Today was day two of a two-day video shoot at the Fort Worth Zoo.  I spent my day with a bunch of animals…literally!  The Fort Worth Zoo has a new outdoor learning theater that is pretty spectacular.  Starting on May 5, visitors will be able to take a load off and be entertained as a host of animals and keepers put a scripted show called The Lone Star Mystery.  In preparation for the new show, we are shooting video for a television spot to promote the new show.  What a fun 2 days!  Stay tuned for the full spot.

-Erin Naterman

Agency Surprised by Flash Mob

As a precursor to an internal agency presentation, we were surprised with a flash mob performance put on by our neighbors, The Young Women’s Leadership Academy. The stunt took place in our own side yard (literally). Thanks to the students, faculty and staff for showing us how to wobble!  

This stunt was meant to drive home the point of the presentation, of which we will be posting in the near future.  Can anyone guess the topic?

  -Erin Naterman

A New York-based agency hired a group of homeless individuals to act as wireless internet hotspots at Austin’s SXSW. While the agency closely worked with a local homeless shelter on how to best structure the program, it has struck a nerve with many and has become controversial news across the nation. 

What do you think?  Was this approach degrading, or did the agency have a brilliant idea to temporarily employ the homeless and have them serve a great function for SXSW? 

Weigh in with your thoughts!

-Erin Naterman

Joel Sartore is a freelance photographer for National Geographic.  His most recent project is called the Biodiversity Project, and the idea behind it is to promote animal conservation.  Joel has has gathered nearly 1,800 photographs of animals species over the past five years, with many more planned in the coming months.

Joel’s quest for photos led him to the Fort Worth Zoo.  You can see video footage and photographs of the shoot here.  The photography features animals on a solid white or black background. The idea behind this is to give all animals equal weight…from the ladybug to the lion. The photography is beautiful, and the video is captivating and inspirational.

-Erin Naterman

No, that is not meant to be a trick question.  There really is a nighclub opening called FACEBOOK, but you’ll have to travel to the Brazilian Amazon if you want to check it out. I’m not sure sure how Facebook translates to social networking, but a a 30-year-old Brazilian entrepreneur seems to think the name alone will result in big success.  Brazil was recently named as the country with the fourth highest number of Facebook users, with some 35 million profiles, so maybe it will be a hit.

One thing is for sure, Facebook has found its way into nearly every facet of our lives.  I guess you have to ask the question:  why not nightclubs?

-Erin Naterman

Banana Republic has launched a new program called “Our Duty to You”.  The program is designed to help returning U.S. troops prepare for their next professional opportunity. 

In addition to special in-store events and product discounts, Banana has launched a website dedicated to helping advise military personnel on dressing for success, resume writing tips and job leads. 

Kudos to Banana for inserting themselves where it really matters.  I think I might just stop by my local Banana Republic this weekend and show my support through making a purchase of my own!

-Erin Naterman

We’ve all witnessed something similar.  This is familiarly painful.

-Erin Naterman

As the holidays draw near, it’s nice to have a new home that we can make festive and cheerful.  While we limit the amount of time per week we can pump Christmas tunes through the company-wide speakers, the decorations are tastefully placed throughout the building.  Here’s to our first Christmas in our new home office!

Front of building…

First floor mantle…

Our upside down Christmas tree…

Up the stairs…

to the second floor Nolan Ryan Beef tree…

Third floor, Santa’s Workshop (the coolest, yet most responsible floor)…

-Erin Naterman

Dunkin’ Donuts is taking an interesting social approach to get their customers engaged via Facebook Places and Four Square this holiday.  It will be interesting to see what the final outcome reveals and how much participation they can generate.

-Erin Naterman

We recently starting working with Supply Depot and Rental One.  Supply Depot is a construction supply company that specializes in all things concrete.  Rental One focuses on the rental of construction equipment. 

When it came time to create a new ad campaign for these companies, the goal was to develop a compelling and unique message that spoke directly to contractors or decision-makers. Additionally, the campaign message needed to work for BOTH companies.

How do you make construction and concrete fun and interesting, and speak about two different entities?

Answer: Develop a series that plays on industry nuances that the target can personally relate to.  You appeal to the senses and play up the beauty of the job.  You connect with the target in a way that makes them realize you understand and you “get it.”

-Erin Naterman