banjomick
- 17 Sep 2008 21:06
- 1333 of 1609
I'll probably add to the above later,gives a bit of background thee knows.
Anyway,last night I said "And obviously the news is going to arrive from China/SEA..."
I still think that to be the case and although todays news was splendiferous I get the feeling in me banja strings that there are much bigger announcements to come from China/SEA.
banjomick
- 17 Sep 2008 21:37
- 1334 of 1609
Forgot to say that GON even made the 'Other Top Stories' on the front page of MoneyAM today,which was/is rather good.
banjomick
- 17 Sep 2008 21:52
- 1335 of 1609
There's a thing that has puzzled me for sometime,it's the Robot Technology (Yunbo) website that hasn't been updated since well before the GON deal but is referenced to many times,especially via Phoenix.Strange that!
Edit-It's probably there just to show that they do exist and may come under the Phoenix banner in due time or a complete new redesign and update is on the cards.
banjomick
- 17 Sep 2008 23:40
- 1336 of 1609
It's quite interesting (will have to think of another word,getting repetitive) this new partnership with Dragonfruit Studios in that there are lots of links to China/SEA and not just the name of the fruit,there are links via work done in this region too!
Edit-Forget the links with China/SEA,got confused with Dragonfruit Studio,opposed to Studios
There are also similarities in the time frame regarding age of the company compared with Phoenix ie about the same age when deals were struck.
Michael Koziol and Melissa Honabach obviously work very well together to have their 'Ant Farm Interactive' business snapped up! From what I've managed to glean tonight they are a very capable pair who have their eyes firmly fixed on the future of the media in general and have a key knowledge in this sector and most importantly where it is heading.
banjomick
- 18 Sep 2008 00:04
- 1337 of 1609
Lets look at todays announcement again (for my benefit,been a busy one).
"Dragonfruit was launched in January 2008 by Michael Koziol and Melissa Honabach, who previously founded interactive agency Ant Farm Interactive in 1999, which they sold to Nurun, a publicly traded (TSX) global interactive agency, in 2004. Nurun was subsequently acquired by Quebecor Media. The principals are widely recognised for their expertise in digital media and marketing, new and emerging media models, and advising leading global brands on the new media landscape. During their tenure at Ant Farm Interactive and Nurun, they advised a wide range of clients, including: AT&T, AutoTrader.com, Equifax, L'Oreal, Unilever, Evian, The Home Depot, Bombardier Recreational Products, Frontier Airlines, and many others."
Dragonfruit which was only launched in January 2008 must be doing very well in this short period of time and have money to spend or/and see GON as a major step forward for their very young company,what did GON say would follow from this initial deal............now that is the question?
"Dragonfruit has licensed the exploitation rights to Galleon's entertainment properties, Super Soccer Star and Apollo's Pad. Under the terms of the deal Dragonfruit will pay an initial fee of US $1million and royalties on future earnings."
The question could be asked that were Michael Koziol and Melissa Honabach head hunted or approached maybe a better word to form their own company again and link up with GON at a future date ie now!
I may be rambling now but how big are GON going to be? The more I look into the past two or is it three years under the 'new management' and see what has been achieved then there must have been a major plan from the start and explains why the placement last October was taken up with ease!
banjomick
- 18 Sep 2008 00:15
- 1338 of 1609
I can see Dragonfruit and Phoenix working together/linking up to give individual IP's whether GON's own or a third parties a level of consistancy or seemless entwinement between the two continents to give an IP or a brand free movement......just a thought-lol
banjomick
- 18 Sep 2008 23:01
- 1339 of 1609
"Galleon Holdings, a producer/distributor of multiplatform properties, inks a strategic partnership with Dragonfruit Studios, a nine-month-old US-based original content studio. Under the initial agreement Galleon has licensed the US rights of two of its properties, Super Soccer Star and Apollo's Pad, to Dragonfruit Studios, and which will also provide an interactive media and sponsorship role for Galleon. Dragonfruit will pay an initial fee of US $1million and royalties on future earnings."
http://www.cynopsis.com/content/view/3828/53/
banjomick
- 18 Sep 2008 23:06
- 1340 of 1609
Viewing figures picking up on Apollo's Pad via the Youtube route,especially the ladies area :-)
http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=apollospad&p=v
banjomick
- 20 Sep 2008 20:12
- 1341 of 1609
Just a quick observation regarding the Croco page (link below) showing some past work,I don't remember the footballing Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd being there before but I could be wrong.......
http://www.crocoworldwide.com/pages/oem.php
banjomick
- 21 Sep 2008 22:31
- 1342 of 1609
Hmmmm,I think I missed something regarding the announcement (14 August 2008) and the agreement with Chinese National digital TV broadcaster MMTV to co-produce a series of Galleon's Play Along Gameshows ('PAGS').
It's not the fact they got the PAGS deal,obviously.....or that these shows are expected to launch in September........or MMTV broadcasts across 92 cities and currently reaches an audience of approximately 75 million,which is expected to grow to 130 million by the end of 2008........... but this bit:
"In addition to co-producing these shows, Galleon has secured an exclusive contract for its China based Mobile Service Provider Yunbo, to provide billing and fulfilment of all mobile or telephone based interactive activity, across all MMTV's programming." IE. across all MMTV's programming!!!!
http://moneyam.uk-wire.com/cgi-bin/articles/200808140700052936B.html
banjomick
- 21 Sep 2008 22:51
- 1343 of 1609
The charts below might suggest another surge upwards (like last year) but it all depends on news flow and news flow that has substance,which GON are good at!
GON as of 17 September 2008 and the Dragonfruit Studios partnership:
Commenting on the partnership, CEO of Galleon Holdings, Stephen Green said:
'The partnership with Dragonfruit Studios is highly complementary to Galleon's business with the addition of a US operating presence, expansion opportunities for our brands into the United States, digital media expertise and access to major global brand advertisers.
The relationship will greatly enhance our ability to drive revenues from these properties in the US and globally in the immediate future.'
Where next? The World? Then again got most of it already,population wise! :-)
banjomick
- 22 Sep 2008 18:07
- 1344 of 1609
Hmmmm,strange day regarding trades,timings and SP drops!
banjomick
- 23 Sep 2008 17:58
- 1345 of 1609
Better late than never :-)
Galleon and Dragonfruit Brings Two New Properties to U.S.
Publish date: Sep 23, 2008
U.K.-based Galleon has joined forces with U.S.s Dragonfruit Studios to debut Super Soccer Star and Web sitcom, Apollos Pad, in the states.
Super Soccer Star is a family reality series to find the worlds next soccer star. The show is produced in association with the Chelsea Football Club. It was recently launched in China and already has many sponsorships, live and online events, and branded merchandise.
Apollos Pad is a Web-based comedy property targeted to the young male audience, and features Webisodes and exclusive music videos.
chamcham
- 23 Sep 2008 20:00
- 1346 of 1609
banj
87.7m shares in Galleon are held by 21 holders
each holding circa 1%+
any sign of buying and we are off to the stars.
banjomick
- 23 Sep 2008 21:34
- 1347 of 1609
Evening chamcham,
As of 31 March 2008 there were 98,093,553 shares in total so 89% of the company is held by 21 holders with the main holder as below so obviously included in 'the 21',I would have thought,cheers for posting info.
As of 23 October 2007 David Wong and Pritesh Desai through being directors of Imagination Holdings Limited had 21,349,306 shares so roughly 21% in addition to the following Directors having:
Stephen Green 550,000
Leonard Dunne 550,000
Pritesh Desai 60,000
chamcham
- 23 Sep 2008 22:03
- 1348 of 1609
Banj
shares in issue a little higher just under 100m.
banjomick
- 23 Sep 2008 22:46
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Only had a quick look earlier so was just a rough figure from March 2008,the Mrs Banjo wants to talk house decorating type things so I obviously have to listen :-)
The Dragonfruit Studios partnership was totally out of the blue as far as I'm concerned and opens up a whole new area for GON and what an area!
Dragonfruit Studios is a very young company (as was Phoenix) with two people at the helm having the credentials well suited and proven in the direction GON are travelling.
Any views?
banjomick
- 24 Sep 2008 18:28
- 1350 of 1609
Not sure if Michael Koziol (Dragonfruit Studios) is still part of the RMS Advisory Board for 'LearnSomething' but of interest either way:
Retail Momentum Series Advisory Board
Michael Koziol
Michael Koziol is the co-founder of newly launched Dragonfruit Studios, an Atlanta-based media-independent content studio. From April 2004 until the end of 2007, Michael served as EVP, Strategy and Development for Nurun, Inc., a global interactive agency with offices in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia. He joined Nurun after it acquired Ant Farm Interactive, the Atlanta-based interactive agency that he co-founded with Melissa Honabach. While involved with Nurun and Ant Farm, Michael advised world-class brands and organizations, including AT&T Wireless (Cingular), Equifax, L'Oreal, Unilever, The Home Depot, Bombardier Recreational Products, Evian, and many others about interactive marketing, new consumer and audience expectations and changes in the media mix, the potential for brands to become media properties, and the role of community and social networking in relationship marketing.
Prior to launching Ant Farm Interactive in 1999, he was with BellSouth IntelliVentures and was responsible for product development and pricing of the full range of BellSouth Internet advertising products. In addition, he identified and analyzed new investments, business lines, and product opportunities. He is currently a board member of the Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition Fund and The Center for Puppetry Arts.
http://www.learnsomething.com/About-Us/board-of-advisors.htm
Edit-and GON have updated their website today with the Dragonfruit Studios partnership announcement.
banjomick
- 24 Sep 2008 20:18
- 1351 of 1609
A little bit more on Michael and Melissa's past company,a bit dated but of interest:
April 28, 2004
Nurun Acquires Ant Farm Interactive
Founded in 1999, Ant Farm Interactive is a privately owned company that reported sales of US $4.5 million in 2003. The firm's expertise includes interactive marketing strategy and brand development, interactive advertising, and electronic customer relationship management. The company has a proven track record of significant growth and profitability over the last five years. Ant Farm Interactive's clients include leading companies such as Cingular Wireless, Disney, Earthlink, Equifax, SunTrust, The State of Georgia, and TIAA-CREF.
http://www.quebecor.com/NewsCenter/PressReleasesDetails.aspx?Culture=en&PostingName=28042004
banjomick
- 24 Sep 2008 21:17
- 1352 of 1609
I think it's worth spending a bit of time delving into anything associated with Dragonfruit Studios both past and present,mainly due to the following:
Commenting on the partnership, CEO of Galleon Holdings, Stephen Green said:
'The partnership with Dragonfruit Studios is highly complementary to Galleon's business with the addition of a US operating presence, expansion opportunities for our brands into the United States, digital media expertise and access to major global brand advertisers.The relationship will greatly enhance our ability to drive revenues from these properties in the US and globally in the immediate future.'
Commenting on the partnership, CEO of Dragonfruit Studios, Michael Koziol said:
'Globally, the future of entertainment and media is in the creation and execution of relationship-driven multi-platform properties that engage consumers on numerous different media fronts and facilitate the relationships between brand sponsors and their end consumers.Together with Galleon, we are confident that the right formula and thinking exist to create lasting media and entertainment brands and build value for our businesses and brand partners.'
Again a bit dated and long but hay ho,makes good reading:
Secrets To Optimizing An Online Campaign
by Melissa Honabach
Published on December 10, 2002
Online advertising offers a true opportunity for brand-to-consumer interaction and a direct connection to a company's business model.
We are past the days of pure experimentation with this medium. It is a proven and crucial component of effective marketing programs, providing the best of all worlds in regard to branding and direct response impact.
Yet online advertising is not like television, radio, print or even direct mail advertising, and cannot be approached the same way. To take full advantage of its strengths, marketers must be proficient with the analytics of the medium and the concept of campaign optimization.
Online advertising is rich with data, but unless you know how to use it to consistently optimize performance, the information is worthless. Here is a quick look at the basics.
Set and Communicate Relevant Goals
Before embarking on an online campaign, know the average value of a customer, or even better, the average value by customer segment. This number is critical to the marketing plan and becomes the foundation for targeting and calculating true return on investment.
Communicate this information to your online agency or media partner, creating a benchmark to meet and beat.
Know Before You Go: Test, Test, Test
Before launching any form of online advertising, test the media to ensure a good fit exists with the message and target audience. Commit a relatively small portion of your marketing dollars before deploying the entire budget.
Testing provides an opportunity to determine if the audience will respond and offers real numbers to use when projecting the impact of a larger media buy. A comprehensive test includes multiple websites and ad sizes. Plan to spend at least $5,000 to $10,000 per site and to test each for a two-week period.
For example, Ant Farm Interactive promoted a relatively complicated financial services product, targeting individuals researching auto and home purchases. We conducted tests on several car buying websites, as well as mortgage websites, and produced multiple ads in a variety of sizes, including banners, skyscrapers, power ads, text links and emails.
Results were tracked through a leading ad serving system to determine the best performing sites, placements within these sites, ad types and messages. Ad views, clicks and purchases were monitored. Media and creative were evaluated by the cost per product sold. This metric was then used to refine the plan and the interactive agency extended buys on the best performing sites.
During a two-week sampling period with a limited media buy, marketers can expect the target cost per sale may not be obtainable, and cost per impression will be more expensive. However, by the end of the test period, the cost-per-conversion ratio should be within an acceptable range, approaching your goal.Ultimately, optimization is an iterative process that reduces costs over time.
Balancing Act: Consider Media AND Creative
Optimizing media OR creative instead of both is a mistake many often make. Experts know the power of breaking down all variables associated with online advertising and optimizing them in concert.
This was demonstrated by a campaign for a travel industry client that included direct-response, traffic-driving, lead generation banners on about 10 sites. The marketing objective was to deliver qualified individuals to the client's website and encourage them to register to receive more information.
SouthernLiving.com was among the top performing sites. Three specific areas within this site were selected for the ongoing campaign--the home page, run of travel and the AOL weekend getaways.
Each day, performance was measured and compiled though the marketing communications firm's ad serving software, helping to determine which areas of the site and which specific creative placements achieved the most conversions. Agency personnel examined the data and made adjustments accordingly, constantly refining the media buy.
At the same time, the creative was evaluated for message effectiveness. On this particular site, two of the eight messages drove the greatest proportion of registrations and as a result, received wider exposure than the other six ads.
The agency also determined the most cost effective ad size and page placement. Constantly refining media and creative resulted in well over a hundred thousand visitors to the website, and reduced the cost per visitor by 48 percent.
Sizing Things Up: Built Smart and Built for Speed
When it comes to online advertising optimization, agency size doesn't matter. What's important is how quickly a firm analyzes campaigns and responds to data.
To ensure speedy analysis, the agency MUST have in-house ad management and Internet ad serving capabilities, as well as the right people at the controls. To achieve rapid response, data regarding results must be actionable and relevant to all those responsible for strategy, media planning/buying and creative.
When evaluating an agency, seek to uncover the processes that lead to their results. To identify an effective online agency, ask how:
Market research is tied to the creative process.
Campaign management and media buying functions work closely together.
Campaign management has direct connections back to the creative department.
All functions focus on meeting the client's goals and objectives.
While online advertising may seem intimidating to the uninitiated, in reality it offers a better opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of your program every step of the way. And if you understand the underlying processes, media optimization can help keep agencies and media partners accountable.
Ultimately, interactive marketing can produce enhanced bottom line results with a measurable return on investment.
Melissa Honabach Ms. Honabach is chief operating officer for Atlanta-based Ant Farm Interactive, a leading marketing communications firm specializing in interactive advertising and customer relationship management.