Week 4 Project: Multimedia Video Resume

For my final assignment, I was asked to create a multimedia video resume. The purpose for this assignment was to take a very creative approach to presenting and pitching myself to a prospective employer or client. This was a great experience and I hope you all enjoy. 

Week 4 Reflection: RISE Self- Evaluation

For this assignment, I had to go back over the month and give a reflection on how I did in this course. I am very happy about the outcome of this class, and I feel that I will take everything I learned with me to progress in the future to land my dream job to pursue a great career! Next Week... Graduation! See you all soon and I hope you enjoy!

Week 4 Reflection: RISE Peer Review

Jon Hurst Week 3 Project: Mock Interview

 

 

 

For this assignment I had to conduct a RISE: Peer Review on one of my fellow classmate’s Week 3 Project: Mock Interview. I am glad I had the please to check out Jon’s video because he always does a great job.

Good Evening Jon!

I would like to start off by saying that I really enjoyed your project. You were straight forward with the responses with your questions. The audio and visual was also good. I can relate to finding a place to do certain projects like this because we have to make sure everything is on point and I give you a lot of support for how you had to record your project.

Anyhow, I loved how you pulled out key points about yourself to get the interviewee’s attention. You were confident, your professional look, and you also showed the interviewer that you are seeking to work towards greatness for not only yourself but also the brand of Nike. Also, your responses for the Co-Worker and Problem Solver question we very on point. You made a comment how you can have a personal/ professional relationship with the bosses.  So to say this will break the ice between the management and the employees. It will make the work space easy and more open for everyone to get a long! Kudos to that point.

I don’t know if I missed it, but I do understand that you wrote on your post that the interview was for Nike. I am thinking if I missed the specific position that you were interviewing for. That may give the person watching the video a little more understanding of why you wanted to apply for the position. Now, I know what it is like to get stuff done and I know you wanted to add the “interviewer” part to the project but you weren’t able to. One thing I would have suggested for this project to use the “lower third frame” on IMovie/ Final Cut and put the questions there while you are answering them or you could have made slides of the questions and added them into the video to give a feeling that someone was actually interviewing.

Other than that, I will say great job! You have the experience and confidence that many people want and I am totally proud to say that I was in class with you. We only have a couple more days left and we are graduating. Hopefully we can work together in the future! It will be worth it! Congrats on everything!

Best,

 

Lauren



Week 3 Project: Mock Interview

For this assignment, we had to conduct a viral interview. So yes, I am the interviewer and the interviewee. This is showing how I can answer questions given and also have a look at my body language and demeanor.

Week 3 Practice: Interviewing with Examples

For this assignment, we had to tell 2 stories. One would have to be about an obstacle where we failed and another story about managing a project. I chose to speak on when one event that I promoted flopped and the other story is about when I had to work production/post production on a television show. In order to gain a great position with any company, you have to be able to talk about not only your personal victories but also let downs with confidence! I hope you all enjoy.

Week 3 Analysis: Virtual Interview Preparation

For this assignment, I had to make a video showing how I am going to prepare for my virtual interview. I had a very professional setting that would please the employer. I have a strong internet signal that will secure the interview. There wasn't any noise or anything distracting in the background, and I made sure that I was professionally dressed. I hope you enjoy.

Week 3 Practice: Company Questions

For this practice assignment, I  had to conjure up some questions that I would ask an potential employer during an interview. I feel that the questions I chose to list would show that I have great interest in not only the position, but also the company as a whole. 

1. What would you say are the biggest challenges that an employee would face in this position?

This question shows that I do not have any blinders on when it comes to a new job and the excitement that comes with it. This also shows that I recognize that every job has elements that can range from simple to difficult, and I am being thoughtful about what it will take to succeed in the position. 

2. Can you describe a typical day/week in this position?
This question shows that I am thinking beyond the actual interview and am visualizing what it will be like working the position. Unlike some people that are only focused on landing the position without thinking about what will come after.

3. What would you call a successful 1st year in this particular position?

Asking this question will show that my mental is focused towards the same direction as the manager when it comes to what the position needs from the potential employee to contribute to the team, company, and the brand as a whole. I also give the intent to the employer that I am willing to not only achieve that goal, but to also surpass it. 

4. How will the success of the employee in this position be measured?
This question actually piggybacks off the previous question, but it also shows me what the manager actually would values from the employee. I know that certain things may satisfy my previous employer but knowing what is important to the new management will give me a clear understanding of what is what they want in an employee. 

5. Does your company support personal and professional growth with the brand? If so, in what ways would you say it does?

I personally ask this question for every position that I may apply for. We all have to start at some level, but we all do not want to be in the same position for years and years, unless that is the career that you deeply want. This will also show the employer that I am passionate about growing with the company and the brand, instead of just seeking some type of employment that will keep my bills paid for a year or so. 

Week 3 Exploration: Company Research

In this activity, I chose to do research on a company that I stated in my Week1 Practice. This assignment allowed me to investigate the background of the company to give me a further understanding of the company and also gave me the option to proceed with applying or not. You can locate the PDF of the PowerPoint Presentation here. I hope you enjoy.

Week 2 Project: Network Email

For this activity, I had to create an email to send to connections/ fellow professionals that I network with in the past. Before I entered this course, let alone started attending Full Sail University, I can say that I have known a great amount of people in the industry and have collaborated with them on certain tasks, so sending out a letter announcing my graduation and also wanting to seek guidance for the future would be a great thing for me to do. Please enjoy....


 Subject: Seeking the Future of Journalism... Look No Further!


Greetings " professional contact person",

I am so delighted to share this news with you! I have been attending Full Sail University for the past couple of years and I am proud to say that I will be graduating! Soon I will complete my Bachelors of Science in Media Communications, and this degree will go perfectly with my experience with being a Journalist along with an On-Air Talent. While attending school, I have progressed in the "New Media Journalism World" with writing, marketing, digital skills, along with video and audio production. With my experience with creating content, project management, and branding, you can say that I am a force to be reckoned with. With the changes in the world and also technology, I feel that I would be a great asset to many companies. You can view my journey as a Media Communications major here. I not only feel that I am qualified for various positions, but I also feel that I can help elevate a company as a whole, if given that chance.

I am reaching out to you because I know you have an extensive network and hoped you may know someone who could give me some insight on how to expand my brand as a media professional or if you have any recommendations or leads to any media positions that would be a perfect fit for me, please let me know. Also, if you may need any referrals from me, please do not hesitate to ask. As Henry Ford said, "Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success!" Please feel free to call me at 424-265-8120

Thank you again for taking the time to read this email.

Respectfully,
Lauren Benzo
424-265-8120
LaurenBenzo@gmail.com
www.LaurenBenzo.com
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter

Week 2 Practice: Elevator Pitch

For this assignment I had to make an elevator pitch promoting myself as a brand. I feel that this is a great tool to use when I am trying to pitch myself for an opportunity to network or seek employment in the media industry. I hope you all enjoy!

Week 2 Anaylsis: Build Your Network

For this assignment, I had to put together a list of contacts and also open positions that are currently available at their place of employment. I plan on adding more contacts to this list in order to help me in the future. Not just with finding a job, but to also follow up with people that I have network with in the past.

 

 

http://www.indeed.com/cmp/Nexstar-Broadcasting-WJET--TV/jobs/General-Assignment-Reporter-f364254faad48af2?q=media

 

 

https://recruiting.adp.com/srccar/public/RTI.home?d=External&c=1060841&rb=INDEED&r=5000043472506

 

 

https://cbs.avature.net/cbstvscareers/JobDetail/Reporter/775

 

 

https://sjobs.brassring.com/tgwebhost/jobdetails.aspx?SID=%5ebus1yQ%2fKSm5kg7x9gPisO%2fXi3u9Vry4uVhVV0KL1hqy_slp_rhc_0%2fcK2N7zsThmB7JXy2TR&type=search

 

 

http://abc7ny.com/jobs/



Week 2 Practice: Networking

For this practice assignment, I had to research some media industry conferences that best suits my career goals. After breaking them all down in two, I had to pick one that was local and one that was national. I chose these two conferences, because I know attending these events would help me progress in my career as a radio personality/journalist. Not only will I be able to learn from the professionals that are speaking on the panel. but they will also be great people to network and build with.


Local: Public Radio Content Conference- Pittsburgh, PA: I chose this conference because as you know I have a great passion for radio. This conference is for program directors to network and hopefully collaborate on some ideas in the future. Yes, I know that I am not a program director *yet*, but I would love to attend because this will give me an opportunity with some directors, ask for advise and wisdom, and hopefully gain a potential position at their station in the future.



National: Revolt Music Conference- Miami, FL: I chose this particular conference not only because it's popular, but this conference is a industry event that combines the worlds of music, blogging, radio, social media, television, and more. Not to mention, there are a great amount of celebrities, yet I know myself and I will not attend to see performances or meet "celebs". I will use this conference as a tool to boost my career. There will be a variety of people that I could network with. So to say, I will meet a producer. I will let him/her know that I am a journalist and I would to conduct an interview with them. BOOM! I could also meet website owners that are seeking freelance journalists or maybe a program director that has inquired about me in the past may give me a job offer because I carry my brand in a professional way. When you are involved with conferences such as this one, you have to always keep your eyes and ears open to gain knowledge and work your networking magic!

Week 2 Exploration: Build Your Network

For this week's exploration, we had to outline and identify professional/ personal communities along with strategies to build our professional network. I not only listened communities that I am currently a member of, but also one's that could help me in the future with my career. You can locate the PDF of the PowerPoint Presentation below. I hope you all enjoy.


Week 2 Exploration: Build Your Network

Week 1 Project: A Tailored Resume

After viewing Steve Harris' "Designing a Resume" tutorial on Lynda.com, I will say that my resume is a traditional resume with a touch of modern. I say this because my resume is full of information, but it gets straight to the point of who I am and what i have accomplished. I also feel that this resume would be perfect for the position that I would apply for.  Here is a link to my resume and here is also a link to the "On-Air Talent" position at a radio station in Hollywood, FL. 

Week 1 Practice: Cover Letter

For this week's practice, my classmates and I were asked to make a cover letter that would cater to not only a professionally branded resume, but also for an open position of our choice. I chose an "On-Air Talent" position at a radio station in Hollywood, FL. Here is a link to my cover letter and here is also a link to the open position. 

Week 1 Analysis Discussions: Digital Presence SWOT Analysis

The purpose of this assignment was to analyze my presence on social media. Above you are able to view my "SWOT" analysis mind map. Below you can access the three social media sites I used for this analysis. 

Lauren Benzo's LinkedIn Account

Lauren Benzo's Twitter Account

Lauren Benzo's Facebook Account

Week 1 Practice: Skills and Keywords Mind Map

For this activity I had to create a mind map that consisted of skills and keywords that were specific for the media industry. I can say after making this map, I actually realized that I have concurred a great amount of challenges over the past couple of years in my life. Take a look in the image above. Click on the image to zoom in, if needed.

Week 1 Exploration: What Can I Do With My Degree

This assignment was meant to help educate ourselves on what we can do with our degrees. It was quite educational as I learned about websites and resources that are available to me. I also found 2 organizations that I plan to join. You can access my presentation here. I hope you enjoy. 

Lauren Benzo's MCBS MultiMedia Video

As a MCBS student, I have taken classes each month that prepared me to take my place in the media communications industry. The activities that I have engaged in, has given me such a strong foundation of media skills and knowledge.

In this activity, I had to create a MultiMedia Video story about my journey through the MCBS Program. This video absolutely demonstrates the best practices in media asset creation, with particular attention devoted to the crafting of an engaging story, the inclusion of high quality audiovisual assets and observance of copyright considerations.

I hope you all enjoy.

Week 4 Reflection: RISE Self-Evaluation

For this assignment, I has to do a RISE Self Evaluation. In this video, I had to revisit my past activities that I finished for this class and how the class influenced me. Please enjoy.

Week 4 Reflection: RISE Peer Review

For this assignment, I had to review one of my peer's business plan. I had the pleasure to review Julia's business plan for "Revolt Media Group". I hope you all enjoy.

Julia's Week 3 Project: Finalized Business Plan

Good Evening Julia,

I just finished going over your business plan for Revolt Media Group, and I will say that I was not only delighted to review it, but I was also very impressed. I related to your idea because I have a background in radio, and I deeply agree that there aren’t many shows that cater to the average young adult. I also enjoy the fact that you are doing it in New York. Hopefully one day you may hire me as an personality. I would also like to point out that your target market is perfect. Being honest, listening to Power 105 or Hot 97 is like “blah” these days, I can tell that you plan on adding some type of variety to your company than what Emmis or Clear Channel only approves their stations to play.

To inquire, I would say instead of waiting for your fan base to out beat Apple/Beats or Sirius, I would try to link with a program director that is established in their company and inquire about having a slot. When I stated radio, I worked on Invasion Radio on a web site, and my boss at the time met with some heads at Sirius and we were able to not only do the show on the web but we were also able to do it on Sirius. It’s like the same thing Kay Slay does. Wednesdays on Shade 45 and Thursdays on Hot 97. It’s a great way to cross promote your brand and to break down barriers to lay down your foundation a little quicker.

If you are seeking personalities that are not only going to bring you listeners but also advertisement, I would suggest looking into bloggers that work for 2DopeBoyz, JackThriller, AllHipHop, Complex, and other sites. When you are getting people like that that already has a great fan base and viral outlet, this will help in the long run, because your brand is promoting them, and their brand will promote yours. One hand washes the other… while both hands wash the face together.

Other than that, I really enjoyed your business plan. You really did your research and gave everyone an in depth example of what it takes to start a business. Remember, when you make it big, I hope you have a personality position for me. Until then have a great month and see you again soon!!

Best,

Lauren Benzo

Week 3 Project: Finalized Business Plan

Over the past few weeks, I have constructed the contents of what would be the business plan for my production company "D.Y.M.E. Productions". Here is the finished product. I hope you enjoy.

Week 3 Analysis: Financing

For this assignment, I had to identify my start-up costs and estimate how much money I will need to launch my business. I also had to analyze potential sources of funding that can help me secure what I need.

You can view my Prezi here. 

Week 3 Practice: Elevator Pitch

For this practice, I had to make an elevator pitch for my company "D.Y.M.E. Productions". This is to ensure that I can communicate what my company does in a clean and succinct way. I hope you all enjoy.

Week 3 Exploration: Graphic Designer & Artist Coach

For this exploration assignment, I had to review 2 case studies. They were called "Sparky Firepants Images" and "Room on the Edge." Along with reviewing these case studies, I had to respond to some questions that my instructor wanted me to answer. I hope you all enjoy.

Week 2 Project: Business Plan - Part II

During the past week, I analyzed my industry in production and I also identified my competition. For this week’s project assignment, we had to add those details to our business plan. As you see below, this project is broken down into 3 parts: Industry Analysis and Trends, Target Market Analysis, and The Competition.

Industrial Analysis and Trends

Here is an overview of my industry, the market opportunity, the barriers to entry, and the long-term opportunities.

Industry Overview:

The production industry is in transition. In this day and age, video production is now known as a creative skill that can be learnt by anyone with ambition and imagination. You can get receive software for free, or pay a monthly fee for programs as adobe. But on another note, on a professional level, the production industry is gearing more towards reality television. I can understand that people love another person’s lift turn into a train wreck, but there are also shows that are inspirational, comforting, educational, and informing. These are more of the shows that D.Y.M.E. Productions are willing to share with the world.

Market Opportunity:

To grow some revenue, our television company can confide with another company to help develop a national growth strategy. This will include an analysis of existing operations as well as new marketing opportunities in non-core and emerging markets. By doing this, we can develop an emerging market strategy with specific target and supporting implementation plans.

Barriers to Entry:

The Barriers to Entry will act like a deterrent against any competitor that plans on coming into the industry after D.Y.M.E. Productions is established. This will serve as a defense mechanism that imposes a cost element to new entrants. This will help D.Y.M.E. Productions become a market leader and this will help us understand how to protect our position.

Long-Term Opportunities:

D.Y.M.E. Productions’ long-term opportunities are instilled with our company to wanting to break down barriers and thinking out of the box.  Not to mention the kind words of our clients recommending us to their friends and colleagues at other companies. Some production companies tent to follow the way of others. D.Y.M.E. Life is more of a company that thrives off the fact of thinking out of the box. Our 5 – 10 year goal, we plan on having our company more on an international level. With the development of D.Y.M.E. Life TV and Food Traxx with Benzo, within the first 3 years of filming we are going to take the show over the world. With this happening, this will open the door with networking with movers and shakers and different countries. Another goal within 10 years would be producing a summer box office hit. 

Target Market

Here is an overview of my target market including the description, the size, the trends, the customers, the readiness, and the strategic opportunities.

Market Description:

D.Y.M.E. Productions offers an unlimited amount of services to clients that are interested with investing with our company produce television shows, films, commercials, exc. The target market for D.Y.M.E. Productions is very diverse; this is why we plan on opening more offices around the United States.  As said before, D.Y.M.E. Production is a very unique company. Within a reasonable amount of time, our company will be past the development stage. Our supply and support systems are available and we are currently working the ends of the development costs.

Market Size and Trends:

Film and Video Production companies in the industry have grappled with mounting production costs. Many have increasing invested in high cost special effects. We also have some that are working with new distribution channels, even online content providers such as Netflix and Hulu. Even though we are located in New York City, over 28% of total domestic film production is done in California.

Target Customers:

Are target customers are are people that are seeking to take their ideas and turn them various forms of media. We will give them that platform for television show, short films, Internet shows/vlog, interactive entertainment and digital media.

Market Readiness:

Searching for a phenomenal production company isn’t new to our potential clients. From the loyalty that we will have with existing clients with the gift of networking with as some call it “word of mouth”, we feel that our services may seem as a competition to some companies, but with the factors in New York City with over 100 start up production companies coming to life within the next 2 years, this may effect out market, but we can stay positive as long as we keep putting up top notch work and keeping our clients happy. 

 Strategic Opportunities:

We plan to initially market our products and services as an alternative solution for television networks and video companies.  These markets were selected because of their size, trends in technology, our experience with video production, our industry contacts, and an overall belief that they are most appropriate to initially target.

The Competition

Here is an overview of my company’s competitors, the advantages, the barriers to entry, and strategic opportunities.

Competition:

A. Zero Point Zero Productions

B. Restless Films

C. CubeVision

Advantages:

    A.     This is a media production company that works out of New York City. This company caters into   making television shows for national syndicated stations. An advantage that we have over them is that our ideas for shows are more in depth and we are willing to work with other companies for cross marketing. Zero Point Zero would never think of doing that.     

   

    B.   This production company is based out of New York City. Even though this company makes short-films and music videos, we have an advantage because our company specializes in other routes of production such as television shows, commercials, vlogs, ect.

    

    C. This production company is based out of Santa Monica, Ca. This company mainly makes motion pictures and television shows. Even though this company is highly respected in the industry and our company is new to everything, we have an advantage because unlike the owners of CV, our team is young and open to new ideas to work with the clients.

Barriers to Entry:

A barrier we could face tying to compete with these brands would be being black balled or going out of business. The industry is small and word of mouth/networking is everything. I would never want the owners of these companies feeling that I call them competition to D.Y.M.E. Productions. I more so call them inspirations on levels that I would want my company to be. Of course we are in competition because we all are production companies, yet it is always better to make a friend/potential future business partner than enemy in this cut throat industry.  

Strategic Opportunities:

Our company can meet the needs over the competitors by sticking to what D.Y.M.E. Productions stands for. Being unique, bold, cutting edge, and the prototype. The opportunities I see for D.Y.M.E. Productions are 60% positive 40% negative because I am new to running a production company, yet I have business partners and financial advisors that are willing to steer the brand and myself into the right direction. Not to mention, I am willing to do collaboration with my competitors. This will open the door for more cross marketing for the D.Y.M.E. brand and more collaborations with other production companies in the industry.

Week 2 Practice: SWOT Analysis

For this practice, we had to understand the strengths and weaknesses of our project. Doing this allows us to manage or eliminate threats that may occur in the future. Below you will see the Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats that my company D.Y.M.E. Productions may run into in the future.

Week 2 Analysis: Competitor Research

For this analysis, I had to analyze 3 potential competitors for my media/ production company “D.Y.M.E. Productions”. In the video, I will evaluate the “What, Where, Who, When, Why, and How” of these 3 production companies. I will also tell you what us similar between all 3 of these companies, but I will also state that my business either falls in line with the companies or moves in another direction to stand out from the competition.