Film Friday: The World’s Smallest Movie
And if that wasn’t cool enough, here is the “how it was made” video:
#WeeklyDisruptor: Nell Coleman, ‘Mother’ of Malcolm
Each week at Embrace Disruption we introduce you to an influential person in the digital, blogger, arts, culture, film, or media world! Every Thursday, you can check back at EDPR to find out who we think is particularly amazing at ‘embracing disruption’ within their respective industries. This week, we’d like to introduce you to Nell Coleman, ‘Mother’ of Malcolm – the newest production from Coleman Lemieux Compagnie.
When her son Bill and his choreographer James Kudelka wanted to delve into the world of dancing with puppets about 4 years ago; they knew that Bill’s mother, Nell Coleman could help them bring their vision to life.
Nell was a costume designer back in England before moving to Canada. She decided to make the switch to puppets because she always had a dream of putting on productions with puppets, as they lend themselves much easier to being transported around in comparison to a bunch of heavy costumes.
Nell explained she usually waits for a script to be developed and written before her puppets are created. On average, a puppet takes a week to stitch together initially, with the face being the last piece to be completed. Faces are left to the end because Nell wants to get a better sense of the character before giving them ‘life’ with a face. But Malcolm was a different story. Malcolm was a collaborative effort between James and Nell where he went to her and described what he was looking for in a puppet without a real idea of a show for him to work in. Malcolm was created and took to the stage first in a production that featured James Kedelka, Bill Coleman and counter tenior Don Taylor.
After the success of this production Malcolm was then cast in a 15-minute production entitled AllOneWord. The short production is a spoof of Law & Order where poor Malcolm plays the accused in a murder plot.
Now Malcolm has the opportunity to seize centre stage in a self-titled production, a duet between himself and James Kudelka. Nell teased that the production is quite fun and features a great rapport between Malcolm and James and even features interaction with accompanist Don Taylor and Malcolm.
Since he was ‘born’ 4 years ago Malcolm has undergone many a cosmetic procedure to ensure that he’s moving just the way James likes, and to fix any mishaps that may have occurred on stage.
As for Nell Coleman, she keeps herself busy with her puppet players company ‘Saints and Sinners’ that adapt and perform ‘bawdy Medieval plays’ & ‘definitely different Bible tales’ for adult audiences (for easy referencing, think in the vein of Avenue Q). Nell is also being honoured as the Textile Museum of Canada’s Volunteer of the Year.
Congratulations Nell!
Tickets to ‘Malcolm’ can be purchased online by going to Coleman Lemieux Compagnie’s website.
INFOGRAPHIC: What Guests (and PR peeps) Want In Hotels
As PR pros, we’re often travelling around the country, staying at hotels near our client events or media engagements. Recently Hotels.com compiled their data to reveal some pretty interesting insights as to what people want most out of their hotel stays. The results weren’t all that surprising, and here’s why:
- Wi-Fi trumps all. Really now, could you imagine staying in a hotel that didn’t have internet access? That’s a nightmare waiting to happen.
- Guests want a high end coffee machine in the room. This makes some sense: if you fork out the money for a gorgeous room, the last thing you want to do is leave it to find a good cup of joe.
- Complimentary bottled water was a simple amenity that most guests would like to see.
- Wine tasting and happy hour is a fan favourite (you don’t say!)
- Interestingly enough, a lot of people snatch a magazine or book from their hotel room. We just want to ask those people: do you really need ANOTHER copy of the bible?
Check out all these stats and more in the INFOGRAPHIC below:
A Look At The Best & Worst Jobs Of 2013
People often say the best part of their job isn’t necessarily in the material gains and successes but the feeling they get from a job well done. That was only one of the metrics used to determine the ‘Best Jobs’ of 2013 as decided by CareerCast. Aside from job fulfillment, the Jobs Rated method uses measurable statistics including median salary, projected job growth and the collective Jobs Rated Score (where, just like in golf, the lower the number the better). Take a look at the top 10 Best Jobs list below:
1. Actuary
2. Biomedical Engineer
3. Software Engineer
4. Audiologist
5. Financial Planner
6. Dental Hygienist
7. Occupational Therapist
8. Optometrist
9. Physical Therapist
10. Computer Systems Analyst
Of course, every ‘best of” list has an accompanying ‘worst of’ list. The worst jobs of 2013 were rated on a similar scale as the best jobs, including things like physical risks and stress levels associated with the job duties and activities. Here’s the top 10 worst jobs of the year:
1. Newspaper Reporter
2. Lumberjack
3. Enlisted Military Personnel
4. Actor
5. Oil Rig Worker
6. Dairy Farmer
7. Meter Reader
8. Mail Carrier
9. Roofer
10. Flight Attendant
What do you make of this list? Any jobs excluded from either list you think are worth mentioning?
#WeeklyDisruptor: AGO’s Foundation & Partnerships Associate, Wil Craddock
Each week at Embrace Disruption we introduce you to an influential person in the digital, blogger, arts, culture, film, or media world! Every Thursday, you can check back at EDPR to find out who we think is particularly amazing at ‘embracing disruption’ within their respective industries. This week, we’d like to introduce you to the Art Gallery of Ontario’s Foundations & Partnerships Associate, Wil Craddock!
1. What’s your official job title, and where did you go to school?
Associate, Foundations & Partnerships at the Art Gallery of Ontario
Principal, Craddock Consultation & Creative
Event Manager, Pants Off for Prostate Cancer
I went to school for quite a long time at several different places:
Ryerson University – Master of Fine Arts in Documentary Media
Ryerson University – Master of Arts in Media Production
Huron University College – Political Science and Global Studies
2. Elevator pitch. Describe yourself in a nutshell (or sea shell, or any shell for that matter).
I am a professional fundraiser, event manager, artist/curator, and volunteer. I have an affinity for working hard and working passionately, taking on new and innovative initiatives, and challenging myself to always expand my goals – and to reach them. I find congruency and harmony across my activities and areas of interest and like to apply my skills and talents to work to develop and contribute to projects and events that provide opportunities and experiences for others, with the ultimate goal of making them “feel good.”
3. Why did you pursue what you’re doing now? What was the inspiration?
I actually got involved in supporting non-profits at a very young age. When I was just 12 years old, I became the youth coordinator for my local humane society. I organized some of the society’s most successful fundraisers and events, including an annual car wash and pet treat cooking and sales.
When I was in undergrad, I got a student job working in my school’s development office. At first, I was calling alumni and soliciting donations, but I soon moved onto doing research and campaign coordination. My extra-curricular involvement also engaged me in coordinating various events that served as fundraisers for local charities. While my formal education has not been specific to fundraising, much of my work and volunteer experience has.
Most recently, in my MA in Media Production, I undertook independent studies focused on innovation in fundraising using digital technologies, social media, and donor interactivity. It was a really fascinating and rewarding area of study that has inspired me to undertake this as an area of work over the next few years.
My current major work – at the AGO and with Pants Off for Prostate Cancer – has been inspired also by my love of the arts and my interest in organizing engaging and memorable experiences for people. Working at the AGO has really opened up my ability to dive into the art world, which, as an artist myself, has been rewarding on so many levels. In my organization of the annual Pants Off for Prostate Cancer event, I have the pleasure to developing an evening that brings hundreds of people together for a great cause, and sends them home with amazing memories that they talk about until the next year’s event.
4. What is the best part of your day-to-day?
While I completely love my job and the responsibilities and tasks involved with it, the best part of my day is coming home to my 3-and-a-half year old dog, Manny. Each and every time I open the door, Manny rushes to me, jumps up and down, and comes up to give me a hug (really though, he jumps up and puts his front legs over my shoulders!). Having a dog is a good reminder of how peaceful life should be. Regardless of any stress I’m under or deadlines that are pressuring me, Manny is a great reminder to take a deep breath and just enjoy myself.
5. What’s the most challenging?
The most challenging part of my day is waking up. Working 9 to 5 and having additional employment and significant volunteer work in the evenings often keeps me up into the wee hours of the morning. The result: a severe lack of adequate sleep as recommended by doctors. I get through it though, keeping in mind that in the end, my dedication and hard work will pay off.
6. If you took a look in the cliché crystal ball, what do you see for yourself?
Looking in that crystal ball I see a lot of work, but great promise. I believe that sometimes hard work pays off immediately, often with smaller, less permanent gratifications. But true hard work, dedication, perseverance, and positivity don’t always have immediately payoffs. Sometimes it takes years for the results, but in these cases, the rewards are much larger, more fulfilling, and more lasting. It’s a fascinating web of cause and effect. This is what I see in that crystal ball.
7. How do you embrace disruption in your work and personal life?
I love to embrace disruption in my work and personal life by challenging the status quo, providing new ideas and opportunities, and pushing others to think about achieving their/our best in new and innovative ways. With my employment and volunteer work, I take great excitement in entering situations and developing strategic thinking around ‘usual’ operations to develop plans for improvement, growth, and greater success. This involves anything from fundraising, to outreach and audience engagement, to improving and diversifying the quality of project’s content.
In my personal life, I like to embrace disruption by encouraging people to think about political and social issues in new ways. With an undergraduate degree in Political Science, and much course study in critical thinking, I really like to push myself and others to reconsider the usual perspectives on important issues. I put this into practice with my 2011 documentary film Gay Rights: Politics, Activism, and Canada’s Gay Conservatives. The film explores how several gay men – both young and old – align themselves with more typically right-wing ideas, policies, and parties in the face of a predominantly ‘left’ queer community that sees them as traitors out outsiders. Making the film was an incredibly eye-opening project for myself and for those who viewed it. It really brings politics down to a personal level and helps the viewer to consider the history and currents of LGBTQ politics in a new light.
8. What is the most memorable moment in your career?
Having engaged so many different areas of employment and work with various projects so far, there are many memorable moments I could share. However, my most recent memorable moment was in working with the AGO and securing a major grant in support of one of our blockbuster exhibitions. The proposal process was a extremely detailed and extensive one, but when I received that phone call informing me of the successful proposal, I was ecstatic!
9. Do you support any initiatives or charities? Tell us about it.
Given that I work in the non-profit industry, I am a strong supporter of a range of charitable organizations, both as a donor and as a volunteer.
I am currently a Board Member and multi-faceted volunteer with the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives. As a Board Member, I help lead the organization’s strategic direction and take leadership roles in a number of the CLGA’s activities, including the management of certain archival acquisitions, fundraising, events, community outreach, and the Archives Gallery.
As a donor, I give to a range of organizations. Some of these include: Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives, Huron University College, Art Gallery of Ontario, Canadian Mental Health Association, Alzheimer Society of Canada, and more.
10. Tell us what you see yourself doing at 65 years old.
I’d like to say that at 65 I would be retired, living with my lifelong partner, and enjoying a healthy income. Truthfully, however, my work-a-holic character knows that I will still be hammering away at whatever great projects or organizations I am involved with. I’m not complaining though, I feel most comfortable when I am constantly working.
11. Just for fun: if you had to pick one app in the whole APPVERSE, what would it be?
I definitely would have to say Shazam. I am constantly hearing songs that I like, but too often don’t know their names or artists. Shazam is a saving grace that identifies the songs for me so that I can enjoy them again and again and again!
Optimizing Email: Do Your Campaigns Measure Up?
Here at EDPR, we push out a lot of email campaigns, and always appreciate freshening up on our skills. That’s why this particular INFOGRAPHIC stood out to us while surfing Pinterest earlier this week. Brought to you by Email Monks, here’s a few points they mentioned are of great importance:
- Envelope Design: matters most to the subscribers. Infographic shares best practices pertaining to the FROM NAME, TO FIELD and SUBJECT LINES. Subscribers decide to read or delete an Email within 3 seconds.
- Pre-Header and Header: Snippet Text should be well aligned with the subject line as few clients show preview text, pulled out from the first few lines of email content.
- Johnson Box top is ideally 400X300 Pixels, with the height of the header set at around 150 Pixel.
- Mobile Optimized Emails has to be restricted to single column template, using techniques like responsive and scalable coding standards as 42% of all email is now opened via mobile and 43% of mobile email users check email 4+ times per day.. Mobile emails should have tappable calls to action of minimum size 44 x 44 pixels and Mobile Email width of 320 to 480 Pixels.
- Images in the email: Images in the email: Images with an Alt text should be used as in case an email does not display correctly, 69.7% will delete it immediately. Try to avoid background images layered with text. Many of the email clients (Outlook, one of them) don’t support background images.
- Guidelines: Avoiding the use of Flash or Ajax functionality.
Vine Gets Jason Derulo-fied In New Single Promotion
Now that Vine has the world obsessed with creating 6 second video masterpieces, it’s only natural that someone identifies a way to use it as a powerful marketing tool! The best example we’ve come across? In the music industry, of course!
One tech-savvy musician that’s using Vine to promote his new single is Jason Derulo. Known for tagging all his singles with his name, the R&B singer was one of the early adopters of Vine and now he wants to use the app to promote his new single, “The Other Side” which dropped last week. Essentially, he had the song broken up into 6 second increments that can be chosen to ‘score’ your Vine video as you post it. The singer is asking fans to tag the Vines with ‘#TheOtherSide’, then Derulo and his team are going to choose a bunch of them to edit together to create a full-length ‘fan video’ to be posted on YouTube.
Ayal Kleinman, Warner Bros Records VP of Marketing says Vine is “the emerging social media platform” for artists. Also commenting, “The high-energy feel of the song really lent itself well to the platform, and so all the elements came together to create this really engaging promotion.”
Vine seems like the perfect opportunity to not only allow singers/bands to put their music out to a wider audience, but also to have a more personal relationship with their fans by ‘Vine’-ing backstage or sharing behind-the-scenes clips!
Client News: Toronto’s Professional Crowd Take Their Pants Off For A Good Cause
Pants Off for Prostate Cancer returns for a fourth consecutive year in support of Prostate Cancer Canada
TORONTO, ON (April 22, 2013) – On May 15, 2013, hundreds of pants-less professionals will gather for the fourth annual Pants Off for Prostate Cancer event benefiting Prostate Cancer Canada. Aptly named for the party’s pants-less dress code, guests check their pants at the door and party with bare legs to raise funds for this serious below-the-belt issue. This year’s event – Pants Off Fore! Golf & Country Club – will transform Toronto’s Berkeley Church into the most unique and exclusive clubhouse in the city.
Since its foundation in 2010, Pants Off for Prostate Cancer has raised over $200,000 to increase support for the fight against prostate cancer’s impact on the 1 in 7 Canadian men who will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. Funds raised support prostate cancer research and awareness and contribute to services for those living with the disease.
“We were inspired by the opportunity to create something unique that would appeal to a younger and more adventurous group of urban professionals that may not be as attracted to traditional fundraising events,” said Peter Shippen, co-founder and co-chair of Pants Off for Prostate Cancer.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer to affect Canadian men. 26,500 will be diagnosed with the disease this year alone. Prostate Cancer Canada encourages men over the age of 40, as part of their annual checkup, to initiate a conversation with their doctor about early detection of prostate cancer, which may include PSA testing and a Digital Rectal Exam.
“The notion of going “pants off” for one night was envisioned as a fun and playful way to draw attention to the below-the-belt nature of this very serious disease,” said Boris Novansky, co-founder and co-chair with Shippen.
Pants Off Fore! Golf & Country Club is generously supported by Presenting Media Sponsor tonight Newspaper; Lead Sponsors Bayer Inc., Redwood Asset Management, and Joe Boxer. Supporting Sponsors include Fasken Martineau and Georgeson; and Friends Beam Global, Cave Spring Cellars, Collins Barrow, CST Phoenix Advisors, Deloitte, Hogtown Brewers, Mill Street Brewery, and Renaissance Investments.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Pants Off on a creative event that draws attention and raises funds for a disease that impacts thousands of Canadians each year,” said John Cameron, Publisher, tonight Newspaper.
To purchase tickets for Pants Off Fore! on May 15 at the Berkeley Church at 8:00 p.m. or for more information, visit www.takeyourpantsoff.ca.
About Pants Off for Prostate Cancer:
Pants Off for Prostate Cancer is an edgy and innovative fundraising event that puts the focus on the below-the-belt nature of prostate cancer by enforcing a mandatory no pants policy at the door for its guests – a diverse mix of Toronto’s professional crowd. Since 2010, the annual event has drawn crowds of over 400 people – all pants-less – in efforts to raise funds to benefit Prostate Cancer Canada, the nation’s leading charity funding prostate cancer research, support programs, and awareness.
Website: http://www.takeyourpantsoff.ca
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PantsOffForProstateCancer
Twitter: @PantsoffToronto
About Prostate Cancer Canada:
Prostate Cancer Canada raises funds for the development of programs related to awareness and public education, advocacy, support of those affected, and research into the prevention, detection, treatment, and cure of prostate cancer. For more information visit prostatecancer.ca
About tonight:
tonight is Toronto’s free evening commuter newspaper. Published Tuesday and Thursday evenings, tonight offers the latest news and entertainment for transit commuters on their way home. tonight is available through an extensive downtown distribution network of handlers (Newsies), boxes, PATH billboards, outside most TTC stations and as an iPad and Android app.
To schedule an interview or for more information, please contact:
Cory Stewart
Embrace Disruption PR
647.638.1586
-or-
Rebecca von Goetz
Vice-President, Marketing & Communications
Prostate Cancer Canada
416.441.2131 ext. 258
rebecca.vongoetz@prostatecancer.ca
Film Friday: Audition Showcases “Attraction”
A random video selection for your Friday afternoon! Each year it seems like Britain’s Got Talent finds the most unique and talented people (remember Susan Boyle?) to feature on their show and with a new season that started last week they seem to be off to an amazing start with shadow theatre group “Attraction.” Prepare to be wowed and moved with their audition piece.
Weekly Disruptor: Jeannie O’Regan, Starlight Canada’s Chief Operating Officer
Each week at Embrace Disruption we introduce you to an influential person in the digital, blogger, arts, culture, film, or media world! Every Thursday, you can check back at EDPR to find out who we think is particularly amazing at ‘embracing disruption’ within their respective industries. This week, we’d like to introduce you to Starlight Canada’s Chief Operating Officer, Jeannie O’Regan!
What’s your official job title, and where did you go to school?
- Chief Operating Officer, Starlight Children’s Foundation
- Ryerson University, Event Planning and Management
- George Brown, Business Management
Elevator pitch. Describe yourself in a nutshell (or sea shell, or any shell for that matter).
I am a successful meeting/event planner and operations executive with 20 years’ experience providing services and cultivating change. I have excellent hands-on skills in clarifying needs, creating opportunities, nurturing relationships, and growing profits.
I often refer to myself as an M&M … hard exterior shell but soft on the inside.
Why did you pursue what you’re doing now? What was the inspiration?
There’s a time in your life when you have to decide if your high-paying yet high-stress job is worth it. I truly believe that when you are passionate about something, you give your all to what you are doing – Starlight has given me that passion back. I know what I do has a positive impact on the lives of so many children and their families and that is food for my soul.
I’m inspired by my family and by the support they’ve given me. I’m inspired by children who struggle through illnesses day in and day out and yet can still smile. I am inspired by animals that are abused and yet still trust in humans.
What is the best part of your day-to-day?
Professionally – having a parent or child contact me about how we made a difference.
Personally – when my kids tell me they love me every morning. Unconditional love … it doesn’t get any better than that!
What’s the most challenging?
When I see pictures or hear stories of Starlight children who have passed, my heart breaks and I find myself giving my kids an extra squeeze when I get home.
If you took a look in the cliché crystal ball, what do you see for yourself?
All of life is experienced through the present moment; therefore the future does not exist. By the time tomorrow comes it is now the present moment!
How do you embrace disruption in your work and personal life?
As Charles Kettering once said, “The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress.” I have learned to embrace change … good and bad; it is about moving forward, learning from our successes and our failures and making the best of each moment.
What is the most memorable moment in your career?
It would have to be the first event I planned on my own. It was the year 2000 and I had played a supporting role in dozens of events by then. This event was in its 20th-plus year and it was stale. It wasn’t expected to survive and they took a chance that I could breathe fresh life into it. It was a resounding success and went on to be the premier industry event in healthcare (in fact, the event is still held each year … my legacy lives on!).
Do you support any initiatives or charities? Tell us about it, and please provide links!
I’m a softie when it comes to those who can’t defend themselves. Children, animals, the elderly.
Starlight is obviously dear to my heart (www.starlightcanada.org) but I also support Plan Canada – the “Because I’m a Girl” campaign is brilliant. (http://plancanada.ca/BecauseIamaGirlOverview) and small community animal shelters.
Tell us what you see yourself doing at 65 years old.
Definitely retired but not idle! I want to sit on a Board to keep my mind sharp. Travel to experience new things. Enjoying life to its fullest in all regards!
Just for fun: if you had to pick one app in the whole APPVERSE, what would it be?
I’m a news geek! Zite is my go-to APP everyday. Zite analyzes feeds to create a magazine tailored my interests from a variety of sources. One-stop-shop reading!
