Craig Bland // CSBland.com

Even before launching the series (Style Rules) has started to garner industry buzz.  The first episode generated organic pick up from the blogosphere and (from what I’ve seen thus far) the series promises to be very entertaining.

The idea for Style Rules is quite simple; Rachel Zoe finds interesting pairs of stylish women (and maybe even a few gay men) and utilizing the new LG Marquee; surprises them with phone calls and style challenges relating to key brand attributes of the new LG phone.

Cast members were kept in the dark about who was calling (told only to expect a call from a style and fashion icon) which provided a great opportunity to capture an authentic and enthusiastic response.

UPDATE: New York Episode

UPDATE: Minneapolis Episode

Below is a shot from the set.

This is one video from a series developed last year for holiday 2010 where Jay Manuel and his glam squad surprises young women and moms with a makeover inspired by their favorite celebrity.

I love developing scenarios where we capture authentic reactions and you’ll notice a continuing use of flip cameras (what I call “directed U.G.C.” which is an approach I developed while still at BuzzMedia) and professionally shot footage.

Authentic reaction and creative beach activations were critical for the brand.  The entire team worked under challenging deadlines (the least of which was the setting of the sun) and in the end really pulled through.

The combination of UGC and highly produced content works well in this video and working closely with the brand and agency we were able to capture genuine excitement and unlock a lot of happiness for 200+ teens and young adults.

Photos from a very cool production we pulled off last week!

Building upon the branded content work I did with the Kardashians, the Kotex crew wanted a branded content solution that created awareness around a new feature allowing young women to design their own U By Kotex  packaging.

Finding the perfect “it celebrities” of the moment we assembled a great list of twelve young women to create highly personal mood boards that held special meaning then had each share their story. For a fan it’s a great opportunity to learn more about the celebrities they watch each week and follow online and in the press.

Each video featured two women, this video features Katerina Graham from Alloy Entertainment’s Vampire Diaries and designer Jac Vanek. The ability to quickly find and hire the right talent that appeals to an increasingly fickle constituency is a key part of any programs success.

While still at BuzzMedia I met Angel and her family in South Carolina before she moved to New York. Before moving to Alloy there were three deals BuzzMedia needed my help to close; one involving BuzzMedia and Concrete Loop, one involving Kim Kardashian and BuzzMedia and last involving BuzzMedia and Ford.

Eighteen months after leaving Buzz it was great to catch up with Angel and see how she’s thriving in New York City and how well the relationship with Buzz is working out.

Angel has an artist’s soul, a brilliant future and don’t forget to check out her book (I was really touched to find my name in the acknowledgements).

My favorite photo below.

Behind the scenes video of Wendy the Series detailing Macy’s process of creating looks and working with Alloy Entertainment. The behind the scenes videos include exclusive interviews with Tyler Blackburn and Meaghan Martin from Alloy Entertainment’s Pretty Little Liars.

The final episode of an exclusive six part video series sponsored by HTC Status documenting Leighton Meester’s creative process in the development and performance of her new music with her band Check in the Dark.

After identifying brand objectives (working closely with sales) I identified an opportunity with Leighton, developed a programming strategy that met talent and brand objectives,negotiated Leighton’s deal then worked with my team to produce the content.

The series performed extremely well with 60% of the views viewed at 100% completion, positive organic lift from 100′s of sites including JustJared and Perez Hilton, tremendous Facebook engagement and and millions of video views.

Check out this teaser for an exclusive six part series with Leighton developed for HTC to support the launch of the new Status. The phone has a one button post to Facebook feature which we highlighted in subsequent episodes.

It was amazing to watch Leighton’s musical process unfold. She’s the real deal and I’m looking forward to the album dropping.

Although the positioning was incorrect (these were not endorsement vehicles), the following article kicks off the new division I headed up at BuzzMedia.

While exploring new approaches in celebrity coverage I came up with the following (this woman we found is completely charming, engaging and a really good sport):