BIGSMACKtv Hits USA With Action Packed Network Campaign
By staff
Dec 21, 2007, 01:51
Note: click on www.bigsmack.tv for Transformer promo
BIGSMACKtv, a new creative design/production boutique specializing in the creation of broadcast promos, motion graphics, and entertainment branding recently completed a series of promotional spots for USA Network’s ongoing "Characters to Watch" campaign.
The first assignment required BIGSMACKtv to craft a ‘Characters to Watch’ :60 vignette to promote the DVD release of Transformers. For the second project, the multi-faceted creative shop wrote and produced two promos for the theatrical release of Aliens vs. Predator – Requiem (AVP-R), which hits theaters Christmas day. BIGSMACKtv applied the USA ‘Characters Welcome’ branding to the Transformers characters, Optimus Prime and Megatron, as well as Alien and Predator, the iconic creatures from the Twentieth Century Fox movie franchises.
"We took footage from the movies and crafted the spots using the tone of the USA brand to promote the films while giving the network ownership," said Andy Hann, principal and Head Creative. "The spots feel like USA’s programming which is the magic behind the ‘Characters Welcome’ campaign."
The Transformers vignette aired for an affinity audience during the USA Network premiere of the Nicolas Cage, John Travolta action film, Face/Off. As a result, this assignment involved a combo-promo that pushed the Face/Off premiere while driving interest in the Transformers DVD release. The AVP – R spots began airing in early December.
"Producing the spots was an interesting challenge with effects-driven action movies like these," said Patrick Trettenero, Senior Writer/Producer, USA. "Everyone else uses the biggest explosions to hype a film. While we included some of that, our focus was really to foreground the characters themselves. What drives Megatron? What makes Optimus Prime tick? These are truly characters to watch!"
In addition to rolling out the Transformer spot, BIGSMACK also announced the launch of the newly redesigned BIGSMACKtv (www.bigsmack.tv) website. Reflecting both corporate and creative growth, the BIGSMACKtv website was designed to be a clean and simple place to showcase work and provide a little insight into the folks that drive the BIGSMACK machine.
Since the company’s launch, it has been responsible for design and promo work for television heavy weights like, CBS, ESPN, Discovery Channel, Travel Channel, as well as many others.
Credits
USA Network
Jason Holzman, VP Creative
Patrick, Trettenero, Senior Writer/Producer
Bruce Bernstein, Editorial Director
Megan Botscheller, Project Manager Special Projects
BIGSMACKtv
Andy Hann, Principal / Head Creative
Bob Lowery, Principal / Executive Producer
Heidi Erney, Senior Producer
Steve Wheelock, Editor, Shooters Post + Transfer
Bob Schachner, Music, SFX and Audio Sweetening, Shooters Post + Transfer
About Big Smack
Launched June 1, 2007 and based in Philadelphia, PA, BIGSMACKtv is to promo what hot-sauce is to chili – that little bit of spice that makes all the difference. This new boutique-style studio focuses on delivering promotion campaigns in innovative ways for traditional clients in the network and cable television field. BIGSMACKtv can be reached at www.bigsmack.tv
