Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Antenna TV

An impressive use of soundbites from old TV shows. How the hell do they find all of these?

This is a launch video for a new channel, Antenna TV:

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

WBZ Year Enders





KHOU: David Paul

I've known David Paul since our early days at KPLC in Lake Charles. Dave tells the story that I was working cameras during his audition and didn't think he'd make it.

Well... he did. He's been the morning meteorologist at KHOU for several years. We worked together there as well.

Here are 4 promos featuring David.







Wednesday, December 15, 2010

KHOU Year Ender

From my old pals at KHOU in Houston -- this was produced by Bobby Rigg.

Monday, November 29, 2010

What's the Worst That Could Happen?... Take Camera 3... OH! Crap.

What happens when a news station waits and waits for a bridge implosion and finally cuts away for a split second - only to have the bridge collapse?

First - you become an internet sensation. The video made the rounds last week.

Now... the promo.

So You Want to Write a Novel

It has to be easy, right?

Right?

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Weather Testimonials

Nicely shot, edited and directed -- these weather testimonials come from Detroit.





Tuesday, November 23, 2010

WCCO Anchor Spot

Following legends has become second nature for Frank Vascellaro. He is taking over for Don Shelby at WCCO and once took over for Paul Magers at KARE-TV.

Here is a new promo for Frank featuring his son Sam.

A Super Good Day

The "Good Day Sacramento" team - keeping viewers safe from the ordinary.

Here is a look at "The Good Day Movie" -- produced here by the incredibly talented Paul Kramer. Kudos to him and our art department. This was an incredible undertaking -- and they did a great job! Check it out!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Thanksgiving Day Parade Spot

Wow!! Check out this great graphics spot from Philly!

KDVR Denver

Here are several spots from KDVR, Fox 31 in Denver.

CSD Erik Candiani has been at the station for a few months - and already - his team is doing some great, breakthrough creative. Erik is a former producer at KOVR/KMAX in Sacramento and also worked at KTLA in LA.

He'd love your thoughts on these spots:











And a few image spots:





Sunday, November 21, 2010

Good Night Don Shelby

Tomorrow, legendary anchor Don Shelby retires from WCCO. From what I know of Don - he is a class act. Good luck Don! Here are a couple of promos:




Friday, November 19, 2010

November Promos

Can this sweeps period just end, please?

I hope everyone is doing great this November. We're all looking forward to the long Thanksgiving weekend.

Here are a few promos from around the country. Which are your favorites?







Thursday, November 18, 2010

It Pays to Advertise!

Saw this on Graeme Newell's Facebook page. Great spot!

Ummmm....?????

KTLA Homage To Entourage

This is a shot for shot re-imagining of the open to the show "Entourage"

Very slick.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

ABC15 in Phoenix wants you!

Producer
KNXV ABC 15 – Phoenix

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES PERFORMED
This list of duties is not exhaustive, and duties may be added, deleted or changed at any time, without notice.
1. Write and edit daily topicals, news image, station image and syndicated promos for the News and Promotion departments.
2. Write web and social media based advertising, news releases and assist with station community projects.
3. Assist with sales/promotion/programming special projects and events as needed. Weekend and evening work required.
4. Support, create and generate web-based promotions, social media content and efforts.
5. Perform other duties as needed and directed by the Creative Services Director.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: High School Diploma or equivalent required. Four-year college degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE: 2-3 years television broadcast experience preferred. 2-3 years news experience with promotion writing/editing preferred. Production experience a plus.

EQUIPMENT: Non-Linear editing experience required. Experience shooting video and I-News a plus.

LICENSE: Must have a valid driver’s license and provide proof of insurability.

SKILLS: Must have good communication and writing skills, be a self starter and be able to handle multiple tasks and deadline pressures. Knowledge of facebook, Twitter and social media applications preferred.

To apply for this position, please visit us at http://scripps.com/careers/jobsearch.html and search for requisition #2913

TELEVISION STATION KNXV ABC 15 IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Job Alert: Fox 5 Atlanta

WRITER/PRODUCER
Does your writing slice through the clutter of television advertising? Do you thrive off of the energy of breaking news and special reports? Then this may be your opportunity! FOX 5 Atlanta is searching for the best Writer/Producer to join our award winning promotion team. Work at one of the top FOX stations in the nation and show off your brilliant writing and creative skills to a large market audience every day. Candidate must be a real “go getter” with at least 2 years of promotion experience at a news station and have a college degree. Excellent writing skills are required! Must be able to multi-task, meet deadlines, and work well with others. Non-linear editing experience is needed. Camera operation and an understanding of design programs are always a plus. Rush your resume and reel to: Human Resources, WAGA/FOX 5; 1551 Briarcliff Road NE; Atlanta, GA 30306. No phone calls please. EOE M/F/D/V

Friday, November 12, 2010

Friday Roundup

Here are a few promos - some image, some special report.

TGIF.



WNBC Image:











Saturday, November 6, 2010

Sweeping Up 2

I love it when the news dept really gets the goods.  Check out this promo that makes me want to watch!



Here's a few more:







Friday, November 5, 2010

MUST SEE!!!

If you've ever been involved in a focus group -- or were crazy enough to try and test creative -- this is a must see!



I like Chimpanzees.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

KWWL "Fresh"

I get the play on words... but I don't get the connection between food and morning news.







Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Sweeping Up

Here are a few sweeps spots from around the country.  Which ones do you like?















Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Election Mania!

Election Day is here... have you voted?

Here are a couple of election-related spots:



Monday, October 25, 2010

Did This Actually Air???!!

Here is a spot labeled ABC7 Breakfast Bar Macho Campaign 

I'll be shocked if this actually aired.

 

 

They're Here!!!!

Sweeps are upon us and here is a nicely produced sweeps spot from our friends at WTHR in Indianapolis:

Friday, October 22, 2010

Read Along with KWWL

These are based off the "Adult Swim" spots.





This one never aired, according to their posting:

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Political Ad Breaks

A couple of years ago, WCCO produced "Political Ad Breaks" -- spots that aired right dead in the middle of election spots.

We liked the idea and did our own take - featuring our "Good Day Sacramento" players.  The show is very popular here and very fun to promote. 

Paul Kramer and I produced these.  We are also the proud owner of the following product:








Wednesday, October 6, 2010

CBS 13 Political Promos

Here are three new political promos from my station in Sacramento, CBS 13.

Producers Mike Wiebe, Paul Kramer and myself worked on these.










WCCO: On the Spot

An interesting spot from WCCO for their weather guy:

Monday, October 4, 2010

Conan Promos

You may have seen the "Missing You" campaign from Conan O'Brien... now comes a new spot featuring the star of the show himself...



Pretty damn funny.  Can't wait. Follow the countdown clock and more Conan goodness here:

www.teamcoco.com

WFAA Image Part 2

WFAA has a long history of doing whatever it takes to get the story.  But I'm curious how this will play though to Texans.  It seems to say they cover national news --- not local stories that happen to be in other places.

This is just one spot though... knowing WFAA, they've got this figured out.  Thoughts?

Thursday, September 30, 2010

New York Spots

The folks at WPIX in New York are promising to "change local news"... not sure what they have in store but here are two teaser spots:





The number one station in town, WABC,  has this spot promoting what's worked wonders for them for years -- something WPIX would call "tired old news":

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Monday, September 27, 2010

"Fall" in Love

I wonder where this tune is from... a music library maybe?  Custom?



The use of the term "Big Love" makes me think of HBO's series... which I'm sure isn't what WKYC is going for.  :)

Do You Like the Sun?

A great job in a great location... WPTV in West Palm needs you!
 
Creative Services Writer/Producer
WPTV - West Palm Beach, FL
 
Are you a Writer, Producer, Editor looking for new challenges and a way to
express your creative talents?  WPTV is looking for you!  Here¹s an
opportunity to work in sunny South Florida with great people at the #1 news
station in the state.  Must have knowledge of Final Cut Pro, shooting and
lighting techniques, and strong topical and image-writing skills.
 
See the full job description and apply online at www.scripps.com/careers

requisition #2725
 
 

Monday, September 20, 2010

KTVT Dallas Investigations

Another take on the "investigations don't take place in dark alleys" -- this one is nicely produced.

New WFAA Image

A teaser if you will... curious what this will be exactly:

Friday, September 17, 2010

WOAI NBC Tie-In

Not sure what I think about this spot.  It seems like a decent idea that I'm not sure works at all.

I'll give em points for doing something different.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Joe TV

Tribune is shaking things up in Seattle.  Check out these promos for "JoeTV"...














Saturday, September 11, 2010

Favorite Music Package?

Megatrax?  Videohelper?  You with a kazoo in the audio booth?

Where do you turn for music?  Any packages you wish you had?

My favorite has always been Videohelper.  Modern music with the funniest liner notes around.

I've also come to love Megatrax.  A huge range and a searchable website.

What package do you love the most when you're in a promo pinch and need that perfect score?

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

WFAA Looking for a Writer/Producer

Early in my career - I was shown promos from WFAA in Dallas. I was blown away.

Later, when I worked for their parent company, Belo, I loved seeing the creative that came out of that shop. Anyone who knows me well knows what high regard I hold WFAA.

Now, the station has a rare opening in their promo department. GM Mike Devlin is one smart cookie(he was the News Director in Houston during my time there) -- Dave Muscari is another great guy there. If you'd like to work at a station that still thinks journalism and great storytelling are #1... a station where the quality meter is dialed up to 11... check them out.

Promotion Writer/Producer/Editor WFAA- TV Dallas, Texas

We are seeking a Promotion Writer/Producer/Editor, who will be responsible for working with Promotion Director & staff to execute daily advertising needs for WFAA by writing, producing and/or editing of promotional announcements, as well as spots promoting targeted special reports and programming. This position may also be responsible for conceptualizing, writing, and producing, editing advertising material for other internal or external clients as deemed necessary by Promotion Director.

We are seeking a candidate with the following:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Must have ability to work under pressure.
• Should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

humanresources@wfaa.com or fax resumes to (214) 977-6393

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

WPIX Curb Your Enthusiasm

I will NOT curb my enthusiasm! These spots are terrific! WPIX has been producing some really interesting promos as of late. Check out this series of spots promoting one of my favorite shows "Curb Your Enthusiasm"

Monday, September 6, 2010

Weather in Atlanta

Are we EVER going to get past explaining how weather technology can prepare and protect your family? WE GET IT!!!



Wednesday, September 1, 2010

WABC Liz Cho

I'd watch this woman!! Here are 3 spots from the Big Apple:





Here's one for icon anchor Bill Ritter. He's not as pretty as Liz, but I guess I'd watch him too! :)

Thursday, August 26, 2010

KOVR/KMAX in Sacramento Looking for Promo Preditor

My station... so I'm biased.  THE BEST in the country... I love it here.  Wanna join us??


PROMOTION PREDITOR                                          Date: 8/26/10

DON’T KNOW WHAT A PREDITOR IS?  DON’T BOTHER!!

Who are we??   We’re one of most creative shops in the country.  You know… the one your CSD shows you spots from, then explains why it’s “great..but will never work in this market.”   We’re a real TEAM.  Creative and collaborative.  We put passion into everything we do, and don’t settle for less than the best promos around.   

Who are you?    You’re a proven operator with a killer reel and a passion for great work.  You can create!  Write! Shoot! Produce! Edit!  You’re the person that’s known for getting it done… and exceeding expectations.   You know how to make zero budget look like a million bucks.  And you know how to do it ON strategy and ON deadline.  

We shoot everything.  Work in HD.  We have 4 fully stocked Final Cut Pro suites and use them.  We promote 65 hours of news between our two stations, so we do LOTS of high creative on tight deadlines.   We’re located in West Sacramento, nestled between two beautiful rivers, and an hour from either San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and Napa

EOE – no phone calls please –  

RUSH YOUR REEL TO:
Drew Fowler, CBS13/CW31, Attn: Promotion Predator, 2713 KOVR Drive, West Sacramento, CA 95605

MUST APPLY FOR THIS POSITION ON LINE:  www.cbs13.com – “JOBS” link

No paper applications accepted.

Application Deadline: Position open until filled

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

MORE High School Football

What the hell is the big deal about HS football?  Every station treats it like the biggest thing ever... EVERY STATION!!! 

Here's an interesting spot from Fox in Atlanta.  Its shot from the point of view of their sports guy. 

According to their youtube entry:  It helps if you know that the "hand in face" is a huge brand for our sports in Atlanta.


Tuesday, August 24, 2010

If Interns Ruled the World

Here are two spots produced by interns at WOWT in Omaha, Nebraska.

They'd love your feedback!!




Friday, August 13, 2010

High School Football Season

That time of year again.  Time to promote high school football coverage.

This promo is pretty good -- except when the guy near the end tackles the man with the hose -- he doesn't hit him NEAR enough for my tastes.  :)

Monday, August 9, 2010

Favorite Announcer

A good announcer can make your copy sing. A great announcer can make you look like a genius. A question came my way today - who has a recommendation for an announcer.

I immediately pointed to our announcer Beau Weaver. Beau is awesome. Easy to work with, can take your copy to new heights and is extremely versatile.

I also really enjoyed working with Bill Ratner(Bill and I followed each other around the country for years -- first in San Antonio, then Houston and finally Orlando) Great guy -- took me to Musso and Frank in Hollywood once.  He even paid!

And I'm always singing the praises of Robin Bittman - who I've also worked with for years. Great voice and one of the nicest people in the world. LOVE Robin.

So that begs the question. Who do you really "love" as a VO artist? Maybe someone you work with now or hope to work with again in the future... tell the rest of us who's tops in voice over work these days?

WBZ Wants YOU!

Looking to make a move to a top market? Want to work for one of the best in the country? WBZ in Boston is looking for you! Here's the ad. If you're interested -- contact Jessica -- the info is below.

News Promotion Producer/Editor
WBZ TV - Boston

Can you write thought-provoking, engaging news topical promotion? Do you like money? Well, I think we could be a good match. WBZ TV, the CBS O&O, in Boston is looking for an experienced producer/editor with exceptional writing skills and a passion for local news.

We're looking for someone driven and creative - able to learn from those around you and able to lead the station's nightly topical strategy for the 11pm news. You will participate fully in daily news meetings and help set the promotional agenda while crafting unique, brand-compliant topical promos. Non-linear editing skills are expected and shooting experience is a plus. Five years of experience required. We're looking to hire the right person for our unique station as soon as possible.

CONTACT:
Jessica Stowell
WBZ-TV
1170 Soldiers Field Road
Boston, MA. 02134

Email - WBZTVJobs@cbs.com

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Facebook Fan Promo

Our show "Good Day Sacramento" is a fun, irreverent show that allows us to do all kinds of out of the box/funny promos.

When our Facebook page hit 20,000 fans -- I came up with this promo to thank the 20K fan in a way only Good Day can. Special thanks to Mike Wiebe - who shot most of this and really helped turn this spot into something fun.

Enjoy!

WBZ: Keller at Large

The latest from WBZ -- political reporter Jon Keller:

What is it?????

And will it be big enough to not disappoint when it starts? When it comes to local news -- I'm not so sure.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Working on the Sales Video?

Here's one from KDAF in Dallas that I really like.

Some very funny lines - including several swipes at "Family Guy"... take a look:



UPDATE: I originally thought the voice was Simpsons voice god Dan Castinella -- but its actually Mike Kaminski - an extremely talented guy. Here he is doing the voices for the Simpsons prodcuers:

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

WKMG Orlando

A few new spots from Orlando:





This isn't a terrible idea to encourage sampling:

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Friday, July 16, 2010

TV38 Boston: Coming Soon

TV38, which utilizes the character Blockhead as their "spokesperson", has just produced these eye catching spots promoting their upcoming syndicated shows.







Thursday, July 15, 2010

Who Needs Boring News Footage?

One of my coworkers, Mike, did this spot which I love. Way to take an everyday story and do something really creative with it.

Its great to work with such a fun, creative team.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Simple is Better.

Here are two spots from our friends in San Francisco, KPIX:



Tuesday, July 13, 2010

WBZ: We're Listening

New image spots from WBZ in Boston:



Into the Vortex

News footage is usually pretty bland. But not when you take your cameras into the eye of a tornado! Check out this spot from WTHR:

Sunday, July 11, 2010

WNBC: We Are New York

UPDATED: There is a second spot below. There is apparently a glitch during one small section, fyi.



Friday, July 2, 2010

Social Media Spot

My friend Andi produced and stars in this spot for the Daystar Television Network.

Check out the cool graphics work:

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

KTVT iPhone Promo

UPDATE: Link fixed!

Cute, simple concept...

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Monday, June 28, 2010

WRAL is Hiring!

First it was WBZ, now another of America's best stations is looking for a producer -- this time with an emphasis on image producing.  Check it out:

Seeking: Producer with big picture image vision, cliché free writer with personality and attention to tone. You’re the right person if you can dream up and execute brilliant creative, are a hands on genius with the camera and can make magic in the edit suite. At WRAL, you’ll produce station image, topically promote our top rated News on various platforms and use social media to expand our brand. We have all the toys a great producer would want, including an all HD facility, seven Final Cut Pro HD edit suites, in house dolly and jib, an outstanding design team, and a dynamite web presence.

People come to WRAL-TV and they stay. Why? We’re family. We do what other stations don’t and we like turning the broadcasting world on its ear. We have extraordinary expectations of each other. We’re locally-owned by Capitol Broadcasting Company, a stable, community advocate, do the right thing company that offers some of the best benefits in the business.

*IMPORTANT: Must have a minimum of five years experience in TV Promotion or production. Marketing experience required. Exceptional writing skills required. Must be proficient non-linear editor (preferably Final Cut Pro). Experience on After Effects, Photoshop and Motion is preferred.

All candidates must apply online at www.cbc-raleigh.com.  Click Careers. WRAL-TV.
Job Number: 10035
*Demo reel or website with production examples required with application.

Send your standout reel on DVD demonstrating innovative station image and news promotion to:
Corporate Human Resources
Job Number: 10035
P.O. Box 12800
Raleigh NC 27605
Publish Post

Friday, June 25, 2010

Looking for a great job?

WBZ in Boston, one of the very best in the country, is looking for a top-notch 11pm topical producer. 

Here are all the details...

Can you write thought-provoking, engaging news topical promotion?  Do you like money?  Well, I think we could be a good match.  WBZ TV, the CBS O&O, in Boston is looking for an experienced producer/editor with exceptional writing skills and a passion for local news.

We're looking for someone driven and creative - able to learn from those around you and able to lead the station's nightly topical strategy for the 11pm news.  You will participate fully in daily news meetings and help set the promotional agenda while crafting unique, brand-compliant topical promos.  Non-linear editing skills are expected and shooting experience is a plus. Five years of experience required.  We're looking to hire the right person for our unique station as soon as possible.

CONTACT:
Jessica Stowell
WBZ-TV
1170 Soldiers Field Road
Boston, MA. 02134

Email - WBZTVJobs@cbs.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Thursday, June 24, 2010

WTVJ Miami

Here is a collection of several spots from the NBC station in Miami.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Dark Alleys... Really?

UPDATE:  The video below has been made private.  

Somehow... we haven't moved past using dark alleys for promos.

I found my old reel the other day and popped it in.  It still had a spot from several years ago that featured... you guessed it... dark alleys(and a smoke machine!!!).  Even though the spot is shot on film and looks cool... I'm retiring it. 

I get why its so compelling to use... but I'd challenge more stations to find a new visual.  

Saturday, June 19, 2010

New Ad


On the heels of the WGN ad -- what about this?

Friday, June 18, 2010

Thursday, June 17, 2010

WGN Morning Ad

This ad is getting alot of attention thanks to Graeme Newell, who posted it to his Facebook page.

So... question is -- what you you think about it?   (Click the image for a larger view.)

Writing Test


Question for you fine promo professionals -- do any of you use writing tests when hiring new producers?  One of our readers is curious if anyone has any advice or an actual test they could share.


Besides a reel -- how do you check the skill set of job candidates?

Monday, June 7, 2010

Sunday, June 6, 2010

WFAA Weather

Check out this series of weather promos for WFAA weather guru Pete Delkus.

Delkus Delivers Campaign from Monicayh on Vimeo.


I also really like the simplicity of these... not your typical ID.

Delkus Delivers IDs from Monicayh on Vimeo.