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The Insider: Interactive Idea-Starters: Innovation Philadelphia Sparks!

Ideas: the latest economic currency needed to survive and thrive during these challenging times and beyond. Where do ideas come from? How exactly do you get that light bulb above your head to turn on, stay on, and translate into action? On June 1, 2009 at the Spark! Networking Conference, Innovation Philadelphia engaged attendees in an interactive exercise, simply posing the question, "What sparks your creativity?".

The host organization of Spark!, IdeaBlob, provides a community forum for people to share ideas, give feedback, and ultimately improve their business. Innovation Philadelphia participated in Spark! by asking the question, "How do you spark creativity?" in our exhibit area. The diversity of responses showed that creative ideas can come anywhere at anytime. Showcasing different approaches to idea generation not only helps initiate discussion of idea methodology among the entrepreneurial community, but also breaks down formal networking barriers, one of the Spark! Conference's main objectives. Most importantly, seeing other idea generation methods helps to qualify an often intangible concept. Trying a new method of sparking creativity may help when faced with writer's block. Some of the jump-starting idea activities included: take an odd class every season, sleep on it, or don’t sleep (because creativity comes at 2am), go for a long drive, surf the web, meditate, run, drink coffee, dance, listen to music, or network until you drop. And because ideas are best massaged with cheeky stunts, participants were "forced" to pose with Innovation Philadelphia's giant light bulb as a congratulatory gesture, something each and every participant should be most proud of. See the photos on Innovation Philadelphia's Facebook fan page .

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Innovation Spotlight: Ami Kassar

Innovation Philadelphia spotlights regional creative industry entrepreneurs and young professionals making an impact on the Philadelphia Region, or innovative initiatives that showcase the creative talent driving Philadelphia's economy.

June's second spotlight on creativity is on Ami Kassar, founder of ideablob.com and bloblive. For the past several years, Ami has served as the Chief Innovation Officer of Advanta. Prior to Advanta, Ami founded shop2give.com, a network of online charity shopping malls. Ami attended Brandeis University and the Marshall School of Business at USC and he currently lives in the suburbs of Philly with his wife Bethany, and his two children, Sam and Charlotte.

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Advertise with Innovation Philadelphia

Looking to reach Philadelphia's creative community? Innovation Philadelphia's website and e-newsletter is the premiere resource to reach 13,000 creative technology-driven industry professionals, entrepreneurs and businesses in the Philadelphia Region. Low cost advertising opportunities are available at weekly and monthly rates.

Contact Alina Lucila-Osmunson at aosmunson@innovationphiladelphia.com for more information

Philadelphia Takes Center Stage at first-ever Film Market: June 22-28, 2009

The Philadelphia Film Market (PFM) celebrates the business of independent film in the city where independence was born. For the first time ever, Philadelphia will be at the epicenter of the film world during PFM, from June 22nd to the 28th taking place inside of the city's newest movie industry stomping grounds, the Philadelphia Soundstages.

Produced in association with The Philadelphia Independent Film Festival , Philadelphia Soundstages and Invincible Pictures ; PFM will catapult the city's growing film scene onto the international stage as a powerful contender within the west coast dominated industry. Filmmakers and production companies, as well as any company that serves the film industry, will showcase their products and services to potential buyers and distributors during the market.

"We wanted to take the city's film scene to a higher level," explained the market's Chief Operating Officer, Leilani Goode.

"The Greater Philadelphia Film Office is thrilled to welcome the Philadelphia Film Market to our region. The advent of a film market in Philadelphia is a tangible sign that the film industry in S.E. Pennsylvania has matured and emerged as a leader in the business of film as well as the production of content. The Market will not only introduce a new pool of filmmakers to the Southeastern Pennsylvania film community, but will open doors for local filmmakers seeking distribution outlets.," said Sharon Pinkenson, Executive Director of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office.

The PFM will build on the momentum this city has been gaining over the past few years with movies like Transformers, Shooter, Rocky Balboa, Law Abiding Citizen, and the 4 films currently shooting. The Market will harness all of that energy into a week-long marketplace for film industry professionals to work on the business side of the film world. "I see the Philadelphia Film Market as an anchor for the Philadelphia film community," says Thomas Ashley, CEO of Invincible Pictures. "The city of Philadelphia has long needed a base from which to grow the business of film in the city. The Market serves as an excellent venue not only to expand the city's film industry but also showcase Philadelphia's incredible resources on a global platform." For more information please visit www.philadelphiafilmmarket.com.

The Philadelphia Independent Film Festival is the Northern Liberties-based festival in its second year and will run from June 25th to the 28th. PIFF 2009 will feature some of the best independent films from around the world. For more information, visit www.PIFF2009.com.

Philadelphia Soundstages offers all the amenities of a major Hollywood soundstage facility. Their Studio boasts a 50,000 sq ft floor plan with a 130' 3 wall cyclorama and a suite of production services.

Creative Jobs. Creative Freelance. One Site.

Philly Creative Jobs

Finding the perfect position isn't as hard as you think. Refine your search by using local niche job boards to find what is right for your career. Recent job and freelance opportunities on PhillyCreativeJobs.com are below.

Communications Associate,
Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition
Philadelphia, PA

Marketing Coordinator for First Person Arts
Philadelphia, PA

Lead Designer for Electronic Ink
Philadelphia, PA

Your Opinion Counts

Local creative professionals were asked, for the upcoming Global Creative Economy Convergence Summit, what aspects of the Creative Entrepreneurship track are you most interested in? The results are in:

Polling

Over the next 5 years, which product technology will evolve the most?

Cell phones
Game Console
eBook Reader (Kindle, etc.)
Business Cards
mp3 Player

» Vote Now

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