Blake French

Yale Robbins, Inc., New York, New York

Editor/Copywriter: October 2014-June 2015

-Wrote and edited content at publishing house, contributing to six unique real estate magazines with circulation in nine metropolitan areas.

-Supervised staff writers and freelance contributors.

-Generated editorial calendar; employed SEO practices.

-Oversaw design; assisted with photo editing.

-Produced marketing and ad copy for expos and program guides.

-Traveled to each market to moderate seminars.

-Managed communications with clients; brainstormed creative marketing solutions.

The Barcode Magazine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Editorial Director: April 2010-July 2012

-Promoted after six months as staff writer; managed editorial and marketing copy for monthly entertainment/lifestyle magazine (circulation West Palm Beach to Miami); also TheBarcode.com and corresponding social media.

-Orchestrated growth from startup phase; developed brand awareness for new markets.

-Responsible for creative staffing and freelancers; supervised creative staff and freelance contributors.

-Oversaw design; assisted with photo editing.

-Traveled for celebrity interviews; organized corresponding photo and video shoots.

-Maintained monthly budgets.

AMC Networks, New York, New York

Staff Writer: January 2000-June 2012

-Wrote articles about films and the film industry for internationally syndicated online publication Filmcritic.com, owned by Emmy-award winning television company, via satellite offices.

-Traveled to conduct and produce celebrity interviews; covered red carpets and industry events.

-Article profiled on CNN in 2001.

-Maintained relationships with PR firms, attorneys, agencies, studios, executives, producers, talent, and representatives.

Hungry City Guides, Las Vegas, Nevada

Managing Editor: August 2008-January 2010

-Managed editorial at publishing house, producing annual Las Vegas restaurant/nightlife guidebook and online portal.

-Assisted with social media; responsible for creative staffing; supervised more than 20 freelancers.

-Preserved industry relationships.

-Developed editorial calendar; maintained monthly budgets.

Freelance Brand Strategist/Market Manager: 2005-Current

-Clients include Google, Verizon Wireless, Blackberry, Dreyers, Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen, Microsoft, Brown Forman, Live Nation, Live Scribe Smart Pen, LG, Frontier Airlines, Stella Artois, Toys R Us, Bank of America, Visa, and many more.

-Conceptualized and executed marketing campaigns for various national advertising agencies.

-Developed and participated in activation of sponsorships, social and new media writing, retail/sales promotions, lead generation activities, product samplings, brand ambassadorships, and road shows.

-Identified market opportunities for consumer engagement; evaluated effectiveness of marketing efforts.

Concepts International Public Relations, Las Vegas, Nevada

Copywriter/Assistant Creative Director: August 2008-January 2010

-Conceived/wrote and designed marketing and media content for firm representing entrepreneurs and small businesses.

-Assisted creative director’s production of campaigns and media packages, including writing and design for social media platforms.

-Helped cast and coordinate photo shoots; oversaw production, scriptwriting, publicity, and promotional materials.

Laguna Beach Independent, Laguna Beach, California

Staff Writer: 2007-2008

-Assisted with editorial functions at weekly newspaper, with circulation throughout Laguna Beach and neighboring areas of South Orange County, California.

-Authored front page articles and covered a variety of writing assignments.

Edged Art Publications, Port Saint Lucie, Florida

Entertainment Editor: 2004-2006

-Promoted after six months as staff writer at 9ine Magazine, a monthly entertainment/lifestyle publication in Los Angeles, South Florida, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

-Helped orchestrate growth and development from startup phase.

-Wrote and edited articles; managed entertainment section’s editorial and visual functions.

-Supervised creative staff and freelance writers; assisted with creative staffing.

-Interviewed celebrities for cover stories.

Lansing City Pulse, Lansing, Michigan

Staff Writer: 2002-2004

-Editorial coverage included opinion, arts and entertainment, real estate, lifestyle, restaurants/nightlife, fashion, and business.

-Weekly newspaper with circulation throughout Lansing and surrounding Mid-Michigan, a metro area with over 500,000 residents.

Freelance Editor, Contributor, and Staff Writer Positions

-944 Magazine, He-Man Magazine, Backstage West, In The Scene Magazine, Lansing Community Newspapers, Risqué Las Vegas Magazine, Edge Media Network, and OC Drinks! Magazine.

Education

-Chapman University, Orange, California

oFilm and Television Major

-Lansing Community College, Lansing, Michigan

oHumanities Major

Awards and Special Achievements

-Awarded 3rd place in Michigan’s 2002-2003 Playwriting Competition; semifinalist in national competition in New York.

-Essay appeared in Teaching with Love, Laughter, and Lemonade, 2004’s addition to Paul Bodner’s Dad’s Lemonade, a popular book series for teens.

-Career and achievements profiled by Maury Provich on “The Maury Show,” a nationally syndicated talk show, in 2012.

-Accredited by the Motion Picture Association of America as an entertainment journalist.

-Official Member: Screen Actors Guild Union for professional screen actors.

-Official Member: Online Film Critics Society Organization for online film journalists.

Computer Skills

-WordPerfect, Microsoft Office, Google Analytics, SEO Experience, InDesign, PageMaker, Photoshop, Final Draft, Final Cut Pro, Other Film and Photo Editing Programs

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