Confessions of an Executive Producer

humidity, chaos and plenty to eat

AICP week in NY. Schmoozing. Power Meetings. Public drunkenness. And more.

We seek out old friends. We look to make news ones. And, try to avoid everyone else in between. It's like a camp reunion, senior prom and a Shriner's convention all rolled into one. At times enjoyable. On occasion painful. Always exhausting. As Woody Allen famously said 90% of life is showing up. Many of us do exactly that including yours truly.

First thing Monday morning right to AICP NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING. It's an all day affair, 9am to 4pm. We review all the business of the Association. This ranges from individual chapters status and committee progress reports to upcoming elections and pressing industry concerns. Contrary to popular belief, there are quite a few issues being addressed that provide real benefit to the membership. I won't spend too much time dwelling on the specifics. It will all be covered in a soon to be release AICP online blog/newsletter that will be informative, brief and entertaining. 

Most people are more interested in the interpersonal politics in the room than the issues being discussed. Out of respect for the board members, I won't speak out of school. I can only talk to my actions. I have an opinion on virtually every topic. I talk way too much and become increasingly cranky with each passing hour. My pontifications probably add another 90 minutes to an already way too long a day. This reason alone may lead to a Gray Davis type recall of my election. On second thought, we see how that turned out.  

Overall, the best way to describe the day is anecdotal. As I walked into the 7pm screening, I ran into Diane McArter. During a quick catch up she inquired about the Board Meeting. As we were pressed for time she asked me to give her a one sentence summary. I paused and said only "Progress". She seemed satisfied with the response. I thought it accurate. I bet my fellow board members wished the previous day I would've been as economical with my words.

After the board meeting, I attended an installment of the DGA's 75th ANNIVERSARY LECTURE SERIES. This one celebrated the TV commercial. Jeff Goodby led a panel discussion compromised of Joe Pytka, Bob Giraldi, George Gomes, Jim Gartner and Bryan Buckley. The event opened with a montage of classic TV commercials from the early 60's and leading up to present day. It was followed by Goodby introducing each director accompanied by a brief retrospective of their work. It was impressive. Viewing the work gave me a renewed appreciation for the craft, creativity and cultural relevance of our industry. Afterwards the panel regaled the audience with stories of business past and present. As much has changed, much remains the same. 

After the DGA event, I stuck to my Woody Allen philosophy and cabbed it down to THE MILL. This "eve before the show" gathering has become a go to event. I was slightly reluctant as last years scene at the door was like the fall of Saigon. Thankfully this year access was more civilized with a specific guest list accompanied by a fancy bar code system. At the party, I grabbed a beer, saw a few friendly faces then called it a night. It was beautiful outside so I decided to walk into Soho and stop at Ben's Famous Pizza for a slice before heading back to the Standard. 

On Tuesday I had a series of meetings at Epoch. No need to bore you with the details. I was curious about the Next Awards but duty called plus there are limits to my industry event toleration. Let's get right to the main event, the AICP MOMA SHOW. 

This year I broke my long standing tradition of never attending the screening. Brian Carmody chaired the show and I wanted to hear his speech. He was very respectful giving the nod to long time friend, mentor and show predecessor TK Knowles. He acknowledged the hard work of the AICP staff and his new appreciation for the job Matt Miller does. The highlight for many was his good humored stab at David Zander. 

THE PARTY. The first AICP show I attended was in 1994. In the five years preceding I looked forward to the event. I was in the museum at night. I got a chance to network. Meet people I've only spoke to on the phone or heard about through others. There were more people I wanted to see than to avoid. Today, I've become like the cranky old Uncle that sits in the corner complaining about everything yet continues to attend every family function.

"It's too hot...This is the only scotch they have...Who can have a conversation with all this noise...My feet are killing me...Is it time to leave yet...When are they going to bring out dessert..."

My rolling complaints albeit annoying were somewhat truthful. It was crowded. It was hot. It was noisy. But the good news is no one left hungry. There was food at every corner. I especially loved those pass around sliders with potato chips. I had two. My own personal cynicism aside, the show is a great and honored tradition and of significant value to the industry. 

After MOMA, I went to the BOOM BOOM ROOM at THE STANDARD for the after party. Justin from Psyop was kind enough to provide an invite for me. He did so even after spending all of Monday seated next to meet at the National Board meeting. I love this space. It's reason enough to attend. I had a Johnny Walker as a night cap and made a sociable lap around the room before turning in. 

As I exited I shared one final laugh with Lisa Rich. I then took the elevator 6 floors down to my room on the 12th floor, immediately tore off my clothes, brushed my teeth, jumped into bed and caught the 12:30 edition of Sportscenter. The perfect ending to an action packed 48 hours. 

bring on the millennials

Tomorrow is the AICP National Board Meeting.

It's the first official meeting since the National Board has been restructured. The board is no longer represented solely by regional Presidents and a few non-voting delegates. It is now compromised of regional Representatives along with 5 At-Large members voted in by the AICP National membership. 

Full disclosure. I was elected to be an At-Large board member. This proves the theory that despite our best of intentions no overhaul is without it's flaws. Regardless of this glaring crack in the system, I'm a believer these changes were not only needed but were designed to meet todays challenges.

I won't bore you with a heavy dose of the usual doom and gloom. They've all been well documented including in this blog. Margins are shrinking. Agencies are going in house. Director's command too much of the profit. The thirty second spot is dead. Cost consultants are dominating. Payment terms are untenable. I could go on. We have all felt their impact, no matter how great or how small.

During these times of uncertainty many have looked to the AICP to provide solutions or at the very least guidance on how to push back the fear knocking at the door. The AICP has accomplished a lot but many of you have expressed its not enough. We can do more. We can do better. The question is how. 

In the past, only a handful of the members have carried the load. The rest of us retreat into the rationale that I paid my dues thinking that is enough of a contribution. I wish it were enough to simply say I gave at the office. It's not. To effectively confront the issues defining our future, we must employ our greatest asset, our membership. 

I'm sure there is a more than a smattering of the usual cynics, arm chair quarterbacks and general haters who believe the AICP will remain ineffective regardless of their actions. They believe it will be the same people with the same ideas applying the same solutions to the same problems. Just as it maybe the same leadership forging ahead, it is also the same group in dissent. To change this cycle the AICP is opening up opportunities to participate in a meaningful way. I believe only a few if any of the past dissenters can convert from active apathy into productive action. That's okay. It's really the next generation we need to enlist. The AICP Millennials. They are the ones we need to engage early and often. 

This is the generation that will become the largest and most diverse population in American history. They are the generation who knows no boundaries of race, region or nationality. Who came of age in at the dawn of social media. Who grew up on computers. Who embrace community action.  Who has no fear of change. They are the ones who are more vested in creating a better future than we are. 

There are going to be committees, task forces and other opportunities to voice your point of view and listen to others. We need new ideas. We need participation. We need collaboration. We need mentorship and even more so, reverse mentorship.

After tomorrows meeting, the AICP will communicate the many ways to get involved. Influence is no longer exclusive to a few but will be available to all. If you are a company owner EP, or HOP I encourage you to ask your staff to participate if you don't have the time yourself. Consider providing human resources as part of the dues.

Without engaging the membership in creating a productive and powerful voice others will continue to determine our future for us. If we fail, the search for blame will be easy. Look no further than within all of us. 

This is the conclusion of today's sermon. More to come. 

aicp conference looking forward and back

As many of you know the AICP recently held their inaugural industry conference. The conference raised topics relevant to our membership and related businesses. Many of the topics discussed garner little public attention. And, when they do it's often from a point of view other than our own. This was the impetus for the conference, to create a forum focused on dialogue specific to content production. I think it succeeded but has only begun to scratch the surface. 

Before critiquing, a little context. The entire event was organized over four months. I think it needs nine to ten. Despite this years time challenge, a small and dedicated committee were tasked to create topics, find panelists, secure a space and organize the event. No small feat when everyone has a day job. Much appreciation to this group but they need help. More on that later. Let's talk about the show.

KEYNOTE - Bogusky was the original speaker. He baled within three weeks of committing for personal reasons. Jeff Goodby stepped in like Manny Mota and delivered off the bench. Showing respect for his hosts, he geared his speech toward producers. Goodby has directed many spots so he understands the complexity of our jobs, the daily miracles we pull off and the beating we often take in getting there. I felt he was sincerely sympathetic to our plight but ultimately he subtly conveyed it's not really his problem. I think that encapsulates the entire agency/client attitude toward production. Nice to hear it publicly from someone at the top. 

JEFF, TY & GERRY - These three powerful creative forces talked about the changing advertising landscape and the path it's taken their careers. This is what I took away from their chat.  

Jeff likes to have fun at his job. I think when the fun stops no more advertising for Jeff. I have no issue with it. He's more than earned it. Also, I highly endorse the philosophy as long as you can afford it.

Ty has a vision. It's questionable and risky. His reliance on outside partners begs two questions. Is he placing his company value in being a curator/matchmaker? And, if so, what's that really worth? I guess we'll soon find out. Also, many people talk of needing a new model, Ty is actually trying to build one from the ground up. Big props. 

Gerry, like Ty, is starting his own shop. His vision seems to be a work in progress or he just didn't want to share it with us. Best moment. He acknowledged his budgets will be smaller but "people" are gravitated toward good work. Translation. Production companies buy jobs for directors so do other key vendors. His strategy to scale may be for the people sitting in the audience to subsidize his clients work and his venture. They will, as long as the creative is exceptional. Truth hurts. 

DIGITAL - I have to admit I didn't spend a lot of time listening to these two panels. I began to panic after Goodby and crew went over their allotted time. Feeling ill prepared for moderating procurement, I bolted to the green room like a college student cramming for a final exam two hours before the test. Overall, digital is a broad topic. Many of the players we wanted to talk (i.e. Apple, Google, Disney) wouldn't talk to us. This subject is a centerpiece as its driving media and creative. Because it's still in it's infancy and is multifaceted, we need more time to get it right. See note on needing 9 to 10 months to prep the conference. 

PROCUREMENT - No need to recap. I already wrote about it...twice in last weeks posts. Only one thing to add. I feel procurement must have a place in all future conferences. No singular issue has greater impact on our industry, financially and creatively. My only critique is they need a better moderator. That guy sucked. It seemed like he prepped that morning. Also, Jim Akers was universally loved. Was he that good or was it a low bar for a procurement guy from Pfizer? I believe he was that good. 

ZOOMING - David Rolfe was well prepared and insightful. He did an excellent job as the moderator. What I found most interesting is there was much experimentation in direct to client and in house capabilities models. However, except for a few aberrations, few have transferred the model into traditional media. We have to wonder, can you simultaneously concept, service clients and execute under one roof and do it well? It will be interesting to revisit this topic. 

LAWYERS ON THE CLOCK - My favorite of all the panels. Free legal advice. This alone was worth the price of admission. Most illuminating was It illustrated the increasing complexity of our businesses, everything from director's contracts and E&O coverage to IP creation and sequential liability. Running a company comes with a lot greater risk than signing and selling talent. 

SELLING CREATIVITY - In his opening speech, Charlie McBrearty placed a still of my blog on the big screen. I don't know about you but it was an attention grabber. I had two favorite moments. Charlie said he can get a 1000 hits on his site in a week but can't make a 1000 calls. Speaks volumes. This relates to my next favorite moment. Ed Ulbrich asked from the audience, with all the tools now used for selling is the idea of dividing sales up by territory and paying commission an outdated model? Interesting concept.

So, what's next? How can we improve the conference? Amplify our voice and agenda? I'll start the conversation...with myself. Or is that called a monologue? 

I loved the panel concept. No pre-packaged speeches. Leaders in the industry were forced to answer candidly and off the cuff. It worked well as a format, especially for year 1, but can't be the only format. More strategic use of the panels would make it more effective. 

Audience participation. I could see people either nodding eager to voice their opinions or just nodding off. How can we get attendees to play an active role in the conference? If not it becomes an all day lecture which can become tedious. 

Thought leaders. We need to educate and broaden the horizons of our members. We need speakers who forces us to think differently about our businesses and creativity. An industry name is not a must. I'd rather someone who challenges and entertains. Inspiration is more memorable than information. 

These are my first impressions. What are yours?

Make a comment. Send suggestions to Matt Miller. Join the committee. This conference could be a powerful tool in promoting a voice that up to now was muted. Add to the volume. 

appreciating the mundane

I was on a long arduous car ride back from Yosemite National Park with my good friend, Jonathan Gordon. Jonathan is a location manager. He keeps me updated on the increasing difficulties of shooting in Los Angeles. While listening on satellite radio to my 'Skins getting hammered by the hapless St. Louis Rams, Jonathan shared with me the latest news on how the gaping hole in the California State budget may be impacting production. I welcomed the distraction from this embarrassing defeat. 

With the State in dire financial conditions, the government ceased scheduling any overtime for civic employees including CHP officers and Fire Patrols. This does not bode well for us commercial production folks. Whenever we film on the streets we need to control the area. The CHP are used to close off traffic and provide escort for our process trailers. 

This new directive from the State is a major problem for film production on two fronts. Weekend shooting is considered overtime for the civic employees. We shoot a lot of car scenes on Saturdays and Sundays since the roadways are less trafficed and easier to control. The other problem is the CHP are on straight time to 8 hours. Everything over eight is overtime. We regularly bid for 12 hour days and usually need every minute of it. Shooting in moving vehicles while making angry drivers wait is hardly a fast moving process. 

This policy instructed all CHP assignments for off-shift hours to be immediately halted. This was implemented without consideration or caveats for production businesses as evidenced by the California Film Commission's action. This is not an insignificant policy. When enforced it has serious implications for our industry. 

The AICP sent out an email this week stating that David Phelps, Director of External Relations, relayed our concerns to relevant State officials. He explained the CHP are on our payroll and we make the contribution to their pension and welfare fund. There is no financial downside to California. If anything making an exception for us is a positive. It provides jobs, maintains tax revenue and keeps production from fleeing to other states. As a result of David's lobbying efforts, the State has made an exception for production. It was a no brainer even for government. The case just had to be made to the right people. 

I'm sure the inner workings of car shoots and the fiscal policies of Sacramento excites all of you. This may very well become my most popular post ever. Actually government employment policy, as riveting as it is, is not the point of this post.

In discussions with other AICP members the question inevitably arises, what exactly does the Association do other than provide a platform to collectively bargain with the unions and hold a party at MOMA? Unfortunately the members don't inquire enough about the services their trade association provides. I have counted myself amongst them. On the flip side, the AICP doesn't do a particularly great job of communicating or promoting their value especially on non-sexy issues of paramount importance such as this one. 

This seemingly small regulation with large implications is one of many banal examples how the AICP serves it's members. I can hear the counter arguments from the detractors if only they'd comment. Isn't tackling this type of issue their responsibility? Isn't this what dues are for? Are we suppose to be appreciative for them doing their job? 

Of course, the AICP is suppose address issues averse to our industry. It's part of their mission. But, think of it like shaving or taking out the trash or boxing out your man for a rebound. No one notices until you stop doing it. We should be glad someone is. 

we want you

Producer posts stat of the day. 

Of all eligible US voters only half of them are registered. Out of the 50% of those voters less than half actually cast a ballot. We're not talking about congressional elections. Forget mentioning local ones. Those numbers are too embarrassing. This is a stat reserved for the highest turnout, the Presidential election. For those keeping score at home, this equates to less than 25% of the American electorate selecting our leader. Makes your vote feel slightly more relevant, doesn't it?

We are at the height of the mid-term election season but it's not why I've decided to share this well known yet little discussed fact. 

As you may (or may not) have noticed, last week the AICP sent out a mass email calling for nominations for a new National Board. For those of you that just delete AICP emails or leave them festering in your inbox, let me refresh your memory what the impetus is for the formation of a new board. 

The current Board consists only of members who serve on the boards of the regional chapters. The new configuration allows for the election of five "at-large" seats working alongside regional representatives. For the first time board members are being elected by the entire AICP not solely by regional membership. The intent is to create a more nationally focused board. This is part of a bigger restructuring plan. 

The restructuring of the organization was ratified with the hope of better addressing the changing needs of the industry. It was painstakingly conceived, debated and re-worked over the last year. It is flawed as any democratic process is but it's a positive step forward and was accomplished as a community. It needs to evolve through membership engagement and by providing meaningful opportunities for membership participation. More specifics will be shared throughout the course of the next couple of months.

For the moment the "At-Large" nominating process is your first step in this new beginning. Here's what you need to do.  

1. Open up the email from Matt Miller titled, "AICP Structure & Board Elections". 
2. Read it. 
3. Selected a designated member of your company to vote. Done. 

This is the very least of your responsibilities as a dues paying AICP member. Easy, right? Getting excited? Want to get progressive? Do more?

1. Click on the link that says nominating process
2. Read the instructions 
3. Nominate a person you think will speak to your causes and concerns.

Notice I didn't say the industry or the Association. I said "your" cause. This is American style democracy. Want to go next level?

1. Call a fellow member. 
2. Ask to be nominated.
3. Complete the requirements and your name will be on the ballot.

Now that I've outlined the process, it's time for me to get on my soapbox. Or at least slightly more than my usual. Indulge me. 

I have received lots of messages, engaged in countess private conversations and been privy to many email chains over the last year. This dialogue was mostly critical of the AICP. Many of these critiques had validity. Some were accompanied by solutions. A couple even resulted in action. 

This nominating process. This election. This restructuring. It allows members to do more than critique but a chance to contribute. It won't be pretty. You'll need to take the time to understand the dynamic and engage with competitors. You'll need to listen, debate, negotiate, get rejected and ultimately compromise. Democracy up close is ugly. It is not the benevolent dictatorships us small business people enjoy.  

The nominating process is but a first step to creating a more unified and powerful national Association. There are more opportunities heading your way to be a leader, a supporter and an active participant. 

AICP apathy is a tempting choice. It requires no effort. We all have other commitments to our businesses and our lives. Do we really need another? I get it if you choose the path of least resistance just please do it silently. Words without action accomplish nothing or worse. It's like a world where ideas are conceived without the ability or will to execute them. And, where would all of us producers be place like that? 

Nominate. Run. Vote. Participate. 

food glorious food

 The AICP show post-mortem was a hot topic of conversation last week. It revolved almost entirely around the food, or lack thereof, at the MOMA party. 

Groans of disapproval grew louder as the week went on. The AICP was accused of cheaping out. There was outrage the price of the ticket didn't include a meal. Matt Miller heard the displeasure and sent an email to the members and guest to address the issue.

In Matt's memo he stated that in the planning they decided to try something different. They were going to do pass around appetizers versus a buffet spread. It seemed like a good idea. Guess what, it wasn't. The caterers who suggested it agreed. They gave the AICP a rebate. Matt made a charitable donation with the refunded money. Everyone owned up to their responsibilities of a well intended decision gone wrong. Live and learn. I assumed the memo would be the end of it. Not exactly.

I was going to let this non-issue die myself. However, Matt's memo sparked another string of comments and negativity. 

Many members want to condemn the AICP for a variety of reasons. This year's show supplied an opportunity to take an easy shot at the Association. This condemnation wasn't really about the food. It was about industry frustrations with the catering being a symbolic scapegoat. 

For those of you that expended any amount of effort either speaking to your peers, writing emails or responding to Matt's memos, I must ask a question. Where are these efforts and voices of protest on the core issues impacting our industry? I'm not saying the catering debacle isn't critical (actually that's exactly what I'm saying). In the big scheme of things it pales in comparison to other issues confronting our businesses.

If we showed as much passion for hors d'oeuvres as we did for union contracts, the industry and the association would be in a much better place. Let's face it, it's easy to bitch about food and a lot harder to to sit on the labor committee. One can help create a positive legacy for the next generation while the other is a passing inconvenience .

The good thing that came out of the MOMA Famine of 2010 is we know there is passion amongst the members. In the not too distant future there will be opportunities presented for members to participate in meaningful ways. It will take time, effort and passion. You'll have to attend meetings but I'm confident food will be served.

observations from an art museum

My daughters on occasion ask to skip their dinner and go right to dessert. Who doesn't like to get to the good stuff. Today I thought I was going to share some thoughts from the Monday marathon AICP National Board meeting. Instead it's straight to dessert. I'm ranting about the party. Dinner can wait....

Full disclosure. I don't go the screening. Haven't been to one in 15 years. I have a hard enough time watching more than 5 commercials in a row while in the privacy of my own office. Watching 25 consecutively in a dark room at a museum filled with my competitors, can't do it.....My only regret, I missed TK's speech. Heard he gave Mindy props....... 

Have you seen on Twitter where they post current trending topics. Wouldn't it be cool if there was a giant board displaying the trending conversational topics in the sculpture garden. If this existed, Tuesday nights number one topic was not the rise of digital or the return of commercials, it would've been "where's the food?" followed by "do you think they'll deliver a pizza to MOMA?".....

Truthfully the food thing didn't other me. There are two things I haven't done at the show in 15 years. One I already told you about. No screening. The other is eat....Last year people would've said I understand not having a gluttonous buffet table. Times are tough. This year they want to know why there not being indulged. Maybe this is symbolic of a healthier industry......

I had a great pre-show conversation with Michael Moore (not the filmmaker but the head of Raleigh Studios) and Keith Guliner from Wits End Productions until Jane Nunez kicked us out of an empty sculpture garden. Made me realize I need to have more dialogue with vendors. They see the business from a different perch, something we can all learn from...I also learned don't screw around with Jane.....

Every time I took a lap around the museum I kept seeing the same people. I thought it was a strange coincidence but then I started thinking maybe i don't know as many people as I thought I did....Show encounters can simultaneously make me wildly proud and weirdly embarrassed to be a part of the industry....I find it uncomfortably awkward to witness people I respect and do business with get sloppy drunk. Maybe it's hard to resist the temptation of free booze. Possibly it's the only way to make it through an industry function. Or, it could just be this is what happens when there is no food to soak up the alcohol.... 

I like seeing faces I haven't seen in years new father Chad Sipkin, recent theater impresario Steve Shore, a perpetually energetic Krystyn Wagenberg.....What I love more is running into old friends I don't see often enough Sharon Lew, Brad Powell, Becky Donahue, Sasha Stern, my favorite musical family the Brothers Foote, Ray and Sherman. I only mention the Footes because we go way back and they praise my blog.... I unfortunately didn't see many people I wanted to see. On the flip side I also didn't see any of the people I wanted to avoid. This may also be symbolic of the business. Take the good with the bad.... 

Other encounters, David Rolfe while on my cell phone by the men's bathroom. It was impressive enough internactioin I got a mentioned in his blog but had to play second fiddle to Peter Ziegler. BTW, well deserved accolades for PZ. Long time coming......David Zander telling me he signed the entire Epoch roster while I was talking to Rolfe and Charles Day. I said that's impossible it was only a 15 minute conversation. He said, and you think that would stop me......Chatting AICP with Robbie Fernandez. I'm afraid because of the board stuff he's getting tired of hearing my voice.......Saw Jason Harris as I was walking out the door. Sorry I didn't see him earlier.....Dave Clark, where are you? I'm still looking.......Okay, I made up the part about Zander. 

I ended the night with a loud yet intimate late night snack at the Standard with Tara, Mindy and Brielle. Everyone satisfied their hunger and we shared a few laughs. Great way to end yet another AICP show. See you next year.

12 months ago...

Last year, in a run up to the MOMA show, I wrote a series of posting about the AICP and the state of the industry. 

The first post was titled "Guilt By Assocation". In the blog I wrote of the issues impacting the present and future of our industry. I questioned the AICP strategy and the will of its members to combat these problems. 

While not wanting to bitch without providing some solutions, I followed up with a post called "Viva Community". In this post I asked more of myself and of the community in becoming more active and vocal. I challenged the AICP to better utilize social media to create unity and communication. I even featured the logos of all my competitors. Free publicity on my own blog. At the time it felt like a generous gesture.

My last entry on this subject was posted the day of the show. I wrote of conversations from MOMA shows of the past. I predicted this year's conversation were going to be different. We had become not only humbled as an industry but were also uncertain about our very survival. I thought we shouldn't use this gathering as a place to mourn but rather as an outlet for solutions.

As you may recall at the time I wrote those posts panic and anger ensued. Production companies were feeling brutalized by agencies and their clients. People openly questioned who was solvent and who was not. Rumors abound of established production companies and major companies on the brink of bankruptcy. Was the industry in a free fall with no end in sight? 

A lot has changed from last year. 

Today in 2010, the reports of broadcast commercial's demise seemed to have been greatly exaggerated. They still comprise 90% of the major brands marketing budgets. TV viewership is on the rise. The upfronts saw a significant increase in sales. Digital continues to grow in leaps and bounds. Internet effectiveness remains a mystery to be unlocked but experimentation continues to be funded. 

This positive news is reflected in our bottom lines. As a result, there is a lot less complaining about contractual issues, late payments, and unfair business practices. I even had one company owner tell me recently, I'm happy to bankroll a production if they just give me the job. That's a big change of tune from a year ago. 

Have these problems miraculously gone away? Was last years crisis merely a hiccup caused by natural business trends? Has the future of media been secured? Are we in the clear?

My guess is the answer to these questions is probably not.  

Things are not as dire but the issues we felt were of major consequence still remain. Unfair business practices continues to persist. Media is in a perpetual shift. The value of our expertise is still questioned. Have we as a community collectively pushed many of these meaningful issues aside?

Nothing breeds hysteria quicker than the sudden onset of uncertainty and nothing breeds complacency faster than the return of success. The circumstances that caused either cycle will always change but the challenges facing our industry remain constant. Our will to confront them may ebb and flow with our fortunes. 

it's groundhog day!

In the 1993 Harold Ramis film, "Groundhog Day", Bill Murray plays weatherman Phil Connors who through karmic fate must relive the same day over and over and over again. 

Every morning at exactly 6 am the radio alarm clocks goes off declaring annoying playing "I've Got You Babe". No matter how Phil lives out that day he is perpetually trapped on February 2nd in Punxsutawney, PA. It's a funny movie with a simple moral. If you're unwilling to change you are doomed to repeat the same mistakes over and over again. 

Today, I'm going to an all day AICP National Board meeting. It's to debate and vote on a proposed new structure of the organization. It was approximately six weeks ago since the idea was first presented. In that meeting, Matt Miller thoughtfully laid out the plan and the rationale for restructuring. He also delayed a rash vote while deftly diffusing any controversy. The meeting ended with a unanimous vote to move forward by honing the proposal until the time we can meet again to ratify or defeat. This allowed everyone a chance to talk amongst their peers and submit any suggestions to the executive committee. Many did. Taking all this into consideration, Matt and the Executive committee have constructed what I perceive as a thoughtful and comprehensive proposal.  

So today we convene again. Same people. Same topic. Different hotel. Kind of like groundhog day. We are all meeting in an internet-less room, for the second time in six weeks, because the AICP is at a critical juncture in it's history.

The issue being debated today is not whether certain specifics are good or bad. Right or wrong. Effective or ineffective. There in no question whatever we come up with will be flawed. What document isn't? What we are voting on is do we believe the AICP in it's current form can effectively and collectively address the issues facing our industry? 

A few may want to keep things how they are. Some may feel it's change for the sake of change. Others may believe we need only subtle differences in our existing model. This is understandable. Change is hard. Uncertainty is even worse. However, I believe there is one indisputable fact, we cannot continue with the same action and expect a different result. Doing nothing should not be an option. Providing new solutions and daring to be better is.

I'm eager to listen and participate in the debate. With any luck by days end we will see our own shadow. The long winter over sooner than expected and the thaw will begin.  

if it ain't fixed let's break it

When presenting the proposed restructuring to the AICP National Board, Matt Miller listed the problems facing the current organization. They are in no particular order:

• Limited Ability to present a unified front on national issues
• Inability to formulate positions swiftly
• Limited ability to act in a timely manner
• Lack of Industry knowledge of the AICP and its programs
• Limited membership involvement in issues and activities
• Same well of volunteers for all issues
• To be involved, you must sit on a regional boards (all or nothing)

The beautiful thing about this list for Matt was it took him no time to formulate. It was written in 1995. The leadership knew then what we know now.  Different era. Same problems.  What has changed is the sense of urgency. The path of least resistance is an attractive route when operating on the upside. When operating on the downside, sweeping the dust under the carpet no longer becomes an option.

In last weeks all day National Board meeting, there was a unanimous decision to proceed with a plan to modernize the organization to reflect the challenges of today. The devil was in the details. It always is. At the expense of sounding like a policy wonk, here are the broad strokes of the plan.

The current structure consists of a series of regional boards - East, West, Midwest, Florida, Minnesota, Southwest, Southeast, and Digital. The presidents of these boards form the National Board along with the Executive Committee and delegates. The National Board meets only twice a year. It evolved into this as the origins of the AICP were locally not nationally focused. The problem with this structure is represented by the bullet points above. 

The proposed structure would create a 21 seat National board with specific seats allocated for non-East/West coast regions and for Digital. The Board would meet more regularly and deal with the major issues that impact all of us i.e. payment schedules, contractual terms, RFP's, etc. The goal is to create one voice of the membership. A voice that is swift, concise and most of all unified. 

The newly empowered National Board isn't at the expense of the regional boards. Regional boards would still exist but their focus would be on the local issues such as tax incentives, permitting, community relations, etc. I believe when enacted it provides the regional leadership with quicker reaction time and greater autonomy with the security of having a strong national backing.

And, there are committees. This is where we all come in. The committees will focus on the key components of the AICP such as Finance, Communication, Labor, Technology, Legal. There will most likely be one National board member on each of the committees but the rest of the board will be made up of the general membership (that means you). The committees will report directly to the National Board. 

If you want to give back to your industry. If you want to make a difference. If you want to be part of the solution, this structure provides ample opportunity. You no longer have to be elected to a regional board to play a role. You can volunteer your area of expertise to whatever committee suits your interest. The intent is to unleash the potential of our greatest asset, our members.

Within the next six weeks, the Executive Board will finalize the proposal and put it to a vote of the National Board. It will address the details of how elections are held, committees are formed, officers are elected, regions are represented, reworking of bylaws and many other details. There will be inclusions and omissions that various factions may not agree with. No organizational structure is perfect. There will also be some bumps along the road of implementation. This is understandable. With the dedication of a few and the involvement of many, I believe we can adjust to maximize our strengths and minimize our weaknesses to create a stronger foundation. 

If you have questions, concerns, thoughts, I encourage you to contact your regional president, Matt Miller, or a board member (that includes me). This is the first step toward becoming not just a dues paying member but an active one. Take it.