For years Lightray has used Flash in our websites for targeted interactive experiences, and for brand reinforcement, but we have long cautioned about it’s overuse. Pure flash websites up until recently do not index well on search engines (and still don’t unless you jump through rings of fire), require users to wait forever for a site to load (bad news now that everyone has A.D.D), and generally cost a lot of money to create (bad news in a bad economy.) Flash also inspires creative people to do unnecessary “neato” things that in our opinion just get in the way. Of course there are cool things you can do with Flash which are unique to it, but overall, it’s not our favorite.
Now it looks like Steve Jobs agrees. In an open letter on the Apple website he boldly argues his case for not supporting Flash on Apple Mobile devices. The letter points out a number of reasons, everything from the basic interactive experience of flash being incompatible with touch screens, to a more nerdy argument about Flash being a ‘closed’ proprietary platform. But the most damning thing he said in our opinion was this…
Flash was created during the PC era – for PCs and mice. Flash is a successful business for Adobe, and we can understand why they want to push it beyond PCs. But the mobile era is about low power devices, touch interfaces and open web standards – all areas where Flash falls short.
When Jobs says “PC-era-for PC’s and mice” he makes it sound as though Flash were still operating on old command line mainframes. In other words, the future is here, and Flash is not in it. Ouch!
Contemporary Art in the Heart of the Vibrant Culver City Art District in Los Angeles | view site
Lightray launches a new site for Taylor De Cordoba Gallery in Culver City, showcasing their artists, shows, press, and underscoring their place on the bleeding edge of the Los Angeles art scene. The new site was designed on the Wordpress platform giving gallery staff an easy and efficient way to keep it up-to-date themselves. Lightray’s focus was to create a simple sleek design that would not compete with the artwork. A clean white background was selected to present a modern and restrained look.
“When we started the project our designers studied the look, feel, and structure of many other Gallery websites.” says Jessica Thompson Lightray Creative Director. “We choose to make everything but the Taylor De Cordoba brand, and the artwork, understated, giving the site a gimmick free sophistication. From a programming side, we integrated gallery management applications into Wordpress making it excessively easy for Gallerists to publish the work of new artists. So the back-end development was cost effective, and the result is a gorgeous and easy to update website”
To learn more about Taylor De Cordoba and to get on their mailing list go to www.taylordecordoba.com.
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Have Fun Storming the Castle! | view site
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.”
The new official fan site Princessbrideforever.com launched December 2009.
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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.”
view the promotional short film:
Lake Tanganyika / Floating Health Clinic from East Pleasant Pictures on Vimeo.
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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.com serves 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.
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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.
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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.”
DrMaggieNey.com launched in October 2009.
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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.”
The new Hollyhock site launched August 2009.
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A Sly Observant New Novel By Acclaimed Author Gigi Levangie Grazer | view site
LOS ANGELES – Lightray launches Queen Takes King booksite for 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
Watch CBS Videos Online
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The Next Act in Brand Licensing | view site
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.”
The new site launches May 2009.
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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.
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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.
Watch It On CNN
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Protecting The Ballona Wetlands | view site
LOS ANGELES – Lightray announces the launch of ballonafriends.org 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.
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Sign the Pledge | view site
Lightray launches Born Again American site for Norman Lear www.bornagainamerican.org. Born Again American celebrates a song featuring musicians from across the country rediscovering their patriotism and what it means to be American.
“The most unique part of the site to us is the Sign the Pledge feature,” says Lightray Productions founder Kimberly Brooks. “Everyone is trying to get people to sign up and give their email addresses but people have newsletter and spam fatigue and are much more reluctant to do so. By making their names appear in a different cursive styles on the Declaration of Independence, something they could print out and hang on their wall, makes signing the pledge to Born Again American far more meaningful.”
The new site will be the centerpiece for the distribution of the song and video, executive produced by Norman Lear. The experience of the video was enhanced with an animation of the most poignant lyrics. The site is also peppered with viral components such as send to a friend, Facebook connectivity, iTunes downloads, and a YouTube presence. The goal: to reach as many Americans as possible, so they can be born again.
See it on Bill Moyers Journal PBS
Normal Lear has created People for the American Way, Declare Yourself and now Born Again American.
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The Original Girlfriend | view site
Lightray launches website and blog for acclaimed author Vicki Iovine and her series the Girlfriends’ Guide. Vicki has authored 5 best selling books, translated into 12 languages, as she guides her readers through pregnancy, surviving the first years of motherhood, dealing with toddles, and getting your groove back. In 2009 she began blogging weekly as a featured writer on the Huffington Post Living section. Her blogs span subject matters, from current events (which effect girlfriends) to raising teenagers (likely her next book), and they never fail to entertain.
“Vicki is the most wonderful client, she’s visionary, funny, and brilliant. says Jessica Thompson, Lightray Creative Director. We enjoys working with Vicki on an ongoing basis, and aim to help her bring her empire of Girlfriends online.”
Check out Girlfriendsguide.com for the latest blogs by Vicki Iovine.
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