Elevation Photos Blog

Blackberry Bold Draws Talent While Photo Mafia Gather In NYC!

  (Kate Bosworth Attends Blackberry Bold Launch in LA by Adam Orchon/Elevation Photos)

Last night, the Blackberry/RIM crew broke the bank and invited a good list to attend it's launch around its new phone the Blackberry Bold.  The day before that it was the Blackberry Storm!

I'm on the fence but am leaning on waiting a few months till the Iphone drops in price and it becomes smaller until you need to buy the Imagnifying glass to dial the numbers it'll be that tiny! ..you laugh now but you just wait.

Meanwhile, back in NYC everyone I know was running around town attending PhotoExpo Plus, Picture house, parties, etc. At the end of the day, if you're a tech/photo geek than you're a kid in a candy store no doubt! As for everyone else, I suppose you take away with it what you want. As I have said before, Industry events are pretty boring but I understand why some companies feel they need to be part of it. Between the news about DDR's demise, Jupiter sinking faster than the Titanic, Corbis giving away less and Photoshelter picking up the scraps it sounded more like a photo industry funeral!  On top of that, you have these really boring video interviews being posted on PDN where it seems as if you're friends with the writers you get to speak ad nauseum about something no one really cares about ( Wow! a photo can be FTP'd right to a server instantenously!)

OK maybe I am jaded but really folks in this economy, the state of our industry the world doesn't need anymore pens, glasses, bags or t shirts. What our industry needs is something you can't hold, touch, smell or drink. What it needs is a serious correction where good photographs command market rate prices! Where things like premium subscriptions command premium prices! Start up agencies don't give away the farm and realize that when you actually lower your pricing it isn't hurting the 800 lb gorilla in the room it's hurting those around it trying to take parts of it down. What it needs is leadership from voices outside the big three. Yes, my company is entertainment focused but the fundamentals of the business are no different than that of the larger companies in the industry. 2009 will be a transitional year for our industry. For better of for worse I can't say but prepare yourself for a wild ride that hopefully puts us back on the right track!....

The Independent Movie Business- Less will be Better

  (Amy Adams by Inka/Elevation Photos At Hollywood Film Festival Gala honoring Clint Eastwood)

Out here in LA, the radio station KCRW has a program called "The Business" and yesterday they interviewed Mark Gill, Founder and President of  a company call the Film Department http://www.filmdept.com/ 

Before you click on the full interview below (Fast-Forward to 5.45 to get to it and 11.16 for the main point) just a few things you should know.  Mark Gill ran Warner Independent Pictures before being let go there but most notably signed up "March of The Penguins" at Sundance which went on to gross about $77million for the studio.

The crux of the interview basically has to do with how the indy film business was, where it is now and how hollywood will operate moving forward. With over 5ooo indy films made last year, about 100 of which actually get released and with just about 5 or 6 actually succeeding, that represents a failure rate of 99.9%!  Hollywood will go from having 600 films released to about 300 in 2009/2010 respectively.  Great for the consumer's , less choice but better quality will be out there and all the bad will just dissappear. Indy film's , their production companies and people in this business WILL NOT die but rather those that know how to make them cheaply, exemplify discipline and generate revenue consistantly will survive. 

WOW! He just explained what needs to happen in the photo industry!  If you have the time, listen to this and you will see the parallels to our industry and where it needs to go!

http://www.kcrw.com/media-player/mediaPlayer2.html?type=audio&id=tb081027mini-majors_endanger

The Empire Strikes Back & Portal (not potty) training!

  (Jessica Szohr by Evan Agostini/Elevation Photos at Commes des Garcons at H&M)

Just when I promised myself that I wouldn't talk about my old friends at Getty, they go ahead and drop $96 mil on the beleagured Jupiter Images! Not in a million years did I ever think that the only acquisition made yesterday in the entire world would be Getty buying Jupiter!  Not only did GYI save about $384 million dollars on that company but everyone is asking, where does this money come from? And for heavan's sake why another RF/RM collection? Does Getty need that in their collection? Will Jupiter Media survive on 5 internet portals? What consititutes a monopoly? When will it end?

(Charlize Theron by Mark Savage/Elevation Photos at Virgin Kasbah Rocks event)

Reading about Picturemaxx's move to the US market and wanting to duplicate what they have already done in Germany was interesting ( not really). The notion of the super, all encompassing agency creating a place for photographers, smaller agencies to sign up with is not new. My question is why is Picturemaxx that much different than DDR or Photoshelter ( will they merge already!) OK so they say they don't take a percentage ( not yet at least) , they say they have the platform and tools for photographers to distribute (so do programmers in India and the Ukraine for not a lot of money) and they want to change the way image buyers search for images ( which equates to a lot of wasted money flying around the country giving really long winded powerpoint presentations!).  If you told me it was for a specific segmented market than I wouldn't be so coy, but when it's all encompassing it begs the question if the photographer wasn't already with an established agency or something like it why hasnt' it happened already. Even if you were a team of 3-4 well established photographers , would Picturemaxx be that magical place where sales will rise instantly, your images will look even more independent, unique and interesting? Probably not. And that's exactly my point. While Getty makes the move for the ultimate land grab, it's the rest of us that need to make smart decisions on where , who and what to partner with or be part of. DDR was a rush but the sails lost its winds and marketplace failed. Same goes for Photoshelter. While I won't knock their innovation and drive, what I will say is that you just don't put a team of salespeople together and say go sell white picket fences and Charlize Theron to People Magazine. I never thought photographers could do it, now people expect a platform like picturemaxx to do it for them with no salesteam to back it up? That's better than Marketplace and PS why?  They have their favourites already (Elevation got 2 hits in the new People Mag..read shameless plug), it's in their DNA.   Picturemaxx is a smart concept, but that's what they said about the Apple Newton when it came out ( the world's first real PDA).

I'm out. Have a great weekend!

That Burberry Thing And Consolidation Where It Makes Sense!

(Kate Hudson and Liv Tyler At Re Opening of Burberry Beverly Hills by Inka/Elevation Photos)

That Burberry thing turned out to be home page of Star Tracks on People.Com thing yesterday! It was a nice way to start my day for sure and not only was it good star wattage but it was an intro to a new contributor to the agency so way to go Inka!

While you look at the image of Kate and Liv, one might have their own idea of consolidation brewing in one's head but since kids read this let's hit re-start and think about this one in a different light!

Consolidation. This word not only has been abuzz in our financial markets but now it appears has begun in our own industry and thank god for it!  With the recent announcement of REX/BERLINER merger and talks of Photoshelter hooking up with Digital Railroad, I have been calling for this for months. If you think our housing markets have hit bottom, you are seeing agencies finally putting their heads together and coming around to save a once profitable business.  Splash/X-17?  If they only thought about it they would be a killer agency. You can go on and on about different combos but at the end of the day it makes complete sense. The storied history between Rex and Berliner make it even that much more sweeter!

Competition is fierce and I see that over the next 6-12 mths you will see more of it not because agencies may want to but for some they may have to.  For those that don't, the seas may be rough but never count out hard work and determination. X factors in my book that can make one stronger and withstand times like these. I don't doubt the resiliency of Elevation Photos and while I am on the subject we are having a solid October on many fronts that I am proud of it!

It happens all the time and sometimes partnerships work ( HP-Compaq) and sometimes they don't (Dailmer-Chrysler). At the end of the day, consolidation where it makes sense can help the bottom line, is good on the numbers and sometimes there can be a cultural fit. As Jim Cramer from the show Mad Money said the other night something to the effect of, " Jerry Yang, CEO of Yahoo is an idiot for not taking the Microsoft offer at $33 a share. His arrogance and unwillingness to see the future of the deteriating market conditions around him has left a few billion dollars on the sideline and his shareholders holding their empty pockets wondering what happened!"  As of today, Yahoo is trading at less than $12!

2009 will be an interesting year but first let's get that guy called Barack in the White House....

Weekend Update

  ((R) Alec Baldwin by Hal Horowitz/Elevation Photos At HIFF 2008)

Elevation Photos had a busy weekend and we'll finish strong with the conclusion of our coverage out in East Hampton for the final day of the Hamptons International Film Festival. We had solid coverage, all access and excellent photography the last 4 days from this festival. Thank you to all those involved who helped make it happen.

((L) Kate Mara by Hal Horowitz/Elevation Photos At OK! Mag and HFF Party)

  In Vegas, the Distinctive Assets gifting suite at the Justin Timberlake benefit at Planet Hollywood provided some fun, off beat pics with celebs getting swag. That's 2 weekends in a row Elevation Photos provided our service to a great network for clients.

([r]Sting and Trudie Styler by Mark Savage/Elevation Photos)

Today in NYC, we are doing a bridal runway show on assignment which is a first for the agency!  Speaking of which, my decision to not cover Fashion Week at Smashbox this year wasn't so much about running the numbers and understanding there wasn't much to get in return but rather due to the lack of interest this property and these shows have gotten in the industry but also in the press.  IMG is pulling out of Smashbox and hopefully will have next years crop of shows at a more viable, sensible location with more credible shows and designers.

Elevation Photos Roars Into October - Exclusive at Justin Timberlake Gift Lounge!

  (David Wentworth/Elevation Photos at Princess Grace Awards last night in NYC)

Elevation Photos is on fire..unlike the Stock Market ( more on that later).  History does repeat itself and for anyone who was in this business a few months after 9/11 the media and the public came back to entertainment as a way to escape in to la la land.  Apparently, the worst day since '87 hasn't stopped my clients in reaching out and working with us on many fronts!

Speaking of which, last night was the official opening night of the Hamptons International Film Festival in East Hampton, NY.

(Kick off party at Gurney's Inn, Montauk, NY by Hal Horowitz/Elevation Photos)  The festival continues thru Sunday and Elevation Photos will be on hand to cover it! Nice work Hal!

While I am on the subject, starting tonight and tomorrow Elevation Photos will be exclusive photo agency backstage for Justin Timberlake's charity event tomorrow night at Planet Hollywood.  We will be at the Official Gifting suite on hand , on assignment , generating excellent content! So, things are buzzing along and no complaints on my end whatsoever!

                                          (Hayden Panittiere by TL/Elevation Photos at the re opening of the Hollywood Palladium)

I have turned off CNBC because it just got too stressfull!  It really is a matter of do I trust the banking system, the people who run it and all their minions. Carl Ichan was right yesterday on Fast Money when he said Corporate Boards are a waste, managers and CEO's should be replaced when they do a terrible job and efficiencies are the name of the game in terms of how to get a company's P&L in line to meet expectations.  Consolidation is a tough call and I have never been a fan of it but in some cases it makes sense  (Banking for one, Airlines no, Photo Industry YES!)  The next few months will be challenging without a doubt but have faith in the American Economy. We are a resilient bunch who work hard and in my book hard work always pays off!

Elevation Photos Secures Hamptons Film Festival As Agency On Record

October 13, 2008

Elevation Photos Selected As Photo Agency on Record For The Hamptons International Film Festival Oct 15^th-19^th 2008

Elevation Photos has been selected by the Hamptons International Film Festival as the photo agency on record for this year’s screenings, events and parties surrounding this well established film festival entering its 16^th year

Santa Monica, CA October 13th, 2008 – Entertainment photography agency Elevation Photos (www.ElevationPhotos.com) will be present at this year’s Hamptons International Film Festival held in and around Eastern Long Island, NY to offer quality, professional event photography for all the main events surrounding this well established and respected film festival celebrating its 16^th year of operation.

Elevation Photos, launched earlier this year, has already placed in all the entertainment weekly magazines here in the US as well as countless publications around the world.  Elevation Photos has been hired by top PR firms, sponsors and publications to produce quality assignment photography for event, portrait or sponsor related photography. The agency has already been hired for the Sprint Style Villa during this year’s Super Bowl, CFDA Awards in NY, Lexus Style Villa in San Diego and The Malibu Beach House to name just a few key events.

About The Hamptons International Film Festival

The Hamptons International Film Festival was founded to celebrate the Independent film – long, short, fiction and documentary – and to introduce a unique and varied spectrum of international films and filmmakers to its audience. The festival is committed to exhibiting films that express fresh voices and differing global perspectives, the hope that these programs will enlighten audiences, provide invaluable exposure for filmmakers and present inspired entertainment for all. (www.hamptonsfilmfest.org)

Life Outside Entertainment .....

The interesting about blogs (at least writing one) is that you never really know who actually reads them! Yes, you can get daily stats, hits , territories but I am more interested in that sacred ever knowing omnipresent thing called the actual reader.  What brought them there, why and what was it that resonated within that person to make a comment or question where I am coming from.

Having said that, I got an email the other day from someone who wanted to know what other photography I was interested in , what sites I go to and if I even cared about things outside of the entertainment photo industry with respect to photography.

I will get to just a few sites I like to refer to now and again that I think are worth sharing with everyone for sure. It's true, everyone gets so caught up in what they do in this industry it's important to veer outside of it and get different perspectives and appreciate the craft for what it has become. It makes you appreciate it more and whether it is therapeutic or not what it does do is opens your brain to what's happening now and what other photographers are interested in.

So, below are just 4 places I like to check out now and again....nothing mindblowing but nonetheless what I find interesting

http://www.reallyjapan.com/index.php?showimage=172 -Photographer Ruben Frosali is Italian but has been living in Japan for a few years...I enjoy his images , think they look incredible and to see an Italian in Japan is pretty interesting ...

http://www.joesnyc.streetnine.com/ - NYC based photographer Joseph Holmes does New York really well and when I miss home I check out his take on what the streets of NY can be like every day..you don't get that in LA that's for sure

http://eightdaystillsunday.com/-  Sarah Race based in Vancouver, BC is a photographer /blogger who is pretty interesting and it's a mixture of video, photography, etc.  It's unusual sometimes but there is nothing wrong with that...

And finally, I found Sarah's site on one of my faves...

http://www.stumbleupon.com/tag/photos/-  Stumble Upon (originally a social network site) has branched out to many areas including photos and showcasing photographers. You have to stumble through a lot of bad to get to the good but when you find it it's like a kid in a candy store..

So, there you have it. If you think there are some interesting sites you want to share with me please by all means let me know. 

Have a great weekend......

Elevation Photos Exclusive Agency At Andre Agassi Gifting Suite!

Here's the press release going out today that we are excited about happening Fri/Sat this weekend in Vegas!  ....We'll have another exciting announcement next Monday so be sure to check back!!!.....

 

October 9, 2008

Elevation Photos Chosen As Exclusive Photo Agency For The Official Gifting Suite During The Annual Grand Slam For Children Fundraiser Hosted By Andre Agassi At The Wynn Hotel On Oct 10^th-11^th, 2008

Elevation Photos will be the official photo agency and image provider during the Annual Grand Slam For Children Fundraiser Gifting Suite hosted by Tennis Ace Andre Agassi. Distinctive Assets will be on hand to gift celebrities with some of today’s biggest brands and hottest items.

Santa Monica, CA October 8, 2008 – Entertainment photography agency Elevation Photos (www.ElevationPhotos.com) will be the exclusive photo agency at this year’s Annual Grand Slam For Children Fundraiser Gifting Suite held at the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas, NV on October 10^th-11^th 2008.

Elevation Photos, launched this past January, has already placed in every major entertainment weekly magazine in the US and countless publications around the world.  Elevation Photos has been hired by top PR firms in NY, LA and Miami to handle all aspects of assignments, distribution and placement in key markets and publications.

The agency has already been hired for events during this year’s Superbowl  in Phoenix, AZ, US Open in San Diego, CA and most recently during Fashion Week in NY.

JUPM Under A Dollar! Status Updates Matter Because? ....

(Nicole Kidman By Adam Orchon/Elevation Photos at Women In Hollywood Event Last Night)

Talk about the ship leaving the harbor!  Now that Jupiter Media is trading at under a buck, you have to compliment Getty for getting the deal that they did just about when the markets were tumbling! Not to say that Jupiter would have been able to do get a similar deal at all but boy don't you think they wished they did something?  Anything?

Again, it's interesting to me to see Wachovia, one of the nation's largest banks, being acquired ( or at least trying to be) by Citigroup originally for $2.1 billion. Who would have thought that a bunch of large servers with millions of images would be valued more than your 100  neighbor's mortgage and  their houses!  Indicitative of how things are valued, the state of the market and valuations of companies in different markets.  Good luck Jupiter ...it's not looking good.

Lastly, and you heard it hear first, I am stopping my status updates on Facebook today. I wasn't quite sure why it bothered me but I woke up this morning and figured it out. Remember sitting in home room in high school right after the pledge of alliance when the Principal or student body President made those boring school announcements.  So and So came in first place at the county track meet, Joe Schmo won the state prize in the science contest, blah  blah blah...Well, that's what I feel like now whenever I post a status update on FaceBook!  It was fun for like 2 minutes but now it seems like the most self centered, self ingratiating act that people feel compelled that they have to do on that site.  The mundane has never been exciting so reading about people eating breakfast or taking their kid for a walk or trying to be whimsical and funny in less than 2 sentences ...WHO CARES!..

If you want to tell me how you feel....call me...