Only One Larry

Another in the series of spots from Dallas:

ABC News: See the Whole Picture

This is the new campaign from ABC News. 

They talk about making things clear - and I wonder if all the fast cutting works against that message.  But its not terrible.

What I do feel bad about is that large group shot of the ABC News team - which includes Christiane Amanpour - who just left ABC.  I hope they shot a version without her!  :)

Quit While You're Ahead?

Some of these WFAA spots have been fantastic.  Great at getting his name out there.  I hear the ratings have improved.

But spots like this one seem like "the ideas that should have been left alone."  I'm not sure its creating a fun relationship between Ron Corning and his co-anchor.  In fact, it makes him seem more annoying and only helps highlight the fakeness that is local tv news.   She's irked by him - but puts on a nice, big, fake smile once the cameras turn back on.

Thoughts?

WESH Year Ender

From our friends in Orlando:

KHOU Year Ender

From our friends in Houston:

A Good Day Christmas

I work with the most talented team in the business.  Here are two spots from the amazingly talented Mike Wiebe - one of the best/nicest guys I've ever had the pleasure of working with. 

He animated these two spots, which included making a 3-D model of one our anchors, Mark S. Allen.

For those outside of Sacramento - the two main characters in these spots are anchors for our fun morning show, Good Day Sacramento.

Is Your Anchor Smoking Pot?

One of the most "interesting" ads I've ever seen!

For the rest of the story, check out my friend Roger's site:

http://rogersimmons.com/station-asks-if-anchor-smokes-pot/2011/12/14/

Santa Sessions

A Year in 2:55

I put together a music video compilation of our department's work from 2011. 

Having two unique brands with CBS13 and Good Day allows us to do some really fun, creative work. 

I couldn't be more proud of our team.

Enjoy!
 

KABC Facebook Promo

A clean, simple promo from LA:

Best Commercials of 2011

From AdWeek, can you guess the #1 commercial of the year?  It was my fav:

http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/10-best-commercials-2011-136663

Only One Larry?

KTVT in Dallas puts their chief meteorologist in anytime bad weather threatens the market.  He sleeps there. 

That is their brand.  Always there.  So here's a fun, humorous spot that "explains" how he does it:

Another Cool Effect

This spot won a Silver for Best Editing at this year's PROMAX Sports Media Marketing Awards

Cool Effects

This spot is from 2008 but it was just uploaded to Youtube. 

KABC Promos

This reel from LA has a couple of things we've seen before - along with a bunch of new stuff. 

Enjoy!

Chevy Runs Deep

One of my favorite forms of advertising is a commercial that tells a story.  It allows the spot to evoke emotion and play out the drama - beginning, middle and satisfying end.

This long-form spot from Chevy has great little nuances to it that just work.  It chronicles a son who goes on a search for his dad's long-lost Impala. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Good Day Christmas Story

Leg lamp... check.
Bunny costume... check.
Red Ryder BB Gun... check.

Kudos to Paul Kramer, who produced this.  JJ Labritt shot it and I stood by watching all the fun.  :)
 

Looking for a new job?!!

WMAR ABC2, the E.W. Scripps Media, Inc. owned ABC affiliate in Baltimore, MD (DMA #27) has an immediate opening for a creative, motivated, and news hungry promotion producer to join our creative services team! If you live and breathe creative marketing and have strong knowledge of demo targeted promotion writing, Final Cut, After Effects, and compositing, we’d like to hear from you asap! We are hunting for a highly competitive producer with the desire to contribute terrific work. We’re especially interested in candidates who are willing to think beyond the traditional, and have an excellent grasp of new media’s growing role in the world of local television news. A link with examples of your work is essential, please include topicals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Write, produce, and edit enticing topicals, special report promos, and POP’s.
• Write and produce on-air spots for Programming and Special Projects.
• Have the ability to quickly recognize and defend highly promotable news topics.
• Periodically required to assist in promotional events.
• Create and maintain marketing content on all station website and social media venues.
• Other duties as assigned by Director of Creative Services.
• Must be willing to work an evening shift.

Ron-dezvous

Another spot from WFAA:

The Airport Voice

Great story from CBS on the voice over talent that you've heard a million times.

Can't embed the video - so here's the link. 


http://youtu.be/VHzodnuAbZM

Think You're Creative?

Next time you get jazzed about that 4 frame dissolve or sweet 3-D animation... remember what we do isn't so special.  THIS... is cool:

More Ron.

UPDATE:  For those of us curious if these spots are working or not -- comes an article from Uncle Barky,  a Dallas TV blogger.  
Here's a quote from the article:  


"WFAA8 is closing in on second-place NBC5 and no longer runs all that far behind reigning champ Fox4 in the 6 to 7 a.m. ratings."

The full article can be found here:

http://unclebarky.com/dfw_files/e46736ebb7585820143e30343e47ae6c-2212.html

WFAA does it again with the latest Ron Corning promo.  A humorous play on words - this is a real departure from the station's stuffy image from the past. 

Like, Like, Like!

From Bakersfield, CA -- they had a little fun in an attempt to gain Facebook fans.

Get Debt Free Differently

The slug of this spot grabbed my attention.  A different way to get debt free... I'm listening.

What followed was a promo that I found both annoying and confusing.  

The reporter is boxing with debt... but I'm not sure how using your head and your heart fits in.  What in the world does that mean anyway?  It leaves me confused.

What happened to clarity?  Sorry... I like the boxing concept(although I found the boxing announcer VO very annoying) -- but the spot leaves me less excited by the story than when I started.  That can't be good, right?

Local TV News: Pushing the Envelope

On this Friday night, I give you a sad look at the state of local news in some markets. 

Pretty funny. 

WTHR Sweeps Promos

School Attack: Should Kids Fight Back?

Does this promo go too far?  Weigh in with your comments... its pretty intense!

News 8 Travels

A new image spot from Dallas:

More Corning Spots

After the first two - I wasn't going to keep posting every spot... but this is a series of 3 clever new additions to the campaign... so enjoy!

Groping Ghosts

Finally!!  I have seen it all. 

Jacology

From KPLR in St. Louis, a different kind of 4pm newscast:

KABC Promos

A nice collection of spots from KABC in LA.  This features image, special projects, community and more.

Start Local. Stay Local.

Nicely done spot!

Typical Morning Show

Image spot for "The Daily Buzz" -- a nationally syndicated morning show that's anything but typical:

Use of B-Roll in Promos

There's an interesting conversation happening on TVSpy right now about the use of b-roll in promos. 

What's your rule?  Do you use generic b-roll in news topicals?  What about sweeps promos -- are they different? 

Here's the convo from the TVSpy Watercooler:

EDitor in NJ   I hate this new convention of using stock/stagged b-roll footage for insertion into NEWS promos. Examples: You'll see it all the time=----When the dramatic voice-over promos...talk about ,say, a drug bust and you see a montage of piles of coke or pot (not the actual stuff confiscated)....or stuff like..."There have been more arrests tonight in blah, blah blah' and you see quick shots of handcuffs or a jail cell door slam shut-----this is cheap, dramatization---===not ===NEWS FOOTAGE. This is dishonest and unethical. Only actual news footage should be used in promos IMO....actors portraying criminals or prostitutes or stock footage of jail cell doors slamming shut--- we gotta outlaw it.

I hate this new convention of using stock/stagged b-roll footage for insertion into NEWS promos.
Examples: You'll see it all the time=----When the dramatic voice-over promos...talk about ,say, a drug bust and you see a montage of piles of coke or pot (not the actual stuff confiscated)....or stuff like..."There have been more arrests tonight in blah, blah blah' and you see quick shots of handcuffs or a jail cell door slam shut-----this is cheap, dramatization---===not ===NEWS FOOTAGE.
This is dishonest and unethical.
Only actual news footage should be used in promos IMO....actors portraying criminals or prostitutes or stock footage of jail cell doors slamming shut--- we gotta outlaw it.
__________________________________________________________
orthicon  not sure we can OUTLAW anything that way..
how do you propose to tell all the cost-cutting news directors and station managers that they can no longer use stock video?

what penalties do you envision for breaking that prohibition?

mostly, how do you plan to enforce it in the first place?

curious minds want to know...
__________________________________________________________
justaskin'

Ed is correct. It is not news. So, a different question: Are "promos" news or are they "commercials"? Next subject: is it okay to use ANY stock video EVER? Classic use of stock video: money being printed to talk about federal budget deficit. Is this OK? We're all going to say, yes it is. Next question: shots of police cars at a crime scene from a YEAR AGO used to discuss this week's murder stats. Is this OK?

Steve Jobs Talks Marketing

This spot features some of the worst still shots of anchors I've seen in awhile. Almost everyone looks bad, in my opinion.

For more on a bit of controversy sparked by this spot, check out Uncle Barky's website:


http://unclebarky.com/dfw_files/653fa69cc6598a2bb973624b3addf229-2174.html

.

New KHOU Spots

I worked at KHOU from 2002-2005... great station. Here are a few new promos from the Lone Star state:

WFAA Corning in the Morning Promo

Another in the series:

IDOPROMOZ Turns 4!

Thanks to everyone who visits IDOPROMOZ!

And good luck with November... share your spots here by shooting me an email: donsjr@hotmail.com

Brush with Greatness

I was having breakfast the other morning with some friends and the subject of meeting celebrities came up. Being in TV... we all get a chance to meet famous people. So I thought I'd throw it out to you guys and ask -- what's your best celebrity story?

I have two. First, I got a chance to write promos for George Bush Sr. to read. Kinda cool to have your words delivered by the former leader of the free world. No matter how you feel about politics -- working with a President has to be considered cool, right? He even signed one of my scripts.

The second was meeting comedy icon Bill Cosby. Anyone who knows me well knows I love comedy -- so the chance to meet the Cos was a thrill. He did NOT call me "brilliant", as the president so graciously wrote. Bill Cosby called me an asshole. It was a joke. I think.

What's your favorite "brush with greatness" story?

WBZ: A Good Start Starts Here.

These spots have a nice feel as they follow the anchors getting ready in the wee hours of the morning.

These are all about viewers making a connection to BZ's people.

RIP Steve Jobs

WBTV On Your Side

Nice, clean graphics for these two spots from Charlotte:

WFAA Mornings...err... Corning.

The Morning News... now on at... WHAT TIME??

Don't think this is an actual promo for on-air -- goes on too long. Could make a fun :30 though.

STELLA!!!!!

A fun, personality-based spot from the creative dynamos at WCCO:

Action News is Cool!

UPDATE: They removed the first spot from Youtube... I'll repost if they do.

Not sure where they found this kid... but he has a great delivery. Still not convinced news is "cool"... but for what these are -- they're pretty fun.

I believe they were asking viewers to send in homemade videos.

FINALLY!

This station figured out how to get more weather into their newscast.

News 4: Defined

This is from KMOV in St. Louis. The spot is targeted towards an NFL audience.

This lights are too much for my taste.

Today's TMJ

Austin's KEYE: What Matters

KEYE anchors take to the streets to talk about what matters with their viewers.

WFAA: Ron Corning taking over mornings...

A little background on this spot. The guy with the cigar in this spot(yep - there's an anchor smoking a stogie in this promo) is Dale Hansen. Dale has been WFAA's main sports anchor for years and promoted as a real firecracker personality. He's known for that in Dallas -- where a cocky, cigar smoking anchor is actually accepted.

This spot is for their new morning anchor, Ron Corning.



Does it work? Part of me loves the different approach... part of me isn't sure... part of me wants to smoke a cigar now.

And you are...?

From time to time, I wonder what type of people come to this site. CSDs, producers, artists, news people, hobos, drug addicts... who?

Do me the favor of commenting with a little something about yourself. You can still remain anonymous - but tell us what you do, where you are at and anything else we may want to know.

Go ahead... don't be shy!

Fresno Promos

Here is a new spot from KFSN, promoting their new 4pm newscast:



And from KSEE... a series of image spots:

The Man Who Taught Them to Fly

Looks like a great interview with the man who taught two 9/11 terrorists how to fly.

Nice promo from NBC Miami... I want to see this!

9/11 Anniversary

A classy spot from WGN in Chicago:

WFAA: Heroin

From 1998 - these spots promoted a week-long series on Heroin.

WNBC: Back at 5pm

Research-driven cliches? Check.

Admitting that it was a dumb idea to stop doing a 5pm news in the first place? Somehow missing!

Oz Video

A fun spot from KABC in LA promoting Dr. Oz.

Click this link:
Oz Video


Enjoy!

Remembering 9/11

This promois a nicely shot spot from CBS in Detroit.  Nicely understated - it features an anonymous "firefighters pledge."

The only change I'd make is not having the logo in the entire spot -- let people concentrate on the message.

WRAL: Friends Don't Let Friends...

Back to School

It's back to school time which means viewers will be coming back to morning news after a summer of vacations and sleeping in. KATU in Portland put together this campaign targeting these viewers:

Interesting Irene Spot

There's something about how this anchor delivers the spot that works. Not perfect -- but pretty real and honest.

Unfortunately, I can't embed the spot here -- so all I can do is offer a link.

What do you think of it?



http://youtu.be/KNw_o6CLE2c

Irene Coverage

From our friends at KYW in Philly, a simple, clean spot following Hurricane Irene.

News 8 Doppler Net

Another spot from WFAA, this one from 1999. My friend and former boss Stan Melton wrote and produced this.

I always liked how this told a story and used changes in music to keep the :60 flowing.

KEYE: Experience Matters

KING 5 Investigators

Colorado's Own

Kittywood Studios

A funny "behind the scenes" video from Kittywood Studios... the makers of cat videos.

News Men of Fresno

From KSEE in Fresno -- this spot is being played on-air as well as social media. 

Action News at 4

New spot out of Fresno:

Football Friday on WRAL

Fox Houston Anchor Intro

Check out this promo teasing a new anchor coming to Houston:



You can read more here: http://mikemcguff.blogspot.com/2011/08/fox-26-kriv-promotes-mikemcguffcom-on.html

Ummm...

Call me crazy -- but I really like this spot!

Live Prepared

A new weather spot out of Miami:

Schoolhouse Rock-Style Promo

On Wednesday of this week - we decided to do a "Schoolhouse Rock: I'm Just a Bill" parody for a promo.

On Thursday - the uber-talented Mike Wiebe drew this entire spot... editing it together Friday morning.

We were pretty pleased with the results - even though it was such a quick turn!

Vintage WFAA Weather Promo

Another of my favs from years past... a weather promo for WFAA in Dallas:

KOVR/KMAX Spots

These are from my station... I work with a terrific team.

We're looking for a producer, if you're interested!

TXA21 Dallas: Behind the Scenes

A look at the making of a promo for TXA21 in Dallas:



And here is the final version:

KSEE

Jim at KSEE in Fresno, CA would like everyone's take on these spots:

WRAL "Every" Promo

Super Sweet Editing

Check out this from FIAT and get ready to think -- "I guess that 19 frame dissolve I did today wasn't so fancy after all."

WBZ Image Campaign

The Lockout is Over!

KTVT in Dallas created this "Welcome Back Cowboys" spot:

Zombies!

This is the first morning news promo I've ever seen that features the anchor in a cartoon graveyard talking about zombies! Nice animation...

WTVD: Military Pics

Morris from WTVD in Raleigh-Durham would like everyone's feedback on this I-team spot:

WRAL: Local Issues, Insight, Investigations.

A new image spot from WRAL. Cool graphics...

KING 5 Image

KOVR Needs a Topical Producer

CBS 13 in Sacramento, CA(my station!) is looking for a news topical writer, producer, shooter and editor for daily news topicals. You need solid news judgment, good conversational writing skills and the ability to work creatively under tight deadline pressure. CBS 13 is a well-branded and highly creative team environment with an aggressive and innovative style.

The news topical producer will report to the Promotion Manager but work closely with CBS 13 newsroom staff. Previous topical writing and editing experience is a requirement. Those applying should have a minimum of 3-years writing or producing experience in a news station. Former or current news producers with technical and creative abilities are encouraged to apply.

To apply for the position, please log on to: www.cbssacramento.com

KHOU News at 4

Uh Oh. X-Factor Is Coming.

If you're not a FOX station - this promo may make your head explode.  Simon is coming back with "The X Factor" -- which looks basically like "American Idol" to me. 

Unfortunately for all of us non-FOX affiliates -- looks like FOX is going to have TWO juggernauts to compete with.

Great.

Here is a new promo, thought up by Cowell himself. 

NBC Miami: We Believe

UPDATE: I've updated the link. The station confirmed this was for a sale piece - not on-air.

Not your typical spot... NBC Miami is playing off emotion and community.

Interesting.  What are your thoughts?

Splitscreen: A Love Story

Very cool video that features a man and a woman - one in Paris, the other in NYC.

Beautifully shot and the best part?... it was shot on a Nokia N8 mobile phone!!


Splitscreen: A Love Story from JW Griffiths on Vimeo.

WFAA: Hansen Style

These spots were produced back in the '90s.  Shot on film - they're still great looking spots.

Here is some "behind the scenes" info from Stan Melton - who produced these:

COWBOYS, HANSENSTYLE - These were the first spots I got to produce when I arrived at WFAA-TV, and what GREAT GOOD FUN! And, there are soooo many stories to tell. Like, Dale being deathly sick on the Friday we were supposed to shoot, so we moved EVERYTHING to Sunday...and STILL sweated him showing up or not. Dale DID show up, in spite of still being rough around the edges, and did a great job. Or the story about ND John Miller being concerned about the girl in the shot (she was the make-up artist) having a tattoo (this was before they were as common as they are now) (artist Mike Kuzmick had made the Harley Davison-ish HansenStyle logo with an ink stamp), and organizing a group of newsroom women to weigh in on the matter. Or the fact that we shot EVERYTHING organic, EXCEPT for a Channel 8 logo! :-/ It truly was a great experience shooting, coloring, and then editing.

Btw, the term HansenStyle wasn't a new creation...prior to my arrival at WFAA the term had been used in advertising Dale Hansen's Cowboys coverage, but with vocals in the music (a church choir one year...it was VERY COOL). I received permission to deviate and not use lyrics...just music. I think it works pretty well.

There are three spots total, the first being the main image spot, the second "topicalling" coverage of a specific Sunday Game, and the third promoting a Monday Night Live 1-Hour Special prior to a Monday Night Football Game on WFAA. Poor Don Hazen must have assembled 100+ versions in all! :-/

Casey Anthony POP

From my good friends at WESH in Orlando... a look back at the past 3 years of Casey Anthony mania. 

Nicely done.

Springfield Tornado POP

Brian from WSHM in Springfield would love your feedback on this POP:

Look Like Your Pet?

Here's a fun spot from Fox 17 in Michigan:

Fresno Spots

I got an email from Tim at KFSN in Fresno.  He'd love to share these spots:





Thanks for sharing Tim!  Keep them coming folks! 

Summer is Here!

I can tell its summer because Youtube has dried up with good promo examples.  Everyone is resting, hitting the pool and licking their wounds from May. 

I haven't updated much lately because of a lack of content... oh, and an awesome 8-day roadtrip. 

Have any great promos you'd like me to post?  Would love to see them.

Email me a link at:  donsjr@hotmail.com

Sorry for the pic.  I thought it was disturbing yet hilarious. 

WCCO Nails Anchor Switch

An interesting article about WCCO and their latest image campaign:

http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/2011/07/05/52299/wcco-image-spot-eases-anchor-transition?utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=WCCO+Image+Spot+Eases+Anchor+Transition&utm_campaign=WCCO+Image+Spot+Eases+Anchor+Transition

JOB ALERT!

Our friends at KOAT in Albuquerque sent along this job alert.  A great station -- looking for a great producer!

KOAT 7, the ABC/Hearst station in beautiful Albuquerque, New Mexico, is searching for a primo topical producer! This person will spearhead our promotional efforts for our #1 one-hour 10pm newscast. We’re an aggressive shop where we expect only the best caliber of work. You must write copy that sizzles and edit spots that shine. You’ll work with a seasoned management team (including a CSD who started in this position) and some of the best equipment in the market. E-mail CSD Tony Reed for the 411: tonyreed@hearst.com

The New Final Cut Software

This just about sums it up.  "Conan" editors share their love of FCPX:



Has anyone worked with it yet?

Football Cops

Coming this fall... Peyton and Eli Manning are "Football Cops."  Check out the trailer:



Ok... so there really is no show.  It's fake.   This is a promotion for DirectTV. 

What did you think?

Hothaus Demo Reel 2011

I've always been a fan of Hothaus.  Here is their latest reel:

Boston Fun

At our recent meetings at Promax in Vegas - this fun ID was a big hit:



And here is a Congrats Bruins spot from WBZ:

WBZ Tornado Promos

No Texting!

The Alamo Draft House is Austin is a great movie theater that has a strict "no texting" policy.

After a recent customer refused to stop texting after two warnings -- she was kicked out.

Here is a PSA they created to run before their R-rated films... that features a voice mail left by the customer.

Classic.

Makes you wish you could do something like this with all the crazy "Why are my soaps not on?"-type calls we get at TV stations!

Promax Station Summit

Who's going?  I AM!

Years ago, when I got into the promo business - my boss went to Promax.  That year - Oprah threw a little party with Tina Turner providing the music.  I thought - man, I can't wait to go to this thing!

Now, a short 17 or so years later... here I go. Vegas baby!

Let me know if you're going and if you see me there -- please say hello. 

Can't WAIT to see what Oprah has planned this year.  ;)

Reporting from all across Texas

From KTVT in Dallas:

9000 TV Channel Logos

The link below has a collection of 9000 TV station logos.

Find yours! (I gave up after 15 seconds.)


http://ustelevision.com/2011/05/26/9000-tv-channel-logos/

Goodbye Oprah

We put this together to run the day after Oprah ended. The queen of talk is on our competition - so we're hoping to bring over some of her fans to our newscast at 4.

Very simple spot... but hopefully effective at getting our message out!

Movie Trailer Surprise

I don't usually post movie trailers but this one hits with a nicely played surprise about mid-way through.





(Side note - I decided I wanted to work in TV or the movies when I saw "The Muppet Movie" when I was 4. FOUR! How did I go so wrong so early in life?) :)

Judgement Day

From the "I wish I'd done that" file... two IDs from TV38 in Boston.



We actually talked about making light of it in our topicals Friday - but were unsure if we would "offend."

What do you think? Did any of you get creative with the "last day of earth"??

No One Was Shot in the Making of This Camera Store's Ad

Saw this on AdWeek... very clever.

Goodbye Oprah! Boo Hoo!

An anchor at WCBD in Charleston is having trouble with the idea of an Oprah-less world.

A fun, creative spot:

Puppy Mills

I like the different approach here... but wonder if the dog sound effects go a little far... especially towards the end Thoughts?

My New Canon t3i

I recently purchased a Canon t3i. I've wanted to take up photography and with the HD video feature - it was a great camera.

Several people I know are now shooting on these cameras and I thought we should use this page as a learning forum. If you have any tips - or stories about your camera or photos -- fill us in.

So far, my favorite lens is the "Nifty 50" - a fixed lens that's great for depth of field.

Having come from a video background -- its kind of fun learning all the photography aspects. Websites, videos, links to your work, etc are welcome comments as well.

An Icon Says Goodbye

Goodbye Oprah, Hello News

From WABC in NYC:

KPIX: "It's Frankie!"

A nice little spot introducing a new anchor in San Francisco. He's a hometown boy - and this spot plays to that perfectly.

The "O-Fishel" TV Event of the Year!

I don't know Greg Fishel - but from this spot, seemed like a good guy. Nice job from WRAL. (Although I can't imagine a world where a weather guy getting a makeover is a good idea for sweeps.)

WFAA Weather. Just. Plain. Better.

Not sure I dig this. Its Spot 1 -- so maybe the campaign will be better as a whole?

Fact Finder Investigations

From Wichita, Kansas:

One Tank Trips

Nicely animated spot from Fox 17 in Michigan:

Ah... the Reporter Standup

We've seen a million of these. "Active" stand-ups. Here's a funny collection from a "reporter" at "News Action News."

I LOVE this spot!

A commercial for "Explore Minnesota" that appears to have been done in one continuous shot. If not - its pretty seamless! Great work!

Mr. Microphone

A fun take on a "We're expanding our news with more news, weather and traffic" spot we've all had to make at some time or another.

From Philly:

WRAL Tornado POPs

Our hearts go out to the communities hit by a tornado Saturday. Here are 4 spots from WRAL in Raleigh Durham:

NBC Miami

These do not feel like news promos. And that's a very good thing.

Breaking News: The WRAL Way

KWWL: Summer Mobile Alerts

Creative way to get this message across...

WBNS: Next10

A nice spot from WBNS. Who knew Columbus was such a forward thinking city?

WRAL: Breaking News

WFAA Peabody Award

Thumbs Up!

Here is a clever campaign from Skittles.







Did you notice the "Put it back" message on the skittle for those of us who are rebels and removed our finger? Excellent job Skittles!

KHOU Stands for Houston

A :90 version of their new campaign:

Severe Weather is Scary!

This spot tries a different approach to weather promotion... without all the lightening bolts and frightening music.

Cat Coverage You Can Count On

Our show "Good Day Sacramento" recently covered a BIG, breaking story.

Here was our POP.



UPDATE: Here's an ID from our competition on the same type of story. This was a few years ago...

"His Choice"

So it looks like the main meteorologist was moved to mornings at this station. The promos try really hard to make you think he's fine with the demotion.

WRAL: O-Fishel

From our friends at WRAL -- they're really looking forward to spring. Coupled with their 30-year chief meteorologist being named "Fishel" -- they make a fun play on words:

Some Old WFAA Spots

I've never seen this version - but WFAA did a series of spots back in the 90s that were beautifully shot and really spoke to Texans.



And here's a morning show spot that I believe caused some issues when the campaign ran. They sent out boxes of "WFAA Cereal" to people all over the area. Problem was - there was nothing in the box. What kind of message does that send? Fun spot though...

A Little Bit of Inspiration

A look back at the history of movie title design.

Which is your favorite?

News Fix

In Houston, Tribune is trying to "fix" the news. Anchorless newscasts.

Will it work? Being from the Houston area - I have my doubts. KHOU and KTRK are news powerhouses. This seems aimed at the younger set -- who don't watch a lot of news(if any)... I'll be interested to see what they can do in Htown.

KATU: Greenscreen On Your Side

Jennifer Aniston Sex Tape

Very clever "viral" video featuring the lovely Ms. Aniston:

WJW: Winning?

Can this possibly be real?

 

Acting! The Sequel!

I just noticed that in my post below, I posted the same KATU promo twice - instead of what I intended to post! Here are two other acting spots - this time featuring children:

Charlie Sheen: Duh!

A station in Florida is capitalizing on Mr. Winning:



Smart move -- or too much?

WRAL: It's Happening...

Here's a spot from our friends at WRAL. I'm a big fan of clean looking graphics. This spot also ditches the traditional announcer voice and lets the subjects of the report tell the story.



Find me another promo with that many shots of toilets and you win a prize! :)

Acting! Thank You!

I borrowed that line from Jon Lovitz's Master Thespian character on SNL from years ago. Here are a couple of spots from KATU in Portland featuring some acting.

Do these types of spots work?

Sweeps Round Up

And the Winner Is...

ABC15 in Phoenix. The past two years, they've used their Oscar platform to promote themselves in a unique way. Check out these IDs from last night:



And here is there work from last year:

KHOU Weather: Back in Time

A neat effect to show time.

Watch All 61 Super Bowl Ads in 2:24

Check out the fantastic editing on this compilation of Super Bowl ads.




Check out the article here:

http://mashable.com/2011/02/11/super-bowl-ads-video/

WBZ Sweeps Spots

Some nice spots from WBZ... some with lots of production value - one that is smart in its simplicity.

News in HD

KWWL says: "We wanted to promote the fact that our news is in HD, but we can't air HD spots. So we had to get a little creative."

Here are two spots:

Let's Play "Joke Promo or Real Promo"!!!

At :13, pause the video. Think to yourself - is this a joke spot or a real spot.

Enjoy.



So... which did you think it was? With that music, shooting, acting and over-the-top VO?

And is that guy talking to his guitar near the end of the spot?

WCCO Mornings

B-Roll Libraries

Ever find yourself looking for that perfect b-roll shot or something you just can't shoot yourself?

Good b-roll libraries seem to be hard to come by. An IDOPROMOZ reader is looking -- and I think the info would be great for everyone.

We have Digital Juice - which comes in handy every once in awhile.

Do you have a favorite you can share with everyone?

KPIX: Consumer Volunteers

I really like this spot out of San Francisco.

Sincerest Form of Flattery!?

Check out WJBF in Augusta, GA -- they took our Facebook fan spot and did their own version.

Here's the one we did:



And theirs:



My fav line in theirs: "Edit this promo!"

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! :)

It's Good to Know

Nicely done spots out of Grand Rapids:

New Promax Summit Targets Station GMs

Promax is trying something new - focusing on the local stations. Check out this article:

New Promax Summit Targets Station GMs

Will your station be going?

KPIX: Preparing for Weather

A nicely edited promo from KPIX in San Francisco:

WBZ Mornings

Be Joegantic!

KBCW Image

Neat visual technique from our friends in San Francisco:

Job Opportunity

Assistant Creative Services Director

KHBS/KHOG-TV, Hearst Television’s ABC and CW+ affiliates in the Fort Smith/Fayetteville, AR market, are searching for a seasoned Promotion Producer who wants to one day manage a creative services team. You’ll write, shoot, design and edit, but you’ll also excel when it comes to planning and strategy. Plan on producing daily news, POP, sweep and station image promotion plus you’ll assist the Creative Services Director in the development and execution of marketing plans for all of our media platforms. Minimum three years experience as a Writer/Producer is preferred. Avid, Final Cut or Adobe Premiere Pro editing experience is a must, while After Effects knowledge is a big plus. You must be willing to work a flexible schedule. This position is based in Rogers, Arkansas. EOE.


Please forward your résumé and a portfolio of work to:

Ken Bauer

Creative Services Director

KHBS/KHOG-TV

2809 Ajax Avenue, Suite 200

Rogers, AR 72758

kbauer@hearst.com

Lori & Bob's Confession

Saw this promo via TVSpy this morning. A married couple admits to "cheating" -- only to find out they're sneaking around watching a new local newscast.

I'm curious what this was used for, as it is about 3 minutes. A unique promo -- if not a little long.

The 33 News

This is a spot from the CW station in Dallas. Up against powerhouses like KTVT and WFAA... do you think this spot sets them apart?