Leatherheads j- The Romantic Comedy

Leatherheads is not just a sports movie. It is a romantic comedy which harkens back to classic Tracy-Hepburn movies. Looking at the eyes of Zellweger and Clooney will show you that mischief and mayhem are afoot. The photos and lighting in tese posters are stunning. This film is a 1st class operation all the way.

Leatherheads Movie Poster

Here is the official movie poster for Leatherheads...I love the slogan....the players were in cold mud for weeks during filming. Giant fire hoses would fill the field with water, so there was mud. There were heaters on the sidelines and many of the players were shaking from the cold...meanwhile the extras in the stands were sweating in winter garb and being given water.

Making a Wish - 300+ Bloggers Help an Author Live Her Dreams

I have been working closely with Julie Ann Shapiro marketing her books, Jen Zen and the One Shoe Diaries and Three Drop Pennies. Most of what we do is on Facebook and my facebookenthusiast blog. While my world revolves around mostly business, Julie's world revolves around authors and writers.

Today, we are posting this special article which Julie has written to support an author battling cancer whose book is just being published.

300+ Bloggers Support a Writer Living the Dream

In a practical world, there are dreamers and there are realities called bills. Many of us writers know how hard it is to have that dream and responsibilities but we chase that dream because it’s so much a part of us we wouldn’t know life if we didn’t have it.

Can you imagine having that dream of seeing your book finally published after many years of struggling and then you get sick? It’s too uncomfortable and too scary to think about. Yet, it happened to one fine writer, Patry Francis. Her book the Liars Club came out amidst the diagnosis of cancer. During a time when she should be celebrating she has to heal. Now over 300 bloggers are lending their support for Patry Francis.

http://www.amazon.com/Liars-Diary-Patry-Francis/dp/0452289157/ref=ed_oe_p

Leatherheads in the Real World

The scale of this display is about 12 feet wide and about 6 to 8 ft high. It is sitting outside the movie theater in the lobby of the Concord Mills shopping center. These pictures can be downloaded as wallpaper for your computer or AOL IM (AIM) or mobile phone. Go to www.leatherheadsmovie.com.

Picture of John McCain Rally from the Los Angeles Times

Picture of John McCain Rally from the Los Angeles Times. I am to the right of John McCain behind the barrier (below the back left of the chandelier) with my hair reflecting white light.

Politics, John McCain and Me

I have always been interested in politics and in fact had worked on some campaigns as far back as George McGovern and canvassed door to door for local elections when I was in high school. With technology and social media adding an additional way for candidates to get closer to their constituents, independent voters and others, it seems that my expertise in Facebook may be useful to them.

So last week, I received and e-mail from Maurice, inviting me to go with him to a John McCain Town Meeting in Lake Wylie, SC. As we drove down to the rally, we talked about politics, each candidate, what we liked or disliked. We also discussed how the mayor of Charlotte just announced he is running for Governor of the state.

I was reading off the mapquest directions as we found our way to T-Bones Steakhouse, a sprawling restaurant and bar directly on Lake Wylie. The parking lot was full when we arrived and we managed to work our way into the restaurant for the 5:45 town meeting. The place was filled with a combination of people, mostly South Carolinians and Charlotteans (North Carolinians)....mixed with the local political operatives and the national campaign workers. There also was enormous press coverage with bloggers, reporters, television and photographers.

A stage was set up in the middle of the restaurant with seats for all the dignitaries. Maurice and I made our way in and were on some stairs with a limited view of the proceedings. John McCain was supposed to be coming in through our narrow hallway so a local police officer was there to makes sure only certain people made it close to the stage, so we were about 100 feet away. However a few minutes before John McCain made his way in, the police officer left his post and I went right up front at the foot of the stage. There were 4 or 5 tv cameras to the left of the stage and one on the right.

All of a sudden applause started and John McCain and his entourage made his way through the kitchen (isn't that always how politicians enter restaurants and hotels) and on to the stage with his stunning beautiful wife. I started to snap some pictures with my " cameraphone"...

Senator Lindsay Graham (SC) and Tom Coburn (OK) both spoke and led up to the introduction of John McCain. I didn't realize until I arrived that it was a Town Meeting...but those who know me would figure I would have a question ready. After John McCain spoke about our recent successes in Iraq and some of the challenges we face domestically, they opened the floor to questions. I waited a bit to listen some of the early questions and to see how open and honestly he would answer. I found that there were some soundbite answers, but he truly came across as genuine and real. About 10 minutes into questioning, I raised my hand, and McCain chose me to ask the next question. I asked him about America's competitiveness in science and math and how he intends improve education for our youth and for those transitioning in our new technology based economy.

He gave me an answer which gave me some hope he understood the linkage of investing in this area. He told the crowd that he had visited Ireland and spoke with its leaders about how it became such a vibrant technology economy in such a short time. He understood and agreed this is an area the United States needed to address.

After the event ended, I was able to make my way over to John McCain, shake his hand personally and thank him for answering my question. As I drove off, I thought of a question which might have been self serving, but interesting....since I am the creator of www.facebookenthusiast.com, how does social media change the dynamics of the 2008 campaign. Well, as our friend, and boxing promoter Don King (who used to frequent the halls of HBO) says "Only in America".

Last Day on Set in Statesville, NC

 

This photo was taken on my last day of filming of Leatherheads in Statesville, NC. It was an interesting day as only about 25 extras were on set that day. We had a chance to move around and spend time actually talking with crew. Since it was filmed on the street in Statesville some crowds gathered and I was interviewed for the Statesville newspaper.

We took these pictures inside the Stateville Civic Center which was the area called "Extras Holding". This was also where the crew, actors and extras all had our meals.

The costume for this scene is a 1920's athletic club outfit. The costumers custom made my tan pants a few days prior to filming. After being around the set the entire day, only about 8 people were actually brought into the scene.

This was the 2nd day out of ten where I was able to see Renee Zellweger up close.

These are two flappers who were also on set that day in mid May 2007.

The Engaging Brand - Facebook Podcast

One of the great things about the world of social media and new media is how powerful it is and how individuals who work each day at it can brand themselves as experts in their fields.

In my two years using LinkedIn and Facebook, I have had the pleasure of meeting bloggers, podcasters and authors who freely gave advice to help others learn. Many of us collectively worked together to promote each other's shows and blogs both by linking to them from our own blogs or interviewing an individual in a podcast.

In July 2007, I decided to begin to spend hours a day reading about Facebook and doing what I always seem to do, track down the leaders and innovators who are making this one of the most visited sites on the internet.

With this in mind, I am announcing that tomorrow, The Engaging Brand Podcast will be featuring a segment where I will be discussing facebook. This podcast was recorded "over the pond" with host, Anna Farmery. Anna resides outside of London.

If you want to learn some interesting facts and lessons about Facebook, I encourage you to listen to the podcast.

Here is a bit about Anna.
Anna qualified as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG. She then joined the printing industry as a Financial Controller before being made Managing Director at the ripe old age of 25. She continued in industry with a growing reputation for motivating people, working for FMCG companies.

After 20 years of being a Group HR/Finance Director for major worldwide brands she decided to establish her own company - The Engaging Brand.

Please visit her website and feel free to engage her.

I look forward to hearing from many of you as well. You can reach me at ewarriorbizdev@gmail.com or on Skype as eWarrior.

Leatherheads Trailer

This is the Leatherheads Movie Trailer. I was fortunate to have worked on this romantic football comedy directed and starring George Clooney...I will be interested to see how this trailer may become virally marketed on Facebook and how they use digital technology such as YouTube. It comes out April 2008 in the US.

My best holiday present - Leatherheads Trailer with George Clooney

Here is the trailer from the movie Leatherheads which I was an extra as a sideline photographer, sideline reporter, and fan. Leatherheads stars George Clooney, Renee Zellweger, and John Krasinski. I was fortunate to have worked on the film on 3 different locations, 3 different roles (costumes), including one which I was in an old time athletic club uniform...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45lgqAYH3pQ

My Jen-Zen Journey on Facebook

Back in May 2007, I joined facebook and by July, I had started a separate blog called www.facebookenthusiast.com for promoting my services as a facebook marketing expert.

Within facebook, I have started to gain clients who are part of the creative community. This includes authors and musicians.

Last week, I began to develop marketing strategies for the release of an independent novel which is a magical romance. The author, Julie Ann Shapiro, is relatively young, yet prolific in the writing of short stories and "flash novels".

This week we began to promote her first novel called "Jen-Zen and the One Shoe Diaries" We began to promote the book both inside and outside of facebook including looking for tie-ins with shoe companies and retailers.

We also will be pursuing other media outlets for possible development of the book and other stories which could be developed into film or television projects.

This is already a fun and rewarding journey as I learn about the marketing of fiction in the new world of electronic publishing and its intersection with social networks.

Here is a link to the page within Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=6708563066

Gospel Hill - First Listing in NY Times

Just got an alert this morning for Gospel Hill's official listing in the NY Times movie list. This link will be great for tracking the film's progress for its anticipated mid-2008 release.

http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/450784/Gospel-Hill/overview

Hopefully, I will be seen for a few seconds in the movie with a scene where Danny Glover is giving an impassioned speech.

Leatherheads - George and Renee in W Magazine

Conde Nast's W Magazine has a cover of George Clooney and Renee Zellweger. This is a nice little article that was coming out with the promotion of Leatherheads.

Here is a link to the article.

Leatherheads (which I was an extra (sideline photographer and reporter) in and hope not to be on the cutting room floor)... was to premier on Dec 7, 2007. Now it will be released for April 4th in time for some of the Easter/Passover/Spring Break time.

Leatherheads is a fun screwball comedy for the whole family.

Starring You is helping others reach for the stars

I have been working with Marta Tracy, author of Starring You with some promotion in social networks such as facebook and linkedin. Marta recently appeared on Small Business on MSNBC. Click here to see the segment

Marta was recently on a panel discussion on emerging technologies at her alma mater, Boston College. Marta and I collaborated on the development of the powerpoint portion of the presentation on emerging technologies as part of my executive coaching practice.

We anticipate bringing this presentation into businesses and to other venues including a webinar series.

RZA - Gospel Hill Mention

Here is a mention of one of the musicians, composers, actors, RZA in the film Gospel Hill, where I was an extra and on the set with Julia Stiles, Danny Glover, Angela Bassett and Adam Baldwin.


http://www.ugo.com/ugo/html/article/?id=17984§ionId=54

The film is scheduled for release in mid-2008.

BBC Radio Crossing Continents - Bill Law

I took some time off this summer to step away from technology and to recharge my "batteries". One of my friends, Bill Law, is a reporter for BBC radio and has been drawn into some of the most cutting edge reporting from the Islamic world.

As we departed in August, Bill said he would be heading to Pakistan. Over the last few days, Pakistan is now a major story with the return of Prime Minister Bhutto.

I had started to write this article and just a few minutes ago, it was reported that there was a bombing near her motorcade.

It does remind you how the BBC covers teh world and how important it is to get reporting first hand from the front lines.

Leatherheads Opening Moved to April 4, 2008

According to the Universal Pictures website and articles in the Hollywood Reporter, George Clooney's movie Leatherheads is moving from the December 7, 2008 release date to April 4, 2008. The move was due to an extremely busy schedule for the George Clooney with the movie Michael Clayton (Warner Bros), filming and his recent motorcycle accident.

The good news is that the trailers for Leatherheads will be heavily promoting the movie during the winter holiday season. Leatherheads is is intended to bring in a large audience with its romantic comedy and football themes. Just speculating here, but it looks like the DVD release would come right in the middle of the 2008 football season.

Well, in any event 2008 will be an interesting time as both films, I worked on will be out in theaters in mid-2008.

Starring You! - Do you want to appear on TV as an expert?

Over the last few years, I have spent time reconnecting with others in entertainment and media. One of the people I recently reconnected with was Marta Tracy. The last time Marta and I met in person, she was working in the production department at Home Box Office.

Now Marta has had a tremendous career including being part of a team which launched E! Entertainment television. Marta's passion has been working in the fashion world. She has helped to book guests on shows such as Tyra and Ellen.

In fact, Marta recently worked with a company which was launching a new line of jewelry. She worked with the creator and owner to prepare for a television appearance. Once the appearance on a national talk show happened, the companies sales increased by over 50% within a few months. This is incredibly powerful to an entrepreneur, author, musician, fashion designer or other person with a product or service.

This book is also of interest to bloggers, podcasters, and internet television producers who may want to learn some new tips and tricks.

The trick...if it was so easy everyone would be on a talk show. Marta has co-written a book called Starring You! which gives real world advice given her decades of experience in the field. The book includes excerpts from well known celebrities - The good, the bad and the ugly.

Marta's expertise, credibility and access to other producers gives her the unique ability to help others realize their dreams. Marta's book is worth a look.

On Facebook, we have also put together a "Discussion Group" in which we eventually will be promoting a teleclass.

(Note:If you are not a facebook user yet, then this is another way to promote yourself. You can find more information on this on my other blog called www.facebookenthusiast.com)

Charlie Rose: June 8, 1995

This is an older version of Charlie Rose with discussions of media and impact on society. Rachael Worby, leading female conductor discusses her life dream to become a conductor in the foot steps of Leonard Bernstein.

Leatherheads Group on Facebook

If you worked on the movie Leatherheads, I have set up a group on Facebook where we can meet and share experiences and keep in touch.

Here is the link to the group.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2428741877