“Bleep” is the title of one of our entries in this week’s “The Best Work You May Never See” gallery. The PSA promotes safe and courteous driving–but the significance of the project goes well beyond the subject matter.
“Bleep” is the latest spot from The Kangaroo Project, now in its fourth year. Sponsored by the nonprofit, Minneapolis-headquartered Sean Francis Foundation to mentor promising creative and filmmaking talent via the production of a public service TV spot that’s guaranteed airtime, The Kangaroo Project is a two-pronged annual competition.
The first leg of the competition is to come up with a concept to address a chosen public service issue. Established as well as up-and-coming creatives from around the country submit their concept entries, which are then judged by a cross-section of agency creatives and filmmaking artisans.
Once the winning concept is selected, aspiring directors submit treatments. Judges assess these treatments and select a helmer–this year’s winner being George Andrew “Andy” Basore, who’s been working as a production assistant in New York.
What makes The Kangaroo Project special are the opportunities it affords not only up-and-coming creative and directorial talent, but also crewmember hopefuls who are looking to gain experience and mentorship. A coterie of apprentices, called Joeys, work on The Kangaroo Project PSAs, so that they can learn about the business and gain on-the-job training and counsel from crew professionals. Prospective Joeys apply to work on the public service fare by logging onto The Kangaroo Project Web site (www.kangarooproject.com).
Part of The Kangaroo Project initiative is that the public service work that’s created actually gains airtime thanks to sponsorship from related organizations. This year’s PSA has secured support from the National Auto Dealers Association. Past Kangaroo Project public service causes have included organ donation and motorcycle safety. In fact, the latter PSA is still in demand as the Sean Francis Foundation recently received requests from five other states and Australia for permission to use “Oblivious Guy” in their motorcycle safety campaigns. It seems that a motorcycle enthusiast found the humorous spot on a demo reel online and passed it along to his friends and colleagues via the Internet, helping to generate renewed interest in the work.
Project organizer Julie Hartley, a veteran producer and production manager, teamed with members of the Minnesota production community to form the Sean Francis Foundation, named after her 20-year-old son who died in a motorcycle accident in 2000. From the group sprung The Kangaroo Project.
Francis was a production assistant and an aspiring producer. But with Francis’ life cut short, The Kangaroo Project was initiated to make an ongoing positive filmmaking contribution in his memory through nurturing and opening up opportunities for deserving creatives, directors and crewmembers–in some cases, helping them to start their careers.
The Kangaroo moniker grew out of the fact that the animal nurtures its baby in her pouch. The apprenticeships parallel this in that experienced crewmembers help Joeys take a hop forward in their chosen professions. The Kangaroo designation was also chosen because Francis was born in Australia.
Nominees Unveiled For Cinema Audio Society’s 61st Annual Awards
The Cinema Audio Society has unveiled its nominees in seven categories for the 61st Annual CAS Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing 2024.
The 61st CAS Awards will be held on Saturday, February 22, at the Beverly Hilton.
Nominated in the live action motion picture category were the audio teams behind A Complete Unknown, Deadpool & Wolverine, Dune: Part Two, Gladiator II and Wicked.
Animated motion picture nominees were the sound ensembles behind Inside Out 2, Moana 2, Mufasa: The Lion King, The Wild Robot and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
As previously announced, multi-award-winning sound mixer Tod A. Maitland CAS (A Complete Unknown, West Side Story, Joker), will be honored with the CAS Career Achievement Award. In addition, visionary filmmaker Denis Villeneuve (Dune: Part Two, Blade Runner 2049, Arrival) will receive the Cinema Audio Society’s Filmmaker Award.
The CAS Award nominees highlight the outstanding contributions of sound mixers, recognizing excellence in the specialized craft of sound mixing for both film and television. Each year, accomplished CAS members—who possess extensive expertise in the art and science of sound—carefully review hundreds of projects to ensure the nominees truly reflect excellence in sound mixing in Motion Picture and Television entertainment.
“2024 was a year of remarkable achievements in the sound community, with exceptional talent on display across every category,” said CAS president Peter Kurland. “The innovation and artistry of these sound mixers continue to elevate the craft, and the upcoming awards will be a celebration of the outstanding contributions made this year. Congratulations to... Read More