Picante Advertising News

Know Your Zone - Courtesy Tow

2011-12-01T16:27:00.000-06:00

Know Your Zone - City of Winnipeg residential street winter parking regu...

2011-12-01T16:26:00.000-06:00

Know Your Zone - The City of Winnipeg Winter Parking Ban campaign.

2011-11-28T15:30:00.028-06:00

General Grader

If you've been following along, you know that back in early September, Picante was chosen by the City of Winnipeg to develop a communication campaign for the Public Works Department regarding the changes to the Winter Parking Bans. The clients put their trust in us and challenged us to come up with something eyecatching and different.

Lieutenant Loader

The result is Know Your Zone. We developed two characters, General Grader and Lieutenant Loader, voiced by Winnipeg personalities Laurie Mustard and Jim Ingebrigtsen who did an amazing job creating unique, charismatic characters.

Thanks to Nolan Balzer at daCapo for engineering the audio session and directing the music choice. Then the fabulous Adam, Simon and Brad at Elemental Motion Media brought the characters to life in the animated commercials,

The multi-talented Lori Dyck from Wildfire Online worked tirelessly with the IT team at Public Works and Corporate Communications, Nasir, Ashley and Nancy to make sure the website www.knowyourzone.winnipeg.ca was ready for action this morning. The public is encouraged to sign up for email and Twitter notices relating to the residential parking ban. You can even look up the snow zones on your mobile device, making this truly a cutting edge communication program.

Vertical Billboard

Bustail

Knowledgable and experienced Kathryne Grisim put together a comprehensive media plan and Charlene looked after design and layout for a host of print applications, You'll soon see Know Your Zone on vertical billboards, newspaper, bustails and electronic billboards. In a campaign with numerous components, date changes and many approval levels, Kathryne and Char never lost the smile in their voices.

It's very difficult to put into words, what an amazing team was involved in this project. ...and I'm supposed to be a writer. Ken Allen - thank you for your tireless, passionate work on this campaign. You were the Commander in Chief on this operation (at least our end of it) and need to be credited for being an exceptional project manager and enthusiastic cheerleader. I think it's safe to say we'll be staying in touch - this is a relationship I've come to greatly value...feels more like family than client/agency. And thanks to Ken Boyd, Stan Siu, Bruce McPhail and Brad Sacher for putting your trust in us.

It was our first opportunity to work with Tammy Melesko at Corporate Communications. Tammy you were so wonderful to work with. It was a distinct pleasure getting to know you better and I am sure we'll continue to stay in touch. We were reunited with the amazing Steve West - how we've missed you Steve - Steve was a big part of the original planning for Just Slow Down for the Winnipeg Police Service and it was so great to have the chance to work together again.

Nasir Noor, again, what a positive, genuine, calm and caring individual you are. No matter how complicated things became, you were open to discussion and so willing to go the extra mile.

I'm very proud of Know Your Zone...it will definitely go down as one of the highlights of my career.

I hope everyone takes the time to find out their snow zone and that the Winnipeg Parking Authority can't find anyone to ticket or tow next time we are in combat with Major Snowfall! (I cannot take credit for that one - that was Ken Allen's idea! )

Some behind the scenes shots:

The Dream Team - The group responsible for the Know Your Zone campaign.

Jim Ingebrigtsen and Laurie Mustard lending their golden voices to Lieutenant Loader and General Grader.

Commander In Chief - Ken Allen

Audio Engineer Extraordinaire - Nolan Balzer from daCapo.

Ken Boyd at today's launch.

Ken Allen describing the components of the campaign.

Ken explaining how the website works to help citizens look up their residential street snow zone.

An excellent turn out by the media.

Remember way back when? In mid-September we held our first"creative" meeting at Cafe Dario. Ken Allen and Tammy Melesko.

Congratulations Bothwell!

2011-11-08T10:43:00.000-06:00

Bothwell Cheese, one of Manitoba's finest companies celebrated 75 years in business on Friday. The team out at Bothwell planned a fun event to mark the milestone. We were treated to smokies, poutine and definitely a fine array of Bothwell's finest cheese products. The event was hosted by David Northcott from Winnipeg Harvest. The Honourable Vic Toews brought greetings from the federal government. And a host of other dignitaries were on hand to help celebrate. We're proud to have developed Bothwell's distinctive 75th Anniversary logo and congratulate Ivan Balenovic and his staff for a wonderful event and for one of Manitoba's most successful businesses.

Warp Speed!

2011-10-21T12:27:00.000-05:00

Hard at work on the new City of Winnipeg Winter Parking Bylaw campaign. It will definitely be a lot of fun when the campaign launches on November 28th. Our creative concept was very well received by the folks at the Public Works Department and Corporate Communications as well as by the COO and Mayor Sam Katz. The elements are really coming together and Ken Allen is just fantastic to work for. We really appreciate his faith and trust in us.

Meanwhile Grant Park Shopping Centre is getting ready for Christmas after a busy fall full of renovations.

And, once again, we're busy with another RFP for the exciting new City of Winnipeg Southwest Rapid Transit Corridor.

The new massage therapy commercials will launch October 31st and we're nearly done on the new Winnipeg Police ones too. It's so great to see the fruits of all the labours ripening and getting ready to harvest.

The dream team of Kath, Lori and Char keep rising to every occasion and I just have to say - it's fantastic to work with such talented, dedicated people.

A BIG win for Picante!

2011-09-08T15:05:00.000-05:00

We just received word that we were selected from several competing agencies for the City of Winnipeg New Parking Bylaw campaign. This is a very interesting piece of business and once again we'll be working with the City....I do really enjoy working with them.

First meeting toute de suite tomorrow morning.

I do believe I'll celebrate with a wee glass of wine. Thanks Kath, Lori and Char for your help on this proposal.

My bad!

2011-09-06T09:22:00.000-05:00

Things were such a whirlwind during the shoot for the new Winnipeg Police and Massage Therapy spots and then we headed down to Dominican Republic to deliver shoes to kids through our Fuze thru Shoes program....the blog was...uh.....left unattended shall we say.

Since I last checked in, renovations are well underway at Grant Park Shopping Centre - many of the stores are changing location and we've been busy developing directional signage and decorative banners and now will kick into high gear for Christmas!

Bothwell Cheese is in 75th Anniversary mode, launching their national promotion on September 1st. By the way - Happy Birthday Ivan.

Post-production is ongoing for the new commercial spots - I should be heading out to Vancouver in a couple of weeks to complete them. What an exciting time.

In the meantime we responded to a significant RFP for the City of Winnipeg and we're keeping fingers crossed on that one.

Lori was successful in winning the Polo Park online/social media contract so I'll be supporting her on that one. It's a nice win for her.

I will check back in soon.

Blog was missing...but I think it's back now.

2011-08-02T23:55:00.002-05:00

Will update with a project report on shooting the new Massage Therapy and Winnipeg Police commercials in the very near future!

Production? Yes indeed.

2011-07-14T21:55:00.000-05:00

Very proud of the work we developed for the Manitoba Council of Healthcare Unions. The campaign concept is:- This October, make Manitoba Healthcare your Issue One. What made this campaign really exciting for me was the efficiency and turnaround time involved in what could have been a very complicated project. We won the confidence of the client and the 10 union council stakeholders with a strong and clear creative concept. We shot the spots on a weekend, edited the next week, focus tested and had them on air - all within 3 weeks. The television campaign is supported by a complementary bustail program.

Now we're heavily into preproduction on new television commercials for the Winnipeg Police Service and the Massage Therapy Association of Manitoba. They'll be shot back to back at the end of July, culminating in what is certainly my most ambitious production task - a huge t-bone crash on Waverley. I"m very lucky to have such a resource of amazing people who help me make production magic. Adam Sliwinski is really my fairy godfather. Or maybe my genie in a bottle.

Charlene continues her great work on Bothwell Cheese - a fantastic new red wine cheese label, a 75th Anniversary logo and some exciting promos for the fall.

Will try to keep this updated and add some photos from the 2 production projects.

I love my job.

Can you say production?

2011-06-13T20:46:00.000-05:00

We're excitedly working up a nice campaign for a brand new client. Will shoot commercials this weekend, edit and focus test them to be on the air July 11. Brings together a dream team of the old crowd, Keith, Sue, Conroy and Lorne.

In the meantime I'm off to Atlanta on an interesting new video project. More on that once I return.

Still awaiting approval on our Winnipeg Police rear end collision campaign but the pre-production on the new crash commercials is really keeping us busy.

Our meeting today with Bothwell went very well. We're looking forward to helping them prepare to celebrate their 75th Anniversary.

It is going to be a very exciting time over the next few months. I'll be looking forward to a holiday in August.

May has been dizzying!

2011-05-31T07:26:00.001-05:00

As we sit here, awaiting the news conference that will announce that Winnipeg will once again have a hockey team, I am reflecting on how exciting this month has been overall.

Despite the horrible weather that we continue to endure this spring, Picante really can't complain at all. We have been kept extremely busy by our regular clients and have had some exciting new business opportunities come our way as well.

We've developed a concept for Grant Park Shopping Centre to carry them through their fab new renovation. And just last week it was announced that Target will take over the Zeller's at Grant Park in 2013. I believe this is really great news for the retailers in the mall.

Our MPAR project for the College of Physicians and Surgeons is nearly complete. It is such a pleasure working with Judy and Louise from the College. It's the kind of working relationship that makes me so glad to be in this business.

We're just about set with the Summer newsletter for Sunrise Credit Union. It is loaded with interesting stories and information about an organization that is growing stronger every day. I have to laugh when I think about the fact that I was lucky enough to win this client due to a conversation in a swim up bar in Cabo San Lucas!

We are doing some amazing work for Bothwell Cheese. I will love to share it when it is approved.

The Winnipeg Police needed a hurry up solution to address a concern they were having. Will post that here once it is approved as well. In the meantime, we are working hard to prepare for our big crash shoot this August. It is going to be something very special.

We've just begun working on two brand new pieces of business and once they are confirmed I will be excited to share the news.

As per usual, a shout out to Char who is simply doing a wonderful job on all her graphic design work. I don't know what I'd do without her.

In short, it's going to be a wild and crazy couple of months coming up.

Life is sooooo good.

Here it is, May already.

2011-05-10T11:00:00.000-05:00

And my oldest son's birthday. Happy Birthday Shaun! I also think of this day as the 32nd anniversary of me becoming a Mom.

Laura and Shaun on Mother's Day.

Laura and one of the beautiful children of Alto Trujillo

As usual, things have been hopping at the Picanteria. But the biggest news of late was our successful adventure in Peru. My daughter Shea had invented a charitable project in which she solicited gently used shoes from school kids, took their photo and we travelled to Trujillo, Peru with the shoes to deliver them to children in poverty there. It truly was a life changing experience and we can't wait to do it again. It is quite addicting.

On the work front we are busy preparing for our new Winnipeg Police Commercial shoot which will be occurring in mid-July. Once again, I must tribute the Winnipeg Police Service for caring so much about keeping us all safe.

We're getting close to going to print on our new materials for the College of Physicians and Surgeons.

On a tougher note, we're said to be saying goodbye to John and Jamie from Grant Park Shopping Centre who are leaving our fair city to go west. We'll certainly miss our collaboration. However, we're looking forward to working up all the new creative to manage the exciting Grant Park renovations with new GM Sandra Haganaars.

Enjoyed a magnificent Winnipeg Wine Festival Gala Dinner with our good friends Sue and Ron and the next day I taught a class on Advertising Fundamentals for Kathryne's University of Winnipeg class. Good thing I didn't overdo it on the wine!

Hope everyone is having a nice spring....don't worry - the warm weather will soon arrive!

Holy Dinah. What a Spring!

2011-03-11T19:21:00.009-06:00

We've certainly be keeping busy these last few weeks. There's no question, I LOVE it like this.

Put the finishing touches on a Spring newsletter for Sunrise Credit Union. Now we'll concentrate on the Annual Report and a couple of new spring promotions. Enjoyed a lovely visit with Kaydee last evening and took in Derek Edwards at the Burton Cummings Theatre. What a fun group we had assembled including the fab John Rooke from Grant Park Shopping Centre and the effervescent Jamie Heiser.

Speaking of Grant Park, we have a stylish new campaign launching for them on March 21. Will post the new creative after introduce it to the retailers in the mall. Lori Dyck from Wildfire Online will deliver her presentation Get Naked! Marketing in 2011, Social Media. What it means to be in independent business - to the Grant Park merchants next Friday. Lori is the featured speaker at the Advertising Association Luncheon on the 25th and the Grant Park Merchants will get a private sneek peek!

On April 4th our new campaign for the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Manitoba will hit the streets. I love the creative for this one and really enjoy working with Executive Director Adam Chrobak.

We had the privilege of creating new packaging for building supply company McMunn & Yates. I foresee some very exciting new projects with them in upcoming months. A big shout out to Jayna who just has so many ideas and so much enthusiasm.

Kept very busy working on a new creative concept for Bothwell Cheese. Tons of fun coming up with the new Light Cheddar label. LOVE working with this client.

Created a new brand for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba. Just awaiting final word on their video although the printed material is in the final stages and we'll be starting on the new website very soon.

We developed the McNaught Cadillac GMC Trick up Your Truck Event. Deanna Chura is the hardest working gal in the car biz.

Created new logos for the Communication Media Network and the Health Media Network. Great job Char!

A couple of new business proposals are keeping me pretty busy. I need to get everything taken care of before we head to Peru for Fuze thru Shoes. Fuze is the charitable project my daughter Shea invented. With a goal of getting 150 pairs of shoes donated Shea began the project in November.

Now the trip to Peru is two weeks away and we are taking 450!!!! pairs of shoes.
www.fuzethrushoes.com

Of course we're thrilled with the reponse to the new Just Slow Down spots. We have over 25,000 youtube hits. I've presented a new script for the next phase and have received a general approval. Hold on to your hats folks! This one will be a great follow up to the last one.

Not a bad few weeks at the Picanteria. A big shout out to our graphic designer Char who enthusiastically attacks every job with gusto.

Just Slow Down feedback

2011-02-12T08:37:00.002-06:00

We've had some amazing feedback on the new Just Slow Down campaign. I think I'm particularly pleased when people say that it is part of their watercooler discussion and I've heard that from more than one source. I think with this campaign we've really started getting people talking and absorbing the message.

I'm going to copy some of the best comments from the Tell us Your Thoughts section of the Just Slow Down website. Negative comments have focussed on it being too graphic. I was expecting that sort of feedback so I'm not surprised. But overall, the vast majority of people are very generous with their compliments.

"All I can say is "Oh my god!" What a powerful message. I hope these videos are being shown to all new drivers. I wish there was a way to ensure that every driver sees them. Kudos to WPS for the message they are giving us all and the chance to maybe prevent the next death on our roads! Thank you!!!"

"I just saw your commercial on TV. It was extremely powerful. People have been talking about it at work and I wondered what the fuss was about but after seeing it I now know. I have to believe that this will have a big impact and make people think twice about speeding."

"I think every school should show these videos. They are incredibly heartbreaking but real. They send a powerful message that needs to be addressed. If I person makes the choice to slow down after watching this video it has been a success. I am also proud of the two men that cooperated with the Winnipeg Police Service in creating this video as it must have been very hard for them."

"Definitely gets the point across. My sympathy goes out to those affected. I would like to see this become a national campaign."

"These video segments/vignettes are difficult to watch and tug at a person's heartstrings. This type of message should be presented in every driver training class in this country and should be broadcast as free-of-charge PSA's across the country. As heart-wrenching and difficult as it is to watch there is no more powerful way to make an impression than through raw, human emotion. Congratulations to the WPS for their efforts in putting together this website. "

"Very powerful and heartbreakingly sad. The video with the young men should be mandatory viewing in all Drivers Education classes."

"Excellent all round. I think the more true stories with images and videos the better chance we have of breaking through to the people who stil don't care and/or think it can't happen to them."

"This message is especially poignant to those in the small town of Swan River. We have watched these young men grow up and feel both pride in their accomplishments and heartbreak at their loss."

"Thanks. Thank you for getting this message out there."

This campaign is excellent. I think it is proof that the Police are really out there for other people. Thank you for doing this.

"I would like to see both these videos aired on TV. I know the internet reaches a lot of people but I think having it on television will have more of an impact and reach out to even more people. The video with the little girl in it affected me... I'm just starting my family and I can't even imagine."

I hope these videos are not limited to the internet. I hope they are run as tv commercials. They are very touching and hopefully people can relate to them and be as deeply affected as I was. I don't think any parent can watch the one with the little girl in it and not cry."

"I feel this is an extremely important campaign. Thank you for all who have shared and the work that everyone has put into this website and the commercials."

"What an extremely important campaign. Thank you to all those who are making this possible. "
Fred Hollands, Paramedic Firefighter

And thank you all for your comments and for appreciating the sincere desire of the Winnipeg Police Service to protect Winnipeg citizens.

A very successful launch.

2011-02-06T13:31:00.002-06:00

I couldn't be more pleased with the launch of Just Slow Down. In addition to the introduction of the Phase 3 webisode we shot last summer, we unveiled the new true-life story of Tyler Burnside and Michael Johnston, survivors of a horrible speed-related crash on Bishop Grandin...a crash that claimed the lives of their two friends Adam and Tyler.

As of today, we've had 4,215 youtube hits on the webisode and 5,763 hits on the true-life story.

This is really exciting. Add to that some very positive comments on the Tell us Your Thoughts page on the website and I feel we can be very proud of a job well done.

Extreme thanks to the production crew for the webisode including the amazing Adam Sliwinski, kind and generous buddy Robin Lindala, Joao Holowka, Ben Wytinck, Shaun Gray, Alana Pona, Jen Santoro, Allan Hawkins and the rest of the crew....the incredible cast, (thanks Kari Casting) Trevor Mirosh, Gary Shaw, John Webster and Anet Ducharme in Vancouver and the clients who allow us to do our best work.

Special thanks to Tyler Burnside and Michael Johnston for courageously telling their story, K.B. and the production crew at Midcan, Tony Wytinck, my knight in shining armor and Gord Higham who puts up with my last minute begging calls.

I am so privileged to work with the Winnipeg Police Service and to do what I get to do.

If you haven't seen them yet....please check out the two videos at www.justslowdown.ca and if you feel so inclined, share them with family and friends. I do believe we are saving lives here.

Seriously, Just Slow Down

2011-01-08T09:50:00.005-06:00

Yesterday, we shot video interviews with Tyler Burnside and Michael Johnston, two young men from Swan River who were involved in a horrible crash exactly one year ago today.

Michael and Tyler were in the back seat. Their good friends Adam and another Tyler were in the front....Adam was driving.

Tyler acknowledges that he felt Adam was driving too fast - perhaps showing off a bit for his friends in his new car.

It was a bitterly cold, snowy night and the guys were travelling on Bishop Grandin. When passing another car, the car slid towards the ditch colliding with a light standard. The car was completely cut in half and the roof was torn off. Adam was thrown from the vehicle. Michael was able to get out of the car. Both Tylers were trapped for quite awhile intertwined together and amongst the twisted metal, shattered glass and electronics of the former vehicle.

Michael suffered a severe cut to his leg and was treated in hospital for cuts and bruises. Tyler broke one leg, his hip and his spine. Adam was pronounced dead on the scene and the other Tyler shortly after arriving in hospital.

Through the interviews, Michael and Tyler take us through what it was like on that night, and how it has affected their lives since.

Michael is attending university in North Carolina taking chemistry on a full scholarship. Tyler had his interview to enter Med School at U of M while still confined to his wheelchair.

They were somewhat concerned that people would misunderstand and think the collision was the result of 4 young crazy party guys misbehaving which wasn't the case at all. These were 4 real people who had families, and lives and hopes and dreams for the future.

It was clear they missed Adam and Tyler every day and think about that night every day. It was especially poignant with today being the 1 year anniversary of the tragedy.

The Winnipeg Police Service and Picante certainly want to thank Michael and Tyler for taking the time to participate in the Just Slow Down campaign. We are certain that their message will help people, especially young people, take the message more seriously. We also sincerely send our condolences out to the families of Adam and Tyler. We're sure today must be a very difficult day for them.

The new Just Slow Down campaign will launch on January 31 - so stay tuned.

A fresh, new year.

2011-01-06T13:19:00.003-06:00

So many exciting things on the horizon.

We're keeping busy with Sunrise Credit Union. Sunrise is looking for good people so fab Human Resources Manager Kaydee Deremiens is working hard on recruitment. Sunrise is also hosting a number of one-day seminars on the Current and Future Agricultural Outlook. Admission is free - a great service from the folks at Sunrise.

Tomorrow I'll be interviewing and videotaping two young men who lived through a horrifying experience. Nearly two years ago they were in the back seat of a vehicle involved in a terrible collision. Their two friends in the front seat didn't survive. They are anxious to participate in the Just Slow Down campaign. It will be difficult but I'm sure their message will be very impactful.

We will launch the new JSD campaign on January 31. Staff Sergeant Mark Hodgson will be on Richard Cloutier Reports on CJOB that morning. I love the Just Slow Down campaign as I believe we are engaging the public and making a difference.

We're looking forward to getting started on a project for the College of Physicians and Surgeons. And soon we'll have a final design for the Medical Laboratory Technologists of Manitoba campaign.

Other than that....getting started on the Grant Park Shopping Centre spring campaign, working up some exciting new labels for Bothwell Cheese, finishing off a project for Lansard Roofing and getting into a whole new area with a multi-faceted security company.

My prediction for 2011? Companies and organizations will gain confidence in a growing economy. We will continue to consult on how to leverage online for cost-effective results. My hope is that great creative will make a comeback as advertisers recognize the value of investment spending on this aspect of their marketing plan.

Picante will continue to deliver experienced, honest and sincere service to our valued clients. And 2011 will be an exciting one full of surprises and prosperity.

Happy New Year to you All!

Oh My!

2010-12-06T10:20:00.006-06:00

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.

2010-09-25T16:12:00.004-05:00

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.

2010-08-17T17:58:00.002-05:00

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

2010-08-10T08:41:00.005-05:00

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.

2010-07-07T08:22:00.016-05:00

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!

2010-06-18T13:05:00.003-05:00

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!

2010-06-03T19:12:00.008-05:00

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!

2010-05-17T09:05:00.003-05:00

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.

2010-04-27T20:22:00.006-05:00

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.

2010-04-18T19:59:00.012-05:00

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.

2010-03-26T08:49:00.006-05:00

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!

2010-03-19T19:20:00.006-05:00

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.

2010-03-18T23:05:00.003-05:00

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

2010-03-04T14:04:00.001-06:00

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

2010-03-01T13:58:00.007-06:00

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.

Exciting times!

2010-02-26T09:03:00.002-06:00

March 1st is going to be a huge day for Picante. We'll be launching the new Winnipeg Police commercials for the Just Slow Down campaign. We start with an hour long interview with Richard Cloutier at CJOB and then head over to the Public Safety Building for the official news conference.

Yesterday morning I made a final presentation to a large group including Chief McCaskill and the response was so very gratifying. They are thrilled and excited about the project and are proud of the commercials we created. We definitely expect to get some BUZZ on this on Monday. Hopefully, most of it will be positive. We expect a little bit of controversy because they are more graphic than are traditionally seen on Canadian television - at least in terms of commercial content. I maintain that in a comparison with shows like CSI and Bones etc. our spots are quite tame - hopefully very effective though.

Had a fantastic meeting on Wednesday with Jamie at Grant Park Shopping Centre and I think the new spring campaign is going to be so much fun! Can't wait for Amanda to get started.

The next few weeks are going to be exceptionally busy getting ready for all the new television production. But we're definitely ready to rock and roll on that.

I think winter is over...

2010-02-23T04:33:00.002-06:00

At least in our world. There is so much going on it seems like the cold winter blanket that was slowing the beginning of new projects has definitely lifted.

Gearing up for the launch of the new Winnipeg Police spots. Everyone is so pleased with them it makes me quite proud.

We've been watching a lot of Olympic coverage - glad to see the Massage Therapy Association getting all that airtime.

We'll be shooting new television spots in March. One campaign will be for a group of credit unions who are joining together to ensure credit unions continue to build their brand as a viable and preferable choice over banks. The other campaign is to promote Dental Hygienists and the relationship between good oral health and overall wellness.

There's another "health-related" project in the works but I can't talk about that one yet.

Our proposal to Tourism Dauphin is in. Thanks Martijn for the comment on my last blog post. I certainly hope our proposal captured our enthusiasm for the project.

Amanda has been hard at work developing new graphics for Sunrise Credit Union. Just about the nicest people you could ever meet.

I just have to mention Glenn Hildebrand from the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba and George Fraser from the Massage Therapists of Manitoba. Both of these fine gentlemen do us proud by recommending Picante to others and believing what we do. I have such respect for them and their sincere dedication to their organizations. I'm proud to call them my clients and my friends.

Is it because I'm getting older?

2010-02-10T15:03:00.003-06:00

My life is flashing around like an episode of Lost. One minute it's January and the next it's February.

The last few weeks I've been fighting a murderous cold. But other than that I can't complain.

Enjoyed a fantastic trip to beautiful Dauphin and am really looking forward to digging into some important projects there. Amanda is hard at it - prettying up our submission to Tourism Dauphin. The surreal meeting between myself and the CEO of Dauphin Credit Union in a pool bar in Cabo San Lucas is leading to some very interesting discussions. Ron Hedley truly enjoys torturing me with his macabre sense of humour. My intention is to get him back one of these days. I'm very impressed with all the economic development in Dauphin. Great community with some forward-thinking leadership.

Completed a new television spot for the Massage Therapy Association of Manitoba to air in the Winter Olympics. Thanks to Adam and all at Elemental for the great job of animating. a la Alfred Hitchcock - see if you can spot who modelled for the "curler".

Will be getting busy on Grant Park Shopping Centre's spring campaign in the next few weeks. Spring.....ahhhhh....yes!

New television production news on the horizon and the exciting launch of the latest Winnipeg police spots March 1st so watch for them.

What happened to December?

2010-01-09T09:46:00.005-06:00

Well, this is rather embarassing. Imagine it being a month and a half since I updated my blog. Shame on me.

Since shooting the new Winnipeg Police Service commercials in late November, we've been keeping pretty busy. The amazing Tony Wytinck from Midcan has lent his magic to the edit and together we created something really special, I'd say. The Chief and Senior Executive from the WPS have given us an enthusiastic thumbs up and we've had a great response from our direct clients, Mark, Steve and Randy. Tony will now be doing the final colour correction and sweetening the audio for the final stage. The new spots will launch on March 1 so get ready....I think we'll be getting some public feedback, pretty quickly.

Still working on post-production of Urban Harmony. The music video has been completed and Jamie (Midcan) and I are working hard on the performer profiles. You'll see a terrific story about our own Amanda Buhse's talented singing group Antiphony, who has recently been invited to perform at New York City's Carnegie Hall. We're sure excited for her.

Just before Christmas we were short-listed for the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce "Selling Winnipeg to the World" campaign. Kath and I made an in-person presentation earlier this week. We'd love to be involved in this important project. Even if we are not chosen, it's nice to be in the finals!!

Grant Park Christmas went very well and Amanda, her husband Jeff, me and my husband Allan pitched in as Santa and Mrs. Claus on a number of occasions. How fun was THAT??!! This year, customers could bring their own camera down for photos with Santa for FREE. And if they didn't happen to have a camera with them, Grant Park provided them with a disposable camera - also at no charge. It was a huge hit. The customers we spoke with were so impressed with the generosity of the gang at Grant Park Shopping Centre. They honestly showed true Christmas spirit.
Gotta say I love working with John and Jamie at Grant Park. Winnipeg scored big when they came to town.

Amanda has been busy working up new brand identities for Accent Credit Union, Lansard Roofing and the Ag Guru.

And we've really enjoyed getting to know Darren Matthews, the new Marketing Director at Bothwell Cheese. We've been updating all the Bothwell Cheese labels....some are out in the stores already. So get out and buy some - Bothwell is an exciting Manitoba company and their cheese is to die for......can't decide which I love more....Madagascar Green Peppercorn or Horseradish Cheddar.

Talented Kids

2009-11-24T08:35:00.004-06:00

The kids used in the spots were incredible. They put up with a lot of hardship, patiently waiting...and spending an enormous time squished into the little red car they nicknamed Herberta in the cold and wet. It was really very cold. And they never complained. Kudos to them and to their performances.

Big thanks to Staff Sergeant Mark Hodgson for being so great about everything and braving the challenging conditions with me every step of the way.

A shout out to the West Coast crew who created an exceptional crash scene and gave me everything I need to create some fantastic commercials. Looking forward to getting them to post real soon.

Special thanks to Robin, Al, Trudie, Geoff, Cameron, Anita, Brittany, Sean, Gabe, Jonas, Shea, Corryn and the rest of you.

CRASH!

2009-11-24T08:28:00.006-06:00

Just returned from Vancouver where we shot new Winnipeg Police commercials. These ones will be decidely more graphic than the earlier versions. We chose Vancouver due to the timing primarily. We didn't want to shoot with the snow on the ground in Winnipeg. Who knew we wouldn't have snow yet here at the end of November? We also were able to arrange some amazing participation by the Director and crews in Vancouver who were very interested in the spot and recognized it's importance as a public service announcement.

Time for an Update

2009-11-13T11:15:00.005-06:00

Exciting stuff. We'll be heading out to Vancouver next week to shoot new commercials for the Winnipeg Police Service Just Slow Down campaign. Not wanting to give away any secrets but the reason we're headed out there is partly weather related and partly stunt professional-related. Working with a strong team on the coast and then will post back here at Midcan. Looking forward to the final result.

Just putting the finishing touches on the Grant Park Shopping Centre Christmas campaign featuring General Manager John Rooke as Jolly Ol' John Rooke. We had a lot of fun at the photo shoot. Thanks David Lewis from Tripwire and Marnie Stewart for helping us put it all together. John was a good sport about it all.

The Victoria General Hospital Foundation calendar is nearly ready to head to the press. Amanda designed another gorgeous calendar for this important and deserving group.

Keep an eye out for new Bothwell Cheese labels. Amanda redesigned labels for their line of cheddars as well as Edam and Gouda.

New brand identities created in the past month include John Harrison Law Office and Women for Women Law Office and Accent Credit Union.

And we're about to get going on a new identity and design for Lansard Bros. Roofing.

In the meantime, getting close to posting Urban Harmony. We'll make a BIG noise when that is completed. Very, very exciting project for MTS Video on Demand.

Olaf continues to recover from his chemo and radiation therapy and the prognosis is very optimistic. He really had a tough time and we are so very glad his life is starting to return to normal. It's terribly hard when one you care so much about is going through such a tremendously difficult time.

Things are definitely not slowing down in the near future....other than those drivers out there who have been appropriately paying attention.

Last day of principal photography.

2009-09-26T08:24:00.005-05:00

Today we'll finish Urban Harmony. What an amazing project. I think this week really topped it off for me. We recorded audio with Wab Kinew. Wab is a very successful Aboriginal Rapper. And it really hit home for me what I'm trying to achieve with Urban Harmony. I wanted to express my belief in the positives of different people from different cultures making up the fabric of our city. Winnipeg has had some particularly difficult times of late in the media - there has been some ugly violence taking place and it has shone a very disturbing light on us. But I know, that each and every day, solid, honest citizens go about their business - many working hard to make things better. The vast majority of people DO get along and DO contribute and display random acts of kindness and DO live harmoniously. Wab mentioned in his Twitter that he made me cry during the audio session. And it's true. Especially when he tributed Olaf and wished him well. Because that's where this all started.

Wab raps about a respect for varying cultures and a commitment to peace and harmony. Who better to be a part of this project.

We'll be taking to the streets this morning to shoot Wab for the music video and to do a quick interview for his UH profile.

We'll also collect some video of Alexander West who lends his musical talents in a violin riff to the chorus. And, Vina will join us for her interview and to capture a little more video of this 9 year old singing sensation.

Antiphony, Ben Wytinck and Elyon were completed last week.

In other news, working on the new credit union brand for a merger taking place between two credit unions in Saskatchewan, new Edwards School of Business profiles nearing completion as well as the documentary of the project, an H1N1 campaign developed for the Northwest Company and Paradigm Consulting and Amanda's been working steadily on the Victoria Hospital newsletter and calendar.

Next week we jump into Christmas with Grant Park Shopping Centre.

With luck, an approval to move forward with a new Just Slow Down campaign and we keep hoping we can look ahead with our Leaders and Healers project.

All in all, things are certainly looking promising.

2009B_1982

2009-09-14T14:01:00.001-05:00

2009B_1982
Originally uploaded by BlindPhotog

2009B_2000

2009-09-14T13:59:00.001-05:00

2009B_2000
Originally uploaded by BlindPhotog

Antiphony in the Exchange.

2009B_1999

2009-09-14T13:55:00.002-05:00

2009B_1999
Originally uploaded by BlindPhotog

Filming Antiphony for Urban Harmony early Sunday morning the 13th of September.

Lots more Urban Harmony

2009-09-14T10:04:00.005-05:00

We recorded the audio for Amanda's group Antiphony Thursday evening. Then we dragged these cheerful singers out to Old Market Square at 8 am Sunday morning. The weather truly cooperated (although the City was socked in with fog when we first woke up). Antiphony did a phenomenal job and Winnipeg's Exchange District looked amazing in the early light.

Then we raced off to Assiniboine Park where Vina was performing with her cultural group at the Lyric Theatre. We captured that and then filmed Vina in the Zoo. We waged a mighty battle with the mosquitoes and tributes must be paid to Vina,her mom Paige, sister Julia for their patience. Also to intrepid crew Keith, John and Clark who braved the heat and the killer bugs. Things are so coming together on this exciting project.

Early September update.

2009-09-09T23:04:00.006-05:00

Paul, the audio engineer at daCapo has been masterfully directing the sessions for Urban Harmony, our broadcast project for MTS Video on Demand. Last Friday we recorded Vina Dimayuga and on Tuesday evening Ben Wytinck impressed everyone with his soulful and smooth rendition of the title song Urban Harmony, finishing off with a Cajon box - a drum originating in Brazil.

Tomorrow evening our own Amanda Buhse's vocal group Antiphony will be so fun. I can't wait. Paul looks at each of these sessions as a new creative challenge .....don't ya Paul?

Clark is dutifully recording behind-the-scenes action and capturing the production skills.

In the meantime, we've been doing our best to manage at the Picanteria without Shaun who is enjoying a well deserved holiday in Egypt!! ....And, we're preparing for Kath's departure on a romantic 3 week 25th Anniversary trip with her husband Doug to Italy and France.

I myself got away to...................Minneapolis for the Labour Day weekend and Amanda enjoyed the weekend at ..............her cottage at the lake. Don't worry Manda. Our time will come I'm sure.

Kath and I had a great meeting this afternoon with the Boys in Blue - the amazing Winnipeg Police Service. Mark, Steve, Randy and Ray were so welcoming and so open to our suggestions and proposals...have I mentioned how much I love working for those guys? More on this later.

Amanda has been working hard on redesigning the Bothwell Cheese cheddar labels. Jason is such a pleasure to work with and I think she's really captured their vision....the new Gouda label is a favourite - so much fun to search for just the right photo and then know it's going to grace all that CHEESE! Thanks Ivan and Jason for the privilege.

Our hard-working Art Director has also been working on the new Victoria Hospital Foundation 2010 Calendar and fall newsletter. Not to mention a super-quick Golf Tourney quiz - my brainchild for Paradigm Pharmacy.

We have rebranding projects for credit unions in both Manitoba and Saskatchewan on the go and we're still keeping Adam and Denise from Elemental Motion Media busy with the Edwards School of Business Role Models project.

More Urban Harmony tomorrow and a bigger shoot on Sunday. We'll be filming in the Exchange and at the Zoo.

I love my job.

And, as always, we're thinking about our friend Olaf Pyttlik (daCapo) and his incredible wife Angela as they fight Olaf's cancer together. Sending you all our love each and every day.

Elyon

2009-09-04T07:41:00.003-05:00

Last eve we began the first audio recording session for Urban Harmony with a band called Elyon. I asked Paul Bell for a band like Coldplay and he recommended these guys - and was he ever right. The band consists of guitar player and lead singer Jeremy Dell, Jeremy Shurby on bass and Adam Klassen on drums. They had created 2 unique versions of Urban Harmony and we recorded both. Unbelievable. Everything I had hoped for, and more.

This morning we record 9 year old Filipina sensation Vina Dimayuga. She knocked me dead at Folklorama this year and I knew I wanted to include her on Urban Harmony.

Great news!

2009-07-21T10:36:00.004-05:00

We've been given the green light on a new project for MTS Video on Demand. Titled Urban Harmony, it will be a celebration of Winnipeg music and artists and will feature an original Olaf Pyttlik composition. We'll start working on this next week to take advantage of (hopefully) some perfect summer shooting weather.

Thanks to Cam Bennett at MTS VOD for choosing to move forward on Urban Harmony. We can't wait to get going.

Halfway through July already.

2009-07-14T08:58:00.006-05:00

The time is sure flying by. Is it my age or what??!

We have managed to update our website which is nice. It's always funny how difficult it is to look after internal needs when you're concentrating on projects for valued clients.

Working hard on a relatively large presentation to three levels of government on Thursday. I am so passionate about this project because I think it's important, I think it can make a difference, and I know we can create something incredibly meaningful.

Big thanks to Glenn Hildebrand from the
College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba
who allowed us to film his testimonial yesterday morning. What an amazing guy and he made us sound pretty good too! Definitely more on this after the presentation but I've included a tentative title graphic.

AND...we've met with MTS VOD and think we have a very exciting new project with them.
I'm dying to talk about it but I think I'll hold off just a bit.

Amanda has done an amazing job for Paradigm Pharmacy Services. Dave and Steve had their photos taken yesterday with David Lewis in his new studio. Can't wait to see it when it's all finished David! We're having a lot of fun imagining the possibilities with Paradigm. Definitely an interesting new piece of business for us.

Continuing to work on the Edwards School of Business webisodes and documentary. It's fantastic to have the privilege of working on projects that are going to make a difference in people's lives.

Which brings to mind a couple of projects we're starting up soon for the Victoria General Hospital Foundation. More on those later.

Reflecting on our lives right now we're grateful to have the opportunity to explore new ideas and campaigns in a free and war-free country. We are always aware of those parts of the world who do not enjoy this luxury.

Hope you're all enjoying your summer.

My goodness we're having fun!

2009-07-01T08:30:00.002-05:00

Lots of interesting things going on at the Picanteria these days.

We're working hard getting our Role Model campaign finished for the Edwards School of Business. Had a lovely time in Saskatoon and enjoyed seeing all our old friends again. Leanne Bellegarde, Director, Aboriginal Initiatives previewed our documentary on a big screen and though we still have some things to add in, the response from the crowd was very positive. We made Leanne cry again....(in a good way) but she gets emotional pretty easily. Interviewed the new Dean of the ESB and he's just as committed to Aboriginal students as the former Dean was so that's positive news.

Keeping busy with The Centre Mall in Saskatoon. Their new Marketing Director is keeping things hopping while our former client is off on Maternity leave.

Speaking of Mat Leave....we're still waiting for Lori from Elemental to have her baby. The little one is quite overdue and we're getting anxious to meet him or her. I think my guess for the baby poll was June 18th so clearly I was way off.

We're working on some really exciting new things with Dave Huston our favourite pharmacist. Amanda is so amazing at capturing the vision graphically sometimes it makes my heart sing.

Shaun's wife Kaleigh successfully defended her Masters last week and then they went out and bought a new vehicle. Today they are celebrating Shaun's 30th birthday and Canada Day by skydiving. OMG. Hope it goes well. I mean I REALLY hope it goes well.

I'm cooking up a new idea for MTS Video on Demand. Meeting with them next week. Sure hope they like the concept. It would keep us very busy this summer and would be so rewarding to do.

Looking forward to hosting Olaf and Clint from daCapo today as well as Tony from Midcan. Celebrating Canada Day with some favourite friends we've met through the business.

Working on Picante's new website. Hopefully we'll unveil it next week.

Happy Canada Day everyone. Let's all take a moment to appreciate this incredible country we live in. In these days of strife and unrest in places like Iran, Iraq and Honduras among so many others, it's important to reflect on our tremendous good fortune of being able to live and work here in peace.

Runnin' back to Saskatoon.

2009-06-23T08:25:00.007-05:00

Am away in Saskatoon all this week shooting more Aboriginal Role Model profiles for the Edwards School of Business http://www.thisisyourfuture.ca/ So I have found a moment to catch up.

On June 18th it was a news conference with the Winnipeg Police Service to announce the winners of the Youth Video Contest. In all we had 30 entries and some amazing Just Slow Down messages. You can view them all at http://www.justslowdown.ca/ . I think you'll be impressed. Snapped pics of the winners with Chief Keith McCaskill, Manda and I with the Chief and our core JSD "team" of Staff Sargeant Mark Hodgson, Steve West, Manager, Issues Management, Manda and me.

Later in the day, Shaun gave a big presentation at the Warehouse Theatre on as part of his Leadership Winnipeg program through the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. This extensive program takes young, future Winnipeg leaders and exposes them to all sorts of issues and opportunities facing the City. Shaun's group presented on Sustainability. Other groups spoke about Revitalizing Downtown, Arts & Culture, the effects of the new Human Rights Museum, and other topics.

For me it was off to Fargo for a soccer tournament with my daughter Shea and then a quick (or so I thought) jaunt to Saskatoon. Plane cancelled due to malfunction in Denver and a 7 hour wait at the Denver airport. But I'm here now and things are going swimmingly.

My other talented friend.

2009-06-16T18:38:00.006-05:00

I want to tribute my good friend Olaf Pyttlik. Olaf has been responsible for the original music for many of my most important commercial productions. Including our award-winning Centennial spot for the Saskatchewan credit unions and the theme song for Shea's Rockin' World Tour.

Here's a little bio from his blog: "I had an exciting life over the last 12 months: daCapo bought a new building; I turned 40; I travelled to New York a few times as well as to France, Holland and Germany; MTYP produced my show 'Rich' in November (A definite highlight of my career); Angela and I vacationed on the Galapagos Islands and after that volunteered in the slums of Lima, Peru; I was able to attend a production of my musical 'The Wave' in The Netherlands and I finished the score to my first large-scale-52 episodes-animation project called 'Noonbory'."

Simply one of the most talented people on the planet. Olaf has been diagnosed with tongue cancer and starts chemo tomorrow.

Although it's been awhile since I've updated Picante news on my blog and that was my plan when I started this, I find I can't focus on that at all right now.

In an instant, just a few weeks ago, Olaf's life completely changed. (Those pics you see at the top of this post were taken at the Signature Awards on May 6th. Olaf found out he had cancer on May 17th. )

It could happen anytime to anyone. I know cancer touches everyone and in my own family I lost my mom, my sister had breast cancer and my brother fought cancer as well.

I just want Olaf to know that we are with him in his journey and are so hopeful that the wonderful people at CancerCare Manitoba will ensure he beats this thing.

My Talented Friend

2009-05-23T08:26:00.004-05:00

Adam Sliwinski, Director of Photography extraordinaire has just updated his website http://www.adamsliwinski.com/ with new demo reels. I was fortunate enough to meet Adam (who now makes his fortune in Vancouver) over 10 years ago. He's a long-time friend of my long-time friend and collaborator Keith Neimor.

Adam has joined Keith and I in numerous adventures, helping us develop an enviable reel of television commercials shot on film, for Saskatchewan Credit Unions, Manitoba Hydro and many others over the past 9 years.

He's worked with the likes of Adam Arkin, Nicolette Sheridan, Christian Slater and others. His demo reels are an entertaining blend of blow-em-up action, subtle pans and incredible light.

One of my fondest memories is when we picked up Adam at the Regina airport and took him to a huge athletic centre and said, "We are going to shoot in here." "Here?" he replied. We had originally been looking for a nice location outside to shoot some spots of High School Athletes but nothing looked just right. Eventually we found a great track at the Brandt Centre. Moving the shoot indoors from outdoors was a huge change and a giant challenge to be tackled within our modest budgets.

The result was one of the most powerful spots we ever created. There were lots of other funny parts to that shoot...clothing malfunctions and scheduling challenges. As usual, the crew (Sue, Keith, Adam and I) had a blast. It's impossible for this writer to capture the magic that is Adam with mere words. The stories of working with Adam could go on and on.

Anyhow - if you have a chance, check out his site. Some of our stuff is on Reel #3.

Did I forget to mention?

2009-05-20T19:40:00.005-05:00

Picante picked up two Signature Awards at the event on May 6th. The day started out at Midcan shooting new webisodes for the Just Slow Down campaign. Under the gun to get them done - they're already on the air! Thanks Keith from Energy and Denise, Adam, Simon and Lori from Elemental - WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT YOU!

Speaking of Adam, he joined the Picanterians at the Signature Awards and shared in our excitement of picking up two People's Choice awards for the Credit Unions Financial Therapy "Bathroom ads" - one my first attempts ever to be funny......and the Saskatchewan Rocks website designed by ....wait for it....the geniuses at Elemental. Oh yeah, Adam won the table prize a fabulous new TOASTER! 8 new entries in the Just Slow Down Youth Video Contest today. Check out www.justslowdown.ca and vote for your favourite. Some of them are just fantastic.

Had a lovely meeting late this afternoon with two of our new favourite friends. Can't help it. Just happen to think this is one of the best campaigns we've ever created. Really looking forward to telling you all about it.................................later. :) By the way Kath.....awesome explanation of GRPs!

A Picante Victory!

2009-05-13T20:25:00.002-05:00

Had a fantastic and wonderful meeting which ended in a handshake. I think it's safe to say that Picante has been chosen as the new Agency of Record for ............nah. I can't say yet.

This is a very exciting time at the Picanteria.

Got a nice call today from an old friend. Kirby Nishikawa, former GM of St. Vital Centre, called today from Calgary. He's in need of some design help for a mall they're revamping. Both Amanda and Cherrie are so excited - it's right up their alley. I'm excited to be working with the Kirbster again.

Received another RFP today as well. Somehow we'll fit that in. Shaun......HELP!!

I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE it like this!

Cinco de Mayo - Wasn't that a party!

2009-05-07T22:22:00.004-05:00

Picante invited clients, suppliers and friends to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the fabulous Redboine Boating Club on the banks of the Red. I think I'll let the pictures tell the story.

Say Cheese!

2009-05-05T09:15:00.012-05:00

Thanks to all "friends of Picante" who turned out for our taste testing wine & cheese party. In addition to having an excellent time, hanging out with old friends and making some new acquaintances, the attendees took their tasks very seriously - appearing on-camera to record their comments and impressions about the cheese, experimenting with the pairings, sampling the many varieties of cheese and participating in our blind taste tests.

Thanks to everyone who attended. And all the Picanterians who gathered intelligence from Winnipeg grocers, prepared the cheese, created the signage and ran the events.

Definitely, a good time was had by all.

Batty over BINGO!

2009-04-17T15:07:00.007-05:00

Our fabulous clients at NorthMart Pharmacy have gone batty over Bingo. Here's a few shots of Cross Lake NorthMart manager Richard, Pharmacist Mark, and our client Dave playing a rousing game of Bingo in some poor unsuspecting Cross Lake resident's living room. They are taking an active role in researching this amazing phenomenon first hand.

Can't wait to launch our own NorthMart Bingo in the next few weeks.

Alas there were no winners this particular evening but Dave reports an excellent time was had by all. Thanks for the pics Dave.

Student Placement News

2009-04-17T09:27:00.007-05:00

Today we say a fond farewell to Monica Saromo, our Red River College work placement student from the Graphic Design program. Monica designed our latest email invite for the Picante Cinco de Mayo fiesta and was a great pleasure to have around. The whole Picante gang (except for Shaun who is frolicking with wife Kaleigh in the Big Apple) went out for a fabulous Meiji sushi lunch and presented Monica with a genuine Picante cookbook.

And this past Monday, Paul Blawat joined us from RRCs Creative Communications programs. The students were a big help to us this week as we worked on a new program for credit unions in Saskatchewan to help them celebrate Coop Week this October.

Back from Jamaica.

2009-04-04T12:50:00.004-05:00

Yes, I took a quick 7 day reprieve from the grind to enjoy Jamaica with my husband Allan and our friend Tony from Midcan Productions. We had an awesome time and now it's back to a very hectic shop.

Working on a couple of RFPs and continuing to keep very busy with North Mart Pharmacy. Clark did a great job on the video and Amanda and Shaun performed herculean feats in developing 18 different print projects at the speed of sound! Now we're working on the Bingo broadcast strategy. Very fun stuff.

The SaskCentral Annual Report was delivered on time. Amanda, what would we do without you?

Grant Park is very happy with the new Spring Environmental campaign . Will add some graphics here when I get a chance.

And everything is coming along nicely for The Centre Mall in Saskatoon.

Thanks to Elemental Motion Media (Denise in particular)for helping us with a tight deadline yesterday.

Getting ready to shoot more stories for the Just Slow Down campaign on Easter Monday.

And...we have a couple of other new business projects on the horizon. Should know more later this week.

If we were thinking we were going to slow down a bit this Spring it appears we were sadly mistaken.

Still planning the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. More details available soon.

Short week next week. Ay Yi Yi!

A magical evening.

2009-03-20T21:22:00.003-05:00

Amanda and I were treated to a wonderful, wonderful evening. A big part of the gala event was a tribute to our 24 Aboriginal role models from the Rawlco Role Model Campaign. Leanne Bellegarde was outstanding as she highlighted the achievements of these special individuals. Monica Goulet was MC and did a wonderful job. The event was put on by the Aboriginal Business Students Society at the Edwards School of Business and it was a fantastic trip down memory lane for me as I was reunited with so many of the role models we met over the course of the summer.

We met Sean Willy's mom - emotionally tributed in his profile and had fun with the unique Darlene Johnson and the cutest couple ever,

Luke and Erin Levesque.

One of the best parts of the night was that each table featured a young aboriginal high school student. These students were coached on mixing and mingling and let me tell you - everyone could learn a lesson about "how to" from them as their poise and charm was evident as they worked the room. Talk about inspirational.

For anyone who hasn't been there yet - I really encourage you to visit http://www.thisisyourfuture.ca/

I know their stories will move you as they did us.

Cross Lake Rocks!

2009-03-18T18:27:00.005-05:00

A very early morning call to Perimeter Airlines for a 7 am flight to Cross Lake. First we were told that we could get on but lots of our equipment wouldn't likely make it til the 4 pm flight. Eventually it was all sorted out and we were off to the grand re-opening of the North Mart Pharmacy in Cross Lake. Along with one of the happiest people I've ever met, pharmacist Dave Huston we headed north. While there we met Store Manager Richard, pharmacist Mark Bautista and pharmacy assistant Deanna Ross. What a fabulous group of people. Camera-guy Clark did a fantastic job chronicling the event and charming the residents. It was very exciting interviewing area residents who shared their thoughts in English and in Cree. All in all it was a super fun and successful event.

Thanks to Amanda, as always, for getting all the print jobs done in record time with the help of Ken Stuart and Brian Matychuk who set speed records for production as usual, Brian while dealing with the somewhat challenging Sask Credit Unions Annual Report. It looked like we might not make it back as the skies were looking a bit sketchy - but thanks to some pro flying from Perimeter Airlines we were back to Winnipeg by 9 pm.

Tomorrow it's off to Saskatoon.

A lovely letter.

2009-03-10T15:42:00.005-05:00

Bowling for Big Brothers Big Sisters

2009-02-21T14:20:00.004-06:00

The Picante crew of Laura, Kathryne and Amanda (just back from her honeymoon) was joined by Lori from Elemental and loyal spouse Allan, to participate in Bowl for a Kid's Sake for Big Brothers Big Sisters. We raised over $900 for this important organization who do so much for kids in Winnipeg. We had an awesome time and proudly wore our Just Slow Down T-shirts to keep promoting this important initiative.

Thanks to all who donated. We really do appreciate your support.

Just Slow Down

2009-02-21T14:11:00.003-06:00

On February 13th we were part of the exciting launch of Just Slow Down, the new Winnipeg Police Service speed reduction campaign. I will be adding photos here asap.

After tremendous media interest at the 11 am launch, Staff Sergeant Mark Hodgson, paramedic Dan Herzog and courageous parent Rick Piana were guests with Charles Adler on Adler online. Then on the following Tuesday, Mark and Rick joined Mayor Sam Katz on CFRW's Talk to the Mayor show.

We were thrilled when the WREA donated their electronic readerboard on Portage Avenue to the Just Slow Down campaign and then John Hoeschen from Zero Din offered up the electronic sign at the Winnipeg Winter Club. Bus tails began appearing at the beginning of the week and the tv spots are running. Anyone interested should check out http://www.justslowdown.ca/.

Can't say enough about the support from Elemental Motion Media and the great job done, as usual, by Energy Productions.

Amanda's long-awaited wedding.

2009-02-09T19:17:00.006-06:00

The whole Picante crew ( and Denise of course)were treated to Amanda and Jeff's wonderful wedding. Amanda, our incredible art director, has been planning this wing ding for 2 1/2 years and it was worth the wait! The bride looked amazing! The groom, debonair and charming as always. The bride and her father performed an unbelievable song and dance number. And the whole Picante crew danced the night away. Amanda and Jeff are off to their honeymoon on the Mayan Riviera and we are going to do our best to get along without her. Cheers to Cherrie for stepping up to the plate and working a mile a minute to keep up. Take a breath from time to time ok Cherrie?!

New Winnipeg Police Service campaign

2009-01-31T09:02:00.004-06:00

Thursday and Friday this week were devoted to the creation of new television spots and webisodes for the Winnipeg Police Service. Our crew was privileged to meet a number of caring and concerned Winnipeg Police Officers...thank you Mark, Brian, Sandra and Russ, Winnipeg Paramedics...thank you Jana, Tristan and Dan and concerned members of the public who had experienced traumatic events in their lives. Rick, Kayla, Jan and Eppie shared details of their often tragic stories and we extend our deepest thanks for their courage and our heartfelt sorrow for their loss.

With a rather elaborate 4 camera set up at Midcan and dedicated crew, Keith, Don, Conroy, Denise, Aleisha, Sami, Shaun and yours truly, we believe we have the makings of an incredible, effective campaign.

It will launch on February 13th and we'll post more details as they become available.

Thanks again to Mark and the members of the Winnipeg Police Service who have put their trust in us, James, Kerry, Randy and Steve.

And thanks Kelly at Midcan for the pics.

Thisisyourfuture.ca launch a huge success!

2009-01-23T12:44:00.012-06:00

Just returned from Saskatoon where we had a hugely successful launch for our Aboriginal Role Model campaign for the Edwards School of Business. We received coverage from Global TV news, APTN and the Saskatoon Star Phoenix as well as from Rawlco Radio. Of course, Rawlco is largely responsible for the campaign through the generous support of owner Gordon Rawlinson, an alumnus of the University of Saskatchewan. It was a thrill to visit again with four of our role models and watch the excitement build on the faces of the students at the launch who were treated with the personal renditions of their stories by the role models and a brief demonstration of the website. Thanks to Elemental Motion Media for all the great work on the website and Keith from Energy Productions for the Role Model profiles. So many people to thank for this one....Denise, Lori, Adam, Keith, Amanda, Shaun, Kath, Shannon, Robin, Daniel, Kaleigh, Shaun, Cherrie, the list truly goes on and on.

Definitely the kind of project that makes me proud to be in this business.

Then went to visit Leanne Tameling at The Centre Mall.

We're excited that Leanne's baby is due in June.

Finished the whirlwind trip with a brief stint at Rawlco Radio studios where Leanne Bellegarde wowed engineer Sal and myself with her quick work on the Role Model radio spots and voice overs for 6 new profiles. Quite the pro.

It's a bit of a blur.

2009-01-16T10:42:00.011-06:00

Since late November things have really heated up for Picante. Both business-wise and socially we've been kept extremely busy....all in a good way.

Kathryne hosted a birthday lunch for me. in mid-December.

It was followed the next day by a surprise 50th birthday party, planned and executed with enormous success by my sneaky husband and cohorts, Shaun and Kath. Most would not have thought it could have been pulled off...but pull it off they did indeed and I was completely blown away by a surprise party in my own house!!!

Picante published our first every cook book as a Christmas gift for clients and friends. It turned out really well and we'd like to thank David Lewis Photography, Leamarc Printing and, of course, Amanda for a fantastic layout. It proved to be very popular and we might just go to a second printing.

In other social news, Picante hosted a pre-Christmas open house which was really well attended and a good time was had by all.

On the business side....massage therapy commercials were completed. We're looking forward to them going to air on January 19th.

We started and completed a 15 minute video for Versatech Industries. Versatech is a non-profit organization that provides a workplace for adults with intellectual disabilities. The video aired to rave reviews at the Versatech Annual Dinner and Dance on January 10th. Our client, Richard Doyle was really pleased. A big thanks to Keith Neimor of Energy Productions, Don Lowe, Conroy Finnegan and the gang at Elemental who pulled out all the stops to get this completed over the Christmas break in time for the event. Conroy really went above and beyond by working with Versatech on all the lighting and production needs for the event, and by volunteering to record the evening.

Getting ready to launch this is Your Future, our Aboriginal Role Model campaign for the Edwards School of Business in Saskatoon. The news conference will be held on January 22nd and we'll have the website up and running for your perusal at that time. I encourage everyone to visit the website - these Role Model stories will profoundly affect you I'm sure.

And...the Winnipeg Police Service Just Slow Down campaign is now in high gear. We'll be shooting tv spots at the end of the month and launching at a press conference on February 13th. 711 has agreed to come on board as a corporate partner and there will be lots of exciting news about this campaign over the next few months.

AgMPower won Best Single Booth Display at the 2009 Crop Production Show. President Leo Kosokowsky was excited..."I thought we had a nice booth when we set up, and am thrilled that we won the award - what a bonus!". Kudos to Amanda for a fabulous booth design and Ken Stuart from The Sign Source.

Teen Touch is nearly ready to go to print. We had a fantastic photo shoot and the kids were terrific.

Gearing up for spring for Grant Park Shopping Centre and The Centre Mall in Saskatoon. And just getting started on the 2008 Annual Report for SaskCentral.

I'm back from an outstanding holiday in Cancun with a large group of family and friends. And..we're all excited about Amanda and Jeff's impending wedding on February 7th. But we're sure keeping her busy until she sneaks away.

And that's what's new at Picante!

What happened to November?

2008-11-29T10:08:00.013-06:00

There is just so much activity humming in the ol' Picanteria. Several interesting projects that we really care deeply about.

Massage Therapy commercials are nearly complete. Thanks to Sue, Wayne, Pauline and Kaleigh for doing a great job in front of the camera. And Keith, Don and Conroy for doing a great job behind.

Started on the new Versatech Industries video. Had a nice interview/visit with Bob Brennan, CEO of Manitoba Hydro who graciously welcomed us into his Boardroom. He's a big fan of Versatech and the opportunities they provide to Adults with Intellectual Disabilities. Then we visited the Versatech production workshop and were inspired by the warmth and enthusiasm of the workers there. More interviews and shooting next week.

We continue to progress nicely on materials for the Edwards School of Business Role Model Campaign. It's getting so close to the unveiling - we're so excited. Branding continues for the new credit union and we have some fun ideas for the Saskatchewan Credit Unions Annual General Meeting materials. Looking forward to showing it to you Tim!

We presented new creative (and we're now able to proudly announce our success in winning the contract over 8 other agencies) to the City of Winnipeg Police Department. This is a very exciting new campaign for us - and we made a number of presentations to senior staff this week including Chief of Police Keith McCaskill. So far it's thumbs up all the way and we can't say enough about the team over at the Police Department. They are so committed to the project and to Picante and have impressed us with their sincerity and enthusiasm. Big thanks to Mark, Steve, Kerry, Randy, James and all the gang over at the Public Safety Building. It's comforting to know guys like that are looking after the safety of the citizens of Winnipeg.

We finished off the week at a photo shoot for Teen Touch. Calling on the support of family members, Shea, Bree, Teneille and Kyle, as well as our good friends, teachers Mary Brogan and Martin Riley, we gathered 10 teens on their day off downtown early on Friday morning. Teen Touch campaign materials will be ready soon and we can't wait to share them. Thanks Kelly for the privilege of working on this important campaign...and thanks to Shaun, Amanda and Cherrie for your chauferring services - nothing like expanding those job descriptions when your work for Picante!

A busy season.

2008-11-25T20:17:00.002-06:00

Feels like a bit of a whirling dirvish at the Picanteria right now. Kudos to David Lewis for a most excellent photo shoot today. And Shaun and Amanda toiled all day on a powerpoint presentation I'll be delivering on Thursday. More on that new campaign soon.

Lots of work on our Role Model campaign continues. And we're hoping to go to edit on Massage Therapy early next week - that's IF I get my part done. Sent some ideas over to Linda at the U of M Extended Education to help her out with the 60th Anniversary of the Department.

Shooting new video for Versatech Industries tomorrow. That video is going to be edited in overdrive to make the deadline.

Teen Touch photo shoot on Friday. Really looking forward to seeing that come together.

Our goal will be to do an exceptional job for each and every one of our valued clients over the next several weeks. It's going to be very, very busy.

Massage Therapy Commercials

2008-11-17T23:03:00.005-06:00

Completed our second day of shooting on the Massage Therapy commercials today at the fabulous Midcan Studios. During a break in the action, and after the amazing Sue Zwarich had completed her interview, Keith Neimor, our director began discussing the various aches and pains he's been experiencing. Sue, being the pro that she is, began dispensing helpful advice and even demonstrated some stretching exercises Keith could use. Ultimately, Sue had Keith down on the studio floor and took the demonstration even further. Sue is the ultimate massage professional and Keith definitely became a convert.

Wayne Babych, former St. Louis Blues star gave a solid testimonial for massage therapy. Wayne still plays 4 x a week with the likes of Thomas Steen and Perry Miller. Pauline and Kaleigh rounded out our on-screen talent.

Hawkstone Saloon

2008-11-12T10:21:00.009-06:00

Allan and I hosted the Hawkstone Saloon Texas Hold 'Em Tournament the other night. Friends of Picante were invited to this full out Wild West showdown. Everyone were such good sports - getting into the wild West spirit and enjoying a few (for some of us very few) rounds of Texas Hold 'em. Thought I'd share a few pics from the evening.

Small World

2008-10-30T14:21:00.003-05:00

Cherrie, our new designer has a Chilean background. She is engaged to Yolandri, one of the Cuban athletes who defected during the Pan Am Games in 1999. Those who have known me a long time will know that I was involved with the Pan Am Cubans, and indeed visited Yolandri's mother in Havana back in 2000.

In other news, we heard from Lightworks today and a large US Syndication company is very interested in Shea's Rockin' World Tour. They are meeting on Tuesday to further discuss.

FINALLY!!!

2008-10-29T16:56:00.003-05:00

I got a post on the blog! Woot woot! I find it funny how for someone who uses a computer daily, I had so much trouble getting on here! Just wanted to apologize to everyone for taking so long. But I'm on here now!

Things at the Picanteria have been cookin'. With the wonderful help of Cherrie - our newest designer, and Travis - our work experience student, things have been zipping along quite nicely! It's also nice having some more company on the third floor :) Many exciting new jobs are on the horizon and I can't wait to get them started.

Anyway, just thought I'd drop a quick line to say "hello" to the Picante blogging audience and to let you know that, yes, I can figure out how to use a blog!

Amanda ;)

What happened to October?

2008-10-29T14:05:00.005-05:00

Man o' man this month has flown by.

Starting new branding for a Manitoba credit union. I love when we have an opportunity to be part of something so important. We're also embarking on creating a new look for some very special friends of ours. I think I'll keep that one under my hat for a bit.

We created a refreshed logo for Teen Touch and will be developing a print campaign for Manitoba high schools. We're just fine tuning the new creative now. Concepts have been submitted for the new Massage Therapists television campaign. We'll be shooting in a few weeks.

Work continues on the Role Models materials and profiles. The Centre Mall in Saskatoon Christmas is looked after as is Grant Park Shopping Centre in Winnipeg. AgMPower trade show materials are being reviewed.

CTV outdoor is on the street and looking magnificent. Of course, it helps that they have such good-looking anchors.

Heard unofficial word that we won a new piece of business from a recent RFP. Will make it official when it's officially official.???!!

Big shout out to Travis and Cherrie who have been helping out so much on the 2nd Floor. I know Amanda is feeling relieved to have some help.

New Process Software

2008-10-22T09:38:00.003-05:00

It's time to show the old dogs (me and kath) new tricks. We're implementing new software to help us with job tracking, time tracking, estimating and invoicing. It means (gasp) a little discipline that yours truly is not really used to....but I know it's going to be a big help particularly with longer term and multi-layered projects. So we're having our tutorial this am. Kudos to Shaun for doing the research and getting us set up thus far. Now it's going to be up to us to make it work. This is my personal commitment in writing.

Internet Advertising Bureau conference.

2008-10-21T10:45:00.004-05:00

Kathryne was out in Calgary last week attending a timely conference on Internet Marketing and Advertising put on by the Internet Advertising Bureau.

Here's their blurb - "When looking for marketing success, advertisers know that a mix of both offline and online tactics boosts response rate and sales. The same goes for within online: mix Dieplay, Search, Email, Video, Sponsorships, Widgets, Wikis, User-Generated Content and Social media Marketing - and what you get is awarenes and impact that is light years beyond the sum of its parts.

Stay ahead of the curve...
Knowing that the Interactive Media advertising landscape is changing at a faster rate every year, our new IAM Canada MIXX Canada Conference Series is designed to keep marketers and advertisers ahead of the curve, by focusing on leading-edge speakers from both within Canada and around the globe.

Whew!

We think it's really important that Kath participates in these conferences as keeps up as this exciting media option evolves!

She recently attended other conferences in Las Vegas and in New York City.

Election Day in Canada.

2008-10-15T14:12:00.000-05:00

I (Laura) worked all day election day and my candidate, Rod Bruinooge was returned to his rightful place as MP for Winnipeg South. Ie did everything from act as Poll Captain to running errands (photocopies and felt pens) to decorating campaign headquarters to scrutineering. It was a full day but a lot of fun. Ran into so many people I knew.

I'm heading back to Saskatoon on Sunday to direct the voiceovers of the first round of Role Model profiles for ESB. That'll mean we'll be ready to launch soon. I can't wait.

Grant Park and The Centre Mall Christmas plans are coming together and Wayne Babych has just agreed to appear in our Massage Therapy commercials. Turns out he's a big fan.

Amanda's working on a new logo for Teen Touch and then we'll be quickly putting some support materials together. We're hoping to get posters on the inside of high school bathrooms.

That's the news for this week.....oh yeah....I picked up my new car today! YAY!

So much going on!

2008-10-09T22:36:00.002-05:00

Where to start?

Next week we'll launch Saskatchewan Rocks! This exciting viral campaign was created for the Saskatchewan credit unions. You can find it at http://www.saskatchewanrocks.com/ We urge you to check it out and send it out to YOUR friends and family in Saskatchewan.

We're diligently working on trivia questions for the Sask CU sponsorship of the SJHL. Thanks
Paul at Dacapo for your AMAZING patience and Norm and your BIG VOICE - and grace and charm under pressure. From special people come special things. You have my sincere thanks and undying gratitude.

The Edwards School of Business Role Model campaign is building momentum. The website is taking shape and the profiles of our amazing Role Models are being completed daily. As soon as te website is launched I will definitely let you know. It's one of the most rewarding projects I've ever had the privilege of working on. I want to gush and gush. About Leanne Bellegarde and her team. And about Elemental Motion Media. I feel pretty gushy these days.

If you're a Manitoba resident you can now catch Street Tales - our 10 episode exploration of the history of Winnipeg streets, hosted and edited by our own Denise Meilleur, written by yours truly and shot by Clark McCaw. It's a bit of a challenge to find Street Tales so this is the roadmap.....if you're an MTS tv subscriber go to Video on Demand. Go to FREE STUFF. (Shea's Rockin' World Tour is there too! (#2 on page 2 but I digress.) But move on to Winnipeg On Demand. Go to In the Community and you will find Street Tales. I luv 'em.

Shaun is busy with setting up a new Business Process Program at Picante. He's done a great job and soon the rest of us (particularly me) will see if we can keep to the organization. Not my best thing. Can the old dog be taught new tricks?

Grant Park Shopping Centre in Winnipeg and The Centre Mall in Saskatoon are gearing up for Christmas. And we applaud the initiative of Kelly from Teen Touch. More on that later.

Amanda is working on two important projects for the Victoria Hospital Foundation. The newsletter and calendar are key fundraisers for the Foundation and Amanda and Shaun take these projects very personally. And that's why they're the best.

Kath came in early this week taking charge and encouraging the rearrangement of my office - MUCH better Feng Shui. I am a new woman! I face the window! Thanks Kath and Shaun for the brute force and Jorge for the details.

Life is definitely good.

Attending the Chamber luncheon.

2008-09-29T09:30:00.000-05:00

The whole Picante crew, as well as our pals from Elemental will be attending the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce luncheon today. We've also invited George Fraser from the Massage Therapists of Manitoba. As a former deputy mayor, George is always interested in what leaders like Gail Asper have to say about their vision for Winnipeg's future.

We're just finishing off the Pieces of the Puzzle video for the Children's Asthma Education Centre. The video, shot and edited in-house with exciting graphics from Elemental will help families dealing with their children's asthma learn to control the condition and live more comfortably.

We're continuing to work on the Role Model profiles for the Edwards School of Business and have some innovative ideas for the print package we're working on for them. The website development is underway and we're developing the script for the documentary. I'm so proud of this project.

Kathryne, Shaun and I, along with Lori from Elemental are headed to Regina tomorrow for the Image Committee meeting. Can't wait to debut Saskatchewan Rocks! our new viral campaign.

Exciting Times!

2008-09-22T10:57:00.000-05:00

This fall will see some very exciting launches for Picante and our clients.

We'll soon be presenting Saskatchewan Rocks! a dynamic new viral marketing campaign for the Saskatchewan credit unions. The outstanding team at Elemental Motion Media have done a great job of not only capturing the vision of what we were looking for, but also making the production experience smooth and timely. We can't wait for October 1st when the Saskatchewan credit union image committee will get their first peek.

We're equally thrilled about the progress on the Edwards School of Business Role Model Campaign. It's been a busy summer as we've completed 4 shoots in Saskatoon collecting profiles on 24 amazing First Nations and Metis Role Models. Their stories are inspiring and powerful. The goal is to encourage Aboriginal students to consider a business degree or getting their MBA at the Edwards School of Business. It has been a real privilege for us to work on this project. Again, Elemental Motion Media as well as Energy Films have been great partners on this project.

We've just received a go ahead on a new campaign for the Massage Therapists of Manitoba. George and his committee at MTAM are just some of the nicest people we've ever worked with. How lucky are we??

We're keeping really busy and are enjoying a productive season. Shaun is looking after the implementation of a new project management software system. And..we're thinking about painting the office.

So that's the latest news from Picante.