Category Archives: Social Media

Sony Movie Channel Recognized for its Website Digital Enhancements

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Super proud of one of my client’s getting recognized by Cynopsis: Digital as being the website of the day! Go Sony Movie Channel!

Screen Shot 2013-01-30 at 10.15.46 AM

Here was the press release to go along with it.

SONY MOVIE CHANNEL CELEBRATES THE EARLY FILMS OF JACK NICHOLSON FRIDAY NIGHTS IN FEBRUARY WITH AN INTERACTIVE PHOTO BOOK AND A ‘SCRIPT TO SCREEN EXPERIENCE’ FACEBOOK APP

App and Tablet-Friendly Digital Book Launch January 30

NicholsonBookScreenshot

CULVER CITY, Calif., January 29, 2013 – Throughout the month of February, Sony Movie Channel (SMC) is featuring the early films of the Oscar® Award-winning actor Jack Nicholson, as part of its Friday Features franchise. Friday Features showcases blockbuster favorites, uncut and uncensored, starting at 10:00 PM E | 7:00 PM P every Friday night. The Nicholson salute features eight of his films from 1969 to 1975, including CHINATOWN and A SAFE PLACE, which hasn’t been broadcast in over a decade.

SMC is enhancing the experience of these priceless Nicholson gems by providing an interactive digital photo book of production stills and trivia from some of his early films, including CHINATOWN, DRIVE, HE SAID, EASY RIDER, THE FORTUNE, THE KING OF MARVIN GARDENS, THE LAST DETAIL, THE PASSENGER, THE TWO JAKES, FIVE EASY PIECES and A SAFE PLACE. The tablet-friendly photo album will be available on Sony Movie Channel’s website from Jan. 30 to Feb. 28 at sonymoviechannel.com/jack.

The Channel is also providing another bonus — a “Script to Screen Experience” Facebook application. The app is launching in conjunction with EASY RIDER and FIVE EASY PIECES, which kick off the Nicholson tribute on February 1. Users can visit Sony Movie Channel’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/SonyMovieChannel) starting Jan. 30 and “Like” it to view scenes pulled from the actual script alongside the corresponding clip from the movie. This interactive comparison includes two scenes from each movie, and will be available through the end of February. 

The complete Friday Features schedule for February includes: (All Times are Eastern)

  • ·       February 1 –

EASY RIDER (1969, dir. by Dennis Hopper – 10:00 PM & 1:25 AM) – EASY RIDER chronicles the search for freedom by two motorcycle-riding drifters who meet up with an alcoholic lawyer in a southern jail. Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson star.

FIVE EASY PIECES (1970, dir. by Bob Rafelson – 11:40 PM & 3:05 AM) – This film is about a restless musician who learns you can never go home again when he visits his family for the first time in three years. Jack Nicholson, Karen Black and Susan Anspach star.

  • ·       February 8 –

DRIVE HE SAID (1971, dir. by Jack Nicholson – 8:30 PM & 1:30 AM) – Nicholson’s directorial debut is about basketball, draft dodging and sleeping with professors’ wives. The longhaired star of an Ohio College Team, can’t decide if he wants to turn pro or join his radical roommate, in bringing about a revolution. In the meantime, he’s content to carry on an affair with a faculty wife. Karen Black, William Tepper, Bruce Dern, Henry Jaglom and Cindy Williams star.

THE KING OF MARVIN GARDENS (1972, dir. by Bob Rafelson- 10:00 PM & 3:10 AM) - Jason Staebler is a dreamer who asks his brother, a radio personality from Philadelphia to help him build a paradise on a Pacific Island – yet another of his get-rich-quick schemes. But luck is against them both and the game ends badly – real life reduced to radio drama. Jack Nicholson, Bruce Dern, Ellen Burstyn and Scatman Crothers star.

A SAFE PLACE (1971, dir. by Henry Jaglom – 11:50 PM & 5:00 AM) - When a woman finds the loneliness and isolation of the present too difficult, she slips into the comfort of her memories. Gwen Welles, Dov Lawrence, Orson Welles, Tuesday Weld, Jack Nicholson and Philip Proctor star.

 ·       February 15 –

CHINATOWN (1974, dir. by Roman Polanski – 7:45 PM & 12:00 AM) - In 1937, a Los Angeles private detective takes on a simple case and burrows into it until it leads to murder and public scandal. Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Jack Nicholson and Perry Lopez star.

THE LAST DETAIL (1973, dir. by Hal Ashby – 10:00 PM & 2:20 AM) – Jack Nicholson stars as a Navy Chaser who decides to show his callow young prisoner (Randy Quaid) one last good time before delivering him to the brig. Screenplay by Robert Towne (Chinatown). Nicholson, Otis Young, Quaid, Clifton James and Carol Kane star.

  • ·       February 22 –

THE PASSENGER (1975, dir. by Michelangelo Antonioni – 7:45 PM & 11:30 PM) – A burned-out journalist assumes the identity of a dead man and embarks on a dangerous charade, including meetings with gun runners and an affair with a mysterious young woman. Jack Nicholson, Maria Schneider, Jenny Runacre, Ian Hendry and Steven Berkoff star.

THE FORTUNE (1975, dir. by Mike Nichols – 10:00 PM & 1:45 AM) – This hilarious comedy is about a pair of con artists who try to swindle a woman out of her family fortune. The two scoundrels mount several inept attempts to murder her but ultimately discover that the real treasure is not the money but the girl. Warren Beatty, Scatman Crothers, Stockard Channing and Jack Nicholson star.

In honor of the Academy Awards®, SMC is devoting its entire programming schedule on Sunday, February 24 to the male actor with the most Oscar® acting nominations ever – Jack Nicholson. The network plans to repeat the entire schedule of movies above and add in THE TWO JAKES for this marathon treat. For specific times, please visit SMC’s website at sonymoviechannel.com/schedule.

In addition to Friday Features, SMC is profiling Academy Award®-recognized films throughout the month as well as movies that celebrate Black History Month. This and more is available from SMC in February, including giving football-averse viewers plenty of other options on February 3.

 About Sony Movie Channel

Sony Movie Channel is the first U.S. multi-platform television network from Sony Pictures Television created specifically for the Hollywood movie fan. Offering uncut and theatrical releases in stunning high definition, Sony Movie Channel showcases titles from Sony Pictures’ vast library including award-winning features, cult favorites, family comedies and gripping dramas. Programming is selected from more than 3,500 Sony Pictures films, which collectively have received 184 Academy Awards® including 12 for Best Picture. Sony Movie Channel is available on DISH Network, DIRECTV and AT&T U-Verse TV on linear as well as on authenticated VOD and online platforms. For more information, visit SonyMovieChannel.com, Facebook and/or Twitter @SonyMovieCh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Answer to Social Media, Business and Life is Asking Why

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Answers to life come through a simple question

The most overlooked word in both life and business is a simple three-letter word, it’s Why.

It’s so simple that we often forget to seek the answer to it and because we do, we are often set adrift and miss our desired goals and targets.

I stumbled upon this little gem when listening to social media guru Brian Solis who waxed eloquently in a recent presentation about how we forget to ask the question why when we build social media platforms. Solis stressed the importance of answering that question when we create our Facebook business pages, our Tumblrs, our Twitter accounts and even Pinterest Boards. It was a valid observation because if we don’t know why we are on these platforms then we won’t be able to achieve our desired results.  For example, if one starts a new Facebook business page is the reason to get more leads for clients, generate email addresses, showcase original content or sell a product? The answer is key in branding and marketing.

Answering Why Isn't Simple

THE WHY OF LIFE

Not only does this question prove beneficial regarding business and social media practice but, it is equally valuable in everyday applications too. Take a look at these Why of Life questions.

  • Why are you in that profession?
  • Why do I feel this way?
  • Why do you want to go to college?
  • Why do you want to marry so and so?
  • Why do you want children?
  • Why do you endorse that particular charity?
  • Why am I reading that article or blog post?

So do yourself a favor, and I’m writing this for myself too – let’s start asking and answering the why’s of life and business so we can achieve the best results in everything we do.

Off answering this question,

Cindy

 

 

Is Facebook ruining relationships?

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Facebook is no Match for Dating Relationships

Relationships are hard enough these days, but now, thanks to Facebook being in the picture, they are almost impossible. Well, that’s the message I got when I was recently in the company of 20-somethings who are single. Many told me that they are closing down their pages for they’ve caused them too much unnecessary stress when dating. They said that once they’ve gone on a date and heaven forbid a photo of them on that date hits their walls, subsequently dating havoc ensues.

Yes, if you are in the early stages of the dating process and are dining with several potential suitors, then you are probably getting grief from past dates if the news appears on your wall.

Facebook Gives Many Relationship Definitions

So is Facebook a relationship killer?

Apparently this is a hot issue. Problematic enough that the group I spoke to said they’ve had it and are closing down their pages. To them it is not worth it. They can connect with their friends other ways, like text. So it’s not a big deal not having a personal profile.

And on top of that, I’m sure we all know a few people who have caused some relationship woes by changing out their dating status before telling their significant other. I can only imagine some marriages have been affected by photos as well, especially when the spouse is attending an out-of-town convention.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this matter and how you deal with this subject on your wall. How do you relate and keep the green eye monster of jealousy at bay with your significant other?

Is dating now harder because of Facebook?

 

 

 

It’s No Longer About Facebook Likes

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Happy Days are Here Again for Marketers who give a darn about quality before quantity, thanks to FACEBOOK’s recent innovations with its Timeline Page features. Once upon a time, advertisers and some business owners believed that large fan bases (“Likes”) meant success.  Thanks goodness, that is no longer true with Facebook’s new focus of switching from “Likes” to engaging content as a true measure of striking it rich in the social media world.

Huh?

For those of you who have changed your business pages over to the new Timeline design, you’ll notice that the “Likes” number is now one of the apps (formerly called tabs) on your page.  These apps can move locations from being seen as one of the first four positions to say the eighth app on the second row. When logging on to the Page, only four are shown. You have to hit the arrow button to see the second and third row of apps. As a result, the number of Likes (meaning new “fans”) is not as prominent as before. Sure it’s still on the front page under the Timeline cover, but it’s not as bold as the older version on the left hand side. See Red Bull Facebook example below.

Energy Drink Red Bull is a good example of downplaying the Like app.

Facebook is emphasizing that the number of “Fan Likes” is not as important in generating reach, but rather its the number of people who are engaging with your posts either through liking, commenting or sharing that builds awareness. Facebook feels success lies in the number of people who “share” posts with their community. To them and well me, success lies in viral reach.

Take a look at this Red Bull post which is pinned. (“Pinning” is a new term to business pages – a pinned post stays in the top position on your Facebook wall for seven days.) But, look at the engagement numbers at the bottom.

Facebook Success is Viral Reach

Those numbers are sick for a post. Who wouldn’t want that!

It’s Marketing 101 really. If you were my client, here’s how I would advise you. Let’s say you represent a new software program for tax prep for example. You feel that you need at least 10,000 people to “Like” your page to be successful. So you go out and hire someone on Fiverr.com to give you 600+ Facebook fan likes on your page for $5. Sounds great right? Here’s where it is wrong. Who are you getting as fans? I can guarantee you that the people who like your page, if they really are humans which is doubtful, will never come back to your Page again. They are empty calories. I’d rather you organically grow your numbers with “true” fans of tax preparation materials. Those fans will share your content with their fans for you all share the same passion.  Otherwise, by buying or using Facebook fan adder tools, there are loads out there, you are getting people who aren’t listening to your message and simply walking by your wall never to be seen or heard from again.

I always advise to go organic whenever possible – not only in what you eat, but in social media too.

Cindy's New Facebook Page

I’m in the midst building my own personal Fan page, you can watch my evolution from the start now. Be sure to check it out and I promise I’ll do the same for your’s as well. I’m using it to test out some of the other innovations I’ve seen reported and as soon as I’m ready I’ll be sure to blog about it and share those ideas with you too.

REMEMBER IT IS QUALITY OVER QUANTITY THAT WINS OUT!

 

A Direct PR Tip

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The idea for this blog came to while watching the Academy Award nominated Sony film “Moneyball” starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill. “Moneyball” is the real-life story of Billy Beane, general manager of the Major League Baseball’s Oakland Athletics. I highly recommend this movie if you haven’t seen it for there’s one scene in the movie that strongly resonated with me for its PR application.

Pitt and Hill are both students of each other's games in MONEYBALL.

There’s one particular section toward the middle of the movie where GM Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) teaches *Asst. GM Peter Brand (Jonah Hill) a lesson on how to fire or trade players. Beane tells Brand that the best way is the quickest way – to come right out and say it with no sugar coating. And after a few beats, I thought that this was great advice for us all.

LESS IS ALWAYS BEST!

I’ve always taught executives and students to say the least amount whenever questioned about a particular subject that is “sticky” like a contract dispute, layoffs, work stoppage or a late delivery and especially if what they say could be used in a court of law.

I also believe it’s best to get right to the elephant in the room and not beat around the bush. If a client was arrested, verify it. If damage was caused by one of your workers say so. Diffuse the situation at hand right away. Hemming and hawing in PR always backfires.

Here’s an example that might help you see exactly what I mean.

Scenario – A reporter called you about something you didn’t want known and now you have a “gotcha” moment. He/she found out something that you didn’t want the press to know. Let’s say that you are firing your CEO and it has leaked. 

Taking a page out of Beane’s book the best response would be…”Yes, Mr. Reporter, it’s true John Doe is leaving our company as CEO and will be pursuing other endeavors.  The separation details are still being worked out and there are no announcements as to a successor.” The Reporter will try to ask you a few more details, but you hold firm and reinterate what you’ve communicated. But, by coming clean and not going further into detail, you’ve diluted the story and taken the wind out of its sails. Therefore, the best approach is a direct reproach. In Beane’s world – a direct approach is just like a fastball pitch. It’s fast, on target and hard to hit.

So practice throwing fastballs and less PR curve balls.

What do you think? I’d love to know.

*The character of Peter Brand is fictional. The real-life Brand is Paul DePodesta who chose not to have his name used in the movie. DePodesta left Beane 18 months after the 2002 season in which the movie is based. DePodesta is a Vice President of player development at the Mets. 

About The Author

When not observing PR trends, Cindy actively seeks out the day’s headlines to communicate and learn from real-life applications and that sometimes does take her to the ballpark.  Bring on Spring Training. Practice pitching.

 

 

A New You In 2012

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                                                      Lot’s to Celebrate About

I’m Super Excited about 2012. Why? Because of one word “New.”  Throw out everything old and usher in everything New.

Who doesn’t love new things right? Is there anything better than a new car or new house. Or a new dress or a new love or a new baby! New is awesome, don’t you agree. With that, I’ve been spending time looking at what “newness” I can bring to my life and I highly recommend this practice for you too. These aren’t necessarily resolutions, but certainly can be, the choice is up to you.

My “New” Plan includes the following To Do Items.

(1) New Online Branding – With so many social platforms that have my image attached, I’ve been updating each one with a current image of who I am. When I worked in TV, the networks always re-freshed their logos once a year to energize the viewers. Well, the same principle applies here in regards to social photos.

(2) About Me – Several “Blogworld” Conference sessions pointed out that the most overlooked section of our online branding dealt with the “About Us” section of our profiles. Have you read how you are describing yourself on LinkedIn, twitter and Google lately? If not, go back in and do some updating. Let us know about some of your recent hobbies and other such news.

(3) New Job – I’m going to actively pursue a new fulltime corporate job, but, this time I’ve opened my options to include areas that are “new” and will be stretching. I’m so excited to see what transpires as I walk down new paths.

(4) A “New” Attitude – Instead of automatically waiting for the other shoe to drop, I’m going to drink from my half full glass. Yep, I’ve read enough studies lately that prove that individuals who have life-altering events handle them so much better with a positive outlook. Pessimism was so 2011…Optimism is what’s in store for me in 2012.  Here’s what I mean.

  • I will land a new job.
  • I will lose weight.
  • I will continue to exercise.
  • I will continue to take the high road.
  • I will ask for forgiveness and forgive others.
  • I will find love and exude it to others.
  • I will continue to stretch myself and continue to learn new things.

Being Nice To Yourself

(5). I will look for opportunities to “Be Good To Myself.” We are always so hard on ourselves and well, this year, I’m going to be more mindful of what my body and mind are really saying to me and heed that advice. What does this look like? Below are some samples of what I mean.

  • I’ve consolidated my blogs down from four to two now. It was just too hard for me to keep up producing content for each one – so I’m making it easier for myself. And it still is just as effective.
  • I’m reaching out to friends/family whom I cherish and being proactive in staying in touch.
  • I’m looking at groups and clubs in my life and assessing which ones I enjoy and learn from and then spending less time with the others.
  • I’m realizing that life is short and thus, I am not procrastinating on planning things that I want to do.
  • I’m trusting God and putting all worry in His hands. And as such, I’m freeing myself up to enjoy more moments and be the person He wants me to be.

That’s just a quick glance at what “newness” I hope to achieve. I do hope that I’m able to live up to at least half of them…for it sure would be great to enjoy life to its fullest.

I’d love to hear what new things you’re bringing into the “New” Year.

Happy New Year,

Cindy

 

 

 

 

 

YouTube Will Soon Give Cable a Run for its Money

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Will TV Sets Be Put Out To The Pasture? Flickr Credit: Jonny Baker

“Honey, what’s on YouTube tonight?”

It’s hard to believe that question will soon be asked nightly in homes across the globe, isn’t it? Never in my day did I think another content platform would be born that allowed newcomers with the accessibility of something that normally only was available to those with extensive film pedigrees. But, now Google Inc’s. YouTube video service is taking on Hollywood and people are getting the chance to become mainstream or um webstream producers.

Should it Now be Called HollyTube?

In case you didn’t get a chance to read yesterday’s Wall St. Journal article on this matter, YouTube is investing more than $100 million in cash advances (glad someone has that kind of cash!) to have content produced exclusively for the video service.  One of the first content producers who has signed on is Tony Hawk, the skateboarding wunderkind. According to the article, deals are also being worked out with Warner Bros. and News Corp.’s ShineReveille Studio.

The goal for Google is to go after substancial advertising dollars for this fare. Advertisers in the past had been hesitant to sponsor YouTube videos due to the fact of how low quality they were produced and the content.  By YouTube producing “quality” content and building its own channels, the company hopes to take on the cable and broadcast TV industry.

That Darn Lag

No matter how many channels YouTube implements, the one thing that will absolutely keep me from watching is that darn lag time that I experience almost every time I watch something on YouTube via my computers.  You know what I mean? I can’t stand how it stops and starts as it renders. Ugh!

Now, if they invent something to get that fixed..then I might be in.  And soon may checking my local YouTube listings.

How about you? Will you watch YouTube’s soon to be released channels?

 

Simplifying Public Relations

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The Salvation Army Knows How to Relate On All Fronts - That's Good PR. Flickr credit: Tojosan

Yesterday I was interviewed by at third-year college student for an assignment in one of her public relations classes.  I do about a dozen of these a year for various students and I love how each one is always different. This particular student wanted me to define what public relations is…and so I threw it back in her court to answer first. She gave a very intelligent long answer about like its caring for a brand and communicating messages effectively through the use of journalists. But I told her my answer was in the title. Public Relations is just that. Public – Relations.

KEEP PR SIMPLE

It’s all about how you relate to the public, the media, colleagues, companies…public relations is about relating in any form or fashion.  It’s really that simple.

Public relations professionals are only as good as their contacts and as good as their strategies for spreading a message.  And that’s why social media is the perfect complement to public relations. Success on that platform deals with how well a person can provide engaging content.

Sometimes when looking for an answer, its right in front of your face. PR people often forget that at the end of day that it is how well we are able to communicate to others how they should write about whatever we are representing.  Therefore, for anyone starting out in the PR field or for those who are responsible for that area in their job, they should heed these simple suggestions.

TIPS FOR PR SUCCESS

(1). Don’t ever assume people will write about your product. Great content will get covered if its story is told interestingly for coverage.

(2.) A press release on its own is never a good strategy for pick up. Distributing press releases over a wire will not garner top-notch results, because you need to send it to a targeted list of people whom you know that cover that sort of product. It’s a left-right punch.

(3.) Relationships are the key to any business. Therefore, build up your followers and fans so that when you need some help in starting a movement, you have a terrific base to start from and grow upon. Keep meeting people online and in person – every connection made does present some opportunity.

Yep, it’s that simple. If you know how to relate to others, then you are on your way being a success in public relations. That’s my PR tip for the day.

Cindy Keeps It Simple

Cindy Ronzoni is a public relations veteran who has been building media relationships her entire career. She often speaks to college students and provides seminars to train small business professionals. In all her efforts, she exhorts simplicity in all that she does.

 

How to Best Use Google Plus

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What do you think about this new communication platform? It is a hit or miss?

In social media circles Google’s new social networking platform Google Plus is the most talked about new shiny toy. With Google Plus, people with gmail email accounts can organize their circle of friends in logical groupings and easily video chat with 10 people or less at the same time.

Many of its functions are similar to Facebook, so early adopters can understand its practical functionality.  For instance, you have status streams of recent posts from your friends on Google + and it easily allows for sharing of photos and video too.

If you haven’t received your invite yet to to Google +, don’t worry you will soon. I’m sure its Google intention to have everyone in the world on their social platform. Just wait, your invitation is forthcoming.

I’ve been experimenting with it over the last few days and I still am not sure of all its bells and whistles. So, with that, I’ve interviewed two social media strategists, Stacey Soleil and Darin McClure, about their views regarding Google Plus and that interview is below.  Enjoy and let me know what you think.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q22IFRk8zf0?modestbranding=1

Add Cindy to your Circles

 

About the Author: Cindy Ronzoni frequently interviews colleagues about the latest new advancements in social media. Today, she tackled Google + with two experts who attend her social media club, Social Media Mastermind of Orange County (SMMOC). If you have a question about a social media tool, just let Cindy know. She’ll try and get an answer for you.

 

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