Over the past 2 years, Andrew, Jon and crew of filmmakers have documented the origins of the True North Media House campaign as my colleagues and I sparked a conversation about the role of social reporting during the Vancouver Olympics in a film called “With Glowing Hearts.”
In all my projects, I extol the importance of recording and contextualizing the changes in the civic landscape in the midst of significant world events and these indie filmakers are demonstrating a stellar example of the role of creative arts in the offering this context.
Along with True North Media House, the With Glowing Hearts crew documented the W2 Woodwards arts project and April Smith and AHA Media.
I encourage everyone which an interest in social change and media r/evolution who living in, or visiting to, Vancouver to watch this clip about True North Media House as well as the aforementioned clips plus My Vancouver.
Andrew Lavinge sets up the clip thusly:
“The latest webisode highlights the folks at True North Media House, featured are two local social media gurus, Vancouver photographer Kris Krug (@kk on twitter) and his counterpart story maker and social media activist Dave Olson (@uncleweed on twitter)”
These independent filmmakers are self-financed and are asking patrons to “Chip In” with a donation to defray production costs.
Follow With Glowing Hearts
WGHthemovie.ca- Webisode #2 ‘True North Media House’ on Vimeo
With Glowing Hearts on You Tube
@wghthemovie on Twitter
With Glowing Hearts blog
Animal Mother films on Flickr
Kris Krug and Dave Olson at Animal Mother Films presents the launch party for With Glowing Hearts, December 2, 2009
More With Glowing Hearts Coverage
WGHthemovie.ca- Webisode #2 ‘True North Media House’ [video] – True North Media House
Creating the People’s History of 2010: Accredit Yourself and Start Reporting, Partying, and Schmoozing with the World – Vancouver Observer
With Glowing Hearts film documents True North Media campaign - Now Public
With Glowing Hearts the movie – DOXA Film Fest
With Glowing Hearts… Webisode – The True North Media House – Vancouver Access 2010
My final act for my MovieSet.com was writing and presenting a white-paper-like guide, laden with tips, tricks and best practices for filmmakers to build audience for their movie during production – especially tuned for those filmmakers working outside of the studio system producing movies in the 1-10 million budget range. I suppose the learning began when making documentary film HempenRoad on shoestring budget back in 1996-7 and continued helping films like The Irishman, Daydream Nation and many others spread the word while working as Director of Fan Communities.
This report lives on the Dailies blog but is designed to be shared and passed along. With this in mind, here is the Social Promotion for Movies guidebook (you can download the .pdf on Slideshare) plus the slides from the presentation (pardons for a few formatting anomalies – as such, not downloadable).
While some of the content is specific MovieSet’s production tools and movies marketing in general, most of the knowledge contained within can be applied to other products or projects you are promoting using social media and search marketing – plus all tools mentioned are free or cheap. So excuse the marketing sales stuff and you should gather a few juicy bits outta this guide. Happy to hear your comments however this is likely a final iteration as my time at the company is finished.
After the jump … read more…
“The key to a perfect ending is knowing when to roll the credits” Drive By Truckers #
Keep it light enough to travel
My ukulele-playing pal in Guam would always begin his humourous anecdotes on the boat with “so there i was … ” In this case, my story begins thusly, “so there i was, recording a podcast along the banks of Rice Lake, reflecting on the past year and figuring out my next move – i walked home and then the craziest thing happened in the form of an email from Mexico.” (here’s the podcast: Festive Greetings to Ice Fishermen – Choogle On #82).
Of all the things i mentioned in the podcast, the note of “staying at one job for the year” struck me as funny. Yup, here we were a year ago New Year, New Gig ~ Moving closer to Self-Actualization in Kitsilano with the media chiming in and high-fives around. And, like a diligent dude, I gave er a full-on effort and left with a list of checked off accomplishment longer than i woulda predicted.
But, in short, i knew i was under-utilizing my passions and wanted to be a little part of something a little more in tune with my love of helping artists and entrepreneurs learn how to grow audience and share their work. In many ways, i’ve moved around dot-coms seeking something as mighty and fun as my first big internety success in Olympia WA ~ Yup, best is working hard with respected friends while providing a service which help all sorts of people fulfil the ambitions – like selling tools to the miners rather than ice to Inuit.
Changing Movies
Without unneeded details, the ensuing weeks were a whirlwind of giving notice to my gig in Kits, finishing up several big projects, hopping the train to the secret village, paying respects to departed brewer Dick Young and Pe Ell ringleader Lee Roy, interviewing rock n roll younglings Numbskulz and surviving a bus ride back up.
Then i added a maraschino cherry to my professional sundae by publishing the Social Promotion for Movies guide (go ahead and download) and presented to a group of producers (slides) before turning in my laptop and walking out onto the Granville St. evening ~ aflutter with festive bunting.
The next morning, I hopped on the same bus as usual but hopped off a different stop to begin spreading the gospel of the owl as Community Wrangler for HootSuite – a social media dashboard + professional twitter tool which I’ve used since early release and evangelized far and wide to interns, friends and clients.
Kitsilano Flashbacks
I will miss lunchtime walks in Kits and taking a seat in the community gardens along the track – i also worked with a sterling cast of characters at various times in a transitory environment. But I won’t miss trying to change an industry which is resistant (and even hostile) to the web as a communication, distribution and promotion medium.
A few highlights for your perusal:
- Social Promotion for Movies guide
- Vancouver Sun Article helps spread the fan-centric MovieSet Vision
- Top Ten Highlights from MovieSet Dailies Blog in 2009
Showing up
I introduced myself to the world at the new gig and laid out my big ideas with: HootSuite adds Owls – I’m DaveO, Community Wrangler and the kind accolades via Twitter, FB, comments and every other channel was truly mighty and a real treat to be honest. {thanks to each of you}
I’d kept the news quiet and tipped off Rob Lewis at TechVibes broke the “news” {thanks} in Dave Olson joins HootSuite as Community Director:
One week after announcing that they raised $1.9 Million from VCs and Angels, HootSuite is putting that money to work and have hired Dave Olson as their new Community Director.
Olson will be responsible for overseeing marketing, outreach, and support for HootSute and already has a number of educational and aspirational campaigns planned to evangelize the social media dashboard to content makers.
Olson was an early user of the initial Bright Kit tool and has actively used HootSuite for promoting his own projects – so this appears to be a perfect fit on both sides.
Up in until very recently, Olson was with Vancouver startup MovieSet – he wrapped up his duties there just last night after presenting a white paper called Social Promotion for Movies to the Canadian Film and TV Producers BC branch.
Olson made some noteworthy improvements at MovieSet during his time there and will no doubt continue overachieving in 2010 with HootSuite.
My pal Jordan Behan at Strutta & BootUp Labs hosts a weekly-ish live video streaming event and subsequent vidcast called “Couch Beers” – As fate has it, wasn’t until episode 19 on Jan. 22 2010 when i finally made an appearance joined by a notable batch of bloggers (see below). A load of folks showed up to watch live (and drink) plus many more watching live and spreading the news on Twitter etc.
The Social Media/Olympics Edition- Ep. 19 – Dave Olson, Kris Krug, Jenn Lowther, Dr. Raul Pacheco-Vega, Ariane Khatchatourians join us for a chat about the Olympics, social media and Copenhagen.
Alas the video isn’t embeddable so here’s a photo by John Biehler (see him at SXSW) to click for The Social Media/Olympics Edition- Ep. 19 – funny useful stuff!
I’m not going to set this up too much except to say that a few weeks ago (12/18/09) i sat for a video interview by Cameron of LIFT Studios. The finished piece is rather delightful and allows me to spiel forth on many of the topics i enjoy so much including my formulas and tactics for creation including philosophical and personal motivations. Cam remixed my words with fresh source material including hero cards, paper point collages, Grateful Dead music and inter-disciplinary artists – and allows enough time for me to get some legs under my stories and give props to my friends and heros. Thanks for that.
LSB032 VIDEO – GENERATING INSPIRATION AND UPGRADING HEROES
LIFT are interactive designers and the interface to view the video is pretty wild and begs for exploration and fiddling. Do take a few moments to poke around. Follow @beautifulgarbage on the Twitters and see his Beautiful Garbage portfolio
Uncle Weed’s Dossier at Vancouver Observer
Uncle Weed Olympics at Vancouver Access 2010
A few notable events this year to document ~ i resisted the urge to add photos, links and such cause i have a keg to pick up and swill and hockey games to watch.
[Update: listen to: Festive Greetings to Ice Fishermen – Choogle On #82: Shortly after New Year’s Day, Uncle Weed recounts highlights from the passing year including a surprising visit with bong-toting ice fishermen on a frozen neighborhood lake, plus recaps on concerts, spreading messages to media and youth, voting often, speaking out, supporting soldiers and peaceniks, resisting cynicism, researching the painter Varley, publishing literature, sparking coverage of Olympics, making a board game, gallery visits, riding the new SeaBus, remembering ole dead gramps, drinking stout and earl grey tea, and the joys of treading on thin ice.]
Gather round the fireplace for a chat won't you? Photo by KK
No chronology given and hierarchy implied.
- Saw The Dead at the Gorge with my fave friends and caught up with old pals Willis Knapp, Brad Crabtree and Larry Harper – the man who encouraged me to write – Missed Marty K.
- Spoke at SXSW which is a huge music, film and interactive media event in Austin, Texas – amused the folks with F@ck Stats, Make Art and then ate macaroni and cheese with an oracle, and saw the Black Angels with a drink backstage
- Walked across a frozen lake near my house and ripped a double-bubbler bong hit midway with some youthful ice fishermen – classic Canada we don’t get on the left coast
- Published some art and writings in literary magazines including Rain Zine with a Letters from Russia feature and forthcoming “Flying High” board game/art timeline
- Got 15 year old boy (Austin) transitioned into school full time in Canada + premier league baseball + Argyle basketball
- Quoted widely in newspaper and TV, Radio about tech, movies, sports, Olympics, literature including numerous times on CBC + 24 hours, Vancouver Sun, CTV, L’express Pacificque…
- Recorded a bunch of podcasts including epic 9-part Rainforest Dispatches documentary series & Remembrance day special with Ian Bell + started some “remix’d” series of the leftover bits
- Spoke at Northern Voice 3X (to great reviews, esp. Rock N Roll Photo w/ Bev Davies and Kris Krug) + took the Old-Timey Suitcase to WordCamp Whistler, Island Tech, Purple Thistle Youngunz, W2 Bladerunners, What’s Going on Salon – made a few podcast in process + covered TedX Vancouver as a guest
- Mailed package to soldiers in Afghanistan and spread stories of peaceniks like Rachel Corrie and Lee Matasi – all humans need treats and stories
- Voted whenever i could, spoke out when i needed to on public policy conundrums and never left my opinion out of the conversation when needed
- Camped a few times including kayaking up Sunshine coast with wisemen & Owl Creek in a “chill’cuzzi” with funguys
- Invited along on the inaugural voyage of the SeaBus after long conniving – Started a column for Vancouver Observer to celebrate and freshen my soapbox – PS Wrote “Rolling to the End of the Line” for the Buzzer
- Pushed along and inspired a movement for social reporting from the Vancouver/Whistler Olympic Winter Games in 2010 with significant learning and notable frustration
- Hiked another stretch of Baden Powell trail from Historic Mushroom (not really a mushroom) to Deep Cove on Canada Day including picnic looking at Indian Arm
- Rocked Halloween with a shaved head as hero Hunter S. Thompson at Police Museum/Cty Morgue on a stainless steel autopsy table
- Cold ramen at Kintaro after fireworks
- Saw David Byrne – a true inter-disciplinary artist and thinker + cyclist
- Saw Luke Doucet at Richard’s before it’s demise – he’s the real deal
- Saw Geoff Berner at Biltmore – accordionist is too cool for words
- Acupuncture dozens of time by a master (and friend) Dr. Ying
- Met #12 Stan Smyl – a childhood hero, career Canuck and hockey grinder in the best sense of the word
- Smiled each time i rolled by on the side of a bus as part of a Canucks fanzone campaign + saw game from a box
- Wrestled bears, raccoons, and cougars (well not exactly… but chased them from my house/yard) – told story repeated while at my birthday party with so many kind friends
- Started a big project about Ole Dead Gramps with Mike B. – Preview: audio collage spanning decades
- Stayed employed at the same job for one year surpassing my average – is this is a success?
- Finished a painting from Europa 2005 – gave to Mom for festive gift
- Researched Fredrick Varley, Group of 7 artist who created art scene in Vancouver and wandered Lynn Valley, just like me
My thoughts go to a few pals i lost to physical demise this year – Ian “The Fonz” Christiancy and Dick “Danger” Young – thank you for your sincere contributions to my life.
In all, I feel like i under-achieved this year but in retrospect, t’was a year of re-jigging priorities and switching the big picture of where i’m bound. In 2010, i’m manifesting an economic situation which is mostly writing, speaking and thinking and working on topics I enjoy with lmited intervention – allowing leisure time for creating projects. I enjoy talking to a recorder and/or audience and also like a regular pay cheque will frequent perks and bonus in a supportive, collaborative environment. If all goes to “plan,” publishing and selling my artifacts becomes substantial income stream and offers occasional pacific rim and European travel (particularly to Scandanavia). I also want to reconnect in a meaningful (read: not Facebook) manner with some old influences and friends from other incarnations of me.
This is all.
I’ve started a new column at Vancouver Observer, a web-based, hyper-local news site. The Column is called “Uncle Weed’s Dossier” and I’ll mostly write about transportation, Vancouver secrets and history, public policy conundrums, Cascadian diplomacy and creative activism.
Enjoy this first installment from the $3 Harbour Cruise featuring my pal Rebecca Bollwitt with thanks to urban transit explorer JMV.
Here’s an excerpt of Riding the Roof of the Breeze:
1977 was a stellar year for culture. The Ramones, The Clash and Bob Marley with classic albums, Elvis for a half-year, plus Star Wars, Saturday Night Fever and the launch of the SeaBus. Since that banner year, the intrepid lil catamarans have toiled across Burrard Inlet, unheralded and undaunted. Now the two vessels – the Beaver and Otter – are three as the Pacific Breeze set off from Waterfront station Wednesday Dec. 23rd with politicians on-board and me on the roof.
Transit’s Crown Jewel
I’m the guy who did a 4th grade science fair project about transit, rode the long way on buses downtown to punk rock shows and celebrated when the ALRT began (even when it ended in New West). But living in Whalley, the SeaBus was an exotic morsel in the transit offering – i have scant memories outings to the Quay or the free suspension bridge but mostly i remember skipping out of school and riding it just to ride it.
These days, the Seab is my daily ride and my nightly schedule revolves around the run down the gangway into the surreal confines of a hazy crossing in a humming shuttle. Unlike the sway of the bus, the Seab is pod of relaxation and creativity and (the best part) you always get a seat. Indeed, I extol the virtues of the perfect day out in Vancouver on my podcast which includes “the 3 dollar harbour cruise” complete with a falafel and a rainforest stroll – all on one transfer.
Bonus Round
Miss 604 photos from inaugural crossing
Miss 604 coverage
JMV’s sneak preview photos
This reporter on deck
Links
Rolling to the End of the Line – Choogle on #77
I Love Transit Week essay: Dave Olson
Transit science fair project circa 1980
I am lining up more speaking and presenting gigs these days to share my stories (and make a bit of scratch). This next one is a “What’s Going On Salon” event at VIVO Media Arts – sponsored by BC Film, Canadian Film And Television Production Association and hosted by Sue Biely. I’ll be riffing a variation on F@ck Stats, Make Art – basically a soliloquy for nurturing creativity and authenticity.
Express with Vigor by Dave Olson and Jer Crowle, photo KK at SXSWi 2009
Deets:
What’s Going On Salons are a series of presentations about specific areas in the rapidly changing media landscape. Designed to be entertaining, accessible, inspiring and above all, informative overviews, each salon will help busy professionals demystify and better define the digital terrain.
Upcoming Salon: Sparking Creativity in a Digital World
• 6:30 – 8:00PM, December 15th
• VIVO Media Arts Centre, 1965 Main Street, Vancouver
• $15/ticket ($10 for students) – Please bring cash!
Please RSVP to reserve your tickets to vancouver (at) cftpa {dot} ca
Blurb:
With a constant flow of information, increased productivity expectations, and a barrage of new technologies – finding inspiration for both artistic expression and entrepreneurial endeavors is a challenge. Despite advanced tools and access to audience, finding the time and motivations to elevate “craft” to “art” remains elusive in an
ephemeral world.
With anecdotes and examples from personal experience, historical classics and contemporary culture, renegade story maker Dave Olson will share tactics for generating ideas and giving context to your content. Through a timeline of personal publishing and start-up biz experience, Dave will share practical tips for fostering authentic self-expression, creating artifacts and finding an audience – in both the present and future.
Note: A similar version of this presentation was shared at SXSW 09, Northern Voice 08, Island Tech 09.
Speaker:
Dave Olson, Mixed-media Story Teller
Dave is a world-traveling, mixed-media story teller who frequently appears in mainstream and social media outlets, speaks at events including SXSW and produces a series of audio documentaries. Dave works as a community builder for a variety of Vancouver web-centric companies.
Twitter: @uncleweed
Blog: http://feasthouse.wordpress.com
I loaded up my old-timey suitcase and made my way (by aeroplane no less) to Victoria to share my musings with the folks at a tech exhibit/tradeshow/conference called Island Tech 2009. I was invited by Clayton Stark and he brought in an A-list of speakers who flew from many locations to rock the crowd with fresh-fish thinking.
Add these renegades to your roster: @kk , @claytonstark, @willharbin, @mikevardy, @mediathtmatters, @jmckenty, @kurt_cagle + bonus appearence by @LloydBudd
The video is apparently gonna make it to the web soon but alas the event photographer didn’t get any snaps of me but my cohort (and co-presenter) Kris Krug grabbed some snaps from the trip.
Bit o’ Bloggage
Mandell Degerness – Tech Thoughts
The final presention of the day was truly “Out of the Box”. Dave Olson challenged us to embrace the “translucency” of the web and express ourselves to the best of our ability. It’s not the sort of talk I would have attended based on the synopsis, but Clayton was raving about this guy. I’m glad I went. Dave was, by far, the most entertaining and engaging speaker of the day. I learned a little history and took on a new appreciation for some of the artists of the past and the present. Most importantly, I feel challenged to not let my creative side slip away under the pressures of work and family. Thanks, Dave.
Selected Micro Updates
karenrivers – 8:23 AM Nov 14th Great time at #islandtech. Loved @claytonstark, fabulous talk (am not biased). Fun to meet @kk & hear @uncleweed’s take on creativity.
beautifugarbage – @uncleweed is killing it!! 5:11 PM Nov 13th
jmckenty – Lovin the nuance that @uncleweed is bringing – embrace translucency. 5:09 PM Nov 13th
kk – Man… @uncleweed is rockin his ‘Fuck Stats. Make Art.’ presentation at #IslandTech. One of the audience members just brought him a Corona. 4:53 PM Nov 13th
nealcropper - @uncleweed allowed me to pick out a new hero for me from his mannila envelope and I got Ed Abbey, desert caretaker. Time to google him. 5:04pm, Nov 13
claytonstark – @joshuamckenty @kk @mikevardy @kurt_cagle @uncleweed @mediathtmatters you beautiful, brilliant people completely made my day #islandtech 8:59 PM Nov 13th
Slides for your persual
Miscellania
Finally, not quite a “review” but … it’s Meta/Trev:
Island Tech had an all-star cast all it’s own (except for Mike Vardy, who spoke at both!). Kurt Cagle spoke about Peak Oil. Kris Krug spoke about open source in terms of social change. Joshua Mckenty gave some great insight into teams (a personal favorite subject of mine). Bill Weaver spoke of the amazing story of the albatross bird. Raul has even liveblogged a previous recent speech of Bill’s, largely similar to what took place at Island Tech. Finally, Clayton Spark, of Flock, spoke of asynchronous communication. I missed Dave Olson’s talk, but I hear it was awesome. Next time!
Like many folks, Remembrance Day is a reflective day for me – and one of conflicting emotions. As a pacifist who abhors war, i feel the best way to honour veterans is to work with full human intelligence, intellect and emotion to prevent war and senseless killing.
With this in mind, i take the day to remember the fallen who fell victim to the myriad atrocities of war and enjoy tracking down the stories of Canadians heroes like Talbot Papineau and watching historical documentaries about the wars and other efforts to make peace.
A couple years ago, i recorded a podcast series called White Poppies for Remembrance discussing the various emotions stirred up in my belly while reflecting on the vast lost human potential.
Last year, my pal Trauben and I stood out in the rain at Cates park for a sea-born ceremony and then hiked the Baden Powell trail from Seymour to Lynn Valley – he’s a former Air Cadet and me a cub scout so we’re well used to rainy ceremonies ;-). I also make sure to hear bagpipes each year.
Remembrance Day at UBC
This year, i think i’m heading to pay respects at UBC War Memorial Gym – built to honour soldiers by students, UBC’s architecturally advanced for its time is hosting a Remembrance Day ceremony
ergo:
This year, the Remembrance Day ceremony will be held on Wednesday, November 11 at 10:50 a.m. It will be an opportunity to honour and remember all those who served in times of war, military conflict and peace.
This year, 2009, we commemorate two special and historic milestones, the 65th Anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy and the 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Red Cross. In recognition of the completion of the restoration work on the Memorial Wall, this year’s guest speaker, Lieutenant-Colonel (retired) Donald G. MacLeod, CD, BA’ 53 will focus his address on the Korean War.
Everyone is welcome to attend this annual ceremony — doors open at 10:00 a.m. The ceremony will commence at 10:50 a.m. and will last for approximately 45 minutes. Light refreshments will be served after the ceremony and all are welcome to stay.
Remembrance Campaign
CDN Veterans Affairs asks How Will you Remember?
Download Canadian historical war time photo and video packs, organized by theme and era, then remix and share via social networks including Veteran Affairs own Youtube channel and Facebook page plus web graphics to promote the campaign.
Finally, you can choose a Postcards for Peace + RSS feeds for convenience and a Google map of Remembrance Day Activities across Canada – though the info for the Vancouver events was incomplete – ditto for the HTML version of Remembrance Day events.
{note: good effort and great idea but would be better if photos were preview-able or the packs described – really a lovely use of public archives}
Vancouver Remembrance Day Events
Basically, in Vancouver, your options are: Victory Square, Canada Place – closed caption of Victory Square ceremony, Grandview Park, Stanley Park, or Memorial Park South (Vancouver’s original Cenotaph IIRC).
Here are details from Remembrance Day ceremonies at Vancouver City Parks:
Remembrance Day Ceremony November 11th at Memorial Park South East 41st Avenue and Prince Albert Street.Ceremony begins 10:30 am March to cenotaph at 10:15 from John Oliver SS. Sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 16. Memorial Park South event program
Remembrance Day Ceremony November 11th at Grandview Park Sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion #179 at 11 am located at Commercial and Cotton Drives. A march to the cenotaph begins at 10:35 am from Napier Street and Commercial Drive.
Remembrance Day Ceremony November 11th at Stanley Park Gather at 10:40 am Sponsored by the Japanese Canadian War Memorial Committee at the Japanese Monument near the Stanley Park Pavilion.
Remembrance Day Ceremony November 11th at Victory Square Gather at 10:30. Major representation by civic officials at 11 am at Cambie and Hastings Streets. A colourful parade precedes the event. Event details
In North Van, you can attend the Victoria Park Cenotaph with a parade to Lonsdale and 15th.
Consider taking along some White Poppies for Remembrance on Postcards from Gravelly Beach podcasts
Subscribe to PfGB Feed
Subscribe in PfGB in iTunes
At Fresh Media conference at W2 Arts + Media Centre, participants riff a spontaneous blurb about a hero from a Dossier of Importantancy in a workshop about storytelling + podcasting by Dave Olson (AKA Uncle Weed).
Features Samuel Pepys, RMS Carpathia, Amber Case, Thomas Paine, J. Garcia, Mudhoney, JJ Rousseau, Geoff Berner, Ed Abbey, The Numbskulz, DH Lawrence, Tin Tin, HD Thoreau, Jer Crowle, Bev Davies, Gary Snyder, Vaclav Havel, Lou Reed, Cory Doctorow, Dr. Seuss, Dead Kennedys, Theo Van Gogh & Derek K. Miller, Gillian Shaw and other personal luminaries liberated from an envelope. Thanks to @shermanscorner for tunes.
Questions & Answers from the Hero Dossier (7:33, .mp3)
Ephemeral Feasthouse podcast feed
More about Podcasting:
