Do it yourself Media

[kimrb]

I have PM or emailed a few of you with this idea. The more I think about it, the more I think it is worth putting before the whole group. Remember, you're after media attention. You want saveFS in the news, in the paper, on the radio, on everyone's lips. Make FS a household name. Why not make your own TV commercial? WHAT!! you say. Too expensive to make let alone air. You might be surprised. First, you are not buying prime time advertising on the major stations in your market. You buy cable. Cheap cable, that probably means late nite but that doesn't matter. You don't buy a lot. Maybe 10-15 spots in a one week run, maybe less. Here in Seattle, late night cable rates are cheaper than radio spots, maybe $25 each time it airs. Who will see it? That doesn't matter either! Really, IT DOES NOT MATTER! Why do it then, you ask? Because, before the spot(s) air, you are going to write a press release to every TV station, every radio station and every newspaper in your market explaining the campaign and describing the spot and where/when it can be seen. (include a copy of the spot for them to see). They will become very curious and the next thing you know the spot is on Prime Time...in the news, in the paper and on the radio. And that costs you nothing. I hope you see how this could work. So, maybe you like the idea. Now you have to have a commercial. That's easy too. Really, it is easy. And very inexpensive to produce. I'm am going to make the assumption that FS fans are a very diverse group. Among you are highschool students, teachers, cops, engineers, astronauts, housewives, stock brokers, mail men/women, dogcatchers, techies, TV writers (just for you Red), butchers, bakers, candlestick makers. You get the idea. I'll bet many of you have digital video recorders (or know someone who does). Take your camera to work with you. Set it up to shoot yourself in a work enviornment or some official looking backdrop. Include a saveFS poster in the background, or somewhere in the frame. (doesn't have to play a major role) Hit the record button, look into the lens and say..."I'm a fan, I'd watch". Thats all, nothing more. Each little bit would have the fan's name, age, home town and job title on the bottom of the screen. You butt several of these together to fit the commercial length you have selected (10 seconds, 15 or 30). The last 5 seconds is a tag page of FS artwork and something about save FS written on the screen. A voice over is used to say...." A message from the Save FS campaign, we're waiting to watch" or something like that. Now I have to believe that among the faithful, some of you have PC digital editing software and could build this spot in an evening. Build a thread where fans could send their clips in a digital format and poof! its a done deal. Pretty simple, pretty cheap and the same spot could be used in market after market across the country. Do I need to go get the first aid kit?

[saska]

I've been suggesting local cable advertising but getting the responses that even a little of that would be too expensive... your suggestion about press releases really opens it up to get more coverage than we could any other way. Truly a great idea on your part and I'm so glad you posted it!

Saska

[Tiriel]

Of course! The good old get-them-to-do-it-for-you trick! I remember my head was spinning when I saw the amount of coverage we got on CNN HLN! Just trying to imagine how much that would have been in advertising dollars!
AT&T is making a lot of noise about their cable-advertisement service, I'll see what I can find out about their actual prices.
I'm sure our beloved Renay from Hotwired might be interested to hear about this as well :)

Besides, I really love the irony of it all: To use the very thing that provided the argument for the axing of our show (the lack of good ratings resulting in the lack of advertisment-money) should ultimately save it :D

I like poetic justice, it should happen more often :D

Thanks Kim :) Are you SURE you're married :D

Love and Peace and Good Karma :)

Tiriel: One Very Vocal Eyeball :eek:

[thedscman]

Bump :)

What a great idea!!! Do we have any good graphic artists out there that can put together a 30 second spot? Can we flesh out some details, maybe put together a pamplet or packet of literature to send out as the press release?

[CyberMurray]

I just wonder what our spot will look like and if Sci-Fi is trying to kill the show are they going to allow us to use footage of the show to promote it?

[Deinaira]

I don't think Kim was suggesting using footage...Just everyday people saying they would be watching, with some (non-copyrighted) images...like the Wanted posters (not sure the legalities of using likenesses of characters/actors though) or maybe some of the original wormhole renderings out there...

[etana]

You wouldn't need to if you basically just used Kim's idea plus a bit of user-created art for the background poster and on the graphic at the end of the tag. As long as the shot's clean of an "official" image taken or created by someone other than us--which does include things like store-bought posters I'm afraid--then I'm sure it'd be fine.

Although checking with legal types wouldn't be a bad idea either.


It's definitely a good idea and I'm wishing I had the equipment I needed so I could edit the thing for you--I have the knowledge, just not the technology and computer horse-power I'd need. I also like the idea of using the same spot across the country because that would really save time and make the operation a lot more efficient. Whoever does end up doing this I'd advise putting your money into a really high-quality master that we can make lots of copies from to send to the other chapters.

I would also say--and this really goes for all this stuff--that we need to be slapping to together a calendar of events (posted to Save Farscape.com if possible) so that any of our big media pushes are going to matched up with something where the media can get more visuals if they choose to... ie. run the commercial across the country on the same weekend and match that with one of the big rallies.

[thedscman]

Well I've just contacted the Nashville cable company to find out pricing. Hopefully it will be that cheap :D

[thedscman]

Oh by the way... One good way that may be free or very low cost is by using the community cable access channels.

[Scubascape]

I could try to do an underwater shot of me holding a Save Farscape poster. Though it might take a bit of effort to get my videographer (read hubby) to go to the quarry, work has been monopolizing his weekends. I think my webcam can grab the video off the tape, though the quality might be awful. :D

[mycattoldme]

I talked with a media buyer and was told the cheapest way to purchase time is called run-of schedule. So if you're not concerned about the where and when the commercial is shown thats the best way to buy a block of time. It doesn't have to be 30 sec. you might be able to buy shorter segments.

[PK Ladyhawk]

I found this web page at my local NBC TV site. Some interesting information about advertising at their site and on TV.

http://www.wnbc.com/advertise

PK Ladyhawk

[Cygnus_X1]

Hell, why not buy a spot actually on the SciFi network? They would run it. Advertising is a business thing. If it were not, then they would never run commercials for a competing show such as Enterprise or FireFly on their network. Now, I know that we would not be reaching much past the "core audience" by running it on the SciFi network. But, think of how that would look to the media. Fans pay for a save our show commercial on the very network that axed it.


Not to mention that this would be the ultimate in Telegram, letter writing, faxing... There is no way that the execs would miss this...

[YenRug]

Can I make a suggestion on this idea? Something that has been picked up by the fans on the Dom is the tag "I am Farscape", could we use that line with everyone without copyright problems?

I think it says more than just saying, "I'd watch", (Sorry Kim, no offence) it tells the person watching that, this is who they will be pulling in, if they pick up the show and that they feel that Farscape is it for them. It says, "I am not just a viewer, this is part of me."

I hope this makes sense to everyone, I feel it sends out a stronger message.

[Borgi]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Cygnus_X1
[B]Hell, why not buy a spot actually on the SciFi network? They would run it.
...
But, think of how that would look to the media. Fans pay for a save our show commercial on the very network that axed it.


This sounds so frelling funny! They wouldn´t even NOTICE before its too late...
LOL

Borgi

[kimrb]

You are welcome to edit the copy any way you wish. I just want you all to be thinking. The spot as I laid it out is pretty well done and has a solid hook, and I wouldn't tweek it at all (but this isn't my call). Simple is always best. The object is to see all of america represented as FS fans and to get the spot into the news where it will be seen prime time for free. The message has to be short and to the point so as many fans as possible can be seen in the spot. I believe whatever you choose to say, all have to say the same thing. Don't worry about copyrights. You are not going to use footage from the show. Posters and stuff in the background pose no problems. Use of the FS logo could present a problem but I seriously doubt anybody would come after you. Why? Cause you're are doing them a favor as well. You're making PR for FS. You are trashing no one, in effect, you are saying "I want my MTV". Some of you have begun to check into ad rates. One of you mentioned run-of-schedule (ROS). That is definately the way to purchase time. Beware time salesmen they will work you hard (they are on commission). Always remember you are not buying the time to advertise, you are buying the time to get the media's attention and get on the news, in the paper. You're are lusting for free PR. Get that and the rest will fall into line. Spend your energies, not your money.

[Kithlyara]

I have my camcorder, and my editing software, where do I sign up? :D

[beowulf]

Originally posted by Kithlyara
I have my camcorder, and my editing software, where do I sign up? :D

And in Northern CA, I'm set up with a DV camcorder, editing software, and can deliver content on DV tape, Video CD, DVD, or good old VHS. Anyone in my area who's interested in tackling this, send me a private message and we'll hook up.

[Kithlyara]

We should get shots from the Global Rallies on Oct. 5! Can you imagine having a crowd of people saying "We are Farscape, we will watch!" or something to that effect on the commercial? Maybe the ad can have some individuals, and some families, saying "I am Farscape" and then finish with a shot of one of the rallies? What do you think?

[saska]

Personally, I've been the fondest of "if you air it, we will watch" as a great play on the whole "Field of Dreams" aliens/ghosts/vaguely sci-fi flavor. :)

Saska

[beowulf]

Originally posted by Kithlyara
We should get shots from the Global Rallies on Oct. 5! Can you imagine having a crowd of people saying "We are Farscape, we will watch!" or something to that effect on the commercial? Maybe the ad can have some individuals, and some families, saying "I am Farscape" and then finish with a shot of one of the rallies? What do you think?

Well...maybe. I tend to agree with Kim; the simpler, the better. Quite frankly, and I don't want to offend anyone here, but some of the photos I have seen on the web from some of the "rallies" has been, well, underwhelming. I think Kim's idea of showing average people, in their work environments -- people who hold jobs, earn a living, and buy from sponsors -- can have a bigger impact than showing a few people wearing jeans and Farscape tee-shirts, who look like they're living on their college fund, stomping around and ranting in the street.

I'm going to be at the Burbank con in November, and I'm thinking about bringing along the equipment I need to shoot some Apple-style "Switchers" ads <http://www.apple.com/switch/>; the "switch" here being from SFC to UPN. My only concern is that I don't want folks dressed up like D'Argo and Chiana appearing in the ads. I want to show regular earth-folk who are saying, "Hi, I'm Whoever. I'm a brain surgeon. I like Farscape. Farscape has made my life better. I'll switch channels to watch it."

Again, please don't take any comments I've made here personally. I love the constumes and fanatic loyalty I see at the cons and rallies. I just tend to agree with Kim, that it may be a little too over-the-top for some network execs and potential show sponsors.

[Kithlyara]

My idea for putting a shot of a rally at the end was just to end off the ad while tying all the lose spots together, and to show that there are a lot of Scapers, and they are a diverse crowd. The picture I had in my head didn't invlove any costumes or things like that. It was just everyday people getting together in support of their show.

I didn't take any offense to what was said, it was just an idea that I thought up in my, very visual, and active imagination.

[akimbo]

I must say I really like this idea.

I think you can actually find "average" people at the con to do the video with and its probably your best shot.

I know they are trying to do an audio spot at #farscape chat and are having trouble getting enough people to record for them, which makes no sense to me. So take people as you can get them.

I'd bug my local media if we could get a spot together. :aok:

[beowulf]

Originally posted by akimbo
I must say I really like this idea.

I think you can actually find "average" people at the con to do the video with and its probably your best shot.

I know they are trying to do an audio spot at #farscape chat and are having trouble getting enough people to record for them, which makes no sense to me. So take people as you can get them.

I'd bug my local media if we could get a spot together. :aok:

Thanks for the encouragement, Akimbo! The good news is that i've already been contacted by a couple of locals who want to do ads, so that's three including myself that I can get started on even before November. The bad news is that now I'm committed! ;) Actually, I'm pretty excited by this idea; just concerned about time constraints. But I'll make it happen somehow!

Cheers!

[Kithlyara]

I'm a t-shirt and shorts wearing, stay-at-home mom with two cute little girls. The shot I was planning to do consisted of me and my girls with just me, or me and my eldest daughter (who'll be three tomorrow! :)) saying whatever phrase is decided upon. Would the sponsors even care if they saw that?

I may wear t-shirts and shorts all the time, because it's easier to care for my daughters that way, but that doesn't mean I don't have a decent amount of money to spend. I don't want to go to all the trouble of filming the spot, editing it, and mailing it if it won't help the cause any by making the sponsors take notice.

[BlackThorn]

Originally posted by Kithlyara
I'm a t-shirt and shorts wearing, stay-at-home mom with two cute little girls. The shot I was planning to do consisted of me and my girls with just me, or me and my eldest daughter (who'll be three tomorrow! :)) saying whatever phrase is decided upon. Would the sponsors even care if they saw that?

I may wear t-shirts and shorts all the time, because it's easier to care for my daughters that way, but that doesn't mean I don't have a decent amount of money to spend. I don't want to go to all the trouble of filming the spot, editing it, and mailing it if it won't help the cause any by making the sponsors take notice.

Kith, I can't see why it would be a problem. Stay-at-home moms can be some of the biggest buyers, and often times big targets for advertising. They may not be the ones bringing in the big paycheck, but when it comes down to it, they are most often the one who decides how it's spent.

[Kithlyara]

Originally posted by BlackThorn
Kith, I can't see why it would be a problem. Stay-at-home moms can be some of the biggest buyers, and often times big targets for advertising. They may not be the ones bringing in the big paycheck, but when it comes down to it, they are most often the one who decides how it's spent.

Thanks! :) I just wanted to double check that I wouldn't go to all that trouble for nothing. My two daughters are big hams when it comes to cameras, but once the camcorder comes out, my oldest wants to direct! lol!

[beowulf]

Originally posted by Kithlyara
I'm a t-shirt and shorts wearing, stay-at-home mom with two cute little girls. The shot I was planning to do consisted of me and my girls with just me, or me and my eldest daughter (who'll be three tomorrow! :)) saying whatever phrase is decided upon. Would the sponsors even care if they saw that?

As JC would say (John Crichton, not the other JC :P ), "Hell yeah!" :aok: If I put you in doubt with my previous comment about Farscape tee-shirts and jeans, please forgive me. I just wanted to stress that it's important to get a diverse cross-section of people for these ads. Again, take a look at the Apple Switcher ads. I think they're the perfect model. A diverse cross section of people, many of them in tee-shirts ;), saying why they like the product, and who they are to add weight to their opinion. I think that, in a nutshell, is the message that the folks at SaveFarscape.com and KimRB have been trying to get us to send to the networks.

Best,

[Tokeya]

bump.

[Ammit]

Sounds like we can probably afford this. If so, we need the following:
1. The script. I like "I am Farscape," but whatever.
2. A place for people to upload their (high-quality digital) segments.
3. PTB to determine which of the hundreds of segments get into the commercial(s). Or a vote, or random selection.
4. Mister/missus fancy editor person.
5. Mister/missus cable advertising negotiator person.

~liz

[HoldenC]

After the next ratings period, we could probably get some cheap time during SG-1...

[thedscman]

Bump :aok:

[buggabboo]

this is an amazing, ambitious idea. you all rock.

[ender]

Kim's posts and ideas should be collected somewhere that is easily accessible to people without having to dig through old forum posts. Maybe they could be covered on a separate page that is linked from the main page or under "News and Updates."

Kim's input is one of the best chances we have right now of keeping the save FS effort vital. We should take full advantage of it.

[Tokeya]

bump.

[kimrb]

Easy there people....I have never seen an episode! I am not a fan (yet). I have recieved a dvd of eps 1 & 2, but my player puked and I can't get the damn disks to play in the VHS. I will pick up a dub of the dvd this afternoon and already have plans to watch this very evening. Then I may have some clue as what has all you fine people talking. What I am is a scifi/heroic fantasy lover who discovered the joys of imagination at a very young age. Somehow I have managed to keep the wonder and willingness to 'let go and enjoy' the genre to the present day. I was in a position to hear some interesting news involving the company I work for (at a very low level in the corporate world) and knew there had to be a fan base out 'there' somewhere who might look on the info as good news. I made my first post. Since then I have only attempted to a cheerleader and nothing else. As an 'outsider' I felt I could bring a perspective to the cause few of you could, because you are so close to fight, emotionally involved, angry and upset. I have offered a couple of simple ideas, that in truth you would have thought of as a group as soon as you cooled off. Please don't think I am any different than anyone of you, I not. It was never my intention to come into your world and start directing the conversation and steering the group. I'm not a white knight, nor a mentor, nor any other form of despenser of indespenable wisdom. Just an old TV director who remembers NBC's cancellation of Star Trek and how I felt, and what the fans did to save 'their' show. And how that compared to where you fans are at this moment. Back then, there was no internet yet they shook the roots of power and today everyone on this planet knows Star Trek. I believe you can do same. That is why I visit this board way too often and probably why I've stuck my nose into your business. Please don't seperate me from the crowd cause you think...well, whatever. If I had three wishes they would be 1) to fly like superman 2) to become invisible at will and 3) the ability to travel freely through time. FS isn't even in the top 20. I'm not demeaning your cause just trying to illustrate that this isn't my fight. I want you to succeed. The operative word being "you". Thanks for the kind words, but you can do this all by yourselves. Just look at the great ideas that are rising to the top. PS: Just imagine the level of thief I could be if I got my wishes...what a series of adventures.

[waltersgirl]

Sounds like we can probably afford this. If so, we need the following

permission from Henson

[kimrb]

You don't need permission from anyone. The first amendment allows freedom of speach. As long as you don't use copyrighted material you're OK. I'll bet no one would care if you used the FS logo. At worst you get a 'cease and decist' (sp) order.

[waltersgirl]

At worst you get a 'cease and decist' (sp) order.

which then compromises the integrity of the campaign. you're talking about making a television commercial about an intellectual property that doesn't belong to us. with permission, that's a really sweet idea.

the title of the show is copyrighted. the characters, even without naming them, are copyrighted. the premise, even without using the name of the show, is copyrighted.

[katyaz]

But would we need permission from Henson if we just show lots of different fans saying "If you show Farscape, I will watch", and don't use any of the images from the show, not even the logo, Waltersgirl? And maybe show some of us holding posters saying Save Farscape, or something like that. Surely there is no restriction of whether or not people can say the word "Farscape" on TV, is there?

I bet we could make this commercial without any images at all, if we really needed to (or if Henson tells us that we are not allowed to use their images in commercials)... Although I personally would prefer to have at least some Farscape images in the commercial, we can probably survive without them if that's the only legal way to get our commercials on TV.

Also, what if we include some images, and then show a disclaimer in the end, saying that the images belong to Henson, and not to us?

(I'm sorry I keep asking all these questions about copyright, but I've got to admit, I can never understand how it all works. So many people have such different ideas of what is allowed, and what isn't...)

[waltersgirl]

i honestly don't know either. i'm just trying to remind people to tread carefully here.

there's a difference between making stationary and "wanted posters" to send to the channel that already has permission to use Farscape images, and, making a commercial to air on television. and i'm not sure how large that difference is, or where the lines are drawn, or how finely.

a television commercial would be promoting a property that we don't own, and doing so using a medium that has the potential to reach a vast audience. versus, writing a letter.

i also don't know if it would differ legally from the Variety ad that was done so beautifully by benbrowder.net.

we should get the answers to those questions before something like this is attempted.

[Hmpf]

Originally posted by katyaz
But would we need permission from Henson if we just show lots of different fans saying "If you show Farscape, I will watch", and don't use any of the images from the show, not even the logo, Waltersgirl? And maybe show some of us holding posters saying Save Farscape, or something like that. Surely there is no restriction of whether or not people can say the word "Farscape" on TV, is there?

I'm pretty sure that that would not be illegal. Hmm.... do we have anyone 'on board' who knows something about legal stuff? But really, I don't see how a bunch of people saying 'Farscape' on TV could be a legal issue. After all, reporters use copyrighted names all the time, too, and that is just one example.


I bet we could make this commercial without any images at all, if we really needed to (or if Henson tells us that we are not allowed to use their images in commercials)... Although I personally would prefer to have at least some Farscape images in the commercial, we can probably survive without them if that's the only legal way to get our commercials on TV.

Also, what if we include some images, and then show a disclaimer in the end, saying that the images belong to Henson, and not to us?


I think *that* would probably mean trouble for us. ;-)



Hmpf

[kimrb]

So the puppy died, starved to death, because you couldn't decide what brand of puppy chow to feed it? You have a right as an American to say what you please. You are not using images (footage from the show). Any posters or such in the background could easily be fan artwork. And you are only saying you want to watch FS. Not a single copyright issue. The only copyright issue is use of the FS logo. Go ahead and use it (better yet, something VERY close to it). If someone wants to get pissy and sue, so what. The ad campaign would only last a week or so. Hopefully you can coordinate it so it is done all across the country at the same time. It would be over before it could be stopped. What about bad PR? No such thing. Loss of credibility for the movement? I can see it now, Tom Brokaw (sp) on NBC nightly news..."Tonite we lead with a major studio sueings their very best fans. A real david and goliath story. Details after this commercial message." Who gets the bad PR? Don't over think this. Time is short.

[beowulf]

Originally posted by katyaz
Also, what if we include some images, and then show a disclaimer in the end, saying that the images belong to Henson, and not to us?

IMHO, we need to focus on what the goal is here. In Kim's original post that kicked off this thread, he outlined that goal as (in a nutshell): 1) get publicity (in order to); 2) make the networks sit up, take notice, and take FS seriously. He outlined the way to do this as: 1) keep it simple; 2) tell them who we are; 3) keep it short. Basically the same goals and rules as the letter writing campaign. It makes sense to me.

If you start cluttering up your spots with images from the show and/or pictures of groups of people holding signs and banners, then you run the risk of muddying, or losing entirely, the main message. You may get a few Joe Sixpacks curious enough to check out the show when it airs later, but are the network execs, who are our prime targets, going to pay any more attention than they do to the rallying fans already outside their doors?

No, I think Kim is right. Network execs don't respond to cool effects and great story. They respond to a product that can bring in an affluent audience that lets them sell more advertising. We need to focus the message in that way; the same way we do in our letter writing campaign. It should say, "I am professional, I am intelligent, I have income, I am Farscape. Show it, and I will watch your channel." And it should take no longer than 30 seconds. It's the same signal-to-noise ratio you get with executives in any industry. They respond to more signal and less noise.

[Kithlyara]

I understand everything Farscape related is copyrighted (names, characters, etc...) but if we do this ad, what are TPTB going to do? Sue us for saying Farscape on the air; advertising THEIR show for them? I doubt it. It would be an absolutely ridiculous thing for them to do. CNN advertised their show for them when they mentioned Farscape on the air, and to my knowledge, they aren't being sued. I honestly don't see the harm in saying "I am Farscape, I will watch" or whatever is the decided upon tagline in a commercial. If Farscape images or sounds are used, then yes that is a major no-no and I can see us getting sued for that. But not for merely mentioning the word Farscape on TV.

There is a convention in San Diego next month, and I would like to take my camcorder with me to get some ads. Have we agreed upon a tagline? Who will receive all of the ads and who will edit them? What format do they need to be in? How long should they be?

Maybe we should start a new thread to answer those questions specifically?

[thedscman]

Well if copyright is a problem, then let's ask for permission. Does anyone know who we need to contact at Henson?

[kimrb]

Beowulf understands exactly my intentions. Try this...you have never heard of FS. Absolutely clueless. While you are watching the evening news the anchor launches into the FS story that everybody is talking about. You really don't listen cause you really don't care. But while the news tells the story, they show the commercial. Joe Viewer sees...a school teacher saying I'd watch...para legal saying I'd watch...a fireman saying I'd watch...so on...then the tag line. Joe Viewer knows nothing about FS. But he just saw real people talking about FS. They can't all be wrong, "maybe I should check this out" he says to himself. He even remembers next time he gets on the net. You do that all across america and just watch what happens.

[Ven Dragnborn]

ok
A possible mingling of ideas here.
2 sets of commercials.
One following the lines that Kim outlined.
The second a mixture of whats been proposed and Kims idea.

One set of footage is the "I'm a fan....

The other is a montage of alternating "I'm a fan..." I am Farscape" with a secondary text message added just before the "paid for " announcement "If you show it, we will watch"

[kimrb]

ok...oK...OK. The phrase doesn't matter. The tag line doesn't matter. You would have to go out of your way to violate copyright laws. You are not making the spot to advertise FS. You are not making the spot to convert viewers. This is not a Madison Ave. ad campaign. This is a simple 15 or 30 second spot designed to get the media's attention. Not the viewer's attention, the media's attention. If you do the press release thing correctly and air the spot only 5 times in a week, you have done your job. Let the media do the rest for you. The media will get the viewer's attention and you will be the beneficiaries. Do it all across the country at the same time and the whole world will be wondering...'what is this all about?' And that is what this spot is all about. You only need one spot. Same spot everywhere. With the digital world the commercial can be distributed at the speed of light all across the country, all across the globe. Your job is to get the clips together, pick out a good cross section of the fans and post the spot. Distribute it among the chapters throughout the country and strike as a group. Don't starve this puppy, it could grow up to be the biggest damn dog you ever saw.

[beowulf]

Originally posted by kimrb
You are not making the spot to convert viewers. This is not a Madison Ave. ad campaign. This is a simple 15 or 30 second spot designed to get the media's attention. Not the viewer's attention, the media's attention. If you do the press release thing correctly and air the spot only 5 times in a week, you have done your job. Let the media do the rest for you. The media will get the viewer's attention and you will be the beneficiaries.

There's the ball people; keep your eye on it. No rally pictures. No Rigel and Chiana pictures. All those pics are already on the web and/or in the news for people to see. What they can't see is us. That's what Kim, as a card carrying member of the media, knows that we need to show to his colleagues and their bosses, the network execs. A semi-intimate view of us; who we are and what we do besides watch FS. The media needs to see the people who will either make or break this show. Let's show them that we're a viable audience who will make it worth their time to keep this show on the air. Yeah, it's that simple.

[Dominar of Action]

Who is going to take this puppy and run with it? If someone is in (or close to) Richmond and has the right equipment, I'd be happy to put my mug out there, but I have neither the means nor the technical savy to do it myself.

[beowulf]

Originally posted by Dominar of Action
Who is going to take this puppy and run with it? If someone is in (or close to) Richmond and has the right equipment, I'd be happy to put my mug out there, but I have neither the means nor the technical savy to do it myself.

I'm collecting volunteers in the SF Bay Area and attempting to coordinate a shooting schedule (dontcha just love show-biz terminology? ;) ). I currently have only a couple of people in Santa Cruz lined up. I'm in San Jose, and while it's not exactly close to Richmond, it's not prohibitively far either. Send me a private message with your e-mail address so we can schedule a meeting.

Best,

[Kithlyara]

Originally posted by beowulf
I'm collecting volunteers in the SF Bay Area and attempting to coordinate a shooting schedule (dontcha just love show-biz terminology? ;) ). I currently have only a couple of people in Santa Cruz lined up. I'm in San Jose, and while it's not exactly close to Richmond, it's not prohibitively far either. Send me a private message with your e-mail address so we can schedule a meeting.

I know I'm going to film my kids and I since I have the equipment to do it. I'll see who all I can also film in San Diego. Should I send the footage to you or someone else? What should people say? I know I've asked these questions before, but I just want to be sure we're all on the same page before anything gets shot. Thanks! :)

[beowulf]

Originally posted by Kithlyara
I know I'm going to film my kids and I since I have the equipment to do it. I'll see who all I can also film in San Diego. Should I send the footage to you or someone else? What should people say? I know I've asked these questions before, but I just want to be sure we're all on the same page before anything gets shot. Thanks! :)

Hey Kith,

Well, as you know, I'm modeling what I'm doing on the Apple Switch ads. I've basically come up with five questions to ask volunteers:
[list=1]
What did you think the first time you saw Farscape?
What's your favorite thing about Farscape?
Where do you shop?
Would you switch channels to watch Farscape?
Tell us about yourself; who you are and what you do, ending with "I Am Farscape."
[/list=1]
Now obviously, this is going to produce a lot more than 30 seconds of material, but in video it's always better to have too much than not enough, so the idea is to edit it down. The candidate ad for on-the-air showing will probably just contain a stream of people saying, "I am Whoever, I'm a Whatever, and I am Farscape," with a fade to white and the SaveFarscape url at the end.

I'm also thinking about maybe having the best of the interviews in 30-second Switch-style ads available someplace on the web (savefarscape.com/farswitch?). But I'm also thinking that maybe this is too ambitious with everything else on my plate right now. But I'm definitely committed to one 30 second spot including everyone I can get on camera and fit into 30 seconds. I'm going to be working on a test video this weekend.

Regarding your footage: send me a private message with your e-mail address so we can coordinate off-the-board. I want to make sure our stuff is compatible. Thanks!

Best,

[akimbo]

I agree. Keep your eye on the ball. Make a commercial, get the commercial aired, concentrate on the publicity for the commercial.

Unfortunately I don't have any equipment to help.

[wmdopple]

Originally posted by beowulf
I'm also thinking about maybe having the best of the interviews in 30-second Switch-style ads available someplace on the web (savefarscape.com/farswitch?).

Might also work to put together a composite interview, with each question answered by a different person.. maybe ending up with a string of "I am Farscape"s....

[beowulf]

Originally posted by akimbo
I agree. Keep your eye on the ball. Make a commercial, get the commercial aired, concentrate on the publicity for the commercial.

Unfortunately I don't have any equipment to help.

Hey Akimbo,

You've got all the equipment you need right between your ears. There's a lot to be done besides just getting the video assembled. To get it on the air, it needs to be funded. To fund it, we need to know how much it will cost. DeMenace, a fellow Scaper here in sunny N. CA, has kindly offered to phone local TV stations to get quotes for late-night slots, but that's just N. CA. If you're in another state, or even another part of CA, then you could also call around to your local stations to see what rates are available. This goes for anyone else wanting to help out also; start making calls to local stations asking for quotes on late-night advertising rates.

Post your findings here, or better yet, start a new thread specifically for this purpose. This way, when we're raady to try and air this thing, and we approach the keepers of the "war-chest" for funding, we'll have a wide range of prices and locations to choose from. Hopefully we'll have other Scapers out there making videos so we'll have a nice selection of ads to choose from also.

The press release also needs to be written. It's not hard. It should say what we're trying to accomplish and why, give the stations and time ranges that the message will air, and point the reader to the SaveFarscape url and mention that a copy of the ad or ads is enclosed on a videotape (that's important because local TV news stations will want something to show). As for formatting, just go to Yahoo! Finance and look at the press releases put out every day by companies trying to impress investors. Copy the format, it's pretty standard for press releases.

Please chime in anyone if I've missed anything.

Later!

[beowulf]

Originally posted by wmdopple
Might also work to put together a composite interview, with each question answered by a different person.. maybe ending up with a string of "I am Farscape"s....

Nice! Thanks! Keep 'em coming!

[akimbo]

No problem checking out the local rates ... I'm from OH and don't see it mentioned often in these threads, so it probably won't be redundant work. I'll try to check them out next week. I saw another thread on the site that deals with advertising costs, when I have info I'll post it here and there.

I've already bent the ear of the local paper TV critic, they're considering an article for the January season restart. I planted the idea that we may have advertising for them to cover.

I may even take a crack at the press release. I'm definitely ready to step up and do my part.

Thanks for the encouragement.

[beowulf]

Originally posted by akimbo
I'll try to check them out next week. I saw another thread on the site that deals with advertising costs, when I have info I'll post it here and there.

I've already bent the ear of the local paper TV critic, they're considering an article for the January season restart. I planted the idea that we may have advertising for them to cover.

I may even take a crack at the press release. I'm definitely ready to step up and do my part.

Thanks for the encouragement.

Awesome! Thank you!

[Tokeya]

bump.

[kimrb]

Scapers, please take a moment and read this! I'm am not here to lecture or be some kind of 'know it all'. But. This is my turf. Meaning, this is what I do for a living. If you will take my advise you can take this simple idea and make it your single most powerful tool. I am very pleased to see so much interest in this idea. And what is happening, always happens when groups tackle a project. The idea gets picked up and then somehow morphs into a product that in no way resembles the original thought. This is not a bad thing on the surface, but what it does is mire the project in the constant tweeking of the basic idea. Precious time gets lost while the concept is twisted and turned every way the imagination can find to 'improve' the idea. The power of the media humbles almost all other outlets. The idea is to GET THE MEDIA TO DO YOUR BIDDING. Please understand that the commercial has no purpose other than to attract MEDIA ATTENTION. This is not a chance to start an andvertising campaign. It is a chance to have millions of people who have never heard of FS to start to check it out. They check it out because they saw a news story, a newpaper article, a mention on the radio (Thats the media). That is FREE PRIME TIME ADVERTISING FOR FARSCAPE, you, as a group, could never afford. Let the media do the advertising for you. You can't do that with this ad. You are NOT trying to sell FS to the masses. Thats the media's job. The whole idea is to get the media talking FS, the masses will follow. Please, all you jr. producers and soon to be Spielburg directors have to get this concept. This is not a chance to 'show the world your stuff'. This is a very good chance at saving FS. Don't over-produce, don't play with effects, don't use the zoom button on your camera, don't over-think this thing into the groud. Simple, simple, simple. You want to win an award with this ad, then think of the return of FS and season 5 as your emmy. I could build you a storyboard if I thought it would help. But until all of you understand what this simple idea is all about, you would only begin to tweek the spot all over again. This is a real chance to bring attention to your cause, don't forget that is your real weapon. This idea has great potential to do just that. I'm thru now. I don't mean to harp, but you have to understand the concept and quit tweeking. Get off the dime and start shooting your 2- 3 second individual pieces. Set up a place to send them and find someone to post this spot. Get copies to the chapters and buy 5 super-cheap ROS spots on your local cable company. It does not matter if it is ever seen by anyone on cable. Get the local media to pick up the story and they will make sure John Q hears about FS.

[Javora]

kimrb is right, keep it simple. But what is ROS spots?

[beowulf]

Originally posted by kimrb
Scapers, please take a moment and read this! I'm am not here to lecture or be some kind of 'know it all'. But. This is my turf. Meaning, this is what I do for a living.

Thanks Kim. Message received. I think the vision is still intact, we're just throwing around some side ideas. We're really spread out here in CA, making for coordination/scheduling difficulties, but we're working as fast as we can. It's a simple idea, but coordination is a little more complex. At this point, you're just going to have to trust us.

I don't know if anyone else is working on their own video or not. If anyone has shot or is going to shoot some footage but has no way to edit it, you can send it to me. I can take it on Mini-DV, VHS, VideoCD, or DVD. Send me a private message and I'll tell you where to send it. We're running with the idea just as fast as we can.

Best,

[akimbo]

ROS - Run Of Schedule or whenever they have an opening

[kimrb]

I applogize if I come off to heavy handed. You kind of get used to being a director and...well never mind. I do trust you, I know you can do this. I'll try to behave.

[beowulf]

Originally posted by kimrb
I applogize if I come off to heavy handed. You kind of get used to being a director and...well never mind. I do trust you, I know you can do this. I'll try to behave.

No problem, Kim. I and everyone else appreciate your advice and efforts to keep us focused. It's just that with this project, editing the footage and assembling the video is going to be the easy part. I expect to put in a day or less on that part of it.

Actually getting the footage is the hard part. My closest two volunteers are about a 45-minute to an hour's drive away; each way. They're trying to line up some other people in their area and I'm waiting to hear back on whether I can videotape them next weekend, 10/6. The third volunteer is about an hour and a half away (again, each way), but he hasn't contacted me with his e-mail address, so I'm not even sure he's serious about this. My fourth volunteer is at the other end of the state, and she's going to shoot her own video and send it to me; but that's not going to happen until the middle of October, and then I'll need to convert it from VideoCD to a format that I can edit.

So you see, other than some test footage I shot of myself today, I don't yet have anything to work with. I live in San Jose, the largest metropolitan population in the SF Bay Area, and I can't believe there's no other SJ residents on this board who are willing to volunteer to be on-camera for this video! I even put out the call on the "scifi" e-mail distribution at work, but they're either camera-shy or only watch Star Trek, because I had no takers. I really hope someone else is out there putting a piece together as we speak, but I haven't seen anyone else step up to the plate on this one yet.

And as long as we're talking about the hard stuff, what do you, Kim, see as the drop-dead date that we need to shoot for? I've been assuming that you want to get this out and get some publicity ASAP in an effort to help sway the UPN negotiations in FS's favor; right? So given that I'm not even going to have all my footage until mid-October, add a couple of days for format conversions and editing, and then we're probably talking October 20-something before I have the video you describe ready to deliver. Is that too late?

[Kithlyara]

I'm going to try my best to get the VCD out to you by Monday Oct. 7. I'm also lacking as far as volunteers go, but even if all I have is me on there, I'll mail it out. I'm going to hit up my friends this coming Monday when they come over to see if they'd be willing to be in the commercial. If it's not too loud, I'll try to shoot people at the rally this Sat. at Balboa Park. There's a lot of tourists there, so maybe I can find some Farscape fans and film them too. That leaves Sunday afternoon/evening for uploading, etc...and I can mail it on Monday. You should have it by the 12th. It will only be about a week early, but every little bit helps, right? :)

[beowulf]

Originally posted by Kithlyara
There's a lot of tourists there, so maybe I can find some Farscape fans and film them too. That leaves Sunday afternoon/evening for uploading, etc...and I can mail it on Monday. You should have it by the 12th. It will only be about a week early, but every little bit helps, right? :)

Hey Kith,

Cool! What the heck, even if the tourists have never heard of Farscape, get them to pitch the show anyway! It works for Letterman! ;) And thanks again for your help.

Best,

[kimrb]

The use of tourist (actors) is perfectly fine. I suggested fans to give the group the opportunity to participate, a way to come together. But if you want to collect a few saveFS posters and grab your video cam and spend a morning collecting 'bites' why not. Visit a firestation, a big grocery store, home depot, famous landmark in town, your Dr's office to get a nurse, movie theater, krispy creme, you get the idea. You might want to have a 'talent release' for people to sign. Gives you the right to use the image as you see fit and the person realizes they will recieve no compensation. Releases can do two things, scare the perp away, or make you look like you know what your doing. All in how you play it. Make sure you get each perp's 'job title' if nothing else for the super at the bottom of each bite. Take a friend, looks like you are a team, more official. Be friendly and polite and you will be surpised at how many folks will participate. Be short and sweet, you just need the 'phrase', thank them and move on to the next perp. Shoot 15-30 minimun different bites over all locations. Pick a wide cross section, young to old...blue collar, white collar...male, female. Your shooting is done. You already 'see' the spot in your head so post should be a breeze. Picking 'bites' is what is hard. Do the 'voice over' for the tag and presto! its in the 'can'. Remember, this does not have to be a polished, professional looking spot. Very simple. OK, the really toughest part is done. When do you pull the trigger? I think you have more time than you think. You MUST have the spot done and ready to distribute 10/31. By 10/31 those writing press releases will have them written and ready to go in addressed evelopes. By 10/31 those investigating the purchase of 'ROS' (run-of-schedule...its usually the cheapest buy) have made contact and know all the $ facts. Probably have an AE (account exec) already. You are only buying 5-10 spots to run for one week. November is the 'book'. TVs biggest ratings period. When advertising rates will be set for the coming year. Everybody puts their best foot forward. Especially your local news. They are looking for stories that are different, and this is certainly that. Cable networks have to compete with the big 4 for advertising and often drop their rates at this time to attract advertisers. I believe late Nov. would be a good time to drop the hammer. Just to muddy up the waters...with the last 11 eps starting in Jan. it can be argued pulling the trigger in mid-to-late Dec. would be best. It is a good arguement. It is possible advertising rates are slightly higher in mid-late Dec due to holiday advertising. It really is up to you. Whatever you decide, you must do what you can to keep the 'cause' in the public eye until you pull the trigger. Keep the heat turned up. If you already have the media's attention, the pump will be primed when its 'showtime'! This is just one old guys opinion.

[sunscaped]

Wow! kimrb, you really know your business. I've read your posts and you've given some great suggestions. Thanks for your help :aok:

I'm glad you AND your wife enjoyed your first taste of Farscape. It only gets better! :D

[DaMENACE]

I called KHBK (UPN-44 San Francisco) to find out rates, and boy do we need to make some decisions for sure or I am going to end up spinning my wheels on getting rates.

Kimrb... you said book local cable companies on ROS with 5 or so ads. And you suggested that we blanket the US (major metro areas) in these ads as much as possible. Organizing local cable companies will be cheap but much harder for the few of us coordinating this. I am not complaining, but I just want to ensure that we keep it simple. Kim, would you recommend booking one or two ads on, let's say, 13 broadcast stations in 13 major metro areas across the US? It will be more expensive per spot ($50-100) but it will cover more geographic area. Or are the media going to care where and how we booked the ads....? From what you have been saying I get the impression we should just get them on the air anywhere. Anyways, my point is that if we could book 13 large geographical locations we have a greater chance of getting the media attention. Not only that, it will probably be easier to coordinate. Am I missing the point?

On to the rates. Kimrb was right on the money when they would try to convince me to buy the luxury car over the Yugo. My Account Exec told me that we could get their DS9 2-3pm slot for $100-200. A Mon-Sun ROS spot will cost $75. My gut tells me that I can talk him down to $50... but no guarentee in that. I bet we can get two ROS spots for $100 without too much hassle.

Also, does anyone think it would help our cause with UPN if we concentrated on buying our spots on mostly UPN affiliates?

I wrote to our Marketing Team and asked a bunch of questions that need to be answered so that I can spend my time most effectively getting these rates. Basically, we need to come to some consensus on when and where we are booking these spots. I also need some direction on what type of spots to book; kimrb strongly suggests ROS spots, and I agree with that.

I am happy to do most of this footwork for rates and even the booking of these ads... I just need some guidance so that I come back with the information that we need. Like I said, if we book the spots at only a limited number of places it will be a lot easier and we can cover more of the US. Let's discuss this.

[akimbo]

I agree DaMenace.

I've contacted some local stations here in Cleveland, the only one to give me anything so far is the PAX/NBC affiliates. But we're still exchaning information.

I, too, am willing to do the legwork, but need some marching orders. Sounds like the marketing team is going to take a week or so to get their plan together (which sounds very reasonable to me, its a big job). So I'll probably not start any more conversations with local media until after the plan comes out.

[Kithlyara]

I'll help with making phone calls to cable companies if it's needed, but I will wait until after I get the VCD in the mail to beowulf :)

[Jillbles]

I like the Field of Dreams idea, but I agree that "I am Farscape." is probably the better idea. It's sort of a theme, right? But if we can't actually, legally say that, then I totally say "If you air it, we will watch," is poifect.
I am armed with a webcam, which isn't exactly great, but I'd be more than happy to give it a shot. I believe I have editing software as well.

*edit* There are a couple of professors here at work (both women, which further drives home to me how rare Farscape is in the sheer number of female fans, taken in a sci-fi context) who are also fans, and one of them has already told me that she'll do whatever she can to help out. I'm sure the other will agree, as well. If I can get a better cam than my webcam, then we'll be all good for an all-female, varying age (from my own mid-20's, to the varying 30/40ish of the professors), well educated demographic "We are Farscape." With any kind of luck, we can manage to get the university logo in the background, somewhere....

[kimrb]

When looking to purchase time, are you sure you are talking to the right outlet? When I say buy Cable, I don't mean buy time on a station that you may see on Cable, like the local NBC, ABC, CBS or FOX stations. I mean purchase time from the Cable Company that distributes your local cable service. You know, the outfit you had to sign up with to get HBO or MTV, the local cable company. They sell advertising, just like the individual stations and usually it is much cheaper. You purchase "ROS" (run of schedule) spots for the cheapest rate you can get. It simply does not matter when or on what cable channel the spots air. Just so long as they air. Heck, buying one spot could be more effective than multiple spots. How you ask? This is a grassroots movement, it's all you could afford. Thats what you tell the media. Cause this boat don't float unless you contact the media and let them know what you are up to. Thats why the quality and message of the spot are so unimportant. Just the act of using the medium to bolster your cause should be enough to get the local media to turn an eye your way. The real deal that makes this idea work is getting the Media's attention. That is the reason for the press release...to the media. David and Goliath, the little guy getting trod upon by the giant, the good ol' american underdog. Do a good job selling the press release, making sure a copy of the spot is enclosed, and the rest should take care of its self. If you can do this in 3-4-5...20 cities across the country at the same time, you have a national story that gets picked up by CNN, HLN, FOX, MSNBC and soon the whole world has heard the cry 'save FS'. Then get ready, cause you folks & FS will be big news. Local chapters had better have spokespeople ready. The website best be ready for the flood of hits. And Red should be picking out a dress for the Larry King show.

[loco2]

Hello kimrb,

Haven't said anything before, but I've been following you and your suggestions for a while. Lurking is cool. :-) Just wanted to thank you for sharing your ideas with us. Before anyone knew if you were for real, all I heard was.."his ideas are still sound and smart and clever." And they are. You are doing us a great service. And as one of those who simply cannot bear the thought of losing something so unique as Farscape before it has a chance to finish properly, I applaud you. And I'm listening to what you say as are so many people. I'll call the cable company today. Thanks.


Chris
imloco2

[beowulf]

Originally posted by kimrb
Do a good job selling the press release, making sure a copy of the spot is enclosed, and the rest should take care of its self.

Hey Kim,

Thanks for the clarification. And this raises another point that needs clarificaiton: video formats. What format should we include with the press releases? VHS? VideoCD? DVD? VHS or VideoCD would be the least expesive. At $5 a pop, DVD would get expensive fast. Likewise, do you have any idea in what format the cable company may want to receive the final commercial?

And just to update everyone on the status of the project, it's going really well now. Last weekend I did some test video and set up a 30-second Final Cut Pro template into which I can pretty much just drop the final shots when I have them. If there's any interest in seeing my ugly mug do a "I Am Farscape" ad, let me know and I'll post it for review. Raoena now has six people (3 couples), lined up to do shout-outs, and with DeMenace and myself, that makes eight. Kithlyara is sending a VideoCD with more folks from San Diego early next week, so I'll have plenty of shots to work with. In fact, I'm worried that I won't be able to fit everyone into a 30-second spot. :( Such is show biz! I expect to have this puppy ready to play well before 10/31. :aok:

Best,

[Dominar of Action]

Thank you for spearheading this, and all the others who are contributing! Sounds great

[DixonHill]

Due to the overwhelming response I see in this thread, I have to agree with beowulf that not everyone will make it into a 30 second spot. :(

Which brings up an idea ... multiple commercials.

If we can generate several different spots with the same tagline, the impact will probably be greater. I'm not sure how this will play out as far as cost, but I'd imagine that if we're not going to be picky about the time that we're aired (run-of-schedule), then not being picky about which of the commercials is aired shouldn't require that much extra effort on their part.

I just keep thinking that ad campaigns that have multiple spots running simultaneously tend to be memorable, while a single spot can get boring quickly.

Should we have someone look into this possibility?

[beowulf]

Originally posted by DixonHill
Due to the overwhelming response I see in this thread, I have to agree with beowulf that not everyone will make it into a 30 second spot. :(

Which brings up an idea ... multiple commercials.

Well, I don't think the idea is to get everyone in the ad. The idea is to generate publicity. However, I do see value in possibly having web-based spots focused on individual Scapers, like the one I worked on for myself over the weekend, on a page that the press releases, and maybe even the url at the end of the TV commercial points to. What is the advantage in this? It would give curious journalists and network programming people a place to go to get an in-depth look at Farscape's audience. They're not going to learn a whole lot from the 30-second TV spot other than, "oh look, firefighters, and mothers, and software engineers, and so on watch Farscape." But I bet Kim is right, it's going to perk up their curiosity big-time. And it would be good to have a web-page they could go to and see individual spots about FS's audience.

I think I have a good format locked down for these pieces, but the problem is that I'm starting a night class on 10/9 and don't know how much time that's going to leave me to work on this.

So the main goal is to get one commercial knocked out that we can use to get publicity, and we're going to achieve that.

Cheers!

[kimrb]

What format? Tough question. At my place of business we shoot in the the 'beta SP format. I know you have never heard of it, it is a professional format generally not available to John Q. We xfer everthing to digital and edit and output in the digital format. We use the "avi" digital foramt and it is widely accepted. Problem is not many stations (especially in smaller markets) are digital ready. I would suggest one of two formats. 1) Video CD. Almost anyone can play and transfer them, good quality, relavtiely low cost and easy to distribute via snail mail. 2) VHS. Everybody has this and although the quality is not all that good it is probably your best choice. Ask the cable company you're doing business with what they want. Check with the local newspaper, bet VHS ends up the format you'll use. You want whomever in the media to be able to see it, TV-Newspapers-radio. VHS is probably your best bet. You're not trying to impress with your tech know how, you just want to be sure they can see the spot. VHS tapes can be purchased in 5 minute run times (thats all you need) and so can be pretty cheap. Ahhh, the cutting room floor. Its part of the biz. Try your very best to offer a diverse group in the spot. Old/young...blue collar/white collar...male/female...rich/poor. The object being to demonstrate your diversity. Not everyone can make it, thats just the way it is. If you want to expand into web spots or whatever, go for it. Make as many spots as you like. But, MAKE THIS ONE SPOT FIRST!!! Resist all temptations to expand and such. Do this media thing first. Get the PR working for you with people who know absolutely nothing about FS and save your show. Hope this helps. I always check the board 3-4 times a day. I don't read everything so if you want to PM me I don't mind at all.

[Kithlyara]

I would LOVE to see the video of you beowulf! It will give me an idea of what to film. What format do you want the clips in? MPEG, AVI,...? Just a heads up, I'm going to have a clip of my 3yr old daughter in there saying her name, her age, and "I am Farscape". If I don't she won't leave me alone to film mine and my husband's shots. It will be the first clip on the VCD, so just edit it out if you see fit :)

[beowulf]

Originally posted by Kithlyara
I would LOVE to see the video of you beowulf! It will give me an idea of what to film. What format do you want the clips in? MPEG, AVI,...? Just a heads up, I'm going to have a clip of my 3yr old daughter in there saying her name, her age, and "I am Farscape". If I don't she won't leave me alone to film mine and my husband's shots. It will be the first clip on the VCD, so just edit it out if you see fit :)

Hey Kith,

Okay, you can view the video at: Farswitch Test Video (http://homepage.mac.com/beowulf/farswitch/). You'll need QuickTime installed to see it, and remember, this is not broadcast quality; it's been greatly reduced to present on the web.

To make it, I basically followed the model I outlined in an earlier post. I answered the 5 questions I posted (which resulted in only about 2 minutes worth of video), edited the best parts down to 30 seconds, added the fade-in/fade-out, and added the music and set the audio levels. It's pretty basic. Probably using the Farscape theme music is not a very good idea for the broadcast video, since it's copyrighted. I have a library of royalty-free music that I can draw from for our broadcast spot.

Regarding the format of your footage to me: VideoCD is a specific format different from MPEG and AVI (at its heart, it is MPEG-1, but it has been "flattened" into a data format that can't be just dropped into a video editor...not one I know about anyway...). It would actually be a lot easier for me if you can save your clips in AVI format on a CD-ROM, and then I can just import them right into Final Cut with no additional conversion steps. Send me e-mail if you have more questions.

Seeya!

[DixonHill]

Dude, that rocked. My hat's off to beowulf for the great work on that quicktime commercial. It's pretty much what I had envisioned when I started reading this thread, but it was put together better than I ever could have done it. Powerful stuff.

I'd love to see at least a half dozen of those rotating on SciFi and other channels. The key would be to pick a sample of the Scapers who have the widest background. It's just too easy to find people in computing who like sci-fi shows (I'm also in software, just like beowulf), so we'll need to pick candidates for the commercials based on demographics. Age, Sex, Occupation, Region, etc. Ideally, the range should be everything from a 20-year-old, female, accounting student in Australia, to a 70-year-old, male, zoologist from Zurich.

Another option might be 15 seconds of one person talking about the show and saying "I am Farscape" followed by a collage of other people saying "I am Farscape" for the final 15 seconds. There's also a convention in LA later this year, so it would be amazing to get everyone on the floor to yell something like "We are Farscape" for one of the spots.

Ok, I'm getting giddy now and it's too late an hour for that type of thing. See y'all tomorrow.

Again, great work beowulf!

[beowulf]

Originally posted by DixonHill
Dude, that rocked. My hat's off to beowulf for the great work on that quicktime commercial. It's pretty much what I had envisioned when I started reading this thread, but it was put together better than I ever could have done it. Powerful stuff.

Thanks so much. That means a lot to me. I just hope that, 1) I find the time and energy to produce a whole series of these, and 2) they help to save the show! :aok:

Best,

[akimbo]

That was great Beowulf. I wish I was on the left coast to help you out. I'm ready to help get it on the air when you're ready though.

Thanks! :aok:

[Da-Met]

beowolf that I am Farscape spot of yours is really cool!!!

I havent read through all this thread yet, but just to let anyone know if you want/need a video with footage from the show you're welcome to use the save farscape vid i made a few weeks back in any sort of press kits or wahtever


We shan't sayeth Die! We Shan't!!!!

[beowulf]

Originally posted by Da-Met
I havent read through all this thread yet, but just to let anyone know if you want/need a video with footage from the show you're welcome to use the save farscape vid i made a few weeks back in any sort of press kits or wahtever

Thanks! We've been warned away from using any of the Henson copyrighted material, but I and I'm sure many others would love to see your video. Please post the url if it's available somewhere on the web!

Best,

[trust7]

I have started a Dallas and Texas thread in the Americas, if you are from dallas or texas both SOUND OFF so we can get our billboard and other ideas going!

[DaMENACE]

Hi gang!

I am making some progress on the rates and I wanted to share what I have done and learned.

I have found a national cable advertising broker called National Cable Communications. I am working with an account exec out of their San Francisco office. They have contracts with cable companies all over the country, and they are currently putting together rate quotes of the most inexpensive ROS ad spots in about 20 of the major areas in the country. It took me awhile to find this company to work with, and what it will allow us to do is to book the spots all across the country at roughly the same time. Brokers rule!

If you are still calling your local cable companies to get rates, I am going to be curious how they compare to the rates National Cable will quote us.

I asked about what kind of format we need from a couple of different cable comapnies and brokers... they all answered that we need to get this commercial in Beta SP format. Yikes! I don't have any equipment that can do that, but I am checking around... I *may* know someone that does have the equipment. If not maybe someone out there knows someone. Otherwise we are going to end up paying a production house to copy our commercial on Beta SP. At the very least we are going to have to purchase Beta SP tapes. This is another cost we need to take into consideration.

I will get back to you with the rates when I have them. Have a great weekend and I look forward to meeting some of you at the shoot this weekend!

Denis DaMENACE

[DaMENACE]

Just a side note...

Our account exec at National Cable Communications was shocked that they canceled Farscape because it was one of Sci Fi's highest rated shows and this is what she wrote me:

"Thanks Denis. This is a great cause. Farscape is a highly rated program on
Sci-Fi, and cable in general. I would hate to see it disappear."


See, the word is not out yet. Even people in the TV ad industry don't even know about this yet. That means there are untapped fans of the show... we need to contiue to get the word out!

[kimrb]

Beta SP. It figures. This format is probably the most widely accepted format. Sony recently announced they were no longer going to manufacture the format as digital rises on the horizon. But it is in use almost everywhere and so you have to deal with it. Remember, only the broadcast outlets need the spot in this format. Copies enclosed in press releases can be VHS or CD-ROM or DVD. This can be done. You just need a friend in the TV business. The spot can be mastered in a digital format (avi) then dumped to Beta SP as often as needed. I'm really going to regret this but...I can probably supply the Beta SP tapes and make a reasonable number of dubs for the group. Provided, the spot can be delivered to me, complete, ready for air in the digital .avi format. This is an OTO offer. I won't do any labelling or such and I would have to do this on my own time. But if you are serious about this effort and will promise to make every effort on getting the media's attention thru press releases, phone calls and such then you can count this as my contribution to the cause. I will absorb the costs and will deliver the dubs to a single location via UPS or somebody like that. I can't believe I just did this. Frell! I've only seen the first two eps. I must be crazy! Please feel free to contact me via email or PM. Just be gentle, this is my first time.

[beowulf]

Originally posted by DaMENACE
I asked about what kind of format we need from a couple of different cable comapnies and brokers... they all answered that we need to get this commercial in Beta SP format. Yikes!

Great work, Denis! Thanks! On these beta SP tapes: I'm assuming that we'll need one tape for each cable company with whom we book a spot. So if we book with three cable co's in three cities, we'll need to provide three beta SP tapes; correct?

Best,

[beowulf]

Originally posted by kimrb
I can probably supply the Beta SP tapes and make a reasonable number of dubs for the group. Provided, the spot can be delivered to me, complete, ready for air in the digital .avi format. This is an OTO offer. I won't do any labelling or such and I would have to do this on my own time. [snip] I will absorb the costs and will deliver the dubs to a single location via UPS or somebody like that.

I've volunteered to be Kim's point-of-contact for this and to help cover the shipping & handling costs. I can do the labelling, and then work with Denis on getting the tapes into the hands of the cable companies. I'm also willing to provide the media and the dubbing for the VHS tapes that we're planning to include with the press releases to the media.

Many, many, thanks to Kim for his generous offer! :aok:

Best,

[kimrb]

This is a group effort. And though I really don't feel like a card carrying member of FS fandom, it IS something I can do for the cause. It is my pleasure. Let's do this right.

[Dominar of Action]

I just have to interrupt all of your creative planning and organizing to say that the cooperation displayed by all involved with this project over the past couple of weeks has been inspiring. Just goes to show how we each have our own unique talents to contribute to the common cause.

You guys rock!

Yay Team!!

:joy:

(Oh, BTW, anyone out in Seattle want to lend Kim their S1 DVDs? I mean, if the poor man is going to help us like this, the least we can do is to further corrup.....er, I mean, help him get caught up to date. :) )

[loco2]

Looks like we've got some moving and shaking going on here. I have a question for.... somebody.

I have contacted a local cable company in one of the larger cities in KY and they are drawing up a plan for me to air spots. I am going to need something to give them to air. She quoted me between $300 and $500 for production costs to make up something here and I can't foot that and the air time too. How would I go about getting a copy of the spot you guys are talking about?

And kim, we can't believe we're doing this either. :help:


Chris
imloco2

[beowulf]

Originally posted by loco2
I have contacted a local cable company in one of the larger cities in KY and they are drawing up a plan for me to air spots. I am going to need something to give them to air.

Hey Chris,

Some moving and shaking in KY too! :aok: Have they quoted any prices yet? Did you specify run-of-schedule? You should probably trade notes with Denis DeMenace; he's handling the quote-getting here on the Left Coast. Thanks for taking the initiative!

Best,

[Kithlyara]

Who is handling writing the press release? I will do it, if no one else is working on it. I don't want to duplicate anyone's efforts here :)

[beowulf]

Originally posted by Kithlyara
Who is handling writing the press release? I will do it, if no one else is working on it. I don't want to duplicate anyone's efforts here :)

If memory serves (and it often doesn't...), Akimbo said he might take a crack at it, so you might want to PM him. I was going to whip something up if no one else had drafted one by the time we're really ready to move on this. Personally, I don't see it as a high priority until we have price quotes in hand and money pledged to cover the airtime. But it certainly wouldn't hurt to get started if you want a crack at it. I view it the same as the video: we can take the good parts of everyone's efforts and mold it into a final piece for which we can all be proud.

Best,

[loco2]

The ad rep sent me a list of prices for each spot on each network for different times. I gave her a starting price and she was going to work up which networks would be best and how often I could run them.

I don't know from ' run of schedule'. Someone want to clue me in?

And I'm still needing something to give them to run. Will it be available for others to use maybe at a later date? Or whenever you finalize your plans?

I have no idea when you are thinking about running yours. I was thinking just before the show airs in late Dec or Jan would be best.

So much to think about....:eek:

Chris
imloco2

[beowulf]

Originally posted by loco2
I don't know from ' run of schedule'. Someone want to clue me in?

And I'm still needing something to give them to run. Will it be available for others to use maybe at a later date? Or whenever you finalize your plans?

I have no idea when you are thinking about running yours. I was thinking just before the show airs in late Dec or Jan would be best.

So much to think about....:eek:


Yes, it is rather confusing for those of us who don't do it for a living, but if you read back through the thread, most of your questions have already been answered. KimRB has explained run-of-schedule a couple of times; in a nutshell, it's the most affordable form of cable advertising. Kim has also suggested shooting to get the ad on the air during the November sweeps. The media is always hungry for bits of entertainment-related material during that period. Remember, the ad isn't intended to introduce people to Farscape, it's meant to get publicity and influence the UPN-Farscape negotiations; much more important, IMHO. And if you look at a post from DeMenace from earlier today, you'll see that he is working with a broker who claims to be able to place ads on cable networks nationwide.

What might be really helpful is if you could go back to your contacts and let them know we want ROS rates for November. We'll have an ad for them in industry-standard format on Beta SP tape. After you have the quotes from them, connect up with DeMenace so you two can compare rates and see whether this broker is giving us a good deal, or whether we should look at booking this thing ourselves.

Does that sound like a plan? :aok:

Best,

[DaMENACE]

I don't have a complete list of rates yet, but I do have an idea of the cost, at it is really not bad at all.

For instance in Seattle, I have been quoted less than $16 for one 30 second ROS spot. So it looks like we can run this nationwide for less than $200. My guess is we will hit a range of $10-$25 for ROS spots, and the broker seems dedicated to helping us and they understand our goal.

[beowulf]

Originally posted by DaMENACE
I don't have a complete list of rates yet, but I do have an idea of the cost, at it is really not bad at all.

For instance in Seattle, I have been quoted less than $16 for one 30 second ROS spot. So it looks like we can run this nationwide for less than $200. My guess is we will hit a range of $10-$25 for ROS spots, and the broker seems dedicated to helping us and they understand our goal.

Wow! That's really, REALLY good news! Thanks DaMenace (and apologies for misspelling your handle in previous posts). Looking forward to meeting you face-to-face on Sunday!

Best,

[kimrb]

Cable TV advertising is major bang for the buck. We're not going to make the AE wealthy, but if we can get her to understand our mission and assist as best she can, she can look with pride at her part in the master plan. Not to mention any attention the press might throw her way. The media is a strange beast. If we can master the press releases to our best advantage the response could be....well pretty cool. If we can bring this to national attention status, you will be surprised at who will crawl out of the woodwork. We have allies we can't even imagine just waiting to come to our aid. They just don't know who and what we are, or even what we want. Educate them, with the media doing the work for us, and watch the chips fly. This simple idea can succeed, can save FS. We just have to approach this in a very professional manner. Keep your eye on the ball and believe it can be done. Because my friends, you can do this and become the stuff of legend.

[loco2]

Thanks for the info... I don't know if I can go back and read 8 pages of stuff :eek: I'll let her know that I need a quote for ROS for November and see what she says. She did say Beta was one of their standard formats that they used so that should be good.


Chris
imloco2

[sunscaped]

I was at the Orlando Rally today and had a video camera. I've got about 2 minutes total, some of it groups of scapers in front of and inside the venue and some of it scapers saying "I am Farscape".

I used a Compact VHS camcorder videocassette, and I don't know enough about formats to know if it can be used as is, or if I need to put it onto a regular VHS tape.

Let me know if I can help,
Toni

[beowulf]

Originally posted by sunscaped
I was at the Orlando Rally today and had a video camera. I've got about 2 minutes total, some of it groups of scapers in front of and inside the venue and some of it scapers saying "I am Farscape".

Hey Toni,

Thanks so much. I don't have any way to convert that format into one I can use, so it wouldn't do much good to send it to me. However, I received an e-mail from the Save Farscape Yahoo! group list, and apparently Fox News is looking for rally footage. Please contact Makiko, <sabine101@juno.com> to get the submission details. Good luck! :aok:

Best,

[Kithlyara]

I am trying to compress the video down so it's not in the something huge MB range, but this is the first time I've done anything like this. Can someone please help me! I have Ulead version 6, QuickTime, QuickEditor, and some software that came with my camcorder. I also have WinZip. I can download any other software that's needed, so long as it's free. Please help me with this!

[beowulf]

Originally posted by Kithlyara
I am trying to compress the video down so it's not in the something huge MB range, but this is the first time I've done anything like this. Can someone please help me! I have Ulead version 6, QuickTime, QuickEditor, and some software that came with my camcorder. I also have WinZip. I can download any other software that's needed, so long as it's free. Please help me with this!

Kith,

I just sent you e-mail about this, so this is really for anyone else sending me video via CD. You only need to compress it enough to get it onto a CD, or you can break it up and put it on 2 CD's if needed. I wouldn't use anything greater than MPEG-1 compression, because greater compression = lesser quality. Another way of putting it: the bigger the file, the higher the video quality. And we want the highest quality possible for broadcast television. CD's are cheap, content is not, so use multiple CD's to preserve the quality of the content if needed. Thanks!

Best,

[akimbo]

Originally posted by Kithlyara
Who is handling writing the press release? I will do it, if no one else is working on it. I don't want to duplicate anyone's efforts here :)

Beowulf is right, I said I'd take a crack at it, but I backed off a bit waiting for the advertising team to pick up some speed.

I got some contacts about ad pricing too. But haven't pursued it beyond this:

Cleveland:
PAX daytime is around $40 and prime $100-$175.

NBC affiliate morning and daytime $175-$450, Early Fringe 3p-6p $250-$800.

[Twich]

What are you doing press releases for? Don't forget you have a professional marketing team on hand here at wdsection...want to let us in on things? Maybe we can help?


(Sorry..just picking up this thread now and hoping for a recap without sorting through eight pages...)

Email me if you like...

twich@wdsection.com

[beowulf]

Oriiginally posted by Twich
What are you doing press releases for? Don't forget you have a professional marketing team on hand here at wdsection...want to let us in on things? Maybe we can help?

Hey Twich,

Yes, we've been letting the press release and funding issues slide until we actually have the commercial video and cable placement pricing quotes complete. That should happen within the next few days. If at that point, it looks like a project that WDSection wants to get behind, then we will certainly want you to. Akimbo and Kithlyara have both expressed interest in working on the press release, and since they've both been actively following this thread from the beginning, it would be cool that, if this does turn into an "officially" sponsored campaign, you would work with them. DeMenace and I have pledged to make VideoCD's of the commercial spot to include with the press releeases, and KimRB has graciously offered to make the beta SP tapes needed by the cable companies to air the ad. All we need now is the ad....

And on that count, I'm happy to report that all my footage is complete and I'm now putting together the ad. I'm expecting to receive more video from contributors in San Diego and Australia, so I'm going to wait on that footage before completing the piece, but I hope to have something posted on the web for everyone to review this week. :aok:

[Kithlyara]

I will have 11 total "interviews" on my footage. The first, as promised, is of my 3yr old. I did get her to say "I just want to see the rest of the story". I was shooting from above her, with a close up on her face so her already big eyes are even bigger. She had this little exasperated tone in her voice because she wanted me to leave her alone. It works great for the commercial (if it's included) because she sounds like she's fed up with not having Farscape on. It is so precious, but then again, I am a little biased about my daughters (see under my screen name lol!)

The footage will be sent out tomorrow! I can't wait to see it finished!


edited because I type too fast and missed a word...argh....

[DaMENACE]

Here is the latest update on the broker and rates:

The broker is still working on the rates for us. They are trying to get us to buy time specifically on the SciFi channel during Farscape, so I told her I want those rates, but that is not our goal at this moment. We may want to buy specific time on Farscape, but not right now. I reiterated our goals of the intial commercial run which are: run them wherever is the cheapest and let the media do our work. The cable company's are at a loss as to what we are doing so she is getting a lot of questions about why we are going cheap, cheap, cheap. My answer was we don't have a lot of money to do this, so we need the cheapest rates. We don't care if it is running at 2am on Nick at Night. They are not used to that I guess.

Another important bit I found out was that we are going to have to send the Beta SP copies directly to the cable companies. Our broker will supply names and addresses, but we are on our own when it comes to shipping the copies out. We need to keep that in mind for cost reasons. Once we pick the locations, I will compile the addresses and coordinate with whoever (probably David) is sending out the tapes.

Again, I will update us all with rates as soon as I get them.

Denis DaMENACE

PS- I have contacted Maria from the Marketing team to begin the coordination of the press releases. We are still at very early stages of this and we can use all the professional PR support we can get.

[beowulf]

Originally posted by DaMENACE
Another important bit I found out was that we are going to have to send the Beta SP copies directly to the cable companies. Our broker will supply names and addresses, but we are on our own when it comes to shipping the copies out. We need to keep that in mind for cost reasons. Once we pick the locations, I will compile the addresses and coordinate with whoever (probably David) is sending out the tapes.

Ah, that's what I suspected. Yes, since I will be receiving the tapes from Kim, I will also volunteer to coordinate the distribution of those tapes. Thanks for the update Denis!

Best,

[Kithlyara]

I'm almost done converting the footage I filmed. Unfortunately, since I have a job interview I have to get ready for, it won't be out in the mail until tomorrow. I'm really sorry about that! I'll send it priority mail, so it should get to beowulf by the end of the week.

I'm really excited this is all coming together! Do you need my help for anything else? Please???? lol! Seriously, I've had a lot of fun working on this, and I would love to continue helping, if it all possible, now that I'm done filming.

[Oberst Kilhmar]

Any news/movie clips/anything on the October 5. rally in Atlanta with Gigi and company?

-The Colonel

[loco2]

For Lexington KY. Second largest market in the state. The ad person cooled a little bit with the ROS request and tried to play it off like she'd never heard of it before. But I explained it to her... :rollin: This is what she came up with...

....24 Hour rotation spots. Meaning the spot can run at anytime day or night. The
rates are as follows:
Lexington - $14 a spot
Richmond: $4 a spot
Winchester: $3.50 a spot
Nicholasville: $3.00 a spot
Versailles: $2 a spot
Georgetown: $3 a spot

Entire Metro 24 Hour ROS Rates:
$30 per spot in all areas

How does that stack up with other rates?


Chris
imloco2

[DaMENACE]

That looks very comparable to the rates I have for the Seattle area. Make sure you ask what type of format they need.

Still haven't heard back from my broker, and I was too busy to call today.

Thanks for your local rates loco... that is a huge help.

[loco2]

I know it doesn't matter, but just in case the spot actually caused one of our most beloved Neilsen family members to turn on the Sci Fi channel in January to watch Farscape, the ad rep suggested these as her picks of channels that would hit our audience best.

MTV, TNT, TNN, FX & Discovery

Beta is the preferred tape format... but they'll take 3/4 inch....

And do we have any time frame we're shooting for on this thing?


Chris
imloco2

[kimrb]

When contacting "CABLE" companies (not television stations) you ask for prices for "ROS" (run-of-schudle) rates. Your AE (account exec) will try to steer you in many directions, they work on commission. Remember, we are not 'advertising' for FS. We are not trying to attract new viewers with this spot. You want the absolute cheapest rates you can get. Period. Time of day, channel, nothing matters other than the spot has to run somewhere, sometime on that cable network. There is no 'best place' to run the spot. Look at dates in mid-late November and last week of December. The spot runs from 2-5 times in a one week period. This is just but one part of a bigger game. First move in a chess game. We want to do this for as little money as possible. Don't be shy and don't be intimidated when asking for the cheapest thing they got, cause its really all you need.

[loco2]

Actually, the ad rep finally confessed that the cable co had sold the ad rights to AT&T, who she really works for, and that they put spots in both Insight (Lex) and Adelphia (surrounding counties) Co's. Two for the price of one. I just thought that was very interesting. The cable channel is not even doing their own advertising stuff. And she has never mentioned ROS running 2 or 5 times a week. According to her ROS is the cheapest but you still have to pick a channel and buy it spot by spot.

Of course she also said she didn't know what I was talking about when I mentioned ROS the first time, but I explained it to her. :D Thanks for all the great advice.


Chris
imloco2

[kimrb]

Loco2 welcome to the swamp. AT&T is big time cable and big time money squeezers. If they know you are a rookie, they will work you hard for every dime they can get. They'll make crap up 'cause they know you don't know enough to call them on their tactics. There is one member of the group who is working thru a broker in attempt to get multi-market rates. This approach may be our best shot at the lowest cost. As well as much simpler for us a group to coordinate. I can tell you, and everyone else following this thread, that things are progessing very well with this project and some exciting developments are just over the horizon. I know I am excited about how things are coming together and at the moment we are ahead of our timeline. I, for one, couldn't be happier with the progress so far. Stay tuned folks, this is gonna be one hell of a fun ride.

[Dominar of Action]

Uh-oh, Freudian slip ... Kimrb said "us" :D

[beowulf]

Originally posted by kimrb
I can tell you, and everyone else following this thread, that things are progessing very well with this project and some exciting developments are just over the horizon. I know I am excited about how things are coming together and at the moment we are ahead of our timeline. I, for one, couldn't be happier with the progress so far. Stay tuned folks, this is gonna be one hell of a fun ride.

I think this is Kim's way of saying, "there's a reason why Beowulf has finally shut up!" :D Just to update everyone: I'm still anticipating video footage from San Diego and Australia, but I have not been sitting idle. While the broadcast "group" commercial spot is not yet ready to unveil, there are three new web-based, individual spots that you can view here: FarSwitch (http://homepage.mac.com/beowulf/farswitch/)

These are QuickTime streaming encoded, and best viewed with QT 6.0 (available for Wintel too).

Best,

[kimrb]

What the frell could I be thinking!!?? Did I say 'us'? I did, didn't I. The cat's out of the bag (actually they are in the shower in the master bath). If you all don't mind, I would like to take up the cause and assist as I can. Through your efforts my wife and I have discovered something unique. I'd like to return the favor, if I can.

[beowulf]

Originally posted by kimrb
If you all don't mind, I would like to take up the cause and assist as I can. Through your efforts my wife and I have discovered something unique. I'd like to return the favor, if I can.

Can I get a Hell Yeah!? :aok:

[Dominar of Action]

No, I'm pretty sure we wouldn't mind ;) but you've already done more than you could possibly know.

[Kithlyara]

You haven't gotten my footage yet? It was mailed out priority mail, so you should receive it tomorrow at the latest if you didn't receive it today. When you get the footage, please let me know if it arrived okay :)

[beowulf]

Originally posted by Kithlyara
You haven't gotten my footage yet?

Hey Kith,

Not yet. Maybe tamale. Don't worry, as Kim says, we're ahead of schedule.

Best,

[Tiriel]

bumbe dee bumb :D

Tiriel :eek:

[Kithlyara]

Originally posted by Tiriel
bumbe dee bumb :D

Tiriel :eek:

When I saw the new post, and clicked on the thread to read it, I thought myself "it's probably a bumpity bump" How odd is that?

Tiriel, are you messing with my mind? :eek2: lol

[Tiriel]

(((Kithlyara))) LOL!

Just being a bit psychic :D

Hehe, I'm so looking forward to meeting you at the con :) We'll have lots of fun (and maybe we could go on tour with these little tricks and show John Edward what REAL psychics look like!!! :D)

Love,

Tiriel :eek:

(PS: Aaah! THAT's how you spell bumpity bump! :))

[DaMENACE]

The broker has given me rates. Anyone that wants a list can e-mail me at: deymann@fanboyz.com

They aren't as great as I hoped, but not the worst thing in the world either... unless you look at the ad rate for New York.

Beowulf and the marketing team has the rates as well.

[SurferGirl]

This idea came up between a fellow Hawaii scaper and myself a few weeks ago--

Invite Ben and Tammi and whomever else we know who surfs to one of the amateur competitions here on Oahu (I'm actually on the Big Island, she's from Oahu).

The idea fleshed itself out to the point that I dug around about the sponsors of the surf competitions.

Mt.Dew (:D ) is one of the sponsors of Vans Triple Crown series here. Ford Trucks, Gillette, FOX Sports and NBC Sports are also sponsors. Guess who else? Xbox. Microsoft.

Right now, UPN is running with a television sweepstakes called "15 Minutes of Fame" with PEPSI (who owns Mt.Dew).

Pepsi also is a huge sponsor of NASCAR.


Of course, the common thread with most of it is the Ben factor---Mt. Dew, NASCAR, surfing...

Got to get him to bite on the idea of coming here first---but the behind the scenes work is already in progress, finding potential sponsors for hotel/airfare (no expenditures by the fans). We here are more than willing to go all the way in contacting each and every local business who might give us something useful, just in case we get an acceptance on this invite.

Another huge event being held here on the Big Island is The Ironman Competition. I just got back from Kona and this whole thing is so massive, such a media blitz it's amazing. Every single advertiser in the sports (and other) world is here. Live coverage! Signs and posters for VW, Saucony,Reebok---you name it, they're here this coming weekend.

Although I am the only Big Island Scaper, I am willing to make up a huge silk screen banner to hold during the competition, hopefully either one of the cameras will pick it up, or (knowing how aggressive I am) I will be brave enough to just approach one or two of the broadcasters in a lull.

My problem is not talking to these people, it's what to say. I do not have any kind of presskit and I definitely have doubts about being succinct for a 15 second soundbyte.

If anybody can give suggestions as to what I might want to hand to some of the broadcasters? I have color flyers, but it's more for people who can look at the websites at their leisure.

So what do you all think of our crazy idea (and no, we're not smoking too much pakalolo!)


SurferGirl

[lightningbox]

I've been following this thread pretty regularly, and one thing I haven't seen, though I may have missed a page somewhere, is how the ROS will be paid for. Will you guys be receiving funds from the Beyond Hope fund? Are you pretty much on your own? I have been unable to contribute to this astounding idea (my husband is a video editor, among other things, but he sold all of his equipment a couple of years ago), so I thought I could at least contribute monetarily. It wouldn't be an impressive amount, but it would at least be something.
BTW, you guys are all pretty cool. When I first saw kimrb's idea, it was neat. Then everyone seemed to get a little lost with it, and I worried. Now, it's actually happening -- how awesome! I'm really impressed with everyone's creativity and determination.

[cofax]

If anybody can give suggestions as to what I might want to hand to some of the broadcasters? I have color flyers, but it's more for people who can look at the websites at their leisure.

Well, you can print off some of the press releases from SF.com -- if you go to the main page you'll find the links. Or talk to the SF media team -- that's media@wdsection.com. They've got some materials we're pulling together.

[DaMENACE]

Originally posted by lightningbox
...Will you guys be receiving funds from the Beyond Hope fund? Are you pretty much on your own? I have been unable to contribute to this astounding idea (my husband is a video editor, among other things, but he sold all of his equipment a couple of years ago), so I thought I could at least contribute monetarily. It wouldn't be an impressive amount, but it would at least be something.


Thanks for your pledge of support. I'm not the official spokesperson for this plan or anything, but I have been in contact with the marketing group, and they are pretty familiar with our plan. I took it upon myself to ask them for some of the Beyond Hope funds for this project. It is now up to the fund managers to decide where the money goes. Whether we get money or not from Beyond Hope we will find a way to make this happen... If the funds are not available we will probably try to raise them on the boards etc.

So... if you really want to contribute to this project via funds, I suggest you see if Beyond Hope is able to fund it or not. I encourage you to contribute to Beyond Hope anyways if you are able, as they are a worthy cause in this campaign... Beyond Hope is doing some great, great work. I guess what I am saying is that we may need individual support from people like you. I myself, am working very hard to keep the cost of this under control so that we can pull it off. This will be done, in total for less than $1000 easy... and I want to do it for less than $500.


Keep your eyes open on the board and if Beyond Hope is able to contribute, we will announce it.

[kimrb]

This project is still in the info gathering stages with pre-production going on in the background. Know this, it is very possible to pull this off, all across the country, for $1K or less. Really. With a well done press release and more hard work from the fans, we could end up with PR worth $Millions. The chance to reach out and touch people who have never heard of FS using the credibilty of the media as our hook is huge. And that is how we win this war, by introducing new people to FS. Turn strangers into fans. This is a very doable project.

[jfranka]

To be honest, I am behind (a lot) in reading this thread, so if this was hashed out already, please forgive me. I am in the process of getting through this thread, but I wanted to make a suggestion, if I may.

Eariler last week, I took my idea for my suggestion for a possible TV Guide and/or USA Today ad, and made a 30-second video that I am putting on the tapes of Farscape that I am leaving around.

The written copy of the ad goes something like this (I'm writing from memory):

Yes, this is an ad for Farscape.

TV Guide called Farscape "The best Science Fiction show on television."

No, this ad was not paid for by the Sci-Fi channel.

Nor was it paid for by it's parent company, USA Network.

And it wasn't paid for by any other network.

So who paid for this ad?

The fans.

Yes. The show is that good.

Farscape.
New shows in January on Sci-Fi, check local listings


The words are yellow on a black backround, and they fade in and out. No sound at all. (This way people will think there's something wrong with their TV and look at the screen to see. :) )

I think it came off well, and it doesn't involve any actors, copyrights, etc. I would like to submit it as a possible choice of ads to be put on television. (If this is where we are going with this, as I said, I haven't completely finished reading this thread.)

If anyone is interested in seeing the finished ad, I can put it on the CT-Save Farscape website tonight and post a link to it. I am at work, so I can't do it now.

Sorry if I am coming off as egotisitcal, I don't mean to.

....now I'll go back to reading this thread..... :)