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The Facebook Philanthropos

February 14th, 2008

WOMMA linked to an interesting Slate magazine article about organizations and charities soliciting donations online. The model of social networks raising funds seems to be trumped by raising awareness, saying, "The greater promise of viral philanthropy may lie not in electronic check writing, but in increased involvement; 21st-century technology for philanthropos in its most ancient sense."

Jean Case, the wife of AOL founder Steve Case, said, "Philanthropy shouldn't be defined as a bunch of rich people writing checks," she told the New York Times. "Small amounts of money given by large numbers of individuals can be combined to do great things."

So, in another way, organizations online are looking for effective ways to tell their stories and spread their messages. Of course, we have a few ideas of our own.
Posted by Aaron Carriere on February 14th, 2008 at 10:42 AM
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Ten Billion Videos

February 13th, 2008

141 Americans watched 10 billion online videos in December 2007. That's a new record.
Posted by Aaron Carriere on February 13th, 2008 at 6:40 AM
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The Internet Jungle

January 31st, 2008

Through a series of unfortunate and unrelated events, our email server and website were down while Aaron was in the Amazon jungle shooting a documentary on the Waodani Indians of Ecuador.

If you tried to get in touch with Creo during Jan. 20-30, please accept our apologies. We're back.

Posted by Aaron Carriere on January 31st, 2008 at 9:34 AM
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Big Think

January 10th, 2008

A new website Big Think (www.bigthink.com) was originally pitched "as a YouTube for intellectuals," according to this New York Times article. Big Think is a portal for the world's brains and big ideas, featuring a ton of video interviews and a communal aspect of social networking.

Featuring interviews with politicians, musicians, artists and thinkers, it's another example of online video impacting large segments of society.
Posted by Aaron Carriere on January 10th, 2008 at 7:54 AM
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WIRED on the Future of Music

December 28th, 2007

The latest issue of WIRED has two fascinating articles by David Byrne on the value of music. The first is an interview with Radiohead's Thom Yorke on the band's decision to release their new album digitally first and have fans name their own purchase price. Interesting idea.

The second is about the changing landscape of the music industry. Byrne discusses "Six possible music distribution models, ranging from one in which the artist is pretty much hands-off to one where the artist does nearly everything."

It's a digital age; discussions on content and form of delivery apply to all creative industries.
Posted by Aaron Carriere on December 28th, 2007 at 5:53 AM
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Xtrepreneur: Helping Ex-Convicts Succeed

December 20th, 2007

Rob Tillman founded Xtrepreneur to help ex-convicts and marginalized people escape “recidivism,” or “The Cycle” of repeated crime and incarceration, by equipping them to become successful entrepreneurs. We scripted and created a 2-minute animated video explaining Xtrepreneur. Our video has received an “amazing” response and has been viewed by producers at Oprah and NBC.

Watch it below to find out more about Rob’s work.

<object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/p4da0pyH1ac&rel=1"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/p4da0pyH1ac&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object><o:p>

Posted by Aaron Carriere on December 20th, 2007 at 12:05 PM
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A Revolutionary, Global IT Platform

We scripted and created an animated 30-second spot for the launch of a global IT solution for small to medium sized businesses. UFlexData was created by Mandragore, aPhoenixand NYC based firm. It allows businesses to connect its entire computer network virtually from the Internet—it’s a brilliant, efficient system and the future of IT technology.

We’re excited about the video and the quality of the 3D animation. Watch it below or as a high quality QuickTime file on Mandragore’s site. Feel free to email us if you’re interested in connecting your business with Mandragore.

<object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wR9MoAOqlUg&rel=1"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wR9MoAOqlUg&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object><o:p>

Posted by Aaron Carriere on December 20th, 2007 at 12:03 PM
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Give the Gift of Yester

December 14th, 2007

GRnow.com profiled The Yesterdog Documentary, calling it "an impressive twenty five minute video. Halfway through the film, I wanted a Yesterdog. The craving intensified as the credits ran. Later that night, I indulged. It was everything I hoped for." Read the full article here (and bookmark the handy site to keep track of local GR life).

The Grand Rapids Press also recommended the documentary as a great Christmas gift for under $25, writing, "A documentary on DVD compiled by West Michigan filmmakers delving into the history and appeal of Grand Rapids' beloved hot dog joint. It's almost as good as having an Ultradog." The link to the article is here.

Our founders' Alma mater, Ferris State University, also profiled our company and the documentary in the alumni magazine Crimson & Gold. Check out the article here.

(If it's your first experience with The Yesterdog Documentary, check out trailer and read more about the project at www.YesterdogDocumentary.com.)
Posted by Aaron Carriere on December 14th, 2007 at 10:52 AM
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What’s Your Big Idea?

November 6th, 2007

I love ideas.

In fact, I diligently keep a folder entitled "Big Ideas" on my computer.

After reading Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink, I started reading his other bestseller, The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference. “The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips and spreads like wildfire.”

Yes; this is great. Why?

People have ideas.

Ideas need people.

People spread ideas.

Ideas need vehicles.

And this is why I’m excited—video can spread ideas that ignite positive change.

We’re in the middle of an incredible shift in the way the world communicates. Video is one part of that. Why? Because it's no longer restricted to paid prime time TV ads—today’s outlets are nearly endless—from online social networking sites to an iPhone to a compelling opening to a live presentation.

There are amazing “ideas” impacting the world in a positive way. For example, how does microfinance really work in struggling, rural nations?

Later this month, I’m headed to Zimbabwe for two weeks. And I can’t help but wonder—if more people understood microfinance, could it reach “the tipping point” and change the world?

We want to talk to people and companies with big ideas. When we successfully communicate big ideas, it’s an opportunity to spark change.

So, what’s your big idea?

Posted by Aaron Carriere on November 6th, 2007 at 5:02 AM
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Creo on the Radio

November 2nd, 2007

We're going to be on the WGVU Morning Show with Shelley Irwin on Wednesday, November 7 at 9:30 a.m. EST! We'll be talking to Shelley and Yesterdog owner Bill Lewis about The Yesterdog Documentary, Yesterdog and Creo Productions, LLC.

WGVU is the West Michigan National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate. Tune in live at WGVU-FM 88.5 & 95.3, WGVU-AM 1480 & 850 or listen to the streaming interview online live by clicking here.
Posted by Aaron Carriere on November 2nd, 2007 at 1:21 PM
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