Method Studios Atlanta Adds Bennett and Wrobel to Roster

May 29, 2014 BG&A Staff
Georgia-based Unit of Deluxe-Owned Visual Effects House Looks to Expand Work in Regional Market ATLANTA—May 27, 2014—Method Studios Atlanta, the Georgia-based unit of Deluxe’s global visual effects company, has added veteran effects artist Glen...

Warner Bros. installs Adder Technology high performance KVM solution

May 28, 2014 BG&A Staff
Boston, May 22, 2014: Adder Technology, the high performance keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) specialist, has successfully completed an installation of its AdderLink Infinity range at Warner Bros. De Lane Lea in London. The deal was facilitated through Adder Technology’s reseller, IP Performance, who selected the AdderLink Infinity based on the client’s twin requirements for greater flexibility and reliability.  Adder supplied three AdderLink Infinity systems (featuring high performance IP-based KVM) to Warner Bros. De Lane Lea for use in the upgrade of legacy equipment in three suites in its Soho facility. AdderLink forms the central KVM infrastructure for all three rooms and enables engineers to quickly and easily reconfigure the mixing stages based on the individual requirements of its different customers. Pierre Ketteridge, Technical Pre-Sales Consultant at IP Performance explains: “With audio suites being hired out on a daily and weekly basis, bespoke configuration is key to meeting the requirements of each new customer. It is therefore important that set-up can be accomplished easily to save both time and money. As the management tools are so user friendly, the AdderLink Infinity enables engineers to complete the configuration quickly and simply.” Through Adder’s high performance, IP-based KVM matrix, the computers can be placed outside of the suite, in a server room, freeing up space within the critical environment. Customers at the studio typically work with the Avid Pro Tools package and Adder’s technology enables them to pick up their project from any screen in the studio, without having to move workstations, and with no loss of quality.   In addition to versatility, the AdderLink Infinity encourages collaboration and enables the sharing of control between machines while delivering excellent video quality and USB-based interactions, which is of particular benefit in applications such as audio mixing for film and television. -###- About Adder Technology Adder Technology is a leading developer and thought leader in connectivity solutions. Adder's media networks, extenders and keyboard, video and mouse switch solutions enable the control and distribution of IT systems around the world. The company distributes its products in more than 60 countries through a network of distributors, resellers and OEMs. Adder has offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, China and Singapore. For more information please visit www.adder.com.   

LinkedIn Will Now Rank Your Profile Compared to Your Other Connections

May 23, 2014 BG&A Staff
Have you ever wondered how your LinkedIn profile compares to others in your field? Well now you can find out, as LinkedIn has just announced the rollout of a new feature to their online platform, one that could potentially encourage users to keep their profile more up-to-date than they regularly do now. The update expands on the “Who’s Viewed Your Profile” section by showing how your profile compares with your other connections, ranking users based on the amount of times their profile has been viewed during the previous 30 days. The “Who's Viewed Your Profile” section is already one of the most popular parts of the site, according to LinkedIn. By adding ever-changing rankings to it, LinkedIn may incentivize users to be more active. Or at least that appears to be their hope. Next to the rankings, users will see a list of "easy ways to get more views," which includes suggestions for users to join a particular group or add a certain skill to their profiles. One important note: only those who have a first-degree connection to you on LinkedIn will be able to see how your profile ranks, so you won't have to worry about recruiters factoring in your rank. When asked if LinkedIn introduced this feature in part to get users to be more active, a rep responded by saying it was about providing "inspiration" for users to "increase their presence" on the social network. Do you think these new changes to LinkedIn will influence you to keep your profile more up-to-date, or are you satisfied with the current functions of the service? To read the original story click here

Giving Back! How We Hope to Grow from Good to Great!

May 19, 2014 BG&A Staff
Our fearless leader Bob Gold has made continuing education a big theme in his volunteer efforts where he serves in a variety of business mentoring positions. Without naming favorites, he’s especially proud of his work on the Board of the SCTE Foundation – which in the past year has raised nearly $2 million to help cable techies advance their education.  Think about it – for as little as $68 for an annual membership fee, any active SCTE member is eligible to receive up to $7,500 in continuing education and development financial grants to further their education. Of note, more than 50% of all grant recipients say that they would not have been able to pursue their education without this assistance from the SCTE Foundation. Bob also sits on his alma mater USC’s Annenberg Alumni Advisory Board. It’s especially great to share his Annenberg experiences with his oldest son, who is currently enrolled in its graduate degree program.  Bob also supports Marymount California University’s fundraising efforts, where his wife serves as president of the Parent Association (Bob could go on and on about his wife, but that’s for another story). The couple was recently awarded a certificate of service by the City of Los Angeles for their efforts on behalf of Marymount. Maybe Bob is just a guy who can’t say “no.” This year he also joined the Board of the Long Beach Grand Cru – the country’s only non-profit wine competition, which raises money for the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles.  He hopes to see a lot of friends and familiar faces at their annual event on Aug. 16 in Long Beach, California. The spirit of giving back runs deep throughout the staff.  For example, Linda Haugsted teaches water exercise classes for seniors at her local YMCA. To support the current capital campaign, which will fund a new therapy pool and a dressing room renovation, she is donating half her YMCA pay back to the facility.  She also donates heavily to the American Heart Association and the Arthritis Foundation. So what are you doing to give back?  We’d love to hear your stories and passions.

Which CEO is Today’s Poster Child for Bad PR?

May 19, 2014 BG&A Staff
Our staff voted to elect Donald Sterling, owner of the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers, as the latest inductee into the Hall of Fame for I’m-Not-Really-Giving-An-Apology All Stars. He joins a long list of CEOs who have given the world some of corporate America’s most embarrassing moments. Remember TV food legend Paula Deen’s I’m-not-really-going-own-up-to-my-mistake apology? Or British Petroleum CEO Tony Hayward, whose apology for the Gulf Oil spill included saying, “I want my life back.” When Don Sterling tried to save his reputation and ownership of the team, he “apologized” for his privately taped racist phone comments, but to Anderson Cooper and CNN he told the world, “Jews, when they get successful, they will help their people -- but some of the African-Americans … they don't want to help anybody." (See it here) TV Chef Paula Deen tried the “I’ll-broadcast-my-apology” tactic last year after a former employee accused her of using the n-word, but the videos she released were cringe-worthy and awkwardly edited. TV Chef Paula Deen tried the “I’ll-broadcast-my-apology” tactic last year after a former employee accused her of using the n-word, but the videos she released were cringe-worthy and awkwardly edited. She posted a YouTube video apology to fans after coming under fire when she admitted to having used racial slurs in the past. See it here. "Uh...I want to learn and grow from this." It then suddenly cuts to "Inappropriate, hateful language is totally, totally unacceptable."  Paula, what exactly are you apologizing for? Sounds more like a lecture. Who will forget the millionaire CEO of foreign oil giant BP, Tony Hayward, being upset at the inconvenience caused to him by his company's devastation of the Gulf of Mexico? Hayward’s classic gaffe, after the massive oil spill, “I want my life back!” Did any of these executives hire or listen to their communications counsel?  For Donald Sterling, we’d hazard a good guess that he had neither a PR executive or legal counsel present for his terrible interview on CNN. We take great pride in our profession, but being right or wrong is not ultimately the issue.  For us, demonstrating good listening skills is.  If we were at the sides of any of the above-mentioned “leaders,” could our PR talent and knowledge overcome their bad judgment?  That is the $64,000 question.

Writing Tips to Help Conquer the Uphill Creative Process

May 16, 2014 BG&A Staff
Let’s face it; writing can be a challenge for anyone. Even for the most skilled writers, it can eventually become a chore and this is especially true for those who lack the proper skillset. In many cases, it’s not knowing what to write, but being unable to find the right words to express the thought, that leaves a writer frustrated and staring at a blank screen – a writer’s worst nightmare. Fortunately, there are different approaches to writing - and everyone has their own style for success – so to help kick start you’re next writing assignment - here are some tips that have helped us at Bob Gold & Associates get past the most obstructive creative roadblocks: Outline. Outline. Outline. When you’re stuck, don’t keep staring at the screen. Take a break, and come back to it. Write first; edit later. Don’t be afraid to try new words. Chose clear, active verbs instead of throwaway verbs, such as utilize, implement, leverage, and disseminate. Writing informally is not dumbing down; it is writing so busy people can understand your content. Stop thinking in terms of how to draw people in. Today, your primary concern with your writing is not to drive people away. Read your work aloud. Don’t bristle when another writer or editor corrects your work. Put your ego aside, analyze the feedback, and use it to improve your writing. These are just some of the tools that have helped us maintain our sanity when writing on a busy schedule. There are still many more techniques that were left unmentioned. So feel free to share the tips or techniques that have helped you. Read the original story here:

PENTHERA EARNS MULTIPLE ADDITIONAL PATENTS

May 12, 2014 BG&A Staff
NEW YORK – May 12, 2014 – Penthera, a provider of intelligent mobile video software solutions for TV networks and content distributors, has received three additional key patents, adding to its extensive portfolio of intellectual property. The patents address advertising on mobile devices, background downloading and monitoring, and managing downloads on mobile devices. The company’s Cache&Carry™ software enables smartphone and tablet users to download TV shows, movies and other content for offline viewing. Penthera’s Cache&Carry™ recently won CableFAX’s 2014 Best TV Everywhere Solution, and has powered millions of video downloads on Apple and Android mobile devices. “We’re proud of our technology and will continue to invest in innovation,” said Michael Willner, CEO of Penthera. About Penthera Penthera is a software development and licensing company delivering intelligent solutions to transfer content and data to mobile and other IP-enabled devices efficiently.  The company has developed innovative business-to-business solutions for entertainment companies including content producers and owners, television networks and multichannel video distributors.  The company also provides direct to consumer content delivery services for a wide array of mobile devices. For more information, visit www.penthera.com

Next TV Summit & Expo Coming to LA!

May 2, 2014 BG&A Staff
Coming to Los Angeles for the first time, the Next TV Summit is a high-level B2B conference and networking event that focuses on content, broadcasting, digital media and OTT. It brings together entertainment, advertising, broadcasting and digital technology executives to share ideas, develop new business opportunities and better monetize streaming video on today's new content platforms and devices. Keynote speakers this year will include Lydia Antonini, SVP Creative at Xbox Entertainment Studios, Marion Edwards, President of International Television at 20th Century Fox Television Distribution, Mark Greenberg, CEO of EPIX, and many more! The event will be held at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel on June 24, 2014. Don’t delay, register today!

Deluxe to Process and Deliver 4k UHD Content for Samsung UHD TVs

May 1, 2014 BG&A Staff
With Strong Studio Relationships, Advanced Technologies, and Transcodes from High Bit Rate Master Files, Deluxe Able to Deliver Higher Quality Content with Greater Bandwidth and Storage Efficiencies BURBANK, Calif.—April 28, 2014—Deluxe announced today that it will provide Ultra High Definition (UHD) mastering and encoding services for a number of Hollywood movies available on Samsung’s UHD Video Pack, a hard drive pre-loaded with UHD movies and documentaries for 2014 Samsung UHD TVs. As an advanced technology leader, Deluxe is uniquely positioned to work directly with the studios and provide the full range of capabilities necessary to ensure UHD-optimized content is delivered at the highest quality and optimal bitrate for bandwidth, transport and storage efficiencies across the multiscreen landscape, while meeting the stringent security requirements specific to hosting and streaming UHD content to target devices. Deluxe has invested in the technologies, workflows and operational processes for the production of new transcoding/encoding formats such as 4K and High Efficiency Video Encoding (HEVC) to reduce the operational and capital infrastructure investment and complexity that Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (MPVD) and Consumer Electronic (CE) providers will incur to advance UHD in the marketplace. Deluxe is working closely with the studios to convert, restore and master UHD-optimized content, and to support the processing, management, and distribution of titles to new Samsung UHD TVs.  Deluxe’s unique capability to accept and process both native 4K and telecine content is critical to delivering the ever-expanding array of content that will be available for Samsung UHD TVs. To process, transcode and distribute high-quality, device-ready UHD-optimized files, content will undergo rigorous testing and quality analysis of frame rates, bitrates, color or resolutions, as well as software decoding to ensure that the playback experience is optimized on the target devices. High-quality video requires high-quality audio.  Deluxe is collaborating with industry-leader DTS® to deliver the best audio and video experience. Samsung Electronics launched its UHD Video Pack in April 2014, preloaded with Deluxe’s UHD content so consumers can experience the superior picture quality and pristine detail of their Samsung UHD TVs at home. “Deluxe is proud to be leading the beginning of the UHD transition, which we believe will define next generation viewing experiences,” said Cyril Drabinsky, president and CEO of Deluxe Entertainment.  “Our strong relationships with Studios and CE brands like Samsung, are essential to Deluxe’s ability to bring higher quality UHD-optimized content to market, faster.  We’re investing in the advanced technologies, workflows and ecosystem partnerships to enable our customers to access and distribute a broader range of exciting and compelling titles that their consumers will want.” As a trusted partner to every major studio in Hollywood, Deluxe is a leader in UHD mastering, encoding and distribution, and the only company to offer an end-to-end solution under one roof.  With the proliferation of premium UHD content, Deluxe’s restoration, conversion, and production capabilities give the company unique access to this content. “Color by Deluxe”  is recognized for technical innovation and a century of experience in working with original masters to create the optimal viewing experience across the multiscreen device landscape, especially large form factor TVs that will  benefit the most from UHD content. About Deluxe Digital Distribution Deluxe Digital Distribution (D3) is revolutionizing digital home entertainment with its leading multiscreen-ready video supply solution. The cloud-based service, Deluxe OnDemand™, simplifies the access and delivery of content and easily integrates with the existing supply chain, workflows, storefronts and applications.  Service Providers can more efficiently delivery higher quality video assets to more devices while minimizing capital and operating expense.  D3 is a business division of Deluxe Entertainment Services Group Inc. Please visit www.deluxeondemand.com for more information. About Deluxe Deluxe Entertainment Services Group Inc. is a global leader in media and entertainment services across film, video and online original content from capture to consumption. Since 1915 Deluxe Entertainment has been the trusted partner for the world’s most successful Hollywood studios, independent film companies, TV networks, exhibitors, advertisers and others, offering best-in-class solutions in production, post production, distribution, asset and workflow management and new digital solution-based technologies. The company employs nearly 6,000 of the most talented, highly honored and recognized artists and industry veterans worldwide. Deluxe Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings Inc.
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