After a brief journey to Chile to help shoot a MasterCard commercial, I learned that Chileans are warm, fun-loving people who will go out of their way to help. Nonetheless, if they tell you something will take ten minutes, I hope you’ve packed a snickers bar and, in my case, some warm clothes because you’ll probably be waiting a while.

The storyline of our 30 second spot revolved around a goofy but lovable character on a ski trip who foolishly chooses to bring a large jar of cash and coins to the mountains instead of his MasterCard. As you could imagine, that decision didn’t pan out so well, especially on the slopes.

My initial reaction to the storyboards was “that’s pretty weak,”  but with fantastic casting, an excellent production team, breathtaking locations and tons of determination, my opinion did a 720.

Boy, does Chile offer some amazing vistas!

The commercial- which is to air in Russia and several other European countries- was made by a talented production team comprised of a ridiculous hodge-podge of nationalities. The client was a global ad agency whose London office manages the European MasterCard account. A high-level executive was sent from England to South America to be the clients’ creative liaison. He brought with him two producers and two creatives from Poland (my Polish last name scored me big points with this group ;) ). Our D.P. was from Greece, the director hailed from Spain, a large majority of the production team and actors were from Chile, there were a handful from Argentina, a young South African girl, an interesting cross bread Scottish/Chilean, and last but not least, their token American.

The first part of my mission was to go to NYC to test a wide range of anamorphic lenses on a super high end Arri Alexa HD camera and transport $330,000 worth of cutting edge camera tech to Santiago, Chile. Sounds easy enough, right? I couldn’t have been more wrong. Between the camera house missing some equipment, a last minute request for additional specialty filters, my first ride breaking down, my second one coming late, and torrential down pours in NYC & Miami, let’s just say missing my flight to the southern tip of South America felt like the end of the world, and believe it or not, that was just the beginning!

To keep this article at a somewhat reasonable length, I’ll skip the play-by-play and share a few fun facts:

1. In Chile, our summers are their winters and vise versa.
2. The sunsets in the Andes are so beautiful, even stray dogs stop and watch.

3. Workdays on a film set can go from 6:30 a.m – 1:30 a.m.
4. Doing most things in the snow is more difficult than it needs to be… film production is no exception.
5. There was a major communication barrier. After 20 minutes of searching the set for a woman named Katherine, I finally found her only to find that “Katherine” was a short, chubby man from “Catering”.
6. The camera crew will build some crazy contraptions to get that one amazing shot.

7. If the camera falls, something will break!
8. Thermal underwear, boots, gloves, sun glasses, and lip balm are a must under said conditions… I only had 2 of the 5!
9. When getting on a ski lift with a bunch of equipment, wait for the operator to slow it down… Yup learned that the hard way, too.

Although this mission was long, cold, and chock-full of obstacles, I met some wonderful people and got some serious life experiences.

I can’t wait to see what amazing adventure life brings me on next!

Your boy :b

Here are links to a few of the kick ass people I got to work with:
Cinelog
Tantor

Foto fun fact: We were shooting on an Arri Alexa, which is the newest craze in HD video. It’s been so successful because latitude is the closest digital has gotten to film yet. Alexa provides a tonal range of 13.5 stops to Films 14+ stops.

My first two weeks at 4O1! Creative were pretty awesome. I was supposed to work one day a week for a while to see how things worked out, but I got along with everyone and made some jokes that resonated with the dude-vibe in the office.  I’m pretty sure that’s why they immediately bumped me to a couple days a week. I was excited for two reasons: having a sweet gig with friendly people where I get to do what I love (communicate!) daily, and the prospect of eating lunch at area restaurants instead of in my kitchen.

I was happy to find that the office is in Allentown, which is only 20 minutes from where I live, 2 minutes from my alma mater, and smack dab in the middle of a ton of places to get good grub. It’s super-close to Wegmans, which is my favorite grocery store ever, and I’ve lived in four states so it’s kind of a big deal.  A salad from their bar after a client meeting powered my first day on the job.

So after a lengthy discussion of availability; “What are you doing tomorrow?” “Working here?” I happily came back to the office the following day.  That day was team building at Burrito Grille day. It was a good day. I had a delicious plate of chicken tacos, chips and salsa. I also had a client meeting.

The second week I came in Tuesday, and we had Brewworks on the Green for another team-building lunch. The special that day was a deep-fried taquito, but I had a fried haddock sammich.  I kind of wish I had ordered the taquito for bragging rights, but my sammich was very tasty. There was also a client meeting.

Wednesday of that week we had a half-team-building session over a turkey-ranch wrap from Cetronia Deli, which is hidden away a block behind our office.  It feels like it’s our own personal lunch shop.  My turkey wrap was fresh and delicious. No client meetings, so I got to dress down like the computer dudes. This was also the first day I was struck with a Nerf projectile.

As you can tell, I really enjoy food. But we did so much more than eat these two weeks.  My official title is Communications Director, and I live up to that name.  I’ve been thinking of new and innovative ways for 4O1! to reach out to clients, share relevant information, and let them know that we do so much more than web design.  I’ve also been brainstorming ideas for sharing our projects with the community and using them to strengthen bonds within that community.

So stay tuned, because I’ll be doing a whole lot more than tweeting and writing press releases. And I plan to get the biggest Nerf gun this office has ever seen! ]]> http://fourohone.us/2011/08/working-and-eating-with-4o1-creative/feed/ 1 http://fourohone.us/2010/11/meet-katie/ http://fourohone.us/2010/11/meet-katie/#comments Wed, 03 Nov 2010 18:03:54 +0000 Devon http://fourohone.us/?p=885

Hello.

My name is Katie.

This past July, I decided that I wanted to move to the Lehigh Valley area. It might not seem like a big decision, but you see, I’m from St. Louis, Missouri, and Pennsylvania is a LONG way from home! My fiance and I visited for about a week apartment hunting, exploring the area, and realizing that there are way more Dunkin’ Donuts here than any town should ever have.

During our visit, I interviewed with 401! Creative. I pulled up in my rental car for my interview. I had the address correct. I was on time. But, the building definitely looked like a regular house in a regular neighborhood. Was this the office? I rang the doorbell. Nothing. I knocked. Nothing. Finally, I turned the doorknob. It was open, so I peeked my head in. I could hear music in the very back, and I could see photography equipment and a Mac. This had to be it, right? As I wandered into this unknown building, Brian greeted me. RELIEF! He introduced me to all of the guys, who were super friendly, and we sat down for my interview. After the interview, it was decided that I would officially move to the Lehigh Valley in early September and start at 401! then.

On September 6th, I left all of my family and friends in Missouri to start this new adventure! It took about two days to drive from St. Louis to Lehigh Valley. We got all settled in, and I started at 401! that week.

My first day was not what I expected. It was full of music, singing, logo design, wiffleball, and an invitation to Curt’s “Geek Olympics” party at his house that weekend. I learned really quickly that this was not the kind of place I needed to wear a dress and heels for. I would definitely be wearing jeans the next day I worked. I attended Curt’s party that weekend, and I don’t want to brag or anything, but I did win the Bronze medal! Curt, of course, won Gold…

I love that I get to work on so many different types of projects here. One day I might be doing a logo and then a website mock-up, and then the next day I could be working on a business card and designing a window display. The window display is actually for this office. I can’t wait to see it actually printed and installed. Maybe the next potential designer won’t be as confused as I was my first time here!

I’ve been here for about a month and a half, and I can already tell that 401! was a great decision for me. These guys are awesome! They like to rock out while they work, they don’t ever skip lunch, Devon doesn’t wear his shoes most of the time, and I already feel like they’ve welcomed me into their little family. I couldn’t be happier. The guys at 401! have made my transition to Pennsylvania not only bearable, but fun!

I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has in store for me here!

We need your Vote!

It really takes less than a minute and all voters are automatically entered to win a $500 matrix gift package  ;)

So here’s the deal… Our good buddy & amazing hair stylist Nathan Rosenkranz of Patrick Mcivor Color Studio has made it to the finals and is ready to be crowned one of THE FIRST-EVER MATRIX MANNEQUIN MANIA MASTERS! With your help of course.

Nate worked tirelessly to create a hand made wig that is nothing short of spectacular. “The inspiration for Ava was 1920′s and 1930′s movie stars with a contemporary edge. I wanted to create a look of finely sculpted hair where the inspiration was undeniable,” says Nate.

Once every last hair was in place Nate, his lovely stylist Carla Villani-Damrose and talent understudy Lori met up at 4O1!’s Design & Photography Studio in West Allentown to capture Ava’s throw back hair piece on camera. Two styles were shot, one made it to the finals.

Now we’re looking to our friends, family and anyone else who has an email address or unlimited texting to help us claim the $25,000 prize, a day with Tabatha Coffey and best of all see Nate in a crown! Heals aren’t out of the question either ;)

To vote by email please visit the following link: NATE IN HEALS AND A CROWN and click VOTE FOR THIS MANNEQUIN!

To vote by phone: Text NATE to 49737

Thanks for your support!

Your boy blue =b

Wanna here Tabatha’s thoughts on the MMM contest? ]]> http://fourohone.us/2010/09/matrix-mannequin-mania/feed/ 1 http://fourohone.us/2010/06/4o1-not-just-a-job-its-a-culture/ http://fourohone.us/2010/06/4o1-not-just-a-job-its-a-culture/#comments Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:05:26 +0000 http://fourohone.us/?p=567

When I found myself laid-off from my highly cherished full-time job in the middle of last summer – I wasn’t quite sure what to do with myself.

Pursue another full-time job?

Go back to school?

Work on my tan?

Needless to say I spent the next two months floating down the Delaware, taking pictures of anything and everything, and ultimately – working on my tan.

Maybe some people will frown upon this choice, deem it irresponsible. Granted, I didn’t have a family to worry about supporting – but more importantly – I knew in the back of my mind where I would go next.

By the end of summer I met with the team at 4O1! to begin our working relationship and see what I could contribute to the group of guys I had admired (from a design perspective ;) – other than some much needed estrogen.

What I ultimately found was a family – unity through humor, music, & most importantly industry standards.

I would soon take over ‘the voice’ of 4O1! – managing social media and filling their eye-catching web designs with juicy words – keeping their audience salivating for more (I mentioned we like to eat, right?)

Now, as I set out to start the next chapter of life, I reflect back upon what I have gained through 4O1! – nearly any designer or creative entity can vouch for the validity of the benefits to being consistently exposed to good design. Inspiration is a powerful tool and an irreplaceable benefit to your own work.

Besides the inevitable process of growth by experience that I gained through my time here – I have a permanent place in my heart and my creative eye for 4O1! Not only does the office convey the fun loving spirit of 4O1! but visitors and clients get an idea of who this team really is. On any given day you can not only find a revolving door of kids and family members, but laughter and music fill the walls of 3736 Broadway daily.

If you look beyond the bare-feet and ‘Yo Gabba Gabba’ playing on the 52” flat screen – you realize that this group gets things done and does it while loving life – and each other.

You’ll still catch me contributing to 4O1! via my online banter and in blog format but my flip-flops are being traded in for stilettos for now. If you need a good mortgage rate – come find me ;)

Good things are far and few between. The problem is that there are a lot of things, products, ideas, etc. – most of them bad, which make it more difficult to find or cultivate the good ones. These days it feels like everything presented to the masses is, well, cheap. Music, movies, even art – lacks originality (granted there are obvious exceptions to the rule and I’m not referring to Indie bands, innovative art, or cult movies). The good stuff is always tougher to find, you really have to go out of your way as a consumer to get to the worthwhile heart of any industry.

It shouldn’t be this hard.

Now apply this theory to the realm of advertising. There is a lot of advertising going on. A lot. Everywhere you look we are being sold something. And if it weren’t bad enough that the quality of what we are potential being sold is questionable – the advertising is questionable. (“Buy this crap because this crap ad says so.”)

Maybe thought provoking sentiments, a careful eye, and a well thought out advertising campaign are things of the past to some – but truth be told, they are principals that will carry on forever. While the mediums are ever changing and the hand-painted billboards are being converted to electronic driving hazards, the messages and strategies don’t seem to be evolving at the same pace.

Some agencies and companies are taking a ‘leap of faith’ on edgy imagery, flashy design, and jaw dropping parallels but it seems to be biting them in the you know where. With the release of a much publicized and scrutinized Tiger Woods advertisement for Nike featuring a weepy Tiger overlaid with resurrected audio from the late Earl Woods – the public rejected a good example of a ‘cheap’ attempt to market a product (or in this case – a label, or maybe even as far as to say – a person).

Click the image above to view commercial

While this could symbolize a small step in the right direction of demanding more from marketers, the advertisements we view on a daily basis can hardly match the even ‘cheap’ quality of Nike’s attempt to salvage their go-to guy.

If your profession is anywhere near the realm of design, marketing, or media – you should know by now how to spot a ‘cheap ad’ (though I most certainly do not mean cheap in a financial aspect).

Step 1: Purchase i-Stock photo.

Step 2: Overlay company name, location, hours, and website.

(most likely using Zapfino, Papyrus, or Comic Sans)

Step 3: Insert ‘seemingly’ clever tagline.

4: Print, publish, broadcast.

The result? The same universal advertisement we see over and over and over.

Even more astonishing, is that we could be being sold a purse, a sandwich, or a lawn care package – all using the same design and message. Who will that ad reach? Possibly a few uninformed consumers (suckers) but will your company’s ad really convey a unique message? Or will it say the same thing as the rest of the advertisements surrounding it “Buy me.”

By the way, this Blog post has been an elaborate advertisement for 4O1! Creative created entirely by Liz. If it worked, post the URL to this blog entry on your Facebook or Twitter account – “RT” if you will. Don’t forget to demand more from what is currently being offered – musically, aesthetically, & most importantly – when it comes to food. ;)

It’s your friendly neighborhood graphic designer Jay Frankett (JF) signing on!

I wanted to make you all aware of this little blog that’s sprung up just in time for Spring – HEART OF STEELcity (www.HEARTOFSTEELcity.com).
Was that “sprung up” line cheesy? It’s my first day. Anyway!

Local go-getter and blogger Jaime Karpovich is doing everything in her power to make sure you’re aware of all the success local business owners are having. Within her first week or so of cutting the blog ribbon she’s already put together a handful of interesting posts. She’s taken us behind the scenes of a very decorated, or maybe decorative, Lehigh Valley native. She’s dissected and honored the efforts of entire communities who have spent countless hours making sure the Bethlehem Skate Plaza gets the attention it deserves. And she’s put it all together in a rather easy to read and digest blog format. I hear that’s very popular these days (cough). If you’re invested at all in the Lehigh Valley I’d encourage you to give her blog a read. And support her as much as she plans to support local business.

Here’s the jumping off point. Keep your head down and legs inside the cart.
HEART OF STEELcity
HEART OF STEELcity on Facebook

Thus begins and possibly ends my blogging career??? You’ll just have to wait and see.

Signing off,
Jay Robert Frankett

For the 3rd year running April 1st (4.01?!) was declared 4O1! Day in celebration of 4O1!’s 5th anniversary and 5th version of our online playground: www.401creative.com

Fake mustaches, bubbles, and plenty of sunshine set the tone for company holiday & website launch party for the Valley’s favorite creative team, held at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, home to the Iron Pigs.

Over 150 family, friends, and colleagues showed up to support and celebrate another great year in business. Because of our sponsors, DJ ARI-WHY, and Tom Storm (let’s not forget his bubbles) the night was full of goodies, good vibrations, and some pretty memorable photographs. Event photos by: Michael Donlin

At 5:55, the party’s attendees were ushered under the jumbo screen to commemorate the evening with world-renowned photographer Tom Storm. With the help of photographer Michael Donlin and head bubble blower Clover, Tom was able to capture 4O1! Day in a bubble (yes – a real bubble, no Photoshop tricks here!)

After the evening was all said and done, the world was exposed to two ultra-chic websites (courtesy of 4O1!) :www.401creative.com & www.tomstorm.net

If you missed this year’s party, but you’re starting to catch on that this team is full of fun – don’t worry there’s always next year! (pencil in April 1st on your calendar)

To view all of the images from 4O1! Day visit our facebook page. ]]> http://fourohone.us/2010/04/4o1-day-2010/feed/ 0 http://fourohone.us/2009/12/2010-holiday-card-legos/ http://fourohone.us/2009/12/2010-holiday-card-legos/#comments Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:25:18 +0000 http://blog.401creative.com/?p=112

For those of you that received our holiday e-card you may have noticed a few additions to the list of 4O1!’s usual suspects. As good as the Vampires had it in 2009, 4O1! added a full-time lumberjack/designer in the form of Jay Frankett, a.k.a. JF, and Social Media Goddess / Copywriter , Elizabeth Hunt!

Our Holiday Card 2010 took advantage of the unveiling of its two newest members by not only honoring them but our favorite childhood toy – the LEGO.

Now that the 4O1! team is growing bigger and stronger, what’s next you ask? Besides total domination in our company-based basketball league(?) – some killer websites, fancy photos, and – oh, yeah – complete and total global supremacy.

2009 was a big year around the 4O1! Office including the launch of Four Oh! One (the photography sect of 4O1! Creative) and an extra special birthday for one Co-Founder (Boca B) who turned the ripe old age of 30. To celebrate 30 years of Brain’s existence and his recent photography accomplishments, the 4O1! team threw B a bash at the newly relocated 4O1! office in Allentown, PA . The event brought close to 100 people throughout the evening and among the attendees were friends, family, clients, and even a few ninjas (or kids rather).