Round 4 Entry for Glynn Washington

Jacquie Jones:
Snap Judgment is, for me, the best overall show concept and one that really gets to the heart of something people are definitely looking for in a show – not more information, but ways to get closer to some kind of understanding of the motivations and experiences of others.

This promises that and the choice of a sample interview is the start of delivering on that promise. Also, very fine use of formal elements. However, Glynn, as in earlier entries, seems a bit too wow-ed by the headlines and never gets much farther. Even in this short sample, he might have given us a one-line bit of insight about why a woman who sounds perfectly normal would marry someone she’s just met on an airplane. We hear nothing about the man or what might have attracted her to him so powerfully, nor do we get a sense of whether this is in keeping with or breaking with her normal way or being in the world. If this is a joke or an act of desperation. My word of encouragement would be: DEEPER!

Maxie Jackson:
Demo really demonstrates his value as a host - great energy, curiosity and ability to assist with the story telling. Concerned with concepts limitations but he is definitely a host.

Doug Mitchell:
This was really, really gripping. We all have too make these kinds of decisions all the time and probably only document it in a story to a friend over a drink. Glynn did a nice job of moving the story along without sounding like a robotic interviewer. Glynn’s “hostiness” isn’t quite there for me. But, I would listen to this because of the storytelling is so well done. The production was cool too. And the elephant in the room . . . how many black males are hosting or even reporting regularly on public radio?

Jake Shapiro:
Bold, direct, simple, confident. Glynn's persona anchors it but he does good job with this interview. Concept could easily get stale as a recurring show however.

Julie Shapiro:
Glynn's own enthusiasm for telling AND hearing stories has been clear from the start and it's still in the mix. This story didn't exactly make sense at all times but the main points were clear enough - somehow the more confusing bits of tape are forgiven.

The set-up's a bit over- dramatized - I don't need to be convinced that her story's as bizarre as it is - Glynn may be trying too hard. But the sound/music design is great - part of the story rather than background - and sets the moods well. There's a spark here.

Julie Drizin:
Glynn is a great storyteller: witty, spirited, natural, provocative. Knows how to elicit a good story from someone else, too. I just want more, more, more. Fascinating.

Izzi Smith:
Great set up – you REALLY want to know what happens Glynn is a little forced, but there is something genuinely exciting here. This has legs as a national thing – very TAL like while still sounding distinctive. Glynn needs to watch his voice quality. Great to hear him laugh – great laugh. Not sure how the show will flow – multiple stories (I hope) or one played out over an hour.

Jay Allison:
Good narrative instincts. Host interludes sometimes a bit over-awed. Some elegant musical moments. Story raised more questions than it answered.

John Barth:
Bam. Give this guy a show. Period. Yeah, there is a lot of dramatics here but let’s run with it. Sensibility, passion, smart, like Al — Glynn will take us to new places. And this has a story-telling structure and hooks — the what next. Not at all smug. What a relief.

"Snap Judgment" is a brilliant idea. It allows Washington to explore people, situations and emotions in a well told story. There's humor,anticipation, suspense and a central concept we can all relate to. I found myself asking "and then what happened? more than one time". Bravo! Hope the show makes it.
EPL

Hey,

What can you say! We all had a feeling and you just kept getting better.

Snap Judgment is a HIT!

Keep it going. We want the same energy and intensity and intelligence for a REAL SHOW!

Stay true to your self and you will be unstoppable.

The nation does not know how lucky they are. Let's wait till they really get to know you. They won't be able to get enough.

Bravo, Encore, Have a Drink.

You earned it.

Pace

The really amazing thing is that Glynn managed to put this whole thing together so quickly. It has the feel of a whole show, a complete experience that gives a good impression of what a full length program may consist of. That was the purpose of this - its a demo. To expect immaculate production values and an endlessly detailed narrative is simply impossible with these constraints. That is something only a full-length pilot can provide, which is what everyone is shooting for. That will be the opportunity to really stretch and show what 3 of these talented folks can do with a proper budget. Overall, I think all the contestants did a pretty astounding job under extremely difficult circumstances, and Glynn's offering is no exception.

What a great segment!

You convinced us all that you deserve a chance at moving on in this competition. I admit the story was entertaining, but there certainly is more to it that meets the ear.

My favorite part was where Simone is advised to go to a theme park and ride a roller coaster when she voices her marital dissatisfaction. I am sure that you kept that quote exactly because you took us on a roller coaster of an episode.

I think some people were confused by the Lebabanon landing, and a Syrian wedding, but if you check a map, you will see that is like flying into Boston to go to a wedding in Vermont. You can't get a good cheap flight into vermont.

You could probably read the phone book and make people listen. The fact that you chose this story, though shows that you definitely know a good plot when you hear one.

I would be interested to see what you come up with next. Would there be more stories like this? Everyday people who find, or PUT, themselves in life changing predicaments. I hope you find room for some positive outcomes. I think it was important though to have this love story end up sour. It shows that you are not trying to spread icing all over everything. I woul like to hear more from Simone in the future, to see what the fallout was from marrying this man.

Anyway, best of Luck today. I am sure that no matter what happens, your future will be a bright one, and that this is not the last time we will hear about Glynn Washington.

The contest is over. Try to stay positive. There will be more than one winner. The comment below was posted only to strike a blow at a fine entry. Clearly people like Glynn's style, and without a doubt he will prevail.

Let's hope you enjoy his pilot. Because he is obviously one of the winners. No last minute comments that occur after voting has ended, can change that.

Good luck with your candidate, though. Maybe she will put you on her show during "Shark Week in Oregon".

GenX

Talent is what this is all about. After this point, the winners get to do a pilot for PRX. They will work with producers to broaden their concepts and hone their approach. No doubt that the show will expand into different areas. The question is who do they want as a personality driving the show.

You have personality. Your laughter is genuine, and your subject matter is engaging.

Let's see what you can do with an NPR pilot.

I can not wait. If you can do this much on your own, against some very stiff competition, many of whom had years of radio experience under their belt, then imagine what it will be like when you have the resources and advice of Public Radio professionals behind you.

Congratulations on a great effort. You did it your way, and I believe you will win.

Pace

I loved the subject matter, snap decisions. I thought your interviewing style was right on - curious, incredulous, and inquiring. The end was great too - a crisp cliffhanger. Great job!

Admittedly, it's tough to make something sound enticing, but feigned laughter at an obviously known pivotal point in the story and comparing a marital spat to destruction of 9/11 seriously turned me off.

This is an interesting tale, but will that be the extent of this show: interesting tales? We get a hurried romp through a bizarre chance experience with a seemingly complete end to the story in 5 minutes which would make anyone think twice about saying "yes" to anything unexpected in their lives.

Advice: Slow the pacing down a few notches.. be careful not to force an emotional response onto the audience (especially when something is said that you clearly expected).. better explain why Snap Judgement is more than just a collection of stories where people made a hasty decision (if there is anything more to it).. and it's a good rule of thumb to leave the audience wanting to complete the segment in advertisements (which shouldn't include slowing down or to explain why the premise of the show is important).

Props to the good use of sound/music editing. Although, I certainly expected more substance after listening to your entries from rounds 2 & 3.

This was outstanding. The story was compelling, and the pace was refreshingly quick. I'm really excited to hear more of Glynn on the radio. Wonderful job!

I like your pace here. The story really moves along nicely, but still stops to give some good details. You obviously have a way of making a connection with your guests. It makes for some nice honest drama, without getting too over the top sensational.

You have grown tremendously since the start of this contest. If anything is apparent, it is that you have good potential for growth. Right now, the market has you undervalued. I am going with 5 stars until we hear the pilot. Then we will reevaluate your contract.

Nice work. Keep blazing your own path, and keep your energy and excitement up. It shows in your work, and it is fresh and invigorating!

Annie

This was a great entry...I want to hear the rest...I had to raise the volume on my laptop to make sure I didn't miss a word....

I admit that in the previous rounds I had some doubts about you, but this round you convinced me! This was by far the most interesting of all the programs in contest.

I, personally, am very taken by this concept -- the choices we make in a pinch, the opportunities we jump on, and where they lead us. It didn't feel like there was a second of filler -- I wanted to know more, I enjoyed your style of interviewing, and would definitely listen again.

Great work!

Go Glynn! You got some true griot blood in you my brodda. Reminds mi of my ole granny's storytelling back in Jamaica.

I loved the segment, Glynn, but it's a cliff-hanger. What happens?

This is such a perfect entry! I was riveted for the full 5 minutes; your entry was complete, cohesive, and well edited. The music fit in seamlessly. I didn't want it to end!

Engaged indeed. If this show can consistently find stories with a high drama/interest level like the demo, it could a real audience grabber. I was sorry I couldn't hear more of this bizarre bit of snap judgement. Your voice was not clear a few times and another critic has addressed this. But the concept and your involvement and emotion in the story and interview were winning elements. I would listen to this regularly if the stories were this compelling.
Erik Villesvik

This is a clear example of show me, don't tell me. And show us, he did.

A demo can be either a taste of what you can do, or a summary of what you will do. Snap Judgment is a great taste of a rich story moved by a narrative using music and interview. It's a basic concept. What is good about this is that Glynn shows the ability to execute this concept in his own way.

Is his voice too buried? Yes, it needs to be better produced.

But please, let's point out that he put a show together that paints a picture while giving the details in the story time to develop.

The fact that people are criticizing the story, means that, guess what...you were listening. Is the woman callous? Or is there more to the story? I bet if you give him another 55 minutes you will like how he answers your questions.

So wait, wait, don't hate me, when I tell you that he accomplished goal number one..he engaged the listener.

And, that's what you want in a demo.

I enjoyed this segment and thought it was Glynns strongest entry so far but it felt like the interview challenge. I'm not clear what he would do after we heard these stories. The concept wasn't fully developed.

At first I thought it would be energizing to hear stories about about risk-takers, whose decisions took them down unexpected and unusual paths. Then I realized that while this was an engaging and well-produced story, there was no exploration of why this woman made the choices she did. It sounds as if getting married (and divorced) didn't mean much to her - which makes her sound wifty and takes the wind out of her risk-taking. A fun, but, in the end, not deep choice of subject...and no clue that a longer format would be more probing or exploratory. BTW, the introduction mentions Syria, but the story twice says Lebanon. Fact-checking - or at least a passing explanation of the contradiction - is due your audience.

Awesome stuff. Glynn is the best. I'd listen to him every day!

You have a listener here! I would have to rearrange my schedule if necessary to be sure I could tune in. Gimme more!

Great, great story. Totally gripping. (I can't imagine how "Not bad" didn't care for the subject matter.)

More importantly, I am a huge Glynn fan, not because I love his concept (I do), not because I love his treatments (I do), but because I LOVE his voice and his rhythm. They're magic. This man was born to be on the radio. Hands down the best.

I think this guy could be a fine host. I didn't particularly care for his subject matter, but I do very much like the way he handled it.

I think I actually married her in France. She is a Hellcat!

Great Story. I think it is true.

Is it true?

Will Helm

Geesh, I had to listen to this one a couple of times. Great story!!

You're a wonderful, enthusiastic, curious, extremely engaged interviewer. Go, Glynn!