Our Production Workshop 101 is one-day, introductory course taught by working industry professionals with over forty years of combined experience on all types of film production, both nationally and statewide. They have extensive experience in Alaska and are familiar with the unique needs and challenges that productions face here.

Not ready to quit your day job? We cover a lot of ground in just one day, we’ll be taking a comprehensive look at how production works and what industry facets you’re interested in. We’ll breakdown types of productions, define departments, discuss terminology, set protocol and paperwork. There will be ample opportunities to ask questions and we’ll provide you with answers, information and resources for learning more.

Rapid Response Workshops

The Rapid Response, introductory workshops are designed to maximize local economic potential from incoming productions. These workshops are location, service and skill specific, targeting regions that are slated for production in the near future. Rapid Response training increases skills for entry level positions and offers valuable information for potential vendor service providers. These workshops are conveniently structured to fit into a one and a half day – weekend class.

Level One and Level Two Courses

Level One and Level Two training classes offer focused training in disipline specific areas. Instructors are working industry professionals; including alumni from the American Film Institute (AFI) in Los Angeles. The classes are held in Anchorage evenings for three hours during the week and a full day session on Saturday. Initially our curriculum will focus on eight key areas of production including: Camera, Editing, Grip/Electric, Hair/Make-Up, Producing, Production Design, Sound, Wardrobe Stylist/Costume Design and Writing.

We’d love to hear from you. Please contact us via the website or by e mail.

Bob Crockett & Deborah Schildt
Program Administrators
907-223-3740 and 907-230-6870

Alaska Crew Training, Inc.
akcrewtraining@gmail.com

ATHENA Society recognizes MSI President Laurie Fagnani

Laurie Fagnani, founder and president of Anchorage-based advertising, marketing and public relations firm MSI Communications, has been chosen for induction into the Anchorage ATHENA Society.

The Society is a program of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. The honor is bestowed on women who are successful in their chosen career, give back to their community and assist other women in achieving their full potential in business.

Laurie founded MSI Communications in 1997. Over the past 12 years, the firm has grown from a two-person operation to a full-service agency with 20-plus employees.
“Laurie is an exceptional businesswoman who supports and encourages other women to reach their fullest potential,” Carla Beam, the former director of community affairs for BP Alaska, said. Former state Rep. Gail Phillips described Laurie as a “thoughtful, intelligent and ambitious Alaskan leader.”

An engaged community volunteer, Laurie spent 12 years on the board of the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau and currently serves on the board of Koniag Education Foundation, a non-profit organization that funds and supports the education and future of the Alutiiq people, their communities and economy. She previously served two years on the board of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce and several years on the Arctic Valley Ski Club board.

Over the past year, Laurie and MSI Communications supported the American Red Cross of Alaska, AWAIC, Lumen Christi High School, AEDC, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Alaska Men’s Run and Girdwood 2020.

In 2003, Laurie’s industry peers named her the Outstanding Advertising Professional of the Year. Recently, Alaska Business Monthly identified MSI Communications as one of the state’s Top Women-Owned Businesses.

“At the same time that she started and grew a successful business, she has focused on her children and her family, giving her time to their activities and their interests,” Judy Brady, former executive director of the Alaska Oil and Gas Association, said. “Laurie grew up in Anchorage and has always contributed to this community throughout her professional life.”

Laurie will be one of 14 business leaders honored at the Chamber luncheon April 5.

The International ATHENA Foundation is dedicated to supporting, developing and honoring women leaders, inspiring women to achieve their full potential and creating balance in leadership worldwide. The first ATHENA Award was presented in 1982. Since then, there have been thousands of recipients across the globe. For information, visit athenainternational.org.

MSI certified as a woman-owned Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

In February, after months of paperwork and the required on-site inspection, MSI Communications was certified as a woman-owned Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) by the State of Alaska Civil Rights Office. MSI is 100 percent owned by President Laurie Fagnani.

Government agencies are required by law to award a percentage of contracts to DBEs. Agencies and some private businesses also set procurement goals for woman-owned and service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses.

For more information, visit http://dotcivilrights.alaska.gov.

MSI enlivens Anchorage First campaign with new logo

When the Anchorage Economic Development Corp. (AEDC) needed a new logo for its “Anchorage First” campaign, it sought out the services of MSI Communications. The campaign is meant to build consumer confidence and provide a boost to the local economy.

Working in collaboration with other local advertising agencies, MSI developed a colorful, recognizable icon that unites all retail messaging under one look. It tells residents to prioritize their spending by shopping in Anchorage first – and promotes a message that retailers, sponsors and residents can support.

Bill Popp, president and CEO of the AEDC, told MSI President Laurie Fagnani the agency did an “outstanding job” developing the logo. “Thank you so much for the great work done by you and your team,” he said.

AEDC provides industry expertise and economic resources to companies interested in locating or expanding their business in Anchorage. For information, visit GoAnchorageFirst.com.

‘Faces of ACES’ campaign garners media attention

Not since the Alaska Visitors Association’s Marilyn Monroe mole campaign in 1989 has an Alaska ad campaign cornered so much ink. MSI’s “Faces of ACES” campaign, sponsored by the Alaska Support Industry Alliance, generated hundreds of inches of media coverage, talk show discussion, blog attention and legislative debate. The campaign showcased the faces and testimony of real Alaskans who, because of the ACES oil tax, are now unemployed.

To learn more about how ACES has reduced oil industry investment and production in Alaska, visit FacesOfAces.com.

Client News

NANA rated a top minority-owned business

This year, NANA Management Services ranked 41st on the list of the 500 minority-owned businesses in the nation. This is the second year in a row NANA was recognized by DiversityBusiness.com in its annual “Top 500 Diversity Owned Businesses in the U.S.” The award is based on the company’s business performance, annual gross revenue and status as a minority-owned business. For information, visit NANA.com.

The Wilson Agency merges retirement plan practice

The Wilson Agency recently integrated its retirement plan practice with that of Financial Resources Inc., an Anchorage-based wealth and retirement management company. The Wilson Agency provides employee benefit advisory services. Both companies were founded by Ken Martinson and Don Wilson 25 years ago and have maintained a consultative relationship ever since.

BP employee, author promotes environmental policy from within

Bill Streever is best known as the author of Cold: Adventures in the World’s Frozen Places, but he’s also an ecologist and the environmental studies program director for BP Alaska. Streever told online magazine Greening of Oil that working for an oil company allows him to “make a difference and influence company policy from within, more so than working from the outside.”

Streever has also become a favorite talking head on national media due to this winter’s severe weather around the nation. To link to the full article, click here.

The ad is stark, somber—almost funereal. There’s no color, and hardly any motion. No video at all, just black and white portraits that pan in or out, and a couple of lines of simple text. The text declares, among other things, that the faces you’re seeing are “Real casualties of Alaska’s oil tax policies.”

The ad, a 30-second TV spot, is part of a campaign called “Faces of ACES” by an oil and gas trade association with the sci-fi dystopian name The Alliance (their full, less sexy name is the Alaska Support Industry Alliance).

One of the print ads created by MSI for Faces of Aces

The Alliance wants the state legislature to do something about the state’s oil tax system during the 90-day session that just started, and the group is spending $100,000 on the campaign.

In case your knowledge of Alaska’s oil tax system isn’t up to date, let’s step back in time for a little refresher.

In 2007, the FBI’s investigation into the corruption scandal surrounding VECO CEO Bill Allen and a few members of the legislature was at its peak, as was the public furor surrounding it. There was a popular new governor in town who had worked her way into voters’ hearts by her sheer non-Frank-Murkowski-ness. Former Governor Frank Murkowski had supported a tax system that was favorable to petroleum producers. Indicted legislators had supported a tax system that was favorable to petroleum producers. Now those legislators were in the process of being convicted and hauled off to jail.

It was in this environment that then-Governor Palin, with the help of Democrats in the legislature, passed what they dubbed Alaska’s Clear and Equitable Share. ACES, as it’s come to be known, bumped the base rate at which petroleum profits were taxed from 22.5 percent to 25 percent and tacked on percentage points as profits climbed.

Republican legislators and industry lobbyists, fresh off the embarrassments of Bill Allen and the Baranof Hotel, had little choice but to hold their tongues and bide their time.

Fast forward to today. It’s an election year, and Palin’s successor, Sean Parnell, faces two Republican challengers for his seat, and the corruption scandal—and its attending outrage—seems to have mostly run its course. The oil and gas industry and its allies are feeling emboldened to take on ACES now.

The “Faces of ACES” campaign blames job losses and a dip in oilfield investment in Alaska on the tax.

What makes the ad funereal is the one element I haven’t mentioned yet: sound. The audio that accompanies the ad is every bit as stark as the visuals—silence, broken only by the dull, mournful sound of a church bell tolling.

Coupled with the use of the word “casualties,” and the stark black and white images, the effect is evocative of a memorial for war dead, or victims of cancer. And it’s evocative—whether intentionally or otherwise—of one of the more familiar passages of the English Literature canon: John Donne’s 17th Meditation. This is the one from which we get the line “…therefore never send to know for whom the bells tolls; it tolls for thee.”

If The Alliance (or the clever creative types at MSI Communications who made the ad) didn’t mean to allude to Donne, nevertheless, they couldn’t help but be pleased with the connection. After all, those famous words pretty much sum up the industry’s pitch: Our pain hurts you, too.

But Donne’s meditation actually holds a slightly different, and more important application for Alaskans who don’t know what to make of ACES or its detractors. The message (it’s a sermon, actually) is one that dwells on the interconnected-ness of a community; it’s the source of the maxim “No man is an island.”

One of the biggest problems with the looming battle over ACES in the legislature this session is that it means so little to average Alaska citizens. Or more precisely why it means so little to us.

It means so little to us because so few of us have a deeply felt stake in our own government.

In most states, the government works more or less the way it’s described by political philosophers: as a social contract. Citizens band together to create public services. And because public goods still come at a cost, they all chip in to pay them. Elected delegates hammer out the details, and we call those payments taxes, but essentially it’s a transaction like any other; it’s just brokered, more clunkily, between a large community and itself. That takes enough collective maturity to recognize that life in a community requires sacrifice.

Alaska has yet to grow beyond adolescence in this regard. Like a surly teenager, we want more of everything money can buy, but we feel the equivalent of a part-time after school job is an unreasonable infringement on our freedom. And fortunately for us, we’ve had the equivalent of an indulgent uncle in the oil companies.

The analogy deteriorates at this point (unless you happened to have a co-dependent uncle) because the oil companies need us, too. But their hue and cry over ACES ought to serve as a reminder that more than 80 percent of our state budget comes from petroleum profits taxes. And the oil won’t last forever.

It may be political poison for anyone to propose a state income tax just yet—instead some Democratic lawmakers are seeking to constitutionalize our dividend checks—but let me point out one small easy step lawmakers could take in the right direction, suggested to me by a keen political observer. Along with those oil and gas royalty checks we receive—which are, after all, one of the only reliable contacts with their state government many Alaskans might have in a given year—include documentation of the per capita cost of state government.

Here’s your share of what Alaska as a community does, the message would be. Somebody else is footing that bill for you. You don’t have to pay it. Yet.

“While being commended for our work is certainly gratifying, building strong client relationships and producing the highest quality work possible is our top priority,” MSI Communications President Laurie Fagnani said.

Here are the 2009 Aurora Awards and the Awards of Excellence MSI Communications received:

AURORA AWARDS

Events and Observances

Second place: Municipality of Anchorage and MSI Communications – Bike to Work Day

Public Affairs

Second place: Alaska Cruise Association and MSI Communications – House Bill 134 (No first place awarded)

Global Communications

First place: Agrium and MSI Communications – Caring for Our Watersheds

Crisis Communications

First Place: Cook Inlet Pipe Line Company and MSI Communications – Redoubt Volcano and the Drift River Oil Terminal

Internal Communications

Second place: BP Alaska and MSI Communications – Be Idle Wise

Multicultural Public Relations

Second place: Koniag Inc. and MSI Communications – Faces from Our Past (No first place awarded)

AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

Annual Report

Honorable mention: Alaska Housing Finance Corp. and MSI Communications – Built to Last

Internal Publication

Second place: BP Alaska and MSI Communications – R&PP Connection (No first place awarded)

Advocacy Writing

Second place: NANA Development Corp. and MSI Communications – Contracting Lifts Impoverished Peoples (No first place awarded)

Writing Portfolio

Second place: Awarded to Lana Johnson, MSI Communications (No first place awarded)

Brochure

First place: Princess Tours and MSI Communications – Our Commitment Continues

News Conference

Third place: Alaska Cruise Association and MSI Communications – What Happens When a Destination Loses a Large Cruise Ship (No first place awarded)

Web site

Second place: Koniag Education Foundation and MSI Communications – Koniag Education Foundation (No first place awarded)

The PRSA Aurora Awards and Awards of Excellence recognize exemplary work in the field of communications. The Alaska chapter of the PRSA was established in 1973 and has more than 130 members statewide. For information, visit prsaalaska.org.

MSI hires another Web guru

MSI Communications recently expanded its interactive department by adding Web Developer Jason Bobich to its team.

A recent graduate of California State University Northridge, Jason holds a bachelor’s degree in multimedia design. His areas of expertise include Web design and hosting, PHP, search engine optimization and affiliate marketing.

Jason grew up in Anchorage and graduated from South Anchorage High School. In addition to freelance Web design work, his previous professional experience includes running a hockey equipment retailer Web site and working as a front-end Web developer for an Irvine, Calif.-based Web design company. A winter sports enthusiast, Jason enjoys both hockey and snowboarding.

Please join us in welcoming Jason to the MSI team!

Client News

Just released: ACVB 2010 Official Guide to Anchorage

The Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau’s 2010 Official Guide to Anchorage is now available. The combination of stunning local photography and a user-friendly directory makes this guide a valuable tool for visitors and locals alike. The guide also provides newly designed maps of Alaska, Downtown Anchorage and areas north and south of Anchorage.

Art Director Tara Storter and Account Manager Michelle McMillian worked with the ACVB communications team to produce the guide. To request a copy, visit Anchorage.net.

Carlile celebrates 30th anniversary and its second season with Ice Road Truckers

This year, Carlile Transportation Systems celebrates its 30th anniversary. Founded in 1980 by brothers John and Harry McDonald, this Alaskan-owned business has grown from a two-tractor operation to one of the region’s largest trucking companies, with more than 200 company-owned trucks and 1,200 pieces of specialized trailoring equipment.

The History Channel recently began filming the third season of its hit television documentary series Ice Road Truckers. This is the second season the series features Carlile’s Alaska truckers. The show focuses on the challenges faced on the Haul Road that runs from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay, as well as the ice roads on the North Slope. Meet Carlile’s trucking stars here.

For more information, visit Carlile.biz.

Hot campaign for a Cold Cause

Thanks to MSI-produced TV, radio and print ads, the Municipality of Anchorage’s “Plug at 20″ campaign is up and running. The campaign encourages Anchorage residents to plug in their engine-block heaters when the temperature drops to 20 degrees or below to cut down on cold-start emissions and reduce fuel consumption. Click here to view the TV spot. For information, visit Muni.org. ]]> http://msialaska.com/news/?feed=rss2&p=113 2 http://msialaska.com/news/?p=109 http://msialaska.com/news/?p=109#comments Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:31:53 +0000 carlyhorton http://msialaska.com/news/?p=109

Jason Bobich - Web Developer

MSI Communications recently expanded its interactive department by adding Web Developer Jason Bobich to the staff.

A recent graduate of California State University Northridge, Jason holds a bachelor’s degree in multimedia design. His areas of expertise include Web design and hosting, PHP, search engine optimization and affiliate marketing.

Jason grew up in Anchorage and graduated from South Anchorage High School. In addition to freelance Web design work, his previous professional experience includes running a Web site for an online hockey equipment retailer and working as a front-end Web developer for an Irvine, Calif.-based Web design company.

A graphical new Web site created for Montana Creek Campground.

MSI is proud to announce the launch of our latest Web site, Montana Creek Campground. This site offers a rich graphical layout, immersing the user in a site that makes them feel they are at Montana Creek Campground.

The site offers technologies such as: XHTML, CSS, Javascript, JQuery and PHP. It utilizes a simple reservation system that allows the user to reserve a campground space online.

To view the site, click here.

Ingrid Parish joins MSi Communications

A 21-year Alaska resident, mother of three and multi-tasker extraordinaire, Ingrid Parish recently joined the MSI Communications team as an Account Manager. Ingrid holds a degree in broadcast journalism from California State University Long Beach, and worked as a weekend anchor/reporter for KTUU Channel 2 News for eight years before becoming a full-time, stay-at-home mom.

In addition to her experience as a reporter, Ingrid is a former small business owner. She remains an engaged community volunteer, outdoor enthusiast and international travel aficionado. Ingrid’s clients – including Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, WorkSafe, Bethel Services and The Kuskokwim Corporation – appreciate her sharp attention to detail, flexibility and ability to meet deadlines.

Please join us in welcoming Ingrid to the MSI Communications team!

Client News

Evergreen films signs television deal

Anchorage-based Evergreen Films Inc. recently signed a development deal with New York Times best-selling author Dana Stabenow to bring her popular Kate Shugak, Alaska P.I., character to television. The television series will be filmed on location in Alaska. “The ability to create a realistic portrayal of Alaska will be critical to communicating the unique Alaska mindset that Kate Shugak embodies,” Mike Devlin, co-founder of Evergreen Films, said.

Evergreen Films is an award-winning production company that brings an experienced team and leading technology to all aspects of film and high-end television production. For more information about the company, click here.

Agrium launches Caring for Our Watersheds

Agrium, one of the world’s largest providers of agricultural nutrients, offers students the chance to make a difference with its innovative Caring for Our Watersheds program. The program asks students to think about their watersheds and how they can better care for this essential resource. Students with the best ideas earn financial rewards for themselves and their schools. MSI designed the program’s look, its interactive Web site, and produced two videos for students and teachers. To have a look, click here.

MSI donates to annual RDC conference

MSI donated an Apple iPod Touch to this year’s Resource Development Council of Alaska’s conference raffle. The iPod came with a special message: “You’ve been touched” by MSI.

Proceeds from the raffle benefit RDC, a statewide, non-profit, membership-funded organization that promotes and supports responsible development of Alaska’s resources.

Port of Anchorage shares statewide impact with interactive map

MSI profiles Dana Stabenow press event

“Mining Day” display educates Alaska State Fair-goers about Red Dog zinc

On Sept. 6, Red Dog Mine participated in Mining Day at the Alaska State Fair. The purpose was to get the word out about the Aqqaluk Deposit, a zinc deposit that will extend the life of the mine for an estimated 20 years, as well as inform people about the various uses of zinc. The display included four eight-foot posters that presented “zinc factoids.” Visitors to the booth could use the posters to answer zinc-related questions that would qualify them to win a number of prizes, including a refrigerator/freezer, a bicycle and a car battery. All three prizes have components that contain zinc or zinc by-products. Read full article.

MSI Communications adds news blog with RSS feed to website