We’ve been on hiatus for the past year or so.  With all of the changes that were happening in the entertainment industry we decided to take a little break to focus on the things that truly matter.

Now with our minds and energy recharged, we’re back with a vengeance!  Kind of…

The time away gave us a new perspective.  We have been provided with the skills and ability to produce amazing creative work.  That power should not be taken lightly.

Moving forward, we will be very selective with regard to the projects we take on.  We feel strongly this everyone should move toward working this way.

If we all make a conscious effort to work only on things that in some way are a benefit to all of humanity, the world will be a better place.

Let’s start today!

This recession was a long time coming.  Flagrant, disconnected and sometimes meaningless spending could only continue for so long before the system collapsed onto itself.

It’s also brought to light old structures that are now broken…  Newspapers, magazines, television and advertising are all experiencing a rude awakening.  Things have changed.

So what now?  I foresee a return to the roots of all things.

In the ‘old days’ we were bombarded with marketing and advertising and just bought into it because we didn’t know any better, but now we have the power.  The web and related technologies let us make choices.  We get our information on demand and don’t have to listen to anything if we don’t want to.

The new regime will unite things that should be together, naturally and organically.  Partnerships will be mutually beneficial to everyone.  Content creators will receive funding from related advertisers and provide information that viewers actually want to know, leading informed consumers to spread the message by word-of-mouth.

It seems so simple and makes so much sense.  Curious why it wasn’t always that way?

The road ahead will certainly be interesting and exciting!

With free video hosting provided on a wide scale, there’s no excuse to not upload content – save for confidentiality agreements with former clients…

Do potential new clients not expect to see more these days?

The proliferation of online video means they really should be able to access full online promos for previous work, if not in it’s entirety.  At least that’s what I’d expect…

But hey, I’m an “industry insider”…  I learned a long time ago, once you know the tools of the trade, nothing is really the same again.  The illusion is shattered.

What do YOU think?

The Backstory:

Through advertising agency Edelman, Expedia shortlisted 2 of our shows, Enter the Vortex and Hollywood Hostel…  They decided to option Hollywood Hostel.  Soon thereafter, the economy went to shit and there were staffing changes at Expedia.  After months of waiting, we finally got word they had decided to pass on the show.

Um, what?

Bottom line, these shows would’ve benefited everyone involved - Expedia, Simply Magic and the viewers!

The Shows:

Enter the Vortex:  Travel can be good for your health.  Enter the Vortex is an innovative Expedia.com reality web series that shows that travel can actually cure.  A vacation can go beyond rest and relaxation, and Expedia both proves it and gives you the tools to do it.

Enter the Vortex investigates the power of “high energy vortexes” located throughout the world.  Real people with real illnesses, both physical and mental, travel to reputed energy centers alongside a team of experts to prove that travel can be more than just a vacation – it can be medication.

Hollywood Hostel: Hollywood Hostel is a groundbreaking reality web series featuring a rotating cast of international characters.  Set in a popular Los Angeles hostel, it introduces a new demographic to foreign cultures and countries.  Facebook and MySpace will assist in promoting the series, demonstrating how Expedia can help make life an international adventure.

At Hollywood Hostel real, everyday people achieving their travel dreams share stories of their native countries and travels, while making new memories with other guests.  On any given night international hostelers unite under the bright lights of Hollywood, friends are made, adventures begin and tales are told about diverse international cultures.  Travel’s never been so exciting!

Moving Forward:

In my opinion, the relationship represented the perfect sponsor/producer deal.  It was organic and the shows would’ve naturally inspired travel through actual *real* reality (read: not The Hills).As the new era of online videos emerges, partnerships and funding models will be key.  People aren’t stupid…  (Okay they are, but they’re not *that* stupid.)  What will work in advertising is organic arrangements that make sense.  It’s not rocket science…  Nonetheless,  it’s become evident through this particular fail that advertisers aren’t quite ready for the new regime.  Soon though…  They’re definitely learning!

It’s time for advertisers to analyze and investigate the web with a new set of eyes and try new things.  True, new can be scary sometimes, but eventually you have to just dive in.The great news is we still own the rights for both of these series and everything really does happen for a reason.  Given how perfect the first set-up appeared, the next arrangement will surely be nothing short of amazing!

Plan B ALWAYS ends up infinitely better than Plan A.  Always.  (It’s just hard to keep it in perspective sometimes…)

It was about a decade ago, I still remember the day vividly.  I was an emerging producer, director, writer, editor, blahblahblah and a colleague, Gordon C. I believe, mentioned the program and its potential power…

It was unfortunately a few years before I finally got my hands on the program, but it was love at first sight.  (*Cue the slow motion and sappy music.*)

I’m one who’s always for pushing the boundaries in production.  Clearly I immediately fell in love with After Effects.  It allowed me to break all the rules!

Throughout the years since, AE has proven itself multiplus.  I could go on forever running off highlights of our experiences together, but this isn’t the time or place.  (You can just check out some of our videos if you want to know more…)

Bottom line, I would probably marry AE if I could.  We’ve already created so many beautiful babies together, it only seems right…

Here’s some of my fav AE related material:

http://www.trapcode.com/

http://ae.tutsplus.com/category/tutorials/

T + AE 4EVER

I’m Tamara Smith, a Principal at Simply Magic.  (Most people just call me “T”.)

As I’m typically involved in all of our business at some level, it makes sense for me to take on the task of updating this blog.

Let me give you a bit of information about myself…  I have been in the film, television, new media industry since 1998, acting as a producer, director, writer, editor, dvd author, camera person, web site designer and all things in between.

Recently, I began to focus more on producing, combining my knowledge to create innovative and profitable projects, but I’m still a tech nerd at heart!  Give me some new After Effects plugins and I’m entertained for a while…

The emerging web video industry excites me.  There are so many opportunities for innovative uses of media the possibilities are truly endless!  I see a future where advertising and art works together to create truly great work.  (It just might take a while to catch on…)

Anyhow, hopefully I’ll be able to shed some insight into our company, projects and thoughts.

Have a great day!

T

Although we’ve got a presence all over the web, the one thing Simply Magic’s been missing is a regularly updated blog.  Sure we’re all over YouTube and Twitter and Facebook and MySpace and everywhere else, but we really need one main place for news and insights…

This is that place.

Here you will find news about upcoming projects, stuff we like and industry/technology ramblings.

Hope you enjoy and come back soon…

Have a great day!

Please continue to contact us through our Toronto office while the details are finalized.  We’re booking now for upcoming shoots.
Location, location, location…