Latest reel. Bit of background…I direct and produce video content for brands. From creative strategy to post. Have created content all over the world including for network television at the summer and winter Olympics overseas.

Based in Toronto but we work out of New York, LA, and everywhere in between.

edgell(at)thornleyfallis.com

Video Production, New York, Toronto, Producer, Director, Mike Edgell, Thornley Fallis, web films, content, video production company, social media, agency

There is an ever increasing need for curation in the video space.  Sites like eguiders are off to a good start, but with the equivalent of hundreds of thousands of feature films being uploaded every month, there is far too much content for anyone to digest.  I’m always struggling to find those buried nuggets myself.  I’m experimenting with video playlists (this is from embedr.com) as a way to curate and deliver very targeted content to a specific audience.  In this case, it’s potential video production clients for our agency, but it could be anything.  A research firm could use video playlists to gather videos about the latest science projects and send them to colleagues. A builder could create a video playlist showing green energy projects from around the world. Your audience might be a select group of people, but if you curate the material for them, they won’t be lost like the rest of us trying to sift through an endless stream of content.

video production company, toronto, ottawa, social media, mike edgell, director, producer, digital

Anyone who is passionate about something is prone to “geek out” on occasion.  For me it’s video production.

I love hearing about a new technique or lens or creative risk.

Producing and directing makes for an amazing hybrid of creative expression and storytelling.  And when your subject matter is a piece of technology, I believe you can still find something special.

Gadgets are not people but I think there’s a lot of humanity in them.  In the way they connect us, and inspire us to solve problems in new ways. We recently shot this video with BlackBerry about the PlayBook. As silly as it sounds, I force myself to see technology as another person in the room.  If you don’t get to that place in your head, it is very difficult to elevate your work from a bunch of people saying “hey cool” to a conversation and authentic interaction.

In this case, the BlackBerry PlayBook is the star.  From my TV days, I have seen how people react when there’s a “star” in the room such as Tom Cruise.  They act differently. They glow, and they focus their energy.  They might even act like they don’t care, but usually can’t hide their true feelings.  That’s who I’m looking for on shoots like this.  It helps to have a new and innovative device (client disclaimer but hey it’s true) but I believe a bit of humanity can be found in a lot of the tools we use on a daily basis.

The Canadian Internet Registration Authority, CIRA, wanted a compelling way to launch its new website awards program, the .CA Impact Awards.

Despite CIRA’s well-established credibility, the challenge was to establish credibility in a brand new award. And we needed that award to resonate with people who are already inundated with information, the influencers at the bleeding edge of Canada’s digital culture.

This required a powerful medium that could visualize the nuances and spirit of an inherently “un-visual” subject. So we set out to tell a compelling story with video, led by our online video production practice.

In 2011, the Impact Awards will honour the best .CA websites, but the story we’re telling in this video is not about websites. It taps into a much deeper notion of patriotism. We want people to feel pride in their contribution to Canada’s “living” digital history. We are looking for people who care because it’s where they live, in .CA.

Our video production team brought the concept to life with an authentic and emotional visual story. We wrote a powerful narrative, juxtaposing a more traditional voice with edgy and innovative production techniques.

Thornley Fallis proposed the Awards should be launched at a venue filled with the digital influencers we wanted to target. The meshmarketing conference in Toronto was the ideal location. The video played at the end of a keynote speech by one of North America’s most passionate online advocates, the founder of Common Craft.

The feedback in the conference corridors was overwhelming positive. Judging by the reaction to the video at meshmarketing, and the amount of early buzz in the blogosphere, the Impact Awards are poised to find a place amongst other respected awards in the digital space when entries open in 2011.

The latest data from Comscore, as detailed below in a Postmedia article, is yet another sign Canadians are leading the developed world in the adoption and consumption of online content.

Fact is, the internet is becoming video-based.   Not just in terms of bandwidth (video now makes up the biggest chunk of internet bandwidth).  But the experience itself.  Internet connected televisions and mobile viewing will only accelerate a shift to the medium that, in modern history has proven to always win.  Visual storytelling rules.

So the latest stats show Canadians are “cutting edge,” consuming online video more than any other country.  But strangely, Canadian organizations have been ‘relatively’ slow to embrace the production of video content, compared to their U.S. counterparts.  Many U.S. companies are producing video with their agencies, filling YouTube channels and intranets and all kinds of communication channels with video.  There are regularly conferences and summits that focus on video.  There is even a government conference focussed entirely on video.

Here in Canada we like to watch it.  I’m generalizing. And many organizations (including some great clients we work with that you can see in the embedded video here) are embracing it, but as a nation not even close to the level we are seeing South of the border.  Population has something but not everything to do with it.  It’s that for generations content was geographically silo’d, and passed along like a dinner roll. In the television universe, high quality programming was more difficult for Canadians to create and afford. Things have changed.  With the tools available today, storytelling and smarts are helping level the playing field. Canadian producers can go head to head with producers from around the world.  The online universe is for everyone to share. Content creation is more accessible now, and everyone can have a visual voice (with a bit of help:)

Canadian organizations can no longer wait for some “Canadianized” content to be flipped their way.  It is more important than ever to regionalize video content.   In the future, we will PERSONALIZE it.

Sure, I’m biased on this front because I produce video content, based in Toronto.  But as one of those Canadians who also watches a lot of it – I want to see more content produced by Canadian organizations.

(online video production, Toronto producer director mike edgell, web video production, Thornley Fallis, 76 design, digital video)

I pulled aside Lee LeFever, one of the founders of Common Craft, to summarize his presentation at meshmarketing in Toronto.  Here he talks about why online video is so powerful.

I want to let you know that I will be presenting the following session How You Can Produce And Integrate Video Into Your Communications Plan- Getting Beyond YouTube.

SOCIAL MEDIA For GOVERNMENT CONFERENCE:
How To Engage Your Employees And Citizens By Using The Latest WEB 2.0 Technologies To Drive Communication Results
January 31-February 3, 2011

Attend this conference to learn how to capture the power of social media in your organization, along with helpful tools, tips and techniques to get started. Since I am participating in the conference, and you are one of my valued colleagues, you can save $400 by mentioning my name or email code “SPK.”

My presentation topic is:
How You Can Produce And Integrate Video Into Your Communications Plan- Getting Beyond YouTube.

To register or to get more information about the event, see the information below or go to the conference web site at http://www.aliconferences.com/conf/social_media_govt_canada0211/index.htm.

Hope to see you there!
————————

SOCIAL MEDIA for GOVERNMENT – TORONTO
*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
How To Engage Your Employees
And Citizens By Using The Latest
WEB 2.0 Technologies To
Drive Communication Results
*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
January 31-February 3, 2011
Toronto, ON

Conference Details:
http://www.aliconferences.com/conf/social_media_govt_canada0211/index.htm

————————————————————–
SPECIAL PROMOTIONS & DISCOUNTS:
————————————————————–
1. EARLY BIRD Discount:  Register by December 10th to save $400!

2. TEAM Discount: Train 4 for the price of 3!

3.  PAST ATTENDEE Discount:  Save $200 off your next registration!

4. SPEAKER Discount:  Mention my name or the code, “SPK” and receive $400 off current registration rates!

To view the detailed agendas or to register:
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – -
CALL: 773-695-9400, x1
ONLINE: http://www.aliconferences.com/
*Please mention my name or the code, “SPK” and receive $400 off current registration rates to ensure early bird rates.

- – - – - – - – - – - – - – -
AGENDA & SPEAKING ORGANIZATIONS
Tuesday, February 1 – Wednesday, February 2, 2011
http://www.aliconferences.com/conf/social_media_govt_canada0211/index.htm
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – -

Hear practical advice, firsthand, on how to engage your employees and citizens by using social media from leading government agencies and organizations, including:

Ontario Ministry of Labour

Northern Lights Canada

Toronto Police Service

Royal Bank of Canada

Genome Alberta

Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Public Service Commission of Canada

City of Ottawa, Ontario

U.S. Department of State

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Halton Region, Ontario

City of Kitchener, Ontario

Thornley Fallis & 76design

non-linear creations inc.

LAwS Communications

PubliVate Inc.

Michael Cayley Consulting

The Lab, Social Ecosystem

————————————-
AGENDA, DAY ONE, Tuesday, February 1, 2011
————————————-

8:30 Chairperson’s Welcome
THORNLEY FALLIS & 76DESIGN

8:45 How To Engage Your Employees
In Your Social Media Efforts
NORTHERN LIGHTS CANADA

9:35 Break-Out Blitz!
Network And Discuss Social Media
Challenges With Your Fellow Attendees

10:35 How To Integrate The
Latest Communications Channels
– Twitter, Facebook, YouTube And More
– How An “Old Style” Ministry Did It
And How You Can, Too
ONTARIO MINISTRY OF LABOUR

11:25 How To Develop Your
Social Media Communications
Goals And Objectives While
Avoiding Potential Hazards
GENOME ALBERTA

1:45 Achieving More With Less:
How Using Social Networking
Technologies Will Help Your
Organization Act More Rapidly,
And Enhance Communication And
Collaboration Processes
RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY

3:00 Telling Tales: How You Can
Use Storytelling To Influence
Decision Makers And Achieve
Social Media Buy-In
ONTARIO MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND LONG-TERM CARE

3:50 How To Incorporate Social Media
Into A Comprehensive Strategic
Communications Program Using
A ‘Go Slow Approach’
HALTON REGION, ONTARIO

4:40 Close Of Day One & Networking Reception

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -
AGENDA, DAY TWO, Wednesday, February 2, 2011
-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

8:30 Chairperson’s Opening Of Day Two
& Presentation: Public Engagement
In The Age Of Social Media —
Evolving Opportunities, Evolving
Expectations And Evolving Practices
THORNLEY FALLIS & 76DESIGN

9:30 Introducing And Formalizing
Social Media In Your Agency:
How To Engage Your Audiences And
Improve The Way Your Organization
Works Together
CITY OF OTTAWA, ONTARIO

10:50 They Talk, You Listen:
How To Effectively Use Crowdsourcing
To Learn More From Your Audiences
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

11:40 Do you have a title i can include?
ROYAL BANK OF CANADA

2:00 Group Exercise – Let’s Communicate And Collaborate!

2:45 Social Media For Security:
Understanding How To Communicate
In Crisis Situations And Why It
Needs To Be A Part Of Your Strategy
TORONTO POLICE SERVICE -And-
LAWS COMMUNICATIONS

3:50 Step-By-Step Strategies For
Your Second Life Recruitment
Process: Using Virtual Worlds To
Attract Job Seekers
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF CANADA

4:40 Chairperson’s Recap:
Key Takeaways And What To Do
When You Get Back To The Office
THORNLEY FALLIS & 76DESIGN

EXPAND YOUR LEARNING…
You may choose to attend one or
both of these optional, practical,
& hands-on WORKSHOPS:
*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS:
MONDAY, January 31, 2011
Choose A or B or BOTH

MORNING PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP A, 8:30am – 11:30am
-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -
“Social Media For Beginners:
From Curiosity To Comprehension –
Offline Answers To Your Online Questions”

Facilitated By: Michael Cayley Consulting

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -
AFTERNOON PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP B, 1:00pm – 4:00pm
-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -
“How To Identify, Create And
Engage Your Stakeholders To
Support Your Social Media Efforts”

Facilitated By: PubliVate Inc.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
POST-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS:
THURSDAY, February 3, 2011
Choose C or D or BOTH

MORNING POST-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP C, 8:30am – 11:30am
-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -
“Getting In The Social Media
Game: How To Develop, Prepare,
And Implement A Social Media
Plan And Policy”

Facilitated By: LAwS Communications

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -
AFTERNOON POST-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP D, 1:00pm – 4:00pm
-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -
“How You Can Produce And
Integrate Video Into Your
Communications Plan -
Getting Beyond YouTube”

Facilitated By: Thornley Fallis and 76design

*********************
Venue and Lodging:
ALL CONFERENCE SESSIONS WILL BE HELD AT THE:

To Be Determined Shortly:
For more information, please contact the Advanced Learning Institute at 773.695.9400, ext.1

* * * * * * * * * * * *
RAVE REVIEWS FROM PAST SOCIAL MEDIA FOR GOVERNMENT ATTENDEES:

“I thoroughly enjoyed this training – not only will I attend again, I will strongly encourage others to do so as well. Thanks.” — J. Blodgett, Jr. Communications Advisor
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE CANADA

“I never rate anything excellent unless it amazed me! Great training. Keep up the good work. The government needs more like this. Love the networking.”
S. Jodouin, Jr. Media Relations Officer
ELECTIONS CANADA

“This training was really great. I loved the mix of younger and older – both in
attendees and presenters.”
R. Alfadili, Communications Officer
REPRESENTATIVE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH, BRITISH COLUMBIA

“…The content was pertinent and concise – exactly what I needed!”
L. English, Prog. Manager, Digital Media
GOVERNMENT OF MANITOBA

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS
* * * * * * * * * * * *
1.  EARLY BIRD Discount:  Register by December 10th to save $400!

2.  TEAM Discount: Train 4 for the price of 3!

3.  PAST ATTENDEE Discount:  Save $200 off your next registration!

4.  SPEAKER Discount:  Mention my name or the code, “SPK” and take $400 off current registration rates!

REGISTRATION FEES Include:
Social Media for Government REGISTRATION FEES Include:
attendance, a detailed workbook and all meeting materials — including
access to the conference WIKI — continental breakfasts, refreshments,
and evening networking reception.
-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

Conference Only (February 1st & 2nd)
$1,299 (by Dec. 10th)
$1,699 (after Dec. 10th)

Conference Plus One Workshop
$1,699 (by Dec. 10th)
$2,099 (after Dec. 10th)

Conference Plus Two Workshops
$1,999 (by Dec. 10th)
$2,399 (after Dec. 10th)

Conference Plus Three Workshops
$2,199 (by Dec. 10th)
$2,599 (after Dec. 10th)

Conference Plus All Four Workshops – Best Value!
$2,299 (by Dec. 10th)
$2,699 (after Dec. 10th)

To view more “Social Media for Government” conference details or to register:
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CALL: (773) 695-9400, x1
http://www.aliconferences.com/conf/social_media_govt_canada0211/index.htm

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -
CONFERENCE SUPPORTERS:
-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -
Mashable, http://mashable.com

IABC Toronto, http://toronto.iabc.com/

Social Media Club, http://www.socialmediaclub.org

Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC), http://www.itac.ca/

Mention “SPK” to take an additional $400 off current registration rates!

For more conference information and registration go to:
http://www.aliconferences.com/conf/social_media_govt_canada0211/index.htm
or CALL:  (773) 695-9400, x1

THIS CONFERENCE PRESENTED BY:
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -
The Advanced Learning Institute
Your Government & Communications Training Partner since 1997

8600 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 920N
Chicago, IL 60631  USA
Phone: (773) 695-9400
Website: http://www.aliconferences.com/

Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE) Teaser from Graham Steel on Vimeo.

My marine biologist brother sent me a link yesterday to Jove – the Journal Of Visualized Experiments.   It’s a peer reviewed video journal for biological research.   It’s another sign the benefits of online video are being recognized outside the realm of waterskiing squirrels.   If the ‘profiling of extracellular polysaccharides’ can be explained with video, what can’t.

When I talk to people about leaving television to produce online video content (http://bit.ly/cJBfh4 or http://bit.ly/a3mWTo) some common myths arise.  Foremost, that online video is “entertainment.” Of course it is, but there is great value and influence beyond the amusing, and yes, even beyond YouTube.  Video can provide an incredible tool to leverage in business, healthcare, defence, non-profit work,  and education.

Benefits of Video:

INFLUENCE –  Video is the most powerful communication tool, because people react to visuals more than text.

TRUST – People trust what they see.  And who they see.

VALUE – Video proven to increase perceived value, interest and conversion.  The mystique, emotion, and potent storytelling ability of video influences behaviour like no other medium.

UNDERSTANDING – Picture says 1000 words x 30 frames per second.  Conveys vast amount of intangible information text can’t.

DEPLOYMENT – ‘Bottle’ the best people and assets, and deploy it to senior decision makers directly.   Allows stakeholders to simply ‘click this video link.’

COMPETITIVE EDGE – It is a progressive thing to do.

More importantly, it is quickly becoming a question of relevance.  Which I will elaborate on in my upcoming post ‘Generation V for Visual – the most visual, video-obsessed generation, ever’

Mike Edgell

www.mikeedgell.com

edgell(@)thornleyfallis.com

social media, online video production, Toronto, multimedia