FESTIVAL – DAY FOUR

Today was more about the music and film industry – I don’t know much (if anything) about the inter-workings of either industry though I consume both almost daily so it was interesting to hear about them.

It has been increasingly more crowded, busy, and harder to get into seminars as the week goes on. This morning we arrived in time for the MoFilm seminar, however in order to do so, we had to sit in the steps on the upper level of the auditorium.

The highlight of the seminar was the presence of Jesse Eisenberg. The Social Network made such a commotion when it came out, so it was exciting to see the star speak. It also shows what a profound effect social media has had on our generation and culture that there has been a film made on the topic. Jesse Eisenberg explained his predicament when he got involved in the industry. Realizing that acting, though an art form, is a business, he realized how commercial it was. The others discussed how central the audience is to a brand. The power of consumers is that “their perception defines the brand.” It amazing how no matter the man hours of creating a brand image, the consumers still are the final word on the real image. Chevrolet showed a plethora of clips.

Our first speaker of the day, Jennifer Frommer, was from the music industry (interscope records). Not only is Lady Gaga her client, she obviously knows a lot about her business. She made it clear how well you have to know your client. This way you can make sure the ventures you pursue for them are right: like the Italian singers with Olive Garden. What I really took away from her was her advice to be “pro-active, not re-active”

David Simon was a fireball. Obviously a very intelligent man with rapier with, he was captivating the entire meeting. He had a very strong opinion on everything and everything. I liked the progression of his career. Thinking of himself as a journalist, he just took opportunity after opportunity and it led him to where he is now. Though he gave us great insights into the makings of his shows, his thoughts on advertising, and his thoughts on journalism, I liked his ending quote. In eleven words: “Disregard* the money, leave the world better than you found it.” While in this world if you want to make money, you can make money. You should do what you are meant to do.

Allison Arden, Advertising Age: I really enjoyed her presentation. She was set on making it very interactive (which wasn’t very good for me because I was in the back) and really started a dialogue going. I found it endearing how though she is a big wig in a cutthroat industry, she maintains that it is important to be inherently good.

*Edited for content.