March 4, 2009

Rollin' with It

Sometimes, you just need to roll with it - especially when it comes to technology. Or, as the old saying goes, don't sweat the small stuff. In that spirit, we have to wait one more day to announce our new Cinedulce channel. Is the anticipation killin' you?? ;)

Going in the shock-and-awe department, this afternoon, I received an email from an Hispanic marketing exec at a major financial institution with sponsorship interest in the NY Int'l Latino Film Festival. Huh?? I don't look a gift horse in the mouth, mis amigos. I promptly sent a return email requesting we schedule a time to chat. To be continued...


Liz.
(P.L.H.H.)
www.Cinedulce.com

March 3, 2009

No, I didn't forget you...

I'm sorry for the delay folks, but we're working on launching a whole new exciting channel. So, sit tight and I'll have more info. soon!

Liz.
(P.L.H.H.)
www.Cinedulce.com

March 2, 2009

Workin' on a Snow Day

We just received great news: a studio with whom we've been talking for a few weeks about an upcoming release has agreed to give us the film for presentation at this year's NY Int'l Latino Film Festival. Next steps are to determine if talent can attend, but we're psyched they're in. It's super exciting and a great way to kick off this week. Plus, there's another studio film we may be able to snatch that's also really hot. I haven't yet seen it, but Calixto watched the screener over the weekend and said it's great. I'll take a look this weekend.

On another note, I have a meeting this Thursday with one of the agencies for a spirit I've been seeking as a partner for several years. The brand is PERFECT for our audience, especially in light of some 2009 programming additions (more on that later...). We actually know the folks at the brand and the agency fairly well, but for whatever reason, have never been able to get it together. Let's see if this is the year to make it happen.

Regarding Cinedulce, tomorrow we're launching a new channel! I can't wait for you to see it, but alas, paciencia...

I'm thinking I may have to leave work a wee bit early to go play in the snow before it turns to brown slush... ;)

TODAY'S TREAT

Viernes Girl
2005 HBO/NYILFF Short Film Contest winner: In this comedy, sibling rivalry takes a turn when a brother and sister discover they have more in common than they think... Directed by Aurora Guerrera.


Liz.

(
P.L.H.H.)
www.Cinedulce.com

February 27, 2009

Bet on Yourself

Last night, Calixto and I were talking about competition. Specifically, we were talking about how it's really important to be informed of your so-called 'competitors' but not overly influenced by their decisions or apparent strategy; stay laser focused on your own vision. It's tempting to make wide-sweeping assumptions about another business' level of success based on external observations. But, that's not reality; just like Dorothy in Oz, you're not peeking behind the curtain, where there is ALWAYS a different, more complex story. Plus, you know what "they" say when you assume... it makes an ass of u and me. (Oh, come on, you knew I was going to write that!) Remember, a key factor for any business is to drive public perception through careful, conscientious brand positioning and marketing.

It's very easy to get insecure about strategic decision-making in un-chartered waters. For example, through the years, Calixto has quietly expressed frustration that we (uh, I) over-deliver to our NY Int'l Latino Film Festival sponsor partners while other properties seem to skirt by with a banner and catalogue ad. First off, I think that's boring as hell for the consumers and adds absolutely nothing to the event experience - a crucial component to longevity. Second, I've always held fast that over-delivering and understanding the need for real, material ROI is the surest route to partner loyalty and retention. Obviously, there are no guarantees in this world, but, through the years, we've had the great fortune of securing multi-year partnerships with key partners, including HBO, Heineken, American Airlines, Turner Broadcasting, Verizon, Suzuki Auto, all of our media partners, et al. On the flip side, I'm watching brands drop other properties like the Stock Market over the past year: fast and hard. Moreover, in these incredibly tough economic times, sponsorship is an even bigger bear than it normally it is. It's a massive challenge to raise the funds necessary to operate on the level to which the business has grown. Those same properties that have lost key sponsors have been forced to cut back significantly on event programming and duration. It's very sad. The community
needs to support emerging voices and continue to encourage creativity, storytelling, risk-taking, dream chasing and originality. And, of course, event producers have a responsibility to run their organizations in a responsible, professional way and deliver a positive experience to their entire community: talent, corporate partners & audience.

Back to the point: it's vital to stay abreast of the corporate landscape, competitors, trends and research, but, as an entrepreneur, you should be slightly ahead of the curve and an independent thinker. That's presumably what landed you in this position, in the first place. It's easy to get nervous when you have a different approach and are trying to shake up the system, but that's the point of what you're doing, right? Just stay focused on that. Be confident. Don't wonder why only you seem to recognize the opportunity amidst the clutter; appreciate it, bet on it, bet on yourself and go for it. Worst case scenario, you lose the bet. Eh, so what? You'll be a better, stronger, more knowledgeable person for trying... and better prepared for the next go-round. ;)


WATCH YOURSELF ON-SCREEN THIS SUMMER AT THE 10th ANNUAL NYILFF.
Click on image below for details!!














Liz.
(P.L.H.H.)
www.Cinedulce.com

February 26, 2009

Save NYC Production!

Last night, a good friend of mine, Anthony, sent me an email about New York's Governor Paterson, who is trying to cut NYC tax incentives for film & television. Whoah! Are you kidding me?? That has been one of the most successful programs the city has ever instituted.

Read the facts (according to a recent NY Post article)...:

"Since the program began, the state and city combined have issued $690 million in tax credits and have collected $2.7 billion in taxes from movie and TV productions, according to a study by Ernst & Young."

"The study also found that during 2007, New York's movie and TV industry created 7,031 jobs directly - and an additional 12,481 indirectly."

Whether you depend on the film & television field for your income or it's a passion of yours, please sign the petition to let Albany know these incentives are vital to the New York film industry and community. PLEASE SIGN and forward to your family, friends and other industry folk:
Petition Online


Also, to find out how YOU CAN WATCH YOURSELF ON-SCREEN THIS SUMMER AT THE NYILFF, click on image below!!















Liz.

(P.L.H.H.)
www.Cinedulce.com

February 25, 2009

Watch Yourself On-Screen This Summer!!

July 2009 marks the 10th anniversary of the New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF) and we're inviting you to help us celebrate in the best way we know how: through storytelling!

Filmmakers, actors, attendees, volunteers and staff: Share your favorite festival memories on Cinedulce by uploading an original video. Whether you premiered your first movie at the NYILFF, landed an acting gig, found love or simply got inspired to follow your filmmaking dreams, we want to hear it all!

  • Non-SAG actors only please.
  • 10-Minute maximum running time per submission.

All entries will be featured on Cinedulce.com starting in April and the best stories will be featured in NYILFF's 10th anniversary advertising campaign so be as creative as possible!

Submissions will be accepted starting February 24

Deadline for consideration in the NYILFF advertising campaign: March 31

(Please Note: submissions will be accepted and posted online after March 31, but will not be eligible for participation in the advertising campaign.)

Liz.

(P.L.H.H.)

www.Cinedulce.com

February 24, 2009

1st Taste Tuesdays: 02.24.09

New this week on Cinedulce's HBO Latino channel...

HABLA YA: Jenny 2





HABLA YA: Juan Carlos 2





Road Trip 8: “If I Had a Suit…”
Rephstar gets jealous and they go out for Brazilian food in Loisada.




Liz.
(P.L.H.H.)
www.Cinedulce.com