Thanks to Internet Marketing Class I already have my keywords

Internet Marketing was a great class. I enjoyed applying to my “website” Internet applications and keywords. For the leadership portfolio assignment, we had to select five keywords for our company (PRODUCTORES).

My five keywords were “live shows”, “Event Company”, “Puerto Rico television”, “Productores” and “Reality TV shows”. With these words I had the chance to make an analysis and learn the importance of these elements in my company. I really liked to know all about the different applications I can use for my business. With this analysis I found the following on my keywords:

Live Shows: The keyword (Live Shows) will be kind of difficult because this phrase is very general (too many Webpages with the same phrase). To be in a top position I have to be more specific regarding my searching results.

Event Company: It’s easy to get a top ranking position with this phrase (events company). This phrase represents a specific search and is a very easy way to find us.

Puerto Rico Television: “Puerto Rico Television” it’s a very easy keyphrase to be in the top rank position. It’s very easy because is more specific and we can “jump” directly to the top rank.

Productores: “Productores” it’s a very easy keyphrase to be in the top rank position. This phrase has a great page rank. To get to the top rank position, “productores” would require being more specific and powerful (in a link). This also is our company name and that’s why this keyword its so important for us.

Reality TV Shows: “Reality TV Shows” it’s a very easy keyphrase to be in the top rank position. This phrase has a great page rank. To get to the top rank position, “Reality TV Shows” would require being more specific and powerful (in a link).

Universal Pictures as an Important Brand

In our class of Branding we have the chance to select a brand (I choose Universal Pictures) and analyze it. Universal Pictures Portfolio has achieved both popular success and critical acclaim with its recent Academy Award winners Atonement, The Bourne Ultimatum, King Kong, Brokeback Mountain, Ray, A Beautiful Mind, The Pianist and Lost in Translation. Classic, Academy Award-winning films from Universal include All Quiet on the Western Front (1930), To Kill a Mockingbird (1962), The Deer Hunter (1978) and Schindler’s List (1993).

Brand Research

Target Market: The specific target market audience of UP are 15-35 year old men. However, their products (movies) are for different ages and have individualized target analysis (per project).

Competitive Landscape: Consumer spending drives demand. The profitability of individual companies depends on creativity, marketing, and distribution. Large companies often have the advantages of long-term contracts with key actors and directors, a permanent staff of technical employees, and wide distribution networks. Small companies can compete successfully by creating marketable movies, often for niche audiences, on low budgets. Although production work is labor-intensive, the value of the product results in high average annual industry revenue of $300,000 per employee.

Current Position in the marketplace:

With movies successes, Universal has the third-place finish in market share, close behind No. 1 Buena Vista and No. 2 Sony (two studios with women in top positions).

Branding Components:

Logo: "The Glittering Globe”: On a black background, an arc slowly appears and brightens. Lights begin appearing below the arc and we see that this is another globe, looking over Europe. We move down as the lights appear all over Europe, and then Africa. As we begin to zoom out, the letters "UNIVERSAL", in a similar font as the last logo but handsomely redone, rotate to the front of the globe. By this time, the globe is shining from the back. A small copyright appears at the bottom-right.

Slogan: “Universal Has The Picture”

Mission Statement: UP focus on attention and integrity toward exemplary production services. They remain constant in our commitment to insure our reputation of extending Universal Picture support, vendors and alliances to exceed any and every expectation our client may have.

National Association of Latino Independent Producers

I decided to join the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP). NALIP is a national membership organization that addresses the professional needs of Latino (a) independent producers. The mission of this organization is to promote the advancement, development and funding of Latino (a) film and media arts in all genres. Also, NALIP is the only national organization committed to supporting both grassroots and community-based producers / media markers along with publicity funded and industry-based producers.

I have chosen to participate in the National Association of Latino Independent Producers because, as a leader in my area, I like to stay informed and active on everything regarding the entertainment business. Also, I am proud that producers in the Latino community have a professional organization to represent us and make thing happens.

The main goal I want to accomplish with this Organization is getting my point of view across by participating in all the activities in Puerto Rico and USA. I’m looking forward to becoming an important leader of NALIP, creating TV / Films projects in my area and collaborating with other Latinos producers. I basically think that the key word is teaching. We have the responsibility to “spread the word” about opportunities in the producing field here in Puerto Rico by supporting and promoting our NALIP chapter.

Through the National Association of Latino Independent Producers, I plan to be involved and participate as much as I can in special activities and organization meetings. My course of action for the next 12 months is to concentrate on the needs of the Puerto Rican producer. I’m going to implement additional benefits for members including: seminars, the possibility of health insurance, working with charity, public relations assistance (press conferences and interviews), as well as active collaboration with other NALIP associates. My priority in this matter is assisting and fulfilling the needs for education. I want, as a member, to help people make wise and informed choices and to do that hey need to be guided with practice in the field.

The National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) has become an opportunity to show my abilities and skills as a leader in the entertainment industry.

“Finally, my Business Plan project is a reality. For sure, I’m going to be very successful in the Puerto Rican entertainment industry!”

Tory Johnson (1996), CEO of Women for Hire did a concise and great introduction in an article called Building your Business Plan: “Starting and managing a business takes motivation, research, preparation, talent, and foremost: a good business plan. Before beginning, take the time to evaluate and explore your business and personal goals. Once you do that you can use the information to create a thorough and thoughtful business plan that will help you achieve these goals”.

I’m speechless doing what I love to do most: entertain Puerto Rican people with great and creative choices from TV to Live Shows. With the help of this business plan I’m going to be better prepared to be part of this wonderful entertainment market. I want my company to create new things, offer new and fresh concepts, and provide new ideas to my clients.

When I started doing this Business Plan I didn’t know how hard it would be: I have a job. Sometimes I come home late, and also I have to take care of additional things regarding my job like after work meetings and travels. When I realized how much work it would be, I had to be more organized and clear of what I needed to do: A COMPLETE PLAN FOR MY BUSINESS, PRODUCTORES. PRODUCTORES is a TV, event, and live shows production office. It will be located in San Juan because almost all the TV productions in Puerto Rico are produced there. “Puerto Rico is the best place as regards entertainment and nightlife” (travelmaps.com). PRODUCTORES plans to provide all the elements of the production process, utilizing other suppliers (production manager, lighting directors, sound engineers, TV technicians, etc) for each project.

PRODUCTORES mission statement, featuring the slogan PRODUCTORES: “Creating Extraordinaire Quality Events”, summarizes the company’s goal, strategies and values. In the future, PRODUCTORES will be focus on innovations and growth in the area of TV and event production, and artist management with high-tech equipment and services. Our mission statement is to create and promote the productions and to offer the best customer service. Our services include negotiation and deal making with clients, music production, complete production staff: directors, producers, choreographers, dancers and production managers, technical support: lighting, sound, “staging” and video, operation logistics: mails, immigration, insurances, entertainment legal advisors, operation and installations of events; among others, tours: tour coordination and accommodations for artists, managers and coordinators, venue coordination, merchandising coordination, public relations and publicity, booking (artists), artist management, TV Production (television specials, realities; among others).

During the first week I had to go to past classes to refresh ideas. Entertainment Business Finance and Project and Team Management classes helped me to identify and develop the ideas I presented for my business plan. These two classes made my life a little easier during this Business Plan Development course. With these elements I was able to start my papers without any problems and with a calm attitude. The ideas and concepts that came to my mind were very real and fundamental. I like to feel that I can see the results of a hard road. The professional applications I selected helped me to make an excellent choice and gave me a very clear scenario to develop my TV, live shows and event company.

At the end of the course I’m going to have a complete project to present in my hands. I have many ideas and I want to accomplish all of them. My company would be a successful one in the Puerto Rico area because right now my competitors need to present fresh ideas like mine.

I had many challenges and opportunities creating this project. The challenges I encountered doing this plan were endless. First of all I had to deal with the time. I worked all day and then I had to come to my apartment to think about my project. It was hard work. Another thing I had to accomplish was to review my previous clasess. I really enjoyed viewing all this material. An opportunity I will have is to present this plan to investors and banks in Puerto Rico. It’s amazing how you can create your future in a paper. I know that I will have the opportunity to be successful and to present fresh ideas and new concepts to the Puerto Rican community. They will experience a different kind of television, a different form of technology.

Definitely, the EBMS curriculum and this course helped me to increase the leader within me. I feel more professional and confident with all the tools I learned here. The best thing was the contact with my classmates and other professionals and the learning I received from all the courses. Being in an online program could be a little bit more difficult than being in a class. “Primera Hora”, one of the most important newspaper in Puerto Rico conducted an interview with me to discuss my experience with the online program with a USA university. I really like this because I feel that I am making a change. I am a pioneer in the NEW entertainment business in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rican Mobile Marketing Survey: Understanding people vs. ads

In general terms, Puerto Rico has a great potential in publicity and marketing. Here we have a lot of promotions from billboards to flyers to mobile marketing campaigns. I made a survey to understand what people want and what they think about mobile marketing campaigns in general. Some of my questions are directed to the mobile applications itself; I was be surprise when I read the results.

I found the results very interesting. I can summarize several of these results in the following way: everybody (100%) has a cell phone, 60% of the surveyed people primarily use their mobile devices to check mails, text, etc. (data), 80% of the surveyed people like to upgrade their mobile devices every time they can, one person hates mobile advertising, 80% of the surveyed people do not play games on their cell phones and 100% of them didn’t buy anything (applications, games, etc.).

When I asked them if they feel traditional ads are going to be replaced by this kind of advertising they answer me the following: “(1) I hope not. I pay for service, why should I suffer ads – it’s not free, media supported service, (2) I think mobile ads are going to be a complement to traditional ads, (3) No. The most of mobile ads are full text and the traditional ads include images, graphics and situation to capture the customer attention to buy its products, (4) Yes, because it’s faster, (5) Yes, because no paper is spent and helps the planet”. The answers are very interesting: 40% of them said that they understand traditional ads are going to be replaced by mobile marketing, 40% said no and the 20% said that traditional ads are going to be a compliment of mobile ads. In terms of the importance of functionality and stylish 100% of the surveyed people said functionality is more important than style.

People in my survey are very aware and understand what the mobile marketing is. I choose different people with different personalities and they were similar in many ways. I discovered that people want mobile applications but in an easy way. For example, they didn’t like to buy ringtones but 80% like to upgrade their mobile devices.

Lastly, this survey is going to help me in my Business Plan Project because of the content and the answers. For this Project, I want to incorporate many concepts I learned in the Mobile Marketing & Commerce class. The survey results are helping me with my critical thinking and organization skills. Regarding this survey, I think that we always have to listen to what people want, that’s the key of success.

Wesley Cullen: From WWF productions to be the General Manager of the Puerto Rican Coliseum

Wesley Cullen is a fascinating and full of adventure professional that enjoys every minute of her life. She’s the General Manager of the Puerto Rican Coliseum: José Miguel Agrelot. The Puerto Rican Coliseum is the most important arena on the Island. In this venue important artist such as Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli, Usher, Guns and Roses, Diana Ross has performed. “Coliseo de Puerto Rico, a Premier Multipurpose Arena, welcomes you to enjoy a new concept that serves as the setting for higher entertainment in the Caribbean, and Central and South America. In a cosmopolitan Hato Rey setting, the avant-garde facilities will offer seating for 18,000 people with state-of-the-art sound, lighting, acoustic and theatrical systems. More events will be able to tour in Puerto Rico, thanks to never-before available features, such as an international–sized ice surface configured to NHL standards, with the capacity for any on-ice traveling show and also configured to NBA standards” – coliseodepuertorico.com (2007).

When I called her to ask if she can give me an interview for my class she immediately said: “Of course Jose, I will love to chat with you about my ‘adventure’ as a entertainment professional; I’m going to share with you so many things; so be prepare”. Mrs. Cullen was born in Spain then her parents brought her to USA when she has spent most of her life. “I am a graduated history student. I never study Communications or Entertainment business. I never dreamed of that. During my days in college I saved some money and when I finally graduated I traveled the world learning cultures, dialects, and having beautiful experiences. When the money was over I had to come home and started looking for a job to save money again. All the jobs I found at that time were regarding to the events and live shows. I started to learn a lot about this fascinating industry and then one day the WWF called me and suddenly I became one of their production coordinators. Then, I started to grow in this important company and worked with immigrations affairs, tour management –I visited the entire world by second time and for free– and then one day the Vice President quit and I became the new head of the office”.

Mrs. Cullen never dreamed to be in Puerto Rico. Although she wanted to spend her life in a country that offered to her three things: “close to the beach, learning Spanish and gaining dollars”, she said with a big and humble smile o her face. Mrs. Cullen was called by her ex boss of WWF (her mentor) to come to the Island and be the event director of this massive venue. She accepted the job an immediately she started to work, and then she became auxiliary general manager, and finally the general manager. “This experience brought me a lot more. I started to do things that I never dreamed to do like management of budgets, dealing with sponsors, taxes, distribution, contracts, the finance of the venue, classification of clients, and all that within a different culture, the Puerto Rican culture. I also had to learn how to work the air conditioner conducts”.

Another job Mrs. Cullen has to get done is to take care of her customers: “Every body wants to make a deal, specially the promoters. I have rules here but also I like to listen to those deals. My clients are very important to me because they are going to invest their money to produce their live show or event. Customer service is always available in this venue”. Also regarding to the future of this market she said: “The future of live events is great for the moment. People like to get out of their houses and have fun. Concerts and artists can fill the need of many people, that’s why they came to the events”.

Intellectual Property, Trademarks, Copyright’s and a Coffee: An Interview with Mr. Jan Paul Vissepó, LLM

Jan Paul Vissepó is his name. He is a young man of 34 years old who lives alone in his apartment in an exclusive building in San Juan, Puerto Rico. “I’m single, happy, and full of work”, he states with a smile in his face. Mr. Vissepó makes his Bachelor Degree in Communications in the University of Kansas, then he study Intellectual Property Master degree in Chicago and finalize his studies in Law in the prominent Catholic University in Ponce, Puerto Rico. After his preparation as a student he discovered his passion for the entertainment industry.

He received me in his office in the middle of his lunch break: “Do you want a coffee? Elena (his secretary) brings some coffee for me and for my student friend Jose, We are going to have a chat about this fascinating industry”. With this comment I felt very comfortable doing the interview and began to express myself regarding the Industry and the issues we should encounter in the middle of a project, productions, artist management and many other scenarios.

“How was your first job?” I said, he started to look to his pictures and said, “My first job as attorney was when I was an intern in the office of another entertainment lawyer here in the Island, Wisin & Yandel was my first real job (clients), when they were broke and without any fame”.

Wisin & Yandel (famous urban artists) and the “reggaeton” (music genre) were a pretty hard work for Vissepó back then, he didn’t know what he was doing with these artists and suddenly one day they became the #1 duo in all radio stations in Puerto Rico and Latin America. They made a world tour in countries like: Israel, Spain, Italy, Colombia, Panamá, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Argentina, Mexico and USA among others. The New Post said: “Reggaetón, the Puerto Rican rhythm-and-rhyme style that spread from regional to international audiences as the 21st century began, has been stalled in the United States by a language barrier. Hip-hop and R&B had their flirtation with it around 2005. But in other Spanish-speaking territories, reggaetón has entrenched itself so strongly that the Puerto Rican duo Wisin & Yandel sold out Madison Square Garden on Saturday night” – (J. Parles, June 9, 2008).

During his search for a position in the entertainment industry of legal services, he started to work for local artists like: Fiel a la Vega (Spanish rock), Jadiel (urban), Glen Monroing (folklore), Melina León (Merengue), Don Omar (actor and urban) among others. These artists are well known in the Puerto Rican entertainment industry. One of his big case was regarding a claim were the ex manager of Wisin & Yandel request a twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) for breach of contract. In this case, the ex manager of this group ask for money because apparently, they throw him from their career. The case is being seen now on court. “I’m very excited with this case, I am working hard and I will win the battle”, said the lawyer with his strong voice.

Passion is the key word to be successful in this competitive career. I really like the “extraordinaire mind” of this lawyer. He is very aggressive in his tone of voice and spontaneous. If Mr. Vissepó could work with me in my production company I would definitely be honored and going to feel comfortable because he demonstrates me his real “professional side”. This side is the part of a businessman who likes what he does and what he is doing to others.

Jose Diaz an extraordinaire manager

Product and Artist Management is a class to never forget. I have the chance to make an interview to the artist manager: Jose Diaz. Jose Diaz is a very professional, successful, humble and wonderful human being. Mr. Diaz is the president of NULIFE Entertainment Company, which is located in New York. NULIFE is a production and artist management office. Jose Diaz started her career in the early 90’s with tropical music singers. He is a very important manager who works for several artists in Puerto Rico. He manages artists such as: Elvis Crespo (Grammy Award Winner / tropical artist), Victor Manuelle (Grammy Award Winner / tropical artist), N’Klabe (tropical music group) and Ivan (a pop / Mexican artist).

“A manager should know everything”, said Mr. Diaz as he has 20 years of experience in the business. A Manager should know how to be professional and understanding. Sometimes artists have many questions and the manager should be capable of explaining and give answers to those questions. We as managers represent our artist and always must be aware of any situation that involves our client. A manager should know to be professional, respectful, organized and use common sense. This Business of Artist Management, pg. 11, states that a manager is the alter ego of the artist. This book also mentions, that a manager must be an adviser, organizer, strategist, overseer, coordinator, detailer person, traveling companion, and friend.

The relationship between a manager and an artist must be a professional and a respectful one. Jose Diaz has the gift to be friend of the artists he represents. He learns to work with their necessities and preoccupations. Whatever happens in an artist career, Mr. Diaz has to be ready to solve any situation.

“A good artist is someone who wants to work and improve their career keeping good discipline always” explains Jose. The difference between a good artist and a bad one it’s the discipline. Good artists are always discipline with their work. He, as a manager, must be aware on all these details. A manager should have a “third eye” to differentiate from a bad artist to a professional one.

Mr. Diaz travels a lot with his artists. Sometimes he has to stay months in foreign countries producing shows, making promotions and organizing concerts and different events for his artists. He likes his work and he is successful at it because he knows a lot of people who are involved in this business and that is a good benefit. Mr. Diaz family is grateful and understands all the work that he has to do.

Jose enjoys very much his work. He has traveled the entire world meeting very important people in the way such as promoters, producers, music business executives, bookers, event planners, presidents, governors, among others. Mr. Diaz definitely likes what he does. He had to finish this interview because he received an important call and before he goes he says: “this is my life, this is my dream”.

In his office at Puerto Rico, where this interview took place, I noticed everybody treated him with respect. He told me, that when he started the business, he wasn’t the person that he has become today. He was a shy person with a lot of work to do. During his first job in the business was embarrassed because of his inexperience and shyness. Today, he is a powerful man who learned how to deal with his emotions. He said to me: “Jose, step by step… you need to discover the artistic ground first, then you become a respectful person in your area”.

Negotiating with Myself… and with Mr. Vega

“Let us move from the era of confrontation to the era of negotiation”. -Richard M. Nixon, (1971)

My name is Jose Hernandez, and I’m an event and TV production producer. I have worked with the management of several artists here in Puerto Rico and USA. I have learned a lot of things about myself and my profession, and about what I want for my future. In the negotiation process I’ve learned to trust my judgment and to trust myself. Also, I have learned to identify my emotions and to become an excellent professional.

Businessdictionary.com (2008) define “Negotiation” as: “bargaining (give and take) process between two or more parties (each with its own aims, needs, and viewpoints) seeking to discover a common ground and reach an agreement to settle a matter of mutual concern or resolve a conflict”. For me negotiation is an action that represents more than that; negotiation represents passion and respect. I’ve learned to be more professional in the time of a negotiation. Listening to the other person, respecting their choice and opinions and identifying needs and other things I’ve learned about this process.

Emotions play a significant part in all this process. Emotions in a deal-making and negotiation process sometimes can be a negative circumstance. We, as leaders, have to deal with this “sentiment” to demonstrate who we are. “To deal with emotions, our general is to take constructive action. Rather than worry about labeling emotions, diagnosing their causes, and figuring out what to do, you can often overwhelm whatever negative emotions a person might have with positive ones. This is done if you express appreciation, build affiliation, respect autonomy, acknowledge status, and choose fulfilling roles”. – (Fisher & Shapiro, 2005).

With the interview of Mr. Ender Vega you will see the entire elements I’ve learned in class. Mr. Vega was a negotiator of the show business since he was born. He is a very respectful person here in Puerto Rico and an extraordinaire human being. Mr. Vega has worked with important artists and with important clients of the entertainment industry. The passion of this leader is to negotiate and producer many show in foreign lands. With the negotiation he expects positive actions and positive benefits for his business. Here you will learn about his life, passion, techniques and examples that keep Mr. Vega on track.

I’m very happy with the things I’ve learned with the Negotiation and Deal Making class. I feel prepared to be involved in any situation regarding the negotiation and deal making process. The past experiences with my classmates were very comfortable and interesting because I can identify my weaknesses and strengths. The role I showed was the role of a real leader. I was prepared with all these elements and I consider the books help us a lot to pass this interesting class. Definitely, I learned to be more patience and professional when I was in the dealing process.

Aldolfo Scheines a great businessman with a lot of experience

I decided for Global Entertainment Business Strategy class to interview a worldwide Latin producer: Mr. Adolfo Scheines. interviewed Mr. Adolfo Scheines CEO of Aines, a production company who make several events, especially children’s events. Scheines, who works for more than four years as an entrepreneur of children's shows, has bought to live shows characters like Barney, Hi-5 and Lazy Town.

In September 2008, the production company where I work bought “Hi-5 Cinco Sentidos” in Spanish for the Puerto Rican children’s. I have to say the negotiation process with Mr. Scheines was hard but very precise, effective and professional.

“My business is my life”, said Mr. Scheines when the meeting started. “The process of negotiation in foreign countries must be organized and full of possibilities. I have worked with several city’s and the experience are important, not for me, but for the future of my business. I like to buy licenses to make live shows all over the world. I made for the Latin American public Barney and Friends, Dora The Explorer, Hi-5: Cinco Sentidos, Lazy Town 1 and Lazy Town 2 among others. The relationship I made from the creators and other producers are amazing. As I said, I really like what we do”.

Mr. Scheines is a great man. He talks about the negotiation process in Argentina. This businessman has negotiating big production all around the world and is an expert in this subject. “Argentina for me y my base, my home. I have offices in United States and Mexico. My clients came from all around the world: Australia, China, Mexico, Colombia, and Panama among others. I like to know all about their cultures and the different productions behaviors”.

Mr. Scheines talks about few points you must have in consideration when we are making business in foreign countries. “The most important thing is to understand the client. You, as a professional, have the responsibility to do it. The other important element is the negotiation process. You have to make sure the importance of the project you want to sell it. You must make searching to find what’s happened in this country in terms of the entertainment industry: people behavior, economic resources, media communications, other possible clients, and political views”. It’s important to emphasize that during the interview Mr. Scheines

was very polite and comfortable. I really like his professional position and his success career.

“The marketing process in this industry is important on all the countries. You want to sell the project; but also, you want your client receive a great expectation from the project. That makes you a great leader. Leader is not the person who always want the success, leader is the person who work hand to hand with the client”.

Immediately I finished with Mr. Scheines interview I run to the class book and started to look different elements projected on this interview. I found this: Understanding principles and processes of international business, recognize and adapt to important cultural differences, effectively communicate verbally and nonverbally in particular cultures and successfully negotiate, market, and manage in a global environment are the important steps to survive when we are making business, specially in this foreign country. Of course, Mr. Scheines was right!!!

Find more Information about EXIM Licensing: http://www.eximlicensing.com/

Acisum Group, Inc: Investing in Educational and Creative Productions

For my class of Finance I have the chance to interview Mr. Ender Vega. Ender Vega is a humble, very professional, successful and wonderful human being. I’m very proud to call him “My Boss”. Ender Vega is the production company Acisum Group’s President which is located in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He started working as a publicist in the mid 90’s. He then discovered his passion for the financial and entertainment business world and created his business in 1998. “I started my company investing all my money in a Spanish-Rock music production called “Fiel a La Vega”. Immediately, the group became the #1 band listened in all radio stations here in the Island”, said Mr. Vega with a smile on his face.

Acisum Group is an event production office, which produces concerts and works with artists and singers. The definition of the name is MUSIC (in Spanish: “MUSICA”, which means music, backwards: “ACISUM”). Acisum Group’s mission statement, featuring the slogan Acisum Group is: “Creating Extraordinary Quality Events”, which summarizes the Company’s goal strategies and values. In the future, Acisum Group will focus on innovations and growth in the areas of event and music productions and artist management with high-tech equipment. Their mission statement is to create and promote productions and provide the best customer service.

In his 10 years as a production office for home entertainment and artist management, Acisum Group has worked and produced concerts such as Vico C – “Encuentro”, Objetivo Fama… “El Concierto”, Tego Calderón "El Abayarde”, Fiel a la Vega, Anais “Asi soy yo”, The Originals ... Grupo Mania, Don Omar ... King of Kings, Don Omar “Sinfónico”, Lazy Town and Hi-5 among many others thus achieving a number one position in the entertainment industry here in the Island. Acisum Group has also worked managing artists like: Tego Calderón, Vico C, Anais, Fiel a la Vega and Tony Dize. Vega’s company has distinguished itself by being recognized by the Puerto Rican press: "Acisum Group creates impressive events”. (El Vocero de Puerto Rico, 2007).

“My business is my life”, said Mr. Vega when the meeting started in his office. Mr. Vega is also the creator of the reality TV show: “Objetivo Fama” (Hispanic version of American Idol and partner of Univision). “I really like to invest in good and wonderful productions and that makes me secure and happy; it’s a hobby”. He answered all my questions regarding lending and equity investing in his company. Mr. Vega has several partners in Venezuela, Mexico, Brazil, USA and Argentina and makes investment with their offices as well. “I hate borrowing money from my partners, but sometimes I have to do it; is the way the business works. Years ago I had a partner in Puerto Rico and our partnership was 50/50; we had the responsibility to have equity investing in our projects. I like to be in that position because if you loose money, you loose only half of it. I have to do it with some risks projects”.

He explained the difference between lending and equity investing. Lending provides (money) temporarily on condition that the amount borrowed is returned, usually with an interest fee and equity investing is the money that is invested in a firm by its owners or holders of common stock (ordinary shares) but is not returned in the normal course of the business. Investors recover it only when they sell their shareholdings to other investors, or when the assets of the firm are liquidated and proceeds distributed among them after satisfying the firm's obligations. Mr. Vega knows his business very well. He plans to continue in the entertainment business scenario with new, creative, educational and wonderful projects.

Product & Team Management: Great opportunity to demonstrate the leader within me

"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships." 
Michael Jordan (1996)

In the Class of Product & Team Management I have the chance to work in teamwork. The teamwork of my group was really important and very dynamic. The professional way of interaction my group has was the essential key of our project’s success. We always wanted to keep in touch with each other because we knew the importance the project had to our grade. The activities were very organized and clear, that’s why we did an amazing job.

When we came with the idea, my team had no idea about what a professional proposal was. They went searching different references (internet, books, etc.) and learn how to make the proposal. I’m very comfortable with the work my group did. I feel I have an amazing group and amazing professionals and that is very essential in a team.

Our team found some amazing challenges in this project. One of the challenges we found was the idea of making a multicultural event. We needed to know what a multicultural event was because that was the activity we offer to our client. We began to search and started to be inside the clients mind. We finally got the picture and when we spoke we knew every single aspect of the project. The challenges we encountered were the AIB and Work Breakdown Structure. These diagrams were the most complicated part (for me), but we did it.

We have much of significant learning’s regarding this activity. We learned how to put together a great production and a professional proposal in one month. We also learn to work as a group and that’s the most difficult part of all. Working in teams, especially the online one is very stressful and difficult. In my case, that English is my second language, I started to combine different words and different ideas with my group. The beginning results were a little uncomfortable but at the end we became fast friends. I learn more English and they learn more Spanish.

This experience definitely works wonderfully in my learning process for my professional behavior. I’m so glad to have had this experience because I know I’m going to use this example everyday in my professional life. I am an event producer and I now know how to build a professional proposal. The format and structure are very clear and significant in the “building process”. I know this proposal is going to be an example to build another proposals like that with my other projects. Personally I feel very calm and satisfied with what we accomplish.

Working hand to hand with college students and universities

I had the chance to participate as a resource in different activities universities organize. The Inter-American University of Puerto Rico Bayamón Campus make each semester a conference about experiences that the inters found in their working places. I, as a past intern, made comments and give advice to future communicators students (entertainment business area) about how to be a great professional and how to developed a the new opportunity in the work place.

I told them my experiences and how to apply those experiences in their business area. They always had questions of how to make it in this competitive market. I found these conferences as a great opportunity to them because they could formulate their questions and they received answers.

Another important conference I participated it was in Atlantic College in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. This is the only institution in the Island and the Caribbean that teaches exclusively graphic arts and animation. In this opportunity I had the change to talk about the entertainment business and publicity. I really liked this panel because I could share my experiences with other students and professors. My leadership position in the market gives me the opportunity to become a mentor in my territory. I’m very thankful for that!!

Article (under the title: "Comunicación Creativa Panel de discusión sobre Medios de Comunicación") about my conference in Atlantic College: http://www.atlanticcollege.edu/noticias

"Atención, Atención": Our new BABY!!

“Atención, Atención” is a Puerto Rican live show that promotes educational aspects by the incorporation of music-therapy in children. Paula Rivera who is the creator of this show came to our office and offered us to promote and work with this extraordinaire concept. After we watched a TV Demo and other live shows videos of “Atención, Atención” we immediately agreed to the offer and started to work and present the concept to interested people.

One of our potential clients was Univision Puerto Rico (TV Network). They watched the episodes and they fell in love with the content. Finally, in mid October (2009) we are going to have the “Atención, Atención” episodes on TV! I feel so great because this represents the result of an extensive hard work! Another project we are doing is the production of their live show in a big venue (coliseum – 5,000 people capacity). This show will be presented in December (4 to 6) in the Rubén Rodríguez Coliseum at Bayamón, Puerto Rico.

Right now I’m in the middle of the pre-production process and trying to close more deals with other networks such as: Caracol TV in Colombia, ATV in Peru and Discovery Kids Latin American among others. Also we are doing their booking for several private activities.

My office looks like a toys store. I have DVD’s, CD’s, coloring books, magazines, and a lot of merchandising regarding my new baby: “Atención, Atención”. Also I’m involving many other people who are interesting in the show.

“Atención, Atención” will become the biggest Puerto Rican kids productions of the history. I’m glad to be part of it and I’m glad to have the chance to make decisions about it.

EMMY Experience: A professional experience in LA to never forget

As a TV Producer I need to be close to the Academy, I need to be aware of what is happening in the TV industry. I decided to participate in the EMMY’S Organization for several reasons. First of all, I wanted to know all about the industry, productions, and options and of course, meet some people.

My first activity with them was in June 2009; I flew from Puerto Rico to Los Angeles to participate in a special of fathers’ day called: A Father’s Day Salute to TV Dads. This reunion was live In the Academy facilities in LA. We enjoyed to listen the stories of many famous dads that entertain us from decades to now days. Dick Van Dyke,
Tom Bosley, Stephen Collins,
Bryan Cranston, Jon Cryer, 
Patrick Duffy, Michael Gross, 
Bill Paxton, Dick Van Patten and
Reginald VelJohnson (Family Matters) keep us laughing with the many stories they told us.

In this special I had the chance to meet several of these famous big screen artists. I listened the history of these gentleman and I thought immediately that they are real people too. I liked the way they told the adventures they've had on the TV when they were participating in one or another production.

I had the chance to meet and talk with Susan Somers, Reginald VelJohnson and Dick Van Dyke. Reginald and Dick Van Dyke were amazing, they like to make jokes and they always have a smile on their faces. Mrs. Somers is more intellectual and she is gorgeous. She said to me that the true beauty lies on us. She was amazing.

My conversation to them was related to the entertainment industry in Puerto Rico. They didn’t believe that in Puerto Rico we have only a few local TV programs. I told Reginald that I saw him every night at 12am on Nickelodeon. I invited them to come to the Island and meet me for dinner. They agreed in a lot of things I said and I agreed with their positions. I felt great to talk to them.

I demonstrated the leader within me. I talked with precision and with a positive attitude. I liked the way the conversation turned on. I felt great; I know that this Puerto Rican producer is going to do many memorial productions and wonderful contact. After all, contacts give us alive.