WCCO Followup

I got some very nice emails from the folks at WCCO after I fawned all over them yesterday. Top notch people.

I had asked aloud how they had orchestrated the nice anchor spots in a coffee shop.

Here is the explaination, courtesy the station's CSD - Casey Kespohl. It is a nice insight into how this top notch organization does their job:



Don -

“Coffee Talk” originated with the same old lame order : “Promote the Anchor Team”
Well, we did. Except we tried to hone in on what was real or natural about them, so we followed them around for a few days
and realized that they actually took a break before the 10p some evenings.

So, we went into serious production mode to capture compelling imagery there. We ran audio to a couple of cups on the table and gave them a few talking points.
We then wrote the spot after we shot and listened to what was real in there conversations. We added the cut-aways post shoot that made sense to the language of the spot
And wrote language around each spot for the payoffs (ie) “nice chemistry.” - that was written to compliment what Don was talking about, rather than trying to get him to act to support our “script”
It’s my opinion that’s why they feel natural.

None of this happened without talent that actually believes in our approach, trusts us and takes direction well.
Not to mention our group is strong at Directing, Design, Writing non-traditionally and always put on the filter of what not to do.
The precision that you refer to was in capturing beautiful, natural moments unscripted and writing to them.

A local Art Critic ( I know, bizarre . . ) referred to them as Fellini-esque !

Station of the Year

Ok, I am impressed. It has been a long time since a station has really risen above the norm in my book. Sure, many stations do great promotion - but one has consistently done great creative.

So my first annual, IDOPROMOZ station of the year for 2007 is... WCCO.

They have used humor to really connect with viewers... have some interesting segments in their newscasts...



and promote that station unlike any other out there. Many stations try humor... WCCO succeeds.

Check out the 2 spots on 602communications page right now:

http://602communications.com/

And how's this for a great idea? An entire newscast, live from the state fair, that's entirely powered by humans:



I think I've already mentioned these spots - but these are great ways to get your talent endeared to the audience. Plus some really good writing. I'd be very interested in knowing how these spots came about. I'd doubt they just rolled cameras... these are too good:



I think these guys are doing a fantastic job and if anyone else has any great WCCO spots - please share with the class.

And don't agree with me on this? Write and let us all know who you would vote for your station of the year.

Happy New Year!!

Well, this is my first blog of the new year. Feeling good. Glad to be back at work after a nice, long, much needed holiday vacation.

Today I'd like to share some holiday spots. These are from WCBS, which I thought they did a nice job with. Simple, yet elegant.

New WCBS Spots

I hope everyone had a very nice Christmas. I'm still on vacation... enjoying every minute of it!

I ran across this promo from WCBS today. Not sure what I think of it - I'm not sure I get the point. There is lots of historical footage - but none from WCBS themself. There is no "we've covered it all through the years" theme - just generic, emotion button pushing. Hmmm... beautiful spot but what does it tell me about WCBS?



Thoughts?

UPDATE:

Here is another that I find just freakin' creepy. Check out the shot right after the text "heartbreaking endings"...

Thank You!

As I get ready to begin my holiday vacation - I just want to thank all of you that come to my blog. I've heard from many of you and have had a great time sharing ideas and getting feedback.

I have enjoyed doing the blog and look forward to continuing in the new year. I may still post here and there - as I get bored after eating too much and opening too many presents. So don't forget to come back after the holidays!!!!

I'd like to also thank promogirl, who has been a great contributor to the blog. And each of you who have written me or posted or hopefuly learned something or were inspired.

I work with a great team at WESH and I look forward to working with them in 2008.

Thank you all and have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Frosty's Back & He's Pissed Off...

Gotta love it...

Bill Cosby thinks I'm an asshole.

Recently, Dr. Cliff Huxtable himself visited our station. He was here to do an interview with our main anchor.

Now, I've always been a comedy nut - ever since I was a child. I told the Cos I owned "Bill Cosby: Himself" on cassette. I was very happy to meet such a legend.

Then the story takes a dark, tragic turn. Actually, it turned into a great story that I thought was pretty funny.

At the end of the interview - someone asked Mr. Pudding Pop where he gets his Philly Cheesesteaks(he's from Philly)... and the Cos couldn't remember. But he did shout out a phone #... 555-932-2252... rapid fire went this phone #.

So afterwards, trying to be funny, I say "Wow, you can remember that phone #... but you can't remember your favorite cheesesteak place." to which he replied, in his famous drawn out Cosby voice "That's my home phone number you asshole!!"

He was kinda joking... I think. Still, having a beloved entertainer call you an asshole is kinda cool.