Lightray launches the long overdue Official Fan Site for The Princess Bride, a classic film loved by generations of fans. The new site features Photo Galleries, Discussion Board, Trivia, T-Shirts, Posters, Exclusive Content, and everything else you can dream up. Over the years a number of unofficial fan sites have sprung up, along with a healthy Facebook group, and active Twitter page. The new site hopes to bring all fans together to revel in the world of The Princess Bride.
“As huge fans of the film ourselves, we had to make sure that we captured the whimsical, witty, and fantastical nature of the film lore.” says Jessica Thompson Lightray Creative Director. “We choose to focus a lot of attention on the beloved characters and clever language that fans would immediately identify with.”
Health Care for Those that Need it Most | view site
Lightray launches a website for The Lake Tanganyika Floating Health Clinic, floatingclinic.org, an international NGO whose mission is to address the problem of health care access for isolated communities in the Lake Tanganyika basin.
The websites’ goal is the help raise awareness and funding for the groups efforts. Award-winning documentary team Fisher Stevens and Mark Monroe, in partnership with East Pleasant Pictures, has selected The Lake Tanganyika Floating Health Clinic as the subject of its next feature-length documentary film.
“Our goal was to help the organization communicate it’s approach and the dire situation faced by 3 million people who have virtually no access to care. Says Jessica Thompson Creative Director. In Africa where much aid has poured in – its important to find the organizations that work directly on the ground and can ascertain real needs that translate to successful programs. The Floating Health Clinic is one such organization.”
Celebrating the Arts, and Self Expression | view site
LOS ANGELES – Lightray launches a new site for PS Arts’ Express Yourself 2009 event, a yearly fundraiser where PSARTS supporters can experience and enjoy the vast opportunities that the organization provides to thousands of students in Los Angeles County and the Central Valley. P.S. ARTS students thrive in an environment that encourages self-expression and for one Sunday afternoon, supporters’ families can too!
The website serves as key component for event organizing. Psartsexpress.comserves as an invitation, ticket purchasing portal, and sponsorship driver. Each year the PSARTSexpress website is refreshed with new information and a new brand – making each years event unique and exciting.
Where Artists, Families, and Patients Come Together | view site
Lightray launches a new site for Arts At Hospice, a unique non-profit dedicated to recruiting artists from around the country to volunteer their skills in Hospice Care facilities. Arts at Hospice recruits, coordinates and provides special training to volunteers so they are prepared emotionally and inspired to make a difference in peoples lives at this critical time.
“In working with Arts at Hospice we wanted balance the inspirational work of volunteers, while also portraying the delicate and highly emotional aspects of the work. says Creative Director Jessica Robins Thompson. We found that by allowing volunteers to tell their stories through videos, blog, and testimonials we could begin to capture this highly unique experience.”
The new Arts At Hospice site launched November 2009.
Restoring Arts Education to Our Public Schools | view site
Lightray launches a new site for P.S. ARTS, a Los Angeles based non-profit dedicated to restoring arts education to public schools throughout Central and Southern California. P.S. ARTS brings year-long arts instruction to schools whose art programs have been cut due to budget constraints. P.S. ARTS provides independently evaluated curriculum, teachers, and a high standard of arts education to students who otherwise would go without. Not only does P.S. ARTS give children hands on technical skills, but they also stimulate imagination, and promote creative problem solving and critical thinking. “To imagine primary school without arts education is simply to bleak to overlook” says Lightray CEO Kimberly Brooks. “We wanted to give P.S. ARTS a site that could help raise awareness both about the problem, and the solution, which is support the kinds of programs P.S. ARTS provides. We also wanted reflect the imagination unleashed by children who benefit from the programs.” The new P.S. ARTS website launched in October 2009.###
Naturopathic Medicine, Women’s Health, Green Living | view site
Lightray launches a new website for Naturopathic Doctor, Maggie Ney, ND. The site is a combination of a blog, and informational resource that Dr. Ney can use to speak out and educate visitors on healthy living practices, and discuss methods and research into health and well-being.
“Creating a site for a person is a bit different then the approach you take with company or organization.” says Jessica Thompson, Lightray Creative Director. “You have to strike a balance between promoting the individual as a brand and making sure their message takes the front seat as well. Putting the blog right up as the homepage, is a great way to give appropriate weight to the substance to the site, as well as keeping it fresh and timely.”
LA’s exclusive resource for designers and discerning shoppers | view site
LOS ANGELES – Lightray launches a new site for Hollyhock, acclaimed designer Suzanne Rheinstein’s West Hollywood store. Founded over 20 years ago, Hollyhock is at center of the worldwide design community. Located adjacent to the Pacific Design Center Hollyhocks’ influence in the design community is far reaching. Each item in the store is carefully hand selected by Suzanne including unusual pieces that cannot be found anyplace else. In keeping with Hollyhock’s commitment to supporting cultural life, the store is often the venue of a lively salon, launching book parties, lectures, and other celebrations. Lightray was selected to redesign the Hollyhock site focusing specifically on showcasing the stores broad collection, making it easy for visitors to find the pieces they love.
“Working with the Hollyhock team was really inspiring, says Jessica Thompson Lightray Creative Director. We had the opportunity to work with them in developing a look that really fit the style and aesthetic of the store, syncing our vision with theirs was exciting. It’s a real pleasure to work with a client whose eye is trained to the nuances of great design.”
A Sly Observant New Novel By Acclaimed Author Gigi Levangie Grazer | view site
LOS ANGELES – Lightray launches Queen Takes Kingbooksitefor acclaimed author Gigi Levangie Grazer.The new book which hits the stands this June delves into the lives of a New York City power couple in the midst of a contentious divorce. While the subject is a serious one Grazer brings her trademark satire and insight for a fast and entertaining read. Grazer is the author of three other best selling books, two of which have been turned to successful shows, The Starter Wife starring Debra Messing, and Maneater premiering this June. Lightray will also be launching a comprehensive author site for Gigi this summer that showcases all her work, in print, on tv, the big screen, and more.
“Authors are quickly embracing the Internet as a essential tool for promoting their books and building fan bases. says Jessica Thompson, Lightray Creative Director. Having a presence on facebook, and twitter as means to reach out to fans has revolutionized the tedium of building an fan list. We believe all authors should have a home base, namely their own website from which they can launch a consistent branded presence on the social networking sites. It works, and it’s just the beginning.”
Watch Gigi Discuss Her Book on the CBS Morning Show
LOS ANGELES – Lightray announces the launch of Actiiilicensing.com. Founded in 2005, Act III Licensing is one of several entertainment-based business enterprises owned by Norman Lear. Act III boasts clients that range from Sunkist Growers, to Concord Records, to Fandango as well as tapping a strong international market with their international subagents. They have a fresh smart approach to brand licensing and a team with stellar experience.
“Our primary goal was to deliver a site that reflected the Act III culture and approach.” says Jessica Thompson, Lightray Creative Director. “The solution was a smart colorful design, to the point, and elegant in it’s simplicity.”
Defending Communities Impacted by Pollution |view site
Lightray announces the launch of KennedyMadonna.com. Founded in 2000 by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Kevin J. Madonna, the firm specializes in representing communities that have been impacted by pollution. Lightray who developed Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s website www.rfkjr.com in 2004 was tapped by the firm to promote their work and the hazards faced by countless communities around the country.
“Developing the Kennedy Madonna site required a different sensibility then most environmental advocacy sites we have done.” says Jessica Thompson, Lightray Creative Director. “Because of the sensitive nature of their work, the content and the imagery used needed to be restrained and carefully selected.”
Kennedy and Madonna LLP turns results in many groundbreaking cases. In 2007, Dupont was ordered to pay 196.2 million in punitive damages for deliberately dumping dangerous heavy metals on an industrial site, ending a complex trial involving property damage claims, long-term health screenings and corporate accountability. Check the site to stay up on their latest work.
Launch Site: www.dpdonline.org
ePolicing™ announces the launch of CrimeMaps and InfoShare for Dalton, Georgia. Key to Dalton’s ePolicing™ deployment is a public relations campaign. One element is a press release and blog postings. Additionally, they are also distributing door hangers and using other advertizing to inform the community and involve them in crime awareness and information sharing.
Dalton’s story is a great example of proactive efforts by the Police Department to engage their community in crime reduction practices.
Chief Parker highlights the significance of ePolicingTMCrimeMaps and InfoShare on the local news.
founded by Lightray in 2006 is collaborative effort with PSOMAS to deliver online community policing tools to Law Enforcement agencies around the country and world.
The Place to See Antiques from Around the World | view site
LOS ANGELES – Lightray launches a new site for the Los Angeles Antiques Show 2009, and its’ opening night preview party. The LA Antiques show held at Barker Hanger in Santa Monica features more then 1,000 of the communities most influential professionals. Thousands of of patrons visit the show each year to enjoy and purchase antiques from around the world.The opening night preview party raises funds for local non profit organization P.S. Arts.
The Antiques show website features ticket purchasing and sponsorship opportunities, as well as a comprehensive list of exhibitors, show hours, maps, and more. Each year Lightray relaunches the Antiques show site updating it’s branding, exhibitors and other vital details.
ePolicing™ announces the launch of CrimeMaps and InfoShare in West Vancouver, Canada. The West Vancouver Police Department approached ePolicing™ to help them bring this valuable service to their citizens.
“The West Vancouver Police Department is excited to be the first Canadian police agency to launch the ePolicing™ web-based crime mapping solutions; a new initiative that brings community policing to the internet by providing residents easy access to newsletters, crime trends, crime activity and other important information about their neighbourhood and empowers residents to take charge of keeping their community safe and crime free.
Complimenting the e-Policing program is our recently introduced CompStat process that is designed to collect, analyze and map crime statistics and other essential information in order to not only be more responsive to trends, but also hold police leaders and personnel to a higher standard of accountability. Proactive measures like these instill a new level of confidence and security for West Vancouver residents, thereby building a stronger and safer community for everyone to enjoy.” says Interim Chief Constable Jim ALMAS of the WVPD.
ePolicing™ launches in West Vancouver April 2009.
ePolicing™ founded by Lightray in 2006 is collaborative effort with PSOMAS to deliver online community policing tools to Law Enforcement agencies around the country and world.
Transforming the lives of Veterans since 1992 | view site
Lightray announces the launch of a new site for New Directions, a Los Angeles based non profit organization serving our city’s growing Veteran population. New Directions, whose mission and success is widely respected, needed to extend their outreach to include younger Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans. Lightray was tapped to revitalize their brand, and launch their new campaign Operation Welcome Home.
“We want the new site to speak directly to young Veterans and their families. So we can offer engaging content, like video, blogs, and success stories, which really illuminates what New Directions is all about.” says Jessica Thompson, Lightray Creative Director.
The site will also act as an educational tool for Vet’s and Donors. Highlighting legislative successes both locally and nationally, and eventually with the creation of a Congressperson report card section, visitors can hold their elected leaders accountable when it comes to Veteran affairs.
Operation Welcome Home launched on Veterans Day 2008, with a roll out of the entire site in the coming months.
have fought to preserve and restore the largest open space in Los Angeles. The Ballona Wetlands are critical habitat for native wildlife and scores of migrating birds. Its proximity to the coast and the Los Angeles airport makes preservation an ongoing effort. Lightray was selected in 2008 to help the organization revamp their website to increase visibility, act an educational tool, and improve fundraising capabilities.
“Our primary goal was to communicate how crucial the wetlands are to the LA basin and local wildlife,” says Jessica Thompson, Lightray Creative Director. “We felt it was important to use lots of imagery to show the diversity and beauty of the area, reinforcing the communities resolve to protect it.”
The Friends of Ballona Wetlands have many ambitious plans for further restoration beyond the daily task of protection from development and other local threats. There is still a lot of work to do. The site in the future will serve as a place to raise funds for this work, and keep the public informed as progress is made.
