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Latest News Premier Post delivers the “It’s a Wonderful Christmas” Tour Lenexa, KS, December 18, 2008
When contemporary Christian music artist Michael W. Smith brought his “It’s a Wonderful Christmas-Symphony Tour” to Kansas City on Dec. 5, several Premier Studios employees attended the sold-out show — but not as audience members. Premier Post was brought in to provide event consultation and visual support for the concert. The concert, held at the College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe, featured Smith, the Kansas City Symphony and recent “American Idol” contestants Melinda Doolittle and George Huff. Smith sang and played piano on selections from his most recent holiday CD, “It’s a Wonderful Christmas” in front of more than 3,700 fans. Premier Post’s Creative Director, Matt Johnson, worked closely with the Kansas City Symphony, the College Church of the Nazarene staff and the Michael W. Smith team to provide video production for the concert, which included a five-camera HD package. “We’ve worked with Michael and the symphony before, but this was the first time we worked with them together,” Johnson said. “It was exciting to bring our talent and expertise to such a great event, and to an incredible venue.” Smith’s holiday tour will visit more than 15 cities this month, appearing with local symphonies at each stop.  Welcome Julie Major, Creative Director Lenexa, KS, November 25, 2008
Premier Studios is proud to announce the addition of Julie Major as its new Creative Director. Part of Julie’s responsibilities include strategic thinking and creative execution for Premier’s Affinity Brands. Julie comes to Premier from GlynnDevins Advertising & Marketing in Overland Park, where she developed successful campaigns in a variety of media for multi-million dollar resort retirement communities around the country. Her work has earned nine National Mature Media gold and silver awards, silver and bronze AAF Addy awards and a top National Housing Association award. Before returning to Kansas City in 2005, she helped create the Division of Enrollment Management’s Marketing and Communications Department at the University of Miami. While serving as the department’s assistant director, she earned her master’s degree in advertising from the School of Communications. Prior to that, she worked with clients as diverse as McDonald’s, Ace Hardware, the Professional Golfers’ Association, GNC Health & Nutrition and the National Athletic Trainers Association.  Premier Studios Delivers John Deere Day 2009 Lenexa, KS, November 25, 2008
Premier Studios recently completed the 2009 John Deere Day program for authorized equipment dealerships. The project utilizes a DVD delivery system to reach approximately 450,000 agricultural customers across North America, for in-dealership presentation. Premier Studios produced and compiled 45 videos, highlighting current Deere & Company products and services. John Deere Day is an annual open house, family event that takes place at each of the 1,760 John Deere Dealerships across North America. The purpose of the event is two-fold: to introduce new products and technology, and to foster strong dealer/customer relationship. Jim Lind, Senior Producer for Deere & Company Agricultural Marketing Division stated, “This is the primary vehicle for the dealership to connect with their customers on a large scale.” Serving as the backdrop of the event, the John Deere Day DVD features all of the latest products for the current model year, as well as entertaining and informative “non-product” videos ranging from agricultural safety to cowboy poetry. “We always look forward to producing this campaign,” stated Matt Johnson, Creative Director for PremierPost. “It’s a time for us to come together with John Deere and develop fresh ideas for highlighting the new products, and it also allows us to pull out all of the tools to get the job done.” The Premier Studios team utilized the sound stage for studio shooting, HD video editing, and audio studio for voice and music, as well as DVD production in order to deliver the final DVD. It will be featured across the John Deere Dealership Network for the next several months, and will also be used in vocational-agricultural schools, technical colleges and high schools across North America.  Premier Studios Partners with Heart to Heart International Lenexa, KS, October 21, 2008
On October 17th, Premier Studios partnered with Heart to Heart International for a night of “Jazz In The City.” The 2008 Celebration Of The Heart Awards Gala, featured four-time Grammy Award® winner Dianne Reeves and was an evening of inspiration and celebration. Premier Studios provided creative strategy, production, and technical systems required to execute this broadcast-level awards event.
Heart to Heart International improves global health through humanitarian initiatives that connect people and resources globally. They achieve this mission by engaging strategic partners, volunteers and donors in an effort to build healthcare capacity, increase access to health, respond to people in crisis, and strengthen communities in more than 60 countries around the world every year.  Affinity Brand Scale Launched New tool available to help marketers determine how their brand measures up on the affinity continuum. Lenexa, KS, October 21, 2008
Premier Studios recently launched an online Affinity Brands Scale tool for brand managers. Available on the firm’s website, www.premierstudios.com/strategy/define, the tool was designed to help marketers begin to determine how their brand measures up related to consumer brand affinity. “While the survey isn’t meant to be concrete, it serves as a guide to begin thinking in terms of your brand affinity relationship with your customers,” noted Kelly Sizemore, Account Supervisor at Premier Studios. “Not every brand can be an Affinity Brand. It requires a blend of very unique attributes.” What is an Affinity Brand? Affinity Brands surpass all others in their category because they possess a rare combination of key attributes that integrate the brand into the lifestyle and identity of their customers. These key attributes fall into three categories: Quality, Community, and Timeless. Ranking high in all three areas is key to attaining true Affinity Brand status. You can’t fake affinity or artificially manufacture it. There must be an honest, authentic, and sustainable devotion to the brand, by the brand manager, to attract customers in a way where they can do the same. How Does Your Brand Measure Up? Take the test to see where you land on the Affinity Brands Scale. Once completed, you will be given a summary of each key attribute category and what each means, along with a complete overall summary and score. About Premier Studios: Premier Studios, specializing in marketing for Affinity Brands, providing strategy, planning, research, and consulting. Since its inception, Premier Studios has provided a unique blend of strategy, technology, and creative services.  Premier Studios Awarded AAAA Membership Lenexa, KS, September 16, 2008
Premier Studios was recently elected into membership to the American Association of Advertising Agencies (AAAA). Mark of Distinction Election to the AAAA is the highest professional recognition an advertising agency can achieve. In fact, AAAA membership has been awarded to less than 10 percent of the more than 13,000 agencies in the United States. Membership is by application and election after the applicant meets the Qualifications for Membership. These qualifications are intended as a definition of the kinds of advertising agencies and other marketing communications organizations most likely to succeed for their clients. Qualifications for Membership verify the awarded organization is independent, unbiased, and objective in its practices; offering adequate staff expertise and experience; while operating ethically within sound financial benchmarks. Improved Efficiencies and Performance As a member, Premier Studios can offer clients expanded and improved services through access to an unparalleled source of advertising related information. This includes the opportunity to participate in exclusive professional development programs. It also means meeting and sharing expertise with other agencies through AAAA committees, regions, and councils. Members can also participate in AAAA Forums, in which top executives from non-competing agencies convene to candidly discuss common problems and industry related issues. “AAAA services and benefits enable us to be more knowledgeable, better informed, more efficient, and better able to serve our clients. It’s an honor to be awarded membership and we are proud of this distinct affiliation,” noted Gerald Smith, President of Premier Studios. About Premier Studios: Premier Studios, specializing in marketing for Affinity Brands, provides strategy, planning, research, and consulting. Since its inception, Premier Studios has provided a unique blend of strategy, technology, and creative services.  PremierPost Introduces Blu-ray Disc Production Lenexa, KS, September 16, 2008
PremierPost recently added Blu-ray Disc encoding, authoring, and mastering to its capabilities, making it one of the first facilities in the region to provide authoring services. “It’s hard to believe it’s now been just over 10 years since Premier Studios introduced DVD technology to our customers,” stated Gerald Smith, President. “Blu-ray disc technology has had quite a journey, and we wanted to enter the market at the right time,” added Matt Johnson, Creative Director at PremierPost, the production arm of Premier Studios. “With the High Definition environment of our editing suites, providing our clients the ability to instantly playback HD projects on virtually any Blu-ray player is a given.” PremierPosts’ Blu-ray endeavor began with a project for Cessna Aircraft Company. “We are excited to now provide Blu-ray as a medium for delivery, and we are doubly excited for Cessna, a long time client, to be our first project,” said Johnson. The Cessna project includes a promotional film for the newly expanded Cessna Citation Service Center (CCSC) and Blu-ray technology is at the center of this application providing HD playback for presentation. Offering a considerable storage increase with its 50 GB data capacity and 48 Mbps transfer rate, Blu-ray Disc also provides full 1080p resolution and the next big application for optical media: the distribution and recording of high definition video in the highest possible quality. As with standard definition DVD, the Blu-ray Disc format is based on the same, bare disc physical form factor, allowing for backward compatibility with CD and DVD. Said Johnson, “We’ve been looking forward to providing this new technology. It’s been a long-time coming, and we wanted to ensure that not only were we set up to provide it successfully, but this ever-changing industry had committed to a dependable delivery format.”  PremierPost Gets a Total Audio Makeover… The Punch! Lenexa, KS, August 19, 2008
PremierPost, the post production facility at Premier Studios, announces the launch of “The Punch” recording studio. Audio production services have recently been retooled and redressed in order to provide a more productive, creative environment that enables a higher level of client service and support. Ryan Cork, lead engineer for The Punch, brings a wealth of recording experience and a strong focus on music production. Says Cork, “We know there is a lot of recording going on in the Midwest. We want to provide something better, world-class, by offering a new setup, a new vibe, and offer it affordably I might add. We really want to provide a place for musicians to do what they do best while offering a creative excellence that adds to the equation.” With a background in film and post production, Cork understands the mindset of artists, and brings a story-telling perspective to the recording experience. “I recognize how your favorite memory of any recording experience is all about relationship and collaboration. Things come together in a more profound way when all minds are working together in a great space.” Matt Johnson, Premier Studios’ Creative Director, stated, “Audio services are one of the key elements to any production. We want to take our facility to the next level and The Punch is another crucial step in that pursuit.” Says Cork, “Whether producing an original score, post sound effects, tracking a band, or voiceover narration… our goal is to provide an environment where creativity flows. We get out of the way and let the project live and breathe.” The Punch offers a 60x40 live room that has full visibility and integration to the 20x30 control room and four 10x15 ISO rooms — a perfect blend of comfort, functionality and technology for producing and mixing 5.1 projects. Cork added, “With so much space for live recording, the artists can actually perform and create on the fly. The product is much better in the end.”  Lowe’s Senior CLASS Success Lenexa, KS, August 19, 2008
The Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award is presented each year to the outstanding senior NCAA Division I Student Athlete of the Year. The acronym “CLASS” stands for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School and is intended to celebrate the loyalty of seniors that honor their four-year commitment to their university. The Senior CLASS Award recognizes student athletes for great achievement both in competition as well as in the classroom. Lowe’s and the NCAA partnered with Premier Sports Management [unaffiliated] to deliver the program nationwide. Once again, Premier Studios was chosen to develop and maintain the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award website, which supports the public voting for the awards in NCAA Division I basketball, soccer, hockey, baseball, softball and lacrosse. This season the site recorded nearly 1 million votes and was visited over three million times, a substantial increase from the previous season. “We are very excited to see the site and the award gaining such momentum,” said Dr. Ken LaTessa, Director of Technology Services at Premier Studios. As a result, additional sports are expected to be added over the next season. “The award and website continue to succeed and expand and there are some exciting changes ahead”.  LaTessa Keynote Speaker at IABC Luncheon Kansas City, MO, July 17, 2008
Ken LaTessa, director of technology services for Premier Studios, was the keynote speaker for a luncheon hosted by the Kansas City chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). The IABC acts as a global network for professionals seeking to improve communication through the strategic implementation of ever-changing technologies. LaTessa’s presentation gave an overview of marketing technologies with the intention of creating a value-generating relationship between the client and organization. He demystified commonly used technologies such as: search engine optimization, search engine marketing, email marketing, website statistics and analysis. After clarifying how to collect and analyze marketing information, he went on to explain how to effectively respond. “The presentation was fun and informative. He [LaTessa] did a nice job explaining ‘best practices’ and pitfalls associated with things like search engines and analytics. He also took the time to define words everyone should know but no one wants to ask about,” responded Megan Neher, president of Kansas City International Association of Business Communicators. LaTessa’s experience with planning, developing and applying technology enabled him to take complex know-how and present it in a very manageable way. Get the IABC presentation on marketing technologies.  College Basketball Experience at Sprint Center Launches New Site Lenexa, KS, July 7, 2008
Premier Studios launched collegebasketballexperience.com, an updated web presence for The College Basketball Experience at Sprint Center in Kansas City. Having launched the original site in October 2007, Premier Studios compiled months of user feedback and analytics to develop the strategy for evolving the site. The improvements refresh the overall design while maximizing content placement. Its vibrant color palette and dynamic interface conveys the same sense of elevated energy one would feel at the interactive exhibit itself. “The College Basketball Experience is a highly-interactive venue where fans are immediately immersed in the game of collegiate basketball on entry. We are pleased that our site’s new look extends the excitement, interactivity, educational and entertainment value the College Basketball Experience and National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame attempts to deliver to visitors daily,” states Kevin L. Henderson, CEO of The College Basketball Experience and National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. The new structure and layout makes it easier to navigate and seek out specific information. The home page displays at-a-glance details including: visitor information, news, events and special offers. Interactive photo galleries highlight key features such as the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. Understanding the energy and affinity surrounding the fast-paced sports world and their devoted fans, Premier Studios constructed the site so The College Basketball Experience associates can self-manage all content elements, allowing instant online publishing that is fresh and always current.  Web use tracking presents ISPs with promise, pitfalls. Lenexa, KS, July 4, 2008
Kansas City Business Journal Internet service providers could track a commodity that advertisers are eager to get their hands on — information about consumers’ Web use — but it’s a potential that comes with headaches. In late June, Charter Communications Inc., the nation’s third-largest publicly traded cable operator, halted the launch of a Web use tracking service it had tested because of questions from consumers, the company said in a statement. Overland Park-based Embarq Corp. has tested such a system but is not using one, spokeswoman Debra Peterson said. Advertisers covet the information, which would enable them to target advertising specifically to the customers most likely to be interested. But some consumers tense up at the idea of providers monitoring Web use. Much of the conflict may come in how the tool is presented, marketers said. “I don’t think what (companies) are doing at face value is, in essence, as easy to explain or understand as I think they would like it to be,” said Gerald Smith, CEO of Lenexa-based marketing firm Premier Studios. “It’s a great concept but it’s really about the way you go about it.” Smith suggested a straightforward solution to avoid the public outcry: offer an opt-in program that comes with an incentive, such as a discount. “When there’s a value exchange, the privacy walls start to fall,” he said. Such detailed information already is used in other forms, such as when stores associate certain credit card data with purchases and use that information to manage inventories, he said. “That’s the elusive marketer’s dream — to create more and more targeted audiences,” Smith said. “If you don’t have a child at home in diapers, in tomorrow’s world you would probably never know that diapers existed.” Digital advertising allows clients to better track what they’re getting, such as how many people got more information, signed up for an offer or bought a product, said Nicole Conrick, a partner and managing director for media services at Kansas City-based marketing firm VML. “We’re going in and pulling all kinds of results every single day,” she said. Such information is used anonymously, associated with computer IP addresses. Conrick, said she considers targeting ads online the same as choosing which TV channel to advertise on based on the inclinations of it viewers. “It’s more about what you’re interested in,” she said. Kansas City Business Journal  Premier Studios Create Affiliate Brands! Lenexa, KS, June 23, 2008
Since its inception, Premier Studios has provided a unique blend of strategy, technology, and creative services under one roof. “We are the epitome of technology continuing to converge; with the certainty that solid strategy, along with great creative, provides the best combination of services for clients”, stated Gerald Smith, president of Premier Studios. “For some, this complexity of related services can be confusing toward understanding the overlap between the related services that we offer. While each service remains a unique force in the marketplace, there is no doubt they overlap sharing technologies and craft.” To better position the technology and creative production services, Premier Studios announces new branded affiliates: PremierPOST, PremierAVGROUP, and PremierIS. Mark Cork, Director of Account Services, added, “while operating within the existing framework of Premier Studios, these brand affiliates better position us to compete in the marketplace on separate fronts, while being backed by the total resources of the entire Premier Studios organization. We believe no one company within our marketplace can compete with this mix of services. We are truly a unique mix of strategy, technology, and creativity. Our greatest strength as a marketing company is that; when we want to make technology happen, we simply walk down the hall.” The new Premier Studios affiliate brands are:
Premier Studios, specializing in marketing for affinity brands, provides strategy, planning, research, and consulting. For further information visit premierstudios.com or any of the affiliate web sites, or call 913.438.1004 to speak with a representative.  PremierPOST Earns Trifecta at 29th Annual Telly Awards Lenexa, KS, June 23, 2008
PremierPOST, an affiliate of Premier Studios, was among the winners of the 29th Annual Telly Awards, taking home three prestigious awards for Cobalt Boats “Cobalt 202 Promo,” the US Army “Freedom Team Salute,” and Deanna Rose Farmstead, “Rosie’s Great Big Moovy.” With 13,500 entries from all 50 states and around the world, this year’s competition was one of the most competitive and successful in the long history of the Telly Awards. Founded in 1978, the Telly Awards is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, the finest film and video productions, and groundbreaking web commercials, videos and films. Winners represent the best work of the most respected creative minds in the world. A prestigious judging panel of over 40 accomplished industry professionals judged the competition, upholding the historical standard of excellence that Telly represents. Judges evaluated entries to recognize distinction in creative work against a high standard of merit. Chairman of the judging panel, and Emmy and Telly Award winner, Richard Friley, noted, “As judging chairman, our judges are honored to have evaluated such an incredible body of work. The diverse pool of entries represents the best of traditional and online video and was an inspiration to us all. The quality of work exceeded our expectations, even in this challenging overall market and it is a true accomplishment for our winners.” PremierPOST represents turnkey production services found at Premier Studios, including Broadcast Services, Film & Video Post Production, Original Programming, Corporate Communications, and Equipment Rentals. Premier Studios, specializing in marketing for affinity brands, provides strategy, planning, research, and consulting. Since its inception, Premier Studios has provided a unique blend of strategy, technology, and creative services under one roof.  Online Digital Media Library Lenexa, KS, May 15, 2008
Premier Studios has completed development and launched an online, browser-based, Digital Media Library for the International Headquarters for the Church of the Nazarene. The organization, operating in 152 countries, was faced with the challenge of centralizing digital media into a single database whereby staff in all world locations could access, manage, and share digital media online. Rick Guilfoil, Director of Web Services for the International Headquarters stated, “having online access to our digital media will significantly reposition our digital resources to our constituents worldwide, many of whom require access 24/7. It will also provide greater access to our talent pool and expose us to new ideas when creating media. Simply put, this system can store, manage, and distribute all of our digital media resources at our point of need.” Gerald Smith, president of Premier Studios added, “The online library will not only provide a holding place for many thousands of digital files, but will be the system whereby media can be moved across the globe electronically.” The Library Network will be hosted and maintained by Premier Studios’ Data Center Services group, providing 24-hour, redundant, global access. Premier Studios Information Solutions Development group, under the direction of Ken LaTessa, Ph.D., guided the project through 6 months of development, testing, and implementation. The system not only manages video and audio files, but any electronic file including documents, photos, and PowerPoint.  NAB 08 Review: SD on Life Support! Lenexa, KS, May 15, 2008
Representatives from Premier Studios attended the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) event this past month in Las Vegas. Broadcasters and Content Developers gather each spring to discover and discuss emerging technologies. Often, NAB is a battleground between ‘old’ and ‘new’ and this year was no exception. High Definition (HD) technologies took center stage. Matt Johnson, Creative Director, stated, “Overall the event was a success with this years theme being all about Content. The industry transition from analog to digital has progressed for over 10 years now. The finish line is in site, where we will finally lay SD to rest.” Gerald Smith, President, stated, “The theme worked, however I think they could have called it, ‘Does Anyone Remember Standard Definition?’ HD technologies were no doubt the main entrée. In fact, I do not remember seeing an SD camera anywhere.” Premier Studios made the commitment to HD early on acquiring the Sony HD CineAlta Camera package in 1999. Since that time, Standard Definition has slowly taken the back seat and with the discontinuation of analog broadcast early in 2009, HD will establish itself as the production standard. During the remainder of 2008, Premier Studios plans to complete the transition of all production areas to HD, including suites, cameras, projection, and digital displays. |
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“It’s really our privilege to contribute to this outstanding event. Our services through strategy and execution strive to best represent this world-class organization as they connect with their constituents,” stated Ryan Chamberlin, Producer for Premier Studios. “It happens only once a year and it’s really something special to experience.”
During the event, Rotary International was honored with the ‘Heart for Humanity Award,’ exemplifying service to mankind and making a lasting impact on lives around the world. In addition, the ‘Gary B. Morsch Power of One’ Award honored Ed Pogue for exemplifying the incredible power that one person has to change their world through leadership and service.
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