Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Billy Dawson & Vince Lombardi

Nashville, TN (December 10, 2013) - Rising country music star Billy Dawson and legendary NFL football coach Vince Lombardi never met but they both acknowledge the power of leadership in success and recognize the importance of “leading the pack.” With Lombardi’s legacy as their inspiration, songwriters Dawson, Amy Jack and Gannon Adams, penned “Born To Lead,” as an inspirational anthem that motivates followers to become leaders. The songwriters echo Lombardi’s sentiments with the line “it’s not the size of the dog it’s the size of his fight”. The song and accompanying music video will hit airwaves for millions of viewers during the Rotary Lombardi Award Ceremony live on CBS Sports Network December 11 at 7:30 pm central. “Born To Lead” will be available for download on iTunes immediately following the broadcast. An encore presentation will air on December 12 at 3:00 pm central on CBS Sports Network.

“It’s such an honor to co-write and record ‘Born To Lead’ for the iconic Lombardi awards,” says Dawson. “We were all born to lead but only some step into that position and become a positive influence to everyone around them.”
 

The video, filmed in Nashville at LP Field, features a performance by Dawson and profiles each of the Lombardi Award finalists. This year’s finalists include Anthony Barr (UCLA), Aaron Donald (Pittsburgh), CJ Mosley (Alabama) and Michael Sam (Missouri).
 

Dawson adds, “I am honored to be involved with such a great organization and excited to work with Mr. Spencer Tillman, a man of great integrity that is the true definition of being a born leader.”

 

About Billy Dawson
Rising country star Billy Dawson is a multi-talented singer, entertainer, author and writer. He is currently in the studio working with Grammy award winning writer and producer Skidd Mills on a new album to be released in 2014. Songwriting heavyweight Rivers Rutherford, who penned hits such as When I Get Where I'm Going (Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton), Real Good Man (Tim McGraw), These Are My People (Rodney Atkins) and Stealing Cinderella (Chuck Wicks), is a longtime supporter and mentor for Dawson.

Earlier this year, Dawson was invited to be part of the Pat and Emmitt Smith Celebrity golf tournament as the celebrity country artist along with celebrities Marcus Allen, Eric Dickerson, Alfonso Ribiero, Anthony Anderson, Michael Irvin, Jay Novacek, David Justice, Coach Nick Saban and Trent Richardson. He is slated to participate again in 2014.

Dawson has shared the stage with artists including Lady Antebellum, One Republic, John Hiatt, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, Skillet, Five For Fighting, Colt Ford, Charlie Louvin and Cross Canadian Ragweed. He was the winner of the 2010 "Get Discovered" (iHeart Radio/Clear Channel) National Competition and was featured live on the iconic Jerry Lewis MDA telethon in Las Vegas and on the airwaves for over four million viewers. He was included in iTunes/Tunecore Country 2010 album featuring Brantley Gilbert and Colt Ford.

In addition to his musical endeavors, Dawson is the author of You Never Know, the first book in a series of children's books focusing bullying, racism and other societal issues involving children. He brings his book to life when he speaks at schools about the importance of respect and love in everyday life.

For more information about Dawson, visit www.billydawsonmusic.com, www.facebook.com/born2leadbillydawson or @billydawson1 on Twitter

Monday, December 9, 2013

Jamee Natella from BluEyed Pictures inc.

I recently had the opportunity to interview Jamee Natella, founder and executive producer of Blueyed Pictures via email.

From this picture, I can see where Jamee got the name for her company!


TeeJay: What happened to make you start your company?
Jamee: I was living and working in Tokyo for Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) – a highly unusual gig for a foreigner. I soon realized that there was a need for someone to provide production services to visiting producers. So I decided to launch my own venture, Blueyed Pictures Inc. My first job was producing a commercial for Virgin Cinemas.
What has been you favorite project? Hardest?
I have produced a great deal of work the past 15 years.
I like the commercials that bring us to different locations. They are most memorable to me because you travel, live with your crew and discover new situations. Pepsi for BBDO in the Caribbean, Land Rover for Y&R in Japan & Sony In China are amongst a few.

I also really dig commercials that I get to work with accomplished individuals i.e Visa- athletes in the Olympics

The most challenging I believe become your favorite commercials. It makes you strive to be a better producer and gets you out of your comfort zone.
The Lexus Superbowl Spot was challenging (2011) - creating a massive sci-fi environment in the Long Beach Convention Center--- AND our other Producer, Jon Goldberg would agree, Scion Declaration (2008)- a 3 day desert shoot featuring over 150 picture vehicles, 25 precision drivers, helicopter shots, and an 80+ foot crane shot.
What is coming up in the future?
We just wrapped a Bud Light spot for the Superbowl and for SC Johnson a product called, "All Out".
Currently running , is our campaign for Toyota Scion's 10-year anniversary, University of Arizona and BBDO's Fight Dengue.
Next year we will also go into production on Blueyed Pictures' first feature film.
There’s so much more to come in January 2014!
 


What is the process behind a commercial, because many people think it is a quick process, I know otherwise.
You have to be able to move quickly. A lot of preparation goes into it as well. Firstly, the ad agency does market research on the product, and comes up with a campaign. Then I have to win the job - and there’s always competition! The agency will pick a director - usually someone from our roster. Or there might already be a director attached, in that case we execute their vision. Of course, after the job has been awarded, we do a lot of prep work and get everything ready for the shoot, which can last anywhere from one to four days.
What do you want people to know about what you do?
This job requires dedication but also a huge amount of energy – it really is 24/7. You must have passion but also the ability to focus. You need to be up to date on the latest products and innovations - they may be future clients. But you also need to be informed about the latest directors and DPs, and have watched all of their reels. Social media plays an important role in this business, from a branding and marketing perspective. And always know your immediate competitors – this environment is constantly changing and you need to stay one step ahead of everyone else.
 
 

Follow Blueyed on
Twitter: @Blueyedpictures
Instagram: @Blueyedpictures