Thoughtful Preparations: Media Spin Blog

’cause I’m hung up on dreams I’ll never see – Allman Brothers, Dreams.

There are great rock songs from the late 60’s and 70’s that still endure today, many as backup fuel for TV car ads. A month ago, in January, I was contacted by an individual who planned to develop a theatrical rock show, featuring a live cover band playing great rock anthems of 1976. His focus was on Boston, Kansas, Aerosmith, and Bad Company. Although I am familiar with these groups and some of their songs, they were never my big favorites, so I was doubtful of the success of this venture. The rock entrepreneur, had a long time vision of this grand show with montages of news and movie footage from 1976, 3D animation and sophisticated video projection as a big drawing multimedia extravaganza. Still, I was a bit skeptical when I saw very slim writing and storyboards defining specific content. The rock impresario could not be daunted, and he sent me a check telling me to go ahead, we’ll make a great 5 minute demo tape and sell this idea to his very big people. “Golly,” I thought, “how often do I have the chance for this kind of creative freedom, even if the music is Wayne and Garth goofy?” Carry on my wayward son! So, I’m wrestling with Maya particles for a week, animating the first Boston cover, when Mr. Retro Rock realizes the rights are going to be too expensive to acquire for this project. Poof! Done. Over. Kaput.

You know, I’ve learned the hard way, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably isn’t,” and this is one big classic rock reaffirmation.

Sometimes I feel, sometimes I feel, like I’ve been tied to the whippin’ post. – Allman Brothers, Whipping Post.