The new Binghamton University TV commercial, This Is Premier, showcases our school’s history — with a creative twist. Check out how it all came together.
Real props
University Archivist Yvonne Deligato pulled yearbooks, hats, apparel and photographs from the University Archives to give the set an authentic 1940s look.
Never-before-seen footage
The TV plays clips of never-before-seen film from the University vault, converted to digital by James Pitarresi, assistant provost and executive director of the Center for Learning and Teaching, and distinguished teaching professor of mechanical engineering.
Repurposed antiques
The TV, which sits center on the set, is actually from 1948. University Video Producer Andrew Hatling bought the piece off Craigslist and purchased set props from local antique stores.
Custom-made wall
Thanks to the Theatre Department, the 10-by-12 foot background wall was constructed and decorated with period wallpaper. Looks pretty 1940s, right?
And when that wall falls? That’s real, too.
That wall falling down isn’t a visual effect. Three crew members were on either side of the structure and had to let it drop at the exact same time.
There were some visual effects, though.
The TV had been gutted and modified to hold a modern LCD screen, which was later digitally replaced. Oh, and that beautiful sunset? Also, digitally replaced! <!–[endif]–>
Two sets, one day!
The commercial had two filming locations, first in the Anderson Center’s Chamber Hall and then on the DeFleur Walkway. The crew had to transport the set and reconstruct it on the University Spine. Shout out to the Communications and Marketing web team for their help moving the huge wall!
Spot your friends?
See if you recognize any of the extras. The students in the background are actual Bearcats! Over 100 extras and 24 takes later, we had our last scene!
GRAB YOUR POPCORN AND CHECK OUT THE WORLD DEBUT OF BINGHAMTON – THIS IS PREMIER!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4TeY69wsVY&feature=player_embedded
Let’s give credit where it’s due. Here’s a look at everyone who helped make this commercial possible:
Producer: Ryan Yarosh
Producer: Cherith Simmons
Executive Producer: Gregory Delviscio
Director: Andrew Hatling
1st Assistant Camera: JP Pelc
Key Grip: Josh Ludzki
Gaffer: John Barton
Drone Operator: James Johnson
Visual Effects Supervisor: Daniel Sharp
Production Assistants: John Brhel, Diana Bean, Aleks Rikhterman
Production Manager: Linda Biros
Assistant Production Manager: Kimberly Spaulding
Construction Coordinator: Don Guido
Set Design Consultant: Barbara Wolfe
Carpenter: Scott D. Selmeski
Assistant Carpenter: Zach Horowitz
Property Manager: Craig Saeger
Key Scenic: Samantha Eriksen
Head Painter: Martin Richard Borromeo
Archival Video Conversion: James Pitarresi Binghamton
University Archivist: Yvonne Deligato
Voice Over (Narrator): Kevin Collins
Voice Over (Quote 1): Sam Williamson
Voice Over (Quote 2): Bob Michaels
Special Thanks:
Michael Hatling
Jonathan Cohen
Jean Green of Special Collections, Preservation and University Archives
Binghamton University Theatre Department
Lucy Silverstein and The Left Bank shop (Owego)
Daniels Paint (Binghamton)
Pamela Cahill
Kari Bayait
John Solan
Rebecca Latona
Cameron Boyce
Addison Esson
Gary Pedro
Timothy Perry
Sean Conte
David Vendrell
Patrick Collette
Steve Moore