Our Company | About Us | Services | Our Clients | What's New | Events

June 2004

AUDIOENGINE SHARES STARBUCKS WITH A MUSICAL GLEN AND STACY

audioEngine's Rex Recker recently mixed two hilarious spots for Starbucks, "Glen" and "Stacy." In each commercial, office workers are followed by music groups who sing about each of the people's daily routines as if they live in their own music videos. "Stacy" features a do-wop group who sing about Stacy and her Frappucino break - all the while protecting her from any bothersome interruptions such as paperwork or the unwanted flirtatious advances of a co-worker. "Glen" is a young man who is followed by the rock band Survivor singing a "Glenified" version of "Eye of the Tiger." It's his personal rock anthem, which begins with the first sip of his iced Starbucks coffee and continues all the way to the office. "He's the king of his cube, status reports have met their rival" are just some of the laugh-worthy lyrics.

Visit the audioEngine Website
More Info: audioEngine

RADIUM ANNOUNCES NEW DESIGN DIVISION

Leading digital effects studio Radium is pleased to announce the launch of its new design division. In addition to offering full CGI, editorial, and visual effects services, Radium now has a complete design division with eight designers. The talent includes Tuesday McGowan, Sebastian Harms, Christopher Wargin, Melinda Tidwell, Lisa Overton, Lisa Berghout, Stacy Nimmo, and Christopher Kirk. All of these artists are well versed in a variety of mediums such as broadcast, film, television and print design.

"While we've offered design capabilities in the past, the launch of this new division with these talented designers affords clients a wide variety of design styles," explains Jonathan Keeton, Radium Co-Founder and Creative Director. "Our goal has always been to create the best work possible by integrating design with high-end visual effects tools. Now, no matter what the project, Radium can create a piece from beginning to end using the most advanced technology and the most talented people."

With the diversity of background experience and the ability to work in many different mediums, the division will be able to apply a variety of techniques depending on what is best for the client. Radium then assembles the right team to strategize with clients and to help them achieve their design and branding goals. The designers have the unique ability to work in tandem with other Radium artists in the 3D department and with compositors, as well as work in After Effects.

BWN GOES TO BAT FOR NEW TWINS CAMPAIGN

Audio post house BWN and postproduction company HI-WIRE have completed a campaign for the Minnesota Twins, which uses humor to spark enthusiasm for the already-popular team. BWN has contributed to Twins spots in the past, via agency Hunt Adkins, and the company members are all avid Twins fans.

In "Wall" the voiceover comments on both the action and the outfield wall. "Well lookie here," he says. "A wall. A boundary. Something to keep us in our place." As he speaks, the wall changes into various barriers including a brick wall with Humpty Dumpty perched on it. "A wall is the only thing keeping me from frolicking in my neighbors petunias. You know where they keep division titles, don't ya? The other side of the wall right..here." Just then we see the outfielder catch the ball. In "Lawbreaker" the announcer comments that the pitcher is breaking rules - specifically the laws of physics. As he is speaking we see that the FBI are observing his every move, including the winning pitches he is doling out to his opponents. It's not a crime, although the opposing team might think so.

For BWN Sound Designer and Mixer Carl White, the collaboration was all about upping the humor via audio: "The Twins spots have a tone to their spots that involves poking fun at themselves. In the case of "Lawbreaker," it needed some sonic payoff because continuously swishing baseball noises don't really do a whole lot. In the Lawbreaker spot, the payoff moment was obvious: Dude swings and absurdly misses. That's funny enough. But, the little "swish" noise as the ultimate sonic payoff seemed underwhelming. Suddenly, it dawned on me that the PLAYER who misses could be funnier than the ball. One grunt later, we were all laughing!"

Visit the BWN Website