NEW ASSOCIATE: Manitou Motion Picture Company, Ltd.

perini & associates is proud to announce award winning executive producer Edward Flanagan, as an associate.

From Hollywood to Hyderabad and many points in between, Flanagan has 25+ years of national and international television & film experience.

Flanagan’s experience encompasses shooting, producing, editing and directing award-winning projects, including television specials for nationwide syndication, network news stories (ABC, NBC, and CBS), documentaries, educational videos, commercials and animated adventures. Producing & directing multi-camera programs with large
audiences in Los Angeles, Dallas, Vancouver, Chicago, London, Ireland, Wales, and Colorado. Production languages include English, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Japanese, Portuguese, and French.

“Most production companies produce only video and yes, perhaps well. But, in addition to high quality Ed produces CHANGE in the viewer, and I know he knows the difference as I have seen his magic first hand,” said Michael Perini.

“Emotion is the gold standard of effective communication,” Flanagan said. “Ed knows that music is the soul of the production. Subtleties and attention to detail are indispensible,” Perini said.

Nepal, India, London, Fiji, Belfast, Wales, Saipan; from a hurricane hunter aircraft in the eye of a storm to the Operations Center of the Central Intelligence Agency; from 180’ down on an underwater production for ABC’s 20/20 in the Pacific islands, to 40,000’ up in a B-52 bomber; from helicopter aerials to the launch pad of the space shuttle Atlantis; from FBI Headquarters to the NORAD Facility deep inside Cheyenne Mountain.

“Ed has been there, done that and that is why we selected his company to be an associate,” Perini said.

Manitou MPC capabilities include: Network Broadcast Quality High Definition and Standard Definition Digital Video Production & Editing, Dramatic, Instructional, Promotional, and Documentary Films and Videos, Large Screen, Internet Streaming Media, DVD and Blu-Ray (HD) Authoring, 3D Motion Graphics, Multi-Camera Shoots, TV Commercials & Public Service Announcements, Audio Production, Packaging Design.

Some of their clients:

ABC News Life Network
US Air Force Academy
Lighthouse Productions
Lucent Technologies
US Air Force Space Command
Lutheran Hour Television
US Army Mastermedia
Assignment Desk
Moody Institute of Science
B&B Media Group
Bloomberg Television Network
National Park Service
Care for the Family (United Kingdom)
Navigators
CBS Sports (NCAA Nat’l Rifle Championships)
Central Intelligence Agency
Challenger Learning Center
NORAD (N. American Aerospace Defense Cmd.)
Pacific Coast Air Museum
Commonwealth of Virginia (Dept Social Svcs)
Dateline NBC
Reagan Presidential Library
Environmental Protection Agency
Roger Hayes Productions
E! Entertainment Television
First Interstate Bank of Los Angeles
Strategys Desgign (United Kingdom)
Focus on the Family
General Motors (Chevrolet Dealers)
Trans World Radio
USA Radio Network (ICM)
Vision Art (Hollywood Special FX Company)
Harcourt Brace Educational Measurement
Vision Trust
History Channel (Life After People)
Institute for Global Urban Studies
Wal-Mart
J. Paul Getty Museum
L-3 Communications
La Brea Tar Pits Museum

Public Relations: 10 ideas
by Michael Perini, ABC
perini & associates

Yes, it’s February already.

More than 75 percent of people who make resolutions abandon them within months, according to Sharon Liao, SHAPE magazine, January 2010.

So, let’s try a new tack. Let’s agree to make and stick to our second list of New Year’s resolutions by focusing on ideas that will help our public relations skills and interests. What’s good for each of us will also be good for our business, activity or issue. I would like to hear from you but try these on for size:

1. Hit the slopes! Or, the surf, or the trail or the fitness center. It’s a long year and now is the time to get yourself ready for a busy time. Being in physical shape enhances what we bring to the mental game with the client, the media or having the energy to work a community event for 12 hours — you name it!

2. Start a new hobby. It isn’t always about business. I find that I need something totally unrelated to my normal routine. What’s it for me? Skiing down a blue/black diamond slope. The planning, pace and skill are also tools I use to be successful in public relations. So, go back to #1!

3. Actually use a slide rule. Ok maybe not, unless you are an engineer! My point is to stretch yourself; get outside your comfort zone. Learn something new. Taking this step will also help you maintain the creative energy that you’ll need when working in business, or on an issue or activity.

4. Buy something. New or used. We all know where the economy is. So get out there and help your fellow businessperson. I need a new coffee pot for the office. See you at the store!

5. Go to a movie. Watching an action thriller on a big (really big) screen with speakers above and surround sound is almost an unearthly experience anymore. Yes, you can get that movie on DVD or downloaded to your computer or phone, but seeing the film in a large format is something that will make your day and should bring back to the office some really BIG ideas!

6. Take a break. Now. 15 minutes. Relax.

7. Get organized. I just love the “Container Store”. A tantalizing array of boxes, baskets, cabinets, files, hooks, for just about everything. A cluttered desk could end up being a cluttered office over time. You know where this leads!

8. Go on a real vacation. Remember, resolution #6? Try a long weekend, or more like a week or 10 days. I know this is tough. And, you have to leave or set aside your cell and computer. No calls to clients! Only in an emergency can you use these two hi-tech devices.

9. Make regular appointments with your PR counselor. This one is for all you clients. Many times these meetings only occur during a crisis or in the “8th inning.” When the problem, program or issue is so far along that you think only a public relations expert can possibly figure a way out. That means an emergency timeline and much more $$.

10. Take on a cause you care about. The list is endless. What meets your soul? Here’s one we like, Charitable Treasures Workshop. You will feel good about helping. Your attitude will remain positive and you are very likely to keep the other nine resolutions — all new ideas — throughout the year because of the smile and sense of accomplishment!

Have a great 2010!

NEW ASSOCIATE: GAIL FISHER

perini & associates is proud to announce that Gail A. Fisher is an associate.

Fisher has 15 years experience in the hospitality industry. Her professional work includes experience as an Independent Meeting and Travel Director.

She provides on-site coordination of corporate meetings and incentive programs both domestically and internationally. Fisher has experience as a local destination manager including pre-planning, on-site registration, local tour guide, evening event coordination and transportation organization.

“Her experience as the on-site manager in district and regional pharmaceutical meetings plus her large sporting event coordination including the 1994 World Cup and 1996 Summer Olympics was just what we needed to round out our associates,” said Michael Perini.

“ We are expanding our services to the East Coast so her Florida office was another plus, “ said Perini.

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PR Coaching: The Winter Olympics

by Michael Perini, ABC
perini & associates

With the Winter Olympics around the corner and the Super Bowl, the first race at Daytona and the Pro Bowl just passed it seemed like a great time to talk about coaching!

I’m sure you will have a comment or two about the coaching you will see on the snowy mountaintops in Canada.

In the public relations field there is also coaching going on. Before the “game.” During the game and very importantly, after the game — to be ready for the next activity.

The coaching is often between client and the public relations expert. Also, between the PR person and the customer and/or issue owner.

Here are 3 PR tips that I integrate when coaching. Please add a comment as this list is not all-inclusive.

1. Listen, Listen, Listen! I know it is hard to do as some folks can ramble….HA, not you, right! I worked for a boss once who told me that it would be useful if I listened, all the way to the end, before commenting. He said, “Often you will learn something just before the person finishes a thought.” That was sound advice. When talking with clients I know you might want to interrupt as you believe you know where they are going and what you need to guide them. My advice: just hang in there as it will be worth your while.

2. Encourage. Here is a brief list:

• A simple smile
• Or, words of “Thank you!”
• A pat on the back

Easy to write yet hard for some folks to accomplish. I try to encourage my clients to be honest, and open with me. When we are successful then I provide a positive comment.

3. Be inclusive. Being involved in a project, issue or activity from start to end I believe is better than being called into the game in the 3rd quarter. So much has transpired thus making it more difficult to achieve a goal.

So as you watch the Winter Olympics look closely at the coaching. You will find some useful tips on how to deal with people.