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from Bob, Feb 8, 2010 Headed for California when I left WTEV in '75..... Eventually found myself writing on-air copy for Metromedia (before they became Fox). Was responsible for such ditties as: "Rich Little gives Merv Griffin all the right impressions, Tonite at 9 on Metromedia " Tired of LA and the 'Hollywood' scene. Just not for me. Headed up the coast to San Jose and did some directing...... but stepped back ---- out of the city (a re-curring theme for me) and then jumped-- overseas. Teamed up with Peter Quidley (WTEV photographer / film cameraman alum) on a job in the Middle East. Was a scriptwriter for educational programs. It was programs like: "You and Your Oscilloscope" and "Safety Procedures for the XR700." This was the start of more than 15 years of mostly working overseas, and a move into corporate training/educational video and away from broadcasting. When I returned to America after that first experience, I happened upon a word processing demonstration in Berkeley, Calif. and before I knew it, I was a consultant/trainer in the emerging PC computer field. Mostly self-taught, I was only about a step ahead of all those businesses gearing up with personal computers. But one step was enough! Besides, I found that I could understand and interpret equipment manuals---and, naturally, I had great presentation techniques. Did a lot of training in the next 15 years, working in more than ten countries (mostly Asia/Europe) with jobs ranging from educational video to technical writing, training specialist, computer-assisted-instruction, etc. --- usually training the trainers. Two of my favorites were stints as television studio manager and another as a project manager to establish a training center (which included setting up a television studio.) Seemed I lived on airplanes for a number of years. At one point in 1991-92, I literally went around-the-world in six weeks. Lately though, have only flown once in the past 12 years! Had lived right on the shores of Puget Sound in Washington state between jobs for about 10 years, and then moved to Montana about 12 years ago. Once there, started a service bureau: doing layout, design, graphics, writing and printing of advertising brochures/flyers etc. During this time, also edited/published a book for a Native American. Even was Editor (actually, editor, reporter, photographer and layout/typesetter) for a local weekly newspaper for a very short time. Left when I realized how right Hemingway was when he said: "Every writer should work for a newspaper, but not for too long." Continue to do writing and design work -- doing things like music CD covers. Currently working to establish a web presence to sell my artwork. Also in the process of writing my first book: "Where Do You Grab an Elephant?" My number one rule for working has always been: Have fun, get paid. Along the way, I have ruined countless address books for people that tried to keep track of me. Recognize what the new computer-based technologies offer and see myself taking advantage of the opportunities. Throughout it all. Up and down. And sometimes sideways ---- the only real question in life remains: "What's Next?" | |
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Stories We Heard from Jim Donnelly: I remember Bob was my favorite director during my short time at WTEV. He was calm and cool as a cucumber, and he executed flawless, calm newscasts. Bob, it was a pleasure to run cameras on your productions! (Not like that other director who was a nervous wreck, made lots of mistakes and took it out on the crew. I think his name was Ray Terchiak, he was stalky and had scraggly facial hair, and liked to jump down several stairs at once onto the landing.) from Bob Neary, Feb 16, 2010 Before arriving at WTEV, I had worked a number of other jobs. Actually got my start in the audience business ... getting audiences for TV shows, beginning as an usher with The Mike Douglas Show in Philadelphia. Later was at the Virginia Graham Show and the Steve Allen Show in Hollywood. Good thing about the job was that I had plenty of time to walk around while they were setting up the studio for the show and, of course, took advantage of that perk. Learned something from each of the directors, but remembered one of the Hollywood directors in particular. I got to watch him numerous times during the whole process. In the studio or in the control room, he was always relaxed. Had to admit that I liked his method of letting everyone know what he wanted before the show. He would walk around --- talking with each crew member individually, so that by the time the show began, all he had to do was to set the mood. That seemed brilliant to me and can honestly say: It worked for me, too. | |
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