Auburn University Theatre: The Complete History of America (abridged) Radio Commercial
The only thing better than happening upon a creative concept you like when writing a radio spot, is working with a talented group of people who really bring that concept to life. Working with the students at Auburn University Theatre is such a pleasure. They bring tremendous enthusiasm and hard work to the process. The three actors for this production of The Complete History of America (abridged), Payne Hopton-Jones, Emily Stephenson, and Jim Taylor all did excellent work, but I have to admit Emily’s vocal inflection on, “Hurry!” really makes the spot for me. There was no real coaching or direction on my part. I set the actors opposite one another on the mainstage, two on one mic, one on the other and rotated them around each reading each line of the script on the individual track. The overall result was the kind of great work that happens when the voice talent really embraces and settles in with the script.
Auburn University Department of Music: Jeremy Samolesky Piano Recital Radio Commercial
This spot is pretty straight forward, though I do have to say that I’m pleased with the spin I took on the traditional testimonial.
The real story behind the spot is a small bit of tech behind it. I came into the spot counting on the Department of Music’s ability to provide the piano recording, for which I expected we would use the set up in the recital hall. As it turns out, they recently purchased a Kawai PR-1 CD Recorder. Kawai says, You’ve never seen anything like the Kawai PR-1…” and they’re right. It sounds just great!
Auburn University Theatre: A Shayna Maidel Radio Commercial
I complain about writing and producing 30-second radio commercials, but in the end the brevity of the format often brings out my best work. A Shayna Maidel presented an interesting challenge beginning with the title. If the listener never gets past the unfamiliarity of the title, there won’t be much hope of delivering any kind of pitch to come out and see the play. I like to think the solution I settled on gives the listener a succinct explanation while setting up the personal, emotional distance between the sisters that is at the heart of the play.
