Foundation Content, an Indie Advertising and Production Collective specializing in cross-platform marketing for a diverse array of clients, was involved in the production of a new, viral video in conjunction with Rivet Global, promoting the partnership between Microsoft’s “Shape the Future” Campaign and VH1’s “Save the Music” Foundation. The new video stars recording artist Gavin DeGraw, and was shot at the Gibson Beverly Hills (CA) Guitar Showroom. Samantha Hart, CEO, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Foundation Content, made the announcement.nnFoundation Content’s James Levon Lipetzky directed the new video, which was edited by the company’s Suzie Moore in Chicago. The partnership between Microsoft and VH1 is a unique program designed to promote Microsoft’s “Shape the Future” and VH1’s “Save the Music” with celebrity spokesperson Gavin DeGraw. These two organizations are working together to bring technology and music access to schools across the country and the world. nn
nTo see this new video on Facebook, click here & “Like”nnIn the piece, we see a number of young students interacting with musical instruments and computers, as Gavin DeGraw says, “Technology’s impact on my career has been massive,” after which these young people are seen playing their instruments. Says Jacklyn Shea, VH1 “Save the Music’s” Program and Communications Manager, “The VH1 Save the Music Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental education across the U.S. and to raise awareness about the importance of music as part of every child’s education.” Adds Anthony Salcito, Microsoft VP of Education, “Right now, Microsoft is working to improve the quality of education around the world. In partnership with VH1’s ‘Save the Music,’ we’re providing tools for students, whether it’s a laptop or a trumpet, to make a difference in their lives.” nnAs DeGraw continues to discuss the importance of technology and music, we see a montage of young people as they interact with their laptops, mobile phones and instruments. These students are also seen receiving information and consultation from Mark Johnsen, Director of Bands, Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies, who next conducts the young musicians as they perform as a full band. A diverse array of young musicians next appear, discussing the importance of technology and how it has enhanced and furthered their musical educations. At the end of the piece, DeGraw says, “Music—this art form, is one of the most important identifying tools for our culture. You young people are very important—you represent an entire era of a culture.” nnSaid Hart, “We truly hope that everyone who watches the video, will join the movement, and raise their voice to support bringing technology and music to schools! We’re very proud of our participation with this special project, and we hope everyone who becomes aware of this campaign helps us spread the word.”nAdds Becca Stahl, Account Executive, Rivet Global, “We’re so happy with how everything came together in the conception and production of this great video. And we want to thank Foundation Content for being such an integral part of making this happen. Congrats to the Foundation team for creating such an inspirational video that ties this whole thing together!”nnCreative CreditsnAgency: Rivet GlobalnAgency Creative: John Gallagher, Mitch Branstetter , Brian TrostnVP, Account Director: Mike GigernSenior Account Executive: Erin WillnernAccount Executive: Becca StahlnProduction/Post: Foundation ContentnDirector: James Levon LipetzkynProducer: Stacy ParisnEditor: Suzie MoorenPost-Producer: Megan GuerrantnColor: Ryan StemplenAudio: Joe FloodnnAbout MICROSOFT’S “SHAPE THE FUTURE” CAMPAIGNnMicrosoft’s “Shape the Future” is a program aimed at helping governments invest in education technology to create jobs, drive economic growth and increase competitiveness. In the past three years, Microsoft has helped 42 countries bring technology access to over six million students, educators and families. Please see “Shape the Future” on Facebook herennAbout THE VH1 “SAVE THE MUSIC” FOUNDATIONnVH1 is dedicated to restoring instrumental music education in America’s public schools. Music Education = Brain Power. The VH1 Save The Music Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education in American public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child’s complete education. The Foundation relies on donations to execute its mission. Since 1997, the VH1 Save the Music Foundation has provided $47 million worth of new musical instruments to more than 1,750 public schools in more than 100 cities around the country, impacting the lives of more than 1.6 million public school students. Visit: www.vh1savethemusic.com nnAbout RIVET GLOBALnRivet Global is a full service marketing agency, specializing in Branding, Advertising, Digital, CRM, Mobile, Promotions, B2B, Direct Marketing, Shopper Marketing, Media Planning & Buying, Social Media and Experiential Marketing. The company has offices in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, St. Louis and Toronto. Please see www.rivetglobal.com.nnAbout FOUNDATION CONTENTnWith offices in Culver City (CA) and Chicago, Foundation Content was founded by Samantha Hart and James Lipetzky in Chicago in 2004 as an “Indie nAdvertising Collective” that specializes in the conception, production and delivery of compelling advertising and marketing campaigns for a diverse group of clients. In conjunction with its creative partners, the Foundation Content team focuses on collaboration and efficient execution, helping brands find new and innovative ways by which to get their message across to their target audiences. The company is a Certified WBENC Minority/Womens’ Business Enterprise. n nFoundation Content houses producers, directors, writers, editors, 2D/3D motion graphics artists, sound designers, along with smoke and color rooms, and shooting stages on the premises of each location. The company specializes in handling projects from inception to exhibition—and any stage in between. As an n”Indie Advertising Collective,” Foundation Content exudes the energy of an indie film company, the experience of an established production & post production house, and the vision of a design boutique.n nFoundation Content’s clients include Walmart, Sony Electronics, Nissan, Whole Foods, vitaminwater, United Way, Radical Skincare, and many others. For more info, please see: www.foundationcontent.com and also visit us on Facebook.Media Contact for Foundation Content: Dan Harary Asbury PR Agency Beverly Hills, Ca 310/859-1831 Contact Dan via email
Who Needs Los Angeles? We Do.
One doesn't have to be a statistician to know that there are fewer commercials being shot in the U.S. today for the American market than ever before, and a dramatic decrease in L.A. in particular. In the last five years, as reported by FilmLA (the office tasked with issuing permits), L.A. commercial production has dipped 31 percent. But here’s the thing: This doesn’t mean that L.A. has lost its importance as the production center of the world. Production in L.A. is vital. It is the go-to. It’s where you can count on access to exemplary crews, a support infrastructure second to none, varied location and backlot options, a large population of on-screen talent and (fairly) predictable weather. The fact is, with overall decline and now the devastation of the fires, we’re on the brink of losing this mainstay resource. Without employment opportunities and now many without homes, talented and trained crew are bound to leave either the industry or the LA area for other opportunities, unless there are enough job opportunities to sustain a solid living. Now is the time when we ALL must support and bolster this community. Production is needed in L.A., now! Of course, advertising is a business, and marketers’ money should be spent as efficiently as possible, BUT we have to think beyond each production and know that if we lose the incredible resource of L.A. production as we know it, then marketers, agencies and the industry loses in the long run. Over the past several days, some agencies have issued directives to production companies that are unilaterally pushing upcoming production options out of L.A. The fact is L.A. is a large area, and many sections of the city and county are not directly impacted... Read More