It’s happening! Thursday May 10: The TXMPA Black and White 2012 Denim and Diamonds All Industry PARTY. Why is this exciting? Because The Texas Motion Picture Alliance has done in a few short years something the production business in Texas has needed for a LONG time: They’ve built an enthusiasm for television and film production in the state AND a REAL voice in Austin at the state legislature. All the Party details>> READ ON>> Read more…

Having worked in “traditional” media (television) for more than 20 years, I have been astounded at the growth of social media and it’s impact on how we do business as freelance media professionals. It’s also apparent to me that many of my colleagues in television and music production are not taking part in this revolution, often because of a lack of understanding of how it all works.

Social media is about people sharing information and learning from each other, not directly pitching products.

READ ON and see 3 concise videos that lay out the basic concepts. >>> Read more…

It’s been a long time comin’… – David Crosby

Trace Relations - The Band, logo design by Clay Meyers, cdmgrafx

Greetings,
While I keep The Social Freelancer ™ updated on a variety of topics related to Music, Media, TV and Film, 99% of them NOT a self promotion, I hope you’ll indulge me here for 2 minutes (!) to show off a bit. This video is a new demo of our HD stock footage offerings from CityB-roll.com, edited to a short instrumental track from my band project Trace Relations ™. The song is an advance track from our upcoming debut studio CD release.
Check out the video and the MUSIC>> Read more…

This is a guest post from David Cleaves, co-owner of Ten Eighty Media a fine, full service production rental house based in Dallas – Ft. Worth, Texas. I included David’s article here as it pertains well to the production market and the message transcends to any business, large or small. As freelance professionals we should think hard about who we refer as vendors and what we are offering to our clients through our own advertising efforts. I hope you find this helpful and look forward to your comments. Thanks, Trace
Read the rest of the story >>> Read more…

Top 20 Signs you’ve been in television (or film production) business too long…

20. Your dining room is set up for 3-point lighting.
19. Your date says to pick her up in 45 minutes and you wonder if she meant drop-frame or non-drop-frame
18. You replaced your trusty hemostat with a lavaliere clip.
17. Your family videos are preceded by :30 bars and tone.
16. You run into a guy who says he’s gonna shoot the Governor and you remind him to get some good B-roll.
15. The photography on the 6:00 news makes you laugh.
Read more…

“The Golden Hour” is an elusive time, one of God’s miracles that happens twice a day, whether we notice or not.
Just after sunrise and just before dusk everyday the sun gets low in the sky, making the shadows long and deep, giving definition and a certain quality to the subject that has been sought out by visual artists for centuries. Prior to photography, painters would often set up their easels in these spots in the day, when the light is just right.
Read more…

The Social Freelancer 8 Most Popular Posts:

Why What’s OLD is NEW in Social Media

Keep the “Social” in Social Media
SIX MORE Posts and CONTACT Trace >> Read more…

Choice Broadcast Moments…

* “Rest assured, there’ll never be a shortage of Bozos on television”
–Dan Rather, lamenting the end of WGN-TV’s “Bozo”, on the CBS Evening News, 6/13/01 Read more…

Welcome Back, Pluto!

Welcome Back, Pluto is an educational DVD written and produced to teach children and parents how to preserve good relationships in situations that threaten to undermine love and respect.
What’s it all about? Check out this promotional video for the DVD release:

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Freelance Media Professional Tracy Ready speaks about his experience in learning social media skills to promote small business. Included is list of Top 3 skills to attract more followers on Twitter, Facebook and other Social Media sites. This is first in series of 10 videos on this and related topics. Free newsletter at TraceTV-Film-Music-Social Media blog
Read more…

Originally posted on Feb. 16, 2009: The Aquarium Concept
If you like these ideas please follow The Aquarium Concept on Twitter
This dude has one awesome “real” aquarium >>

The Aquarium Concept.

Pretty sight, isn’t it? It’s not mine, in fact, I have never had success taking care of tropical fish. It’s just not my “thing”, even though I enjoy scenes like this. I do have an “aquarium” of sorts, but it has no glass, rock or water, only thoughts and dreams. My aquarium was a total mess for a long time, until I came to terms with this:

In order for things to flourish, they must have a good environment. This goes for people and fish and ideas too. You can have an aquarium, with some beautiful young fish but if you don’t take care of them (as I found out at age 10) soon algae grows in the tank, the fish start looking sickly, and then die off. Sounds simple, and it is, but looking at your life and your goals this way takes a little practice. It’s the same with ideas, projects, art, poetry, music, film, video, job search, family relations; whatever the passion, the aquarium concept holds true.
Read more…

This is great news for Dallas production professionals in a tough economy. Hats off to Janis Burkland, Meg Gould and all at Dallas Film Commission, plus the astounding efforts of Texas Motion Picture Alliance in bringing production back to Texas.
Read more…