Meet Thomas Moulson of Fruit Tank

Fruit Tank is a website that showcases creative works from unknown talent in hopes of getting the artists discovered and selling their work. The site currently features art, music, video, photography, and writing. Learn more at http://www.fruittank.co.uk, or click here to learn how to submit your work.

1. How did you choose the name Fruit Tank for your project, and what does the name signify?

The name was originally chosen for its mix of the words "Fruit bowl" and "fish Tank." This meant we could have sub companies for the individual mediums, mixing fruit with sea life. For example, music would be under Cherry Crab, films under Strawberry Squid, etc. That has been put on hold because it's rather confusing. But the name has stuck, mainly because it's unique and sounds quite good. It's not the best name origin story.

2. How does your site help creative people get their work out there?

Once the site gains more and more traffic and popularity, we hope that it'll become the go-to place for creative content. Eventually we are going to do member pages where creatives can host their contact info (only accessible for other members) so people can collaborate with one and other. For example, a filmmaker may go to the site and find music they really like and may want to contact the musician and get them to do a soundtrack. Or a musician may want an artist to design their record cover. It will just become the HQ for creative content. The dream is that record labels, production companies, publishers, and galleries will come to Fruit Tank to scout out new talent.

3. Would you tell us a little bit about the compilations that you're planning to put together with the work that people share with you?

Every few months, we will allow visitors of the site to vote for their favorite creative content on the site, and then the top creations will be distributed/sold. Music will organized into an album and distributed onto iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, and 100+ other music sites. Art and photographs will be compiled into a graphics book and possibly showcased and privately held galleries, writing will also be compiled into books, and the the films will be shown at pop-up, drive-in film festivals in major cities. Sometimes there will be themes; for example, for Valentine's Day, we will have a call for content such as love songs, romantic poetry, and romantic films.

4. I like that you cite Andy Warhol as an inspiration for Fruit Tank. What can we learn from the ways that he got his own art into the world, and the ways he collaborated with and/or supported other artists?

Andy Warhol was a true one of a kind person; he knew how allow people to nurture their talents and really express themselves without boundaries. He had a place called "The Factory" where anyone was welcome; people could just walk in and join in. I can imagine it was such a creative environment filled with inspiration. He recognized true talent: he made Jean Michel Basquiat very famous, and he catapulted The Velvet Underground into fame. He knew what the world expected and always did the opposite--he knew controversy sparked a reaction, and therefore got people talking about his work. He understood what it meant to be an artist, and he knew how to get the best out of people.

5. What else would you like readers to know about Fruit Tank?

We just want people to be known for their talents. There are some really really talented people in the world but nobody ever knows them, because it's so hard to get discovered nowadays--you need to pull so many strings to get recognition. Talent alone isn't enough nowadays; you need the correct personality and the right friends. That's just wrong. Talent is talent, and we want to show off that talent. I'm a fan of the lifestyle of the 60s and 70s because everyone appears to be so free and open to self-expression. The streets were ruled by artists. However, in the present day, everyone is so restricted by boundaries. We want creative people to show off their talents and get discovered the right way, for their amazing gifts.

Thanks, Thomas!

Introducing Animated Explainer Videos from Again Studios

I have to admit that I'm one of those people who doesn't watch a lot of videos online, but I've always had a weakness for animated explainer videos. These videos are generally pretty short, and they have a fun feeling to them. When I see a company or nonprofit or other individual or group using an animated video to explain about their work, it makes me appreciate that someone has taken the time to share information with me in a lighthearted way.

If you're interested in utilizing this type of video to promote a project for your business, check out the work of Again Studios, a friendly group of artists and designers who specialize in animated video production and who have made countless explainer videos for businesses.

The best way to get an idea of the work of Again Studios is to watch this animated explainer video that they made about their own business.

With a short, entertaining video, you can explain important concepts to viewers and describe your products and services in a quick and easy way. These videos are a unique way to catch the attention of potential customers--and a clever video can be the key to naturally getting a bunch of shares on social media.

A lot of well-known businesses use explainer videos, and the designers at Again Studios have made videos for such companies as Google, TomTom, and TD Bank. The videos are also great for causes and especially crowdfunding projects.

Let's be honest: people who visit a website often don't read all the content on the page, but they might well click and watch a short video. Plus, people often learn best in a visual way and are likely to retain more of what they see in a video rather than content that they've read.

Again Studios is a company based in India with an international scope, and they can provide voiceover narration for their videos from native speakers of American English, British English, French, German, Hindi, and Spanish. It takes about four weeks to create a video, and clients retain full ownership/copyright of the video and can use it in all sorts of ways, from YouTube to your own website to embedding it in a slideshow.

Visit Again Studios online to ask them about your own ideas and to learn more about how they can create an explainer video for business to meet your needs.

Meet Jack Rochel, President at Epsilon Electronics

Epsilon Electronics Inc is a company that specializes in automotive technology. They sell products like sub woofers, speakers, turntables, and even lighting products. They have been in the industry for over 30 years now. Learn more at epsilon-pro.com.

1. How has Epsilon Electronics grown since it was founded in 1983?

I have been at Epsilon for almost 18 years now and have seen how much we have grown over the years. In 1996, Epsilon Electronics was the second manufacturer in the United States in the automotive video industry. Now, in 2015 we are a top brand in our industry and we sell our products internationally.

2. When I think of car audio equipment, I think of car stereos, but I'm sure that's just the tip of the iceberg. What are some popular products that customers buy to enhance the audio experience in their cars?

The head unit is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to improve a car's sound system. But there are several other options to upgrade your system. For example, changing the speakers in your car is an option that doesn't cost much but can make a huge difference to the sound quality. Adding amplifiers is another option, especially if you like to listen to music at high volumes. An amplifier will allow you to listen to music loud without the sound getting distorted. If you have an amplifier, you can also add subwoofers to listen to lower frequencies. If you like listening to music with heavy-bass, subwoofers are the best option.

3. What options are available when it comes to car video equipment?

Here at Epsilon, we have products with mobile video technology for the passengers and for the driver as well. The products we offer for the passenger are video screens that can be mounted on either the headrest or on the ceiling of the car. For the driver, we have screens that can be used for reverse-parking and some screens that can be mounted on your rear-view mirror as well.

4. Are there other electronic products you carry in addition to those meant for automobiles?

We have a great variety of products. We run as an umbrella company for many brands like Soundstream, PowerAcoustik, Farenheit, and EpsilonPro. With these brands we have products outside the automotive industry including lighting products, DJ products, and video products.

5. How do you hope to see Epsilon Electronics continue to grow over the next few years?

Right now, Epsilon Electronics sells in 55 countries around the globe. We hope to continue expanding our business around the world and to provide the newest technology in our industry.

Thanks, Jack!

Meet Sherel Ames, Creator of Fight for the Family TV Series

Houston native Sherel Ames has created a new family drama meant to engage and entertain audiences of all ages. Fight for the Family is centered around detective James Guillory and his younger sister Toi Allen. The show focus on their struggles to overcome issues that attempt to rip their families apart. Visit www.fight4thefamily.com to learn more about the show and watch it online. You can also follow Fight for the Family on Facebook.

To get an idea of the show, check out this teaser from the third episode.

1. What inspired the creation of Fight for the Family?

Hearing a sermon my pastor preached with the same title inspired me to create the series.

2. I like the idea of a brother and sister and their families being the center of the show. Do the characters experiences any tensions when it comes to their different family ties?

There is a lot of family tension in the show.

James Guillory, played by Carlton Skinner, and his wife Aisha Guillory, played by Aisha Jordan, are going through a battle because she wants to leave her husband and two beautiful daughters to move to London because of her job.

Nico Allen, played by Michael Fontenot, and Toi Allen, played by Candace Ames, are expecting a child. Toi wants to abort because the timing, as she puts it, "is terrible."

3. How are you distributing the show locally and nationally?

The show is currently airing on digital channel 15.1 in Houston and streamed at www.bethelsfamily.tv. Beginning in February, it will air on Comcast, Direct TV, Dish Network, and Roku. Check your local listings.

4. What is your favorite part about working as a producer on this project?

What I like most about working on this project is that I have the opportunity to work with some of the most talented and dedicated actors in Houston.

Thanks, Sherel!

Introducing GoodMovies4u.com

Looking for movie recommendations? GoodMovies4u is a website where you can find listings giving information and viewer ratings for thousands of great movies from various categories.

Since one of the best ways to find good movies to watch is to browse through a category of films you like (or the type of film you feel in the mood to watch on a particular night!), the makers of GoodMovies4u have also created a variety of popular categories that you can surf, such as comedy. There is even a category for good YouTube videos!

As you scroll through the listings for different films, you can also view movie trailers and read plot descriptions on the site. Plus, as you browse or search, you can filter your list by release year and IMDb ratings. The listings also contain links to Amazon if you want to quickly click over and buy your favorite movie.

This is a clear, useful, and easily navigable site. I can see myself spending time here when I want to find something new to watch!

Meet Arneva Mason, Chef and Guest on Root Cause Radio

Root Cause Radio is an online radio show that explains how to obtain the best health possible. The show is a success because of the featured guest, Dr. Maxwell Nartey. Dr. Nartey is a respected doctor, scientist, and author who has successfully treated a number of people around the world and now has brought his knowledge to the format of an engaging weekly radio show. Each week the 90 minute show tackles a specific ailment, and Dr. Nartey breaks down what has happened in the human body that has allowed the illness to occur. This show is never boring because at the end, the listeners are invited to play a trivia game and win prizes based on what they've learned. The show is live on Wednesday nights at www.rootcauseradio.com.

Arneva Mason is a professionally trained personal chef and wellness coach who emphasizes healthier eating in her cooking and wellness practice. Believing that good nutrition is the key ingredient to good health, Chef Arneva is one of the hosts for the healthy internet cooking show, Delicious Cooking. She supports and promotes taking control of one's own total wellness through diet and healthy living practices.

Below is a cooking video featuring Chef Arneva making a healthy Sweet Banana Parfait.

  

1. How did you first become interested in cooking?

Growing up a "latch-key kid" required that I knew how to cook at least enough to get by until my mother got home from work in the evenings. She started by teaching my sister and me how to boil eggs, fry deli meats for sandwiches, bake frozen pot pies (this was before we had a microwave), etc. The older I got, the more sophisticated my palate became, and my appetite for different cuisines developed. With that came the desire to know how to make these new foods. In 2006 I graduated from the Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts program at the Cooking & Hospitality Institute of Chicago. It was there, in nutrition class, that I developed an interest in how food affects the body. After that I completed the health coaching program from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, and have been delving deeper into healthy cooking ever since.

2. What do you see as the relationship between food and health?

Good nutrition is key to good health! It's just that simple. I truly believe that if people were more conscious about what they put into their bodies, they'd be better able to take control of their own health, improving not just their physical well-being but also their mental, emotional, and financial health as well. It seems that sometimes just making changes to your diet can make such a big difference. Food is medicine, medicine is not food, and with the right foods, we can all achieve a lot more peace of mind. This is huge in achieving and maintaining optimal health.

3. Is it easy for home cooks to make healthy adjustments and substitutions in their recipes?

It really is easy. It's as easy as getting on the internet, doing a search for healthy eating, and finding a show like Delicious Cooking. We're offering a satisfying healthy alternative to foods you cannot eat, or have been advised to avoid. We take actual questions from our viewers and listeners of Root Cause Radio, and answer them with an easy, tasty recipe. It just takes a little effort, but hopefully you know that you're worth it!  For example, to feel more grounded I was advised to add certain root vegetables to my diet. After my research, I discovered a whole new world of foods I had never even heard of before. It takes a little effort, but hopefully you know that you're worth it.

4. Would you tell us a little bit about your collaboration with Root Cause Radio?

I was contacted by one of the producers of the show and learned that the goal of the show was to find a new way to help people help themselves. Because of my background in cooking and nutrition, and love of helping people, I was intrigued and excited to take on the project. I enjoy the recipes because with each one I learn how certain ailments are linked to certain foods. We take those lessons learned on Root Cause Radio and turn them into quick and easy dishes so that viewers can see how simple it is to take control of their own health, and learn something new in the process.

5. What is your best advice for people who want to start cooking--and eating!--healthier foods?

I think that many home cooks may be intimidated by trying to cook with foods and spices that they never have before, and I get that. But there is more than likely an online video to show you how to prepare just about anything you can think of. Reach out to us at Delicious Cooking; we'd love to show you how! Also, talk to the folks who work at your local health food store and ask lots of questions. That's what they're there for, and they love to talk about what they know. Experiment! That's what I say. Try new things. You will be surprised and delighted by what you discover.

Thanks, Arneva!

An Introduction to Vidicom

Since its beginnings in 1982, Vidicom has become a large and diverse company which creates and distributes media through a variety of media channels. Though the company is based in New York City, its reach stretches across the country (and around the world). If you have traveled for business or pleasure to big cities like Boston, Dallas, and Los Angeles, there's a good chance you've seen Vidicom's media while on an airplane, in a taxi, or in a hotel. Vidicom also shares content online through blogs, communities, and sites like Facebook.

Vidicom creates custom content and utilizes their 30+ years in the industry to find the right venues to maximize distribution. With so many types of media within their reach, they can help companies find the right viewers according to the viewers' hobbies, interests, history of media use, etc. What sets the company apart is the way they reach viewers when they are both at home and away from home. Through their in-flight media content, they read over two million viewers each month.

Over the years, Vidicom has worked with a solid roster of well-known brands, including Continental Airlines, Nestlé, Chanel, L’Oréal, and Ralph Lauren. Their more recent innovations include using QR codes in taxis to allow people to easily interact with media content.

For more information about Vidicom, check out their tumblr blog and flickr page.

Introducing Marko Stout, Multimedia Artist

Based in New York City, Marko Stout is a multimedia artist whose work addresses themes related to technology and urban society. He also has a medical degree. His work has been exhibited internationally, and you can get a good idea of his scope from checking out his website.

I have to say that Stout's website has a pretty clever video on the home page--as you watch the short movie, you get a "picture within a picture" effect as you watch someone scrolling through images of Stout's artwork on an iPad. This situated me within the modern/high-tech themes of his work right away and also made me realize that the artist has a lightness and sense of humor about his work. You can check it out for yourself below:

As I scrolled through Stout's site, I noticed that he used this multimedia "flipbook" style concept elsewhere on the site to showcase his work. Personally I think this is one of the best uses of YouTube videos I've seen: it's a straightforward way to showcase multimedia artwork, and the viewer avoids the hassle of clicking through a bunch of links or loading high-resolution images or other software/viewers. And if you want to see larger images of the work, you can just view the YouTube video in the full-screen setting.

It's not surprise that the site shows facility with video as Stout enjoys making short experimental films which challenging traditional notions of narrative structure. He does a lot of painting, too, using different formats to showcase his work (sometimes on canvas, sometimes on brick walls...!).

For more on Marko Stout, check out some of the articles about his work which appear on the press page on his site.

How to Find Cheap Transcription Services

As with many services, the cost for transcription can vary greatly. With various forms of digital audio and video technology becoming more and more accessible and widely used, there is a lot of need for affordable transcription services. Some individuals and companies who offer these services will charge by the minute, and others will charge by the hour.

CheapTranscriptionServices.net is a source for cheap transcription which has a very clear website in terms of outlining the services the company offers. They charge by the minute, with different rates according to how quickly you need your work turned around. One benefit of planning ahead is that you can save money on transcription when can be flexible on your turnaround time!

In addition to turnaround time, here are a lot of different factors that can affect the price for transcription services. For example, if a recording includes multiple voices, this can cost more. If the recording is poor, this will cost more as it may require the transcriber to use software to enhance the sound and/or the recording may require extra playbacks. Sometimes a recording uses special terminology which requires professional knowledge to transcribe, which also adds to the cost.

Other common factors which can increase the price of transcription services include: adding time stamps to the transcription which allow a reader to track the text with the original audio/video, transcribing audio when the speaker has an accent, having a foreign language transcribed, and adding text which describes a speaker's movement in a video or gives verbatim transcription of laughter, pauses, and other aspects heard in a recording.

Some cheap transcription services contract their work to India, but CheapTranscriptionServices.net offers services which are based entirely in the US. They also advertise a 99% accuracy rate and money back guarantee. When looking for affordable transcription, they are a great place to start!

Meet Daniel L Rappaport, CEO of Pazzaria Productions

Daniel Louis Rappaport has been in the business of digital media for over 28 years. His varied entertainment background has included everything for being magic director for the musical Pippin, to doing animation for a webisode series for Chris Kattan, to doing audio design for Virgin, and even running children's birthday parties at The Walt Disney Company.

Over the past 15 or so years of Daniel's 28 years working in digital media, he has been dreaming up Pazzaria Productions, which, as of 2012, is finally starting to come into reality.

1. How has your background in digital media prepared you for the creation of Pazzaria Productions?

My background and education in digital media has provided me with the tools needed to put together things like my website, my social media pages, and especially our project coming out in June.

I have always been curious by nature, especially in the areas of art, music, and design. Quite often, one professes an interest in just one area, be it photography, music composition, graphic design, etc... I have chosen to study many different areas, and thusly, to both practice, and sell these services.

Why, I can even cook in the French haute cuisine style!

What I have come to realize is, things like writing, perfectly spaced typography, the hero's journey, utilizing timeless themes that are hot in the media, knowing about technology enough to get what I need to get done, done, etc... are all tools to a much larger end--this end mainly being that of one where, at the moment, everything that I am doing is to create buzz for the June project.

When June hits, everything that I do will be to sell that work.

Getting back to my digital media background... After, and continuing to learn about all of these different areas, I merely call upon the tool that I need, to accomplish my task.

2. What is the meaning of "Pazzaria" and how did you come to choose it for the name of your project?

That's a great question! The term "Pazzaria" actually means crazy, or nuthouse in Italian. We are using it in a playful, but respectful manner.

It is the name of a town from another property that we were looking at, and will produce at a later time, due to it still being in production, entitled "The Toy Maker and the Trickster." A silly, yet fun inbred king runs that town. It is a delightful scene!

The "P" logo is inspired by the fantasy genre. For me, the colors green and purple are that of dragon and faery, while the brown is very much the earth, and grounds the logo.

There is also a "D" inside the middle of the logo. Can you guess what company may have inspired it?

3. Can you tell us about some of the ways that individuals will be able to interact with the fantasy world you are creating?

Well, that IS a question! I would be more than happy to! I cannot give out any specifics, because I don't want to give away what the June project is all about.

What I will say is that, from a producing (which is an art in its own right, and deserves way more credit that Hollywood gives it) thrust and angle, I believe that we have come to a standstill. Bringing it back to the Pazzaria Productions mission statement: "Everything a guest sees, eats, buys, touches, does, wears, and so on all has to do with their own personal adventure within our world."

Virtual reality. Video games. Theme parks. Film. Radio. TV, etc... All are wonderful platforms. However, none of these fully thrust, and totally engage the audience.

What happens when you turn off the TV, leave the theme park, etc...? For the most part, you leave the work behind.

Sure, in a video game, it is all first person. But, the whole problem with that is that it exists in a flat video screen.

How does one extend the story beyond these mediums? This is the very question that Pazzaria Productions strives to answer. So, our project coming out in June is a start in that direction.

You might be excited to know that it will be available for an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad. Which one, we aren't saying until its release!

This video gives some hints about our project.

4. How does Pazzaria combine the unique adventures of individuals with storytelling in a broader sense (stories that already exist in a fantasy world and aren't dependent on the actions of individual participants)?

Well, I sort of answered some of this in question 3. I will do my best!

See, with Pazzaria Productions, that's just it. That is the grand experiment. Will our story choices be entirely dependent upon the visitor, or vice versa? I guess you will just (yes, I say it again. He he he...) have to wait until June to find out!

5. When and how will we be able to learn more about what Pazzaria is and what it offers to visitors?

You just can't wait, can you, lol! I'm just playing... June, kids. Juney June June!

More than likely, it might be toward the end of June. That isn’t a definite, but it is what I am aiming for.

Why?

There are a lot of details to work out with Apple, and I honestly wish to take as much time as I can to market it.

I think that a summer release will be quite prudent, and June is simply when it will be ready. Any sooner, and the quality is reduced. Any longer, and, well, I have to set a date, don't I!

I can say that there is a second and third work planned. So, stay tuned!

*With all of this being said, if there are any major Hollywood studio heads out there reading this, and might wish to invest, please contact me at magic@pazzaria.com for an insiders view!

Bryan Fiese on Educating "Generation Next"

Bryan Fiese is an educational expert who has been working with both students and educators for over 14 years. His thesis states that modern youth's (Generation Next) dependence on technology is causing a widespread lack of interpersonal communication skills. Bryan's insights are helpful toward educators' and parents' understanding of this generation; through understanding, we work together and clear and effective methods of communication and motivation can be determined. Learn more about these methods at the Motivated Teacher website.

Bryan's strategies and methods have been adopted by schools across the United States. He has appeared on radio broadcasts and national television and presented to countless types of audiences across this great nation through a continual calendar of conferences, training sessions and workshops. Visit Bryan's personal website for more about his writing, speaking, and training work.

He is also an author, with his latest book, No Teacher Left Behind: Keeping Up With and Captivating "Generation Next" in the Classroom, available now in its second edition on Amazon.com.

Bryan has uploaded a series of videos to YouTube as an introduction to his work. The video below is the first in his "No Teacher Left Behind" sequence.