Oh My!

Here it is December already. I'd say it's about time for an update.

Sunrise Credit Union continues to keep us busy with lots of interesting projects. We've redone all their informational brochures, created hats, golf towels, calendars, newsletter, another special newsletter, recruitment ads, Mobile Services support material etc etc. The fall Gold Rush campaign was a big success and the branches had great fun decorating and getting behind the promotion. Picante provided some spicy hospitality at the recent annual meeting held at the Inn at the Forks in Winnipeg. Each of the guest rooms received chips and salsa along with some fiesta candies.

We'll get working on a new RRSP campaign right away.

Grant Park Christmas is in full swing. The campaign is largely Facebook ads and special Bells & Whistles event nights. We'll be monitoring this closely to gauge the response. The GP budget is modest and we wanted to stretch available dollars as much as possible. We developed beautiful new winter-themed banners for inside the mall. I love the graphics on this whole campaign.

Nice job Char!

Picante recently was successful in winning the confidence of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba. We will be developing a brand identity, a video, website and support materials for MPAR - the Manitoba Physician Achievement Review. Right now they are reviewing a number of new logos that we've developed...then we'll move forward on producing the rest of the project. Such lovely people over there. We're delighted to be working with them.

Wouldn't be right to not mention MOVEMBER. Picante embraced his incredible program to help raise awareness of Prostate Cancer. We coerced my better half Allan along with City of Wpg Communications Manager Steve West, John Doherty from Cotton Candy, friends Pablo Szajt, Perry Stovel, Jorge Salazar, Tony Wytinck and others to the Picante Man-Friends Movember team. Together we raised over $1,000. Thanks so much guys for joining in.

We're in process of development of a new reality-based fitness television show. It's called

Total Meltdown and will feature 6 teams of 4 competitors, vying to win competitions and points, while losing fat. Plans are to go to air in Spring, 2011.

Lastly, my daughter Shea has developed a new concept to help kids in poverty. It's called

Fuze thru Shoes. Students from her high school and surrounding schools will be encouraged to donate a pair of their own gently used shoes. Shea will photograph each student with their shoes and then we'll be taking them to a small village in northern Peru. The kids there will be photographed with the shoes and the photos will be brought back to the original donors here in Winnipeg. The idea is to create the connection for the local kids - so they can see that they really are making a difference. McNaught Cadillac has agreed to sponsor the program and I must say, I'm darn proud of her.

Well, that was a bit strange.

For awhile there I wasn't able to access my blog. Zounds! So how could I update everyone on what's been shaking at Picante?

Much of July/August was spent working very hard on a large new business pitch for Tourism Saskatoon. Despite putting together an amazing presentation (even if I do say so myself) we unfortunately were not successful. We certainly know we gave it our all - but it was not to be. Rumour has it we made it to the last two ....and lost out to a rather large Toronto agency. So, we still feel we can hold our heads high - and we sure know we would have done a great job for them. Of course we wish them well. My deepest thanks to Kath, Lori, Eric and Ken who really came through for me putting in hours and hours of work. And thanks to our cheering section...we had a lot of people rooting for us and it meant a lot.

Onward and upward.

Two recent events I wanted to mention here. Kaydee Deremiens from Sunrise Credit Union and I enjoyed a fabulous Banjo Bowl together watching the Bombers kick the Riders. (Bombers haven't been doing so well lately I'm afraid.

And some special clients Mark and his wife Connie from the Winnipeg Police Service and John and Jamie from Grant Park Shopping Centre, joined Allan and I for the Grape Stomp fundraiser at Mona Lisa Ristorante. Funds were being raised for the Human Rights Museum.

We had a most exceptional time.

Keeping busy with Sunrise and Grant Park Christmas and we have another new business pitch we're working on. The Massage Therapists are back on the air with their television campaign and the Police spots will be back on in early October. We won't launch the new ones til February. We have a really groovy campaign running right now in nfl football on City TV for McNaught Cadillac.

So things are hummmmmmming along.

A dandy day in Brandon.

It was a beautiful, warm day for a drive and my buddy Tony Wytinck and I had so much to catch up on the miles just flew by. We headed out to Brandon to shoot new video clips for the Sunrise Credit Union "Get to know us" campaign for the new Brandon branch. Branch Manager Mike Brolund, Ag and Commercial Specialist Randy Kuz and Personal Loans and Mortgage Specialist Cheryl "Charlie" Gunning did a fantastic job in front of the camera. Kept their cool and their sense of humour throughout.

The "Get to know us" campaign will launch this Saturday followed up by the exciting new Gold Rush deposit campaign on September 11th. So many exciting things going on at Sunrise.

A quick mention here of those who have allowed us to rehearse our presentation....Doug and Nancy, Kim, Tony and looking forward to tomorrow to a fab get together with Jamie from Grant Park. I feel like we have so much fan support heading into our big game. It is especially gratifying to hear the kind votes of confidence from many of our current clients who are genuinely wishing us well. Enormous and profound thanks to Jamie, Mark, Steve and Kaydee.

Dream Team

A dream team to create the new Winnipeg Police spots and having a similar experience working on an exciting new business pitch. What a pleasure it is to collaborate and explore with seasoned professionals. Kathryne Grisim, Lori Dyck and Eric Olson. We're creating and conversing and experimenting - it is about as enjoyable as it can be. And the results are incredible. We'll present next week and then await the final decision. Not only would it be wonderful to win the business but the business itself is fresh and exciting. So wish us luck!

In the meantime, we headed off on a perfect day for a Texas Scramble golf tourney in Treherne, Manitoba with the Sunrise Credit Union crew. We had a riot. Congrats to Kaydee Deremiens, client extraordinaire for her amazing win on Ladies Straightest Drive.

Thanks to the organizers for a fun event and thanks to Ken Stuart for getting us our tent in record time!

New spots are coming together.

In so many ways it was a dream shoot. The handpicked crew were there to make sure everything ran smoothly, looked fantastic and we all worked as a team. No egos, disagreements or frustrations. The cast (some were children and/or relative newcomers) did not disappoint at all. The clients Mark and Ray were on hand to help things go smoothly and even the weather cooperated.

And while I have directed several smaller projects, I would say this really was my first big-production Directorial debut. I am very, VERY happy with the result.

Ultimately, I think we're going to create something incredibly special here. Sincere thanks to Co-Producer/Director of Photography extraordinaire Adam Sliwinski. I could not have done this without you.

Additional thanks to the whole crew - Robin Lindala (first camera assistant), Bree Hawkins (second camera assistant) , Joao Holowka (gaffer), Rick Doyle and T'ai Pu (grip), Alana Pona (1st A.D.) , Ben Wytinck (audio), Shaun Gray (production assistant) , Jen Santoro (makeup), Allan Hawkins (locations) , Kari Casting, Kevin Uttenberg (City Film Office) , Jim McKendry (Winnipeg Paramedics) , Craig Oliphant (extras casting) Michel, Joshua, Lexie, Laura and Eric (cast), all the extras and especially Mark Hodgson, Doug Safioles and Ray Howes from Winnipeg's finest. Thank you for entrusting us with your important campaign.

Shooting was completed on June 27th and then it was off to Vancouver. A truly brilliant job of editing by Trevor Mirosh and the spots are now in the talented hands of Anet and John who will create an original soundtrack.

There may be some controversy when these spots go to air. I showed the rough cuts to Shea and her friends and several broke out crying. They were designed to be impactful and to inspire a new appreciation for the power of a speeding vehicle. I think we have achieved that.

Pre-production in full swing!

One week to go and lots of arranging to do. We have all our cast chosen now, the extras in place and the locations nailed. I must say Kevin and the staff at the City of Winnipeg have been fantastic in attending to all our street closure, permits and other needs. The crew is all set and schedule in place. It's a very exciting time - the goal is to have no unforeseen surprises and then hope that the one thing we can't control - the weather - cooperates.

The Winnipeg Paramedics are volunteering to appear in the commercials and the Winnipeg Police have a couple of volunteers too. Kari Casting did a great job of finding candidates to audition and I'm really pleased with our choices. Great acting makes a significant difference in something like this. Eric Olson did such an incredible job on the storyboards.

A debt of gratitude to Cinematographer Adam Sliwinski who is doing all he can to make this a huge success. I can't thank him enough.

Quite a lot goes into a production of this magnitude and each and every person who is involved is key to the final product. Will post lots of production photos after the fact.

In the meantime, great news from Sunrise Credit Union who have approved all the new plans and creative for the upcoming year. Thanks Dennis DeLeon and Lori Dyck for a job very well done. And thanks Kaydee, Tim and Harry for your continued trust in Picante.

And I'm now working on an exciting project that will bring Kevin Costner and his band to Portage la Prairie in August. More on that soon.

Congrats on your promotion Steve!

Was thinking I could use a pair of roller skates today. Began with a lovely send off for Steve West. Steve has been such an important part of the Just Slow Down campaign and he has moved on - over and up - to head all communications for the City of Winnipeg. Chief Keith McCaskill gave a wonderful tribute speech to Steve and it was just a perfect send off to a great guy. We know we're still going to be seeing lots of Steve but it was just terrific being in attendance at an event where he was so well recognized.

Then, it was off to Midcan where Ben Wytinck and Norm Foster worked hard to help me work on Urban Harmony. We're in the home stretch now.

Zipped over for a lovely lunch with the equally lovely Jamie Heiser - Marketing Director for Grant Park Shopping Centre. We really enjoyed our patio lunch at Hu's. Great food. Finally, as if I hadn't been treated enough for one day - we headed out to Red Lobster to celebrate my beautiful daughter Shea's 17th birthday.

Felt like a full day but there's no question....it's a WONDERFUL life!

Very exciting news!

We have liftoff on the new Winnipeg Police Service television spots. The new concept was presented to Chief McCaskill last week and we received an enthusiastic "thumbs up". We'll be shooting in Winnipeg in late June. Stay tuned for more updates.

On the road again.

I feel like I'm becoming one with the Trans Canada Highway. Last Friday it was off to Brandon to help launch the 13th Branch of Sunrise Credit Union. Had a fantastic time - food was awesome and it was great to talk to all the people who dropped by.

Then yesterday my buddy Dan and I had an early start and rolled on down the highway for a brief but highly productive and entertaining trip to Regina. Drove through a brief blizzard - lots of vehicles in the ditch - but we made it there and back safely.

Sunrise over Boissevain.

This was a great weekend. On Saturday my better half, Allan and I headed out to beautiful Boissevain Manitoba to launch the new brand identity for Sunrise Credit Union. In late 2008, five southwestern Manitoba credit unions amalgamated to form this progressive, new credit union. In March, we were asked to help Sunrise develop a new and distinct brand thanks to an introduction I received courtesy of Ron Hedley from Dauphin Plains Credit Union.

Kudos to Kaydee and her team who brought staff from all 13 branches to an uplifting and entertaining launch.

Following a brief presentation by yours truly in which the new logo and slogan were unveiled, we were treated to a terrific motivational speaker, Darci Lang, who acknowledged that sometimes change can be daunting but that when people focus on the 90% good in their life rather than the 10% that's not so good, that attitude will create a winning result in all aspects of their lives. . I think everyone took a lot of positive energy away from her presentation.

Everyone enjoyed a great dinner and then Picante hosted a rousing game of Name That Product - which pit the guy's team against the girl's team in an advertising game matching slogans to products. (Guys won 8 to 7) I really appreciated Allan for so capably handling all my IT needs....with a little help from the Sunrise guys.

We enjoyed meeting all the Sunrise staff and appreciated being a part of a special day. Thanks Harry, Tim, Yvette and of course, Kaydee for making us part of the Sunrise team. And a big shout out to Amanda who once again, created a dynamic new credit union brand.

Keep an eye out for the new Dental Hygienists spots that start airing tomorrow!

This business.

The last few days have been a whirlwind. And this morning I have a few moments to reflect.

How lucky am I that each day I get to do what I do.

I get the adrenaline rush of a new business pitch with the serene and oh-so-talented Kathryne. She is the Ying to my Yang. Kathryne is so like me in her sincerity and commitment to her work and our clients, but such a calm and determined force....steady and rock solid. We've been through a lot together over the past 16 years. I can't imagine doing what I do without her incredible talent and her complete trust in me. "You're the skip! Just go out and make the shot." she always confidently says. Whether we win that piece of business or not, I'm always proud of what we present.

Amanda never fails to amaze me. She juggles 27 jobs all at the same time with a cheerfulness that is so valuable. How many times do I say to her....."I don't know if you actually have time to do this....but I need.......whatever." And she always responds..."I'll try." And she ALWAYS gets it done. It must make her crazy - especially in the mornings trying to implement whatever ideas I came up with through the night. Those first discussions in the morning are the ones I truly value - because she never knows what I'm going to dump on her first thing. And her work is far, far more skilled than her years in the business would indicate. She is definitely an Advertising Art Director - and that's a high compliment from me.

Shaun is always there. Even though he's no longer here, he's always there. Thank goodness.

I have the greatest clients. I actually adore these people. So many of my clients become my friends. And I'm so grateful to them not only for trusting me with their advertising dollars, but in recognizing the value of the entire Picante team. They are unbelievably enjoyable to work with - good, honest, sincere people who truly care about their own organizations and goals.

I just want to mention a few here that we've been busy with lately - because I am in this reflective and grateful mood this morning....thanks to: Kellie, Mark, Steve, Randy, George, Jamie and John, Glenn, Kaydee, Tim, Tim and Tim, Ron, Harry, Stan, Ivan, Diane, Garry and Yvette.

Other people in the industry that keep the Picante engine chugging along - top of mind are Simon and Adam, Denise, Lori, Tony, Iain, Wally, Ric and Ben and of course, Ken. I pick up the phone, make impossible demands, and they always say "No problem." How wild is THAT?"

My professional support team, Bill, Bill, John, and Bonnie - again - sometimes quite urgent phone calls with odd questions, always patiently answered.

Certain friends who have weathered occasional and recent storms with me...Teresa and Alys, Pablo and Paula and Jorge...a very important and select few.

And the two most important members of Laura's keep on keeping on team are Allan and Shea. They are forced to review and critique endless creative concepts, rough cuts...answer continual research questions and occasionally are pressed into service in any number of ways. (Sorry about freezing you under that running water outside in October Shea.)

This post was triggered by a discussion late last eve with Adam from Elemental who is putting his all into the Dental Hygienists spots. His enthusiasm and commitment to a great product is so gratifying. And the quick note of thanks from Kellie (see earlier post) that she took the time to write. And the awesome meeting Kath and I attended yesterday. And Allan who believes in me and what I do no matter what.

I feel very, very lucky, proud and privileged.

A fresh approach to dental hygiene!

Today was a terrifically fun day. We had the privilege of creating two new commercials for the College of Dental Hygienists of Manitoba.

We wanted to do something out of the ordinary and I really believe we've achieved that with the help of the gang from Elemental Motion Media and our client Kellie Hildebrandt who put her trust in us.

We received a really nice email from her afterwards and I'm just so proud of our crew I want to share it here for everyone to see:

Laura

I just wanted to extend my sincere thanks on behalf of the CDHM for the work that has been done thus far on our PSA. Today was a blast and we are all so excited to see the final product. Your professionalism, understanding and flexibility with our project has not gone unnoticed. It seems rare these days to have a company that goes to the lengths that you have to make a client happy. You, your staff and crew have exceeded my expectations. Please pass on my thanks to them as well.

Kellie Hildebrandt
Registrar - Executive Director
CDHM


What can I say? Thanks so much Kellie. And thanks to Keith and Nathan Eides, Jen Santoro, Adam Duguay and Simon Burgess from Elemental Motion Media, Kelly and Kim from Midcan, Picante's Amanda, and last but definitely not least the stunning dental hygienists Jamie Lee and Lori. It really was a blast!

An exciting day.

Today my granddaughter Lillian Mary Gray was born. 7 lbs. 10 oz.

The day started with an early morning call from former Picante production person and number one son Shaun letting me know that wife Kaleigh's labour had started. I picked up granddaughter Emily and went to a breakfast meeting with the fabulous Mark and Randy from Winnipeg's finest. (dang I should have taken a photo). Then it was off to another meeting with Amanda and Stan the man from SecureAll. Emily was a fine companion throughout.

We zipped to the hospital where Kaleigh was extremely cooperative in delivering the gorgeous Lily at 2 pm. This allowed Emily and I to attend to our credit union presentation at 3.

The meeting was wonderful. Was great seeing Gord and Brian from Entegra again. (If you ever run into Brian Charles, you must get him to tell you his Stephen Harper story - high marks for Stephen in this one)

Back to the hospital to get better acquainted with Lily.

Thanks to all my client/friends who were so gracious to Emily today. It was a very special day for all of us.

Just Slow Down - Public Response

We've had a terrific response to the launch of Phase Two of the Just Slow Down campaign this week.

Website traffic is way, waaay up and we've received some very positive comments on the Tell Us Your Thoughts page. I thought I'd list a few of them here....

A visitor to the site from Vancouver wrote: “This program is outstanding and should be in every municipality! … Have you thought about opening up the campaign country wide?.”

“I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the time, money and tears invested in this worthwhile project. I work in a K to 12 school in rural MB knowing all too well the potential dangers of the road. I have also lost my mother years ago at the too young age of 52 in a car accident. Encore merci, thank you.,”

“I think this site and the commercials on TV are a terrific idea and hopefully will give us all pause to slow down and drive with more caution. I saw the commercial for the first time today on the news and stopped in my tracks to watch it. Whatever the cost, it was money well invested if it

only saves one life.”

It makes me very proud to be a part of this important initiative. Thank you to the Winnipeg Police Service for putting your trust in Picante.

Oh yeah.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMANDA.

Just Slow Down Phase Two launched

www.justslowdown.ca




This morning we launched the new Just Slow Down commercials. We began with a live shot on Richard Cloutier at CJOB.....kind of a tough act to follow as the show kicked off with a lot of talk about the Gold Medal win yesterday - I have to say - we are all over the moon about that too so it wasn't hard to accept the brief delay....then we headed over to the Public Safety Building for the official news conference.






Richard was very gracious. He's supportive of the initiative partly as he lost his brother in 1968 in a collision on Waverley. Jan Frizzley and her daughter Stacey courageously appeared to bring the perspective of the victims to the tragedy. Jan lost her daughter Amanda in a speed-related collision.

Chief Keith McCaskill and City Councillor Rey Pagtakhan spoke at the news conference along with Staff Sergeant Mark Hodgson. The news conference was well attended and we expect good coverage in the media tonight and tomorrow.

Sincere thanks to Jan and Stacey for attending today. It certainly wasn't easy for them.