The older I get and as more time goes by, I realize just how much there is to know in this world. And then, it dawns on me. When I really start to think about it, even in a lifetime, there is no way that any human being could even come close to being all knowing and all seeing. And this applies to music as well. So when I was called upon to assist with another music video shoot for HNM, even at my age, I was about to learn about another genre of music. Imagine that!? And being such a music aficionado, I, in my naïveté, thought I’d heard about every kind of music known to man….in existence! But, no….. Even as music serves as my constant companion and ubiquitous soundtrack as I move through my habitual routines – at work, in my daily commute and, sometimes, even in my sleep, I found yet another genre to add to my book of knowledge. Now did I ever hear this kind of music before? Well, sure….in its various forms. I’ve heard it in it’s subtle origins and in separating its elements, I’ve detected it in its punk and folk music roots, but if you came to me and asked me if I ever heard about Oi! music prior to last Saturday, I would have said “Excuse me….?” As fate would have it, I would soon have my introduction to Oi! music and, hence, she would come in a sweet and petite package better known as Jenny Woo.

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HNM was at it again, shooting yet another music video and this time, it was at a location known as 34 ½. Why 34 ½, you ask? Have you ever heard of these kinds of addresses before? I have, but only in recent times on television when you see them featuring shows in really obscure places, like little neighbourhoods tucked away in the back alleys of New York City.  So when Andy e-mailed me with the location details of the next video shoot, I’ll admit that this address itself held a certain amount of intrigue and wonder for me. Although I am intimately acquainted with Ottawa and the surrounding area, I’ll admit that this area was one of those streets where I have had, previously, little reason to be. So, armed with my Mapquest directions and my camera, I ventured out, in minus 30 weather I may add, to find this place on a Sunday morning. And to tell you the truth, it was one of those mornings where I really wished that I had nothing to do but stay in my warm and comfy bed, cuddled up with my husband and the pups – my idea of the best way to victoriously run the meter out on this dreadfully cold day – on my terms. But duty was calling me and I was excited about this next HNM project. And, I had to remind myself of another reason to be grateful – it was going to be a great day because the sun was actually making an appearance, which was something that we had not previously enjoyed for what seemed like weeks on end on this particular round of Winter. So off I went on my little Sunday adventure….

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I am proud to announce that Hotcakes New Media has been selected to create the new fundraising experience for leading non-profit organization CUSO-VSO’s newest campaign called “Volunteers for the World”. We will be responsible for all branding and visual imagery, website design and implementation, and Artez fundraising customization, with the possibility of extending into additional work with video, social media and traditional advertising. As a multi-faceted project, Hotcakes New Media will have the opportunity to showcase its strength in providing all creative services in-house under one group vision.

About CUSO-VSO

CUSO-VSO is a non-profit development agency that works through volunteers. They are a member of the VSO International Federation.

Each year, they send hundreds of global citizens to work on collaborative development projects in more than 40 countries in Africa, Asia, the Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean. They are one of North America’s leading international development organizations that works through volunteers.

CUSO-VSO volunteers work at the crossroads between hope and hardship. They place people of all ages who have the professional experience, hands-on know-how and perspectives needed to work in partnership with organizations working to overcome poverty and disadvantage in more than 40 developing countries.

Creativity for a cause

Hotcakes New Media is honoured to have been selected for this contract and everyone at Hotcakes is excited to begin this incredible project. We are extremely proud to be working with CUSO-VSO to help fight global poverty and lend our creativity and talent to help make the world a better place.

We will be releasing more details in the weeks that follow, and we hope you will join us in getting involved in fundraising for a great cause.

Andy Morris
Creative Mastermind - Hotcakes New Media

I’ve recently been contacted about a large contract I am pursuing for Hotcakes New Media. The contract is fairly extensive, and requires branding, video, photography, graphic design, print, web, programming, and custom Artez design for a large non-profit organization. Because of the size of this contract, and the money involved, I’ve been tasked with writing a full proposal to send to the client. Since all other Hotcakes New Media contracts have been under $5000, I hadn’t written any such proposals yet. As I found out, the most difficult part of writing the proposal was deciding how to approach it.

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This site is currently under construction. Shortly, this site will be posting news about video production in Ottawa, and feature stills and videos from Ottawa’s best video production companies: Hotcakes New Media and Moonrise Productions. Until then, please feel free to visit the company web pages, or use the contact button above to send us an email.

Andy Morris
HOTCAKES NEWMEDIA