RK Studios owner Randall Lee was recently awarded a bronze Telly for its production of the documentary, “The Irish Hills Towers, Rising Again,” in the script-writing category.
While Oscars, Emmys and the like primarily recognize the work of actors, the Telly Award acknowledges on a national level the skills of those who actually create what the public sees, according to a press release. This year’s silver and bronze winners were culled from a field of 13,000 entries submitted by production companies, ad agencies, cable companies, and corporations.
“To be recognized for one’s work at a national level certainly validates the efforts that go into all our productions,” Lee said, adding, “This is extra special as it appears the Irish Hills Towers are to be demolished unless funds for restoration can be raised.”
Lee’s previous documentaries have focused on Jackson’s Cascades, the Chelsea Clock Tower and mid-Michigan architect Claire Allen.
He got his start writing and producing radio and TV commercials for various South Florida ad agencies in the early 1980’s.
In 1984, he and partner Norm Titcomb formed BRT Video, to produce music videos, corporate presentations and segments for local television stations.
“It was seat-of-your-pants production,” said Lee. “We were the first A/B ¾ inch house in Fort Lauderdale, and our work was good so we stayed pretty busy. Norm was the audio expert and his BRT Recording Studios produced a couple of gold records.”
Lee sold his interest in 1987 and did freelance production in Florida until 1997 when he moved back to Michigan.
“It was around 2002 when my fiancee asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up,” Lee said, adding, “I told her I really wanted to get back into video.”
By 2005, he was back at it, but had to relearn everything.
“Tape decks were out, computers were in,” he said.
Lee’s next documentary is to be about the Purple Rose Theatre (PRT).
“It’s a remarkable enterprise,” he said, “Few nonprofits could even hope to be as successful as the PRT.”
Principal photography is finished as is the script, and he’s editing it now.
A release date is slated soon.
I have seen the video and it is very well done. I hope all your readers will consider purchasing a copy, especially from the Irish Hills Historical Society, when you so, your purchase helps to save the Towers from demolition.
If you would like to make a donation to help save the Towers, visit irishhillstowers.com or visit Causes.com and Save the Towers, Irish Hills Historical Society is a 501(c)3 and all donations are tax deductible.