Sep
28
Learn to play hockey the Metro Studios way.
September 28, 2009 | Leave a Comment | Written by Lindsay Talsness
This summer, Metro Studios was contracted by the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, a USHL hockey team, to meet a wide variety of marketing and production needs for their 2009-2010 season. We’re thrilled that Metro Studios can be ONE place - so many solutions for the Riders. Here’s our take on Metro Studios’ style of hockey.
Rethink everything you know.
The Riders came to Metro Studios looking for a complete branding and production upgrade – transforming a simple hockey game into an entertainment experience. We were up for the challenge.
Forget shin guards, go for the big screen TVs.
We installed four huge video screens above the ice rink, with cameras located across the arena to capture every angle of the game.
Light up your fans.
We developed a production plan from scratch, including video content which will play during the pre-game show and during the game. The video clips include player interviews, sponsor mentions, advertisements, and custom clips for each game. We even produced an original music video just for the Riders.
Forget the net – take it to the web.
Our web team built a new website for the team featuring high definition videos on every page, a design worthy of the NHL, and increased opportunities for fan interaction with weekly e-mail updates. Our website blends seamlessly with our production coverage – enabling the Riders to post game coverage just minutes after the final buzzer.
Don’t wrap your hockey stick – wrap your production trailer.
As part of the project, we hooked the Riders up with a 52 foot production trailer that serves as the command center for all in-game production. We wrapped it in a custom skin designed by our art director to give it a unique Riders’ branding.
Hook the public.
Metro has produced a number of TV and radio commercials to promote the upcoming season throughout the area. We’ll also produce a 30 minute TV program every Saturday throughout the season, featuring Mark Carlson, the Riders’ head coach.
“We couldn’t be happier with Metro’s work. We’re confident these changes will bring the Riders to a new level of competitive intensity this year, while growing our fan base, and giving people a new appreciation for the team,” said Jeff Jauch, co-owner of the Riders.
So, what’s next for Metro Studios? We’re getting our mullets cut on Friday.
Jul
17
Zimmerman Ford: From whiteboard to widescreen
July 17, 2009 | Leave a Comment | Written by Lindsay Talsness
If you walk into a conference room at Metro Studios, you’re bound to find a whiteboard filled to the brim with words, ideas, and images. After all, they say creative minds are rarely tidy.
This spring, our creativity and our whiteboard was put to work for Mark Zimmerman Ford-Hyundai-Mitsubishi-BMW. Mark Zimmerman approached us looking for new branding for his dealership from a fresh, outside perspective.
We started our work with research. Not with market statistics and car model numbers, but with real people. We spent time listening to people share what they liked and disliked about their experiences with car dealerships. Then we took that information and started brainstorming.
Jul
17
An insider’s guide to media buying
July 17, 2009 | Leave a Comment | Written by Kendra Smith
Interested in advertising on TV, but have no idea where to start? Here’s a quick guide to the art of “media buying” - purchasing ad space on specific stations during a specific time period.
Determine your target demographic.
The first step is to determine who your target demographic is. You will want to choose different stations, programming, and day parts based on the target demographic you are trying to reach. It is common to have both a primary and secondary target demographic. For example, your primary demographic may be Women 35-54, and your secondary may be Adults (or Persons) 35-54.
Decide on your objectives.
After you have determined your target demographic, decide on your media objectives. This usually involves meeting a certain average Cost Per Point for your entire buy, or achieving a certain number of Gross Rating Points. What does all of this media speak mean? Let’s start with rating points:
Jun
11
Photo Journal: On the road with Metro Studios
June 11, 2009 | Leave a Comment | Written by Lindsay Talsness
It’s been a busy, exciting few months at Metro Studios! Here’s a quick look at some projects we’ve recently been working on.
ACE Awards Live Webcast
We had a great time producing the ACE Awards Live Webcast for hundreds of in-person and online viewers.
Scottsdale Community College
Scottsdale Community College’s Department of Culinary Arts asked us to shoot a series of promotional videos for their program. We learned the secrets of making those cool vegetable garnishes, filleting a huge salmon, frosting a fancy cake… the chefs and students didn’t have to ask us twice to sample their creations!
Kirk shooting a close-up for petit-fours, when he wasn’t busy thinking up food puns.
Getting volunteer diners was a piece of cake!
The Grill Toppers Photo and Video Shoot
What a week it was when Metro Studios took on The Grill Toppers project. Our facility was transformed into the ultimate grilling event, complete with dozens of pounds of meat, countless side dishes, as well as numerous place settings to match all of the NCAA team colors. After getting our product shots, we took the gear, food, and props on the road to several different locations.
Donna, our food stylist extraordinaire, lends her expertise, while Susan, our art director, drops in the lemons “just right.”
Connie, Metro’s senior writer/producer, dresses the set. By the time we finished each shot, the food had been sprayed, glued, and was completely inedible.
Our newest “intern” samples some extra prop food and lends morale support during the shoot while her dad, Aaron, takes care of the video editing.
Kendra, Metro’s project coordinator, directs one of the actors on his grilling technique.
With the photos and videos completed, we are looking forward to building The Grill Toppers website this summer.
Commercial Shoot with Wisconsin Football Coach Bret Bielema
Bret Bielema, head coach for the University of Wisconsin football team was the star of our recent commercial shoot at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. I wonder if the Big 10 schedule came up in conversation?
Metro Studios’ Social Media Seminar
John Whaley, our Director of Internet Marketing spent a day with Phoenix business professionals teaching them how to grow their businesses through social media marketing.
Whew! As you can see, it’s been a whirlwind spring - but it was spent doing what we enjoy most - providing our clients with effective, innovative solutions. Like what you see? Please contact us if you’re interested in learning more about the solutions we can provide for your business.
To see more photos of Metro Studios projects, visit our Flickr photostream.
May
18
9 Easy Ways to Write an Outstanding Blog Post
May 18, 2009 | 1 Comment | Written by Lindsay Talsness
- Do you hate writing blog entries?
- Is it a challenge to come up with new topics?
- Are you admittedly baffled by blogging?
Blogging can be easy, enjoyable, AND increase your business - if you do it the right way.
Here are 9 easy ways to dramatically improve your blog.
1. Write articles that readers will benefit from.
For example, Kraft Foods doesn’t write articles for their website entitled, “Buy more Kraft Foods products”. Instead, they post simple, delicious recipes1 that use Kraft ingredients.
If your blog articles are informative and helpful, instead of a direct sales pitch, more people will visit and revisit your blog.
Additional benefit: Writing informative articles builds your reputation as being an expert in your field.
2. Keep it short and focused.
According to research by Nielson Online2, Americans spend an average of 56 seconds on a webpage. Taking into consideration that the average person reads about 300 words per minute, I recommend blog articles be 250 - 500 words in length.
3. Watch your paragraph length.
Have you attempted to read extremely long paragraphs online? It’s difficult.
In fact, eye-tracking studies show that online readers tend to skip large blocks of text. It’s visually overwhelming for readers to see long paragraphs online, so break them up into shorter ones.
4. Use bullet points when providing a series of information.
Bullet points:
- Attract a readers’ eye.
- Highlight important information.
- Help readers’ find what they’re looking for more quickly.
5. Provide detailed subtitles throughout the article.
This technique helps draw readers into paragraphs farther down the page. A note of caution: I don’t consider “My conclusion” to be an interesting subtitle3.
6. Include links to your website in your article.
This will drive readers to key information on your website. Plus, clicking on links is fun!
7. If including an image, make sure it has a purpose.
Most people come to a website looking for information, not images. Make sure that key points of your text are most prominent.
8. Don’t be afraid to show some personality!
Don’t hide behind the company you’re writing for – people want to know that a real person (like Lindsay Talsness) is writing the article. I strongly encourage using pronouns like, “we” or “I” instead of “the company”.
9. Include a call to action.
Such as, “Don’t have a blog yet? Looking for ways to grow your business online? At Metro Studios, we’d love to help you. Contact us today to get started!”
1. Polynesian-glazed meatballs are a favorite at my house.
2. Nielsen Online (2009). Nielsen Online provides topline U.S. Data for March 2009 [Electronic version]. Retrieved May 8, 2009, from http://nielsen-online.com/pr/pr_090414.pdf
3. However, this subtitle is interesting.
Mar
16
We’d like to thank the Academy…
March 16, 2009 | 2 Comments | Written by Lindsay Talsness
Metro Studios was recently honored with four awards (otherwise known as ADDYs) from the American Advertising Federation of Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. We had a great time working on these projects and are extremely pleased with the results they’ve produced for our clients! Here’s a rundown of the honored projects:
Client: Clearheart Spirits
Project: Internet Marketing Campaign
Silver ADDY – Web/Online Campaign
Metro Studios created a new website for Clearheart Spirits, as well as optimized the website for optimal search engine placement. To further launch their internet marketing efforts, John Whaley, our director of internet marketing used social networks such as YouTube and Facebook to help drive traffic back to Clearheart’s website. We also completed an online media campaign including banner and video ad placement within a variety of vertical markets.
Client: The Rose Company
Project: Identity Collateral
Silver ADDY – Collateral Material: Stationery Package
The Rose Company is a local retailer who supplies specialty promotional products. Metro Studios was responsible for the design of their logo, as well as the creation of a unique set of identity materials for the company. We chose a light green paper stock that complimented the rose icon and solidified the brand.
Client: University of Iowa Children’s Hospital
Project: “Letters” video
Silver ADDY – Public Service – Broadcast/Electronic – Audio/Visual
Metro Studios was commissioned to write, produce, shoot and edit this touching fundraising video for the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital. The hospital wanted a video that they could play at a series of fundraising dinners they were holding in various locations around the state. At the very first dinner where the video was played, the goal was to raise $50,000, but the hospital ended up with $100,000 by the end of the night. The Children’s Hospital Medical Director said “of all the videos we have done for twice the budget, none came close to the quality and emotional pull as this one produced by Metro Studios”.
Client: St Luke’s Hospital
Project: Women’s Health Interactive Flash Video
Gold ADDY – Interactive Media
Mark Jones, Metro Studios’ Manager of Web Services, built an interactive flash video application for St. Luke’s Hospital Women’s Health. The video featured a variety of experts and everyday women addressing women’s health issues.
Feb
12
Green Graphic Design:
It’s Not Easy Being Green
February 12, 2009 | Leave a Comment | Written by Kendra Smith
What does it mean to practice green graphic design? The phrase “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” does convey an important message, but just skims the surface of the effective ways you can practice sustainable design.
There are three questions we should ask ourselves before beginning a print marketing piece.
1. Why? As in, why do we want to produce this as a print piece?
Before launching a print campaign, ask yourself what the purpose of the campaign is, and whether it will be an effective means of getting your message out to consumers. Unfortunately, all too often, print campaigns that begin with the best intentions simply end up recipients’ trash, without building your business.
Ask yourself questions like:
- What is the purpose of this print piece?
- Who are my target recipients?
- What is the most effective way to communicate with them?
This leads to my second question…
2. What? As in, what alternative marketing methods may be just as, if not more effective than a print campaign?
Here are some alternative ideas to using a print piece (Shameless plug: Metro Studios would be happy to help you make any of these ideas a reality).
- E-mail marketing. What about converting your quarterly newsletter into an e-newsletter? Or, why not send an e-mail instead of a postcard? E-mail marketing is an easy, inexpensive way to market your business.
- Text-messaging. If I received a text message announcing that all jeans are 50% off until Sunday at my favorite clothing store, I would be more likely to remember to check out the sale than if I’d received the same message as a postcard.
- Chalkboard/whiteboard in front of your business. Need to advertise today’s specials? Instead of using fliers, why not try placing a chalkboard or whiteboard prominently outside your business, showcasing your specials.
- Street sandwich board. Hire a high school or college student to hit the streets for your business! It’s a unique, eye-catching, and personal way to advertise.
3. How? As in, how can we print responsibly?
Attention printers: don’t cash in your 401k quite yet. Printing is certainly not going to disappear, and those who practice green design don’t expect it to either. I think there will always be a need for physical, printed materials to touch and to hold. The challenge, however, is producing these materials in ways that aren’t harmful to our environment.
Here are some simple ways to print greener:
- Purchase sustainable printing products such as vegetable-based inks, and cleaning and processing solvents without environmentally harmful compounds.
- Plan press runs carefully to minimize energy use.
- Minimizing paper waste when doing proofs by e-mailing digital files, rather than using paper proofs or CDs.
- Request use of eco-friendly paper, either certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, or milled using an alternative energy source such as wind or solar power.
Metro Studios has access to all of these green resources, and strives to reduce waste when working with print vendors. We are increasingly practicing sustainable design, and are always looking for better, greener ways to market our clients’ products and services. Overall, our goal is to not only save natural resources – but also your own through innovative, creative marketing techniques.