After Effects, Photoshop and background render is something I have come to expect from my edit system of choice — and Adobe keeps making the choice easier with each new release of its software.

For a full list of changes to the software, please visit: http://success.adobe.com/assets/en/downloads/guides/Pr_CS6_WN_Reveal.pdf

Today, Facebook is going public and, according to Business Week, may be worth $140 billion at close of business. The question is, what are we paying for when we’re buying our Facebook shares?

Facebook launched in 2004 and was started as a closed network for college students. 8 years later, it’s become the world’s most popular social network with 900 million global users, 488 million mobile users and 125 billion friendship connections. Facebook has routed itself in our social, pop and political cultures and the term has actually become a verb used by many – “Facebook me”! Some people make up and break up because of Facebook and begin and end their days with it. I’m sure you’ve seen the daily “good morning” and “good night” Facebook posts taking up your newsfeed.

Facebook is also one of the largest information outlets due to users sharing personal information, photos, place of work, birthdays and more with their friends. Many advertisers use this information when placing Facebook ads because of the highly targeted audience.

This wealth of information is what many say we’re paying for now that Facebook is live. Fred Cate from the Indiana University Center for Applied Cybersecurity Research says in an interview with NPR, “When Facebook investors and founders rake in billions of dollars on Friday [the first day of public trading], they are making that money by selling little bits of each of us. What Facebook is selling is us. They’re selling data, but data that more than 900 million of us volunteer on a daily basis.”

So do you think this information is worth $140 billion?

Touchstone Theatre’s Young Playwright’s Festival, Gala Dessert Reception & Live/Silent Auction Fundraiser are taking place on May 19^th at Zoellner Arts Center, and we want to see you there!

As a creative ad agency, the local arts community is very important to FG. In support of this, we were pleased to make a contribution on behalf of our First in Giving campaign to the 2012 Young Playwrights’ Festival, which will feature plays written by students during Touchstone’s Young Playwrights’ Lab (YPL). YPL is an eight-week afterschool playwriting program offered in collaboration with Bethlehem and Allentown public school teachers. In YPL, Touchstone Theatre teaching artists use theatre and writing exercises to teach playwriting fundamentals such as monologue, dialogue, character development, plot, and conflict—culminating in each student writing his or her original one-act play. Seven of these plays were selected from more than 90 after-school program submissions and will be performed in the 2012 Young Playwrights’ Festival. The Festival is also a fundraising event for the program that features a Gala Dessert Reception & Live/Silent Auction being held immediately following the play showcase.

“First in Giving allows us to give back and we are so thrilled to support Touchstone Theatre and their Young Playwrights’ Lab,” states First Generation President Alexandra Shade. “It gives an opportunity to children who may never be exposed to the arts to experience it first hand with the chance to have their plays performed on stage by professional actors. Supporting this event allows FG to support Arts Education in our schools and our community.”

Tickets for the Festival are $10; tickets for the Festival & Gala are $75. Tickets can be ordered over the phone by calling Touchstone’s box office at (610) 867-1689 or online at www.touchstone.org. Proceeds from the festival and gala go to Touchstone Theatre and their arts-in-education program.

Come support our local arts and students on the 19^th! We hope to see you there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Touchstone Theatre

Celebrating over thirty years, Touchstone Theatre produces and presents original productions, works to foster collaboration on a local and national level through educational and youth empowerment programs, and by using theatre as a community-building tool. Learn more about Touchstone Theatre at www.touchstone.org.

It’s no secret that many MadMen fans work at First Generation! So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that many of us tuned in to AMC’s The Pitch this past Monday. Described as a docuseries and modern day companion of MadMen, The Pitch follows different ad agencies competing for the opportunity to provide advertising services to large national companies, such as already featured Subway and Waste Management.

FG works with an impressive portfolio of clients, ones we’ve worked hard to build up over the past 25 years in business. Many of these clients require formal bids and pitches for their work, often against other ad agencies. How does The Pitch compare to our pitching experience?

Make it camera ready. While pitches are normally prepared in a short amount of time, often just 1-2 weeks, you want to put your best foot forward in providing high quality work that could be printed or published with minimal revisions. Clients want to visualize their products coming to life, so campaign pitches should be engaging and interactive, incorporating mood boards, video samples, and sample print collateral that highlight their products and services in tangible ways. First Generation reiterates the client’s goals and identifies how our presented work incorporates those messages through professionally created and executed mediums.

Differentiate. In this past week’s episode of The Pitch, SD+K of Las Vegas presented a print ad to Waste Management that used a mobile augmented reality app to have celebrities say their campaign tagline, “Turn Waste into Wow!” Their developers geeked out and developed this crafty tactic, which in our opinion, “wowed” the Waste Management team and won them the account. The competing agency, The Ad Store, only shared a short video and on-screen ad creative. First Generation offers one of the 10 largest production studios on the East Coast, plus a team of editors, producers, media planners, web and print designs, interactive developers and more, all under one roof. Our studio and breadth of in-house capabilities is our differentiator at pitches! We are able to provide a wide variety of strategic solutions, and we present tactics that play to our strengths and those of our potential clients.

Rehearse & Test. Repeat. The same agency mentioned above, SD+K, kicked off their presentation with a video in which the audio didn’t play properly.  After a bit of on-the-spot trouble shooting that made the clients’ eyes roll, it worked. Thankfully they still won the pitch, but it looked very unprofessional. Being entrenched in the Live Event and Presentation business, FG finds it vital to rehearse pitches, knowing who is speaking when, and testing videos and any multimedia portions of the presentation. We request an early arrival to set up our presentation, which isn’t always possible for the client, but it doesn’t hurt to ask! They see the pay off when the presentation runs smoothly.

While FG has no intentions of being featured on The Pitch, we like to think we offer plenty of television-worthy pitches. If your company is in the market for a new agency, we invite you to give us a call at 610-437-4300!

It’s no secret that the Lehigh Valley is home to not only brilliant creative minds, but also wonderful history and breathtaking architecture. With that in mind, the Society of the Arts (SOTA), in conjunction with the Allentown Art Museum, has chosen Three Chimneys Farm, and its charming Victorian farmhouse, in Coopersburg for their bi-annual Showhouse.  And, in concert with local designers and landscapers, SOTA has transformed this 1876 property into a true work of art.

When it came time to produce a web presence for this one-of-a-kind work of art and craftsmanship, SOTA turned to First Generation to produce a website worthy of its beauty—and FG was happy to deliver. SOTAShowhouse.org stands as an online brochure for the event, offering information and history on SOTA, Three Chimneys Farm, as well as ticket information, an interactive map, and a full listing of all of those that made the 2012 SOTA Showhouse possible.
So, browse the website, and then take a trip to beautiful Three Chimneys Farm for a taste of history, beauty, and craftsmanship right here in the Lehigh Valley.

The 2012 SOTA Showhouse runs from April 28th through May 20th, and ticketing information can be found at www.SOTAShowhouse.org. Proceeds benefit the SOTA Print Fund and educational programs of the Allentown Art Museum of the Lehigh Valley.

Nothing inspires fear quite like a networking event. What do I wear? What do I say? Can I bring my friends?

Last week, I had the opportunity to fly to Los Angeles for the Hollywood Creative Forum, a one-day event for producers to network with television executives and others in the industry. I learned that while being in a room full of strangers can be frightening, it’s also strangely liberating.

Unlike most networking situations where you’re free to mingle, this event was similar to speed dating. Every 15 minutes a bell would ring and we would move from table to table- meeting, pitching and laughing with someone new. It was intense, exhausting and surprisingly FUN!

Talking to a complete stranger is awkward for the majority of people and downright scary for others.  However in business, and in your career, networking is the perfect opportunity to meet new clients, work on your elevator pitches and, most importantly, venture out of your comfort zone.

So, with that, I thought I would share a few tips on how to make the most of your own networking opportunities:

 6) Mindset: The easiest way to tackle any networking event is to tell yourself that it’s going to be fun. And more importantly, that you’re going to have fun. Fear and trepidation are normal- but don’t let it control you. The right frame of mind can make all the difference between an engaging conversation and an hour sitting in the corner.

 5) What to Bring: No need to haul your computer or excel spreadsheets of your recent marketing trends. Bring your business cards and your smart phone (to show websites or video). This also frees up your other hand for a glass of wine!

 4) Introduction: Here’s what you need: a) a good handshake b) an introduction line: ex/ “Hi, I’m Bob. Nice to meet you” c) eye contact and, d) a smile. Even if you mess up the first three, a genuine smile will help you.

 3) Ask Questions: People love to talk about themselves, so ask questions and listen to what they have to say. But be sure that they don’t take-over. If that happens, engage the speaker and steer the conversation. As always find ways to mention how your business can help them and work that pitch!

 2) Gage the Conversation: We all want to avoid the dreaded silence; that moment where both people realize they have nothing to say to each other. If you can sense that the conversation is fading, thank the person for their time, exchange business cards and kindly greet them farewell. Quick tip: If you have a terrible memory, leave yourself notes about the person and what you talked about.

 1) Follow-up: Adding another business card to the pile you have in your desk drawer is useless. Put that business card to work! Email or call each new contact with individualized messages and references that are specific to your conversation. Even if it’s someone you know won’t be a client, a quick email is still a good idea. Most importantly, add each new contact to your LinkedIn account because you never know who they might know!

Happy Networking! And if you have any of your own tips, please share with us!

In 2011, First Generation created several charitable giving opportunities through our 1G for Good contest and 12 Weeks of Christmas program. We truly enjoyed learning more about our Lehigh Valley community’s citizens and organizations, and well, just doing good things! It is in that spirit that we are delighted to announce the First Generation First in Giving campaign.

Through the First in Giving program, First Generation will give $1,000 every month to charities and individuals in need, in an ongoing effort to support our community.

“We met many extraordinary people throughout the 12 Weeks of Christmas program last year,” said Robin Carmody, FG Director of Community Affairs. “While we intend to uphold that same program in 2012, we wanted to make an impact all year round, not just during the holiday season.”

On Sunday, April 1^st, David Beedle, FG Motion Graphics Designer (and avid ice hockey supporter), had the pleasure of handing out the first First in Giving donation in the form of the annual Bill and Robin Carmody Dedication Scholarship to Nikolai Kuchinos of the Lehigh Valley Flames. Nikolai just completed his final year with the Flames, one of the largest youth ice hockey organizations in eastern Pennsylvania. Nikolai will be attending Penn State in the fall.

If you want to become involved with FG’s First in Giving campaign or would like to nominate an organization to receive a donation, please contact Robin at rcarmody@firstgencom.com with the subject line “First in Giving.”

 

This week the First Generation office has been ‘a-zou-bisou’ about the season 5 premiere of Mad Men and the swinging 60’s shenanigans at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce.

Perhaps the show resonates with us because of our mutual advertising agency settings or maybe it’s the outlandish behavior that we find so amusing, but in either case, there are always lessons to be learned from our stylish fictional counterparts. So here are our top 5 Mad Men-inspired lessons, martinis optional:

5) Equal Opportunity: When a competing agency is shamed for their part in dropping water bombs on civil rights protesters, the SCDP folks pull out a mock ad claiming to be an “Equal Opportunity” employer. But when African-American jobseekers approach the agency for work, the partners quickly learn that this is no laughing matter and it’s time for them to open their doors. Lesson: It’s never too late to right a wrong.

4) Belle Jolie Lipsticks: When testing lipsticks for a Belle Jolie ad, then secretary Peggy Olson coins the phrase, “A Basket of Kisses”. While the client eventually goes with another idea, this creative copy gets Peggy noticed and eventually helps her say goodbye to the secretary pool and hello to the shark tank as the Junior Copywriter. Lesson: Seize opportunities – you never know where they may lead you.

3) Honda: When Roger Sterling’s drunken big mouth almost kills all chances of landing the high-profile Honda account, Don employs some smart thinking to beat the competition. The team pretends to shoot a video pitch, seemingly spending far beyond the strict $3,000 limit imposed by Honda. This leads the competing agency to up their ante and pull out all the stops. When Don goes into the pitch meeting with Honda, he tells them that he knows that the other company has broken the spending rules and since his conscious couldn’t allow him to do the same, he cleverly returns their $3,000. Impressed with his integrity, they tell Don that SCDP still has a shot at winning the bid. Lesson: Know your client and know what they believe in.

2) Sugarberry Hams: In order to drum up some much needed excitement for Sugarberry Hams, Peggy and Pete employ some Barnum and Bailey-inspired antics to generate some free publicity for the normally less than exciting pork product. Peggy hires two actresses to “tussle” over the last ham at the grocery store. But what starts as a fun gag ends up as a full-fledged brawl with arrests, hair pulling and newspaper coverage.  Lesson:  Contrary to popular belief, sometimes all publicity isn’t good publicity.

1) John Deere: When Account Executive Ken Cosgrove lands the John Deere account, the office celebrates with yet another wild party. But what happens when you mix lots of booze, a secretary who can’t drive and a pompous executive with bad reflexes? The answer: Gross, dark and hilarious television comedy. Lesson: If you’re going to drive a lawn mower at work- take out the blades.

These days all businesses are cutting budgets in some way, shape, or form, including meetings and events. While these types of expenses can be viewed as ancillary and unnecessary, national sales meetings serve as a time to train, inform, engage, and energize a team of people who rarely are all together in one place but need to be like-minded in reaching a common goal. Team building activities that foster networking, teamwork, and trust among colleagues are key to developing relationships that cannot be formed remotely.

This March, First Generation had the privilege of once again planning and producing the national sales meetings for Crayola and the Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation (MTF), both taking place in Florida earlier this month. Both Crayola and MTF chose to rally their sales and marketing teams and refresh their outlooks and goals for 2012. Here is a look back at how FG assisted them in positively positioning their companies and motivating their workforces.

Snapshot #1: Crayola

To spark the enthusiasm of the Crayola team, First Generation created the “Ignite” theme! Using an Olympic torch graphic and Olympic spirit throughout the meeting messaging, videos, collateral, and activities, “Ignite” proved to be just the inspiration Crayola needed to return to their day-to-day responsibilities invigorated and ready to reach their 2012 goals, united as a team going for the gold.

Snapshot #2: MTF

MTF wanted to remind their sales and marketing teams that throughout its 25 years in business, it has experienced much growth and transformation that shaped the company into what it is today. The FG team delivered the “Evolve” theme, using a forward-looking font type and color spectrum. Using differently colored PowerPoint templates and changing stage lighting between sessions, the “Evolve” theme was executed throughout the meeting, showing constant change. The MTF team left the meeting armed with new strategies, ready to tackle 2012.

Both Crayola and MTF understood the value in maintaining contact and communication with their sales and marketing employees, planning for success in 2012. First Gen is proud to partner with our clients for national sales meetings. Need help planning one for your company? Just e-mail FG President Alex Shade at ashade@firstgencom.com to get started!