What's the matter with promo writers?

[mego73]

So, I am watching Cinemax tonight for a few minutes and they were showing the prime time line up.

First movie up was Schindler's List.

And they tell you with something like this:

"Tonight on Max, relax with Schindler's List..."

Relax, with Schindler's List?

Yeah, I don't know about you, but when I want to unwind, I like to watch brutal depictions of Jewish life under the Nazi regime.

Yup, Schindler's List is one of those movies you want to kick back and pop open a cool one to.

[jasonmego1277]

I agree Mike , what the hell are they thinking. Man might as well sit back relax and watch the apocalypse unfold before our very eyes.

[Mikey]

Schindler's List was a good movie ... but I wouldn't describe it as relaxing... As a matter of fact it was a bit of a chore to watch.

[cjefferys]

Great movie, but relaxing? Er, no, it's not exactly turn your brain off, escapist fare.

[UnderdogDJLSW]

Crazy! Relaxing? That would be like selling Deliverance as a romantic comedy

[palitoy]

Chuckle along with Silkwood

[darklord1967]

I'm a voice-over actor, and I can tell you that promo writers have VERY OFTEN made me lose it when I'm trying to read / record some of their bone-headed, idiotically-written copy.

Some of them... not too bright.

[mego73]

I'm a voice-over actor, and I can tell you that promo writers have VERY OFTEN made me lose it when I'm trying to read / record some of their bone-headed, idiotically-written copy.

Some of them... not too bright.

Well, at least you wouldn't have to do this promo. Cinemax does it's coming up promos in text.

[Captain]

PROMO???...I thought it said porno....Never mind then.

[rchatlin]

As someone in the industry,
that's what we generally call a "Next On," which is very brief and to the point, basically giving you the title. THey're usually done by less experienced Associate Producers.

A promo is a lot more complicated, involved and creative.
It can take us 7-10 days to create a single :30 spot that meets with the approval of a Creative Director, Vice President, and finally the President of the Network.

But I do agree, "relax" was the wrong word. Whoever approved the AP's choice of copy made a poor decision.

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