This is my brother and Clara. Sometimes when I see my brothers interacting with their kids as their dad it makes my eyes leak. My nieces and nephews are all incredible and there’s lots of them but this past year, Clara has been center stage. Joe and Joe, collectively known as The Jo(e)s, have really been through the ringer and I am so proud to call them family.
To show the journey they’ve been on, my brother made this great video.
You can read more about Clara “hanky heart” Portnoy right here – http://clara.portnoy.tv
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Portnoy Media Group uses the influence of social networks to expand your organization's voice and tell your story. We connect people with your mission and enable your brand to be shared, discovered, and connected. Work with us as we empower your organization to dramatically extend your online presence and increase donations.
January was the best month of sales for The Non-Profit Narrative and all I can say is Thank You!
I’ve so appreciated the articles and recommendations from organizations and individuals talking about the book and helping non-profits tell better stories.
There’s a lot to sample – so check it out.
Read Chapter 1 by clicking here.
Or grab the audio version
(You can download these tracks for FREE!)
Grab the book on Amazon, iTunes, or Audible.
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Over the past week I’ve been spending some time with Dan & Michael Long from Long Winter Media on their latest project – Invention.
The director/producer team launched their first short with some help from Kickstarter. Dan and I have talked movies for years and, on a few occasions, hit up a theater to catch a flick.
So like many, many others I signed on to help support Dan & Michaela’s project. They’ve been giving updates and taking all of their supporters with them along the crazy journey of making a film. (The secret is: since filmmaking is so highly collaborative it’s hard to know if you’ve got something really great. And for most first-time filmmakers, their projects never see the light of day.)
Several weeks ago I went to a friends and family prescreening and really liked what had come together. We talked the next week about collaborating on a trailer for festivals and to create some buzz of the film. Next we all met and over the past several days collaborated on the trailer. It launches today and thought you’d want to see it.
Check out the website for Invention here.
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Launched today is a story about Oxfam America’s latest campaign and I’m quoted in the story. A few weeks ago, I talked with Lindsay Hebert about the campaign. In the article I say some pretty strong things about Oxfam.
“I don’t know that this is making people ask questions. They’re telling me a fact, they’re not telling me part of a fact that makes me want to know more. I want to give you enough information that you’re asking questions, that you’re going to get a lean in.”
While I think it’s important to create great creative campaigns I think it’s also important not to throw stones at a bunch of people trying to help solve a world problem – that doesn’t help anything or anyone.
Truth is, I’m quoted correctly but I’d like to clarify or add to the story.
Oxfam’s latest campaign is built on a great premise – Our previous international views need to be edited and here are some examples of progress.
Educating your audience is a complex job. Turning a ship for a new heading or adjusting your course is also a tough, especially when that ship has raised millions and million for international relief.
In my interview, I questioned the use of billboards and how effective they would be to connect with donors and interested parties for the crucial “What’s next?” How would a few statements engage? My hope is that there would be some multi media or a short film. This short could do more in 60 seconds than 100 billboards.
The article really drives home the point of story as the basis for connection. It’s crucial for Non-profits, especially international nonprofits and NGO’s to tap into the common humanity that we share on both sides of the donation. Nonprofits have the best stories to tell and billboards don’t cut it alone. My suggestion would be to use billboards, bus panels and large posters as the first of many steps in a campaign. All of these pieces encouraging people to connect with them online, watch a short film, follow on Twitter, etc.
If you’re in DC, check out the billboards or visit the Oxfam America website and let me know what you think.
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A few weeks ago I asked – Can you say it without words?
This short does just that.
How do you feel right now?
Make sure that emotion is in your next piece of media!
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VOICE OVER – Kamel Films
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This is a big week.
It’s the pause before the plunge. This Sunday is Superbowl 47 and it really sets up a whole year of advertising and media.
Starting tomorrow the commercials will be leaked. The goal being a good laugh and for people to stop the party this weekend with the encouragement, “I saw this already, it’s hilarious, you’ve gotta see it!”
I think Volkswagen got started even earlier and so did M&M’s
So what’s going to make a great commercial?
A simple truth that’s relatable taken to the farthest degree.
For the VW ad, it’s that cubicle life/regular work world is terrible.
For M&M’s, it’s that some people can’t control themselves around chocolate.
Both solutions will keep their brand top of mind and that is the essence of connective storytelling.
Also on the docket for Sunday’s game are movie trailers.
I know we’ll be seeing the first trailer in the Fast in the Furious series, “Fast 6″. Plus I fully expect to see the first trailer from:
- The Wolverine
- Thor: The Dark World
- Hangover 3
- Despicable Me 2
We should also see installments from:
- Iron Man 3
- Oblivion
- GI Joe: Retaliation
- A Good Day to Die Hard
- Star Trek Into Darkness
- Man of Steel (It doesn’t get more America than the Superbowl)
On Sunday which is it, the game or the commercials?
What commercials are you looking forward to?
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It occurred to me that we hadn’t posted any of the sweet audio goodness from Novembers release of The Non-Profit Narrative in audio format.
So here’s the Overview, and the Intro.
Remember, if you want to find out who gets it in the end.. (Was it Colonel Mustard with the rope in the drawing room?) You’ll have to pick it up on Amazon, iTunes, or Audible.
Enjoy! (You can download these tracks for FREE!)
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This week I’m collaborating with long time coconspirators Abandon Films.
Their latest film, “A True Friend” releases next week and I got a chance to cut the trailer to this project. Additional polish is courtesy of Won Novalis.
Take a look and let me know what you think!
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