Artists in Advertising

Director/Cinematographer Mitchell Amundsen Joins Bandito Brothers to Get in on the Action

2010-03-19T18:48:57Z

CULVER CITY, CA, March 19, 2010 - Director/Cinematographer Mitchell Amundsen has joined the roster of Bandito Brothers for exclusive spot representation as a commercial director. He comes to Bandito Brothers from the world of high-octane feature films, making him an excellent fit for Bandito's action-oriented company culture. Amundsen, one of Variety's Cinematographers to Watch in 2008 ,sees a kinship between his feature work and the world of advertising. "Two of my recent projects were "Transformers" and "G.I. Joe," so, essentially, I was delving into the world of marketing and promotion," he says. "These movies are longform branding efforts."

]]> As the cinematographer on those films, and many others, including "Wanted" and "Transporter 2," Amundsen has displayed a passion for footage that is as thrilling as it is beautiful. "I got into film based on a love for beautiful imagery, but I also dig the idea of doing something different every day, traveling all over the world, and having every project be an adventure," Amundsen said.

While those adventures have made him something of an expert on car chases - he was Second Unit DP on "The Bourne Supremacy" and "Mission Impossible III" - for Amundsen, the excitement can come in any genre: he shot "Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience" and was one of the all-star DP's chosen to serve as camera operator on the Rolling Stones' "Shine a Light."

"We are stoked to have Mitchell join the team," said Bandito EP Jeff Rohrer. "He is known around town as one of the hardest-working guys in the business, covering massive action sets under incredible pressure and still producing stunning images film after film." Rohrer said that Bandito Brothers is the perfect home for Amundsen, given the company's high volume of action-oriented work. "Mitchell covers action in a cinematic fashion that brings dignity to the action script," added Rohrer.

Indeed, as he makes the transition to directing, Amundsen brings to this endeavor a wealth of lessons learned on-set with some of the industry's most notable filmmakers, including Martin Scorsese, Stephen Sommers, Gore Verbinski, and Michael Bay.

Born and raised in Marin County in Northern California, Amundsen loved music but in high school discovered that still photography was a more natural fit. "I was always interested in imagery," he recalled. "I drew a lot, and was attracted to the crazy, psychedelic posters that were on the streets in the Haight Ashbury district." As a Video Assist for Francis Ford Coppola on "The Outsiders," "Rumblefish," and "The Cotton Club," Amundsen was able to work closely with cinematographers such as Vittorio Storaro, Steve Burum, and Stephen Goldblatt. As a First AC, Operator, and, eventually, 2nd Unit DP, he worked with Ralph Bode, Barry Sonnenfeld, Michael Ballhaus, John Schwartzman, and other noted cinematographers, ammassing credits on films such as "Heathers," "Benny and Joon," "Conspiracy Theory," "Sea Biscuit," "Pearl Harbor," and "Armageddon." By 2001, he was working as a cinematographer, with credits that would include "Transporter 2" and "Wanted."

Amundsen recently completed work on three new films, "High School," "Jonah Hex," and the current remake of "Red Dawn." He is repped for features by The Gersh Agency.

Amundsen rounds out a Bandito Brothers roster comprised of Partners/Directors Mouse McCoy and Scott Waugh, director Stewart Hendler, directing duo Gentlemen, and director/cinematographer Vic Huber.

Digital Intermediate Theater Reinforces a Culture of Courage at New Hat Telecine Boutique

2010-03-19T18:30:53Z

SANTA MONICA, CA, March 19, 2010 - "We opened our company in the face of a terrible recession, and thankfully we've thrived," said Partner and acclaimed Digital Colorist Bob Festa of New Hat, the nonlinear style color correction boutique he co-founded with Partner/Executive Producer Darby Walker last year. "Being bold is part of our DNA, I guess, so we're inclined to stick with it." New Hat recently completed the build-out of its million-dollar Digital Intermediate (DI) Theater, opening the door to the full spectrum of feature film work.

The company, which is home to digital colorists Festa, Beau Leon, and Marcelo Aprile, has brought on Feature DI Colorist Michael Mintz, a veteran of more than 40 feature films, collaborating with filmmakers such as Ridley Scott, Paul W.S. Anderson, and Michael Cuesta. The first project under way at the New Hat DI Theater is the indie feature "Lucky," directed by Gil Cates, Jr. The film stars Colin Hanks, Jeffrey Tambor, and Ann-Margret.

]]> The announcement comes on the heels of recently completed New Hat color correction projects for Hyundai, Toyota, Lifestyles Condoms, HBO, Kings of Leon, Chase Bank, India.Ari, C&A (featuring Fergie), the documentary "Sister Corita," the high-profile Brazilian feature, "O Bem Amado," and a special film celebrating the Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang. New Hat's recent credits also include digital color correction on two 2010 Super Bowl spots, Dockers "No Pants" and Lexus "Act Naturally," the White Stripes documentary "Under White Northern Lights," and director Joseph Kahn's stirring, star-studded "Everybody Hurts" music video for Helping Haiti.

The DI Theater, equipped with Baselight 4 color grading system, 14' Stewart Screen, Barco 2k projector, and Blue Sky 5.1 audio, promises a state-of-the-art experience both technically and in terms of client services. "In these tough times, very few companies remain dedicated to providing the best service and atmosphere while sustaining a very competitive bottom line," said Mintz, noting that the market for DI features is in flux. "A few years ago, the bigger facilities were the only ones who were doing it, then capabilities expanded and budgets contracted," he said. "So now you have the costly facilities on one end and mom-and-pop shops with lower end gear and reduced rates on the other. The New Hat DigitaI Intermediate Theater provides the quality of a big facility but without the prohibitive cost."

Before joining New Hat, Mintz worked at Tunnel Post, iO Film, and The Sony HD Center. A longtime admirer of Festa's work, he began discussions with New Hat about a DI Theater as soon as the company opened. "I met with Darby and began four-walling out of New Hat on some music video projects," he recalled. "I quickly grew fond of facility and people who were working here." He also found that Festa, Walker, and their staff refuse to lower their standards regardless of budgetary or other constraints. "You will get a great product no matter what," he said, "and that was something I knew would translate to the DI Theater. There are many places to do DI, and what sets us apart is talent, quality, and customer service."

For its part, New Hat was eager to channel its nonlinear approach into the feature world, which has unique requirements for digital color correction. "The breadth of New Hat's talent and capabilities opens the door to all kinds of projects," said Walker, "from movies to feature restoration, trailers, and commercials that will be screened in theatrical release."

Joining the New Hat team in support of the DI Theater are Senior Producer Wyatt Valentine and Producer Stuart Heising. Valentine has worked with some of the most talented and respected artists and producers in post production; at Encore Santa Monica, later known as R!OT, he served as a telecine assist, graphics assist, dub center manager, operations manager, director of scheduling, and director of operations. He also worked at Bobine and was on the management team at The Post Group Hollywood. Prior to joining New Hat, Heising enjoyed tenures at Hollywood Digital and Hollywood Digital West, as director of operations, and later as an in-house visual effects producer at both HD West and R!OT.

"Our team and our technology are completely in sync. Clients that come to New Hat immediately notice the difference," observed Festa, recalling the company's Brazilian-themed launch party in September - Brazil is Aprile's home country, and the company maintains a relationship with Estudios Mega (City of God, Sony, Fiat, Honda), a top full-service post house in Rio and Sao Paulo. "We're proud to be a part of the post production scene on a global scale and, now, the LA filmmaking culture."

Of the company moniker, Festa mused, "There's a bravery to buying a new hat - you hope people will like it but you have the confidence to wear it regardless. And, of course, your New Hat is where your ideas will live."

Click HERE for more pictures of the DI Theater.

(Photos courtesy Krista Marlene Photography/www.kristamarlene.com)

Mark My Words - the new column from TWC Films' Mark Thomas:

2010-03-18T17:02:16Z

Managing Expectations in the Real World - and the Advertising World

New Article on Moonrap.com:

2010-03-18T16:47:16Z

New Yorkers Jump Into Bed The Series with Chris Bradford and Tom Mooney

TWC Films Evolves with Additional Directors and Key Staff

2010-03-12T17:57:42Z

SANTA MONICA, CA, March 11, 2010 - TWC Films has announced the addition of Mel Gragido as Executive Producer, and has added six new directors to the company roster. Directors Jonas Arnby, Hans Moland, and Johan Skog were previously repped by The Joneses, where Gragido served as EP. Arni Thor Jonsson, Ken Lambert, and Terry Rietta also join the fold. The new talent joins Brian Baderman, Trevor Cornish, David Jellison, Alex Ogus, Suthon Petchsuwan and Selby on the TWC Films roster. The company is presided over by Partner/Managing Director/EP Mark Thomas, Partner/Producer Ralph Winter, Partner/Director Phil Cooke, and Executive Producer Jeff Snyder.

"2007 was one of our best years ever, and of course, the succeeding two years brought many challenges for our industry," said Thomas, who co-founded the company in 2003 with Winter and Cooke. "We'd done some great work, and we've always had a vision of the work we wanted to do, the kind of company we strive to be, and the continual push on that front got my thinking intensified about the significance of the players - we needed to be pursuing players that were genuinely unique, regardless of genre, so we pursued a course of action that would take us there. I also knew that with what was going on industry wide, this kind of environment historically breeds opportunity, in that great directors would be looking for the right fit. It might seem like we've taken on a lot at once, and clearly that's true, but I strongly believe in the directors that are here. This roster is as significant as we've ever had, and we're poised to make great strides."

]]> Of Gragido, Thomas said, "Mel and I have known each other for quite a while. We'd tossed around the idea of doing something together, but this time everything made sense. TWC Films has many facets, and we're a progressive company. Yet Mel and I agree that at its core, the company is about master storytellers, and he brings with him a group of talented directors that reflect the same ideology."

"Mark and his partners have built a company based on a co-mingling of creative forces," Gragido said. "They represent the full spectrum of media, from commercials to films and television. I've been looking for interesting and innovative ways to expand what we do in the ad medium, and TWC is in a unique position to pursue that." Additionally, Gragido said TWC appealed as a perfect fit for his key directors. "Looking at my guys and Mark's guys, it really felt like a strong roster; we both recognized that this is the roster of a leading production company." That vision clicked with Gragido's directors as well.

While his tenure with The Joneses was a happy one, Gragido said he felt the time was right for a change. "I wanted to take a leap forward. I met with a few companies, and in Mark I really sensed a kindred spirit about a company's focus needing to be about the work."

"I believe that this can become a breakout moment for us," Thomas agreed. Reflecting on the industry as a whole, Thomas recalled a recent conversation with an agency ECD. "He said, it would be great if we could combine the immediacy of online advertising with the necessity of TV advertising. I think that's the right idea. Add an extraordinary level of artistry and execution to that equation, and you really have something of value."

Thomas shared his perspective regarding the newly acquired talent. "It's interesting how things go," he said. "I had reached out to Arni about four years ago, having been a fan of his work. He had been focusing on work in other parts of the world, but last fall he felt the desire to start working in U.S., so while it was a long time coming, it was worth the wait. Arni's recent work is some of his best, and that's an exciting thing to see."

He described Rietta as "an exceptional talent" and went on to stress the value of an agency creative background. Rietta's is strong, having worked at Fallon, GSD&M and a number of other high-profile shops. "You can clearly see how he works hard on improving the idea," said Thomas, concluding that securing Jonsson and Rietta "is right on any number of levels."

With Lambert, Thomas said, "TWC Films has the opportunity to take an unbelievably interesting established international talent and really introduce him in the US. There are very few reels that are like Ken's, his vision is that unique, and his work is already generating interest from agencies."

"There is always going to be visual advertising, the question is on which channel will you receive it?" Gragido added. "Another question is, how do we bridge the gap between mainstream advertising and more unique entertainment content that's branded or seeking monetization? The difference between now and maybe a year ago is that production companies, agencies, and brands are all engaged in this conversation together. The field is open to ideas."

About TWC Films
TWC Films was founded in 2003 by Executive Producer Mark Thomas, Feature Film Producer Ralph Winter, and Director Philip Cooke. The company began full fledged operations in January of 2004. The company produces commercials, branded content and other media for leading advertising agencies and their clients worldwide. By combining superb directorial talent with firm, broad-based expertise in production, TWC has quickly established itself among the elite in the commercial industry and earned the patronage of some of the world's most creative advertising agencies. TWC's primary resource is its talented staff of directors. They are an eclectic group of filmmakers, hailing from different parts of the globe, diversely skilled and representing a wide range of artistic sensibilities. TWC has a long term commitment to its directors. It works closely with them to advance their careers in the commercial arena while seeking opportunities for them to explore other media, including feature films and television.

Commercial Production, Web Advertising, TV - and Matt LeBlanc? - Converge on Moonrap.com

2010-03-09T05:24:00Z

NEW YORK, March 8, 2010 - "My directors were always relevant, now they're topical," said commercial production veteran Tom Mooney, referring to the latest project of Moon Media director Paul Fuentes, a popular promo for Matt LeBlanc's new show, "Episodes," slated to debut in May on SHOWTIME and BBC2. "Building a successful media boutique today is not just about executing work. It's about doing great work that spans TV, Web, theatrical, mobile, every medium - we're still creating amazing content, but now the box has changed. The popularity of a promo like Paul's just drives that point home."

]]> Fuentes' Le Blanc promo (he's helmed numerous promo campaigns for SHOWTIME, HBO, CBS, and others) is the subject of an article on Moon Media's new online magazine, www.MoonRap.com. In the article, Mooney references the dynamism of the Web, which works in mysterious ways, connecting with audiences with the content of their choosing: "The Web gives you what TV doesn't, it allows you to pull the content you want, and in this case it's Matt LeBlanc!" (Mooney worked with LeBlanc during the "Friends" era, exec producing the ongoing, EMMY-winning "The More You Know Campaign" for NBC)

"It's healthy for us all to acknowledge that everything we watch is going to originate or appear on the Web and that the Web will, in turn, appear on TV," Mooney said. "So, in putting this company together, I looked for commercial directors who were involved in a lot of interesting things, across many platforms," Mooney said. "As a result, we have all kinds of projects to talk about on our blog. Hopefully, it's material that people will find engaging, entertaining, and informative." Indeed, Moon Media features an eclectic roster of directors tailor-made to suit today's agency and client needs, from traditional broadcast to progressive, web-based campaigns. "It's frustrating sometimes, because many in our business hold on to the old way of thinking," he added, "and that's not the real world."

Prior to founding Moon Media last year, Mooney was a partner in Headquarters Films, in its heyday one of the top 5 production companies in the world. With that company, he took home every imaginable award and honor the ad industry had to offer; he sees things differently now. "I want my peers to respect what I do," he said, "but so much points to the Web now, which is highly democratic. What I want most now is the audience award."

Moon Media combines Mooney's strong reputation for award-winning commercial production and his history servicing the largest global brands with a keen appreciation of how the market works today. In only its first year, the company has executive-produced web series and short films to showcase its talent - and its ability to be a partner for brands and agencies. "We used to be called 'production partners,'" he concludes. "Because that's all we did, production. Now, we are strategic and creative partners as well. We're on an adventure together. We're adventure partners."

The Moon Media roster is comprised of directors Agust Baldursson, Michael Engler, Des Mullan, Wonderland, Robert Black, Duccio Fabbri, Paul Fuentes, Scigliano Brothers, Liz Hinlein, and Jeff Cooney

The company also features a Direct from London roster that includes David Eustace, Double Act, and Chris Mudge.

Union's Nico Alba Unites Leonardo DiCaprio, Forest Whitaker, Jason Bateman, Emmy Rossum, and More for NRDC

2010-03-07T22:01:24Z

SANTA MONICA, CA, March 8, 2010 - A PSA promoting the NRDC Action Fund's "This is Our Moment" campaign, cut by editor Nico Alba of bicoastal Union, with post production done by resolution la, brings together stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Edward Norton, Justin Long, Forest Whitaker, Chace Crawford, Jason Bateman, and Emmy Rossum, imploring Americans to ask the US Government to pass a clean energy bill.

Download HERE (right click and select save to target as... on Explorer)

Since its launch on the Web in late January, the video has been viewed millions of times, with tens of thousands of people clicking through to the official ThisIsOurMoment.org site, and record-breaking numbers firing off letters to the US Senate.

]]> Rolling Stone has called the video "brilliant" and "the best PSA ever." Likewise, entertainment, green and progressive media and blogs have lavished praise on the effort.

Related Press:

Entertainment Tonight Online

Credits:

Client: NRDC Action Fund

Title: This is Our Moment

Editorial: Union
Editor: Nico Alba
Assitant: Andre Query
Producer: Megan Dahlman

Post: resolution la
Online and Composting: Seth Silberfein
Graphics: Mike Skorey and John Nierras
Mix: Milos Zivkovic

With Music by Mophonics, THINK! Biker Campaign Puts a Face on Safe Driving

2010-03-01T22:23:53Z

"Named Rider," a new spot for the UK's Department for Transport (DFT), features motorcyclists on the road with bold, stylized neon signs bearing their names and other information. The concept was inspired by research indicating drivers are more careful around bikers when they actually know one. Created via Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO as part of its THINK! campaign, the spot showcases an original track composed by Stephan Altman of Mophonics. The song, "If You Got To Know Me," has a bouncy, friendly feel that perfectly suits the spot, airing now in the UK and across the Web. The full-length version is currently available for download here.

Download HERE (right click and select save to target as... on Explorer)

]]> Campaign Title: Named Rider - THINK! campaign
Client: The UK's Department for Transport

Agency: Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO
Copywriter: Phil Martin
Art Director: Brian Campbell

Production Company: Thomas Thomas
Director: Kevin Thomas
Producer: Billy Jones

Post-production Company: The Mill
Audio Post: Wave

Music: Mophonics
Songwriter: Stephan Altman
Executive Producer: Michael Frick

"China's Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province" Screening This Thursday

2010-03-01T18:48:27Z

Rascal Films and Blush LA invite their friends in the ad biz to screen the Oscar-nominated short "China's Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province," from directors Jon Alpert and Matthew O'Neill

When: Thursday, March 4 at 7:00pm.

Start Time: 7:00pm
End Time: 10:00pm
Where: Screening Room at Therapy, 2010 S. Westgate Ave, Los Angeles, CA

RSVP to events@blushla.tv

Reception with Directors to Follow

Eight VFX Teams with 'Zombieland' Director Ruben Fleischer on Sprint Theatrical Spot

2010-02-26T17:53:31Z

"Zombieland" director Ruben Fleischer, the team at Eight VFX recreated a wild west shootout, a WWII battle scene, and, of course, a zombie attack. "2010 Cinema," for Sprint, via Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, is in theaters now, spreading the "don't text and talk during the movie" message.

View and Download HERE (right click and select save to target as... on Explorer)

In the spot, a woman finds herself interrupted by myriad movie scenes while talking on her phone - the idea is that movies don't interrupt our lives, so we should accord them the same respect.

]]>
Client: Sprint
Title: "2010 Cinema"

Agency: Goodby, Silverstein & Partners
EP: Josh Reynolds
Producers: Josh Reynolds, Meagen Moore
Creative Director: Jamie Barrett
Group Creative DIrector: Paul Steehschulte
Art Director: Danielle Thorton
Copywriters: J.Graham, P. Carnevale

Production Company: Caviar
Director: Ruben Fleischer
DP: Guillermo Navarro

Editorial: General Editorial
Editor: Noah Hertzog
EP: Robert Parker

Music Company: Deep Mix
Music Producers: Dave Curtin, Rachel Dunn

Post/VFX: Eight VFX
VFX Supervisor: Yann Mallard
On-set VFX Supervisor: Jean-Marc Demmer
VFX EP: Baptiste Andrieux
VFX Producer: Marsi Frey
CG Lead: Oliver Arnold
CG artists: Shuishi Nakahara, Chien-I Kao, Mathias Jourdes, Fred Hopp, Patricio Fernando
Senior Compositor: Philipp Ineno
Compositors: Nicolas Cadorette-Vigneau, Joe Chiao Roto Artists: Tiffany Germann, Tony Pettiti

Director Stewart Hendler Gets Back in the Saddle at Bandito Brothers

2010-02-25T15:00:00Z

CULVER CITY, CA, February 25, 2010 - Director Stewart Hendler has joined the roster of Bandito Brothers. He returns to spotmaking on the heels of his second studio feature, Sorority Row, for Summit Entertainment. The darkly comedic horror film hit theaters in late 2009. He was previously represented for commercials by Über Content.

"Bandito Brothers brings a young, focused, and high-energy approach to the commercial world that is refreshing," said Hendler. "They're also on the cutting edge of digital technology, and are creative thinkers. There are no rules and no norms out there now; it's all an experiment, and these guys definitely get that and live it."

]]> Hendler has directed commercials for clients including BMW, Motorola, Budweiser, Adidas, MTV, and PDFA. He has been recognized as a "Director to Watch" in shots, 'boards, and SHOOT, as well as at Young and Rubicam's "Young Guns," the Clio awards, and the Kodak New Directors showcase.

The director came to Bandito Brothers via the company's President of Production and Development Lance Sloane. Hendler is attached to a Web series being produced by Bryan Singer for the WB; Sloane serves as a consultant on the series.

"We are very excited to have Stewart join the Banditos," said Executive Producer Jeff Rohrer. "He's a hard working filmmaker with a fabulous eye, and he fits in extremely well among the other Bandito directors, who all love the business and relish the challenging jobs. We had a great year and are going to have another, with guys like Stewart around."

A graduate of USC's film program, Hendler wrote and directed the short film, One, winner of the Audience Award at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival. The visually stunning 35mm short quickly connected him with theatrical agents at CAA and caught the attention of major advertising agencies. Spot assignments and accolades followed. In 2008, Hendler's commercial work was honored with an AICP award, and remains in the permanent collection of the New York Museum of Modern Art. His previous film, the supernatural thriller Whisper, was produced by Gold Circle Films and Universal Pictures, and was released in 2007.

Hendler rounds out a Bandito Brothers roster comprised of Partners/Directors Mouse McCoy and Scott Waugh, directing duo Gentlemen, and director/cinematographers Mitchell Amundsen and Vic Huber.

Paul Fuentes Celebrity Direction

2010-02-23T18:49:26Z

Over the past six months (ok, several years), Moon Media director Paul Fuentes has worked with a number of celebrities from the worlds of Film, TV, Sports, and Music.

]]> Here are a few (ok, almost all) of the celebrities who have appeared before his cameras:

Marcos Ambrose (ESPN/NASCAR), Harry Anderson (CBS News), Louie Anderson (Sports Authority), Mario Batali (Glad Wrap), Joy Behar (ABC), Candice Bergen (CBS), Chris Berman (ESPN), Riddick Bowe (HBO Boxing), Barry Bostwick (Paramount TV), James Brown (CBS Sports), Nick Buoniconti (HBO), Delta Burke (CBS), Kyle Busch (ESPN/NASCAR), Dixie Carter (CBS), Graham Chapman ("Dangerous Film Club"), Chevy Chase (City of L.A. Recycling), Sasha Cohen (Marshall's), Rodney Dangerfield (Glad Wrap), Brian Dennehy (HBO), Oscar De La Hoya (HBO Boxing), Mike Ditka (Clorox), Phil Donahue (CBS News), Lou Duva (HBO Boxing), Dale Earnhardt Jr (Sony), Carl Edwards, (NASCAR), Boomer Esiason (Apex Sports), Faith Ford (CBS), George Foreman (HBO), Michael J. Fox ("Spin City), Redd Foxx (CBS), Randy Fuller (NASCAR), Jason Giambi (Degree), Whoopi Goldberg (CBS), Gilbert Gottfried (Clorox), Kelsey Grammer ("Frasier"), Kathy Griffin (Glad), Bryant Gumble (HBO Sports), Estelle Harris (Sienfeld), Kevin Harvick (NASCAR), Cypress Hill (Music video), Celeste Holm (PSA), Rachel Hunter (Glad containers), David Hyde-Pierce ("Frasier"), Tom Jackson (ESPN), Grace Jones (movie music spoof), Roy Jones Jr (HBO Boxing), Jim Kelly (Apex), Toby Keith (Ford F-150 promotion), Bob Knight (Clorox), Jim Lampley (HBO), Tommy Lasorda (Glad Wrap), Matt LeBlanc (Showtime), Michele Lee (CBS), Spike Lee (HBO doc), Jason Lefler (NASCAR), Lennox Lewis (HBO Boxing), Louie Lombardi (Clorox), Heather Locklear ("Spin City), Jennifer Lopez (Winter Olympics), Romany Malco ("Weeds" promotion), Peyton Manning (Sony), Martin Mull (HBO), Brittany Murphy (Milton Bradley), Paul Newman (Hole-In-The-Wall-Gang Camp), Vincent Pastore (Clorox), Tonye Patano ("Weeds promotion), Danica Patrick (ESPN), Oliver Platt (Showtime promotion), Paula Poundstone (Filene's), Melanie Paxon (Glad), Della Reese ("Touched By An Angel"), Don Rickles (Glad), Geraldo Rivera (CBS), Joan Rivers (Glad), Rita Rudner (Arm & Hammer), Harry Smith (CBS News), Jean Stapleton (CBS), Ben Stein(Clorox), Jerry Stiller (Clorox), The Temptations (CBS campaign), James Toney (HBO Boxing), Mike Tyson (HBO Boxing campaign), Brian Vickers (NASCAR), Pernell Whitaker (HBO Boxing), Montel Williams ("Montel"), Warren Moon (Apex), Martin Yan (Glad), Paula Zahn (CBS)

Paul Fuentes

2010-02-23T18:48:59Z

Director/Writer, Moon Media

Paul Fuentes has directed hundreds of national commercials for major brands and broadcast networks. A former HBO Creative Director, Paul is recognized for his award-winning live action comedy commercials as well as concept driven film and television design. Paul has directed a wide range of spots for clients including VISA, SONY, AT&T, POST CEREALS, NIKON, CLOROX, KRAFT, MCDONALDS, SPRITE, and MICROSOFT WINDOWS 7.

Paul has written, designed and directed network promotions for HBO, ESPN, LIFETIME, NBC, and CBS as well as writing & directing new media pieces for SHOWTIME, LAWYERS.COM, and WOLTERS-KLUYWER.

Paul's work has garnered CLIO Gold and silver recognition as well as awards from the Art Directors Club (NY and LA), Communication Arts awards, International Film and Television Awards, Belding Awards (Best Entertainment for HBO Boxing, a campaign he wrote and directed), and Best of Show and Gold awards from The Broadcast Designers Association and BPME. A Nikon commercial Paul co-created and directed was voted "Top 5" Spot of the Year by Adweek. His now classic Cinemax "Movie Clichés" won Best of Show at the Broadcast Designers Association.

]]> Paul is a cum laude graduate of Temple University's Tyler School of Art where he earned his B.F.A. in Communication Design. His designs and illustrations have appeared national publications including the New York Times. Paul also studied drama at the Stella Adler Conservatory and with Irene Moore (Sonia Moore Studios). He appeared in many plays in New York and toured Russia in a production of Tennessee Williams' "27 Wagons Full of Cotton."
As HBO Creative Director Paul created and supervised the on-air brands of HBO & CINEMAX designing and directing award-winning campaigns, show opens, and network I.D's. After directing a documentary for Paul Newman's Hole-In-the-Wall-Gang Camp, Paul was invited to join the Director/Observer Unit of The Actors Studio in NY. There, he continues to hone his directorial craft by studying the best acting and directing talent in the world.

After six years, Paul left HBO and signed with Robert Greenberg's company R/GA Live. At R/GA he directed several national spots and campaigns for brands including TWIX, SPORTS AUTHORITY, and NIKON. He also co-created and directed the CBS Fall Campaign, an award-winning all-star lineup of stars promoting their shows, as well as The CBS Winter Olympics campaign.

After R/GA, Paul formed Huge, his own NY production company and a satellite of Screen Gems, New York. There he directed national spots and campaigns for brands including YOPLAIT, DISNEY, DOMINOS, MEAD, PARAMOUNT, and TACO BELL. He directed a 20 spot campaign for GLAD WRAP as well as long-running campaigns for SONIC restaurants and POST cereals.

Paul recently co-wrote and directed a campaign for SONY TV starring Peyton Manning as well as directing SHOWTIME promotions for "WEEDS" and "EPISODES," a new series starring Matt LeBlanc. He wrote and sold a branded entertainment series, "See Spot Run," to TV Land and continues to create and develop branded entertainment and original content. His most recent show, "GIVE IT UP," a reality series, was optioned in May 2009 by VIN Di BONA PRODUCTIONS.

Bandito Brothers & NASCAR "Everything Else is Just a Game"

2010-02-23T17:00:00Z

CULVER CITY, CA, February 23, 2010 - Produced by full-service media company Bandito Brothers and directed by "Mouse" McCoy, Scott Waugh, & Vic Huber, a new campaign for NASCAR captures the live, at-track NASCAR experience as the most exciting in sports. Developed by NASCAR agency Jump Company of Saint Louis, the season-long NASCAR Live effort provides for the unparalleled excitement and energy that makes the NASCAR at-track adventure so unique. Television, radio and print executions, along with on-line creative support, made their debut nationally last weekend, leading up to the DAYTONA 500.

Download HERE (right click and select "Save target as..." on Explorer)

]]> “This bold creative really speaks to our unique positioning in the marketplace,” said Christi Moll, NASCAR Director of Brand Marketing. “The campaign demonstrates that NASCAR is the most powerful and sensory sport around. The creative and new tagline are a dramatic step forward for NASCAR, inviting fans to experience NASCAR live through communication that will capture the imagination and attention of not only our fans, but all sports fans.”

Bandito Brothers truly is an independent studio. As a creator, producer, manager, and distributor of audio-visual content, the company has constructed a business model that also includes full in-house HD post, which is becoming an extremely valuable asset in the new media landscape. Recent spot projects include ad campaigns for such diverse clients as US Navy, Ford, Kellogg’s, PowerBar. Directors McCoy and Waugh have just completed principal photography on the film, “Act of Valor,” a branded feature produced in partnership with the Navy Special Warfare division.

Credits:

Client: NASCAR
Spots Title(s): Center of the Universe, Check Your Expectations
First Air Date: February 2010

Agency: Jump Company
Chief Creative Officer: Jon Tiede
Creative Director: Bob Harris and Mike Conway
Art Director: Mike Conway
Copywriter: Tim O’Leary (“Center of the Universe”), Bob Harris (“Check Your Expectations”) Agency Executive Producer: Mark Dickmann

Production Company: Bandito Brothers
Director: Scott Waugh, Mike “Mouse” McCoy
DP: Vic Huber
EP: Jeff Rohrer
Producer: Ryan Slavin

Editorial: Lost Planet
Editor: Bruce Hermann

Telecine: Bandito Brothers Post
Colorist: Andrew Huebscher
Post/Effects: Bandito Brothers Post
VFX/Combustion Artist(s): Brett Novak
EP(s): Jacob Rosenberg

Music: Nathan Furst
Composer: Nathan Furst
Producer: Nathan Furst
Sound Design: Smart Post Sound
Sound Supervisor: Rob Webber
Audio Post: Smart Post Sound

Shoot Location: Talladega, AL

Gentlemen Launch Lamar Odom into Space for PowerBar, and Helm the World's First Popumentary

2010-02-22T16:00:36Z

Gentlemen, the Bandito Brothers directing duo comprised of Brett Snider and Billy Federighi, recently tucked a pair of unique accomplishments under their gun belts: they sent Lamar Odom into space Power Bar, and helmed the first-ever "Popumentary" for Kellogg's.

Download "Moon Dunk" HERE (right click and select "Save target as..." on Explorer)

Download "Popumentary" HERE (right click and select "Save target as..." on Explorer)

]]> "Moon Dunk" takes the accomplishments of basketball star Lamar Odom to new heights, as he rockets into the atmosphere with help from a PowerBar Energy Blast. The script, via Publicis Dallas, "fell into our aesthetic and lo-fi mentality," says the duo, who envisioned the spot as "a kind of Ed Wood movie, something we crafted lovingly with just some paper mache, string, a little paint, and one of the greatest basketball players in the universe."

The spot is being embraced by viewers - well, those who get its tongue-in-cheek tone. "Some people comment on YouTube, saying, 'Didn't they have the money to make it better?!?" say the directors, "but of course, they have no idea what string costs these days." Working with Odom, they note, was a blast - pun intended. "He was gung-ho for anything, jumping off of platforms, it was a lot of fun." they recall.

With a quirky, similar aesthetic - but no stars - is Kellogg's "Popumentary" via Leo Burnett. Putting their own spin on the nature documentary, Gentlemen create a world where Corn Pops frolic in the wild, hunted by chompo-diles (chattering teeth), and ultimately consumed by a Spoon-ephant (a spoon, of course!). It's a spot designed to grab kids' attention but is entertaining for adults as well. "We've done more than a dozen spots with Kellogg's," the directors say, "and each time we get to have a little more fun with the style and improve on what we'd done before."

"We like making things look really good," Gentlemen points out, "but sometimes that means making them look crappy. It's about the right execution for the right brand."

The team entered the spot-making arena three years ago, winning ad contests for Doritos and Converse. Doritos "Mousetrap" aired during the Super Bowl XLII broadcast and has been featured on countless "best of bowl" shows ever since, including CBS' "Super Bowls' Greatest Commercials: 2010" this year.

In addition to PowerBar and their projects for Kellogg's (Leo Burnett/Chicago), Gentlemen's credits include Cici's Pizza (Deutsch LA), Hormel (BBDO), and Kentucky Lottery (Northlich). They also have been counted among shots' most promising new directors and earned inclusion the SHOOT New Directors Showcase.

So what's next for Gentlemen? "Something big and beautiful and with lots of people!" the duo exclaims. "Seriously, we love doing performance-oriented work; and even when we have a robot or puppet or miniature of some sort going on, it's fun to work on a larger scale." To their point, last year Gentlemen directed a pair of stylized spots for Kraft via agency DraftFCB, on which they worked with celebrated cinematographers Emmanuel Lubezki (Children of Men) and Igor Jadue-lillo (The Kids Are All Right, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy). And with Lamar already in space, the sky's the limit.

Powerbar Credits:

Spot Title: "Moon Dunk"
Air Date: February 2010

Agency: Publicis Dallas
Agency Producer: Jamie Roderer
Creatives: Steve Grimes & Pete Voehringer

Production Company: Bandito Brothers
Directors: Gentlemen
DP: Doug Chamberlain
Executive Producer: Jeff Rohrer
Producer: Wade Brandenberger
Production Designer: Robert Fox

Editor: Keith James, Redcar Dallas
Client: Kellogg's

Kellogg's Credits:

Spots Title(s): Popumentary
Air Date: January 2010

Agency: Leo Burnett
Creative Director:
Agency Producer: Kimberly Cyrille

Production Company: Bandito Brothers
Director: Gentlemen
DP: Doug Chamberlain
EP(s): Jeff Rohrer
Producer: Wade Brandeberger

Editorial: Bandito Brothers
Editor: Siobhan Prior
Editorial EP: Jacob Rosenberg

Telecine: Complete Post
Colorist: Andrew Huebscher
Post/Effects: Bandito Post
VFX/Inferno Artist(s): Brett Novak, David Wilson
Post EP: Jacob Rosenberg

Shoot Location: Los Angeles, CA