Thursday, December 20, 2012

Hey! They DO talk like that!

Not a promo - but a fun little video as I begin my Christmas vacation.

This... is spot on.


Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Holiday Lights Promo

Set to the station's iconic theme music -- I'm not sure if this was done in post or not - but regardless, a fun spot from Philly.


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Google's Year in Review

Well done video highlighting 2012 from Google, that connects you to the brand in an inspiring/uplifting way. 




Friday, December 14, 2012

Thursday, December 13, 2012

You've Got To Hear It From Jim

What a great way to sell a well established, well respected anchor.  From Philly:




Saturday, December 8, 2012

Jingle Bells 4X4

A little Christmas jingle for this lineup spot:




Friday, December 7, 2012

WAVE3 Promos

I just ran across these spots from WAVE3 in Louisville.  Over the top for my tastes -- although well produced. 

This station takes themselves VERY SERIOUSLY.

WAVE 3 News - Working For You from WAVE 3 News on Vimeo.


5 Reasons Weather Image Fall 2012 from WAVE 3 News on Vimeo.

Get Ready HPR1711 from WAVE 3 News on Vimeo.


---
About :17 into this next spot, listen to the music.  This is what crazy people hear all day. 

Quite disturbing.

Oct 2012 Breaking News Image from WAVE 3 News on Vimeo.



Well done spot with great visuals that sets this newscast apart.  From St. Louis:




All I Want for Cleveland Is...

Three spots from Cleveland, where WKYC launched the brand "See the Possible" earlier in 2012.



Thursday, December 6, 2012

NBC Bay Area

Here is the write-up from their Youtube page:

As a relatively new NBC owned station (our affiliation changed in 2004), we're sometimes perceived as the "new kids on the block." But as San Jose's first television station in 1955, our roots run deep.




Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Year Ender

When your market has great stories throughout the year -- a year ender can really help viewers appreciate a station's coverage.

From WLKY in Louisville -- this 2:00 spot keeps your interest with a wide range of emotions.

The play for this spot is website, Facebook and possibly a few on-air runs.

Check it out:


Saturday, December 1, 2012

Breaking Fake News!

Fun clip from a newscast in Chicago.  The anchors report a plane down on a local street.

Problem is - it was just a set for a TV show filming there.

Watch as they find out they were wrong... and the fun way they made fun of themselves afterwards.


Thursday, November 29, 2012

Check It Out

Promo pro Paul Greeley has started writing articles about promos for the247newsroom.

Paul promises "I will be honest, respectful, and the whole tone will be instructive. So while I may like certain aspects of a campaign or spot, I may also add some what if type comments."

Check out Paul's first article, in which he reviews the recent KABC image spots.


http://the247newsroom.com/paul%20greeley%20promo%20critique%20page%20127.php

WBZ Investigative Team

Out of Boston:




Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Change Is Coming

WTVO is launching a new set in December as well as adding a new anchor.  Here are four spots they made to draw attention to their big changes coming up:










KING5 Yellow Jackets

This is a simple POP from Seattle... but I love the "yellow jackets" concept.  A sticky idea that really works(and we all wish we'd have thought of first!)




Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Fresno Tragedy

On Tuesday, the city of Fresno had a workplace shooting and the election.

A tough day for the people.

KSFN decided to do a POP with a different spin.


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

KABC Election 2012 Mashup

Watch Election Day 2012 from KABC in LA in 60 seconds!


Friday, November 2, 2012

WFAA: Corning Meets McCaa

Another funny spot featuring morning anchor Ron Corning and evening anchor/institution - John McCaa.  Corning is a natural with the comedy. 

McCaa :30 from Terry Hart Director on Vimeo.

Standing Out

WBNS in Columbus had a story on the local makers of many political ads.

Their air was filled with political ads -- and instead of trying to make the promo look like a political ad -- they decided to go a different direction.

Here's how they stood out -- in a sea of political ads.


Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Debuting a New Set

KSL in Salt Lake City put together this nice package on the preparations into installing their new set.

 

Saturday, October 27, 2012

"Circles"



I love the emotional branding of these spots.  However, I'm left with the question. What is NPT?

I googled it and came to the conclusion that this was Nashville Public Television.
 
Not reinforcing what NPT stands for in the spot leaves non-viewers wondering what they just saw an ad for.


These are "works in progress" according to the Youtube page.  I hope they rethink the brand reinforcement.  I want to make an emotional connection with you based on these spots -- but if I don't know what to attach my connection to -- its all for nothing.

The circle... is not complete.

And trust me -- not a ton of people are intimately knowledgeable of their local PBS channel.

Unfortunately.



Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Snowbird's Secret Giveaway

From our friends at WSMV:

2 spots related to our annual "Snowbird" giveaway contest. Snowbird is our winter weather/school closings mascot&brand. We give away a different collectible every November book, and the identity of the gift is always a big secret until the last minute. We revealed this morning.



Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

New Poll!



To the right, you'll find a new poll - suggested by one of our readers. 

What do you edit on?  What's the best?  Why?  Vote in the poll and comment below to share your expertise.

Friday, October 12, 2012

IDOPROMOZ Turns 5!


I want to thank each of you for checking out this blog, which celebrates its 5th birthday today.

(FYI, "the blog" likes chocolate cake.)

Five years ago, I set out to share spots and ideas, meet some new people and learn from others.

I'm always open to suggestions on ways to make this blog even better and if you'd like to send me a spot to share(like the spot right below this post) -- send it to donsjr@hotmail.com

Thank you for your continued support!

don

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Welcome back Howard

From FOX 29 Philly:

The goal of this spot was to reintroduce Howard Eskin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Eskin) to the Philly market. Eskin helped launch FOX station WTXF-TV’s Ten O’clock News from 1986 to 1991. He would become amongst the first full time sports-talk radio talk show hosts in the United States. His return to FOX 29 Philly gave us a great opportunity to create a promo that you just don’t get to make often these days.

Our vision/goal was to create a spot that reflected who Howard is in a way that portrayed his history, as well as contemporary accomplishments. We wanted something edgy without spoiling the screen with too many graphics. Strong photography and good storytelling can go a long way…Thank you for watching. Please share your thoughts.



Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Election Image

From Phoenix:


Artist Needed

POSITION: MOTION/PRINT GRAPHIC ARTIST

JOB SUMMARY: Oversee every phase of graphic design for WDTN/WBDT-TV (NBC/CW).

Email your resume and reel to:
sbailey@wdtn.com

Link to site full description:
http://www.wdtn.com/dpp/video/current_job_opening#.UHQ7yhi_GI0


Sunday, October 7, 2012

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

New CW Shows

We used our talent from our morning show "Good Day Sacramento" to help launch the CW shows.







BTW, we have a producer opening - if you'd like to join the fun!!

Friday, September 28, 2012

Sacramento Wants YOU!

Tired of being told your ideas are too far outside the box?

Want to work on fun, creative, challenging spots -- ones that make you proud to put them on your reel?

Want to work in a beautiful facility, visit wine country and San Francisco on the weekends and work with the most creative team I've personally ever worked with?

Well then why are you still reading????  Send me a reel and your resume NOW!  Send it to desmith@cbs.com

We're looking for a smart, creative producer -- with a passion for promotion and a deep desire to win.

Take a look at our Youtube page to see the type of work we do:

youtube.com/1331creative

And take a look at this 3 minute montage we created last year that won us one of 4 Promax Awards:


New out of Nashville

A different take on Friday night football -- this spot features their veteran sports director talking about sports & life.



And here is a website re-design promo:


Tuesday, September 25, 2012

ABC7 Smart Shopper

I love these types of graphic-driven spots.  Simple... yet well thought out.

This one from Florida:



Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Dallas Anchor Image

From our friends at KTVT in the Big D -- a spot that helps define their main anchor Doug Dunbar as the type you leaves the desk when big stories break.

This worked well for Anderson Cooper earlier in his career. It sets the typical anchor apart. Makes them more interesting to the viewer.

That's my two cents. Check out the promo:

Monday, September 10, 2012

WCCO Political Spots

UPDATED WITH 3 NEW SPOTS:

Pat Kessler Political Promotion "Not Going to Let That Happen" from Kimberly Zamora on Vimeo.

Pat Kessler Political Promotion "Hopeful" from Kimberly Zamora on Vimeo.

Pat Kessler Political Promotion "Small Town Values" from Kimberly Zamora on Vimeo.

Pat Kessler Political Promotion "Fact Check" from Kimberly Zamora on Vimeo.

Pat Kessler Political Promotion "Favorite Politicians" from Kimberly Zamora on Vimeo.


Cable Companies: TV Promos Should Stay Loud







SHOULD PROMOS BE EXEMPT FROM LIMITS ON HOW LOUD TV COMMERCIALS SHOULD BE?

Ok, I'll stop yelling.

Cable companies are making the argument that promos should be held to different standards than regular ads -- but will anyone buy it?

Check out the full article from Ad Age:

http://adage.com/article/media/tv-promos-stay-loud-cable-companies/237068/

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Contesting: Worth It?

In your experience -- do contests work?

Like a charm?  Too much work?

I've never seen much of a bounce -- and the work to get them done can be a pain.

Share your experiences by commenting below.

What are your secrets to success?




Friday, August 31, 2012

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Demo Reel/Zombified

Can't wait for "The Walking Dead" to return?

If you're like me, you love zombies.  And apparently, so does Local TV LLC -- who asked their stations to prepare a demo reel.

The catch?  They should have a zombie theme.

Here is the winning entry from the very talented team at KDVR in Denver.



Tuesday, August 28, 2012

More KING 5 True Stories

Yet another spot from Seattle:

This campaign from the team at KING 5 also has a Youtube page to see more of the campaign:
http://www.youtube.com/king5truestories

11Alive

Things are alive in Atlanta!

11Alive 'Proof' from J.R. VanWassenhove on Vimeo.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Good Day "Testimonials"

Here in Sacramento, we get to have a lot of fun.

Here is a new image campaign for our "Good Day Sacramento" show - featuring some rather suspicious testimonials.

Friday, August 24, 2012

War Zone

Check out this spot from KMOV in St. Louis... all soundbites, no announcer VO.




WGN Morning News

Anchors are usually good at two things -- looking good and reading a teleprompter.

Past that -- it really depends on the anchor.

But the talent at WGN in Chicago seems to have a flair for making fun promos.

Here are two the anchors themselves produced in the past, that they sent for everyone to enjoy.

 Something fun for a Friday!




Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Our West Michigan

I used to love doing interview spots.  Then I hated it.

Anchors usually sound scripted, even when they're not.

But these spots out of Michigan have a nice, real feel to them.  Some are better than others -- but on a whole, they did a nice job.

My one criticism?  Shooting outside makes some of the talent look terrible.  They're squinting.  The style is especially unflattering to the women anchors.



Monday, August 20, 2012

KING 5 "True Stories"

Another in a series of spots from KING 5 in Seattle.

Nicely done spots that make a personal connection with viewers.  What do you think?

                                    

Thursday, August 16, 2012

WRAL: Innovating the 7-Day Forecast

Its pretty rare that you see anything different in local news.  Everything seems the same -- newscast to newscast.

WRAL in Raleigh-Durham is doing something that seems different and more informative.  This promo is a simple demonstration of how they're getting much more detail into their 7-Day.

It may be the same information that was formally found in other parts of the forecast -- but viewers just may give them more credit now for being super informative.

Thoughts?




Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Online Promotion

Here are two spots from Louisville station WLKY:




Tuesday, August 14, 2012

KHOU Weather/Social Media

From Houston, several spots featuring their weather team:




Monday, August 13, 2012

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Back to School

Cute spots from WDRB in Louisville.  Not sure I love the music, something more fun may have worked -- but this sounds kinda sweet.  Or is it creepy?  I can't decide.

I do love that is shows some personality with the clever titles.






Wednesday, August 8, 2012

The World of Chicago

Nice writing for this spot from WMAQ in the Windy City:




Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Summertime

The folks at WQRF in Rockford would love your opinion on their new summer image spot:


Monday, August 6, 2012

"Terrific Blog!" -- says Newsblues

A few days ago - I blogged about a promo that had several lines of copy that were identical to a spot from two years earlier. Today, the industry website Newsblues wrote about it:

In our journeys through the internet, we came across a terrific blog out of Sacramento called "I Do Promoz," which features the best (and worst) of local television promotional spots.
The anonymous author of the blog points to a 2010 promo on CBS-owned WCCO-4 in Minneapolis (Market #15) that was replicated word-for-word two years later on KCTV-5-CBS in Kansas City (Market #31). Forget about imitation being the sincerest form of flattery, says the blog. "I call it stealing. And what's worse to me is when producers claim it as their own, put it on their reels, enter it for awards. They get recognition for ideas they didn't originate.
"We've all been inspired by others. But if you're going to borrow an idea -- make it your own, make it better, rewrite it, retool it. Don't steal it. We all have YouTube. You're going to get caught."
The KCTV promo has since been removed.




Thanks Newsblues for the mention - although I'm anything but anonymous. My career highlights, picture and name are all over the blog. Oh well, I'm sure he just didn't believe my name was really "Don Smith" :)

Friday, August 3, 2012

Awesome Spot!

This is the best spot you'll see all day. Great copy. Great concept. Well executed.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

See the Possible

I love this new campaign from WKYC in Cleveland.  They've latched on to a feeling and are selling their product through that filter.  Well written...well shot... these are really different from your typical news promo.

Reminds me of the Graeme Newell speech below.

Check it out and let us know what you think.







Sound Familiar?

This is a problem I've blogged about in the past. Producers "borrowing" from other stations - whether it be a concept, a visual style or copy. Here is an example of "borrowed" copy, 4 lines word for word.

Here is the original WCCO spot from 2010:

Here is a spot from KCTV in 2012:

So what do you guys think? Is it ok to "borrow" from others? Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery?

I call it stealing. If they had taken the idea and rewritten it - I'd have no problem. WCCO doesn't own the idea of a strong, prideful community. But I believe they do own the exact words they worked hard to write.

And what's worse to me is when producers claim it as their own, put it on their reels, enter it for awards. They get recognition for ideas they didn't originate.

We've all been inspired by others. Heck, that's what this blog is all about: being inspired by others to do more great work. 

But if you're going to borrow an idea -- make it your own, make it better, rewrite it, retool it.

Don't steal it. We all have Youtube. You're going to get caught.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

WNBC: "The Now" #2

I like this spot much more than the first one. I'm starting to dig the concept.

KNBC Olympic Image

Several spots here back to back.

NBC 4You Olympic Image from Jeremy Claypool on Vimeo.

Monday, July 30, 2012

TXA21's Greatest Hits

Interesting concept for this independent station in Dallas:

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Atlanta "Mural" Olympic Teaser

From the host city of the 1996 Summer Olympics -- here is a teaser spot from the NBC station:

WNBC "The Now"

I want to like this script - which is interesting and different than the typical news promo script -- but doesn't quite work in the end for me. I also don't connect with many of the shots - other than the baby being caught out of the window and the rain pouring into the subway. Everything else seems distant to me - no emotional connection. Thoughts?

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Watch this speech!!!

If you weren't lucky enough to be in Vegas for Promax -- here is your chance to see the best presentation that week.

Graeme Newell walks you through the "360 News Brand" and it really gets you thinking.

This weekend, take an hour and watch this. And then comment about your own station's situation.
"The 360 News Brand" Graeme Newell's Promax/BDA Conference Presentation Speech from Graeme Newell on Vimeo.

Friday, July 27, 2012

WBZ Summer Image

"The Hill"

A new spot debuting in the Olympics for the NBC station in Nashville:

KING 5 Olympic Coverage

Eagles Soar

For any of you who have ever worked with athletes - they're not always the best on camera. 

Michael Jordan was rare...even beyond his basketball skills. He was a born pitchman.

So I was pleasantly surprised to see this spot from Philly -- where the three athletes show some real personality.  Kudos to the director as well... it ain't easy!



Have you had any athlete spots that were great on paper --but butchered by the "star" athletes?

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Dying to Bring You the News

One of the first images in this spot is something I've never seen in a news promo.

A dying man.

Yep, as "broll" for a news promo.





Now, I don't know the entire story -- maybe this guy is just fine -- but really? 

That man has a family that has to watch that every time you air it. 

Using this shot is just tasteless in my book.


Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Our Doppler Can Beat Up Your Doppler

Ever wonder if a live look at doppler is the same as live doppler?

Nope?

Yeah, me neither.

I guess this spot is making its point -- but it just seems a little inside baseball/"GM called and wanted a doppler promo" to me. 

Do viewers connect with this?

KABC Mornings

Nice, clean spots from LA:






Monday, July 23, 2012

NBC San Francisco: We Investigate

Some beautifully shot spots out of the Bay Area... featuring my friend, investigator Stephen Stock! 

I'm not sure how they found places where white was so predominant in the background - but it makes for a slick look. 



JOB ALERT: WRAL/Senior Producer


Want to work for a great boss at a great station?  Here's your chance:
 

Aren’t you ready to work at a great station with a reputation for innovation where your fearlessness will be appreciated? You have big ideas for this new media world and you wouldn’t dream of writing cliché ridden promospeak. You still believe in great local news and know how to sell it. You’re that do-it-all, hands-on producer ready for your big moment. This is it. The best “next step” TV job on the market.

You produce smashing spots in record time, make magic with the camera, design and animate your own graphics or direct a designer to expand your vision.

We’re looking for a Senior Promotion Producer to lead the day-to-day news promotion effort on TV, web and mobile, serve as chief liaison with the News department to choose, plot and promote special reports, produce daily news spots and other marketing as assigned, work with the On-Air Promotion Manager and Creative Director on strategy and tactics.  

Many people in the industry call WRAL the best local station in America. We’re humbled by and committed to that assertion. We’re an award winning, collaborative, high expectation station, deeply rooted in the community. We’re locally owned by Capitol Broadcasting Company in Raleigh, NC.

A DVD or online demo reel is REQUIRED for consideration. Bonus points for an online demo reel.  All candidates must apply online at www.cbc-raleigh.com.  DVDs should be sent to CBC Human Resources, PO Box 12800, Raleigh, NC  27605.

IMPORTANT: A minimum of five years television promotion experience with a heavy emphasis on News required.
The successful candidate must be a hands on producer, writer, videographer, and editor and have strong examples of using social media for audience engagement. Experience with multiplatform producing, integrated marketing using web and mobile desired. Strong writing skills are mandatory; experience with Final Cut Pro, AfterEffects, Photoshop, and Motion software preferred.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

WFAA Weather Followers

Another in the series of spots from WFAA in Dallas:

Going HD

WDTN in Dayton is going HD this weekend.  Here is a promo celebrating the switch!

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Confidence is Low

I've been having trouble finding great spots to share with you all - so I figured I'd start a discussion.

A recent Gallop poll says confidence in television news is at an all-time low.  You can see the article here:

http://www.gallup.com/poll/155585/Americans-Confidence-Television-News-Drops-New-Low.aspx

So what role do you think promo plays in all of this? 
Have the scare tactics and general BS that shows up in topicals hurt news? 
Are we doing a good enough job of marketing the values of our product to viewers? 
Is news mostly to blame?  A combo?
How does the Daily Show, Weekend Update, etc play into it?

Let's hear your thoughts. 


Friday, July 6, 2012

KFSN Alarm Clock App

New promo out of Fresno.  I like the new app the ABC stations have... smart.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

WBNS Anchor Intro

Here is an interesting way to play up a station's heritage - while introducing a new anchor.

Main anchor Jerry Revish spends an evening introducing Kristyn Hartman to WBNS 10TV's legacy personalities and programming:



Here is a longer version, not sure what this was used for:

Saturday, June 30, 2012

WSMV Summer Image Spot

The folks at WSMV sent along this new image spot:

Purposely softer, warmer, fuzzier, official station of summer type thing... all the people gathering are talent.
 

Friday, June 29, 2012

JOB ALERT: Fox 5 Atlanta

The creative folks at Fox 5 in Atlanta are looking for a new writer/producer.

Here's a look at what they do.  If you're interested in doing some great work in a great market -- shoot them your resume!

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Dallas Visual Magic

A quick look at some of the beautiful work being done out in Dallas at the CBS O&O.  This reel appears to be an Emmy submission. 

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

ABC15 Monsoon Weather Coverage

This :60 seems to throw in just about everything --- what kind of technology they have, who their team is, they're WeatherRate's most accurate, etc, etc, etc.

Here is a :60 from WFAA. Its several years old - but watch what they did with music and music changes to keep an interesting pace.

Serious Fun

Cool visual technique from the nation's capitol:




And here is a fun couple of spots featuring "Family Guy":

Monday, June 18, 2012

Power of NBC4

From Los Angeles:  A collection of spots that pinpoint specific differentiators to their coverage:


Power of NBC4 from Jeremy Claypool on Vimeo.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Party Image

From Indianapolis -- a fun spot(although a wee bit long for me -- seems to drag a little bit)

The 4 is a nice touch in each of the copy points on screen.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Social Media Interactivity

This is a video from Minneapolis that explains their social media strategy for their comedies.

Kinda interesting - The female they interview seems engaged and definitely "on brand", while the guy seems stiff and a little hard to watch.  (sorry dude if you read this!)

What is your station's social media strategy?  Do you have staff enough to do anything like this?

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Raleigh's Invisible Homeless

Powerful stories from WRAL in Raleigh.  Here is the original promo, which was more of a web play(1:00 spot!)



Here is the follow up to the story:



I love seeing newscasts being used to tell real stories and helping make real change in the lives of viewers.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Say No to Vertical Videos

Funny video... I hope it helps cure the disease.

WFAA: Feng Shui

One of my favorite sweeps promos from years past.  I love the simplicity.

Storm Shield App

What do you guys think about the use of a dramatization in promos?




Monday, June 4, 2012

Friday, May 25, 2012

Local Station Survey

Via Paul Greeley:


Brief Magazine's Local Station Survey
 
PromaxBDA wants to hear from you. We're conducting a confidential survey to ask your opinion about the effectiveness of local TV news marketing and advertising. 
 
The results will be published in the June edition of "Brief" magazine, just in time for the local Station Summit on June 26 in Las Vegas.
 
The results will be compiled by veteran news marketing writer Paul Greeley in partnership with PromaxBDA.
 
Your answers will be kept in strict confidence unless you request otherwise.
If you have any questions about this survey, please contact Paul Greeley at pgreeley98@aol.com or call him at 817.578.6324. If you have any comments you want published and attributed to you, please let him know. Otherwise, all comments and answers will be kept in strict confidence, except to be characterized as coming from a certain job category and market size, e.g., '....a CSD in market 1-50 said...'
 
The survey is only 20 questions. The deadline to complete the survey is Tuesday, May 29 at 5:00 p.m. EST. To take the survey, click here.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Topical Oops of the Day

Fresno viewers had waited all season to find out who would win "Dancing with the Stars" -- but the topical producer went and ruined the suspense by putting the winner in a tease that air in the middle of DWTS. Oops. Not as bad as last week's Reno oops, where they said being gay was a sin... but a good reminder that we should all be careful in what we broadcast. Think of the viewer. Think of the viewer. Think of the viewer.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Part Time/Full Time

From KNBC in LA --- check out this series of spots that showcase personality and traffic covering ability:


Sean Part-Time/Full-Time from Jeremy Claypool on Vimeo.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Is This Why We're Broke?

Great, conversational copy that is delivered exceptionally well by the announcer.

The only question I may have is -- what more will I learn from watching this story?   The promo pretty much lays it all out.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Is it time?

Here's a clip that makes you wonder why viewers aren't flocking to local news anymore.

Pretty funny collection of newscasts from Conan:




Thursday, May 10, 2012

Alimony

Kind of a strange promo... or is it just me?




Wednesday, May 9, 2012

How To Spot a Lie

Nice looking spot from Dallas:

WFAA: Water Cooler

Another in the series:

WCCO Promo & Siri Interpretation

Check out this promo from WCCO...  immediately following is audio from their voice, Ben Patrick Johnson as he reads what his iphone dictated.

Hi-larious.

Friday, April 27, 2012

3 On Your Side Testimonial

From KYW in Philly, a testimonial spot for their brand:

The Rise and Shine Rap

WTVD in Raleigh-Durham produced this -- originally as a social media play.  The response from viewers was positive - so they turned it into a :60 on-air spot.

I applaud them for trying something different.  This is well shot and edited. And the song is catchy! 

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

How's Your Sweeps Shaping Up?

With the May book starting tomorrow - I've put up a new poll to the side.

How's everyone looking? Which network has the best stuff?

Care to share any of your sweet sweeps stories? :)

Design Director Desired in Dayton

POSITION: WDTN/WBDT-TV Design Director JOB SUMMARY: Oversee every phase of graphic design for WDTN/WBDT-TV. This includes day-to-day administration of the identity and look of our station brand. Design news and station animations that coincide with the look of the on-air product. Assist in graphic design for multiple levels of wdtn.com/daytonscw.com. Design any print collateral needed for newspaper, magazine or event program pieces. TYPICAL DUTIES: Conceptualize and create all on-air graphics for news department. Work with promotion department in developing animations and promos that coincide with station brand. Assist with commercial production with any animations or graphics needed for potential clients. Assist with WDTN/WBDT-TV station tent for events that we are a media partner. Conceptualize, create, and assist sales department for any potential sales collateral. Create and produce any print pieces for newspaper, magazine or program pieces. Create and produce any web graphics for wdtn.com/daytonscw.com. Oversees all station photography for talent, staff, and other projects. QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum of three years of experience in television graphic design Advanced Photoshop, AfterEffects, and Illustrator experience required. Self-starter able to complete projects at a high quality level in a timely manner. Must be able to work on various projects simultaneously and to deliver finished projects on deadline. Must have highly effective communications skills. Must be highly organized. Animation, LightWave, DEKO, non-linear editing, and strong technical knowledge. STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE: Performance will be evaluated by the Creative Services Director. Email or mail your resume, DVD reel and online portfolio to: Steve Bailey Creative Services Director WDTN-TV 4595 S. Dixie Drive Dayton, OH 45439 sbailey@wdtn.com

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Pump Jumping

The producer of this spot would love your feedback. No music, no announce, just some text to flesh out the message of the promo. I think he really demonstrated the problem -- with one simple soundbite. Check it out.

Friday, April 20, 2012

KPIX Promos

From the Bay area -- four promos that they'd love your feedback on.

WBZ: Keller at Large

A fun, creative promo from WBZ in Boston:

Thursday, April 19, 2012

WDRB in the Morning

Fun, light spots featuring the anchors on the morning show. UPDATED: New spot:



Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Fox 9 Spring Weather

They had me until the end. The bumbling doesn't work for me.

The rest of the spot is well done though!

Monday, April 16, 2012

Friday, April 13, 2012

Conversational Promos

UPDATED:  This spot just came across Youtube -- and although not my favorite spots ever, the conversation is far more "real" than the second one below.




This seems forced and scripted.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Unseen: the documentary

This documentary looks at the lives of voiceover actors.  It features two of my favorite talents -- Beau Weaver and Bill Ratner.  I work with Beau now and worked with Bill for many years.  Both are top notch guys -- I've been lucky.  Check out the preview of the new doc: