Musically Inspired. (should be Wed, 6/22)

Today, we got to meet with Jennifer Frommer, Senior Vice President of Client Relations/Branding at Interscope Records. The meeting with her might have been my favorite meeting with an industry professional thus far. She told us about what her job encompassed and the kinds of people she gets to work with everyday. She is responsible fo pairing brands with celebrities, such as Eminem with Chrysler. Before this meeting, I had not considered working in the music industry, but Frommer makes me want to try my hand at branding in the music world. Not only does she pair products with celebrities, but she is responsible for partnering integrated products into music videos, records, etc. Frommer’s favorite aspect of her job is executing the deals that she comes up with. She told us about the 3D Sony sponsored Black Eyed Peas concert and how their concert was filmed entirely in 3D. It was an extensive process, but one of the most rewarding she said.

After meeting with Frommer, we all traveled to the swanky Majestic Hotel to meet with David Simon, writer/producer of “The Wire” and “Treme”. While Simon’s humor was a bit dark, his intelligence showed through in everything he said. He explained that he has a bit of a fitful relationship with advertising. He told us at HBO, that they use real products, because that is what exists in the world. Using an unnamed beer or food product, makes the show seem fake and unrelatable. I thought that was very interesting. These brands are getting free, unintentional advertising. For example, they used Budweiser in “The Wire” because that is what African Americans drink. Simon’s final philosophy he left us was “Fuck the money. Leave the world better than you found it.” It seems so simple, but it is such a powerful statement that I aspire to live by because it is easy to make money if all you want to do is make money. 

We then had the opportunity to meet with Alison Arden, Publisher of Advertising Age. I loved talking with Alison, because rather than rattle of her stats and numerous experiences about her career, she was more interested in hearing about us, and our aspirations for the future. She has been with Advertising Age for fifteen years and has loved it. It was also refreshing to hear how successful she has been even though she is married with a family. I feel as though after every conversation we have with an industry professional, I can somehow see myself in their profession. It makes me excited and anxious at the same time. 

After a long day at the Palais, we got to all unwind at the Microsoft Beach Party. Music, dancing, and a few cocktails made the night very enjoyable along with an impressive dance routine by two Russian ballerinas. We got to network and bond even more as a group.