#OMGFemaleFilmmakers & OMG Studios Boise is Expanding!
(photo by Steph Cullen)
Our First OMG Newsletter
Aloha! Welcome to our first newsletter! Steph Cullen here, CEO and Founder of #OMGFemaleFilmmakers and OMG Studios Boise. As I inch closer to completing my Master of Arts in Communication with an emphasis on New Media and Marketing through Southern New Hampshire University, it is time to take what I’ve been learning for over two years and implement that knowledge into my business.
Introducing OMG Media Outlet a new branch of my OMG brand for media, marketing, and communications. We are adding digital marketing packages, social media marketing, corporate communications, real estate marketing, nonprofit support, and podcast production to our list of services. Of course, our emphasis is still on video, because did you know that 87% of marketers feel that video has a direct, positive impact on sales? (Hayes, 2023). Besides, I have this kickass video production studio, audio recording studio, and collaboration space nestled in the heart of Garden City! That’s a video producer’s dream come true!
With these new services, I am partnering with local content creators Cary Judd, Tessa Raen of Raen Social and Brandon Freeman of Flying Fedora Film. My goal with OMG Media Outlet is to take my already successful video production services and add marketing options that will help our current and future clients grow and thrive in their industry.
It’s time for another Mixer!
Join us for our quarterly Mixed Media Mixer! This time we’re celebrating Halloween with our amazing artist friends. Friday, October 27, 6-10pm at OMG Studios Boise in Garden City. We’ll be joined by artists Reham and Satoita, performance artists Luma and Creatively, and more! We’ll have a pumpkin carving contest (bring your own already carved pumpkins, no injuries at our studio!) and a costume contest. RSVP to let us know you’re coming!
(photo by Steph Cullen)
Jumping on that Podcast train!
Since we produce podcasts, we figured it was about time to create our own! Coming soon: Content Creators in a Small Market with Steph and Cary. In each episode, we interview content creators about their experiences working in a market such as ours. We recorded our first episode on Monday, August 21st with guest Austin Von Johnson. Our podcast will soon be streaming on your favorite platforms. Let us know if you would like to be a guest on future episodes!
(photo by Cary Judd)
Social Media Tips
Tessa Raen
In today’s digital age, user-generated content (UGC) has become a powerful tool for brands to enhance their social media content. UGC refers to any form of content, whether it be photos, videos, testimonials, or reviews, that is created and shared by customers or fans of a brand. Integrating UGC into a brand’s social media content offers several advantages that can help build a strong online presence and boost engagement.
Incorporating UGC into social media content provides social proof and authenticity. Consumers are more likely to trust and connect with content created by their peers rather than traditional branded content. By showcasing UGC, brands not only demonstrate that their products or services are genuinely loved by customers but also establish an element of trust. Potential customers are more likely to be swayed by authentic experiences shared by real people, reinforcing the brand’s credibility.
UGC enhances the overall content strategy of a brand, making it more diverse and engaging. While branded content is valuable, continuously bombarding followers with promotional messages may result in a disengaged audience. By integrating UGC, brands can provide a refreshing change of content. UGC offers a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and creativity that can keep followers interested and encourage them to participate. User-generated content enriches a brand’s social media feed, making it more dynamic and interactive.
UGC fosters a sense of community and strengthens the bond between a brand and its audience. When brands actively involve their followers in content creation, they create a platform for consumers to share their experiences and connect with like-minded individuals. This sense of community leads to increased engagement and loyalty. By sharing UGC, brands can demonstrate that they value their customers and appreciate their contributions, creating a positive image and a loyal base.
Integrating UGC into social media content can save time and resources for brands. Instead of exclusively producing all content in-house, brands can leverage user-generated content to supplement their content strategy. This approach reduces the burden of consistently creating fresh content and allows brands to focus on other important aspects of their marketing efforts. By featuring UGC, brands not only save time but also tap into the creativity and ideas of their customers, resulting in a more diverse content mix.
Integrating user-generated content into a brand’s social media content is essential for building a strong online presence. UGC brings authenticity, diversity, and engagement to social media feeds, enhancing the overall content strategy. It fosters a sense of community and loyalty, strengthening the bond between brands and their audience. Moreover, integrating UGC can save time and resources for brands, while also showcasing the creativity and experiences of their customers. By embracing UGC, brands can stay relevant, connect with their audience, and build a thriving online community.
(photo AFP via Getty Images)
Maui Support
An Insider’s Account
Jailee (Steph’s cousin in Hawai’i)
On August 8th, the city of Lahaina burned down. The media here is not accurately representing the death toll. From a morgue worker on Maui, “there are at least 450 confirmed bodies found.” Another account was of what once was the care home in which the volunteer recalled the site was unimaginable… only bones left everywhere. Many people who had walked through Lahaina afterwards said there were many many families who huddled together as the fire consumed them. An older uncle was found huddling over his dog. Babies are being found… “smaller bones.” My stomach hurts when thinking about it.
Our government has been anything but empathetic towards the great loss our community has suffered. The DOD website states, “Hawaii has the largest single integrated Outdoor Warning System for Public Safety in the world. The all-hazard siren system can be used for a variety of natural and human-caused events; including tsunamis, hurricanes, dam breaches, flooding, wildfire, volcanic eruptions, terrorist threats, hazardous material incidents and more.” The head of Maui Emergency Management Agency was asked if he regretted not sounding emergency alarm, to which he replied, and I quote, “I do not,” citing that residents would have ran upland into the fire thinking it was a tsunami. Imagine the lives that could have been saved from any kind of alert. They could have had a warning. So many more could have had a chance.
And can we touch upon how expensive it is to live in Hawaii specifically. In Lahaina were many multi-generational houses meaning it wasn’t the typical 5 people in one house - but more like 11 or 12. A one-time check of $700 per household affected is what’s being offered after these people lost their childhood homes, memories, pictures, belongings, cars, everything except the clothes on their backs.
The government has no regard for its people. Instead of an apology, they gave an excuse. The media needs to begin sharing a more accurate number.
How You Can Help
Steph Cullen
As a Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian), my heart weeps for our ‘āina (the Hawaiian word for land, which means “feeds.”). There are still so many people missing and so many needs not being met, but you can help.
The Hawaii Community Foundation is asking for monetary donations. This fund is used to support communities affected by the wildfires.
Maui United Way is also asking for monetary donations. The organization promises to provide immediate financial assistance through grants to nonprofits at the forefront of relief efforts and to households that have been affected. I create video content for United Way of Treasure Valley and can vouch for this organization and all its efforts.
The American Red Cross is also providing disaster relief and “working around the clock to help those affected,” the group says.
The Maui Food Bank is accepting monetary donations as well as certain foods, toiletries and household items.
Animals need help too. The Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation is a nonprofit, no-kill rescue center. You can donate online.