This year CRM Studios had two projects up for consideration for Telly Awards, and both were winners. Each spot grabbed a bronze Telly for its respective category, a nice tip of the cap. The fact that both nominated spots received recognition was especially rewarding. “Our mission is to be one of the premier creators, producers, and providers of media content, technology and innovative production solutions,” says Co-owner and CEO Steve Dunning, who directed both videos. “To be recognized with a Telly is a nice confirmation that we are living up to that mission while serving our clients’ specific needs.”
The first spot was an effects-heavy marketing video for Nokia titled “Ultra Dense Networks.” It was shot on an intimate sound stage painted entirely in Chroma key, or “green screen”, in which a host interacted with three dimensional maps and monitors to demonstrate exactly how the product determines the best possible locations for wireless hubs and routers. CRM Studios Senior Animator Gerald Rice was undaunted by the technical requirements of the spot. “All the tech stuff was a breeze because of Harry Bouton, of Nextwave Creative being such a great client to work with,” he said, adding, “Gotta love that camera tracker in After Effects with Element3D from Video Copilot.” He assures us that fellow animators and editors will know exactly what he means.
Watch Nokia’s Ultra Dense Networks”
The next project was an online video promoting an experimental new corneal inlay procedure from ReVision Optics designed to help cataract patients who have presbyopia, informally titled “Meet Bob.” Bob is our hero, an older gentleman who was recently encouraged by successful cataract surgery to take up art classes. He discovers his near vision is still not where he’d like it to be and begins exploring options to treat his presbyopia. The video required CRM Studios to transform a rustic, old Dallas factory into an art studio and back again, all in a single day. “Thankfully the weather held up,” said Ethan Norris, set decorator and props master for this shoot, “moving all those paints and paintings in a downpour would have been …challenging. Also, a BIG shout out to the Haltom High School Fine Arts program for all their help and advice.”
He continued, “The trickiest part for me was the still-life arrangement that everyone in the class was working on. It had to be interesting and colorful from every angle, but not too challenging since we needed to make several canvasses, in various stages of completion, demonstrating a range of skill levels. And of course, we had to be able to transport it and set it back up exactly the way it was. The good news is it worked, and I really think it helped tie the whole set together visually.”
Watch ReVision Optic’s “Meet Bob”
The Telly Awards have spent the past 37 years honoring film and video projects. Over the years, their purpose has evolved from honoring the best of local, regional, and cable TV commercials to its current status as “the premier award honoring the finest film and video productions, groundbreaking web commercials, videos and films, and outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs.” CRM Studios appreciates the recognition of this prestigious institution– even if it means we’re going to need a bigger mantle.
