Welcome back to Around the Creative World. Hopefully you’ve settled down after NBA Free Agency 2010, World Cup Soccer 2010 and the wide range of amazing summer movies.

Here are links from the worlds of entertainment, media, advertising, marketing, tech and more…

• Eminem is Not Afraid to hold the top Billboard spot for the third straight week with his album, “Recovery.” (Get it? This is clever journalism at it’s finest.)
• Deadline:  Magnolia Will Platform Joaquin Phoenix Mockumentary By Casey Affleck Sept. 10
• Tom Cruise is returning for Mission Impossible 4. (I only mention this because, remember when he was crazy? Wow. What a recovery. America loves a comeback…if you are famous.)
• The Hollywood Reporter: U.S. ad revenue expected to rise to $170 bil
• Captain America and Thor will be 3D movies. (Duh. Why wouldn’t they be? Until a 3D film fails to make a profit, the Avatar standard has been set.)
• The Rundown USA: What Women (Don’t) Want: Mel Gibson’s NSFW meltdown, from mashup to kitties
• Disney is promoting their upcoming Sorcerer’s Apprentice through Twitter.
• Geico: Octopus (Kind of stupid, in my opinion, but I give it a free pass, considering it’s a Geico commercial.)
• Mashable: Improv Everywhere Brings “Star Wars” to NYC Subway Car [VIDEO]
• AdAge: How to Become a Top 10 Twitter Trending Topic: Be Dead, Be Lame, Be Annoying and/or Be on TV

Brian Laesch is an independent blogger posting for boutique recruiting/staffing agency Eleventh Hour.

California lawmakers are considering putting flashing ads on license plates, doctors are urging the Coliseum not to hold another rave, and the Los Angeles Dodgers of Los Angeles beat the San Francisco Giants last night.

That’s what’s going on around Los Angeles, home of recruiting/staffing agency Eleventh Hour. Here’s what’s going on around the “creative world”:

• Toy Story 3 won the weekend box office for the second consecutive weekend (by the way, THR dubs this second consecutive weekend a “sophomore session,” just in case you need an unnecessary way of saying it).
• The Hollywood Reporter: B.O. trading venture won’t launch despite OK
• You’ve probably heard that Steve Carell is leaving The Office. This completely sucks, but, he has not changed his mind.
• AdAge: Why TV Advertisers Are Spending More for Less This Season
• Branded entertainment is set to increase, according to ADWEEK. I guess it’s better than advertisements on license plates.
• FIFA actually feels bad about some of the horrible mistakes made by referees during the 2010 World Cup. They are going to consider using video technology. (Technology: 1 – Stubbornness: 0)
• Mashable: iMovie Hacked to Work on iPhone 3GS
• The Rundown (USA): iBad: Admit you’re wrong with iPology
• CrunchGear: Barnes & Noble financials: e-book store blowing up like what
• And, in closing, yes, it was a tough loss for the U.S. weekend. But, let’s, at least, remember the good times.

Brian Laesch is an independent blogger posting on behalf of Marina del Rey-based boutique recruiting/staffing agency Eleventh Hour.

The L.A. City Council has voted overwhelmingly to boycott the state of Arizona. Ironically, the Lakers take on the Phoenix Suns in LA on Monday. And, inmates play tennis at San Quentin.

That’s what’s going on in and around Los Angeles, home of entertainment staffing/recruiting firm Eleventh Hour, but here’s what’s going on around the “creative world.”

• Not surprisingly, Iron Man 2 dominated the box office this week. You could say it “cast the iron mold” that shaped this week’s returns. Or not.
• Betty White is blowing up at age 88. Take note, young, aspiring Hollywood types, but also have a plan for the other 87 years.
• TV Upfront 2010
• ADWEEK: Brands Suit Up for ‘Iron Man 2′
• AdFreak: Skol beer won’t turn you into a bloated idiot
• Have I mentioned that Eleventh Hour is located in Marina del Rey, California? There’s a beach nearby, usually sun, and a bunch of boats. It’s cool.
• AdFreak: VWs not intended for pathetic hipster sheep
• That theatrical Johnnie Walker walking monologue commercial is still creating buzz…and making me want to buy Johnnie Walker.

• Creativity’s spot of the day: BBC: World Cup
• Now you can get an Apple iPad made of gold for only $189,000! (If a “hipster” bought this would they be revoked of their “hipster” status?)
• Anyway, if you are in the market for a career in Los Angeles (or, potentially, elsewhere), check out boutique recruiting/staffing firm Eleventh Hour. Located in sunny, beachy, boaty, Marina del Rey, California. You’ll be glad you did.

Brian Laesch is an independent blogger writting for Eleventh Hour’s “the world beyond recruiting” blog.

Welcome to another edition of the world-renowned “Around the Creative World.” Presented by Eleventh Hour, the boutique recruiting and staffing agency based in Marina del Rey, California. Written by Brian Laesch.

I’m sure you are all over the Kansas game by now. I’m not, but let’s begin…

• Alice in Wonderland dominated the weekend Box Office again.
• James Cameron wants to debate Glenn Beck. (Pay-Per-View?)
• Nuru International is holding “Be Hope to Her” events all across the country next month (including one at the SoCal City Center) to raise awareness and funds to help build water wells in Kuria, Kenya.
• The 13 most annoying ad characters of all-time
• AdAge: Google’s Newest Search Ad Format, Loved and Hated by Brands
• Lamar Kardashian catching Kobe in endorsement deals?
• American Airlines does not like the expression “win-win.”
• Lady Gaga became the first artist to reach one billion video views online. I guess you could say, the fans are following her until she loves them. Pa-pa. Pa-pa-razzi. (Yes, that was lame.)

Brian Laesch signs his name to this blog, regardless of the horrible Lady Gaga joke at the end.

Happy 2010 everyone from Eleventh Hour!  Along with all the attention James Cameron’s 3-D blockbuster Avatar has created over the last month, ESPN and Discovery are following suit today announcing their efforts to launch 3-D TV Networks.

As momentum grows with a push for the entertainment industry to use the 3-D technology, ESPN said as of June 2010 it will begin ESPN 3-D TV network.  Their goal is to broadcast a minimum of 85 sporting events over its first year with their first broadcast being the World Cup soccer match between South Africa and Mexico on June 11.  ESPN 3-D TV network is looking to produce more World Cup matches along with the Summer X games, college basketball and football, including next year’s BCS National Championship game January 2011.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Discovery, along with Sony Corp and IMAX Corp are also working to develop a 24/7 TV network beginning 2011.  Some of the content to be seen on the channel includes IMAX and Sony films in 3-D along with possible fresh episodes of its Shark Week franchise to name a few.

The announcement of ESPN and Discovery’s new 3-D adventures ties in with the annual Consumer Electronics Show this week in Las Vegas.

Matt Suttner enjoys the clearity of watch sports in high definition and is intrigued to see how 3-D will take sports-viewing to even a higher level.

At Eleventh Hour, we are always looking to connect skilled candidates with outstanding opportunities.  However before we can place our candidates in these positions, the all important interview must take place.  Similar to a dentist visit, some consider the interview process to be as exciting getting your teeth pulled.  Our goal at 11thr is to make the interview process a casual encounter, allowing our talent connectors the opportunity to get to know the true you.

I came across an informative article by author Linda Matias addressing “Things You Should Have Said at the Job Interview,” that can help interviewees handle those uncomfortable questions.  Hopefully some of these tips can strengthen your next interview process.

• Question #1: “Why are there gaps in your employment or why does it seem you are job hunting?
  Shoulda said: First realize the interviewer still brought you in to meet with you so it is not a deal breaker.  Don’t become defensive or negative, instead try an explanation similar to this:
  “In the past I accepted positions based on salary rather than being satisfied in the situation.  That led me to multiple short term opportunities.  Toady I am looking to find a company where our values mesh and I can be compensated well.”
  ————
• Question #2: “Why are you looking to leave your current position?
  Coulda said: Take the high road, keeping your answer neutral and avoid specifics.  “I’ve advanced as far as I could that company and I’m looking for a new opportunity where I can manage large accounts within a larger territory.”
  ————
  
• Question #3: “Why should I hire you?”
  Shoulda said: Instead of rambling on and on about your long list of strengths, possibly suggest a homework assignment to show the hiring manager your capabilities and skills.  “I’d like to show you my performance through an audition interview where I can perform some of the tasks that are consistent with the job description to prove I am the strongest candidate for the  position.”
  ————
• Question #4: “If you were offered this opportunity, how long do you plan to stay with the company?”
• Coulda said:  Although “Until I retire” may seem like an answer an interviewer would like to hear, it sounds a little far fetched.  Instead try this to display your dedication: “I would like to continue to be a part of the company as long as I am contributing to the department and growing professionally.”
  ———–
  These final scenarios are not necessarily questions but situations that typically arise.
• Situation #5:  At the end of the interview the interviewer asks if you have any questions.  This is your opportunity to grab the bull but the horns.
  Shoulda said: “Based on our conversation, do you have any reservations about extending me a job offer? I am really interested in this position and and would love to be a part of your team.”  That sort of confidence and directness could place you as the leader for the position.
  ———–
• Situation #6: During the interview you are asked about your salary requirements.  Although some feel answering that question could hurt your chances, providing a flexible range may be your best bet.
  Coulda said: “Based on the job description and responsibilities and my proven success, I’m looking for compensation within the $50,000 to $65,000 range.”

Hopefully one of these responses will help put you in the position you have working towards your whole career.

Matt Suttner ranks being early for your appointment and knowing the name of your interviewer as #1 and #2 of top priorities when interviewing for a position.  That may seem elementary but you’d be surprised how many begin their interviews with two strikes.

If you are not one of the more than 350 million Facebook users, this blog may not be very informative to you.  If that’s the case I suggest checking out our Eleventh Hour site and our 11thr Production Services for all your staffing opportunities and needs.

If you are a part of the largest social networking community, it will be in your best interest to review your privacy settings.  Some of the new changes have created some criticism so it’s best to see which settings work best for you.  These five tips below helped me with my settings so in the holiday spirit I figured I’d pass them along to you.

1. Search Settings — The search settings for your account may have reset with recent changes so if you wouldn’t like your information to come up through Google and other search listings, go to Settings>Privacy Settings>Search and deselecting “Allow indexing” if you prefer to keep your information hidden.
2. Public Availability Information Changes — This is information that Facebook has chosen to keep public no matter if you like it or not.  It includes your profile picture, friends list, fan pages, gender and the region or network you are in.  At this point this information cannot be withheld from the public so you may want to think twice about your fan pages if you are not comfortable sharing with the entire world.
3. Friend Lists — Despite the fact that people can find your friend list from outside Facebook, once within the site you are able to hide your friend list once you’re on your profile page.  To hide your friend list simply click the pencil icon within your Friends section in the left margin below your profile picture and deselect the box that says “Show my friends on my profile.”
   
4. Hyper Control — Although public availability information above is open for all to see, there are new ways to restrict others from the content you are posting.  If you don’t want certain ‘friends’ to see your latest update or wall posting, you are now able to choose who can and can’t see those actions on an individual basis.
5. Password Protection Layer — This layer was added to protect users when changing your private settings.  This newly added policy asks the user to re-enter their password to adjust their private settings.  However if you do decide to change these settings and return back to your profile beware that your privacy settings may still be accessible, even when logging out and logging back in.  Hopefully Facebook will make changes to this issue or at least let users know the setting will time out at some point.

Hopefully these topics gave you a head start towards getting your Facebook account as private or as open as you would like.

Matt Suttner has his Facebook account on lock down or at least as much as Mark Zuckerberg will allow.

“Mecca lecca hi, mecca hiney ho!”

Eleventh Hour has learned Pee-Wee Herman (Paul Reubens) will be back in his gray suit with red bowtie performing a live stage show beginning this January in Los Angeles with a possible option to take the show on the road for a national tour.  In the meantime, Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles will be the spot for the scheduled four week run starting January 12.

The live stage show will be modeled after the Saturday morning CBS television series, Pee-Wee’s Playhouse and will return many of the characters from that show which ran from 1986-1990.  Those characters include: Genie, Chairry, Cowboy Curtis, Miss Yvonne and Magic Screen.

Prior to the morning TV series, Reubens developed the Pee-Wee character in 1980 and began The Pee-Wee Herman Show as a nightclub-like stage show with more of an adult theme.  That show later led to Reubens starring in the movie Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure in 1985.

Reubens spoke about the revamped live stage show saying, “People are going to see a brand new show, full of incredible, incredible puppets, characters, live action, costumes, a plot, music and Club Nokia.”

The upcoming stage version will be kid friendly unlike Reubens 80s stage show.  Considered a PG rating, the show is acceptable for families with children over the age of 10.

For additional information about the stage show click here.

Matt Suttner hopes the playhouse gags such as: Marry It jokes, Secret Word (Ahhhhhh!), Can I?, and Connect the Dots are revived with the upcoming show.

In James Cameron’s mind, in less than a month the movie industry will be forever changed.  His latest adventure, Avatar, is looking to be a 3D visual experience like no other.  In addition, the price tag to produce and promotion this blue aliens flick is also out of this world.

Fox Filmed Entertainment has not release exact figures of the Cameron blockbuster however it’s been speculated it to be over $300 million.  Other sources have estimated the number to be closer to $500 million.  Either of those numbers would make Avatar the top dog for most expensive films ever made, passing current leader Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End which had a budget near $300 million.  If you haven’t seen the Avatar trailer yet, Eleventh Hour has brought it to you below.

Yes, the 3D technology with live action films will create a bunch of techie, sci-fi peeps to go out to see the feature but how will Avatar attract the general movie-goers?  Cameron’s global audience allows him the opportunity for a blockbuster but do people want to see his fantasy wonderland?  Back in 1997 Titanic also had a hefty record-breaking price tag to make but it also had historical significance that helped generate its 1.8 billion in gross revenue.  Avatar doesn’t have the draw of mothers and daughters side-by-side rushing to see it as the Twilight New Moon saga most recently has.  Nor does it have a family ‘go out and see during the upcoming holiday season’ feel.

Maybe James Cameron himself can sell you his latest creation.  MTV recently held an online Q&A with Cameron along with its stars Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington, taking a deeper look into the making of Avatar.  When Avatar arrives in theaters December 18, we’ll see if 3D is the place to be.

Matt Suttner hasn’t worn his 3D glasses since he was a little kid and it’s likely Avatar won’t break that streak.

Five years after being sold to the Walt Disney Company, Muppet mania is looking to get its groove back.  After releasing the Muppet’s YouTube parody of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” about a week ago, the online audience has responded by viewing the bit with more than 8.8 million times.   With that strong response in such a short period of time, it seems the demand for Muppet puppet time is well overdue.  Below is the Queen parody.

Eleventh Hour has also learned to expand the Muppet franchise and reconnect more with its fans once again, a Muppet Twitter account and Facebook page has been created.  Also more online videos are also planned to be released in the near future including a Christmas rendition of “Carol of the Bells.”

All these promotional tactics are to geared to prepare fans for an upcoming Muppet movie.  Jason Segel (”How I Met Your Mother” and “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”) and his writing partner Nicholas Stoller have been assigned to writing the newest Muppet film, with plans that it will bring the Muppets back to their height of popularity during the late 1970s.  It will be interesting to see if Segel and Stoller can maintain the slapstick and absurd puppet humor of the original show.  Although I wasn’t around yet to see some of the original runs of The Muppet Show, Fozzie Bear was an influence of mine as a jokester, Wocka Wocka Wocka!

Matt Suttner does remember watching “Muppet Babies” religiously during Saturday morning cartoons as a kid.