The Anatomy of Promos

Promos are the most effective and efficient marketing tool a television channel has. They are also the least understood and appreciated. In this kick-off session we'll break down what makes promos work and how you can harness their power.

Speaker:
Lee Hunt, President, Lee Hunt LLC

The Art of Promo Design

A well-designed promo is more than just cool graphics – it’s the sum of many creative elements. And design is one of the most critical ways to connect with your audience. We’ll break down how you can strategically approach the design of your next promo campaign, starting with initial concepts all the way to getting final approval. We’ll explore a wide range of creative, practical, and strategic design solutions that will make your next promo more effective without blowing your budget – or street cred – with your design team. 

Speaker:
Andy Baker, VP/Creative Director, National Geographic Networks

Best Practices for Cutting through the Clutter

The best promos break the mold. They don't look like promos. They grab your attention and never let go. Too many promo producers condemn their work to oblivion by choosing one of the standard creative templates.  In this example-packed session, emotional marketing specialist Graeme Newell shows you how to avoid these creative traps. Learn how some of the promo world's brightest minds ditch a tired creative approach and expand their toolbox to use more sophisticated techniques. Learn how to make your work stand out from the rest of the herd.

Speaker:
Graeme Newell, President, 602 Communications

Directing Talent: Fully Loaded

A return from last year’s first-ever PromaxBDA Promo Bootcamp, this popular session will arm attendees with the information and tools to fine-tune the skills needed to finish your finest creative with the best voiceover read. Rapid drills, on-stage demos and inside tips make this a must-attend for the promo professional who has to keep bringing it every day, one script at a time!

Speaker:
Marice Tobias, Director, Tobias Entertainment Group

Life’s a Pitch: Presentation Essentials

Coming up with good ideas is hard enough, but convincing others to do something with them is even harder. The idea itself is not enough. How you deliver that idea is as important as the idea itself. In this fast-paced and invaluable workshop, communication coach Terry Ward will teach you the critical skills for developing a refined, cohesive and coherent pitch that succinctly communicates your concepts and ideas.

Speaker:
Terry Ward, Founder & President, CommSkills Group

Look Sharp: Better Creative through Better Cuts

This is a lively discussion with three top industry executives about editing and the creative process hosted by veteran creative director and expert editor Mark Valentine. What do executives consider “a great cut?” How can you collaborate more effectively? How can you get cuts approved with fewer revisions? What’s the best way to interpret feedback? Here are some tips, tricks and much more.

Moderator:
Mark Valentine, Co-Founder & Creative Director, ANATOMY

Panelists:
Ron Buse, Creative Director, Entertainment Marketing – Drama & Movies, ABC
Pamela Craciun, VP, Creative Director, TNT
David Roofthooft, Creative Director, Creative Services, HBO

Music, Sound Design and the Art of Sonic Branding

You’ve got killer copy and eye-popping graphics – but alone those are not going to cut it. Music is the most effective way to reach your audience, allowing consumers to emotionally connect to your message and brand. Hear from an expert in the art of sonic branding, original music/sound design and the use of licensed music open your mind and ears to the science of choosing the right music for your promos and branding. 

Speaker:
Chad Cook, VP, Creative Director, Stephen Arnold Music
John Dance, Senior Writer/Producer, On-Air Promotion/Marketing, CNN
Mary Jo Smith, Creative Director, Alternative & Comedy Series, ABC Entertainment Marketing

Putting it All Together: Making Sure All Your Hard Work Actually Works

You've spent two days learning the tools of great promo making: inspiration, writing, pitching, designing, editing, working with talent, music, sound design and more. For this final session, we'll focus on making sure your great creative gets the attention it needs and deserves.

Speaker:
Lee Hunt, President, Lee Hunt LLC

Why Didn't I Write That?

Part One: Inspiration. We pack the first half of the session with campaigns of all shapes and sizes. Show and tell is nice but we go further, dissecting these babies and learning how and why they work so well. 

Part Two: Perspiration. Fueled with tips and techniques from part one (you’ll remember that, right?) we tackle writing assignments and you get to flex your own creative muscle. Powerful language, point of view and busting clichés, you'll feel the burn.

Speakers:
Linda Button, Executive Creative Director, Tooth+Nail
Marilyn Kass, CEO, Tooth+Nail