New York/SF-based production house Bodega and partner post production boutique Northern Lights as well as editor Brandon Beck deliver a crash course in TV promos for USA Network’s hit show ‘Burn Notice’ in the :30 promo, “Michael’s Promo Tips.”  The spot features a voiceover from series star Jeffrey Donovan as covert agent Michael Westen delivering his tips for how to make a high-impact TV promo, accompanied by footage from the show comically illustrating his points.  Bodega handled production for ‘Burn Notice’ Season Six launch spots, collaborating closely with USA Network Creative Director Lori Moretz on “Michael’s Promo Tips” as well as the :30 promo, “Boys of Burn” and the music video-style promo to 90’s Cake tune, “The Distance.”

Bodega ECD Adam Reid worked closely with Beck to seamlessly intertwine the voiceover, written by USA Senior Copywriter Josh Hertz, with show footage that would simultaneously provoke excitement and laughter.  Notes Reid, “’Burn Notice’ is a hit summer series that is always a thrill to work on.  The concept of this spot is exactly the type of meta-commentary we love.  If you’re a fan of the series, you’ll recognize Jeffrey Donovan doing exactly what he does in every episode.”

Adds USA’s Moretz, “Much like Michael Westen in the new ‘Burn Notice’ music video promo, the Bodega team really went the distance. Amazing cuts. Fun, fresh work. They really went above and beyond to make Josh’s concept come to life.”

“Michael’s Promo Tips” opens with a shot of lead character Michael Westen casually tossing a bullet in the air along with the ‘Burn Notice’ title. His voiceover begins, “When you’re trying to promote a TV show in thirty seconds, you need to get people’s attention right away.”  We cut to a scene featuring a semi-trailer truck dramatically exploding as he stoically continues, “C4 usually does the trick.”  He continues to narrate the scenes depicting his top tips for hard-hitting promos including high-paced action scenes, slow motion running shots and appropriate usage of guns.  He concludes with the wry instruction, “Cut to people adjusting their sunglasses and leave time to pause your voiceover…for dramatic effect.”  The spot closes with “Burn Notice.  All new season: Thursday, June 14th on USA.”

About Bodega

Bodega Studios is a creative production company based in New York and San Francisco.

We are the passionate nerdy.  We develop, produce and distribute award-winning projects in every medium.  We make commercials, digital content, promos, feature films, television and music videos.

We believe the world is a beautiful place full of surprises, cool things and true magic.  Our goal is to inject your project with geeky enthusiasm, groundbreaking creative, visionary style, original solutions and a passion for storytelling.

Our one-stop-shop model has been embraced by brands including: IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft, USA Network, Logitech, Mattel, MasterCard, Walt Disney Pictures, Nickelodeon, Food Network, Applebee’s, KIA, Subaru, Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet and Volkswagen.

About Northern Lights

Northern Lights is a thriving bi-coastal (NY/LA) post production boutique featuring filmmakers and visual artists with a passion for telling stories.

From Promax and Emmy-winning TV branding to commercials, film and Internet content, Northern Lights has been a destination for original ideas since 1995.

The company’s award-winning talent is continually creating new ways to interpret footage for all modern delivery platforms.  Their unmatched ability to shape ideas into focused content for brands is fed by a creative environment that fosters trying new things and taking risks.

Northern Lights teams up with sister companies Mr. Wonderful for design, SuperExploder for composing and audio post, and Bodega for creative assignments and production. Working together, they’re a powerful one-stop resource that tailors their offerings to each individual client and filmmaker’s needs.

About SuperExploder

SuperExploder is the preeminent destination for all things audio. A sound design, music composition and audio mix boutique located in Chelsea. NYC.  SuperExploder is led by award-winning mixer/sound designer/composer Ted Gannon and mixer/sound designer Jody Nazzaro, along with Executive Producer Beth Cummins and audio everyman Tony Sprayberry.  Also representing composers Peter Fish, David Brent and Michael Carey, these auditory virtuosos offer comprehensive sound services for commercials, promos, radio, feature films, web content and experiential projects.  Filter anything through SuperExploder for truly combustible audio.

Credits:
Client: USA Network
Co-President: Chris McCumber
EVP, Marketing & Digital: Alexandra Shapiro
SVP, Brand Creative: Jason Holzman
VP, Brand Creative: Janine Evangelista
Creative Director: Lori Moretz
Senior Copywriter: Joshua Hertz
VP, Production: Sandra Schron
Project Manager Lisa Fleming
Production Company: Bodega
ECD/Producer: Adam Reid
Editorial: Northern Lights
Editor: Brandon Beck
Editorial Senior Producer: Julie Zivic
Sound: SuperExploder
Audio Mixer/Sound Designer: Ted Gannon