Tablet use is on the rise, the rapid rise. The latest PEW Internet study revealed iPads, other tablet computers and ebook readers were a very popular Christmas gift over the recent holiday season. The number of Americans owning at least one of these digital reading devices jumped from 18% in December to 29% in January. Wow! That’s a lot of growth in just a few weeks’ time. And it doesn’t look to be stopping. There are also two other statistics that should get screen media folk excited:

1. Tablet users love to consume media (reading, playing, watching, listening are all top activities);
2. Tablet users love to shop (a number of studies show they are more likely than smartphone or computer users to buy what they see).

As we try to figure out how to make a living in film, television, webseries and transmedia it seems like iPads and other tablet computers may hold the key to engaging with audiences in an increasingly profitable way. To do that we need to understand how the tablet experience is different than other ways of consuming media and how to connect with and appeal to this important demographic. Continue reading “Are Tablets the Rosetta Stone for Future Screen Media Success?” »

Last week I spoke and participated in MoSo, Canada’s Mobile and Social Media Conference in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. I presented on social media marketing, its relationship to Internet search and how the metrics available from this can provide invaluable insight and direction for business. Leading up to the event the media asked over and over again, “Why Saskatoon?” And while the answer was often a biased “Because it’s the best city in Canada,” this matured into the idea that in many ways Saskatoon is Canada’s Silicon Valley.  It made me think about and appreciate even more the relocation of our head office from the west coast to the prairies. It’s an exciting time to be in this city and province, in the early days of what seems to be extraordinary opportunity. It’s one I plan to make the most of by sharing my knowledge, expertise and passion for this often underestimated part of the country. Here are five reasons why… Continue reading “My MoSo Experience in Canada’s Silicon Valley” »

From Search to Screen will touch on many aspects of online and digital marketing, but the focus will be on Internet search marketing, a tactic I have seen very few in the non-corporate online video world take advantage of effectively. Whether you work in fiction or non-fiction, short or long form, feature film or television, webisodes or viral video one offs, you will find useful information to take your project and your professional life to a whole new level online. Continue reading “An Introduction to Search Marketing for Film, TV, & Online Video” »