Creative Digital Productions

01/05/2019

We were so fortunate to have been selected to design Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites' Junior Ranger Activity Books. There are 59 site specific books in the collection. Kids are encouraged to explore history and nature through each park's unique adventure. This project has taught me so much of what Georgia's Parks have to offer---not to mention, I'm great at a dinner party with all my new "fun facts to know and tell".

17/04/2019

Think it's too difficult to tell your museum's or historic site's story? We recently completed creating a children's and adult audio tour in English and Spanish with Battleship Texas and the Tour-Mate team. Check out what Stephanie Croatt Assistant Superintendent of the Battleship Texas State Historic Site said about the process.
"When we had our first meeting with Caroline Figiel and the production team, we knew we were in good hands! During the initial site visit, Caroline and Danny were such an enthusiastic and creative team. They helped us identify stops, characters for narration, interesting factoids and other elements that would make the tours engaging for our visitors.
In the script writing and recording process, Caroline and Danny again blew us away with their creativity. We were so happy with the tour narrative, character voices and sound effect that made Texas's story come alive."

12/02/2019

Someone said that traveling leaves you speechless and then turns you into a storyteller. My friend just returned from Antarctica with marvelous pictures and great stories. I was fascinated by the combination of "fly by the seat of your pants flexibility" and logistical planning the ship's crew did to guide tourists on an unforgettable adventure. Note the avalanche in the background of this picture.

I was in awe as she told me about everything she saw and experienced. Her stories inspired me to read "Endurance: Shackleton Incredible Voyage about an ill-fated expedition in the early 1900s across this frozen and isolated continent.

What place leaves you speechless and then turns you into a storyteller?

29/08/2018

02/05/2018

Public art is not just about the looks. It’s about the place. Sidewalk murals, fountains, sculptures are forms of communication that can interpret a community’s history and values.
For several years we have created audio interpretation that is delivered through the Atlanta Public Art app as well as a dial up cell phone platform. These audios peel back another layer of the story, whether it is an interview with the artist or a luminary that sheds light on their contribution to Atlanta.
Recently we had the honor of interviewing Representative John Lewis about Thornton Dial’s The Bridge located in Freedom Park. Both men grew up in rural Alabama during the Jim Crow era. Both spoke out about the human condition-one through art and the other through activism and politics. Representative Lewis captivates the listener with his spellbinding narrative. You can download the app from your app store to learn more about Atlanta’s public art.

27/04/2018

It's official! The new Helen to Hardman Farm Heritage Trail, an ADA accessible path in Helen, GA is ready for nature and history lovers. This easy walk along the Chattahoochee River connects Helen's Alpine Village to the historic Hardman Farm. Along the path there is plenty to see and experience for all ages and all abilities including the old Nora Mill, abandoned gold mining equipment and an abundant array of native Georgia plants. Kids will love blowing the train whistle and adults can pull up videos that reveal Helen's history.
Thanks Signature Design and GA's DNR for letting us be part of this wonderful project!

06/04/2018

Someone once told me that "All tourism should be fun." I pondered that for a moment and replied, "No, tourism should be memorable." Let us know your memorable tourist destination.

11/02/2018

Georgia's Fort Mountain State Park reveals a secret message for Valentine's Day. The story goes that when the stone fire tower was built in the 1930s, one local man did more than carve his initials in a tree. He placed a heart shaped stone on the wall that faced Elijay, the town where his future wife lived. Flowers fade and candy gets eaten, but a stone fire tower last forever as a testament to one man's love for his lady.

28/12/2017

Wow! How many people can say they have been to all 64 Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites? Sapelo Island is number 30 for us as we continue to visit all of them while designing the new Junior Ranger Books.
Having traveled all over the world, I am amazed how fabulous my own "Georgia backyard" is! Check out the pics of 30,000 square foot RJ Reynolds' house. working light house and pristine landscape.

27/11/2017

I just returned from visiting Asheville, NC. It is a fantastic example of destination redevelopment. I've been wanting to revisit after watching the the catchy TV ads and I was not disappointed.
The area has expanded its mountain experience. Traveling along the Blue Ridge Parkway never ceases to delight me- whether I'm hiking or gawking. The Grove Park Inn is still a fantastic place to sit out, sip a craft cocktail or hot chocolate and breathe in a majestic purple "mountain majesty" sunset. The Biltmore is always fantastic at peeling back the story of a bygone era. (The kid's audio tour is laugh out loud funny, as well as informative.)
New to me-were the tons of places to explore IN Asheville from the artists studios along the River Walk to the galleries and shops to the great farm to table foodtopia selections. HA! and don't get me started on some of the best craft breweries around!! Visit Asheville Biltmore The Omni Grove Park Inn

15/11/2017

Something for pet lovers who are traveling with their furry friends during the upcoming holidays...http://www.petage.com/thanksgiving-tips-for-pet-owners/

Between all of the decor, parties and festivities, the Thanksgiving hustle and bustle can be a bit hectic for us, not to mention for our furry friends. Whether you’re traveling or celebrating at home this year, it’s important to be mindful of your pet’s wellbeing. Erin Askeland, CPDT-KA and training...

08/11/2017

In our quest to visit all of Georgia's state parks while working on the new Jr Ranger books, we recently went to Etowah Indian Mounds. Now-I have to tell you...as a kid, I thought what's the big deal? Just a bunch of dirt:piled high...but that was in the days of interpretation that was more like school than a story from the past.
WOW! Those mounds tell quite a tale of chiefs that lived in the "sky" realm. When they did come down into the village, they were carried, so that their feet never touched the ground.
As I listened to our guide, I realized how many beliefs and oral traditions were similar to cultures across the globe during that time.
We are very excited about putting this into the Jr. Rangers books!

06/11/2017

We recently had the pleasure of visiting Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth. The highlight of our trek was the live interpretation. Each person was able to bring history to life in a way that had visitors leaning forward. When a site chooses to use re-enacters or interpreters, there is so much more to it than hiring a walking encylopedia. Personality is the spark to imagination. Standing "O" Fountain of Youth!

24/10/2017

Part 2 of "Music's Role in Visitor Experience"
"Beam Me Up Scotty"
You don't need a transporter from Star Trek to take your visitor to another time or geographic location. Music can do that by adding an ambient background. Sound design is not a playlist. It is meant to compliment the experience NOT compete with it.
When passengers enter the transportation mall at The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, they are met with the subtle sounds of an African rhythm as they examine the public art exhibit, Zimbabwe: a tradition in stone. If they choose to take the audio tour, the music sets the stage for the narration as well.
Audio tours benefit greatly from the use of music. Imagine watching Star Wars without the soundtrack.
By combining the pace of a story with the tempo of the music, plus choosing the right instruments to reflect the mood, music makes the listener "feel the story". An example I always refer back to is a spot that we created for a Civil War audio tour. In one particular 2 minute audio spot, there were two drownings. For the first we used sound effects such as shouts and a horse whinny, but for the second incident, sound effects would be redundant -so we created orchestral string music that swirled like a water's eddy. This proved quite effective in building the drama as the men in the story were pulled under the water to their deaths. http://www.cdigproductions.com/bowling-green-audio-tour-stop

23/10/2017

We had the honor of writing an article about the role music plays in visitors' experiences for InterpNews- which reaches travel professionals in 60 different countries. I thought I would share it in several segments. Please let us know how music touches your life:)

Bono says "Music can change the world because it can change people."
Whether you think music soothes the soul or helps your child learn the alphabet faster, it is a powerful medium. I just recently attended a wedding in Bogota, Colombia where there were very few English speakers. At first, during the reception, we all sat separated by language (English on one side of the room/Spanish on the other side), but as soon as the music began, everyone was on the floor laughing, mingling and moving to the beat. It didn't matter whether it was the Electric Slide or a Latin Salsa. On that crisp, autumn evening, I witnessed first-hand that music is a universal language that can unite us.
You Deserve a Break Today
For years advertising agencies have banked on music's power. Not only can music grab and hold an audience's attention, but jingles offer a guerilla brand awareness that has a considerable ROI.
Take the "Jingle Challenge"
You deserve a break today at __________________
Gimme a break, gimme a break, gimme a break for that________________
I'd like to teach the world to ___________________
Those in school systems have discovered the magic elixir as well. More and more curriculum include catchy ditties. My business partner, Danny Jones and I have written music for various educational publishers to teach such topics as early literacy, nutrition and character education. I am always elated when a parent writes to tell me that their child gets off the bus singing lyrics "Na na na na, DON'T TEASE" from a song we wrote. The seeds of bully prevention are planted with just a song.
Don't take my word for it, ask a college student to sing the songs they learned in 5th grade such as "Conjunction Junction" or "Fifty Nifty United States" Music makes a lasting impression.
That makes it an important tool in your pocket when creating interpretation and programs. In some cases, an excerpt of a tune used in your programming can even be edited and repurposed to brand your organization's message in a video or Public Service Announcement.

19/10/2017

Oh, gee-we HAD to go film a sunset canoe paddle for Roswell, GA's new video. Here are some clips of the raw footage, before it becomes a produced video. Can you believe this metro Atlanta city has such natural beauty? A BIG shout out to the Chattahoochee Nature Center for letting us tag along. # ILoveMyJob

19/10/2017

It took 9 years to build California's Great Stone Church, but in just one minute a violent earthquake destroyed everything. On our site visit to create Mission San Juan Capistrano's audio tour, we couldn't help but stand in awe of this place.

13/10/2017

Roswell, GA is the place to find your Modern Spirit, Southern Soul.
We had so much fun filming one of our favorite towns,

07/01/2016

We were so happy to produce this video and write a song for one of our favorite places. , is a great place to experience nature, history and some really good eating! https://youtu.be/JWCm4IzzugQ

Come to Roswell. You're going to love it here. modern spirit. Southern Soul.