Patrick Ortman
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COW Coins
Forum Replies Created
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Agreed, although often the rental houses only have part of the picture- for instance, we buy a lot of stuff from FilmTools in LA (Aaron’s your guy there, tell him I sent ya!). But we never rent from them, and often we’ll rent, say, a doorway dolly from one place and a light kit from another, etc.
FWIW,
P
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http://www.patrickortman.com
Web and Video Design -
Wow, Ron- thanks! I had no idea it was just “built in” on the Apple hardware.
I like using the filters in Mail, but I end up forgetting to check, say, the PR folder often enough. Oh well.
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http://www.patrickortman.com
Web and Video Design -
Well, yes. I have to agree about how Type Bs can be a drain on a manager’s time. And I’d never, ever hire a Type B for any creative task.
You know, I kind of like the term Type B a lot more than sheep… for some odd reason, when I see a sheep I want to throw it.
(that’s my obligatory Facebook nod)
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http://www.patrickortman.com
Web and Video Design -
Also don’t forget browsercam.com. It’s expensive, but if you build websites for a living it’s worth it.
On our Macs, we use Browsercam and connect via Chicken of the VNC.
On a side note, it looks like IE 6 is finally dying. Thank God. It’s only 7 years old…
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http://www.patrickortman.com
Web and Video Design -
Check out Slideshow Pro. It’s awesome, and plays video or photos. It does exactly what you want, and you can add their Thumbgrid product if needed. It’s so easy to manage, too.
We use it on a ton of client sites, it’s really cool and easy to use.
No, I am not affiliated with SildeShow Pro in any way, except as a happy customer.
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http://www.patrickortman.com
Web and Video Design -
Wow guys, this has been an inspiring read for me today.
Our situation: we’re on track to match 2008’s revenues, but we’ve been squeezed a few times too, by potential clients who claim “everybody’s dropping their pants to get work now, you need to as well!”. As Ron said:
“If we followed their example, we’d too be out of business soon. We don’t plan to follow, as we plan to be around a long time, thank you.”‘
And that’s exactly our point of view. I mean, our prices are already extremely competitive.
Although I do admit we had one client who is on the edge of going out of business, and asked for a favor. As a friend, we gave them the favor. But to me, that’s more about good karma and being a friend than anything else.
And Steve, you hit the nail on the head:
“In my opinion, social marketing is a very real and increasingly vital part of an overall marketing plan. It does take an immense amount of time and diligence to keep up with it all. Overall it will add to your google rankings, and put your name in front of more potential customers. Even frequent posts on this site help that. ”
And then the ensuing debate about Facebook… wow.
I look at “social media” more like a way to gather around a virtual water cooler. None of us is an island, and just being part of the conversation increases your chances for success. I’ve seen the power of being part of the conversation- we got featured in USA Today thanks to LinkedIn, and I’ve gotten some new work from existing clients who happened to see our Facebook updates or our company Twitter feed. It’s all about being available and being part of the scenery, so to speak.
Anyway, thanks guys- this has been a useful read for me today, and it’s nice to feel more like part of a group.
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http://www.patrickortman.com
Web and Video Design -
I agree on the “if you ever want to feel helpless, put yourself in charge of a large group” for sure!
I have a friend who works at larger post houses and prodcos in town, and a lot of them seem paralyzed right now. Too many sheep = not enough innovation and agility. I think that’s why a lot of them are having to cut so many jobs.
Here, even one cut would be extremely difficult for our business. Then again, like Fantastic Plastic, we’re all rockstars here. We’re lucky, comparatively, in times like these.
But in a different economic climate, we’d be punished unless we had enough sheep to augment and support our stars. I’ve had clients visit who looked around and immediately told me we’re “not a good fit” because we only have 4 people here. Nevermind that we routinely do the work that other firms need 10 people or more to do.
I’m also not really onboard with the “sheep = losers” point of view. Not to say there aren’t a lot of losers among the sheep category. They’re different, and they need to be treated in ways that make sense for them. Throw a rockstar into a world of sheep and you have a real problem. Same with throwing sheep at rockstar situations.
Geez, I’m starting to sound like something from “All Creatures Great and Small”… yikes. Back to work for me!
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http://www.patrickortman.com
Web and Video Design -
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Is this a quote for the greenscreen studio alone, or with a grip and lighting? Or, to do the whole thing including camera and crew?
In LA, I did a commercial in a Van Nuys greenscreen stage where just the stage was $1000/day. And it was bargain, really (it was big), even tho I needed to rent lights and bring the cam crew.
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http://www.geniusmonkeys.com
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Oh, sweet! Thank you- just got my Christmas reading.
As for the Burbank post services company… wow. Well, we’ll see if they’re still around in 2 years with that business model.
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http://www.geniusmonkeys.com
(818) 653-9144