• PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN MUNRO
• THE SKY’S THE LIMIT : John Munro of jmDigitalStudio is ready to help you shoot an advertisement and place it on local cable TV.

There’s a new video production house in town that specializes in digital media and cable TV advertising and, according to proprietor John Munro, now’s the time to advertise.

Often during a recession, businesses tighten their belts, cutting expenses wherever possible. One of the first things to go is advertising budgets, but many experts say that’s a colossal mistake. During the last economic downturn, K-Mart cut its ad budgets while Target increased ad spending, and Target later became a discount store leader but K-Mart filed for bankruptcy.

“Production costs have lowered and advertising prices are low,” said Munro. “Now’s the time to let your customers know you’re still here and still going strong. When economic times are competitive, you need to advertise more.”

Not only that, but the economy has left more people choosing to stay at home to watch TV and order a pizza rather than going out to dinner and a movie.

“Since Charter advertising prices are going down, I’m offering affordable production opportunities to local businesses. But aside from TV advertising, there are so many other ways video can increase a company’s bottom line—from simply documenting a process to a longer educational and promotional documentary. I just recently acquired an office in downtown SLO on Garden Street, which makes it an easy location for clients to find.”

Munro will consult creatively and shoot an ad, placing the commercials on local cable programming that reaches 65,000 potential customers. Best of all, it’s not as expensive as some might think. Producing a 30-second ad costs a one-time fee of $850, and an ad can run 240 times a month on the networks of choice for another $850. That’s only $3.50 per spot.

Munro, professionally trained and certified in editing software, has 15 years of experience as a videographer.

“My job is to get my client’s name out there,” said Munro. “Mainly I’ve been doing bigger projects, but with the decrease in ad prices, it made sense to hit this niche. I’m willing and ready to work with clients to determine how best to present their product or service.”

Contact John Munro of jmDigitalStudio at 896-8659. To see clips, visit jmdigitalstudio.com.


“My current and past clients include the State of California, Nevada Irrigation District, Cisco Systems out of San Jose, the SLO International Film Fest, the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, SLO County, and a number of smaller entities who are all repeat customers. After moving up north for several years, I came back to this area because it’s great here and it’s nice to be warm, and I would like to build a client base here of people who appreciate professional-quality work. One thing, though,” quipped Munro. “I don’t do weddings!!!”

Fast facts

The Tall Bike Posse is calling for bike-related art for the annual bike art show in May (national bike month). There is no limit on the type of art or number of pieces a person can enter in the show. A portion of the money from art sold will benefit the SLO County Bike Coalition. Last year the posse raised $1,000 for the coalition. The deadline to enter is April 18. For more info, call 471-4571 or email [email protected].  …

As part of SLO Life Without Limits Week, United Cerebral Palsy of SLO County will hold its 9th annual Abilities Fair on April 30. The Abilities Fair will be held in the SLO Vets Hall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will bring together educational lectures and displays of services, products, and equipment that support an independent lifestyle for people with disabilities. The fair will also provide networking opportunities for families and those in the health industry with vendors and social service representatives. For information visit ucp-slo.org. …

Short ’n Sweet, a Templeton group that rescues animals from high-kill shelters and places them in homes, is seeking donations of pet supplies and money to expand their shelter operation and keep caring for animals. The group spays, neuters, and gives medical care for all animals they receive, and currently defrays vet bills of around $2,000 a month. Used or new pet carriers, collars, harnesses, kennels, and all types of donations are welcomed. For more info, visit shortnsweetdogrescue.org.

Strokes&Plugs was compiled by Staff Writers Glen Starkey and Kylie Mendonca. Send your business news to [email protected].