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Happy '09

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 08:16:58 GMT

Another year comes to an end, but what a year!

Indeed, this has been quite a year, with good and bad, for the world, for the USA, for mondofragilis group and for our public interest clients and partners. During 2008, a milestone was reached in the United States. Indeed, a non-white President has been elected. In addition, I believe most of us would agree, that he seems to be one of the brightest Presidents the US has seen in decades.

For the world, this has not been a great year. The economic crisis is now becoming obvious to all but the most disconnected and even they, I think, will soon know. This is an unprecedented socio-economic event. Our only hope is, evidently, that we manage to get out of it before it become truly cataclysmic. The world has also seen some climate change milestones, pandemics are being re-examined and refugees are unfortunately still in the headlines. Indeed, our world has not had a great 2008.

For mondofragilis group, it's been, we admit, a great year. We have grown, consolidated, made new friends, brought in new clients, offered more services and otherwise made good on our promise to improve our service and quality. This said, much remains to be done. We did make some mistakes this year. Most were minor, a couple were not and we need to change this if we want to remain at the top of the media and communications ladder. One of our major changes will come early in 2009 when we hire our new flow control manager. This person will be responsible for controlling all that comes into the system, how we manage it while it's there and how we follow up once it's out. We have not yet found this pearl but we are definitely looking.

For our clients, it's been an okay year. Most are doing well on the operations side though we do know that some funding issues are becoming evident. One of our clients, for instance, is having a very difficult time being paid by one of its donors. And now, with the Madoff scandal, I'm guessing that others will also be affected. I do know that one of our own donor / partners was affected.

2008 was also the year when we produced Cancer is... This has been quite an adventure and we thank all our partners and friends for their efforts. I hope that during 2009, millions will see the films worldwide.

That's all for now. As you can see from the date, today is Christmas day and I have a family that is looking forward to opening their gifts. With these words I leave you all and wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season and, if I don't blog before the 31st, a wonderful new year. Don't drink and drive, by the way, and don't forget to use a condom! There, I said it.

Video Design

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 21:12:03 GMT

It seems that everyone and their mates have become film and video "experts," especially with the introduction of accessible video cameras and Web sites that offer venues for those home made videos. But, few people have been picked up by agencies for their online video skills. Instead, the musician in front of the camera usually gets noticed. This is why a person who enters this field needs a formal education to learn how shine above the static. For more info visit www.mediahalo.com

New

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:59:43 GMT

I believe that humanity, despite our countless attempts at exterminating humankind and all that surrounds us, has managed to stick together using some kind of invisible glue. There is a glue that bonds us, whether poor or rich, Asian or African, able or not. Unfortunately, it shows itself most when we are at our worst. it brings us together in times of grief, sorrow or pain. But ultimately, it does not stick very well. It comes undone as we prosper again. The ugly face of greed, individual success and exclusion all come back as we become strong again. We suddenly have no more time for our fellow citizens, staff or friends. Often, we even exclude our own families. We simply become wrapped up in what progress has afforded us. We worry about the nice vacation, the new clothes, the better car and the bigger home, or homes for many who believe they can live in many of them at once.

I think we need a new type of glue. Without it, the current economic crisis will take longer to resolve itself and then it will likely be senselessly forgotten again. We will go back to a formula of excess and waste. Do I have an idea? Actually I do. I won't write about it quite yet, but I do have an idea on how we can grow beyond this current vicious cycle of greed and collapse. I do think there is a way for all of us to be more supportive of one another and to prosper intelligently without taking from others to the point of leaving them with nothing or harming the environment to a point of no return.

My challenge to you is to think through your own solution before I share mine. How do we accelerate the recovery and ensure its sustainability once there? For those of you who may have read the Foundation series by Isaac Asimov, you may see where I am going with this. This multiple book, science fiction series was brilliant. It basically told the story of a gallactic empire in decline and of the efforts of one man, Hari Seldon, to shorten the anticipated 1000-year darkness. Maybe we too can find a new social order or a new economic model that keeps us in modern times — no reason to go back to cold showers — but allows us to aim for equilibrium rather than growth all the time. More to come...

2008-2009 Holiday season

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:39:57 GMT

The group will be slowing down for the 2008-2009 holiday season from 20 December '08 to 4 January '09. All operations will be up and running but with reduced staff. All year end delivery schedules are currently on schedule and we foresee no delays. Note that switchboards at group headquarters, the studio and the print facility will be open throughout the holidays. Check the contact section for details.

Lancement de la série

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:09:57 GMT

Ce 2 et 9 décembre, respectivement au CICG de Genève et au siège de l’American Cancer Society à Altlanta, ont eu lieu les premières de la série documentaire Cancer is... Narrée par George H. W. Bush, la série fait le bilan des progrès enregistrés contre le Cancer et sera, dans les tous prochains jours, mise gracieusement à la disposition des télévisions du monde entier.

Launch of Cancer is... TV documentary series

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:43:20 GMT

This past 2nd and 9th December 2008, the first episode of the television series Cancer is... was launched in Geneva, Switzerland and Atlanta, USA. The series reveals the 'world of cancer' detailing what is going on behind the scenes in research laboratories, hospitals, UN organizations and civil society. Links to the first episode are currently online at cancerfilm.tv, the film's website.

Videographer Network

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:16:14 GMT

I'm starting a videography business with a college buddy and I was thinking of buying either 2 XL2's or 2 GL2's. I know GL's can take still photos with a flash and I could take advantage of that. The XL2's have changeable lenses though. I'll be mainly shooting weddings, commecials, training videos, special events and my own show pilots. Should I save the money and grab the GL2? Thanks in advance for any replies.www.mediahalo.com

The World Life Sciences Forum goes online: The quest for Solutions continues

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:22:14 GMT

Everyone interested in Life Sciences, worldwide, can now find and post Life Sciences solutions on BioVisionSolutions.org, a unique collaborative website created and designed by mondofragilis network, launched today by the World Life Sciences Forum.

Invitation à la première de Cancer is...

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:45:39 GMT

Ce 2 décembre 2008 à 13 heures, est organisée au Centre International de Conférence de Genève la première publique et gratuite de “Cancer is...”. La population genevoise est conviée à la présentation du premier épisode de la série événement qui fait le bilan des progrès enregistrés contre le Cancer et va à la rencontre de la communauté mondiale de lutte contre la maladie.

UN Special: "New film series explores the world of Cancer"

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:07:24 GMT

This section contains articles relating to our "Cancer is..." television project.

RTL.be : "La princesse Mathilde sur grand écran au Mexique"

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:57:40 GMT

La Princesse Mathilde de Belgique, représentante spéciale d’ONUSIDA et de l’UNICEF, s’est généreusement prêtée au tournage d’un sport d’intérêt public diffusé dans plus de 1.500 cinémas au Mexique. Ce spot de 60 secondes a été réalisé par mondofragilis network au Palais Royal de Bruxelles. La Princesse y lançait en Espagnol un appel en faveur des enfants infectés par le HIV et le SIDA. RTL-TVi, première chaîne commerciale francophone de Belgique, a également diffusé le spot et commentait la nouvelle sur son site .

Europa Donna on CNN, Euronews and more...

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:22:07 GMT

To stop breast cancer, women need to know how. mondofragilis network is pleased to help convey the message. The 30-second PSA, produced for Europa Donna, points women in the right direction for advice about prevention and cure. The PSA is already being aired on CNN Europe, Euronews, TF1, RTL 2, TV5 Monde, France 24, and many other European channels.

Giray Q4/08 travel plans

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 05:35:39 GMT

Giray will be travelling throughout the fall. Wednesday 15 October in Milano for the EuropaDonna news conference. Friday the 17th in Paris for a visa for China and internal meetings. First week of November China for the World Urban Forum in Nanjing. Then, 10 November in Houston to tape former President George H. W. Bush for our film Cancer is... The second week of December, travel to New York for the launch of Cancer is...

Economic fallout

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 15:13:14 GMT

By now we all know that the global economy is in a stalled tailspin. That's what happens when you fly at 30,000 feet without looking at the fuel gauge. Millions worldwide are losing their savings, homes, retirement funds and jobs. As we sit here and point fingers, others are about to suffer too. The sad thing is that they are not the ones with the multi million dollar homes, fast cars and yachts. They are the disposessed of lower resource countries. The dwellers of Rio's favelas and Nairobi's Kibera are soon going to get hit as international aid dries up and their own governments are unable to provide the meager assistance they may have been providing to date.

Indeed, there is every chance that the international public interest community will be hard hit by this crisis. I cannot imagine governments and companies not scaling back their financial support of global institutions such as the United Nations or large civil society organizations. In weeks to come I'll be keeping my eyes and ears open to see if there is any sign of such a mutiny but it sure smells bad for now.

The follow up question is: if the international community gets hit, will all get hit the same? Will WHO see its budget tightened? How about FAO or WMO? How about donations to your national Red Cross? Worse, will food banks and blood banks dry up? It may seem like a far stretch but such things could happen. Actually, on second thought, the blood banks will likely benefit as people who need money decide to barter blood for bucks. But will there by any bucks to pay them with?

Geneva premiere on 2 decembre 2008

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:03:23 GMT

On behalf of the 'Cancer is...' partners, donors and crew, mondofragilis network is proud to announce the exclusive premiere of the first episode of the four-part film series 'Cancer is...' to be held at the International Conference Center Geneva (CICG), Tuesday 2 December 2008 at 13:30.

Giray

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 06:12:48 GMT

Giray and Caroline Maire will be in Nairobi 6 to 9 October 2008 for a UN-Habitat meeting.

New footage from India

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:29:01 GMT

As many of you know, we were very disappointed that we could not make it through India on our round the world trip last May. Thanks to Georges Mollon of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, we now have footage.

In strategic partnership with BioVision 2009

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 10:05:44 GMT

In a world increasingly plagued by obesity, disease, and waste, where do we turn for solutions? BioVision seeks to answer this question. The BioVision World Life Sciences Forum, held in Lyon, from 8 to 11 March 2009, and facilitated by mondofragilis network, provides a unique opportunity for spirited debate and discussion about life sciences.

Client feedback

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:50:27 GMT

Mondofragilis group staff work hard to make a difference. We try to go the extra mile. If we need to work late, we do it. If we need to make a delivery at 5AM we do it. If we make a mistake, we go to great lengths to recover. Fortunately, and in all honesty, we do not get that many complaints. And fortunately, we get many more thank you’s. Here is a small sample from the past two years.

Trends

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:50:24 GMT

2005 and 2006 have been calm years in the public interest media and communications field. There have been no major revolutions. Blogging, and other forms of social computing, though in the news, have not really changed civil society or the United Nations system. At best, social computing has affected the US political landscape. But in the rest of the world it has not had a major influence. Other internet developments have also had little incidence on campaigning. SMS campaigns, community forums and other online tools have been talked about but none have really taken off. At this time, despite our own efforts, there is no real online community in civil society. In any case, there are none that could rival or even approach games forums or other youth and lifestyle oriented ones.

Technical update

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:50:16 GMT

We have found that staying up to date, technically, makes us perform better. In the design and printing business, we also have no choice. As our clients upgrade, so must we.

Upcoming projects

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:50:11 GMT

By the time you read this articles, some of these projects may have been started, finished or abandoned. Please keep in mind that this content was written late-2006.

Essential services

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:49:58 GMT

We realise that we do quite a bit. Our range of services is broad and spread across several companies. Fortunately, some of our services are more in demand than others. We thought it would be a good idea to highlight those below giving you slightly more detail. We, of course, invite our prospects and clients to ask us for more details on any of them.

Companies and divisioins

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:49:47 GMT

The mondofragilis group is made up of specialised companies. We intend to continue our growth using the same strategy. At time of writing, the group had five companies and two divisions.

05-06 highlights

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:49:23 GMT

Companies with passion are always busy. They work for clients, but they also work hard to improve themselves. We've done both over the past two years.

A mission

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:49:20 GMT

As we have grown, brought in new staff and diversified, our activities have evolved, but not our mission.

Our world

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:49:17 GMT

It is not getting simpler. As citizens, we have too many choices in the supermarket. We have excess vacation options. Our children are vulnerable to an increasing number of threats. Our jobs are no longer secure. Our relationships are fragile.

Loss of a friend

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:48:44 GMT

We were very saddened by the loss of Chris Powell of the World Health Organization.

In memoriam

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:48:42 GMT

June 14, 2006 at 2AM, a lovely, caring, giving woman, my mom, passed away. Fortunately for us, she gave us so much before she left. She gave us a desire to learn. She encouraged us to try new things. She never saw obstacles, only challenges. These are not poetic phrases, they are fact. She did this daily. She did so with me, she did so with her family and she did so with her friends.

World AIDS Day is less than two weeks away

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:48:09 GMT

Press release on the 2007 twentieth World AIDS Day and the World AIDS Campaign whose materials have been fully conceived and produced in our facilities.

Mondolibrary.net ready for photographers

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:48:05 GMT

Mondolibrary.net, the image library for the public interest and nonprofit community, has gone live at www.mondolibrary.net. They are currently seeking photographers, and organisations with photos, that relate to issues related to people, society and the planet.

Mondofragilis alternatives launches its first product line

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:48:03 GMT

Mondofragilis alternatives today announced the availability of its first line of food products. Mondofragilis vegan ice cream went on sale today in supermarkets in France.

Mondofragilis france joins the network

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:48:02 GMT

Mondofragilis network is pleased to announce the creation of Mondofragilis France, its new subsidiary in France. Mondofragilis france will provide the same public interest media and communications services as mondofragilis network.

Mondofragilis at MIPTV 2006

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:48:01 GMT

During 2006 - 2007, mondofragilis network is focussing on three major television projects. The three are documentaries. Two are single episode, the third is a six-episode series. "The Baden-Powell Legacy" is the official documentary of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. "Shut up and get to work!" is a powerful piece on decent work. "Leading Change" is a series highlighting women's solutions to some of the world's major problems. During 2006, mondofragilis network is still placing the AIDS-related public service announcement it produced on behalf of the World AIDS Campaign and the Global Movement for Children.

Mondofragilis at Mipcom 2005

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:47:59 GMT

This year, mondofragilis network presents three sets of projects, all related to AIDS : a 52-minute documentary featuring the efforts of 40 African First Ladies' fight against the pandemic and a total of six World AIDS Campaign and Global Movement for Children public service announcements.

mondolibrary supports photographers

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:47:52 GMT

Mondolibrary - a 'fair trade' photography site - supports the action of the Joint Association concerning Getty's $49 license.

Testimonials

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:46:55 GMT

What some clients and stakeholders have to say about the mondofragilis team.

History

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:46:33 GMT

For one of the teams, the journey began in 1977. For another, it began in 1948. Some of the team members have spent much time studying, learning, evaluating, thinking and otherwise figuring out the best way to communicate messages that cause change. For others, their life's work has been devoted to getting a job done well and on time. The combination is a group of people who can talk when they have to, listen because it's crucial and, ultimately, produce the necessary output.

Mondofragilis supports The Global Compact

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:46:22 GMT

We are pleased to confirm that mondofragilis group and its subsidiaries, including mondofragilis network, mondofragilis alternatives, mondofragilis africa, mondofragilis américa latina, mondofragilis france, naturaprint, messaggio studios and future group companies support — and will support — the ten principles of the Global Compact in respect to human rights, labour rights, the protection of the environment and anti-corruption.

Charter of good conduct

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:46:12 GMT

Responsible behaviour is paramount. We could not have worked with civil society and United Nations organisations for over 25 years without a credible commitment. We now wish to formalise this commitment by making public a charter that we use to make decisions. If a client asks us to do something, or if a staff member suggests a course of action that is contrary to our charter, we simply will not proceed.

Quality statement

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:46:11 GMT

Mondofragilis group is committed to high quality standards.

Overview of mondofragilis group

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:44:17 GMT

Its companies, its services and its activities

Our companies offer media and communications strategies and services that cause change in policy, operations and behaviour. Our work ranges from campaigning materials for the World AIDS Campaign to films coproduced with the Clinton Foundation, IARC/WHO, PACT/IAEA or the American Cancer Society, printing on behalf of several UN agencies, design services for many more, or defending women's rights with the World YWCA. As we grow, we seek opportunities that can give us, and our civil society and United Nations partners and clients, the necessary resources to make lives better.

17 July showing

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 11:58:15 GMT

A big thank you to Dr. Peter Boyle and his team for such a warm welcome on the 17th. I was privileged to show the first rough cut of the first 25 minutes. The gathering was, admittedly, rather prestigious and cause for extreme nervousness on my part. Indeed, I was faced with the world's leading cancer institute directors, many of whom had been interviewed for the film. This was not, I felt, an easy audience. In the end, the reception was very warm; I did not have to escape the room under a hailstorm of tomatoes.
The next deadline for the film is the end of August for a showing at the World Cancer Congress and then many more surprises in September and beyond. Back to editing.

Princess Mathilde against AIDS

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 11:32:06 GMT

Princess Mathilde, special representative for UNAIDS and UNICEF was kind enough to participate in the filming of a public service announcement that is being shown in 1500 cinemas in Mexico.

World AIDS Campaign 2008

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:14:39 GMT

Once again, we are extremely proud to have been selected by the World AIDS Campaign to design, print and fulfill materials for the 2008 World AIDS Campaign.

Cancer is... materials starting

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 02:25:26 GMT

Cancer is..., a multi-partner documentary film series, is advancing well. At this time, filming is complete and editing is in full swing. Simultaneously, promotional materials are starting to come out of the studio.

Cancer is... materials starting

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 02:25:26 GMT

mondofragilis group is recruiting!

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:27:37 GMT

mondofragilis group is recruiting for its French and Brazilian offices.

Giray in Nairobi

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 18:27:04 GMT

Giray will be travelling to Nairobi 17 to 20 June 2008.

June editing and more

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 06:25:35 GMT

It's been about three weeks since I last posted. Since then, quite a bit has happened. We made it back from our round the world trip safely. This said, our transit through Lagos was not the easiest. In fact, there is no 'transit' per se in Lagos. They make you go through the full arrival procedure and then check you back in. If your transit time is long... have fun. We had a fifteen hour layover. Ultimately, it all worked out and we flew on to Madrid and back to Geneva.

After a quick three day hugfest with our families, it was off to Barcelona and Atlanta. Here again, the surprises kept coming. Here's what happened. I decided to leave Gilles back in Annecy to get moving on other aspects of the project and to take Caroline with me. Her passport was not valid for the US. So she got an emergency passport made which was supposed to be acceptable. To cut a very long story shot, when we got to the airport in Barcelona, we were flying KLM from there to Atlanta, KLM told us she could not get on the flight. This happened literally as the check in counter was closing. So we had to make a crazy decision... I would fly on to Atlanta alone. Not great when I was flying there for an important interview with John Seffrin, CEO of the American Cancer Society.

Fortunately it did work out. The interview turned out to be one of the best of the trip. So was the Barcelona interview with Dr. Baselga. Both men were brilliant and warranted the extra trip.

Since then, for the past two weeks, I have been editing away. The rushes are great but there is so much footage. It's really a race against the clock now. Add to this crushing feeling an additional trip that I have decided to take to India. As most of you will recall, India had to be omitted from the previous round the world tour. I am not one to be defeated this easily and after meeting and filming Dr. Ketayun Dinshaw, Director of the Tata Memorial Center, I am convinced I must go. So June 23rd I will be in Mumbai.

Just so you don't think I'm sitting around doing nothing, tonight we drive up to Paris to interview a well-known French politician, P. Douste-Blazy. We'll be asking him about cancer in France as well as the new Canceropole they are building in Toulouse; he is also the mayor of Toulouse.

Hope you are enjoying this blog and, please, if you are, take the time to register on the site and leave a quick comment. Thanks.