ACHOF’s Mike Goldstein’s interview with SMOG Design’s Jeri and John Heiden on their 2024 Grammy Award-winning (for “Best Boxed Or Special Limited Edition Package”) work for For The Birds: The Birdsong Project.
Posted March 28, 2024 by Mike Goldstein
This past year, as the result of the labor unrest and strikes that took place in various parts of the entertainment industry, award shows of all stripes have been eager to stress the importance of those who work behind the scenes in various roles in production and promotion. A recent example was during the 2024 Academy Awards show here in the U.S., during which the host brought out to the stage a large entourage of people from that event’s production crew so that they could take a bow in front of the luminaries who the show usually focuses its attention on. It was heartwarming to see the show of solidarity by most of the audience who seemed to understand the importance and significance of those who are credited but typically unseen, and it reminded me that, each year around this time, I venture to bring you an interview or two with some of those who are honored by industry organizations for their superlative productions in the area of packaging and promotion. While the award presentations for these honorees will probably not ever be included in a televised event (as they’re usually given out in pre-show ceremonies), I’ve been covering this business long enough to know that some people’s work over the years deserves special attention, and I’m proud to be able to do this in some (very) small way.
The subjects of this ACHOF interview are two people – partners Jeri and John Heiden of SMOG Design – who, for the first time in the many years since Jeri’s first Grammy Award nomination in 1986 (earning five more through 2024), were finally given the top award in their category – and their first as a duo – at the latest ceremonies this past February.
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