Sochi is upon us.

By now, it is no secret from the world that aggressive persecution of Gay and Lesbian citizens of that country is virtually sanctioned and not-so-subtly encouraged by the Putin government. Gangs of thugs, often joined by or even made up of Russian Police, lure, ambush, torment and torture random men and women suspected of being gay.

The LGBT population of the US and the West has been aware of what is taking place in Russia and has been calling for official action about this for several months. Only recently has the US mainstream media been reporting and shining light on these egregious violations of basic, human rights and with that finally brought what is happening to the awareness of the mainstream.

In recent weeks, numerous world leaders have announced plans to not be attending the Games in Sochi; sending lesser officials, if anyone at all, to represent their respective countries.

Our own President is not attending, and has appointed a number of Gay and Lesbian athletes as part of the US Official Delegation. These “snubs,” while offering a token bit of tarnish to Putin’s Shining Victory of hosting the Olympics, will ultimately be lost in the spectacle and excitement of the Games, themselves.

When push comes to shove, I don’t know that President Putin will care over-much that a few Presidents and Prime Ministers didn’t show up at his party. After all, he will have hosted the Olympics: how many people get to do that?

It remains a win for him.

Early on, there was a brief call for moving the Games to Vancouver; the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics. The Mayor of Vancouver announced, to very little coverage, that Vancouver was ready to host; to no avail. It didn’t catch momentum, imho, because our press was looking the other way in an oblique attempt to suppress the growing violence against a segment of the Russian populace and (again, imho) protect their huge, already-sunk investment in the Sochi Olympics.

With an unaware public and resulting vocal support, it seems the financial interests of those already invested in the Sochi Olympics remaining in Sochi prevailed and the Games remain in Russia.

This, while our global brothers and sisters continue to be threatened and hurt. Their allies, our allies in support of human rights for all, are in virtually as much danger; as to even voice support for LGBT rights in Russia is cause for persecution.

As the Olympics approach, the silent sponsors of those Games – global corporations the likes of McDonalds and Coca-Cola – are coming under fire in social and niche media (if one could call LGBT and liberal publications “niche”). McDonald’s #CheersToSochi Twitter campaign has been globally co-opted in protest of that company’s funding of the Sochi Olympics and concomitant silence on the issue.

Other institutions have declared moratoria on the selling of these Olympic Sponsors’ products during the Sochi Games in recognition of the exhibited cowardice and spinelessness exhibited by these profit-makers.

As business people, as creatives, as professionals of integrity…indeed, simply as human beings inhabiting the same planet; what is our responsibility to these fellow humans?

A few weeks ago, I wrote about speaking truth to power in the context of shooting-straight with one’s client.

This is about speaking truth to power in a far larger context and with far greater risk.

To be fair and objective (though not to imply that “fair and objective” is how the world works), Russia has never been a shining example of treating all people with dignity and showing a commitment to Basic Human Rights for all. I don’t know what were the politics behind granting the Olympics to Sochi; though, I can only imagine how the iconically-corrupt IOC was seduced into this concession. The dogged refusal of that body to address the issue, early on, speaks volumes.

If the Olympics can be held in China, the drop isn’t that much lower for them to be held in Russia…the Russia of a few years ago.

With that, the introduction of this legislation and rapidly growing, government sanctioned and encouraged hate crimes that have come along with it have effectively blindsided those involved in the mounting of these games. At least, a case can be made for that point of view.

Were the Olympics to be held in North Korea, would the contractors and subcontractors refuse to bid? Would they…would we…stand against bringing revenue into a regime with such an egregious human rights record?

I would like to think that my colleagues in themed entertainment and spectacle would refuse to support such a regime.

What, then, when the context changes, midstream?

Do we put down our tools and walk? Do we take a stand? Is there a stand to take, short of reneging on a contract? Is reneging on said contract tantamount to Civil Disobedience?

…and what do we owe our brethren?

I want the Olympic competition to continue; I believe we should preserve and protect the opportunity for which our elite, young athletes have worked their entire lives. With that, I also believe that, in essence, a loud, proud and effective act of support for the persecuted is vital to Integrity.

What if the ceremony producers, the suppliers of the seats for the stadium, all those involved in ceremony and support for things not directly linked to the competition just put down their tools? Is there another way to actually support the Competition without supporting Russia and President Putin?

Is money more important that Human Rights?

I have friends and colleagues currently at work on the Olympics in Sochi, and I have strongly mixed feelings about that. Whether to participate or continue to participate in the mounting of these Olympics is a personal decision on most levels; is it not also a professional obligation, worthy of serious consideration?

Some months ago, I was invited to present on a panel in Russia on my methodologies for the creation of spectacle and compelling experience. In accepting the invitation, I asked the organizers what was their position on the persecution of Russian LGBT citizens by the Putin regime. The invitation was immediately withdrawn.

I do know that I’d walk away from a project in Russia, the moment I learned of what is taking place there.

While I know that’s easy for me to say, given that I am not on a job, there; I also know from my own history that it wouldn’t be the first time I’d refused a project in lieu of keeping my integrity. I cannot deliver if I don’t believe in what I am doing; a lesson learned long ago.

That’s one reason I’m not rich.

At such times, is it not appropriate for the “non-political” individual, corporation or organization to step up and take a strong stand?

What of IAAPA…the TEA…entertainment, hospitality, sports and spectacle associations, worldwide: should not a stand be taken? Is silence under cover of “not political” tantamount to acquiescence?

As originally stated by ACT-UP, Silence = Death.

If not one’s own death, that of others.

Are we not all, ultimately, responsible for the well-being of others on this planet? How can we comfortably build and execute this monument to freedom in a country that has chosen to target a part of it’s population for persecution and destruction? How close to genocide is what Russia is doing?

This is a difficult question to construct or ask; far more difficult to answer. I think, though, that it is a question due to be asked and answers explored.

imho.

“IMHO” the eBook for iOS and OS remains available for free download from the iTunes Library. It contains the first 20 posts of this blog, incorporating discussions of KO’s Five Tenets for Creation of Experience along with applications and examples of those methodologies. Try it with a full, money-back guarantee.

Speaking Truth to Power…be that Power a Government Head or Client Company Principal: it’s part of the job.

Just how much a part of the job is up to the individual – each of us, consultant or employee. If one’s job entails advice and direction; every step away from the hard truths is a step away from one’s integrity.

Creating art and experience is not a card game; though, some make it so.

In order to collaborate most effectively, to yield the best possible product, one must be committed to candor, sharing information, supplying one’s team with all the tools and knowledge possible in order for each to be effective at the job. As autonomous individuals and as collaborative teams our people must be prepared with every bit of information in order to make the best and most appropriate judgment calls, should it fall to them at a critical moment.

This is simple Leadership.

Empowering one’s team and employees as well as being completely candid with one’s Clients or hierarchical superiors is critical to success of business or project.

Sharing information – opinions and experience – from all sides not only contributes to the quality of the overall body of knowledge on a given team; it empowers all individuals to appreciate the entire context of a project or strategy rather than finding themselves limited to an arbitrarily constructed, myopic perspective.

Such empowerment can lead to the pre-emptive discovery of answers – solutions to problems that may arise – well before the actual need presents itself.

As important, if not even more so, is complete candor with one’s client or higher-ups. This is where things can get dicey and inordinately complex; as one’s personal responsibilities extend beyond simply feeding and clothing oneself and into the care and feeding of families and families of employees there are sometimes “safer” decisions made that do not serve a given project.

But…

The responsibilities in the face of said Dilemma remain: we are obligated to share our full perspective, the entire truth, with our Clients. This is often a risk; though, a risk that can be mitigated with diplomacy and nuanced presentation.

Seriously, how many of us have been presented, time and again, with a client who thinks s/he knows more than s/he does about a given project or vision and how to best realize it;  continually making decisions that actually undermine the potential success of the project? (That’s rhetorical; I pretty much already know this answer…)

Our job – as Creatives, Directors, Consultants – is to tell the Awful Truth.

In so many words. The Truth:

• cannot be hinted-at
• cannot be alluded-to
• cannot be subliminally understood

It Must Be Spoken. Clearly.

The Customer is not necessarily “always right;” though, being the One Holding the Purse, the Customer can insist on things being done the way s/he wants.

Methodologically, the most effective way to present strong, opposing views on in/appropriate courses of action is to have an operational, professional and personal history of candor; such that the client isn’t shocked at one’s sudden directness.

Cultivate and nurture a reputation for laying things out clearly, with respect but holding nothing back and chances are what you say will be heard.

It may not be embraced or followed, but it will likely be heard.

Looking the client in the eye and saying something such as, “…look. It’s your project, and I will do whatever you decide you want to do with it. However, I am honor-bound to share with you my considered opinion that if you do go down this path you are considering, you stand a very good chance of losing your entire investment. I strongly urge you to think about this before moving ahead and, if moving ahead on this course is your ultimate decision, I will see to it that you are as protected as possible. But, I think you’ll lose your shirt.”

Don’t sugar-coat it.

In this business, as in many businesses, people hear what they want to hear. Thus, we are bound to tell a stark and clear truth so that it is heard. Shying away from that responsibility has contributed to world-famous (and not so famous) failures…fo evah!

If it isn’t actually, clearly, incontrovertibly said; it will not be heard. AND, you may end up being blamed for the failure, ultimately.

True, there are some Deciders who simply don’t want to hear it; some who will want you excised from the mix as they don’t want to be made to face the truth. You want to work for someone like that?

A Note: if you happen to be new to this business and out of school less than ten years, you might want to tread with a lighter step. While you may be a prescient, virtual genius with remarkable insight (to your mother! <g>), a good suggestion would be to be sure you have a few years of observation, experience and learning under your belt before you lay down such absolutes. Just sayin’…  Not that you can’t raise the question, seek out allies on your team to help articulate your concerns and POV; just be sure you have the experience to back up your opinion when you give it. Being somewhat circumspect about this will serve you well.

That being said; if you feel strongly, say so. If not to the Power that Is; then to your Powers that Be.

Less than the absolute and clear truth, offering any ambiguity at all, undermines the truth we are called-upon to communicate. Ya gotta lay it out and place it in the hands of the Decider…with the full grasp of your point of view…that is what we are paid for, that is our responsibility.

Embrace it adeptly, and the risks will be minimal. Accepting those risks is up to you. As I cite, above; eschewing those risks moves one away from full integrity. Evaluating the course best taken is a personal choice.

If it were easy, everyone would actually be doing it.

Happy New Year.

My eBook, “imho” is still free! For iPad and OS, downloadable from the iTunes store or the Apple Book Store. Containing the basic tenets, techniques and methodologies for the creation of emotionally engaging, compelling experience; I offer a full refund if you find it not of significant value.

A plethora of projects is taking shape across the globe just now; from multiple, massive theme park projects in a number of countries to Expo Milano 2015 and Dubai 2020, to Olympics and Paralympics and World Cups and myriad, smaller creative production projects and one-off shows of spectacular scale.

Everywhere.

As the globe grows smaller and brands become global; as the professionals who develop, create and build themed experiences become a massive, global body; as the ubiquity of the internet melds standards, practices and methodologies into a greater body of knowledge, long-held assumptions about doing business in parts of the world other than our own are up for re-evaluation.

Some time back, I was consulting as Creative Director on a live show component of a larger property outside the US. Inspired by such shows as Universal Japan’s  “Gift of Angels” nighttime spectacle – weaving projection mapping on the façade of an iconic building with live actors performing at various points on that façade – the client passionately envisioned this project’s own, several-story, iconic façade as the “stage” for the centerpiece, signature, nighttime spectacle.

BTW: these are examples of projection mapping…

While it was unlikely that the project could support projection mapping, there was plenty of money for exceptional, architectural stage lighting and, as the façade was as ornate, rococo and balcony-heavy as the Paris Opera House, it offered significant opportunity to create small performance spaces all over the vertical “stage.”

Beyond that, the story being told and the legacy of the culture represented depended heavily on live performance for foundational authenticity.

What I was virtually stunned to encounter was a Producer and Technical Director – in fact, an entire production team – who adamantly rejected the concept; instead, there was an aggressive insistence for HD / LED video screens in those spaces in place of actual performers.

This is in a part of the world where technology is of significantly greater expense than live performers; thus, it wasn’t a budget issue.

The rationale for the resistance to live performers on the outdoor façade was that the approach would require safety rigging for the performers, and (to paraphrase), “…in that part of the world, after a year or two, operators will just ignore the rigging and put the performers at risk.” This was, then, the rationale for developing a show that was, by definition, less than the vision of the client.

Gobsmacked, was I.

There is so much wrong with that statement, imho, that I can’t begin to articulate… Wait; yes, I can.

Remember ”Exploration of Assumption” ? Let’s explore some of the Assumptions I perceive, here:

• No similar project, actually, had ever been produced in that part of the world; thus, no direct legacy of ball-dropping in the ongoing operation of such a production existed.
• Such a knee-jerk reaction seems to me dismissive of the client’s vision, intelligence and professionalism.
• What is the Assumption, here, that drives this point of view? Is it that the people with whom we are working can’t comprehend the critical importance of performer safety; thus will cease paying attention to it as time passes? (Seriously?)
• There is a quality assumption, here, as well; this being that projected actors in any way equate to the visceral, virtually pheromonal effects of live performance before a live audience.
• While there are some great shows on this planet with actors projected onto walls, water screens and buildings; none have the emotionally connective, “that could be me” impact of a live performer, up there.

So here’s The Thing; the simple fact that someone is from another part of the world no longer lends itself to demographic, cultural or national generalizations, especially in the professional context. Just as was discussed in this space back in August, the cross-generational assumptions around digital communications and netiquette, one cannot justifiably assume a lesser level of professionalism, acuity, attention to detail or any other thing, simply due to the racial and cultural makeup of a given team or principal.

So, from one Global Professional to Another; let’s watch out for this.

Even were there a history of lackadaisical inattention to detail or commitment to upkeep on a property or show; I dare say that this [perceived] disparity no longer exists…certainly not in any way broadly assume-able. People in Show and Production are interned, apprenticed, educated and initiated out of standard-setting centers, all over the world. Themed entertainment and theatre are no longer relegated to Disney, Universal and Broadway…

…and people can read, view video, listen to lectures and aggressively study the work of the best without having to travel to Disneyland or Manhattan. To assume that today’s executives and operators aren’t committed to longevity of product is, to my mind, unfair, dismissive, disrespectful, a little bit ignorant…and a little bit racist.

Besides, they have you, there to advise, mentor and teach. Is it not our obligation to share information, fully communicate and expect commitment to the best?

“A man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for…?”

Robert Browning said it and I have often quoted it as my mantra of creating experience. Always shoot for the stars and find ways to create the most amazing thing…accepting less only when it is clear that all options have been exhausted. That is my responsibility as Creative Director, Director, Producer or any combination thereof.

From where I sit, a decades-old legacy of shortfall is no reason to reject the option of going the full distance in realization of vision. Such a legacy can inform one’s process and, if trepidatious, one should address that directly with the client. Share your fears with the client; opening and offering the opportunity for said client to allay any fears by expressing awareness of that same legacy and determination to not fall victim to what may have been standard, years before. Share the knowledge and watch it be embraced. Surprise yourself when discovering that perhaps your client may even be ahead of you, on this.

If you don’t ask, you won’t know: if you ask and they didn’t know; they know, now!

It’s a new generation, we are all global citizens. Assume equal commitment to quality and then be sure all terms are defined.

Communicate.

Up front.

My sense is that more positive reassurance will come from such a process, along with deepened mutual respect and understanding…and a far stronger working relationship; one based on trust and actual understanding rather than on assumption and the acting thereon.

Assuming a client or staff in another country won’t meet one’s own standard of production is, imho and as I inferred above, just a tad racist. While that may have been appreciably rationalized (note I did not say justified) a decade or two ago; I don’t believe it carries even that shaky foundation, any longer.

Yes, there are some parts of the world where the definition of “deadline” is a little more fluid than we may be used to, there are places where bureaucracy and corruption protract timelines and expand expenditure…and, yes, there are charlatans in every country – including the US – who are only in it for short-term gain and bail. This, I do not contest.

That being said, I believe that the great majority of people and companies who undertake to create experience that will draw audiences and make money believe, in their heart of hearts, that they want to create the best, and they want it to last. Few plan to fail.

I believe it is our responsibility to support the Dream and inform the process; proactively enlightening as we collaborate and being open to our own enlightenment as we do so.

imho.

“imho” the book for iPad and MacOS is still free (and always will be) – containing the first 20 chapters of this blog, it contains all the fundamentals discussed and referenced in subsequent posts. Download it and let me know what you think. Thank you.

Camels on the beach of Oman

’Tis the Season, the invitations have begun to arrive and there, prominently printed, is that dastardly phrase, “…proceeds go to…”

I had thought I’d write about this before the beginning of the Season, but put it off, and now I’m reminded at how irritating this word, “proceeds” is to me. Frankly, I find the word intentionally misleading and lacking in integrity.

Years ago, more than 30 of them, when founding Friends of Oscar (now Academy of Friends) in San Francisco, it was the predominance of that word that inspired me to find a way to guarantee that 100% of the ticket price would go to the beneficiary charities. At that time, in better financial times, the event could be 100% underwritten such that the guarantee could be made.

Times have, indeed, changed, and it’s much more difficult, now, to attempt to make such a guarantee. Unfortunately, the use of this Word Without Honor continues to proliferate; and I believe it sheds a bad light on otherwise noble causes.

Seriously. Let’s say you just paid $100.00 for a ticket to an event, ostensibly for Charity. What is the difference between:

• 100% of the proceeds will go to feed the homeless
• 50% of the proceeds will go to feed the homeless
• 25% of the proceeds will go to feed the homeless
• a portion of the proceeds….
• et cetera?

Nothing!

All of those statements can mean anything the producer wants them to mean.

The dictionary in this computer says that “proceeds” is “money obtained from an event or activity.”

“Proceeds” is disrespectful of and frankly insulting to your audience. Just what comprises “proceeds”? Profit? A percentage of the profit? Whatever’s left over after every entity, vendor and individual involved has taken their cut; or just what, exactly?

So, Producers of Events, out there; find another word. A word that actually means something. As the word, “proceeds,” is an essentially meaningless word, invented by some producer to give the impression that s/he is doing more than is, perhaps, reality.

Most people, in my occasional and informal surveys, assume it means…

• “um, profit?”
• “I dunno, everything after expenses?” “Which expenses, exactly…?” “Oh, I see your point…”

And so it goes; the impression of the word is of something noble. Upon examination, however, and with a little thought, people come to the realization that “proceeds” has no real and concrete meaning, thus can be used to mean anything.

In the name of simple Integrity, simply tell your audience what you mean; be clear as to just how much of the purchase price is going to the beneficiary of a given event or sale.

It’s simple respect. It will be respected. The candor will be rewarded, as you’re telling your audience that you can be trusted.

And, frankly, people will appreciate it. If what you are selling or charging is of value, allow the customer to know to exactly what level s/he is supporting the chosen recipient. Even if it is only $5.00 of the price of a $50.00 book, that’s still $5.00 more than would otherwise support that charity were the book not bought. If you are comfortable with that, if the buyer or patron is comfortable with that, all is good.

I’m a strong proponent of clarity and transparency. People appreciate transparency. And, if customers don’t come, that’s good information for the seller.

If, on the other hand, one is trepidatious about sharing the precise amount per purchase being donated; that might be an opportunity for re-evaluation. Using the truth in seeking charitable donations is doing business with full integrity.

Frankly, when I receive an invitation and see anything along the lines of

“…proceeds will go to…”

It goes, all right; directly into the trash.

IMHO, someone is hiding something when that word is used.

Find a better word: tell the truth.

Happy Thanksgiving and Caveat Emptor.

My eBook, “imho” for iPad and now OSX is still free, worth every penny and still available for download from Apple’s eBook store and iTunes. Read the reviews; read the book!

Story.

Storyteller.

Words that are tossed around by vast numbers of people across myriad industries and, in that, being diluted and misused…

• The Architect discusses the “story” of the building, “…what story are we telling…?”
• The Theme Park designer talks about the “story” of the envisioned installation, “…what is the “story” of this park…?”
• Every video game has a “story” of sorts; from battlefield to full-on alternate universe, with characters that live and die, love and lose, sink or Sim.
• The Attorney asks the client, “…what’s your Story?” (well, that’s more on point, actually; I’m sure there is no dearth of compelling fiction created and shared within lawyer-client relationships!).

Reasonable case can be made for all of the above-articulated uses of the word, “story,” and more. In the above examples, perhaps more accurate words might be “experience,” “conceit,” “context,” … “theme.”

What do we want those in the Thing we are creating to sense, feel, see or experience?

…and when do we get down to Real Storytelling?

…and, what IS Real Storytelling?

In the context of this conversation, I’m splitting the definition of Storytelling into two sorts; the Emotionally Compelling and the Viscerally Engaging…and there is a very fluid line between the two.

Backstory:

A few decades ago, many professional storytellers, from moviemakers to themed entertainment producers and creatives, got all excited about the MTV generation (then GenX, then Y, and so on…) perceived as having “short attention spans.”

The response was to try to address that with shorter stories, shorter scenes or beats within stories, no lingering on visuals, cutting the absolute bejeezus out of narratives, scene-by-scene and, in almost a panic mode, often pretty much taking the mystique out of the unfolding of a story.

What was being missed was the nuance that it wasn’t (and isn’t) that attention spans were short. It was that the opportunity to engage audience with a Good Story was short, but that were a story compellingly-introduced and well-told, young audiences in any context will stay for the full arc.

With the ubiquitous demands on the attention spans of this demographic, these kids simply gave less time to an opportunity for engagement. Once engaged, however…

The people panicking weren’t aware of the hours that kids were spending on early graphic adventure games such as “Myst,” where things actually moved quite slowly, mysteries were discovered and solved and the story very gradually revealed itself. Being not of That Demographic, they were not aware of the vast amounts of time being spent online, to and through the advent of RPG’s (Role Playing Games) such as “Dungeons & Dragons” and the subsequent evolution to the plethora of disparately-themed and played MUD’s (Multiple User Domains) to the super-sophisticated platforms that are far beyond my own ability and available time, now.

They simply did not know. As a result, there was a spate of knee-jerk creative production that resulted in rampant falling short of expectation.

Then, “Lord of the Rings” and “Harry Potter” happened – three-hour movies and 700 page books that teen boys would carry through airports with their skateboards. Suddenly, the fact of longer attention spans was public.

These stories told that engaged from the start and kept the reader / watcher enthralled, throughout. It wasn’t attention spans that were short, it was (and is) the amount of time in which we, as Creators of Experience, have to grab and hold the attention.

This is a critical nuance. Keeps us on our toes.

Is there a lesson, here…?

The Mobile Device

It’s here to stay; undeniably.

Can it be a part of an immersive experience? Yes.

Can it effectively augment the telling of a story? This answer is quite so simple.

Last year, I shared in this space my technique for successfully impelling an audience to put down their mobile devices in order to receive a theatrically-presented story. Presented in four, intense, ten-minute acts, the subject and the manner in which it was presented “trained” or convinced the audience that it was worthwhile to pay full attention to the story as it was being told. So, people are wean-able from their mobile devices.

This is that post: https://imho.kileozier.com/?p=204

[Note: I love technology and am an early adopter, though a “digital immigrant,” having been around since before the first IBM Selectric typewriter…something of which many of you have never heard.

I teach, between gigs, at the Apple Store and fully embrace the wonders of mobile technology, cloud technology, AR (that’s Augmented Reality for those in Certain Demographics) and all the great possibility that comes with this rapidly evolving technology.

That being said; I offer that one must be circumspect as to what and which sorts of experiences into which one attempts to insert the Second Screen.]

As mobile technology has evolved, though; again and again, flags are waved to make storytelling “interactive” by including a second screen in the Experience. Imho, this is misguided fervor.

As a storytelling device; in many ways, digital and mobile technology is unparalleled in creating certain experience. eBooks can be enhanced with video, kinetic graphics and gifs, photo galleries and myriad interactive possibilities; creating deeply immersive experiences, all contained on that screen.

This is one screen; one focus.

Even the New York Times has found elegant ways to augment the story with mixed media and print: http://www.nytimes.com/newsgraphics/2013/10/27/south-china-sea/

My friend, Dave Cobb ( http://www.davecobb.com ), one of the most iConnected people in the industry, is a passionate advocate of integration of mobile devices into entertainment experience…especially theme parks. I agree with him.

As he pointed out in a recent conversation; adding a layer or layers of AR to a theme park environment can significantly enhance the experience of, most especially, the repeat visitor. It offers even more opportunity for personalization of experience as well as the possibility of adding unique features and discoveries with each, subsequent visit. Fantastic.

Museums, historical sites, any number of study or exploratory or enlightening experiences can be greatly enhanced with mobile technology.

Yet, here is the nuance…

As cited above, mobile devices are fantastic at creating or augmenting experience. As a storytelling device, this technology is uniquely flexible and offers ways to tell a story from multiple perspectives and with varied media, all on the one screen. Most cool.

However, bringing that device into another storytelling context immediately dilutes the reception of the story, thus its effectiveness in engaging and moving one, emotionally.

Boiled down (and possibly over-simplified); this is a difference between the exciting, visceral experience with the mobile device versus the emotionally compelling experience of being “told” a story as a passive receiver.

Storytelling, in the purest and most wonderful form, is a gift to the receiver. The receiver, the audience, does nothing but receive and experience. Our job is to create that storytelling experience in as lush and evocative a way as to render our audience rapt.

People being told a story use virtually only the right side of the brain. Once a second screen is added to the experience; analysis and decision-making enter the picture, the left brain is engaged and the possibility and depth of potential emotional engagement is immediately sidelined.

imho, of course. But this is Human Physiology, neuroscience.

Most articulately put by Jonathan Gottschall in Fast Company, recently; he outlines the nature of storytelling. This is Required Reading for anyone wanting to appreciate the value of true storytelling.

He makes the case for the protection of actual storytelling experience from the intrusion of “interactivity.” Well worth it: http://www.fastcocreate.com/3020047/story-20-the-surprising-thing-about-the-next-wave-of-narrative#!

I mentioned a Lesson, above, and it goes back again to Tenet Number One; Exploration of Assumption. What are we assuming when we respond / react to something we do not understand? The abbreviated Moment of Opportunity to capture the attention of young audiences had been interpreted to mean that they couldn’t pay attention for longer periods of time. Nuance overlooked. Wrong answer.

Simply; when seeking to embrace the incorporation of new technology and techniques into storytelling, perhaps take time to evaluate just what sort of story we are seeking to express. Is it game-like? Is about strategy? By all means, bring in the screens.

Is it about a narrative arc, do we want to engage, move, have our audience thinking quietly about the experience – the story – for some time, afterward? Then perhaps not distracting from that story is a more effective approach. Subliminally engage the audience in experiencing the story; though with one focus.

Pick a screen, any screen…or stage, or stadium. Just be sure the method of your storytelling supports the story you wish to tell… Nothing is absolute; but some things just work.

( More on Subliminal Engagement:  https://imho.kileozier.com/?p=87 )

Thanks for reading.

BTW: If you happen to like a pretty fantastic, science fiction / fantasy world story; my longtime friend, David Erickson, has just published his first novel, White Fist & Two Dogs. I am unabashedly plugging it, here. Dave has done so much for me, as a good friend, and I’ve read his book and had a blast, doing so. Just sayin’; take a look and make your own decision.

http://www.breakinghevn.com

Meanwhile, my eBook, “imho” for iPad and now OSX is still free and still available for download from Apple’s eBook store and iTunes.

Just over a week ago, immediately prior to my departure for this current sojourn in Dubai, I received a surprise and pretty fantastic gift; unexpected in the context of a conversation with my good friend and former protégé, Keith. 

As an aside; to call Keith a “former protégé is almost misleading. If anything, he was such for perhaps two months; as I knew when I taught with him at Apple that he was made for this business. A sense borne out when I recruited him as my Production Manager for an event in San Francisco; a business, a way of working, a context to which he took as does the proverbial Duck to Water. He is now, barely a year later, Assistant Director of Entertainment at one of the two highest-ranked water parks in the world.

He’s a natural.

Anyway, for the past few months he’d been working on the debut of a brand-new, character, diver and acrobat driven water show. It had premiered the day before, and I was excited to learn how it went.

Thus, to the SKYPE!

“So? How’d it go?”

“Well,” he said, “…the show opened yesterday, and guess what I did…”

“I don’t know; tell me! Took notes? What…?”

He looked me right in the eye as a big smile grew on his face and he said, “Nothing!”

A huge laugh erupted from me. He was referring to my Assertion – as cited in this space some months ago – that a Good Producer has nothing to do on Show Day. If the Producer is running around, putting out fires and settling last minute issues, s/he’s hired the wrong people, led the team poorly and isn’t prepared for the job.

Show Day, for the good producer, should be one of calm; standing and watching the work of the team and the effective results of the meticulous planning leading up to Show Day.

(Barring “Acts of God” emergencies, of course.)

Keith takes that philosophy to heart and illustrates this philosophy in the most practical of ways. He had nothing to do on Show Day. Fantastic.

I’m honored and flattered to witness it.

—————————————

So, yes; I’m in Dubai for the foreseeable future on a massive project.

One of the things I like so much about working in this part of the world is the disparity of nationalities and cultures on pretty much any team of professionals one might encounter. On this team I have joined, already, are English, Dutch, German, Indian, Pakistani, South African, a couple of Americans and myriad more. Together, in a culture alien to us all, as we work to deliver unsurpassable product to this client and culture.

I appreciate my ability to be sensitive to the disparate cultures around me and keep the faux pas at a minimum with positive relationships built and nurtured with relative ease. I say that, as during my most recent departure from SFO, I was brought up short as I realized I’d overlooked something very close to home.

There is a guy at SFO whom I have not liked for years. He’s always at the entry to the TSA queue and is a stickler for one’s carry-on fitting into that ridiculous metal display that asserts to determine whether or not said carry-on will fit in the overhead compartment. Sometimes, one can slip by him if the bag is carried deceptively or it’s busy. But he will NOT allow the too-large bag to pass.

I haven’t been liking this guy; not since my first encounter with him, years ago.

When I interact with him, I keep it sweet, swift and professional; but inside I’ve judged him a jerk. He’s an older gentleman, Chinese, with a thickish accent; which doesn’t make it any easier to communicate when he’s saying “no.” Irascible and, in my opinion and experience, not the most pleasant person.

However…

This most recent time I encountered him, I was still out in the queue at the check-in counter, well before Security. Right as I got to the ticket counter, up marched one of The Entitled (you know the type; hotshot guys for whom No Rules Apply…) with this man in tow. Barging up to the Agent adjacent to me, he launched into a diatribe about this man’s incompetence in his refusal to allow Mr. Entitled’s (massive) rolling carry-on past the barrier.

Mr. Entitled was loud, brash, pushy and dismissive of this man-whom-I’ve-been-judging; and his carry-on was BIG. He was berating the man in the third person, telling the agent of all the times he’s had his bag on board with him…and who does this guy think he is, telling him any different.

I didn’t feel like watching, so went on to Security and – about four minutes later – this gentleman walked past us in the queue to his regular place at the head of the rope and stanchion, the physical entry to the TSA queue.

Slowly, he bent over and picked up his gloves; then stared out at…I don’t know what he saw, actually. He stared in the direction of we in the queue, but sort of through us, over our heads or beyond where we were standing…

…And, in that moment, what I saw broke my heart. What I now saw was a man from another culture, deeply dedicated to his job. Dedicated to…and Proud of it. Suddenly, I re-appreciated his own, inherent, Cultural Roots; he comes from a culture where Rules are almost more than Rules, where Rules and Order are Respected…and they do apply. I saw that all he was doing – all he had ever been doing – had been seeing that the rules are followed.

He had simply been doing a job he is grateful to have and proud to do.

I saw him hurt and perhaps shamed to have had his competence questioned. I have no idea the outcome of the altercation at the ticket counter; all I saw was the starkly visual, personal result of the insult.

The wound I perceived in his eyes made me ashamed of all the times I had thought ill of him.

He looked out at the airport, turned, picked up his jacket and put it under his arm and left the area. Head down.

I realized in that moment that I’d short-circuited one of my most valued personal and professional qualities by Assuming and Compartmentalizing.

Empathy, cross- and inter-cultural sensitivity are of my best qualities. I’m good at making my way in alien cultures; appreciating my own sensitivities, they serve me well in my work…especially here, in Dubai.

When in Dubai, though, it’s easy to remember to remain culturally sensitive, as one is constantly surrounded with reminders through accents, clothing, skin color and mannerisms. It was right there, at home, that I’d overlooked the very clues I seek when I’m aware.

We should always strive to be Aware. And beware the pitfalls of familiarity that lead to any assumptions; erroneous or otherwise.

Exploration of Assumption is the first Tenet of my Big Five for the creation of compelling experience. Exploring – being aware of – one’s own assumptions is a valuable tool in all situations, then, not simply the Important Ones.

So, here’s the lesson for all of us; certainly for me: practice at home what we practice in the field. Assume nothing; and watch for one’s own assumptions in every aspect of daily life, in personal and professional interactions.

Be and remain sensitive to others, and guard against judgement on the basis of anything from facial expression to uniform.

I now believe that that man has never sought to be unpleasant or difficult, he doesn’t even see it that way; he has simply been striving to do his job the best way he understands it as it needs to be done.

It’s not up to me to judge him, nor to like or dislike his style. Rather, I’m offered the opportunity to simply accept that it is what it is. The man’s been there for years; someone must appreciate and approve of the way he does his job.

People around us, throughout our personal and professional lives, all have backstories and histories of which we know nothing. So much we might tend to take personally, or take-onboard in frustration, might very easily spring from reasonable sources or rationale outside our own experience.

We just never know.

My suggestion is to accept it and move on, in situations such as this one. In our ongoing professional lives, then; when someone isn’t responding as we might prefer, perhaps it’s a healthy modus operandi to call to mind that such lessons, and just work with what we have.

imho.

Feel free to download the eBook, “imho” for iPad, iPhone, iPod and now iTunes – the book is free, and contains the fundamental, foundational chapters on techniques and methodologies for the creation of compelling experience. Thanks!

I’m about to board a flight to Savannah for SATE ’13;  this year’s, (r)evolutionary iteration of this Professionally Intimate gathering of creative thought leaders; Creators of Compelling Experience from across the spectrum of themed and theatrical entertainment, worldwide.

SATE – an acronym standing for the four foci of the two, intense days, standing for Story + Architecture + Technology = Experience – is the brainchild of TEA (Themed Entertainment Association) Leadership; a fantastic conference, just coming up on its 10th Annual gathering of minds.

In previous years, SATE has gathered in Los Angeles, Orlando and – in 2012 – at Disneyland Paris. This year, in recognition and support of one of our most rapidly-growing and valuable facets of the organization, we are meeting at SCAD, the Savannah College of Art & Design. With a focus on what is to come in our collective industries, alongside the priority of welcoming and mentoring New Blood from other generations and other industries; we gather, this week, at this heady, academic hotbed of creativity and futurism to share ideas, vision, pathways and lessons both learned and taught.

And talk with some amazing students.

Before I shut down the iMac, grab the MacBook and head for the airport; I want to gather up all the virtual post-it notes that have been generated from the past few posts on IMHO and share with y’all the feedback and contribution that has been engendered by these, most recent, missives.

So, in no order of Priority, here are extrapolations on what was previously posited, feedback and suggestions inspired by earlier posts, the filling-in of gaps and the clarification of an opinion or two… Irrespective of one’s position or experience in these industries, I’ll just bet that there will be one or two of these to resonate with you.

With that; to this Cornucopia of Counsel…

Ensuring Integrity of a Meeting Schedule:

At the beginning of a project or extended period of affiliation with an institution, theatre or non-profit, lay out the meeting schedule for the entire duration of the project at the first meeting. No kidding. If your regular production meetings are to take place every two weeks on a Tuesday morning, or every month or week or whatever; agree to that in the meeting, then ask everyone to put these dates into their calendars, immediately.

In this way, your regularly-scheduled meeting takes actual priority over most anything else that can arise, and when other clients or individuals seek to place demand on the time of a committee / team member, this booking already precedes that request…blocking the time, thus protecting your meeting.

IMHO, people not showing up for meetings (as well as showing up late or leaving early) undermines both the quality of the meeting and of the work done in that meeting as well as jeopardizes the efficiency and final delivery of the product or show on which y’all are working.

At bottom: catching people up slows everyone down. See if you might build that risk out of the structure of your operation from the outset.

Voicemail versus call waiting:

We’ve discussed this, before, yet here it is, again.

• Do not answer the phone if you can’t take the call. This actually impedes communication and slows down delivery of information. “Can I call you back?” Major Fail; let your virtual secretary handle the call.
• Do not leave a message saying, “Call me.” Seriously. Call you about what, prithee? Take the opportunity that voicemail offers you to further the conversation…when the recipient of your voicemail returns your call, give that person the opportunity to return it with value…such as the information you were seeking in the first place.
• Dump call waiting if you have voicemail. (If you don’t have voicemail, you are hereby invited to bypass the ’90’s, the 00’s and jump right into the ‘0‘teens.) Call Waiting is rude and use of it regularly puts you in the difficult position of assessing priority and value of the caller on the line versus the caller calling in. Why sow doubt into these relationships? Keep communication clean, clear, uninterrupted.

Keep your word.

If you say you’re going to do something; do it. If you find you cannot; alert all concerned, immediately.

Late is Late:

Calling, texting, emailing someone whom you are meeting less than an hour before said meeting to tell them you are going to be late does not make you un-late. Doing so less than 15 minutes before said meeting / lunch / whatever is just plain rude.

Pretty much everyone in your context deals with the same traffic and random obstacle to being on time. On time can be done. So, do it. I quoted in a post that is included in “IMHO” the book an anecdote about sharing with someone the effect of being ten minutes late to a meeting of ten people. That’s 70 “staff minutes;” over an hour of wasted time attributable to someone’s lack of planning…or absence of concern. Don’t be open to this.

As a Professional, simply do not be late. Better to be early.

LinkingIn, Facing Book, Tweeting and Following.

Especially if one is seeking to build or augment a network with and through Social Media sites: DO NOT USE THE DEFAULT INVITATION PHRASE. Show some creativity and personality, personalize the invitation. If all one does is click “Invite” and allow the site to fill in the blanks; then the person being invited / approached will very likely assume that all you did was click the button and allow the site to use the default invitation copy.

Is that the impression you want to make?

I’ve had students from my classes approach me on LinkedIn. In my class, I make the point of using this self-introductory opportunity to set oneself apart, display some creativity or at least professionalism. Still, I get the default invitation.

What does this tell me…?

1. There isn’t enough real interest in a professional relationship to personalize the invitation,
2. My admonitions were ignored,
3. The writer simply wants access to my network and will probably do exactly the same to all of them,
4. There must be some unfathomable level of ignorance I did not perceive, in class.

In pertinent reality, this leaves me disinclined to offer a job to anyone who’s sat through my class or reads this blog and still uses the default invitation. It tells me the writer is not creative, at the very least. I know I am not alone in this impression of people who just click the button and call it a Relationship.

Wake up, y’all. On a level playing field – such as the web – there are a few easy ways to set oneself apart. Embrace those opportunities; they can very readily mean the difference between getting a nod in the hallway or getting a job or gig.

If you “tried” to call; you didn’t call.

If you are attempting to reach someone, leave evidence. Phoning, without leaving a message, is what drives Yoda his mind out of… (“DO. Or Do Not. There is no ‘try’.”)

Integrity is everything; even if there has been a factor of procrastination in putting off the calling someone. Cop to it. Frankly, there are far too many ways to see if one has actually called to even play the “I tried…” game.

So, when reaching out to someone; do the work. Two very important people know the truth in these contexts, the non-caller and the non-callee. Don’t lie. It doesn’t pay.

Keep communication clean and the relationships healthy. There is no substitute for this.

This is just me, but:

When someone’s phone rings in a meeting I am running; I have been known to stop the meeting and wait for the call to finish. If the call is that important, we may as well all have the benefit of eavesdropping on the conversation. So often, the choice is to continue the meeting, then stop it to bring the Talker up to speed when s/he returns to the Present. If we’re gonna wait, anyway, let’s listen to the conversation… 😉

To be fair – and to give fair warning – I usually announce / request at the beginning of a given meeting that we all put our phones on silent…which I also do and place it face-down on the table so’s I don’t glance at the screen to see who’s calling… Just sayin’

All that being said, of course there are exceptions; sick children at home, et cetera. No need to be a total hardcore, just parameters that might be set.

Listen to yourself (proof your writing); be sure you actually mean what you are saying or writing:

• Did you mean “…everyone can’t attend…” or do you mean, “…not everyone can attend…”?
• Did you mean, “I could care less, “ or, “I couldn’t care less”?
• Are you clear that “Irregardless” is not a word? “Irrespective” is a word. “Regardless” is a word. “Irregardless” is not.
• You know it’s “Hear! Hear!” not “Here, here…” Right? Think about it.
• You’re clear on the difference between “sight” and “site,” “to” and “too”?

Especially with freelancers and those new to the industry — any industry – people make ongoing evaluations of you as you think, speak, act… A little polish, a little thinking-through goes a long way toward making and cementing a good impression.

Don’t kid yourself, this is important stuff. People who make decisions worth millions of dollars see these sloppy (or ignorant) errors and make decisions that may affect your livelihood, promotion, future… Competition is fierce, out (t)here; one person’s sloppiness is another person’s opportunity.

Do you really want to be available, 24/7?

Then, don’t be. Keep in mind that the habits you exhibit offer people the opportunity to reach conclusions about what is acceptable behavior…conclusions that favor the wants and needs of the client; not you. So, don’t answer your phone in the middle of the night unless you want to be known for…being reachable in the middle of the night.

Et cetera.

Have your boundaries and maintain them. The onus is on your shoulders; rarer than Kryptonite is the client who will ask you how late it is “okay” to phone you…who will ask if you are protecting your healthy family life and getting enough sleep. ‘Sup to you to take care of yourself. When you make exceptions, be sure they are Exceptions.

And, if you are expected to be available 24/7; be sure you are being paid for it.

Let’s talk a little about Facebook.

First and foremost; be aware of the distinction between Commenting on a Post and sending a personal communication via the message function on FB.

Someone posts and you have a comment or contribution to the conversation. Easy-peasy; you type it into that little window below your friend’s post or the most recent comment. Good: you got it.

You have a personal question to ask that came to mind as you read your friend’s post, so you type into that window “hey, has your herpes cleared up?” Not such a good idea; as that question is now posted for all to see. Is that what you meant to do? Probably not. Same goes for “What’s your phone number” or “here’s my address.”

These latter do not belong in the comments feed or thread on FaceBook. Faux Pas. Pay attention.

Simply hovering over the photo of your friend (or going to the FB page) will offer you the “message” option. Use that avenue and your communications will be strictly between the two of you and not broadcast to the world. Think before you act…or type or tap or swipe or scroll…

Now, about Avenues of Communication:

You young’uns – don’t assume a familiarity with or fluid relationship between social media platforms on the part your peers of any age. Just don’t.

Recently, I was on the way to a lunch date with a younger associate of mine. I discovered a bit of a wait at the tram stop and just happened to open FaceBook while I waited…only to find an important communication from him about the location and time for lunch.

It is unusual for me to open FB on my phone – and as a silver-haired geek, I am way more embracing of social media platforms than the great majority of my peers. Had I not seen that communique, I would have risked completely missing meeting up with my friend. Why he would use FB to communicate something of priority rather than the email address I’ve had for 20 years is beyond me.

But. He did.

So, Kids: Do not depend on Facebook or LinkedIn or any other social platform to communicate with other people on a business level. Sure a lot of people follow Twitter, a lot of people look at Facebook all the time, but as many people or more do not. Especially if you’re confirming or changing appointments or letting someone know you are late…these are not reliable ways to do that.

And that’s the other side of this equation…for you old’uns – Don’t you be assuming, either.

IF you are over 40 and have an appointment with someone and do not hear from them and you’re waiting at the table, you might want to check your Facebook app; they may have sent you a note…or your Twitter Feed…or your iMessages and texts. The communication could be anywhere.

Ergo, never assume you’re in communication or not ‘til you’ve reconnoitered all avenues of communication. And even then; why not call?

Just sayin’…

So, across the board (and across generations) do remember that we are in a time of massive transition in the way we communicate with one another; professionally as well as personally. Most everyone, separated by a few years, has differing perceptions of and virtuosity with different communications platforms. It won’t hurt any of us to think a tad deeper when communicating so as to be sure that communication gets through and is clear and understood.

And perhaps hold off on judgement when a message is received through more than one channel. That is most likely evidence of a level of conscientiousness or an associate striving for completeness.

The world, especially the professional world, is undergoing massive transition. Brilliantly creative people are finding themselves crippled by having eschewed the web and social media, early on, and are now not only unable to but are afraid of trying to use these “simple” tools.

They ain’t simple ‘til y’know ‘em.

Meanwhile, and as I referred in an earlier post, Millennials are entering a world they did not have to learn to navigate; it’s been an inherent part of existence since the beginning of their self-awareness. Newer Millennials also perceive – as I am coming to discover and embrace as I work with so many students – the wealth of experiential and anecdotal knowledge that lives in brains just a few decades older’n them…and they both respect these Individuals of Experience and cherish access to their memory banks.

This is symbiotic, and represents what I see as the dawn of a profoundly productive and synergistically creative future among creatives and producers of all demographics. I’m seeing people look across the virtual table at the way those at other positions on the spectrum of age are doing things and finding themselves willing to adopt bits of the new into the systems of legacy we each have developed.

There is a respect between ages that I have not seen, in decades. I’m glad to see it and lucky to be a part of an industry that throws people together by proclivity and vision rather than by some antiquated hierarchy.

Buckle UP.

————————–

Finally, here is a little something to leave y’all with: I believe that there is no such thing as Free Creative. Nor should there be. Personally, I encourage creatives to charge for their work when being asked for ideas, freelance.

Don’t Give it All Away.

I never pitch ideas or concepts to a potential client without being paid to do so. What I pitch is my body of work, each and all of which has been developed by me in collaboration with respective clients.  If a client insists I pitch possible concepts and / or shows, that is not a client with whom I can work.

But you will virtually always be asked for ideas. If you are willing to give your brilliance away, to have your ideas stolen or co-opted and executed by someone else without your depth and vision; then, by all means, go ahead and share. This approach, full of risk to the Creative, has been an industry standard for decades, and one I have resisted for decades…sometimes to the detriment of my own financial security.

However, I have rarely been sorry to have withheld ideas and I have pretty much always been sorry when I’ve caved and later seen my concepts, poorly executed by someone else. I’d rather keep my integrity and protect that of my concepts and process. It is not unheard-of for someone to steal an idea, execute it poorly, then blame s/he from whom said idea was stolen as though it were the concept at fault rather than the executor.

My best work comes from that collaboration; from delving into the minds and passions of the client and principals, thereof, to learn motivation, history, inspiration and what keeps these people working with and for said client. All of this informs a perception of the mission of the company, agency or institution and affects the ultimate interpretation of the goals or objectives of a particular show or Experience being considered and developed.

I was encouraged to read the comments of Mark Busse, founder of Industrial Brand out of Vancouver (http://www.industrialbrand.com) who, in the face of this high-pressure dynamic, asserts, “…but the industry has profoundly risen up against speculative work in the last few years, establishing that earning work by pitching free creative devalues our industry.”

Well, Hear! Hear!

Download the free eBook for iPad from iTunes or the iBook Library; it contains the first 20 posts of “imho,” covering the basic methodologies of Ozier’s Tenets for the Creation of Compelling Experience along with a few interactive pieces and galleries.

…amidst the Deluge of Data and Information: Evolving media consumption, managing audience expectation, and the responsibilities incumbent on our audiences.

Not easy, and not a simple subject.

Before I address this, though; perhaps an explanation as to where I’ve been for the past several weeks.

Nowhere; actually.

In the middle of Nowhere, actually…

In August, I spent two weeks in the extreme wilderness, the Gifford Pynchot region of Washington State. Invited, welcomed and embraced by a group of Native Americans and believers of disparate origin to discover, explore and “ …Walk the Red Road” (google or wikipedia it), I found my time off the grid and deep, deep in the wilderness to have been recalibrating, revivifying, regenerative.

It was a powerful experience; about which I have written, here:

http://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/off-the-grid-and-into-the-woods/

I shall be returning to Washington State and this group of spiritualists, again, many times. This was exceptionally good for me; with long days and nights, completely alone on a mountaintop with no food nor water, feeling the world drain away and sensing my inner, creative, empathetic soul gather itself and strengthen my core sensibilities, feelings, talents and skills…

I recommend something such as this for every creative person; every producer, director, creative director, writer, production manager… Whether it be at some Benedictine Hermitage (one of which exists, a completely silent retreat, year-round near Big Sur) or a more peripatetic group of souls such as this to which I was called; this is a profoundly cleansing and inspirational exercise.

To find a way, in…to explore and rediscover oneself…the value of this is beyond hyperbole. Leaving familiar surroundings and spending time, alone and unhindered by Today, Tomorrow and Yesterday can be naught but healthy and positive. I offer y’all find a way to do something like this.

…and now, back to our regular programming.

As I was saying; Managing Audience Expectation…

Some weeks ago, Kevin Spacey offered an articulate rant from a London Stage to networks and broadcasters, worldwide. In this speech, he admonished the networks to pay attention to narrative, to storytelling, and to eschew the Box into which story development is regularly, traditionally forced from the beginning of “Pilot” season. Further, he strongly advocates awareness of and respect for the digitally sophisticated audience that is taking over the viewing of film / television / stories. Audience can no longer be told how and when to watch something; each individual wants to watch entertainment or experience Story the way s/he wants to, when s/he wants to and in any favorite format.

The choice now longer rests with the formerly all-powerful network; the greater cache is becoming something in the hands of the audience, rather.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0ukYf_xvgc

He also, quite eloquently, asserted the position of the audience in choosing how we consume media experiences; our choice of screen(s), time and timing, binge versus episodic. He exhorts the networks to relinquish attempts at controlling when and how people receive the shows, and implies (imho…) a bit of a revolution, underfoot.

A revolution which I embrace, btw. Whether we “should” or not be able to watch the way we want; we shall be able to watch the way we want, and that’s that. So, what new context is this…?

Two, widely disparate, issues come to mind, here, for me.

• The first is the detrimental affect of simultaneous multi-screen viewing pathways, and
• The second is the heightened danger of the Overshare to those who’ve not yet consumed a given piece of media.

As to the first:

We’ve seen several experiments at engaging audience through offering smaller, ancillary screens within broader, immersive experiences. The idea behind this, while honorable and edgy, is founded on what I believe is a major misstep in the logic, in the thinking behind it.

People absorb story through the Right Brain. When this is happening; the less active and more dormant is the Left Brain – the analytical lobe – the more power is given the Right to absorb, to sense and feel.

The moment a second screen is introduced – one that calls for control, monitoring and input by the audience member – that emotional bond begins to fray if not outright break. For the adrenaline-based experience, this is not a problem: if it’s about the rush of a race or a thrill of a battle, that’s an experience that is about analysis and strategy, fueled by adrenalin, anyway.

But when a story has a mission to engage, emotionally – to evoke feelings and memories or simply to engage in a new narrative – the dynamic instilled by the second screen immediately detracts from the experience.

An associate of mine, George Mandella, articulates and deconstructs the quintessential example of this distraction in his column on the detrimental affects of AMC’s most recent Good Idea, “Story Synch.” It’s an idea that probably sounded great at a conference table of people who don’t know the physiology of being told a story; but, in reality, the idea…um, sucks.

Check out George’s opinion and experience, here…

http://thememelab.wordpress.com/2013/09/20/breaking-bad-need-a-third-eye-for-my-second-screen/

So, as you are creating an Experience of a Storytelling nature, do keep in mind the dangers of distraction. I offer that, as storytellers, we want our audience immersed in the experience rather than working to personalize and manage it… Just sayin’…

Now, to the second thing…

What comes to mind as I listen to Mr. Spacey’s spot-on rant is what happens to me when I see too many, different trailers for the same film. Used to be (back in the olden days), there was one trailer for a film. Over the past decade, trailers are being designed for specific audiences thus contain different content. Often, a series of trailers is produced as production on a film continues and is completed: for that, or whatever other reasons those pesky whippersnapper MBA’s in Marketing conjure, trailers are cut and recut and shown in succession to the extent that – should one see many, disparate films – the chances are that one could see up to ten or fifteen minutes of a film through a de facto conflation of trailers.

Somewhat analogous to bit torrent technology with respect to bits and pieces and hints and teasers of a story coming into one’s consciousness from different directions at different times; the sum total offering ultimate discernment of the pending story and the resultant diminishing of the experience when the story is told.

For me, this pretty much eliminates the compulsion to pay Retail for a given film. I’ll wait for it to be released in iTunes or on AppleTV or even Netflix streaming. My Jones for the surprise twists will have been tempered so broadly with accumulated knowledge that my  too-informed sense of how the movie is going to unfold depletes my desire to see it on the Big Screen.

But now…there is an entirely new risk to the not-yet-viewer, inherent in the new ability to binge-watch entire seasons as early as release-weekend, for one to absorb entire, multi-episode story arcs while one’s friends are still wiping the butts of their kids; putting the latecomers all-too-easily at risk of the proclivity of others to share significant plot twists or endings long before one has the chance to experience the unfolding narrative for oneself.

There have always been risks of some <ahem> cretin saying, “He’s already dead!” or, “She’s a guy!” or “OMG; he’s Luke’s FATHER!!!” (If you didn’t already know these, you live under a rock.)

Now, with people feeling compelled to live post and tweet even as they are watching a broadcast, or discuss the ramifications of character perambulations in open forum on FaceBook; the risk to those who have not taken the first, most broad, opportunity to consume of learning too much, too soon is egregious.

Used to be, people tended to carry a sensibility toward not revealing the end of a movie or a huge plot development in a Series for a generally-accepted period of time. That courtesy seems now to have gone the way of the floppy disc.

Can anything actually be done to protect the surprise of story developments? I don’t think so. If anything, it’s more or less up to us to be as discreet as possible about what we know of have seen. On the other hand, for those of us navigating the digital minefield of FB and Twitter; we can only be ready to quickly avert our eyes when scrolling down a page, such that we can leap-away from premature information.

I see no solution, here, beyond individual courtesy and circumspection.

That, and it makes embracing the techniques of storytelling that much more important; the need for compelling experience that much more profound, so that we can take people into fantasy where they wonder about the end until the end.

I think we will always have work.

Feel free to download the free eBook for iPad, “Imho” from iTunes.

Let’s talk for a moment about Netiquette in the Professional World.

There is an ever-changing, evolving set of procedures and responsibilities that support productive and clear communications between us as we work together both in realtime and in cyberspace. As more and more of y’all who have grown up with the web as a part of your world of cyberplay and communications – something not even thought about in being inherently accepted as a part of Life – the rules that apply to our communication with one another will continue to evolve.

For this Moment, then, I offer some guidelines for successful relationship-building and maintenance in a wired and wireless world.

The first thing to remember is that not everyone in our industries is the same age; nor is everyone of any age necessarily at the same level of CyberAbility at any given time. Daily, new 40-, 50- and 60-somethings find themselves (finally!) embracing the web and relinquishing their hold on old ways of communicating. If one is younger and just entering this work force, it will support potential success and welcome to remember that what may be acceptable amongst one’s peers may seem rude or even ignorant to people with whom one might want to forge relationships or perhaps even from whom one might be seeking employment.

Take nothing for granted. Often, a few extra seconds of thought when communicating will reap bountiful rewards. Some of the smartest, most accomplished people in these industries are still just a tad intimidated by the web, simply out of unfamiliarity with it. Having put off the task of becoming familiar with the myriad tools, platforms and formats within which communication and collaboration is now taking place; there may be a part within even the most respected hero that avoids the experience of not knowing how this thing works.

There can be a sense of having missed The Moment when it was accessible and now finding oneself behind the proverbial Curve.

Everyone will get there, in the long run. But, until all y’all who are now in your 20’s are in your 40’s and 50’s, there will still be those in your sphere, those with whom you will want to work and those from whom you can still learn with whom you will be far more successful by remaining sensitive to the separate learning curve on which each may be with respect to the web.

Inherent in that are some old rules of communication that, while evolving, will be helpful to keep in mind.

In no particular order, then:

Personalize your communication whenever possible.

While using the Default Message when seeking to “LinkIn” or “Friend” someone may be acceptable amongst youthful peers; it is often seen as rude, dismissive or just plain lazy by a lot of people who receive such. Until recently, both FaceBook and LinkedIn offered “send a message” alongside the “invite” field. I notice that both of those have been removed; undermining the potential personalization of these communiqués.

My suggestion? Take a moment to shoot a message to the individual you are approaching to iBond, saying you are going to send them a friend or link request and would appreciate their consideration. Less than a minute for a sentence or two will help your entreaty shine over the pack and likely be remembered at a crucial time in the future that may involve opportunity.

Just sayin’. A simple note of a line or two that gives context to your ping. Not a “letter,” simply a line…

Full disclosure; I used to just ignore people on FB and LinkedIn who just sent the request without personalizing. These days, I tend to cut young people some slack, especially on FB. After speaking before so many academic institutions and at conferences; when I see that they are younger, I just accept the culture. I am a little less generous on LinkedIn, as it is a professional networking site. Before I give someone access to my network, I want to know where they work and how they know me.

These days, though, with the spread of “imho,” my iBook and this blog, the proliferation of the Default has become much greater. I have to accept this.

Each time I receive a LinkedIn request that says, “Because I trust you…,” though, I have to chuckle. This person doesn’t know me, how can s/he trust me?

You know who stands out, though? The ones who send me a note. One sentence: “I saw you speak at…,” “I read your post on…” Simple, easy, eminently memorable.

Find ways to personalize; it will serve you.

Stay in Communication

As you network, and as you benefit from that network, stay in touch with your contacts and especially with your mentors.

If you get advice from someone:

• Do not fail to thank them in writing.
• Remember to touch base with them when and as you apply said advice. Again; a line or two telling them, “I thought of last month’s conversation, yesterday, when I…” Let them know you aren’t a one-shot deal.
• Tell them if you can ever be of assistance to them or someone they know that you are always available.
• Keep them posted on where you are. You never know the ramifications of the impression you made. If it feels right, keep them apprised of your progress.
• Do not drop from view. Silence is just plain rude.
• That being said; don’t pester or overwhelm, don’t communicate without reason. Be sure of substance in all communication.
• When you ask for information or support or a simple document; acknowledge receipt. Don’t put anyone in the position of asking if you received something. A simple “got it, thanks” will do the trick.
• “NRN” means “No Reply Necessary.” A very handy “gift” when touching-base with a mentor or resource. You’re sending this person an update or acknowledgement; be sure they don’t feel obligated to respond, each time. Don’t add to their workload, add to their sense of good investment in you.
• I would hope that I don’t need to cite this one, but just in case: don’t use TweetText in professional communications. No “how R U 2day?” Just don’t.

Courtesy

Do not let communications rest idle for too long. If you’re busy, swamped, simply do not have time to give something the attention it requires; shoot a note of acknowledgement of that and let the sender know that s/he is on your radar and will get a response. You can hold your breath for the time it takes to write, “Am crazy busy, but will give this the time it deserves in a few days. Talk soon, Self.” Pay attention to that; it pays off.

I have found that, if I leave the emails that represent tasks that I need to complete or obligations to fulfill in my inbox, that serves as a powerful “to do” tool for me. If I’ve told someone I’ll get back to them, I leave that in my inbox so as to keep it in front of me.

As that inbox begins to hover around 60 “read” messages, I know I’d better make time to address it. For me, it’s a matter of integrity and professionalism.

If it is something one does not want to do or someone whom one would rather avoid (come on; we all have those and we’ve all done it); I feel quite strongly that we deal with these things, respectfully.

No human being should be ignored, ever. I say “hello” to panhandlers on the street, even when I don’t give them money. Anyone who sends me an email is worth at least that much respect.

Just as space fills a vacuum, fiction can fill the void of silence; and that fiction is usually far more destructive than would be whatever is the simple Truth. Don’t make people wonder and fabricate possible reasons for your silence. If you’ve changed your mind on something, if deadlines or circumstances have changed, if you’ve changed some course or other just let anyone waiting on you know.

Without delay.

Anyone who’s ever waited for a phone call after a first date knows how slowly time can pass. Responding or addressing such things with alacrity removes doubt from the other end and takes the pressure off of you.

Respect and Integrity

So, that’s what it’s all about: Respect and Integrity that grow from clean and sure communications. It doesn’t take a lot of time, it does take some focused thought. Remember that the web is populated with millions of you Digital Natives; but also by even more millions of we Digital Immigrants. We Immigrants arrive with preconceptions, habits and opinions that may be of another era to you, but are just as valid to us as are your values, priorities and habits to you.

I’m offering that, if these differences are kept in mind as we all communicate with one another, if we maintain the discipline to remember the myriad approaches to communication, out there, and that our goal is to be successful and productive in our communications across the lines of global culture and with those of, ahem, greater chronology; we will all be happier and likely be more successful.

imho.

Download the free eBook for iPad from iTunes or the iBook Library; it contains the first 20 posts of “imho,” covering the basic methodologies of Ozier’s Tenets for the Creation of Compelling Experience along with a few interactive pieces and galleries.

I have neglected you, this month; for that, I do apologize…

The past few months, my involvement with a few educational and institutional initiatives has ramped up and taken more of my time and focus than I’d expected. It has also given me the opportunity to experience and share experience with scores of nearly, newly, and recently graduated students looking to enter these industries that create themed entertainment and compelling experiences, worldwide.

There is so much talent, out there; YOU are so much talent, out there. Clear-eyed dreamers with vision with the skill to manifest what is imagined and the talent to push the envelope of creativity as well as that of design, production…imagination.

We’ve been calling it, “NextGen,” we could almost call it, “ThisGen.”

My sense is that these young men and women are ready to get their hands on the future; to learn, to apprentice, to teach as they learn, to create, install, manage. They are ready. In five or ten years, most of “” will be working with tools that do not yet exist, building experiences currently beyond “realistic imagination” (whatever THAT is…I just made it up and already feel limited by it…)

It is well worth noting the plethora of what might have been considered “magic” at one time, what was written as fantasy by the sci-fi writers of the 50’s and 60’s, what may have been seen as part(s) of a distant, idealistic future just a few decades ago, is now simply called an “app.”

(I mean, seriously, tap my phone twice and get a cab in 4 minutes? Like THAT’LL ever happen…)

These young people, you “ThisGen’s,” are already beginning to change the industry, even as they approach and explore it. As Drivers, we need to be preparing them to take the reins without “ownership;” teaching and sharing what got us to where we are and what we experienced along the way – mistakes made, lessons learned – while not limiting them with our own Vision. They … you … have the opportunity to listen, look and learn from us old’ns (I hate being a part of that, but there you are…) with open minds; knowing that the “everything” you know, simply by being young and smart, may not be everything there is to know for you to realize dreams that have not yet been dreamt.

Your dreams.

We want to help, we need your help; your aliveness, your ridiculously unrealistic visions that will become facts and their own legacy in the decades to come. To my peers, I offer the above as contribution to things I see already being realized in the context of our businesses. I’m seeing an intergenerational partnership being formed and forged that is unlike any we’ve seen. The evolution of technology and thought, humanity and vision that we ride into the future has supported an openness of collaborative harmony that is exceptionally exciting in what it portends.

So, rather than a full column, today; I’m suggesting you read an article by Clara Rice that was published in InPark Magazine, this last week. It’s actually an interview of me, and she makes me sound far smarter than I am…which is what teamwork is all about, right?! In it, we address some of what is on the minds of much of “ThisGen”…

…and, the biggest question: Freelancer or Employee?

I offer you this, and have much more to say on the Freelance versus Employee conundrum, which I shall reserve for August.

http://www.inparkmagazine.com/nextgen-kileozier/

Please read this; it’s better than I could say it, myself; imho.

Feel free to download, “imho,” the free eBook for iPad, containing the first 20 chapters in this blog and the basic methodologies that are the foundation for my approach to creating experience, along with some interactive content and galleries.