Round 4 Entry for Chris de Ville
Jacquie Jones:
I love Chris’s voice and his writing. Even though he doesn’t offer any thing new demographically, I suppose, there is something fresh about him that I connect with, an openness and smartness that is not nerdy for a change. I have to admit, though, that this show concept, as much as I’d love to love it, seems a bit too far-reaching and hard to get your arms around. Is it a literary travel show? Seems a bit to esoteric and vague, I hate to say. I would totally vote for Chris, however, in a contest for a best new columnist. I’m still a Chris fan!
Maxie Jackson:
Close to my 3rd choice but the intellectual snobbery lost me at times. This concept has potential but I'm concerned with his ability to play with others as a host.
Doug Mitchell:
I loved listening to him wax philosophic and his writing is quite good. Still, I’m not a book reader and feel embarrassed that I couldn’t come close to identifying with his idea, because I’m not in a book club. Chris is comfortable to listen to in this demo but I doubt I would do an hour.
Jake Shapiro:
Pacing too monotonous; rich writing & ideas, very literary, presumes a lot of knowledge/interest. Book show. More mediocre than I'd hoped from Chris.
Julie Shapiro:
Though I appreciate the idea behind Chris's proposed show, it may be weighed down by all of the wordage and musing, and I don't buy his assumptions about
how "we" travel and think about it beforehand.
(Too much 'we' overall.) The writing is eager and sincere, but doesn't translate to radio very well; I was lost a few times in just five minutes - He's not talking to me - he's reading to me. Introduces obvious authors - but I'm not sure I'll learn anything new about them, and don't get the feeling I'll hear from anybody new or fresh. Points for "literary clown carism". Production less consistent than others / tone is one-dimensional.
Julie Drizin:
Chris is clever and artsy and literate and original, but I honestly don't think his on-air presence is strong enough to carry a radio program and keep listeners engaged. He has a lot to say and share, but radio may not be the ideal outlet for his burgeoning talent.
Izzi Smith:
Sounds like a dull segment from Savvy Traveler. I'm falling asleep. "Literary clown carism?" shoot me now. Too smart by half. Interview snippet added nothing. "Sniffing deeply their spinal crevices?" Icky. Who are all these people he says we'll spend time with them? That was really bad.
Jay Allison:
Companionable tone. Nice unraveling of images with music. Writing is strong, if occasionally over-wrought. Again, better to DO the show than talk about it. Put us in the present, not the future.
John Barth:
Chris! You grabbed me in the other rounds but this one just didn’t feel like radio. And it didn’t capture what I heard in previous hurdles: story telling, observation, a gentleness and exploration. Gotta pass on you here — I like your voice; and when you are on – not overwriting and trying so hard—it works. This one just didn’t.
As I'm reading some other comments on other finalists' submissions, I want to clarify what I think is great about this (potential) show. Some other submissions attempt to make sense of contemporary cultural, social or political issues (especially Rebecca and April--Al's does this in a new and more interesting way). However, there are many many other venues in which to find this.
With the decline in reading in America (especially in fiction) and the closing and shrinking of book reviews, it seems we are losing contact with an incredibly old human outlet for expression and for making sense of human nature and humanity's place in the world, or simply of a human's place in the world. Great literature (like great film, radio, theater and TV) re-engage the experiencer into a larger context, making him or her think differently, live differently, feel differently. This change can then be brought back to more topical issues.
The turn away from literature is perhaps similar to the issue about attention spans in other comments here. This radio show could be a great way to re-engage listeners with fiction, with a broader way of thinking about the world in which we live. This broader, slower, more thoughtful approach is just what is needed to really re-examine contemporary goings-on, not just to this or that issue, but range of them. This was part of the bridging I commented on below.
I am completely in wonder of mysterious visions, astute timing, and myriad words which quiz the mind, stir the senses and breathe an after image like a fine wine. I am reminded of your talent, which I knew when our paths crossed, when we were both living in upstate New York. So, a fine job it is indeed, the evocation of cities real and imaginary and also of places foreign and near. Thank you for the cadence, tone, and miasma of your voice!
Aunt Cali
I like that you're not trying to do something just because it's never been done before. And books, well. You had me at the word fiction. You would do well with some editing, though that's easy enough to fix. Great delivery. The structure of the demo was a little confusing, with the fading and the snippits. Finally, the writing. "Mmmmwah!" (Kisses fingers.) You have a natural way of writing for the ear that's just effortless. Thanks for all your hard work in this contest. I know your career will be shiny and bright.
Much appreciated! I agree that I need some training in the editing department (and going it alone from a hotel room in Buenos Aires certainly didn't help...but it'd be indecorous to cry in my beer about that otherwise lovely circumstance). If I am lucky enough to make it through this round, I'll be so excited to work with a real public radio mentor who can show me the way.
Ah, Theresa, you've been such a trusty supporter during this whole contest, and I'd so love to make a weekly radio program to keep you entertained. Thanks, and thanks again for being so cool, and for being such an engaged listener.
Anything and everything bookish. Please.
With all respect, I disagree with Mr. Remus completely. You're latest provides an escape into new worlds far removed from the rat-race and into the imaginative, visionary and possible realms of a better brighter, more educated, enlightened and literate tomorrow.
I love the latin authors. Speak to me of Isabelle Allende. Introduce me to the middle-eastern equivalents. Help me discover and understand other literary giants I've yet to read.
Thank you, Chris. I so want you to win so we can have your regular show to listen and learn, ahh, quality time.
I like big words, really I do. But here there were too many, too much, and the start was just too slow. I don't want to hear Borges, I want to be entertained.
Shake it up, man, and you may go farther.
In a world of geopolitical turmoil, far-flung economic and environmental and public health vectors that intersect, and dangerous tides of insularity, providing NPR listeners with a show devoted to exploring the cultural, historical, social, and aesthetic dimensions of international cities makes a lot of sense.
What better way to promote increased understanding and maybe even friendship among global peoples than to zoom into their unique worlds using the arts and letters as a pretext?
I hope this idea moves forward to fruition.
united territories of america, ORDER, might as well start NOW.
a photo op for the Iranian president, bush has had more photo ops than you can count, i think he is just mocking america. america the beautiful, more like america the industrial wasteland.
can't win the war when you're funding the terrorist through reconstruction contracater.
globalization? more like 40 hour weeks condemned to american capitalist devil.
we need smaller schools, more farms, and sustainable systems. and free education. Less writing non-fiction, more doing.
how can we move forward, when the system is blocked up in beauracracy and corruption. they so diplomatic, they so aristocratic.
go to hell american government. go cry to God mr. president, a weak crusader to say the least. I hope it collapses thanks to you.
i don't have any money, if i had a million dollars i might try prosper.com and start a new world bank.
i miss cactus prior.
peace and love, messages from the people, i'm out.
s love
"Less writing non-fiction, more doing"
AnarchyNOW,
I can't say I understood exactly where you were coming from on all your points, but I was glad to see you at least tangentially engage fiction writing, which is for the most part, what my show deals with. I imagine that if you don't care so much for non-fiction, you probably are even less interested in fiction, yes? I do understand the revolutionary's need to act instead of just stewing ideas in his/her head, but I'd suggest that fiction writing can sometimes be a very powerful political act. There are numerous cases of fiction having direct influences on politics (Uncle Tom's Cabin is a readily familiar one). But as well, fiction has inspired political activism all over the world; it has helped people understand the forces of oppression that they are dealing with. Think of the works of George Orwell, Albert Camus, Chinua Achebe, Upton Sinclair, Václav Havel. And remember, AnarchyNOW, that fiction has a special power: being that it's by definition not true, it can, under this guise of falsehood and irrelevance, slip revolutionary messages past harsh censors in oppressive regimes.
If I make it through this round and eventually get a show, I'd love for you to tune in to the episode I'd like to do on utopian societies as presented in "classic" sci-fi. As an anarchist, you might dig "The Dispossessed", and might even be so inspired that the next time you take to the streets, the ideas in that book will put a little extra pep in your step.
At first I thought, "Oh no, not a show from total esoteria"! But, it was poetically written without being inscrutable and convinced me along the way. It is a "new idea", and that doesn't always mean a "good idea". I liked weaving in the the interview and people talking in the background, though I would have liked to hear some substance from the Argentines. There seemed to be music mixed in early that was mixed to low--unless some some ghosts from Rebecca Watson's piece got in there.
This could be a great trip for the imagination and something too really chew on.
Erik Villesvik
about literature and geography without leaving home. I could stand to learn more about both. Inscrutable, yet compelling.
I will confess that as a friend of a prx-er, I have only sporadically checked in from the very beginning of this competition when aggressively nudged to listen and vote. But the first time I did, at round one, it was a no brainer for me which entry I liked the best. The night clerk at the motel- hands down. I think I missed round 2, caught only part of round 3, life gets busy of course. . . but now off in Russia, in the middle of the night, I thought I should give the finalists their due and listen to all of them (so I can tell my nudger that I voted!) Imagine what a pleasant surprise to find that the person I have been hoping would win all along, has thought up just the show I've been waiting for. Hurrah! Chris, I'm so glad you're listening to old Connections. That show held a unique and treasured place in many listeners' hearts. When it was cancelled, the ONE place where we could hear about art and culture on a daily basis was gone. (For those who don't know, the first hour was usually current affairs, and the second about art, music, film, and books- with incredible guests and fascinating topics.) The original host, Chris Lydon, made it what it was, and then created the fabulous Open Source- which has also recently been taken from us. Funding in public radio (and television too! It's not any easier for us!) of course, is always the difficult thing, but there are thirsty listeners out there and eagerly awaiting fellow-travellers (no pun intended) ready for your new show, so GOOD LUCK!! Hope you win!
Your enthusiasm for my show makes me so very, very happy. If I make it through, I'll work devilishly hard to fill the gap left by those beloved, fallen shows.
Russia, eh? I've never been, but I'd so love to don an overcoat, grab my recorder and make an episode while ghost hunting in the dark streets of St. Petersburg.
Again, thank you. You've made my night.
As a former Austinite, I think Chris embodies all that's good about the city itself: he seems laid-back and unpretentious, but worldly and sharply intelligent too; and he's got a quirky, charming, offbeat sensibility that's very sincere. I've been waiting my whole life to hear a puppeteer on the radio. Go, Chris!
You have your own charming personality (and the best photo of the bunch, where IS that?)
Your approach reminds me of shows I miss: Christopher Lydon and Mary McGrath's CONNECTION and Gretchen Helfrich and Chicago Pub. Radio's ODYSSEY
But perhaps even they did not attempt something as ambitious. they'd have one guest or one theme per show.
Perhaps your proposal is of a co-produced series with a book and a deep website... or a university offering?
I hope we can hear and learn more.
thanks for answering
I should include their Radio Open Source,
now on hiatus,
reinventing itself and including other thinking people
http://www.radioopensource.org
They're having discussions about Emerson now...
I figure you'd be interested in how Chris (!) keeps responding nad reinventing.
It's brilliant how Open Source includes others via the internet
But sometimes I missed having more of his writing, and more of the deepest thinkers with the longest views. He and his crew are perhaps looking for a similar balance you're seeking.
Another balancing act as you advance: dealing with the inevitable hecklers. Don't think he attracts many, but it was interesting to see him handle one naysayer each at a live lecture in Woods Hole and then Boston. As open has he has to stay to listeners and all thought directions, he keeps the shield and sword in his back pocket for limited use.
oops getting carried away procrastinating.
I'm sure some more connected folks will fill you in...
is where that photo was taken.
Thanks, Nannette, for your support, and for steering me to those programs. I'd never heard CONNECTION before, but am listening to an old broadcast of it at this very moment. Christopher Lydon is great!
I'd like to hear more of this program. It doesn't suffer from the dreadful overproduction of some other entries, and I can sense a personal passion behind it. Chris, you should work on writing more a bit more conversationally. "As we're going to keep on doing", perhaps, instead of "as will be our custom". If you wouldn't say it while talking to your friends, don't say it in front of a microphone.
The reason I listen to public radio is that I hear stories that offer nuance, insight and new perspectives that go beyond what I've already heard over and over again on commercial media. This was the only piece of the 5 that really moved beyond the predictable and cliche and could take me somewhere beyond my daily commute.
What I like most is that Chris de Ville's program will bring the literature back to the reader and back to the street. I've read comments suggesting that he stick with writing. But radio IS writing, plus verbal expression, timing, inflection, reflection, articulation, all the rest. As a reader and someone who enjoys hearing literature being discussed, especially the stuff you can sink your teeth into, I can anticipate tuning in regularly. 5 stars for this guy. I hope to hear him again soon.
Daniel Mennega
Austin, Texas
Much appreciated. I'll be in Austin in, say, February hanging out quite often at my local caffeine dealer, the Bouldin Creek Coffee shop. Introduce yourself sometime!
your proposed show seems to me to be for radio and books what Simon Schama's Power of Art is for tv and art. what is captivating about Schama is his boldness, and this sense of credulity he gives off. alas, i was kind of lulled by your spot. it is sad to me, because i want you to win this.
I think it is just a problem with the spot, though. some people have mentioned the mood/music, and it is subdued, but that isn't necessarily bad, and could work to your advantage if you had some contrast. i wish there was more of your guests in there instead of mixing them out or talking over them. i was really getting into the first few words of the professor from San Antonio, and you just sort of eclipsed him.
anyway, i really think this show would work, and you have all my votes.
from bouldin, mark
Yes, it's true this was a rather subdued piece. The way I approached this challenge was to make an episode of my program, and take the short demo from it, so that rather than just making promises about what I would do someday, I could instead refer to something I'd actually done -- and in this first episode, a somewhat doleful, dreamy tone felt right (as it hopefully helped the listener feel the saudade that pervades Invisible Cities, a book in which we feel Kubla Khan's melancholy as he realizes that the power he holds over the cities in his empire is an illusion, that his reign is doomed -- and as well to echo some of the intimacy and solemnity of Borges' Buenos Aires, a city of brooding dance and of families who still don't know what happened to their disappeared loved ones).
I feel confident that I can handle a variety of moods in my program, and trust that this would keep the listener more engaged over time. For example, don't you tire more easily of musicians who only play songs in one particular spirit? Emotional range is why I love artists like Lou Reed or Brian Eno, because they can be ecstatic, woebegone, playful or angry as fits the piece.
I say this just to be clear that my programming would not always sound dolorously minor-keyed like this. I'm trusting that voters have gotten enough sense from my other entries, Weekend America spots, etc. to know that this is not the only mood I work in.
I do agree with you that my edits and fades weren't so hot. Part of that is just a matter of practicing the craft of editing for radio; something which I'm sure I'd quickly improve on with the help of the professional mentors I'd get to work with should I make it through this round. Another part, though, was a decision to not dig into things that I couldn't finish in the few short minutes I had to work with. For example, Ken makes a number of very interesting and rather complex arguments in our interview which don't really reduce nicely into sound-bytes. I figured then that I'd just fleetingly indicate that we'd be doing interviews with pros, and leave it at that. Also, as it is my hostiness that is being scrutinized in this contest, I thought it wisest to showcase more heavily here my presence in the program. In the actual episodes, I assure you, the thoughts of the experts and interviewees will be so very much more present than they were in this hosti-centric demo.
Anyway, Mark, I really appreciate your thoughts and support. I'll be back in Austin probably in February, so if you happen to spot me in the Bouldin Creek Coffee shop, do please introduce yourself.
so, i listened again to your demo, and a feeling grew on me. this particular show that is being eavesdropped upon is a show i would seek out. there is no question there. i sincerely hope you get to make it, or really anything. i think you exhibit depth, and with that, i think you stand a very good chance at reaching the "truth" (if you'll suffer my trite usage...). what's more, you've shown (also in your blog postings) that you don't feel like the expert, and that you are more or less on a quest in each show. (hopefully, i'm not mis-representing you.) and this is perhaps where you shine and Schama - please excuse this second, and really not that good comparison - kind of falters, in my mind.
this is all, i guess, a note of encouragement, and a bit of explanation about my tone in the first post; hopefully more of the former.
and, yeah, i hope i do see you at bcc ... and this reviewer would prefer if i were congratulating you on your victory! either way, we all win in the non-existent competition, right?
You are a writer. Why not exercise the gift in print. It is more suitable. Your writing has the rhythms and density of the page, rather than the radio.
Tedious and self-absorbed. The writing is certainly "mellifluous" in places (as someone else said), but it runs on, overstaying its welcome. I don't sense any compelling style or real desire to engage the listener.
Obviously Chris' strong suit is his writing. He is an intelligent and thought provoking host. I felt like I was listening to a really good book on tape. I'm not sure if that makes great radio though. Some of the transitions, particularly the fades, were a bit clumsy. The different sections of the show were poorly established. More than anything, this is a description of a show, not an effective demo.
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