PLAYDIGM Entertainment Licensing & Branding

Vancouver, BC, CANADA July 1, 2010 — Playdigm Entertainment has provided entertainment content for multiple formats since 1985 and continues to create new properties, as well as, develop their original brands.

GALACTIC GLADIATORS, originally released as a comic series distributed by Diamond Comics (distributor for Marvel Comics, Image, Darkhorse, Top Cow, DC Entertainment), is now being developed into a graphic novel.  For further information on this stage of the project contact admin@Playdigm. com.

The GALACTIC GLADIATORS screenplay is being written by Sandford Tuey, (the creator of the brand) with input from  the original team.  As soon as the second draft of the screenplay is completed, directors and producers will be approached. This highly charged action adventure leads Tessa, an animal rights, environmental activist to quit her dream, only to be abducted and forced to join a coalition of aliens and mutating humans to save our entire planet from an evil extraterrestrial species or our galaxy will be destroyed.

For more information on this project:  Contact Sandford Tuey admin@Playdigm.com.

Join a franchise in the making!

Here is a check list to ensure you are ready for exhibiting at your next trade show:

1. PRE-SHOW RECOMMENDATIONS

Locate the best economical space on the exhibit floor, will it be near a high volume area with lots of well known companies to attract buyers?  Ask the producers of the event as many questions as possible before you commit to the show.  What kind of trade show displays will be around your space, will they block line-of-sight or have other restrictive items?  Ensure your display has excellent lighting, not only in the booth but also project your brand name onto the ceiling or walk way (if allowed).  One thing I noticed is that the majority of people entering a room/facility turn to the right in western nations and turn to the left in asian nations (has something to do with the way they read). Something to consider for perfect booth placement.

Get your travel agent to contact the show’s event planning department to ensure you get maximum discounts on airplane tickets, hotel rates and rental items like cars, vans and rental display items such as televisions, projectors, monitors, sound systems and models. There are always things that can be found at a reasonable price to make your trip more enjoyable.

Before you leave make sure you send out to the contacts you want to meet and do business with, some sort of promotional piece that will draw these people to your booth.  A glossy brochure, catalogue, or just a quick email, will help attract customers.  I recommend some sort of prize winning contest or draw to get those on-the-fence people who might not normally have time to visit your booth.  Who doesn’t like to win something?

Invite clients and potential customers, and the media to drop by your booth. Ensure the booth #  is clearly represented as are all the details of the event.  You can also advertise in the trade show directory, in local papers that are distributed to the hotels involved with the event and on your website.  Make sure you get your message out to everyone who may be interested.

By connecting and making appointments with your contacts prior to the show you reduce the amount of printed advertising, promotional material and other items that trade show attendees intended to read but usually toss in the garbage because they don’t want to carry a ton of stuff around the event floor or all they way back to their office in another city.

At the trade show keep promotional propaganda to a minimum.  A two sided color page brochure with contact information and material on your product line should be enough.  If anyone wants more information take their card and contact info and after the show forward exactly what they need.

2. EXHIBIT AND TEAM PRESENTATION
I highly recommend your staff wear attractive team gear that easily designates them as members of your company.  If you have brands ensure that these logos are also on the clothing and caps they wear.  Many times I have been looking at other booths, only to be asked where my booth is and about the products we are promoting because I was wearing a shirt with GALACTIC GLADIATORS or BRUCE LEE on it.

Be creative with your display  walls by making sure your brands and company name are large enough to be read from twenty feet down the aisle.  Add full color artwork on your display and show off your products every way you can.  We gave away original framed line art at the end of a trade show – they were worth around $500 each and many people came to see if they won since you had to be there when the ticket was drawn.  Even sold more products while people waited for the prizes.

We like to provide a musical background that attracts the walkers-by to stop and check us out.  The driving beat and even noise of some sort makes people look and if they see something they like, they will come over and check your booth out.

The power of television is amazing.  People love moving images and therefore you should add some form of visuals to your booth.  One show I played Bruce Lee films (we produced the Bruce Lee board game) and I was surprised how often a person would stop and watch a bit, which would add curiousity to others who would stop and then a large gathering would happen.  I recommend creating a short film or animation promoting your products in a light and exciting way.

I have also hired models to dress up and become characters from our entertainment projects.  Having a good looking male or female dressed in costume and talking to potential clients works.  Even Gene Simmons of KISS dropped by for a photograph with Tessa Guess (the hero of Galactic Gladiators).  I was surprised how many people want to meet Spiderman, Batman, Harry Potter and all the other costumed stars.  If you have a photo area with a cool background for taking pictures all the better.  One time we had a life-size plastic tube over six feet tall with lights at the top and sounds when you got inside.  When you entered this preservation pod you learned the story in a one minute and ten second musical message and Tessa might even squeeze inside with you. We even had a Ninja outside the building handing out shuriken star-shaped cards to the attendees waiting in line to get inside which directed them to visit our exhibit booth.

Give away samples of your products (if they are not too expensive) and cost-effective brochures that highlight key selling features that state how to get in touch with you after the event.   You might consider giving a special promotion only offered to those that drop by your booth.   Try to keep your overall presentation a cohesive color and theme combination as this will leave a strong impression on attendees and make it easier for them to recall their visit with you.

3. FOLLOW UP AFTER EVENTS
Qualify visitors into three categories:  a) no interest or not likely to purchase anything; b) somewhat interested or has connections who may become interested – I also include Media and Press here; c) immediately contact after returning back to the office as they expressed interest or want to order.

Mail those in lists b and c a thank you – order now letter/ brochure as soon as possible after your show.  Add these contacts to your files and ensure they are kept up to date on your company and products. It is common that a potential client may need to be contacted up to five or more times before they will purchase.  Send postcards and other informative materials to keep in touch with the newly initiated.  Every sales person knows it is all about the personal relationship that makes companies a success.

4. WHICH TRADE SHOWS TO GO TO?
Trade shows are an effective promotion and sales method but which ones to exhibit at?  I recommend that you attend potential events prior to spending thousands of dollars to exhibit at them. This research will save you a lot of money by ensuring your company only hits the shows specific to your market.  This is important to your advance preparation and how to get the maximum return on investment.  Good luck and remember – having fun during these events is contagious, and if buyers see you smiling they will too!

Stephen Colbert has a big pair!  He dared to taunt the Bilderberg Group during the opening of his April 15, 2010 show on Comedy Central.  Is he crazy – like a fox?

Or was it a dare?  He did point to a member of the audience or someone behind the scenes after making the comment.  If he seemed nervous doing it you couldn’t tell.  Maybe he thinks his persona is too big to gain attention from what some say is the most powerful group of people and corporations on our planet.  Time will tell.

Either way Colbert spoke the secret rulers of the world’s coded name just as he commenced his program. Sure it was just a quick mention and then a plea for the Bilderberg organization ‘not to shoot freelance reporters’ like him – as he kind of referred to himself.

Is he brave?  Is he causing eyes that he doesn’t want watching his show to begin following one of the funniest and most powerful comedic brands on Earth?  Is this wise?

The Bilderberg Group first got their nick-name from the hotel in Holland they held their initial meeting at (or the first meeting that was uncovered and revealed to the public).   It is known that these rich and powerful people/companies influence almost everything in our lives but no one dares to talk much about this or can get close enough for insight into what they are planning for all of our futures.  Love to be a videorecorder on the wall during one of their conferences.

With most of the world’s media under the Bilderberg members control, it will be surprising how much anyone, Colbert or otherwise, is willing to say out loud.  I mean, could the networks or cable providers silence him by terminating his show, even though he is so damn popular?  If anyone can stop Colbert – it’s the Bilderberg Group. lol

Will Colbert speak out more on this topic?  We can only hope so as more people need to know the truth!

Keep your eyes open and learn who really rules our world…

How are movies based on toys a good idea?

Well those that have been following my posts know that I have been calling feature length films that are based on entertainment properties like Spiderman, X-Men, Men In Black, Hellboy, etc…  ninety minute commercials for the toys.  Most in the know would agree but Mattel’s move into transmedia, specifically films and a possible television series to promote a new line of toys it is developing confirms everything I have been saying.  I mean it was obvious after Transformers and G.I. Joe came out.

The toy company’s latest project,  according to Playthings Magaziine and the New Yorker, is about “…an alien civilization that’s been living in the depths of Earth’s oceans.” The article added that the Mattel executives decided that this idea had the most inherent “transmedia” options, which is the current buzzword for the potential to spiral off into every possible product that people will pay to play with, see, hear, or eat.”

I think the executives of the film and toy industries are blurring the edges, if not overlapping product placement and/or substituting quality of subject with whatever sells the damn stuff.  The challenge will be for the screenwriters to take a basic concept or 2 dimensional character and flesh it out so that it entertains.  Some Marvel, Darkhorse and DC franchises have been successful but can a Toy company make the grade?  Time will tell.

I will check out this project just out of curiosity but they better get it right the first time because there most likely won’t be a second chance to take my money.  Especially when I am trying to compete with the big boys.

I am sure those that appreciate and love cinema believe the merging of toy-and-screen will be the death of film, but licensing and merchandising professionals are cheering and believe it’s the next logical move for Hollywood.  The Toy industry could benefit big time if this is successful… after James Cameron’s AVATAR… anything goes!!

Question:

Q: What should I pay to someone who locates funds for my project?

A: I haven’t checked within the last couple of years so first I recommend you check with the Securities Exchange Commission in your jurisdiction and the government on their requirements. There are also conditions on how you can present your investment opportunity and if you require a prospectus or not.

The Finders Fee parameters were as follows the last time I was raising money:  a)  a maximum of 10 % on the first $300,000; b) a maximum of 7.5% on amounts between $300,000 to $1,000,000; and a maximum of 5% on amounts above one million dollars.

Please check with your financial advisers and legal counsel to ensure that the compensation amounts and rules haven’t changed and always have professionals review and edit any business plans or potential investment packages you are thinking about using to raise money for your projects or investing in.

Sandford

Ever wanted to be involved in an entertainment project?

Want to help design and develop a brand?

To learn more contact info@Playdigm.com.

Sophisticated Investors welcome.

Welcome to Today’s Question:

Q:   How long did it take to license Bruce Lee’s name and likeness from the Bruce Lee estate?

A:   The entire process took about six months from the time I contacted Black Belt magazine, who in turn led me to Mrs. Lee’s attorney (at the time) – Adrian Marshall, who let me know that the estate wanted to see a prototype of the board game.  I made three hand-made copies of THE ORIGINAL BRUCE LEE MARTIAL ARTS GAME and sent one off to Mrs. Linda Lee.  I got positive reviews and word that Brandon thought his father would like it.  After I negotiated the licensing details and an agreement worked out, I paid the advance royalty fee and received a one page letter that doubled as a valid contract which allowed me a three year worldwide production and marketing deal.

This was my first venture into the game industry and my life changed.

Sandford Tuey

PS:  I am going to answer one question every Monday as time permits.  So if you have any questions about the entertainment, game or toy industries, branding and licensing – send them in to    info@Playdigm.com.  Make sure you put QUESTION in caps in the Subject Line so it will stand out from the mass email I receive.

To make a successful brand you will have to do more than just write a good story, be it a short story, novel or screenplay.  Every writer hopes and looks forward to their big break.  Well unless you make it happen, it isn’t going to happen.
So what can you do?

First,  you need an amazing story idea – then write it down.  A story so damn good that everyone wants to read it or hear it told.  That means having a great idea and putting it on paper.  I always explain when I give seminars or am a keynote speaker at conferences and events, start with a short story, two or three pages that will express the basics of the idea, but more importantly, turns your unprotectable idea into something you can copyright.

I recommend the three page short story structure so that you can write Act 1 on page one, Act 2 on page two and Act 3 on the final page.  This gives you the skeleton of the story.  I do this as soon as possible, that way if I talk to anyone about this intellectual property, it is no longer just an idea (which are easily borrowed).

Once you have that, you can expand it into novel format or a screenplay or a comic book/graphic novel, video game story format, etc…   This is where diversifying your original story allows you to sell it into several markets.

I write the screenplay next because it only has to be a maximum of 120 pages.  This script, based on your short story, will be able to be shown once you have the first draft completed – rewritten several times with input from friends and professionals in the industry that you can trust (will not borrow your excellent concept).  If many of these readers point out the same problem or area, then this is a sign to correct or improve or delete that section of your story.  That is why readers screen screenplays at studios and production companies.  This is also a great way to ensure you are ready to submit your best work.

Second, you have to brand yourself by making people, especially industry people, notice and want to know more about you.  AND what you have written about.

By drawing on your past, previous  profession, jobs, interests, you may spark some interest with a person who can lift you from obscurity.  If you have no writing past then it is time to start creating one right now.

Your brand? Who are you right now and what have you done in the past.  How can this bio info be leveraged to make you stand out from all the other writers?

Take a class at a reputable University or College/school.  Co-write with a famous writer.  Write greeting cards or comics or video games or any thing – even a website blog like this.  What ever gets you attention and in the search engines.  That way if some one tries to locate you, they search for your name on the internet and there you are.

If you write two screenplays mention the second one in your query letter as it makes you seem more professional than a one-time script writer.  Then there is the  email/mailing campaign that promotes you and your screenplay.  What should be in a query letter will depend on who it is written for.  I will discuss this in a future post.

The key is to get as much exposure as possible.  Network at events, conferences, trade shows, mingle where other writers hang out or join a writer’s group, meet producers, directors and actors.  If you can, put on a party and invite the elite, if they don’t show, hey you tried.  If they do, make sure they enjoy themselves, that way they will remember you.

There are so many ways to make a brand so don’t limit yourself to staying within the box.  My mother always said, “If you don’t ask… you won’t receive.”  She is right, so go ahead and contact the star or element you need to take the next step.  The worse they can do is say ‘No’.   Robert Ludlum said no to me three times and I still did a deal with the man.

Work with what you have, create the image you want and live the part.  Sure the world’s a stage but you are the writer, write the lead character (you) a really juicy part.  Because, in the end, you only get one life to live = so live it the way you want to and you will be surprised how many doors open if you just keep promoting yourself and have others help you too.

This is the reason stars remain stars – they hire Public Relations firms.  Which is another great idea to help brand yourself if you can afford it.  Otherwise, you are your own PR company.

Cheers and good luck branding your story and yourself!

A “spec” script is short for a “speculative” screenplay, which is a screenplay written without the writer being paid for their time and effort to create such a literary work.

Normally producers pay you to write a screenplay.  You are retained to write a draft of a script that they have come up with.  This commission is usually on a Work-For-Hire basis and the producer(s) own your work and copyright.

Even better is when producers pay you to write a draft or another draft of a screenplay you created under an option agreement. Usually they end up owning the rights to your screenplay and you make a small amount of money and if you negotiated well – even a small piece of the future revenue, if any.

Of course, the only thing better, is to develop your own screenplay with your own money and your collaborators/partners – as this will provide you with the maximum risk but also the maximum reward.  Of course, you will need a lot of money to do this but wouldn’t it be great to control how your vision would lookon film.

You, the writer are considered an element that is attached to a screenplay.  Just like producers, actors or the director are elements.  The more elements attached to your screenplay, the easier it is to be sold to a STUDIO or PRODUCTION COMPANY.

Selling to a studio is considered the best-case scenario as they have the distribution and marketing clout to do it right.  Plus they pay the most for writing screenplays.  Major studios, mini-majors and other production houses require you approach them directly but the likelyhood of an unknown writer getting through the gatekeepers is slim.  Having a producer or agency (especially a known one) is the kind of  middleman to act as a bridge between you and thestudio to ensure that the script is polished enough to be purchased by a studio.

So if you have finished your screenplay and are not successful at getting any producers or agents or managers to read it or become involved with your project, then try and attach an element or two to your project.  This makes it more attractive to other elements and a studio.

Also try and diversify your writing from just your screenplay  to a novel, comic series, graphic novel, video game or any other ancillary merchandise based on your license/brand.  This two will help attract other elements and non-film markets.

This is what I do and continue to do.  So can you!

Sandford Tuey

Quite a while ago, the tax department told me that one of my brands did not have any value and would have to be struck from my company balance sheet.  I was surprised and asked the following questions?

1) What about the time I put in on writing the short story and screenplay to establish the concept and develop my idea?  Their reply was that no value would be given for my work.  The months of writing and time I committed to raising the funds to produce items based on the brand were not considered until I asked a few more questions:

2) What about the fifty bucks I spent on registering the copyright? I mean, the registration lasts until 50 years after I am dead and gone. Doesn’t that have any value.  Okay, they would recognize that the brand had a value of $50.

3) What about the Trademark costs for Canada and the United States of America? Okay, after providing proof, they acknowledged the $1,500 for this cost could be retained on the books.  After all, my Trademarks will last quite a few more years and are still valid .

4) How about the replacement costs for the board game?  They said that since it was not in production at this time, they would not give me any value for the camera ready artwork, plastic metal molds to produce the tokens and other materials associated with the board game design.  After a few discussions, it was made clear that some of the replacement value would be allowed if I could prove there was still a market for the game. This would only be proven by actual recent sales.  The amount to reproduce the preproduction materials was around $50,000.

5) I convinced them that global internet sales would be satisfactory for their purposes and put a board game up for sale on eBay.  It sold for $150 US – this shocked the government representative, who immediately told me that the sales price must have been an anomaly and I needed to sell at least three to get an average value.  So I sold two more at over $100 US to his dismay.  He thought I might get $12 each but had to agree that there was still a market for the product.

6) Then we realized that all the merchandise would need to be given a value and yet these assets would not be based on a sales price but on a manufacturing price and/or replacement value to make such products.  So I provided the cost to produce the posters, comics, mugs, t-shirts and other items related to my brand and worked out a value.

7) I requested one last time to be given a value for the time and effort I put into the original story and screenplay but got the standard argument that until the script sells there is no way a price could be granted.  I disagreed politely and stated that the value of my screenplay should be no less than the cost of photocopying the 118 pages at five cents a page.  He admitted that would be fair (I didn’t think it was fair but it was a start).

What if I sell the script for the Writers Guild minimum?  What if I sell it for $100 to a low budget producer or a friend?  What if it gets produced into a movie and earns $100,000,000?  What about the video game and graphic novel?

Even though I am willing to write and push all these variations of my brand forward there is a limit to what value the government revenue agency and/or any investors will allow.  So what is your brand truly worth?

Only your imagination knows if your brand is priceless or worthless.

The more you develop and diversify your idea/brand, the more valuable it becomes.  If you can’t sell the screenplay or get the film made, write the novel as this will allow you a second market to try and generate income from your brand.   The more you diversify the project, the better chance you have of success and increasing your brand’s worth.

Some people believe a project’s value is only based on the sales it has, but what if the brand has never been produced in any form yet?  Unproven…

Then the value is what you make others believe it is.  For example: If you get ten investors to put up $10,000 each – then it seems easy to say that the value must be around a hundred grand or more.  How do you convince people that your brand is worth that kind of money?

A worthy project/brand, a ton of confidence and a professional business plan.  I co-wrote a prospectus business plan that helped list my company onto a stock exchange and banked $800,000.  In a future post, I will be going over what should be in a proper business plan that will give you a good chance of raising real money with your brand.

First create a brand that is worth all the work of writing a business plan and going through the process of raising money, etc…  This will help increase the true value of what your brand is worth!!