Multichannel marketing and communications professional with a proven ability to deliver award-winning campaigns that inspire action from difficult to reach and discerning audiences.
• I’ve exceeded benchmarks time and again across programmatic and social media buys.
• Empowered sales teams with tightly integrated lead funnels and lifecycle management solutions leveraging Salesforce.com.
• Know how to craft a compelling narrative and have won over a dozen video production awards in the past 5 years.
• Served on both the interactive agency and client side, and I am a highly capable sparring partner for any marketing professional whether B2B or B2C.
Most recently, I helped the Georgia Department of Economic Development attract new business both domestically and in 12 strategic markets around the globe. In the 7 years I ran Georgia’s global marketing efforts, we were selected as the #1 State for Business by Site Selection magazine, and its database of site consultants, for an unprecedented 7 years in a row. Jobs and investment grew steadily YOY due to a healthy pipeline of prospects. In addition, the Department’s commitment to marketing over that same period of time grew more than 300% because the ROI was clear and measurable. I also managed a team of 5 and 4 agency relationships for interactive, pr, traditional and video production.
My online marketing career started with the direction of email marketing and web campaigns for Mandalay Resort Group, resulting in several awards for creative execution and exceptional return on investment. This caught the attention of the interactive marketing company, Twelve Horses where I directed their corporate marketing, advertising, and public relations efforts, as well as provided strategic consulting for travel/tourism clients such as Park City, Heavenly Mountain Resort, and America’s Adventure Place.
Leveraging my experience with media and multi-channel marketing technology, I went on to lead the marketing and branding initiatives for SAXOTECH (now NEWSCYCLE), a global provider of content management platforms, circulation systems and advertising solutions for the media industry.
I’ve worked in sales, marketing, advertising and public relations for a variety of other companies, including Switchback PR & Marketing, Stoel Rives LLP, Preferred Capital Corporation and Patagonia. I have an MBA with a specialization in Marketing and a BA from Clemson University.
Side hustle: My photography has appeared in countless ads, brochures, and marketing campaigns.
This is my latest video project, which took me to West Point, Georgia to detail the entire process of producing a Kia vehicle. The biggest aspect of the story is the customized workforce training that has been put in place to prepare Georgians for future job opportunities. In addition, it helps Kia to stay competitive and efficient.
I also had the chance to meet and interview the mayor of West Point. Kia’s presence has truly transformed his community in many positive ways. Historically, the town had fed its economy with the textile industry, but it had slowly deteriorated to the point of becoming obsolete.
When Kia expressed interest in their location, the mayor’s father went door to door to convince 20+ different property owners to come together to provide one contiguous mega site that would accommodate Kia’s plans. Now that’s small town tea on the porch collaboration.
Thanks to Dave Bolton and Billy Earle at Quick Start for supplying the b-roll of the manufacturing facility. Saved us a lot of time and money.
I captured the above image in the direct sun of the afternoon by raising the f-stop up along with the shutter speed to cut the glare and sharpen the contrast. It reminds me of my youth when I would spend countless hours in the water idly passing the dog days of summer by with nary a care in the world. My how things change!
If you have ever traveled between Charleston, South Carolina and Pawley’s Island then you know there are many historic and beautiful places to visit. One more recent addition is the Center for Birds of Prey. More than a zoo, the Center provides educational opportunities through interactive presentations and informative conversations with professional biologists and ornithologists. It is best to time your visit during one of the presentations at the outdoor amphitheater. There you will see owls, kites, hawks and falcons demonstrating their innate capabilities, and sometimes even flying directly over your head.
One of the aspects of my job that I enjoy the most is seeing what makes companies tick. Getting behind the scenes and meeting the entrepreneurs that drive the Georgia economy. The vast array of industry sectors provide so many different strategies and business processes, and telling a part of their story via video is always an interesting experience.
A few tips when planning for a video shoot:
If you can, scout before you bring a video crew along. A host of surprises can jump up unexpectedly, and you want to be prepared with a back up plan. It will also give you ideas, shot angles, interviewees, and potential props to make it even better. For example, I’ve used lift cranes, fork lifts, bicycles, planes, conveyor belts and a host of other items to get a shot.
Really investigate the DNA of the brand you are featuring. The more you can carry that spirit forward the better.
Set up two different camera angles to make the interviews more interesting and flexible when it comes to post edit time.
Too much background noise is distracting, but just enough makes for a more interesting video as it allows the viewer to feel the scene.
Avoid amping up the music too much. One should hardly notice it unless it increases at moments to convey something important or create energy – but use sparingly. Certainly avoid free stock music at all costs.
Interview questions can often end up very generic, and that won’t help you get the interesting talking points you need. Mix it up and throw in some questions that are personal. Relax your subject and don’t be afraid to have them repeat their point several times to get it right. They will appreciate it later. Certainly have them repeat the last part of your question before they go into the answer.
Keep it short. Like under 3:00 minutes.
If you plan on buying media to promote your video then think about and budget accordingly for both a 30 second spot and a longer version.
Transcribe the video. If you don’t like the way the script is shaping up then you can always go back to find the right talking points you want.
Consider animation and careful use of text and infographics to bolster a particular point.
Here are some recent videos I have produced:
King’s Hawaiian (3:00)
Mercedes (00:30)
Small Business (2:46)
Film Industry (4:55)
If you would like to see more videos from me visit https://robertpayne.net/category/professional/
