Disney's World of Color.

For this assignment I chose to visit California Adventure to watch Disney’s newest show “A World of Color”. This show was like nothing I have ever seen before.  Having said that the basic concept of it all reminded me the water show at Bellagio in Vegas.

The first thing that I noticed about the show itself is that Disney can try something new but still stay true to itself. One can still see the Disney signature in all the beloved characters the show presents from beginning to end. I have to say, at first I was expecting a sort of sequel to Fantasmic, one of my favorite shows of all time, but this was a brand new concept.

Having enjoyed the show so much I decided to search some behind-the-scenes information about it. I found an article by Lisa Liddane, which provided some interesting information about some aspects of the show. For the purpose of this blog I will focus on planning, and customer satisfaction.

In an interview with Steven Davison, Linda (2010) inquired about how the ideas originate and the planning that went with it. This was the answer to that question:

Like our other theme parks, we wanted to create a nighttime  ‘E-ticket’ destination entertainment experience. The idea was to create a ‘kiss goodnight’ for our guests, a show that would wow and inspire them and leave them with a special feeling and a memory of a lifetime.  As w worked on the show over the years some of the show moments changed. After we began testing we realized what worked and what didn’t work. (Para. 3,5)

The article also provided some information on how the images where projected by using mist screens, which are very fine sheets of water created from a high-pressure fountain head (Liddane, 2010).  This effect is also used in Fantasmic during a few sequences of the show, which I have seen countless times.

In terms of customer service, I had to opportunity to speak with some of the crowd control people who kindly explained to me how the bay area was strategically built to enjoy the show even before they new the type of show they were creating. Crowd control in the park ensures that all guests who have waited to see the show remain on designated areas and those walking by, do not block exit-designated areas.  I paid special attention after I learned this and I stepped aside by the bridge as if waiting for a friend to observe the process after the show was over. Everything went just as clockwork.

I decided to see this show because as a project manager this is exactly the kind of job I would love to have. Working as a project manager supervising a show or a ride at an amusement park such as Disneyland, or even be part or the team creating a show would be just amazing for me. This is a show that I definitely recommend. I am lucky enough to work just a few exits away from these parks and for those who are not I definitely recommend the trip destination as a must-see in Southern California.

The importance of teamwork in my current industry.

In the industry that I currently work in teamwork is a must.  In the department that I must recently worked for I was a member of the escalation team. Each of us had specific skills that the average associate did not have. We also had the authority to make decisions on a customer’s account. The importance of teamwork came into place when handling a customer’s issue. For example, if the associate that escalated the call did not provide enough information this would cause a delay in the process and therefore a negative customer experience.

Along the same lines, in my current department, teamwork plays a crucial part. As a lead in the recovery department I must work closely with account managers to determine settlement amounts on delinquent accounts. Open communication between lead and account manager will help determine the best way to settle an account and at the same time assist a customer to start re building their credit.

The best way to put a team together is to match people with similar interests and skills. In my department I select the associates with the highest performance scores to put together the nesting coach team dedicated to train new hires. In this example the idea is to have your best performers teach new associates so they can learn and duplicate best practices.

Technology has provided us with new and easy ways to communicate. Team members have access to outlook for e-mails, team chat, and a lead walking the floor consistently throughout the day. Regular team meetings are setup to address hot topics and questions from the team members to ensure everyone is in the same page. The management team encourages associates to provide feedback on policies and procedures. The changes that take place at Bank of America stems from employee and customer feedback even though it may take a while to implement based on the challenges that change presents. 

My new career goal

I am currently taking a class that presented me with some challenges. The biggest challenge was to interview some individuals that have created a name for themselves in their field. By the way, thanks are in order to Max, Joel, and Jermaine.
The more I do the readings and complete the assignments the more interested I become in the entertainment industry. I truly believe I can accomplish something great with this degree. I have had the opportunity to work with some great teammates in previous classes and they're contribution to the team was outstanding.
I know I keep talking about wanting to work for Disney Inc. and I don't mean to be going on and on about it but I am truly excited. It's been a dream of mine for a long time. Although I actually wanted to be a performer but I guess priorities can change.
On the other hand, I do live in L.A., Hollywood is here, the entertainment capital of the world no less. I will have to keep my options open I suppose. A friend of mine just to work for Sony Studios and we also have Warner Bros. around here somewhere. Anyway is 10:00 P.M. and I am dead tire. Nutella and Peanut butter sandwich for dinner.

Interview with Joel

Joel Peisinger, is among other things a music teacher. I have been lucky enough to be his pupil and friend for a number of years. Joel's positive attitude and charisma made him the obvious choice for this interview. He has many students who seek his help when in need for a music, voice, and language lesson. That's right, Joel speaks a number of languages proficiently too. I sought Joel's help once when I was trying to join this choir that required me to learn how to read music. This is when I realized what a fine educator Joel really is. Below is the pleasant conversation I had with Joel.


1. In 3 of 4 sentences can you provide an overview of your teaching background (specially music teaching)?I have taught music for over 30 years, specializing in piano and music theory.  I teach both privately and in the school setting.  I also teach foreign languages and ESL.
 
2. What would you say prompt your students to continue with their lessons and/or recommend you to others (whether is teaching styles, a positive attitude, etc)?My students have told me that I have a passion for teaching and that I am particularly good at adapting lessons to the needs of the individual student.  My teaching style involves a lot of student participation in the learning process, having students resolve new challenges.
 

3. What do you think is your most valuable contribution to your students?I feel that I am more of a 'learning coach' than a 'teacher'.  I encourage the students to use their minds and skills and learn.  In music, practice outside of the lesson setting is more important than the lesson itself.
 

4. Would you consider yourself a leader and why?I prefer to lead by example and suggestion.  I excel at putting things in order and finding efficient ways to accomplish goals.
 

The clash of the entertainment industry and the Internet.

I found an article on Diigo.com with no author first published in June 15, 2009.

The title of the article was “the entertainment industry plays a sour note online”

I chose this article because I had previously said on another posting that the future of the recording artists, actors, and such lie on the Internet. The article in Diigo says:

Three pillars of the entertainment industry -music, movies, and video games- are facing economic challenges due toe the disruptive influences of digital distribution.  The music industry has knocked off balance by the emergence of MP3 in the late 1990s and has not recovered. (Para. 1)

This is further proof that technology can bring not only benefits but also challenges. For instance, I previously pointed out how some of today’s recording artists relay on downloads sales as much as they do on CD sales. The challenge is obviously financial.

Anyone can go online and buy a download for as little as $1. The same goes for movies. With the economy being what it is today, many times people to see a movie when it comes out on DVD. However, the challenge here is that people can also see these movies online through different channels such as YouTube, Movies.com, and such. Movie rentals have also become more affordable and accessible then ever. For instance, Netflix now allows you to pick a movie right out of the website and play it on TV. Soon, going to a video store or ordering a movie online will be a thing of the past. Technology brings challenges that the entertainment industry need to adjust to if should it want to continue successfully turning a profit.  This is where the human factor plays a part. Entrepreneurs in this industry, like any other, should look at how the market changes and customer needs evolve in order to cater to those needs. 

My new career goal

This was an eventful week for me. Just find out that the reward for slaving away all those year behind a computer monitor is that some doctor is considering cutting my wrist open to remove a cyst. His word of consolation were and I quote: the problem with these kind of cysts when they develop is that they keep coming back onquote. Isn't that reassuring? Anyway, this week I had the hardest time finishing my homework that included a keynote presentation due today. I was literally doing everything with one hand as I am wearing a splint on my right hand.
So, I have a little update on my last posting. I did some further reasearch on the possibilities that my Business Entertainment Master of Science offer. I found the types of possible jobs and they are awesome. For example, you can be  casting director, or a project manager overseeing operation, sound, and overall quality on amusement park rides. I could be great doing this for Disney.
The biggest problem I find is that a lot of companies today want you to have not only the degree but also the on-the-job experience. How will I ever overcome that unless someone out there is willing to give the opportunity without enduring a salary cut due to lack of experience?
Anyway, I have set the goal and there is no turning back. I must stop now. I can already feel my wrist pulsating.
Take care and keep moving forward.

Blog Assignment on Sundance short films online

I had the pleasure to interview a fellow classmate and outstanding entrepreneur Jermaine Deshields.
Thanks Jermaine for your valuable contribution to my project.

Jermaine DeShields has always been influenced by music since the day he was born. He has been in dance groups, sung in choirs, and played in bands. He was born in Tacoma, Washington on February 20, 1985. He graduated at Bethune Cookman University with a BA in music technology. During that time, he worked in recording studios, such as Audio Logic located in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he learned and crafted his recording skills as well as his production skills. He also studied piano while at Cookman and now works at a church in Stone Mountain, Georgia as a musician. He is currently the CEO of Black Congress Music Group, which is a production group that he started in college, and is building his own recording studio right in Atlanta, Georgia.

1.     In a few words describe the nature of your business? Black Congress Recording Studio was built to allow people who can’t afford to go to a major recording studio but still get professional quality. We do almost every genre so anyone is welcome. Not only do we offer studio time but also we do flyers, CD duplication, web design, and vocal lessons.

2.     In a few words describe the nature of your business? Because this business is still new and in its growing phase, we have time to shape and mold our services to fit the customers needs. The fact that we do all types of genre helps us grab more customers because we do know that people do other genres then rap. We also offer vocal lessons and web design which makes us different from most recording studios who just offer studio time.

3.     How do you determine market trends and customer changing needs? After a session, we have the customer tell us about their experience they had with us, and what we could do to make things better. We also randomly talk to people at music events and ask them what they look for in a studio. When then try to apply the information, which helps us satisfy our customers the best that we can.

4.     Where do you see your business in the next 5 years? In 5 years, I see our company in a new building because we are working out of my apartment right now. I also see us allowing out of town clients to be able to stay as long as they need to at the studio. That means that we will have rooms for such a situation. I really see us being one of the top recording studios because we have the talent and the drive.