Publicity

[Digitrove]

Hello,

We've just set up a new full-service production/postproduction facility here in San Francisco. We have a particular niche and some strong business relationship potential. But we're trying to reach out to the broader community here to get the word out as to who we are and what we offer.

I'd appreciate any advice on how best to let a community know, well, that we exist. :) We're planning on going out and meeting with other production facilities that may not be as well-equipped for sound in an effort to develop business partnerships. (We're focusing on advertising, broadcasting, independent film, and DVD surround mixing.)

What I'm wondering is what other avenues we might explore, i.e. any community websites to post to, organizations to join, low-cost advertising, etc.

Thanks for any help you might be able to offer.

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Jim Batcho
Digitrove, Inc.
415.788.1282

[OVID]

Digitrove,
I attached a couple of links to hopefully point you into the direction that you were looking for. Also, I am looking to get into an internship apprentice program to learn the business of sound design. I'm changing careers right now and want to do something I'm passionate about rather than just make a buck. Do you or know someone than can help me out pursuing a career in this field? I have a BS degree from Sacramento State and I have a very high learning curve for digital prgramming. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank You. JB

http://p220.ezboard.com/bplanetshark

http://www.prohub.com/

http://www.mvpa.com/resources.htm

http://www.ednet.net/

[jayrose]

Jim, post for advertising is very competitive. If you're a 'full service production and post' company - and are doing video editing or compositing as part of your wervice - it's doubtful that other shops will form business relationships with you.

If you're strictly audio, of course, this isn't a problem... but you'll probably find that these relationships are already in place, and a big-ticket video post house isn't likely to want to risk their clients by suggesting an untried audio supplier. (Nobody ever got fired by recommending the big guys.)

The best way to attract this kind of work is with a killer reel - one that you shop around to all the agency producers and creative directors you can - and having a staff editor or sound designer who's already got a following. One way to get that reel if you don't already have samples of your work is pro bono. Find a small creative shop who has PSA clients - your local ad club can help here - and offer your services. If they like what you've done and how the session went, they'll start giving you paying gigs. And you'll be associated with creative work.

I don't know if SF has a local advertising weekly. If it does, start sending out PR and buying small ads - you need both passive and active media. Soon you'll be able to make the shift from 'we're the new kids' to 'we did that cool campaign you saw on the air and liked'.

Advertising, broadcasting, and independend film are separate markets with separate mindsets. It'll be tough to be all things to all people, but some shops have carried it out. Remember, the ad folks want glitz and creativity, and are willing to pay for it (or the perception of it). Broadcast promo clients want creativity as well, but have much tighter budgets. Broadcast program clients want speed and predictability. I'm not sure if you can even make inroads with the indie film crowd in a market as mature as SF, but since they don't talk to the ad and program producers (at least, not around here), you can launch a campaign in separate media for them. And don't be afraid to do a few films for worthy causes, as well.

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Ovid,

... I have a very high learning curve for digital prgramming.

Does that mean you find the learning curve steep, or you've got a high degree of learining. And by 'digital programming'... well, do you mean DSP-based effect design, synth programming, C++, helping cult members come back to their families...?

On a more serious note, you're right to think about internships. No matter what your degree or skills, very few studio owners will hire somebody who doesn't have in-the-trenches experience. Be prepared to do a lot of research and cold-calling on the phone to find a good intern program. Some treat interns as free janitorial labor, others let newbies actually sit in on the sessions (when they're not getting sandwiches).

[Digitrove]

Thanks for the replies. Jayrose, that's good advice all around. We have an advantage in that we have sort of a niche market, but there's also a lot of pressure to expand our client base. I guess the lesson is to do a lot of homework.

SF is also good about organizations for networking. I'll probably join groups like BAVC.org and get to know some people.

Ovid, are you in the SF area? What's your background? Send me an email.