By Robert Goldrich
Let’s face it. Despite our boyhood dreams, many of us aren’t cut out to be athletes. Even recreational pursuits can be challenging, much less breaking into the ranks of professional sports.
In this spot, a would-be weekend athlete not only isn’t very good but also is a danger to those around him. First we see his prowess on the tennis court, playing mixed doubles. He serves and the ball hits his female partner at the net right in the head.
We move onto foosball. With one twist of the rod handle, the ball flies toward his opponent, striking him in the eye.
Bowling? Don’t ask. He lets go on his backswing and the ball sails backwards, knocking out cold a man seated at the scorer’s table.
Predictably, billiards offers much of the same. The cue stick kisses a ball, causing it to carom into the eye of his opposing player.
Sportscaster Sam Rosen’s voiceover asks, “Like to win? Not very good at it? Play Max A Million, the new instant game from the New York Lottery.”
The :30 ends with a man picking up darts in a bar, asking if anyone would like to play. Instead, all the bar patrons run for cover.
Bruce Hurwit of Crossroads Films, bicoastal and Chicago, directed the spot for DDB New York.
The DDB creative team consisted of: Lee Garfinkel, chairman/chief creative officer, New York; Scott Grayson, creative director/copywriter; Rich Sharp, creative director/art director; Bob Nelson, director of broadcast production; Walter Brindak, executive producer; and Stephanie Whitehead, producer.
Carole Hughes executive produced for Crossroads, with Carla Tate serving as producer. The :30 was shot on location in New York by DP Manuel Ruiz.
Editor/sound designer was Clayton Hemmert of Crew Cuts, New York. Michelle Bellass produced for Crew Cuts. Tim Masick of Company 3, New York, was the colorist. Peter Flack of Buzz, New York, was online editor. Buzz’s Michael Marinelli was the audio mixer.“Dune: Part Two” and “House of the Dragon” Win 2 HPA Awards Apiece
Dune: Part Two and House of the Dragon each scored two HPA Awards during a gala ceremony at the Television Academy’s Wolf Theatre in North Hollywood, Calif. on Thursday night (11/7). The HPA Awards honor trailblazing talent in the postproduction industry, celebrating standout achievements in color grading, sound, editing, restoration, and visual effects across theatrical features, commercials, and episodics.
Dune: Part Two topped the Outstanding Color Grading--Live Action Theatrical Feature and the Outstanding Sound--Theatrical Feature categories.
House of the Dragon’s two wins were for “The Red Dragon and the Gold” episode which scored for Outstanding Visual Effects--Live Action Episode or Series Season, and Outstanding Editing--Episode or Non-Theatrical Feature (Over 30 Minutes). In the latter HPA Creative Category, House of the Dragon tied with the “Part Six: Far,l Far Away” episode of Ahsoka.
The HPA’s Judges Award for Creativity and Innovation honored Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour. This recognition celebrates the profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment that defined The Eras Tour, underscoring its exceptional impact on audiences and the industry. The jury issued a statement outlining their choice: “Celebrated as the cultural phenomenon of 2023, Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour set new records in box office sales, tour revenues, and attendance. The tour showcased exceptional artistry and innovation, making a profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment.”
This year, FotoKem was awarded the Charles S. Swartz Award for its role in supporting filmmakers, studios, cinematographers, and artists across diverse film and media landscapes. Also celebrated... Read More