Don't Worry, Be Lively

When I had a chance to more thoroughly look over the Writing Center script, I was instantly relieved that the studio production class wouldn't have to go the way of infomercials. So many commercials begin with a comment much like the one in the writing tutor script we were provided.

Do you struggle with ______?

However, instead of just providing a solution for the consumer's problems, most infomercials make a mockery of the consumer's failure first. In fact, there's a youtube video dedicated entirely to the overacting of the infomercial actor in need of assistance.

As odd as it may sound, my approach to the writing center commercial would be similar to how a lot of acne medication commercials are produced currently. For one thing, much like acne, trouble with assigned papers at any stage of the writing process is a universal problem. Most of us can identify with those who would be in need of the writing center's services. Instead of making this seem like a doom and gloom scenario, acne commercials tend to embrace the norm and provide friendly encouragement for seeking help.





There's no reason that the writing center commercial can't also be this lively and bright. We might be working in a studio environment, but we have more backgrounds available to us than just the black curtains. Even the bright blue might be more refreshing and positive a color.

Black backgrounds, even with bright lighting, can make it seem as if the person speaking to you in the commercial is floating in space. Also, as was mentioned in class, the brighter you want someone to appear in intelligence (and for a writing tutor, that is a must!), the brighter that individual should be on screen. I think that should be the case for the entire image presented, not only the faces of the speakers.

Needing tutoring can make people feel as if they've failed at writing, even if that is not the case. If the commercial for the writing center is positive, bright, and friendly, it might seem less like a punishment for the consumer, and more like a shared experience he or she can go through without shame, and to his or her benefit.