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Animation? Smanimation?

8/14/2014

7 Comments

 
Picture
Make animation simple. As simple as a bug on a flower. Simple Simple.
We have an amazing idea for an animated short video. We think it would completely set us apart from our competition and promote our business in the process!

It could be HUGE for our company!

But we don’t know how to animate…

How do Animators create 2D/3D projects?

How will they take our idea and make it a reality?

How does one get it to work from IDEA, DEVELOPMENT, and to DEBUT. 

Well here is the inside scoop.

PRE-PRODUCTION

This is the FIRST and MOST CRITICAL part of the process.

This is where animators create the Visual Layout of your video.

The animator storyboards, mapping out how each shot and scene will play out.

Then model sheets are prepared to capture every expressions your characters may have.

Once concluded, it off to the Pre-Visualization Department to get the first mock-ups of the animation, called ANIMATICS.

A moving visual sketch that lays the groundwork for….

PRODUCTION

With the help of Layout Artists, 2D/3D versions of your story are mapped out. The animation is roughed in and given to the Animators to begin work. Directly working with the director to get the best camera angles, shot designs, and composition of the scenes with props and character models prepared.

Next moved to Modelling where things start taking shape. Where two types of Modelers get to work. One sculpting the figures and forms of the characters in a free-form style. And the other who works industrial to craft the hard edged pieces, like weapons, props, vehicles and buildings. Essentially, taking the 2D story and make it come to life in the 3D world!

Then a huge team of Art Directors, Visual Effects Supervisors, Animation Supervisors and Technical Animators work together and create a Skins for all the rough skeletal mock-ups with figures and scenery.

Then returning to the Modeler for details of facial expressions, muscle tone, and tension.

With that it is ready for paint! With the Texture Paint Departments, where all the models are prepared for Animation and Rendering. Giving all figures, objects and props they need, down to the tiniest detail!

Once complete, LIGHTING sets the mood and and polish of a finished product. With Lighting Artists placing and manipulating lighting for maximum impact.

Then everything gets RIGGED. By Animators adding bones to the characters to show movement.  

And finally… they ANIMATE! Through motion capture and digitized images, the effects teams add scene detail and fills in the important background details that make a scene look real and in motion.

POST-PRODUCTION

Once filming is complete, editing and splicing begins.

Where images are com-posited to form final shots. Sound is edited. And crafted together to provide you a finished product.

And there you have it.

The process is an art-form. An art-form of many artists collaborating to bring your ideas to life.

7 Comments

Social Media Success is as simple as avoiding the Gate to Nowhere.

8/6/2014

8 Comments

 
This. 
This is the gate to nowhere. 
This is where we find ourselves whenever we take actions that lead to a dead-end.
You kind-of knew it would end that way, but you tried anyway just to make sure. 
Ensure you don't end up like this...
Picture
Don't find yourself at the GATE OF NOWHERE. Get your Social Media Rolling Now.
Customer:                                                                     

Twitter. Facebook! Instagram!! Pinterest!!!

I keep reading if I don’t market my company on social media, it will make or break my business.

But which ones will actually help me the most?

AND, more importantly, will I spend all of my time managing all of these separate accounts?

There are so many options and my head is full of unanswered questions.

 It seems like there are new social media platforms popping up. Every. Single. Day.

I am totally overwhelmed…

Announcer:

Does this sound familiar?

Being overwhelmed by trying to learn every new Social Media Platform?

There is no need to run around like a madmen, trying to be on every platform, trying to reach every person in every way.

Instead of trying to be subpar on several different platforms, why not focus and be the BEST on just one. Especially, the one that meets YOUR specific business goals.

You don’t need to spend all of your time managing every individual platform. That’s just wasting valuable energy and resources. 


Why not just to get the word out about your first-class services?

Then Try Twitter! A microblogging site where you update periodically throughout the day. And make it a team effort while you are at it. By getting everyone on staff involved in posting updates. Tap into the creative energy in your office and get your wittiest people to add character to your company through clever tweets!

Because people love to follow and retweet People with Character!


But if sending posts everyday about everything you do isn’t your thing, there are many more options for you.

Facebook is a staple for millions of people worldwide is you to connect with clients and fans and post updates of your company, without the rapid extent of Twitter or Instagram.

But the best part is…

Do you want to find all the people interested in your product or service?

Well with Facebook’s powerful advertising program you can easily find people by any interest you can think of.

But if you’re not interested in jumping through the many hoops to get on someone’s Timeline then give Google Plus a go.

Although Google Plus is fairly new to the game it is quickly growing and perfect for any business. With a combination of Gmail, G-Calendar, G-Docs, G-Hangout, and more. You can easily run your entire business online through Google. Accessing it anywhere and everywhere through your phone’s Google Android.

But if your business is has many visually interesting thing to share or a virtual storefront to show off your wares, then Pinterest is for you.

Pinterest is a great way to connect and share products, personal project ideas, recipes and a multitude of other interests that can be organized by topic or theme. If your business is more design or food oriented, it could be a great supplement to your website.


Once you know exactly which one is the best for you.

Just sit back. Relax. And grow your media presence.

8 Comments

Whats in a head...

5/8/2014

2 Comments

 
...LINE 

Headlines
Have them offer
·         news
·         helpful information
·         promises of a reward

They...
1.    Tells the reader: “Hey, stop a minute! This is something that you’ll want!”
2.    Appeal to people’s self-interest or give news

Your headline can perform four different tasks:

1.   Get attention.

Self-Interest grabbers - headlines get attention by appealing to the reader’s self-interest

News headlines - often use words such as new, discover, introducing, announcing, now, it’s here, at last, and just arrived

TIP* - Free is the copywriters and consumers dream

Powerful words - attention-getting words include how to, why, sale, quick, easy, bargain, last chance, guarantee, results, proven, and save.

2.   Select the audience.

The Call Out – if you’re not this person then get out

3.   Deliver a complete message.

The Subliminal – 4 out of 5 people read only the headline, then ensure they remember your message by scarring it into their mind with a complete message.

4.   Draw the reader into the body copy.

The Cliffhanger – create mystery or intrigue that makes the reader want to read on

·         What are we selling that will save your life?!

You must arouse his or her curiosity with

·         Humor, or intrigue, or mystery.

·         Ask a question or make a provocative statement.

·         Promise a reward, news, or useful information.

8 types of headlines

1. Direct Headlines

·         Direct headlines state the selling proposition directly, with no wordplay, hidden meanings, or puns.

·         Example: Shirts on sale 50% off

2. Indirect Headlines

·         The indirect headline makes its point in a roundabout way. It arouses curiosity, and the questions it raises are answered in the body copy.

·         Example: There are a million ways to fail in real estate, but we found the right way to succeed

3. News Headlines                                                                                                               

·         This news can be the introduction of a new product, an improvement of an existing product or a new application for an old product.

·         Example: “Introducing the BOLD NEW WAY TO TOAST”

4. How-to Headlines

How-to headlines offer the promise of solid information, sound advice, and solutions to problems:

Example: “How to Write Better and Faster.”

5. Question Headlines

·         To be effective, the question headline must ask a question that the reader can empathize with or would like to see answered.

·         Question headlines should always focus on the reader’s self-interest, curiosity, and needs, and not on the advertiser’s.

·         Example: “What Is Wrong With Me?”

6. Command Headlines

·         Command headlines generate sales by telling your prospects what to do.

·         Note that the first word in the command headline is a strong verb demanding action on the part of the reader.

·         Example: “Put Dynamite in your COFFEE"

7. Reason-Why Headlines

·         One easy and effective way of writing body copy is to list the sales features of your product in simple 1-2-3 fashion. If you write your ad this way, you can use a reason-why headline to introduce the list.

·         Reason-why headlines need not contain the phrase “reason why.” Other introductory phrases such as “6 ways,” “7 steps,” and “here’s how” can do just as well.

·         Example: “10 reasons you need to buy Eat THIS during the Next Four Days.”

8. Testimonial Headlines

·         In a testimonial advertisement, your customers do your selling for you.

·         The copy is written as if spoken by the customer, who is usually pictured in the ad. Quotation marks around the headline

·         When writing testimonial copy, use the customer’s own words as much as possible. Don’t polish his statements; a natural, conversational tone adds believe-ability to the testimonial.

When creating headlines make them...
1.    Urgent. Urgency gives the reader a reason to act now instead of later by incorporating a time element. This can be done by giving a general time “this year” or specific “Jan. 12 2013”.

2.    Unique. The powerful headline either says something new, or if it says something the reader has heard before, says it in a new and fresh way. Kits.”

3.    Ultra-specific. Teasers for getting the reader into reading further and ordering the product. Examples: “What never to eat on an airplane,” “Bills it’s okay to pay late,” and “Best time to file for a tax refund.”

4. Useful. The strong subject line appeals to the reader’s self-interest by offering a benefit. In the headline, “An Invitation to Ski & Save,” the benefit is saving money.

Utilize only a few of these techniques and watch your conversions SKYROCKET!
2 Comments

What's the Thing you need on Day One?

1/23/2014

39 Comments

 
Picture

A Marketing Toolkit.

The thing every business needs to start is a collection of marketing that tells people their story. Your story. The story of exactly what you do, how you do it, and most importantly why you do it.

In your Marketing Toolkit, you will have a Pocket Folder containing, a Case Statement, a Difference Summary, a Case Study, and “The Offer”. The Pocket Folder should sport your company colors/logo and highlight your products and services. Complementing the marketing pieces inside. In can also have marketing merchandise such as pens, bookmarks, stickers, etc. Inside your Pocket folder lies your marketing pieces. These pieces are customizable to the event and situation, but should always contain these basics.

·         The Case Statement makes a case of why your customer should buy your product. It addresses their challenges, frustrations, and fears. Paints the vision of a future without them, how they can get there. And what they must do to start.

·         The Difference Summary explains why you’re better than your competition and what you provide that they don’t. This can include your unique approach, processes, or the extra things you do to make your customer happy. A difference summary can include many things based on your objectives to include the story of your company and the motivations behind it, the top values of your market, and a description of your ideal client that your customer can relate to and knows that you’re talking to them.

·         The Case Study (a.k.a. Testimonial) of a real life customer who is so amazed with your product that they wholeheartedly back it with their support. This is a marketing piece for showing off pictures of happy people using your product, giving a face to the future happiness that your customer can have if they buy your product.

·         The final piece that should always be included is “The Offer”. The Deal that you are presenting should be compelling and something they just can’t refuse. The deal with a strong call to action such as contacting you for more information or to order, will be the crescendo of your Marketing Toolkit.

With your Marketing Toolkit in place, you are ready to wow everyone instantly. It works great as an automatic response on your site to be mailed or emailed to a interested prospect as well as a piece to rally other marketing pieces around such as your brochure. The best part is that each marketing piece inside your Marketing Toolkit can in and of itself, a standalone marketing piece that you can turn into a microsite, sales letter, or more.

For your Ease-of-Use, below is a bulleted list of your future Marketing Toolkit as well more information in building it.

 
Marketing Materials Toolkit

1.       Pocket folder – case statement, difference summary, ideal client description, marketing story, and offerings
          a.  Notepads, bookmarks, posters, stickers, and a useful tool (calendar or ruler)
          b.  Create mini folders

·Case Statement – Make a case on why your prospect should buy your product

  • Case addresses challenge, frustration or fear of your client
  • An image of life after problem is solved (Future)
  • How they got there (Past)
  • A directed call to action (Present)

· Difference Summary – why your different and how you do it (unique approach, Processes, and extras)
  • Use top 3 or 4 things that your market values
  • Ideal client description
  • Marketing story – Personal story of your company
                §  Types – Client, Who, What, Where, Values, Less
ons Learned

· Case Studies
  • Actual example of how you solved problems with your service and product
  • Include the situation, problem, solution, and result
  • Include images and testimonials
  • Interview and create Case study with real client
               §  What solutions were you seeking when you hired us?
               §  What did we do that you value most?
               §  What has been the result of working with us?
               §  What would you tell others who are considering hiring us?
  • Testimonial Proof – Create a What people have to say about us page!
               §  Create one with Clients approval (Audio, Video, and word)
               §  Ask a prospect to ask a client
               §  Photograph your client using product
  • Systematize getting a testimonial into your after sale experience
               §  Ask them to write it as a referral to a friend
               §  Use a business card system to collect
  • Frequently asked questions – Marketing piece / Website piece
               §  Questions that should be Frequently asked page = Funnel Technique
               §  Client list
               §  Show processes and checklists to emphasize the premium service pricing.
               §  Articles

· Product/ Service Offering
  • Describe in detail your offerings to include benefits




Need your own Marketing Toolkit today, but don’t have the time to do it yourself?

Then hesitate no longer and send me an email to get your very own customized Toolkit.

 For your industry. Your customers. And your Business.



Sincerely,

L. Thomas
@ [email protected]



39 Comments

Writing the Best Damn Sales Letter!

11/20/2013

4 Comments

 
Picture
My tea this morning was a bit pessimistic.
General Ad Guidelines
·         Key Marks –

o   Grab Attention Immediately and never let go

o   Inspire reader to do one thing and one thing only

o   Give Sales Pitch (Mafia Offer)

o   List benefits and beneficiaries

o   Orient theme of letter to your free info products and your business

Sales Letter Guidelines (Ensure to list the value of the report)

         Key Marks –

o   Grab Attention Immediately and never let go

o   Inspire reader to do one thing and one thing only

o   Give Sales Pitch (Mafia Offer)

o   List benefits and beneficiaries

           § Benefits – don’t explain how problems are solved, but what you solve

         3 Parts

o   Headline – Shocking and gripping

           §  ID Target

           §  EX:  7 Compelling questions…. Or 101 ways to….

o   Body

            §  State Problem (Emphasize)

            §  Stir up Problem

            §  Paint Hopeful Picture

            §  Outline Solutions

            §  Answer Objections
                      
                    + Proof – Brilliant discovery or to avoid a terrible mistake (Testimonials)

o   Conclusion

            §  Give Mafia Offer

            §  Create Call to Action

            §  Post Secondary note

         Tips

o   Tell them why you’re making the offer

o   Write the way you would if you were talking or giving a sales pitch

o   Use Sub-headlines

o   Use Quotes

o   Tell Stories


4 Comments

    Author

    Lucas Thomas, professional writer, entrepreneur, and business owner. 

    Blogs to keep others up-to-date on new ways to develop your writing, business, or time. 



    Updated Every Thursday.
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    Interested in LT Copy writing a blog article about something your interested in?

    Then let me know personally through email or comments and I will do more than accommodate.
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Behind LT Copywriting

Picture

Lucas Thomas.
 
Professional Writer. 
        +
Professional Editor.
         =  Professional  Copy.

        
    
                 I have been a professional writer for the last five years. Never thinking to become one until after receiving my very first writing project from my friend.
                 I didn't even want to do it because I didn't have the time. But as the story goes, he made me an offer I couldn't refuse. And on that day I fell into a job I knew would become my career.

For more... See my ABOUT ME!