"The “Bird Man” cover concept on the fall/winter 2021 issue of the Auburn Research magazine was a collaborative effort between the Office of Communications and Marketing and the Office of the Vice President for Research. One of the feature stories in the magazine was about Dr. Geoffrey Hill, an ornithologist who is an expert in bird identification and analyzing and explaining their coloration. His wealth of knowledge in that area led to his “Bird Man” moniker. Through the years he has received many media requests—including from CBS News—to identify bird sightings across the nation.
To highlight his “Bird Man” reputation, the idea to recreate Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 classic movie The Birds was born. Our designer, photographer, and communications manager within the Office of the Vice President for Research set up a photo shoot with Dr. Hill, dressed as Hitchcock, behind an on-campus pond with his hand on a director’s chair that had his name on it. To set an ominous mood and mimic the Hitchcock movie poster, the photo shoot took place at dusk between 6:30-7 p.m.
The cover is so distinct looking and is one of the most memorable covers created. The magazine was distributed to members of the Auburn University Board of Trustees, president's office, and upper level administrators across campus. And the praise after it was distributed was immediate and resounding. It has won numerous national awards within educational advertising and the service industry."
From the Judges
We loved this cover! It's fun and the team did a great job recreating a well-known photo of Alfred Hitchcock.
