Eight VFX is on Fire - and Ice - for Wrigley's Solstice 5
Produced by Eight VFX and directed by Jean-Marc Demmer and Fred Hopp, the new, all-CG "Solstice 5" for Wrigley's conveys the "warm and cool winter" flavor with a playful show of extremes. The collaboration between Eight VFX and BBDO Toronto turns the science of flavor-making into an event that is both is explosive...and chilling.
As the commercial opens, we find ourselves in an enormous - presumably secret - location (the brand's shadowy '5' logo stenciled on the rear wall offers only a hint of context). Camera moves in on a glass sphere in which the Solstice 5 package is housed. The package bursts into a huge fireball; not only does it withstand the heat, it gradually turns cold. The temperature drops rapidly, causing the package to become encased in ice. Finally, the glass shatters, falling away to reveal the striking Solstice 5 box intact.
"Building the Wrigley's world around the pack was an interesting experience," recalls Hopp. "We started very early with CG, from concepts we developed with the agency. We had a lot of fun figuring out how we would crystallize the flame, and I'm quite satisfied with what we came up with, which works really well with the framing the agency went for. I think it's a really nice :15, a product shot that fits in very well with the impressive Wrigley's ad campaign we've seen in the past."
2010 GMC Terrain: A Smaller SUV with Bigger Ideas, in an All-CG Package from SWAY Studio
Touch Screen Navigation. Independent DVD Screens. Multi-Flex Seating. Rear-View Camera. All of these specifications and more are beautifully captured and conveyed in a new, all-CG campaign for the GMC Terrain via Leo Burnett Detroit. Set against a drawing-board cityscape, the spot plays like a blueprint come to life and provides yet another great example of SWAY Studio's incomparable Drive-A-Tron™ software, also used to create the limo scene in "2012".
Client: GMC Spots Title(s): "And It Fits," "Standard Features," "Price" First Air Date: 11/9/09
AGENCY: Leo Burnett Executive VP / Creative Director: Peter McHugh Creative Director: Chad Laughlin Senior Agency Producers: Scott Gould / Jennie Hochthanner
PRODUCTION/VFX COMPANY: SWAY Studio Director: Mark Glaser Executive Producer: Meridith Machial Visual Effects Supervisor: Aaron Powell Art Director: Serge Machial Producer: Alex Thiesen Production Coordinator: Will Lemmon Previs Artist: Rob Glazer Digital Artist: Cesar "Chancho" Chavez Digital Artist: Steven Wang Digital Artist: Art Sayan Digital Artist: John Niehuss Nuke Compositor: Brady Doyle Nuke Compositor: Joseph Zaki Flame Artist: Andy Edwards
MOTION GRAPHICS COMPANY: Buck Creative Director: Ryan Honey Executive Producer: Maurie Enochson Associate Creative Director: Jeremy Sahlman Producer: Eric Badros Art Director: Jenny Ko Design: Jon Gorman Animation 3D/2D: Tim Hayward, Cody Smith, Matt Everton, Zach LaPlante, Jon Gorman Rigging: Jens Lindgren Technical Director: Paul Hormis Production Coordinator: Ashley Hsieh
Original Music ("Standard Features"): Finger Music Composer: Dave Hodge Producer: Tania Thiele
Creative Monster Productions Takes a 'Shot at Love' with a Hot WET Viral Campaign
LOS ANGELES, CA, September 25, 2009 – Produced by the newly launchedCreative Monster Productions, and created via Ayzenberg/CA, the new viral campaign for videogame WET from Bethesda Softworks manages to put a humorous spin on a dark and gritty offering.
With its atmospheric intro, “Shot at Love” – the first of three virals – reflects the mayhem wrought by assassin Rubi, the game’s protagonist. We move through the scene like detectives arriving moments too late. Rubi’s victims lie scattered about the room. However, the mood unexpectedly lightens, as a man with a pipe through his chest breaks out in song. His mortally wounded companions follow suit, all of them belting out a musical declaration of love for the enigmatic girl who took their lives.
“Shot at Love,” directed by Creative Monster’s Jamie Sterba and featuring VFX by partner company Identity Studios, employs a distinct blend of campiness and (implied) violence that conveys the Tarantino-esque atmosphere of the game. The grainy look of the film adds to that mystique, feeling like stock footage from a B movie, long-hidden away in a vault somewhere. Fortunately for fans, that vault has been opened: the unconventional viral has clearly gone over well with gamers, who’ve voiced their appreciation on blogs and forums across the Web.
Two additional spots, “Heartbreaker” and “Lovestruck,” feature characters from “Shot at Love” praising Rubi from the grave.
“We had complete support from the agency,” says Sterba of his collaboration with Ayzenberg and CD Blake Firstman. “In spite of the fact that we had a tight turnaround, we were like kids in a candy store when it came to the creative.” The director adds that, while the musical twist is what hooked him in the beginning, “For all of its atmosphere and intensity, this is a subtle comedy piece. The opportunity existed to tap into humor and humanity, and Blake was looking for the same thing.”
Partner company Identity Studios provided 3D tracking, modeling, animation and compositing to simulate a shotgun blast through the torso of the lead actor. The 3D wound was created from scratch; artists tracked both the camera and the actor so that the wound would dynamically match the actor's breathing and muscle movements and lit the wound to match set lighting and background atmosphere.
As important as the musical payoff, of course, was the eerie set-up, grabbing the audience’s attention by luring them into a dark, dangerous world. “We asked ourselves, ‘How do we engage the audience from the beginning?” Sterba recalls. “You hear this brutal action offscreen, so when you enter the room you’re adjusting to the grisly aftermath and the last thing you expect is a song.”
That song is delivered by a collection of thugs, each one more brutish than the last. “We operated from the notion that the scarier they looked, the better they should sing,” Sterba muses. On a serious note, he says, it was important that the actors’ performances not be too polished. The same applied to their makeup. “In order to strike the perfect balance, there had to be an aspect of camp to the makeup,” Sterba explains. “So we kept the look of their wounds a little bit silly. One fan said one thug who’s suffered an acid burn looks like he has pizza on his face, which is, more or less, the reaction we were going for.”
Sterba preceded and followed the WET virals – shot on the RED camera and released on the Web – with more traditional, broadcast projects for McDonald’s. Was it tough to shift gears? “The creative approach and the audience may differ, but in the end I’m drawn to work with strong visuals, production design, and humor,” he concludes. “And I use these elements to connect the brand with the viewer.”
Client: Bethesda Softworks/WET Spots Title(s): (WET) Shot At Love, Heartbreaker, Lovestruck First Air Date: August 2009 (Web)
Agency: Ayzenberg Creative Director: Blake Firstman Agency Producer: Annie Hards Copywriter(s): Clark Crozer, Jack Collier
Production Company: Creative Monster Director: Jamie Sterba DP: Kevin Sarnoff EP(s): Scott Flor Producer: Theresa Marth
Post/Effects: Identity FX VFX/Inferno Artist(s): Christian Severin (3D), Leo Vezzali (Compositing) EP(s): David Van Woert, Leo Vezzali
Where do you turn, when you feel the need for speed? How do you keep up with your cohorts, especially on treacherous terrain, taking on futuristic foes in the heat of battle?
As we learn in a spot breaking this week, the answer is Time Warner Cable - and Roadrunner, with its free power boost. "Lag," the first commercial in Time Warner's new campaign, offers a visually arresting depiction of videogame-style graphics, as a pair of teens strive to keep the heat turned up via their cable connection. The campaign, created via Uniworld, was directed by spot, feature, and new media filmmaker Jim Sonzero, with visual effects by Shade.
Post/Effects: Shade,De Motu, Red Magnet EP: Shira Boardman Lead VFX: Bryan Godwin CG Supervisor: Dan Dixon Senior Compositor: Andreas Jablonka Compositor: Kevin Ellis Compositor: Charles Meredith FX Technical Director: Andrew Byrne Technical Director: Ben Fiske VFX Producer: Sheri Patterson Post Producer: Jon Jacobson
Al's Brain Promo Takes Us Into the Musical Mind of Peligro's Greg Kuehn
For decades, kids young and old have been privy to the unusual mind of "Weird Al" Yankovic. "The Adventures of Al's Brain," a new animated promo for alsbrain.com offers that and more - allowing Greg Kuehn of Peligro Music to unleash his own inner Al.
The alsbrain.com site promotes "Al's Brain" - a 3-D journey through the human brain with Weird Al - which premiered at the Orange County Super Fair (July 10 - August 9, 2009) and will travel to the Puyallup Fair in September (other dates and locations TBA).
Disclaimers online state that "Al did not write or perform the song in the promo, and the 'Al's Brain in 3-D' movie (which is mostly live action) bears no resemblance at all to this video." In fact, the wild, frenetic, and entertaining promo - created via The Ballpark - was animated by Animalada 3D Animation Studios, and scored by Peligro Music and Sound Design. Peligro's Greg Kuehn crafted the music and sound design for the promo, and provided the very Al-like vocal and V.O.
"Scoring 'The Adventures of Al's Brain' was a blast," says Kuehn. "The great creative team at The Ballpark was very open to my ideas about the music, and collaborating with them on this crazy journey was a lot of fun. I think we came up with a cool piece that really enhances the intensity of Animalada's wonderful animation."
Credits
Music and sound design: Greg Kuehn, Peligro Music and Sound Design Principal Talent/VO : Greg Kuehn
Agency: The Ballpark Executive Creative Director: Alan Berkes Art Director: Hosea Gruber Copywriter: Dan Sorgen Account Executive: Erik Penn Agency Producer: Guillermo Lucero Funes
Animation: Animalada 3D Animation Studios Director: Emiliano Stefanach - Roque Papa
San Diego, Where 'Happy Happens' with a Soundtrack from Mophonics
If you haven't been to San Diego, CA, you'll want to go there after checking out this new spot for the San Diego Convention & Visitor's Bureau. The track, "Smile On" created by Anthems of Mophonics, inspires just the right mood, while the Pacific ocean and myriad attractions do the rest.
In addition to supplying music for the spot, Mophonics is partnering with the agency and client in a "Spread the Joy" Challenge.
Client: San Diego Convention & Visitor's Bureau Title: "Happy Happens"
Agency: Mering Carson CD: Greg Carson Producer: Liz Ross
Production Company: Detour Films Director: Dana Tynan DP: Kristian Kachikis
Danica Patrick and Her 'Pit Crew' Get a Boost from Mophonics
There's nothing wrong with an all-male "Pit Crew" decked out in skimpy ladies clothing. Just ask outspoken race car driver Danica Patrick. In Biscuit director Tim Godsall's new spot for Boost Mobile, Patrick explains that what's wrong is paying extra for standard features like text and web. Mophonics adds a suitably dramatic score to the spot, supporting the striking image of mock-trannies in the heat of battle.
"Visually, the spot is so over-the-top, but it's also dry and deadpan, so we thought it would be funniest if the music played it straight too, which is how we ended up with the ridiculously dramatic orchestral score," comments Mophonics Creative Director Stephan Altman of the full orchestral score by company composer Veigar Margeirsson. "We ended up adding more absurd drama on top as the project evolved." Altman notes that once the chosen piece of music was locked in, "there were some cool visual/audio tweaks we began to do, making some fun over-dramatic musical flourishes that the editor was able to cut to."
Client: Motorola Boost Mobile Spot Title: "Pit Crew" Air Date: June 2009
Production Co.: Biscuit Director: Tim Godsall DP: Stefan Czapsky Executive Producer: Holly Vega
Music Company: Mophonics Composer: Veigar Margeirsson Arranger: Stephan Altman Executive Producer: Michael Frick Head of Production: Shelley Altman Creative Director: Stephan Altman Producer: Colette Huemer
Editorial Co.: Number Six Editor: Chan Hatcher Executive Producer: Chrissy Desimone Assistant Editor: JC Nunez
Colorist: Mark Gethin Transfer Facility: MPC Online Facility: Method Creative Director: Gil Baron Online Facility: Method Studios Lead Effects Artist: Sebastien Caudron Smoke Artist: Aidan Thomas Effects Producer: Rachel Kaminek
Final Mix: Eleven Mixer: Jeff Payne Asst Mixer: Mike Franklin Executive Producer: DJ Fox-Engstrom
The transition from a long day at work to an evening at home is a tough one. In the hands of director James Gartner, that scenario is beautifully conveyed, as a mom returns home to kids who are boiling over with anticipation and a babysitter who's on overtime. The spot, for McDonald's and created via Burrel, has mom apologizing for the wait and rewarding everyone's patience with a Happy Meal that does more than feed the troops: it sets the stage for an exhausted businessperson to be what she really wants to be - a loving and attentive mother.
Client: McDonald's Spots Title(s): "Wait" First Air Date: 6/22/09
Agency: Burrel Chief Creative Officer: Lewis Williams Group Creative Director: Brenda Blonski Art Director: Lewis Williams Copywriter: Brenda Blonski Agency Producer: Debbie Amsden
Production Company: GARTNER Director: James Gartner DP: Tom Olgeirsson EP(s): Don Block, Rich Carter, Elaine Behnken, Annie Hanlon Producer: Mark Walejko
GARTNER's Mike Bigelow Manages the Mid-Morning Rush for Mini-Wheats
Mike Bigelow of GARTNER is known for top-notch casting (be it live action or mini-wheat), and a deft comedic touch. He brings both to bear in this new spot via Leo Burnett, which captures the frenzy of the mid-morning coffee rush . With all the options available at today's coffee houses, a "Barista" needs more energy and focus than even a triple-shot machiatto can offer. A breakfast of Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats keeps our protagonist on point, so she, and her customers, can get through their day.
Client: Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats Spots Title(s): "Barisa" First Air Date: 6/1/09
Agency: Leo Burnett Group Creative Director: Mark Oosthuizen Art Director: Ryan Dillon Copywriter: Dan Lewis Agency Producer: Matt Blitz
Production Company: GARTNER Director: Mike Bigelow DP: Phedon Papamichael EP(s): Don Block, Rich Carter, Elaine Behnken, Annie Hanlon Producer: Helen Hollien
Schlage Breaks Back into Advertising with Ads from GARTNER's Mike Bigelow
Created via TracyLocke, this new campaign, helmed by director Mike Bigelow of GARTNER, is Schlage's first in many years. The lockmasters return to the ad medium with a series of comedy spots in which spokesman Roger and sidekick Larry demonstrate the features of the company's Schlage Link system.
First, Roger explains how you can lock or unlock the door to your home from a remote location with the touch of a cell phone button. To illustrate, Larry braves the stormy "Seattle" weather and stands outside in the pouring rain with his cell phone, while, miles away, Roger basks in the sun, outside the home.
Larry once again gets the short - or, in this case, the piping hot - end of the endorsement in a second spot. Roger explains that when young Reese returns from school and enters the code on the front door Schlage lock, the Link system sends a "Text Message" to his mom at work, letting her know her son is home safe and sound. Larry is at mom's crowded office as the text is received. In the excitement, he is splattered with hot coffee.
Schlage's comeback is a welcome one, and Bigelow's deft comedic touch makes for a fun, light-hearted campaign. But Larry needs a new agent.
Client: Schlage Spots Title(s): "Seattle" & "Text Message" First Air Date: 6/1/09
Agency: TracyLocke Executive Creative Director: Regan Holley Group Creative Director: Kyle Jones Creative Director(s): Chad Smith, Chad Vanderlugt Art Director: Chad Vanderlugt Copywriter: Chad Smith Director of Broadcast: Diana Payer
Production Company: GARTNER Director: Mike Bigelow DP: Phedon Papamichael EP(s): Don Block, Rich Carter, Elaine Behnken, Annie Hanlon Producer: Helen Hollien
Editorial: N2O Editorial Editor: Lisa Breitenwishcher
Bandito Brothers Mountain Dew It Again...This Time on the 'Runway'
As they did with their previous Mt. Dew effort, "Train"(via Dubai agency Impact BBDO), Bandito Brothers has delivered a thrill-ride captured completely in-camera.
Last time around, it was a subway platform, and now, Bandito directing team McCoy/Waugh (Mike "Mouse" McCoy and Scott Waugh) takes us out on the "Runway" where some adventurous guys use the blowback of a jet to power their parasails.
Both "Train" and "Runway" were cut in-house, by Waugh, at Bandito Brothers Post.
Client: Moutain Dew Spots Title(s): "Runway" First Air Date: March 15, 2009
Agency: Impact BBDO Dubai Creative Director: Mark Daniel Held, Grant McGrath Agency Producer: Azza Aboual Magd
Production Company: Bandito Brothers Director: McCoy/Waugh DP: Kevin Ward EP(s): Jeff Rohrer Producer: Peter Trucco
Editorial: Bandito Brothers Post Editor: Scott Waugh
Telecine: Bandito Brothers Post Colorist: Andrew Huebscher Post/Effects: The Syndicate/Bandito Brothers Post VFX/Combustion Artist(s): Brett Novak EP(s): Jonathan Stone/Jacob Rosenberg
Bart Timmer Follows Up 'Walk-in Fridge' with Something (not) Completely Different
Technically, it was called "Housewarming," but most people know it by "Walk-in Fridge." This is largely because the payoff in director Bart Timmer's acclaimed Heineken spot comes in the form of dudes letting out an ecstatic cry when they see that their buddy has turned his closet into a fridge full of ice cold beer.
Timmer - repped in the US and UK by Outsider - follows up "Walk-in Fridge" with a new ad in which a Russian guy references that very spot, asking his contractor for the same feature. Lines get crossed, of course (thanks to the Russian accents), and what the contractor comes up with is...well, different.
Client: Heineken Spot Title: "Walk-in Fridge" Air Date: May 9, 2009
Agency: TBWA\Neboko Agency Producer: Wietske Hovingh Creative: Jorn Kruijsen; Jeroen van de Sande Director: Bart Timmer (represented by Outsider in the US and UK) Production: CZAR.NL Producer: Robert Nan; Hein Scheffer Director of Photography: Alex Melman Post Production: Ambassadors Editor: Annelien van Wijnsbergen
Those of us who were around in 1985 thought life was pretty cool (we thought we looked cool, too, but ok...). In "Walkin' on the Moon," the new clip from The Dream, feat. Kanye West, 2085 is even more promising. Helping director Hype Williams realize a future that's so bright we gotta wear shades are Mark Leiss and Joseph Grosso of Arsenal FX. The artists contributed some stunning "moon" replacement, comp'd in starships and starfields, and - of course - added just the right flare on those kick-ass sunglasses.
Arsenal FX Draws on Colorful Inspirations for 'Crayon' from US Cellular
Directed by Tim Godsall and created by the team of Rich North and Adam Koppel of Publicis & Hal Riney, this new spot for US Cellular has a "Crayon" (crafted by celebrated sculptor Deim Chau) representing each contact stored on your cell phone. With US Cellular's My Contact feature, those close to you will never be out of reach. Arsenal FX- which worked on the entire campaign - created additional crayons to give the scene depth, and modified the shapes of the crayons to make for a very graceful melting effect. And - as the commercial is all about color - let's not forget the subtle tweaks in that area, which give "Crayon" a distinct and vibrant beauty. Kudos as well to Justin Trovato for his seamless editing.
Client: US Cellular
Spot Title: "Crayon"
Agency: Publicis & Hal Riney (SF) ACD/Copywriter: Adam Koppel ACD/Art Director: Rich North Producer: Debbie Chin
Production Company: Biscuit Films Director: Tim Godsall
Editorial: Cosmo Street/LA Editor: Justin Trovato
Post/VFX: Arsenal FX Online/VFX Artist: Mark Leiss
Mophonics Rocks the Shot for T-Mobile's Shot Of A Lifetime
Mophonics provides the track for this Web spot, in which a motley crew of unlikely b-ballers vow to beat Dwayne Wade in a game of HORSE.
The ad promotes T-Mobile's "Shot Of A Lifetime" contest, and, judging from the game these guys display in their video, the odds may be against them. Nevertheless, somebody's gonna take on D-Wade in a game of HORSE at the NBA Eastern Conference Finals 2009 on May 26th. Per the promotion, "T-Mobile will fly you and your Fave 5 to the game so you can have a deep bench to cheer you on. Win the game and you'll win $50,000 and could even be featured on TV." It's worth a shot, yo.
Client: T-Mobile Campaign: Shot of a Lifetime Agency: Publicis, Seattle
Creative Director: Steve Williams, Rob Hollenbeck Writer: Latasha Ewell Art Director: Leslie Buker Exec Producer: Adam Oliver Agency Producer: Nicole Dundas Account Exec: Andrie Wheeler
Production Co: Stryker + Duke Director: Erik Moe DP: Alain Betrancourt Exec Prodcuer: Ivo Knezevic Line Producer: Ron Cicero
Editorial Company: Crush Editorial Editor: Richard Cooperman Post Producer: Alyson Wycoff
Outsider's Jorn Threlfall Puts on the 'Light Moves' for Mazda
"Light Moves," a spot for Mazda via JWT, Dusseldorf, pits man against machine in a ballet of light. Directed by Jorn Threlfall of Outsider, the ad - now airing in Europe and the UK - depicts a standoff of sorts between an artist and a new Mazda3, as each tries to outdo the other with the light shapes they create.
"We created imaginary light installations in a surreal environment on the water," says Threlfall of the night shoot in Barcelona. "It felt like a mad, modernist playground. We had to complete the trajectory of the light in our minds. Important was a sense of elegance and grace, a balletic movement from the artist and car alike."
The director achieves just that, as his lead - a French artist and musician - commands the light emanating from his fingertips as the car encircles him and answers his challenges at every turn. In the end, the two come together, their light-lines forming the image of a Mazda3 in the night sky. "I give a lot of credit to (VFX house) MPC," Threlfall says. "This project required the right combination of reality and fantasy, and striking that balance is always a challenge."
Client: Mazda Spot Title: "Light Moves"
First Airdate: May 11, 2009
Agency: JWT, Dusseldorf Creative Director: Eddy Greenwood Creative: Jack Zeniewski Producer: Tim Greven
Production Company: Outsider Director: Jorn Threlfall EP: Benji Howell DOP: Ekkerhart Pollack
The artists at Arsenal FX lent their talents to this new spot, in which GM showcases 19 of its new models, all of which get 30 MPG or better and are available for their respective Red Tag sticker prices.
Whether pulling up to a house to close a real estate sale or arriving at an event, Cadillac drivers exude "Total Confidence," in this spot from GM's new "Rally" campaign.
Kanye West's Amazing Video Breaks with VFX/Online from Arsenal FX
Mark Leiss and Joseph Grosso of Arsenal FX provided the online and VFX for "Amazing," the new video from Kanye West feat. Young Jeezy. Visually rich and expansive, the clip matches West's anthemic single, currently used on the official soundtrack for the 2009 NBA Playoffs.
Title: Amazing
Artist: Kanye West feat. Young Jeezy
Director & Editor: Hype Williams
Telecine: Bobine
Colorist: Jais
Online/VFX: Arsenal FX
Artists: Mark Leiss & Joseph Grosso
About Arsenal FX
Arsenal FX, a special effects and finishing boutique catering to a diverse global client base that spans Advertising, Film, and Sports, announced its official launch in March 2009. Founder/Artist Mark Leissembarks on the venture with the support of key staff Executive Producer Ashley Hydrick and Graphic Artist/Compositor Joseph Grosso. Arsenal FX has already worked with many prestigious clients, including Triple Double, Fox Sports, NFL, Chevrolet, Saab, Buick, Pontiac, Cadillac, Bumble Bee, and Walmart; the company also recently completed music videos for Jamie Foxx, Bow Wow and Nickelback.
Hayden Panettiere is 'Feeling Better' Thanks to LG - and Music from Mophonics
Spending the summer with your leg in a cast is no fun...unless you can bring the party to you. 'Heroes' star Hayden Panettiere is definitely "Feeling Better" after using her LG Xenon to assemble an awesome pool party in her own backyard.
Created via Y&R/NY, with a score from Mophonics this new ad proves the LG Xenon is more than a phone, it's a lifeline.
CLIENT: LG Electronics PRODUCT: Mobile Phones TITLE: "Feeling Better" AIR DATE: 4/20/2009
Agency: Y&R/NY Producer: Robert Beck Global LG CD: Darren Moran Assoc. CD/ART: Jeff Blouin Assoc. CD/COPY: John Battle Music Producer: Eric David Johnson
Director: Patrick Daughters Production Company: The Director's Bureau DP: Shawn Kim
Editorial: Final Cut Editor: Akiko Iwakawa
Music Company: Mophonics Creative Director: Stephan Altman Composer: Steve Van Dam Producer: Adam Podrat Executive Producer: Michael Frick
VFX: The Mill/NY Phone Animation: Charlex Talent: Hayden Panettiere
GARTNER's Theodore Melfi Maintains Roundy's Standard of Excellence with New Chairman Bob Spots
GARTNER director Theodore Melfi continues his campaign for Roundy's, with Chairman Bob still in the spotlight. Touting the quality of its private-label lines, the ongoing campaign features Bob Mariano, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Roundy's. The initial TV and Web work not only earned the approval of the ad community, it garnered attention in local trades as well.
Now, agency Preston Kelly has issued two new spots featuring Chairman Bob and his quest for quality. In the first of the ads, the Chairman and his team head to the "Bakery" to scrutzinize a factory-made cake with meticulous care. The next spot has a similar tone as Chairman Bob and co., in search of premium "Produce," visit a farm, where Bob displays his paternal instincts, cradling a watermelon in his arms.
"I am truly humbled to have crafted the greatest grocery chain spots in the history of advertising," Melfi says. "Granted, the competition consists of in-store display shots and graphic bumpers with oranges in the background. But..victory is victory. And I look forward to the many accolades that will surely come from being the best in the business at regional grocery advertising."
Client: Roundy's Spots Title(s): "Produce" & "Bakery" First Air Date: 4/8/09
Agency: Preston Kelly Executive V.P., Creative Director: Chris Preston Art Director: Anne Taylor Copywriter: Terry Thomas Broadcast Producer: Anne Swarts
Production Company: GARTNER Director: Ted Melfi DP: Mateo Londono EP(s): Don Block, Rich Carter, Elaine Behnken, Annie Hanlon Producer: Phil Rose
James Gartner Conveys 'Love Lost' - and Found - with New Tums Ad
With his new spot for Tums via Arnold NYC, director James Gartner tells a tale of "Love Lost," in which people pine for the happiness fulfillment they enjoy in the embrace of pizzas, meatballs, and philly steaks. Thanks to Tums, all can breathe sighs of relief.
Client: Tums Spots Title(s): "Love Lost" First Air Date: 3/15/09
Agency: Arnold NYC Executive Creative Director: John Staffen Group Creative Director: Sig Gross Art Director: Sig Gross Copywriter: Betsy Guerro Agency Producer: Celia Williams
Production Company: GARTNER Director: James Gartner DP: John Houtman EP(s): Don Block, Rich Carter, Elaine Behnken Producer: Jane Thompson
Editorial: Jump Editor: William Zitser Producer: Elizabeth Krajewski
Post/Effects: The Mill Special Effects Director/2D: Jeff Robbins Special Effects Supervisor: Michael Gibson Producer: Adrienne Britzman
Music: Human Music & Sound Design Composer: Andy Block Producer: Lauren Bleiweiss
Wayne Holloway of RESTLESS Gets Kevin Garnett and David Beckham Together for a Little 1 on 1 - for adidas Originals
Directed by Wayne Holloway of RESTLESS, the latest viral to be released by adidas Originals offers two superstar athletes a chance to bring their A game to the other's sport. Kevin Garnett and David Beckham face off on the court, to see who can score the first points by kicking a basketball through a hoop...
Click here for the scoop on Holloway's adidas "House Party" adventure.
Client: adidas Originals Spots Title(s): "The Hole-in-One" Air Date: 02/09
Agency: Sid Lee Creative Director: Kristian Manchester Agency Producer: Claudia Roy
Production Company: RESTLESS Director: Wayne Holloway EP(s): Bryan Farhy Producer: Claudia Roy Editorial: Sid Lee
Quick. Get That Dog Some ALPO! Director John Zissimos Lets Dogs Be Dogs
If you've ever driven past the "D Hotel" on Highland Blvd in LA, you've probably done a double-take before realizing that it is not, in fact, a hotel for people. No, this Schrageresque monolith - with all its style and implied pampering - is a hotel for dogs...and it's only one of many stops on the "Quick. Get that Dog Some ALPO" tour, currently gracing YouTube.
Directed by John Zissimos of Fools and Horses, and appearing in :60 and 4:00 versions, "Quick. Get That Dog Some ALPO" follows a team of people armed with cans of ALPO and dedicated to letting dogs be dogs again, without the "doggie day cares and $50 chew toys."
Here, Zissimos offers some insights into his "dog-umentary" (or mock-dog-umentary?):
On his subjects: "These people love their dogs - they just pamper them so much," Zissmos reasons. "We wanted it to be funny, but this wasn't about making fun of people. I think all our subjects saw the humor in their own situations."
On his cast: "I wanted them to feel like real Alpo employees, as if they came up with this idea on their own and went off and made it," the director says. "Taking them to real places and allowing them to play those roles gave us the best chance for it to be fresh and not some scripted fake documentary. I wanted a sweet young girl, a dog-lover, someone who might work at a shelter on the weekends. For the guy, I wanted a big beef-eating kid from the Midwest running around with all these cases of Alpo. I always made our guy carry one more case than he could handle. It made for some great moments."
On the script: "I really didn't give the cast any info about what we were doing, so they discovered things as we went along," says Zissimos. "I wanted this to be about discovery, and inspired action." Zissimos himself had a plan of action, based on location scouting and script development with the agency. "We were never locked in, but we were strategic about our opportunities and that gave all of us the best chance to succeed at every location."
On the shoot: "John was full of surprises," says Fools and Horses Owner/EP Cyn Guzman. "We just had to have faith when he told us he would be operating the steadycam to avoid drawing too much attention to the camera the way handheld sometimes can. Though he had no prior experience, we knew he would pull it off to fulfill his vision. And he did."
On the ad biz: "When it comes to commercials," Zissimos says, "comedy and dialogue is what I love. I don't think there is any reason to interrupt your favorite show with drama - why depress people? You might as well make them laugh, and ultimately you want your audience to feel good about the company and the product." He cites his work on Mike's Hard Lemonade as a key moment for him. "I was trying to talk clients into that sort of thing for a long time, doing something that would look homemade and spur-of-the-moment. I love when someone can give me the freedom to just go off and make it happen. (CW) Dean Buckhorn was a model of the way I love to work on a shoot; he afforded me this wonderful room to be creative and to direct, and at the perfect moment he would come over with a gem of an idea that was hilarious - it was very inspiring."
On the ALPO song: "John was always prepared to wear many hats on this project, but I didn't even know he could sing or play the guitar," Fools and Horses Owner/EP, Shelly Townsend comments. "When he told me he had written a song over the weekend, I was blown away. When I first heard it...I was a little skeptical. It's more than a little quirky. But when we saw the piece cut to it, it just fit like a glove. This is really the kind of all-encompassing creative initiative that our business demands of a director these days, and it was a blast to see it in action."
Client: Purina's ALPO Brand Dog Food Campaign Title: "Quick, get that dog some ALPO"
Agency: Fallon Minneapolis Executive Creative Director: Al Kelly Group Creative Director: Duane Johnson Art Director: Dean Hanson Copywriter: Dean Buckhorn Director of Integrated Production: Vic Palumbo Producer: Erin Glaus
Production Company: Fools and Horses Director: John Zissimos Director of Photography: John Zissimos Executive Producer: Shelly Townsend/Cyn Guzman Producer: Denny Kennedy Editorial: Fallon Assembly Line/Fools and Horses Editor: Jesse Thompson/John Zissimos
GARTNER's Theodore Melfi Warms Up the Crowd with "No Joke Coffee" from 7-Eleven
GARTNER director Theodore Melfi continues his "No Joke" campaign for 7-Eleven, with a focus on coffee that's hot - and comedy that's not. In the ad, created via Freshworks, our would-be comedian tries out new material on customers, who see the value - if not the humor - in the store's new coffee & and taquitos breakfast offering.
Client: 7-Eleven Spots Title(s): "No Joke Hot Coffee" First Air Date: 1/27/09
Agency: Freshworks Executive Creative Director: Regan Holley Group Creative Director: Kyle Jones Art Director: Craig Bradley Copywriter: Alex Harvey Agency Producer: Leeann Wells
Production Company: GARTNER Director: Theodore Melfi DP: Danny Moder EP(s): Don Block, Rich Carter, Elaine Behnken Producer: Sean Hobbs
Editorial: Red Car Dallas Editor: Keith James Editorial EP: Carrie Callaway
Director James Gartner Gets 'Back to Basics' for Allstate
Director James Gartner brings an affecting human touch to this spot for Allstate via Leo Burnett. A museum-style backdrop is used to trace the firm's history back to its founding in 1931; as spokesman Dennis Haysbert relates, those were tough economic times, rife with uncertainty. The experience inspired many to value the blessings in their lives, the simple things they knew they could count on. In 2009, it again is time to get "Back to Basics" and place those things we cherish in good hands.
Client: Allstate Spots Title(s): "Back to Basics" First Air Date: 1/20/09
Agency: Leo Burnett Executive VP/Creative Director: Jeanie Caggiano/ Charley Wickman VP / Creative Director: Mikal Pittman Art Director: Greg Nobles Copywriter: Josh Mizrachi Vice President / Senior Producer: Ray Swift
Production Company: GARTNER Director: James Gartner DP: Phedon Papamichael EP(s): Don Block, Rich Carter, Elaine Behnken, Annie Hanlon Producer: Bill Latka
Editorial: Whitehouse Post Editor: Carlos Lowenstien Editorial EP: Carrie Holecek
Telecine: Filmworkers Club Colorist: Mike Mazur
Sound Design: Another Country Sound Designer: John Binder
Space is a precious commodity, a sentiment conveyed beautifully by Outsider director James Rouse in "Pax," his latest spot for IKEA. In some places, personal space is invaded - an elevator, a busy park at lunchtime, or at the train station heading home - so why not do everything possible to enjoy the comforts of home?
Agency: St Lukes Communications Creative Director(s): Alan Young, Julian Vizard Agency Producer: Jessie Middleton
Director: James Rouse Producer: Benji Howell Production Company: Outsider DOP: Karl Oskarsson
Director Bart Timmer Stages a Heineken 'Housewarming'
Who says men don't get giddy over a "Housewarming"? Director Bart Timmer brings just the right touch of manly euphoria to this spot, juxtaposing a gaggle of women swooning over some deep closet space with a group of guys drowning them out with their own reaction to another closet- stocked top to bottom with ice-cold Heineken.
Client: Heineken
Spot Title: "Housewarming"
Agency: TBWA\Neboko Agency Producer: Wietske Hovingh Creative: Jorn Kruijsen; Jeroen van de Sande Director: Bart Timmer (represented by Outsiderin the US and UK) Production: CZAR.NL Producer: Robert Nan; Hein Scheffer Director of Photography: Alex Melman Post Production: Ambassadors Editor: Annelien van Wijnsbergen
Editor Sloane Klevin of Union Helps Find Pets a "Home for the Holidays"
A pair of new spots sponsored by Iams and edited by Sloane Klevin of bicoastal Union have contributed to the adoption of more than one million pets, since their debut this past holiday season. "I've adopted pets many times," says Klevin, who became involved in this project when producer Diane Burton of Saatchi (with whom Klevin had worked on campaigns for Cheerios, Pampers and Yoplait) recommended her to the producer of this campaign, Dani Stoller. "Diane felt the job was right up my alley in terms of emotional content."
In the tender, charming spots, which feature VO from TV and Film star Felicity Huffman, adoptive owners bring their pets home and attempt to bond with their new charges. The first moments are awkward for both parties, but as the ads attest, the real reward in adopting a pet, "is when the pet adopts you."
"In addition to supporting a good cause, these are strong commercials narratively speaking," says Klevin. "There's a real progression, a passage of time, and a sense of where the relationship between the animals and adoptive owners will go from where the spots leave off. I found it very real, relatable and very sweet."
Of course, there's a difference between adopting a pet - and working with one on set. "(Director) Stevan Treshow was working with a cat that was in no mood to perform," muses Klevin. "But Stevan got a lot of great footage of the guy, so the spot came together beautifully." How about the dog? "The dog had so many great moments it was hard to choose which ones not to use," Klevin explains. "The dog was a terrific actor!"
The campaign was originally slated to run only through the holiday season; however, given the number of adoptions the spots have generated, Iams has continued to run the ads into the new year. More info is available at iamshome4theholidays.com.
Client: Iams Spot Title: "Home for the Holidays-Cat" "Home for the Holidays-Dog" Air Date: December 2008
GARTNER Director Raymond Bark Takes the Helm for Stunning New Cargill Ad
The crew of the Spartan Son puts their heart and soul into a day's work at sea, while their families and community await their return, in this stunning new spot from GARTNER director Raymond Bark. No matter how rich and rewarding the seas may be, these fisherman depend on the freshness of their catch, which is why a shipment of "Sea Salt" from Cargill is so important.
"The approach to our Cargill jobs is a real treat," says Bark. "The agency and client want the spirit of the places where they shoot to be represented accurately and captured respectfully. As such, we're not locked down by a storyboard.
Rather, the attitude is "wait 'til we get there," and that's where the real spot is formulated. Use what's there, and use it for what it is. I think that's a major contributing factor to the positive spirit of the work, ensuring a meaningful connection between the original idea and the reality on the ground."
"The perfect embodiment of this is in the casting. Picking up people to populate the spots, while scouting and acclimatizing to the local area allows for some real character, authenticity and charm...as well as some long cozy nights lined with shot glasses, spent convincing deep sea fishermen they're really first class actors. They don't always believe you after one glass."
Client: Cargill Spots Title(s): "Sea Salt" First Air Date: 1/4/09
Agency: Martin Williams Advertising Chief Creative Officer: Tom Moudry Group Creative Director: Jim Henderson, Lyle Wedemeyer Agency Producer: Andrea Eilers
Production Company: GARTNER Director: Raymond Bark DP: Joe Meade EP(s): Don Block, Rich Carter, Elaine Behnken Producer: Bridgette Pugh
Editorial: Lost Planet Editor: Kim Bica Editorial EP: Christie Price
Music: Massive Music Composer: Kerry Smith Producer: Keith Haluska Sound Design: Keith Haluska, Kerry Smith
Bandito Brothers is not kidding when they issue the warning "Do Not Dew This At Home", regarding their latest effort, a spot for Mt. Dew via Dubai agency Impact BBDO. From the opening shot of a snowboarder riding down an escalator, to his being tethered to a subway car and boarding behind a "Train", this adrenaline-pumping ride was shot completely in-camera by Bandito directing team Mike "Mouse" McCoy and Scott Waugh. With its landmark branded work for the US Navy, Scion, Ford, and others - and the features "Dust to Glory" and "Step Into Liquid" - the Bandito Brothers always get an "A" for "Authenticity". They maintain that standard with this ad.
"Train" was cut in-house, by Waugh, at Bandito Brothers Post.
Agency: Impact BBDO Dubai Creative Director(s): Mark Daniel Held, Grant McGrath Agency Producer: Azza Aboual Magd
Production Company: Bandito Brothers Directors: Scott Waugh, Mike "Mouse" McCoy DP: Kevin Ward EP(s): Jeff Rohrer Producer: Peter Trucco
Editorial: Bandito Brothers Post Editor: Scott Waugh
Telecine: Bandito Brothers Post Colorist: Andrew Huebscher Post/Effects: The Syndicate/Bandito Brothers Post VFX/Inferno Artist(s): Brett Novak EP(s): Jonathan Stone /Jacob Rosenberg
tight Director Jeremy Russell Shows the Face of Cancer for Lustgarten
Cancer has a face - and a mission - in the new spot from director Jeremy Russell of tight. The haunting ad for Lustgarten Foundation depicts "Dan's Pancreatic Cancer" as a passenger riding in the back seat of his victim's car. The ride won't be the last for this disease - the deadliest cancer - which will claim another 35,000 lives before the year is out.
"I remember when that guy came in to audition, he didn't even have to say anything and he would have gotten the job," recalls Russell of his antagonist. "I always thought casting would be the most important part of this spot and that turned out to be true." The director says there was an interesting vibe between the two men in the car. "I had them in there for about an hour and I had asked them not to talk to each other at all. I don't think they'd even met." The strategy worked like a charm, allowing the interaction between the men to read as cold and impersonal.
Another effective element adding to the spot's somber tone was the rain. "We had a rig attached to the car that created the rain effect for the majority of the spot," says Russell. "When it came time to shoot the exteriors of the moving car, it started to rain for real. Perfect timing."
Client: Lustgarten Foundation Spots Title(s): "Dan's Pancreatic Cancer"
First Air Date: 11/23/08
Agency: Gardner Nelson + Partners Creative Director: Tom Nelson Copywriter: Chris Baier Art Director: James Groom Agency Producer: Gillian Blain
Production Company: tight Director: Jeremy Russell DP: Jack Donnelly EP(s): Don Block, Rich Carter, Elaine Behnken Producer: Patricia Danziger
Theodore Melfi of GARTNER Takes Comedy to a New Low for 7-Eleven
GARTNER's Theodore Melfi has a knack for hitting just the right comedic notes, even when the spot is "No Joke". In Melfi's new 7-Eleven campaign, a wannabe funnyman figures the store has everything - except a standup comic. He attempts to fill the gap...and fails to wow his audience.
"In these times of economic uncertainty, political unrest and global terror and turmoil it's good to know that 7-Eleven has been bailing out folks at 3AM since its inception," muses Melfi. "That's patriotism."
Client: 7-Eleven Spots Title(s): "No Joke" First Air Date: 11/27/08
Agency: TracyLocke Executive Creative Director: Regan Holley Group Creative Director: Kyle Jones Art Director: Craig Bradley Copywriter: Alex Harvey Agency Producer: Leeann Wells
Production Company: GARTNER Director: Ted Melfi DP: Danny Moder EP(s): Don Block, Rich Carter, Elaine Behnken Producer: Sean Hobbs
Hallmark Celebrates the Sights & Sounds of Xmas...with Help from Director James Gartner
A recordable greeting card from Hallmark makes grandma's wish come true, as she hears a grandchild's "First Words", in this holiday spot from director James Gartner.
What's more fun? A midnight peak at Christmas gifts? Or the look on the "Undercover Kids"' faces when Hallmark's new motion-activated gift bags catch them in the act?
Client: Hallmark Spots Title(s): "First Words", "Undercover Kids" First Air Date: 11/23/08
Agency: Leo Burnett EVP, Executive Creative Director: Tim Pontarelli VP, Content Architect: Tom Keramidas Creative Director: Dominic Lee Copywriter: Dominic Lee Art Director: Pippa White
Production Company: GARTNER Director: James Gartner DP: Claudio Miranda EP(s): Don Block, Rich Carter, Elaine Behnken Producer: Roger Petrusson
Outsider Director James Rouse Takes Us to the 'Airport' for McDonalds
He may be known primarily for comedy, but Outsider's James Rouse almost brings a tear to the eye with his latest spot: a young man races to the "Airport" to keep his lady love from flying away, and delivers an empassioned plea about...two-for-one cinema tickets. Ah, James, you haven't forsaken us, after all.
Client: McDonalds Spot Title: "Airport" Air Date: November 18, 2008
Agency: Leo Burnett ECD: Jonathan Burley CD: Jim Bolton Creative: Mark Franklin/Rob Tenconi Agency Producer: Lois Mould
Production Company: Outsider Director: James Rouse Producer: Benji Howell DOP: Alex Melman
GARTNER Director Theodore Melfi Puts the Family to Work for AT&T
Running a "Lemonade Stand" should be fun...but in this spot from director Theodore Melfi of GARTNER, a pair of kids find that their dad is all business. Naturally - he's stressing over an expiring cable intro rate and needs the cash. He should let the kids play and switch to ATT, which offers its packages for one low price.
Client: AT&T Spots Title(s): "Lemonade Stand" First Air Date: 10/20/08
Agency: GSD&M Idea City Creative Director: Richard Apel Copywriter: Michael Streiter Agency Producer: Bill Wine
Production Company: GARTNER Director: Theodore Melfi DP: Mateo Londono EP(s): Don Block, Rich Carter, Elaine Behnken Producer:Sean Hobbs
Editorial: 1080 Editor: Stephen Bowles Editorial EP:Tobin Holden
Director Mike Bigelow of GARTNER Imagines an 'Empty World' for PDFA PSA
GARTNER director Mike Bigelow's "Empty World" offers a visual metaphor for the influence a big brother has on his younger sibling's life decisions, including the dangers of drugs. In the spot, created for Partnership for a Drug-Free America via Leo Burnett, two brothers are the only people on the planet...
Client: Partnership for a Drug-Free America Spots Title(s): "Empty World" (Director's Cut)
Agency: Leo Burnett Creative Director: Andreas Arlia Agency Producer: Dennis Bannon
Production Company: GARTNER Director: Mike Bigelow DP: Scott Buttfield EP(s): Don Block, Rich Carter, Elaine Behnken Producer: Kim Monaco
From Charles Stone's eight-year-anniversary update on "Wassup", to short film, music video, and additional spot work, the editors of bicoastal Union have certainly done their part this election season. Please see below for the work and credits...then get out and VOTE!
"A Declaration: Vote" - Edited by Pablo Piriz, this short film is set at a party where the guests speak only in lines from the Declaration of Independence...
Short Film: "A Declaration: Vote" Created by Paula Walker, Rolf Kesterman, Brian Horiuchi Director: Paula Kestermann DP: Rolf Kestermann Creative Director: Brian Horiuchi Executive Producer: Mark Conley Producer : Justin Eldreth Post Production/Editorial: Union Editorial Editor/Color Correction/Post Supervisor: Pablo Piriz Sound designer/mixer: Milos Zivkovic Music: Nels Cline from Wilco Music Producer: Anthony Marinelli
"Change My World" - Jay Friedkin cut this music video, featuring Ayanna and the Agape International Children's Choir. Directed by Stacy Peralta, for changemyworld08.com ...
Client: changemyworld08.com Spot Title: "Change My World" Production Company: Roundtable Entertainment Producer(s): Gina Matthews, Grant Scharbo Director: Stacy Peralta Editorial: Union Editorial Editor: Jay Friedkin Music: Ayanna and the Agape International Children's Choir
Friedkin also lent his talents to TwoVoters.com "Time To Go", which depicts a young girl's farewell tea party with her pet elephant...
Client: TwoVoters.com Spot Title: "Time To Go" Production Company: MJZ Director: Marcus Nispel Producer: Vincent Oster Editorial: Union Editorial Editor: Jay Friedkin
Editor Nico Alba does justice not only to Stone's classic Wassup campaign for Bud, but to this fresh spin, which offers commentary on the troubles its characters have seen since we first met them eight long years ago...
Client: Wassup08.com Production Company: chopshop@Believe Media Director: Charles Stone Director of Photography: Shane Hurlbut Executive Producer: Maurice Marable, Gerard Cantor Producer: Sara Bartlett
Editorial Company: Union Editorial Editor: Nico Alba
Sound Design: Bill Chesley,Henry Boy Sound Mix: Sound Lounge Mixer: Philip Loeb
VFX Company: Mass Market VFX Artist / On-set Supervisor: Rich Rama Lead Flame: Sarah Elm Lead Compositor / On-set Supervisor: Lane Jolly Particle Animation: John Cherniak Roto/AFX: Michael Dobbs VFX Producer: Blythe Dalton VFX Executive Producer: Christine Schneider
Geordie Anderson edited this provocative spot, in which a series of young men and women lay their desires on the table in order to drive home the message that True Love Waits...for a Democrat.
Client: www.truelovewaitsforademocrat.com Title: True Love Waits for a Democrat
Creatvie/Production: Instant Karma Films Art Director: Lubna Abu-Osba Copywriters: Octavia Rutherford, Oona Van Doren Director: Kenneth Willardt Executive Producer: Craig Farkas Line Producer: Caroline Kousidonis Cinematographer: Tim Ives Motion Graphics: Louai Abu-Osba
Post/Editorial: Union Editorial Editor: Geordie Anderson Assistant: Carla Boado Flame/Retouching: Randie Swanberg Executive Producer: Caryn MacLean
Halloween 08: GARTNER Director Mike Bigelow Makes "Movie Night" Even Scarier, with i-Dogs from Burger King
It's Halloween, which can only mean one thing: scary movies & some friendly-spooky toys from Burger King. Actually, that's two things...ok, it's a bunch of things, because as this mock-scary spot points out, each kids meal now comes with one of many i-Dog toys, especially outfitted for Halloween. This spot, from GARTNER's Mike Bigelow, depicts a family sitting down for "Movie Night"; Dad's too tough to be frightened by the film, but is he man enough to stand up to an i-Dog?
Client: Burger King Spots Title(s): "Movie Night" First Air Date: October 6, 2008
Agency: Campbell Mithun Executive Creative Director: Reid Holmes Creative Director: Ben Fruehauf Art Director: Cindy Coelho Copywriter: Monique Thomas Agency Producer: Joe Hoffman
Production Company: GARTNER Director: Mike Bigelow DP: Scott Buttfield EP(s): Don Block, Rich Carter, Elaine Behnken Producer: Helen Hollien
Editorial: Rex Edit Editor: Bill Marmor Editorial EP: Justine Smollan
Telecine: Rushes Colorist: Chaz Tucker
Music: Echo Boys Composer: Alex Bergland Producer: Kathy Yanko
Call it a "Bjursta" inspiration: this new spot for IKEA from director James Rouse of Outsider tugs the heartstrings and ignites the creative spirit with the story of a small boy who can't seem to get his busy family to look at a creature he's fashioned out of clay. The answer, fortunately, can be found around the dining room table, courtesy of IKEA.
Rouse sees the signs in this next spot, and they all say 'NO'. By juxtaposing the many things we are asked NOT to do, with all the things a family CAN do with an "Ektorp" couch from IKEA, the world seems a much cozier place.
Client: IKEA Title: "Bjursta," "Ektorp" Air Date: October 3, 2008
Agency: St Lukes Communications Creative Director(s): Alan Young, Julian Vizard Agency Producer: Jessie Middleton
Director: James Rouse Producer: Benji Howell Production Company: Outsider DOP: Karl Oskarsson
Nick Lofting of bicoastal Union edited this off-beat campaign for Ask.com, created by Hanft Raboy & Partners. The project, cut via the editorial company's New York outpost, marks Lofting's first collaboration with The Perlorian Brothers, and offered him an opportunity to get down with his weird self.
"We wanted the spots to convey what people would really be asking Ask.com," Lofting says. "The unique aspect in cutting these spots was having main characters who don't speak. We're seeing their inner voices portrayed by unlikely people. The dualing characters make it really fun to watch." Lofting screened hundreds of takes with varying lines and readings. "The Perlorians encouraged me to cut these a bit off, a little odd," he says with a smile. "Just like them."
What does a "Cop" wonder about on the job? You might be surprised to know, and you'll certainly be entertained, by the woman who vocalizes his queries while draped over his shoulders. After his shift, he'll visit Ask.com.
With all the physical and hormonal changes experienced by a "Pregnant Woman", she is bound to have lot of questions. Having her thoughts represented by an older man with an Indian dialect (and an understandably testy disposition) makes questions about sex, gas, and fried chicken seem all the more odd. Fortunately, they're answerable, at Ask.com.
An "Eighth Grader" is naturally curious about all kinds of things - insects, food, girls - and in this spot he is beseiged by a series of nagging questions (in the form of a large woman that dwarfs his thin frame) that can easily be addressed at Ask.com.
The new pieces come on the heels of Kuehn's score for "New Orleans House Party", also created by the Obama campaign.
Both "American Promise" and "Four Days in Denver" were edited by Jason Djang and produced by the campaign's production team. Elvis Kuehn, the composer's 18-year-old son, played guitar on "American Promise". "It was a lot of fun to work with him on such an inspiring project," says the elder Kuehn.
"American Promise" offers highlights from Obama's grassroots movement for change, and includes never-before-seen Super 8 film shot at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is the lead video on Barack Obama's YouTube channel, and is being shown at rallies in swing states across the country. The video has garnered 341,000 hits on YouTube since its posting on October 1.
"Four Days in Denver" goes behind-the-scenes with the Obama and Biden families at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. A link to this film was sent to everyone on the campaign mailing list October 10, an audience of over 7 million people. This video has racked up 439,000 hits in just 5 days.
Outsider's Jorn Threlfall Mixes it Up Under the Big Top for Smirnoff
Circus performers are known for their death-defying feats on a "Swing" under the Big Top. Director Jorn Threlfall of Outsider, however, creates a new level of intrigue, enlisting the high-flying acrobats of a three-ring circus to demonstrate the making of the perfect Moscow Mule...with Smirnoff, of course. The result is a drink-defying display of showmanship... and fine taste.
Client: Smirnoff/Moscow Mule Spot title: "Swing" Airdate: September 21, 2008
Director James Rouse Puts the Moves on Russell Brand, Jonathan Ross, and Chris Evans for BBC Radio 2
Russell Brand, Jonathan Ross, and Chris Evans get their groove on with this new campaign for BBC2, directed by James Rouse. In the spots, the radio personalities jam to a funky mix of music, testimony to the fact that BBC2 offers "Amazing music played by an amazing lineup."
"We had to work within incredibly tight shooting schedules," recalls Rouse, "which, I believe, assisted in the creation of a manic mood onscreen. Jonathan Ross brought a load of his own Japanese toys into set which was great fun, ending up being rather taken with a glowing monocopter, which he tries to master on camera." Rouse notes that Chris Evans got quite involved in the whole process, "even calling a meeting a few days before the shoot to see what he and his team could add to the day. And it is worth noting that he plays a mean Air Guitar." During his short time shooting Russell Brand, says Rouse, "he was almost constantly rearranging himself. This was likely a function of his skin tight black trousers...at least that's what I told myself was the reason."
BBC Radio 2 "Russell Brand" (aka "A Bit of a Mix Up")
Client: BBC Radio 2 Air Date: September 18, 2008
Agency: RKCR/Y&R Creative: Paul Angus/Ted Heath
Production Company: Red Bee Media (BBC In-House Production) Director: James Rouse (represented by Outsider in the US and UK) DOP: Denzel Brown
Editor: Owen Oppenheimer
Music: Factory Studios Music Mix: Anthony Moore/Ben Firth,Ted Heath/Paul Angus
New Orleans House Party: Peligro's Greg Kuehn Composes the Score for Barack Obama Celebration
Peligro Music and Sound Design's Greg Kuehn has been busy of late... following up on his work for Dove and Diane English, he composed the score for "New Orleans House Party," which tells the touching story of Betty Simmons, a New Orleans native who responded to an email call to action from the campaign of Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama. On the night Obama accepted his party's nomination, Simmons organized a viewing celebration in her home, where she created a communal atmosphere and shared an inspirational and historic moment with those around her.
The project, for www.BarackObama.com, came to Kuehn via editor Jason Djang; the two had worked together on the documentary "Confessions of a Superhero." Djang had been working on the Obama campaign for a couple of months, and when he approached the composer about getting involved, "I jumped at the chance," says Kuehn.
Outsider Director Bart Timmer Helms New Spots for a Trio of Advertisers
Timmer Rolls the Dice on "Theatre" Piece
This new spot for Holland Casino via TBWA opens not at the gaming tables but in the "Theatre," where a dramatic stage play is unfolding before a rapt audience. One audience member mistakes the play for an interactive experience...something more readily available at a casino.
Going Strong with Cup A Soup
Timmer pits one "Strongman" against another, demonstrating that with the help of Cup A Soup, brains can overcome brawn.
A Little Extra Volkswagen for Car Buyers
A couple gets more car than they expected when they visit a Volkswagen "Service," in this spot. As the salesman demonstrates, the carmaker's new service plan adds value you can touch...
Complete Credits
Client: Holland Casino Spot Title: "Theatre"
Agency: TBWA Creative Directors: Bas Engels, Pim van Nunen Agency-producer: Annemarieke Beljaars Production Company: Czar, NL Director: Bart Timmer (represented by Outsider in the UK and US) DOP: Tom Erisman Editor: Marc Bechtold Online: AVP
______________________
Client: Cup a Soup Spot Title: "Strongest Man"
Agency: TBWA Creatives: Ernst-Jan van Rossem, Matthijs Slot Agency-producer: Lotte de Rooij Production Company: Czar, NL Director: Bart Timmer (represented by Outsider in the UK and US) DOP: Menno Westendorp Editor: Marc Bechtold Online: AVP
______________________
Client: Volkswagen Spot Title: "Service"
Agency: DDB Creatives: Joris Kuijpers, Dylan de Backer, Niels Westra, Jakko Achterberg Agency-producer: Maarten Fenega Production Company: Czar, NL Director: Bart Timmer (represented by Outsider in the UK and US) DOP: Lex Brand Editor: Marc Bechtold Online: Ambassadors
Union Editorial's Jim Haygood Runs on 'Instinct' for Sprint Campaign
As the acclaimed editor of Fight Club, The Game, and other features, Jim Haygood of bicoastal Union has a knack for building tension onscreen. He brings that keen "Instinct" to this new campaign for Sprint, with a series of spots spoofing film genres - and showing off the new Sprint Instinct, coming to a retailer near you.
Action couples are a must-see at the multi-plex, so to "Launch" the campaign, this first spot has our hero and heroine multi-tasking - even shopping and shipping - while battling evildoers.
Looking for "Romance"? Look no further than Sprint Instinct, with its data capabilities, and a GPS system that shaves precious moments off the rush-to-that-climactic-reunion sequence.
Any good action flick has a heated interrogation scene: in this one, the perp gets one phone call, but is overwhelmed by the options that come with a new Sprint Instinct. This spot is currently appearing only in the "Cinema".
It's summertime, and weekends at the lake always provide ample opportunity for movie "Horror." They may not fear Freddy or Jason, but they'd better watch out...this movie maniac has an Instinct for mayhem, and GPS navigation.
Agency: Goodby, Silverstein & Partners/SF Co-Chairman/Creative Director: Rich Silverstein Creative Director: Franklin Tipton Group Creative Director(s): Paul Stechschulte, Christian Haas Copywriter: Will Elliott Group Account Director: Rob Smith Producer: Rob Sondik. Lyra Rider ("Cinema") EP: Josh Reynolds
Production Company: Hungry Man, Inc Director: Bryan Buckley Managing Partner/EP: Kevin Byrne EP(s): Dan Duffy, Cindy Becker Producer: Mion Jarjoura
Editorial Company: Union Editorial Editor: Jim Haygood EP: Michael Raimondi Producer: Megan Dahlman Asst. Editor: Paul Plew
PrimalScream Music Sets the Tone for New FX Show "Sons of Anarchy"
In a scenario that is becoming more and more of a pattern, a major network has fallen in love with an original track from PrimalScream Music:After an exhaustive and highly competitive search, FX fell head over heels for the original track PrimalScream created to promoteSons of Anarchy, a star-studded new drama that will focus on the seedy and corrupt world of motorcycle clubs and the familial lines that run through them.
The high-octane campaign is informed by the PrimalScream score, which perfectly captures the tone and dramatic weight of the show.
For "The Dreams We Left Behind," PrimalScream Creative Director/Executive Producer Nicole Dionne assembled a band specific to the project, as she did in April for Starz with an expansive rebranding campaign.
Client: FX Network, Sons of Anarchy Spots Title(s): "The Dream We Left Behind" First Air Date: 7/1/08
Agency: FX Staff (in house) FX Network, EVP of Promo: Stephanie Gibbons FX Network, SVP of Promo: John Varvi
Editor: Julia DeGalzain
FX Design VP: Albert Romero VFX/Inferno Artist(s): Royal Pictures
Outsider Director Jorn Threlfall Takes it to The 'Next Level' for Nike Football
Attention aspiring pro footballers: it's time to lace up your cleats and bring out your 'A' game, as Nike teams up with Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to determine who is Most Wanted on the field. In the latest spot helmed by Jorn Threlfall of Outsider, one of the best managers in the history of world football (and winner of more trophies than any other manager in the history of English football) dispenses a tough but inspirational message to British football (aka soccer) hopefuls. His objective? To bring their game to the "Next Level" at an elite training camp run by Ferguson and sponsored by Nike.
Client: Nike Title: "Next Level" Air Date: July 7, 2008
Agency: AKQA Films ECD: Daniel Bonner CW: Nick Bailey AD: Andrew Tuffs Executive Agency Producer: Emily Bull Agency Producer: Siouxi Mernagh
Production Company: Outsider Director: Jorn Threlfall DOP: David Luther Producer: Jeremy Bannister
Editorial Company: Work/London Editor: Bill Smedley
Outsider Director Henry Littlechild Checks His 'Zipper' for Citroen
With this latest spot for Citroen, director Henry Littlechild of Outsider pits man against machine: a man makes several futile attempts to unlock his car door, before realizing that - like the devil - access to his vehicle is all in the details.
Client: CITROEN Title: "Zipper" AirDate: June 15, 2008
Agency: Euro RSCG Duesseldorf Creative(s): Torsten Pollmann, Florian Meimberg Producer: Meike van Meegen
Production Company: Outsider Director: Henry Littlechild DP: Ian Foster Producer, Outsider: Ben Roberts Producer, Markenfilm Berlin: Florian Zizmann
Editor: Arthur Jagodda
Postproduction: VCC Berlin
Music & Sound Mix: Studio Funk Berlin / Duesseldorf
Outsider Director James Rouse Teams with Nike to Turn UK Spanish for Torres
English Premier League soccer star Fernando Torres makes an appearance in this Nike spot directed by Outsider's James Rouse and created via 72andSunny.
While Torres had an amazing season with Liverpool, England's national team did not make the cut for the European Championship. Torres, who hails from Spain, played for that country, which emerged victorious in Euro 2008. Rouse's ad, equal parts charm, humor, and unbridled enthusiasm, has Liverpool "Turning Spanish."
Client: Nike Spot Title: "Turning Spanish" Air Date: July 1, 2008
Director Theodore Melfi of GARTNER Devours A Cable Bill for AT&T
GARTNER's Theodore Melfi offers his comedic take on Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? in a new spot for AT&T's bundled services: A human cable bill with a hearty appetite for excessive fees arrives at an unsuspecting family's house.
Turns out the low introductory cable rate period has expired and now it's time to pay the piper, who uses his trusty "Cable-Vac" to extract additional monies from each family member for the higher rate charges. Happily, the family is able to shut the door on excessive cable bills by switching to AT&T's affordable bundled services for phone, high-speed Internet, and advance TV, with no low introductory rate. Period.
Client: AT&T Spots Title(s): "Cable-Vac" First Air Date: June 23, 2008
Agency: GSD&M Idea City Creative Director: Richard Appel Copywriter: Richard Appel Art Director: Kim Smith Agency Producer: Bill Wine
Production Company: GARTNER Director: Theodore Melfi DP: Mateo Londono EP(s): Don Block, Rich Carter, Elaine Behnken Producer: Roger Petrusson
Editorial: Beast Editor: Jason Painter Editorial EP: Ashley Hydrick
GARTNER Director Raymond Bark is on Border Patrol with 'Protected' via JWT
Beautiful and touching vignettes show a community "Protected" by members of the US Border Patrol, who look out for your family as they do their own. The spot, created via JWT, was directed by GARTNER's Raymond Bark.
Client: Border Patrol Spots Title(s): "Protected" First Air Date: 6/30/08
Agency: JWT Exec. Creative Director: Mary Olson Creative Director(s): Troy Russell, Kerry Antezana, Lana Raynes Agency Executive Producer: Marlene Winder
Production Company: GARTNER Director: Raymond Bark DP: Joe Meade EP(s): Don Block, Rich Cartner, Elaine Behnken Producer: Lori Hoffman
Editorial: Beast Editor: Rob Watzke Editorial EP: Ashley Hydrick
GARTNER Director Mike Bigelow Does Double Duty for Publix
Directed by GARTNER's Mike Bigelow, the new spot for supermarket chain Publix will leave viewers seeing double - but don't race out to get your vision checked...the ad is actually a clever promotion for the store's buy-one, get-one-free offer.
Client: Publix Spots Title(s): "Everything Good Comes in Pairs"
First Air Date: May 25, 2008
Agency: Twenty Two Squared Chief Creative Officer: Scott Sheinberg SVP Creative Director: Tom McMahon Associate Creative Director: Ryan Stafford VP Art Director: Dennis Wolfe Art Director: Adam LaRocca Sr. Copywriter: David Yeend Copywriter: Chris Miller Agency Producer: Jamie Jones
Production Company: GARTNER Director: Mike Bigelow DP: Tim Ives EP(s): Don Block, Rich Carter, Elaine Behnken Producer: Helen Hollien
Editorial: Company X Editor: Terence Ziegler Editorial EP: Rachelle Way
OUTSIDER USA Director Jorn Threlfall Brings Down a 'House of Mirrors' for BMW
Helmed by OUTSIDER USA's Jorn Threlfall, this new spot for the BMW7 Series uses a "House of Mirrors" to literally shatter any illusions about duplicating the style and substance of the venerable automaker.
Client: BMW 7 Series Spots Title(s): "House of Mirrors" First Air Date: 5/5/08
Agency: GSD&M Idea City Group Creative Director: David Crawford Creative Director(s): Mike Ferrer, Jeff Maki Art Director(s): Mike Ferrer Copywriter(s): Jeff Maki, Claire Jordan Agency Producer: Sybil McCarthy Hadfield
Production Company: Outsider USA Director: Jorn Threlfall DP: Paul Cameron EP: Don Block, Rich Carter, Elaine Behnken Producer: Bridgitte Pugh
Imagine a giant warehouse not stocked with food, plasma screen TV's, or steel belted radials, but, rather, with boxes of a million little earth-changing ideas. As depicted in a new PSA directed by James Gartner, this image serves as your welcome to globalgiving.org, the ultimate activist "Marketplace" of global causes and good deeds for caring consumers everywhere.
Client: Global Giving Spots Title(s): "Marketplace" First Air Date: May 25, 2008
Agency: Leo Burnett Creative Director(s): Sarah Block, Eric Routenberg Art Director(s): Sarah Block Copywriter(s): Eric Routenberg Agency Producer: Vincent Geraghty
Production Company: GARTNER Director: James Gartner DP: Tom Olgeirsson EP(s): Rich Carter, Don Block Producer: Roger Petrusson
Editorial: Optimus Editor: Deb Schimmel Telecine: Company 3 Shoot Location: Los Angeles, CA
Director James Gartner Teams Up with Tim McGraw and Fritos
Created via Element 79 Partners and directed by James Gartner, a new spot for Fritos has a tender, down-home feel: After putting his daughter to bed, Tim McGraw heads outside with his guitar to snack on chips and gaze at the "Country Stars".
Client: Fritos Spots Title(s): "Country Stars"
First Air Date: 5/9/08
Agency: Element 79 Partners SVP / Group Creative Director: Susan Bertocchi Art Director(s): Monica Klasa Copywriter(s): Greg Oreskovich Agency Producer: Kara Pierce
Production Company: GARTNER Director: James Gartner DP: James Whitaker EP(s): Rich Carter, Don Block, Elaine Behnken Producer: Roger Petrusson
Editorial: Jump Editor: Michael Saia Telecine: Complete Post Exec. Prod: Elizabeth Krajewski Shoot Location: Nashville, TN
PrimalScream Music Rocks a Set of 'Musical Tires' for Firestone
A woman is enjoying a drive out on the open road...as she rolls to stop, the music in her car likewise comes to a halt. She gets back in gear and realizes that the hard-driving rock soundtrack is coming from her "Musical Tires", courtesy of Firestone - andPrimalScream Music.
Tires that make music as you drive may sound a bit unusual...but not for PrimalScream's Nicole Dionne who is always up for an artistic challenge. To create the right kind of wheel music for this set of tires, she and the ad's editor, Tom Muldoon, listned to myriad "scratching" samples (should the sound be more Run DMC or album-scratch?). Ultimately, they decided to go playful and comedic with the scratching sound.
"It was interesting how it came to us because originally they came to us to help license a famous classic rock song," recalls Dionne about the spot, created via The Richards Group and directed by Kinka Usher. Instead, Dionne took a chance, hand-picking artists for the classic rock collaboration. She chose musicians from five different bands, spanning cities from New York to LA, to create the ideal southern rock band for this project.
"I knew that process could be long and costly, so without asking I got together some rock musicians and cultivated lyrics and music specific to the piece, the brand, the car, and the energy they were going for," says Dionne. "I came back to the agency with a number of licensing options, as well as the track we created, and they ate it up. I took a chance and they loved it."
Client: Firestone Tires Spots Title(s): Musical Tires First Air Date: 5.5.08
Agency: The Richards Group Creative Director: Glenn Dady Agency Producer: JR Dixon Art Director: Shane Altman Writer: Mike Bales
Production Company: House of Usher Director: Kinka Usher DP: Barry Peterson EP(s): Nancy Hacohen Producer: Kathy Rhodes
Editorial: Nomad Editor: Tom Muldoon Editorial EP: Nicole Steele
Music: PrimalScream Music Executive Music Producer: Nicole Dionne Artists/Band/Composer: Producer: Scott Burton
Director James Gartner Crafts Mothers Day Message for Hallmark
In a new spot created via Leo Burnett, James Gartner takes us inside a "Dorm Room", where some college girls try to come up with the best message to place in Hallmark's new Recordable Card; the result is a rocking Mothers Day message. Chris Claeys of Cutters edited the spot, airing now.
Client: Hallmark Spots Title(s): "Dorm Room" First Air Date: 5/1/08
Agency: Leo Burnett Executive Creative Director: Tim Pontarelli Art Director: Sarah Gleason Copywriter: Jane Koh VP, Content Architect: Tom Keramidas
Production Company: GARTNER Director: James Gartner DP: Tom Olgeirsson EP(s): Rich Carter, Don Block, Elaine Behnken Producer: Roger Petrusson
GARTNER Director Mike Bigelow Finds a "Whole Days Worth" of Fiber
If it tastes good, it can't be good for you, can it? That's the comedic premise behind a Fiber One yogurt spot created via Saatchi & Saatchi and deftly directed by Mike Bigelow of GARTNER.
"A Whole Days Worth", set at a free sample tasting of Fiber One yogurt, finds shoppers eating multiple samples of Fiber One because they can't taste the fiber in the yogurt. Fortunately, the store manager intervenes and educates the customers about the 20 percent daily value of fiber per serving.
Client: Fiber One Spots Title(s):"A Whole Days Worth" First Air Date: April 24, 2008
Agency: Saatchi & Saatchi EVP/Creative Director: Ann Hayden Art Director: Juan Carlos Gutierrez Copywriter: Jared Elliott Agency Producer: Lynn Appel
Production Company: GARTNER Director: Mike Bigelow DP: Scott Buttfield DP (Tabletop): Steven Moses EP(s): Rich Carter, Don Block, Elaine Behnken Producer: Helen Hollien
For KFC, Cutters Editorial, SOLdesignfx, and Another Country Take Flight to a Brave New (Winged) World
Chicken lovers around the world get something tasty to crow about, as KFC offers up a fresh new lifestyle: Edited by Cutters' Mark Jepsen, with post-production by Chris Anderson of SOLdesignfx and audio post from Another Country's John Binder, "Anthem" is a fast-paced, feel good piece in which the adventurous, fun-loving, multi-generational KFC crowd comes together over some mouthwatering KFC wings, thighs and breasts.
Product: KFC Spots Title(s): "Anthem" Airdate: March 2008
Agency: DraftFCB EVP, Exec. Creative Director: Tom O'Keefe VP, Sr. Art Director: Steve Bolt VP, Sr. Copywriter: Matt Fera Writer: Sue Gillan VP, Exec. Producer: Ivo Knezevic
Prod Co: Bob Industries Director: Alan White Exec. Producer: Chuck Ryant, TK Knowles, John O'Grady DP: Eric Treml Producer: Brian Etting
Editorial Company: Cutters Editor: Mark Jepsen Editor Assistant: Jane Zander Producer: Karen Vargas
Audio Post Company: Another Country Audio Engineer: John Binder Exec. Producer: Tim Konn
Post/VFX Company: SOLdesignfx Artist: Chris Anderson Producer: Megan Mitra Maples
Telecine: Optimus Colorist: Craig Leffel Online: Mike Weber
Outsider's Jorn Threlfall takes Subaru to a Whole New Place
Subaru has earned a reputation for its vehicles' ruggedness and ability to perform in all kinds of weather, altitude and conditions. Jorn Threlfall ofOutsidermanages to direct the automobile to the one place it has never gone before - the diesel fuel pumps - with the introduction of Subaru's new Boxer Diesel Engine. As the spot title explains, "It's Here".
Client: Subaru Spot Title: "It's Here" Airdate: April 15, 2008
Agency: MCBD Creative Directors: Malcolm Duffy, Paul Briginshaw Agency Producer: Donna Baker
Production Company: Outsider Director: Jorn Threlfall Producer: Benji Howell DOP: David Luther
Cutters Editorial's Nadav Kurtz Collaborates with Tony Kaye on BCBS 'Power of the Human Voice'
Nadav Kurtz of Cuttersedited this spot for Blue Cross Blue Shield via Draft FCB, in which numerous people step up to the mike. Directed by Tony Kaye, the ad conveys the "Power of theHuman Voice" and inspires its audience to speak up regarding their preferences for health care.
Client: Blue Cross Blue ShieldTitle: "Power of the Human Voice" Airdate: 4/21/2008
Agency: Draft FCB Producer: Kelly Durham AD/CD: Kurt Fries CD/GCD: John Claxton
Production Company: Supply & Demand Director: Tony Kaye
OUTSIDER's Bart Timmer Delivers a Message for Everyone Who Ever Wanted a Volkswagen
Bart Timmer has directed a series of humorous Volkswagen spots via DDB Amsterdam, sending a refreshing message that it's okay to want one - really.
A new subcompact car Polo owner is busy loading his car up with a bunch of garden supplies as a cynical "Cyclist" arrives on scene. Turns out he has a sever case of Polo envy after seeing all the great features in Volkswagen's "funny little car." Time to pedal on down to the Volkswagen dealer...
Meanwhile, down at the office parking lot, the dubious "Colleague" from work sure knows a lot of facts and figures about the new Volkswagen Passat...
...and finally, a "Neighbor" offers offers a variation on the commandments: Thou shall not covet thy neighbor's car, especially if it's the newly redesigned Volkswagen Golf.
Agency: DDB Amsterdam Art director: Shanta Schreuder Copywriter: Sander Volleman
Production Company: Czar.nl Director: Bart Timmer (represented in the UK and US by OUTSIDER) Producer: Sytske Rijkens D.o.p: Lex Brand Editor: Marc Bechtold Sound: Alfred Klaasen
With the Latest Round of CDW Ads, Mike Bigelow of GARTNER Finds No Country for Businessmen
Sometimes being in business for yourself feels like being alone on a desert island. With that in mind, GARTNER's Mike Bigelow has helmed an ongoing CDW campaign featuring a modern-day Robinson Crusoe-cum-entrepreneur - complete with a sophisticated computer network ensconced in his beachside bamboo hut office.
This latest round kicks off with Greg, our bearded, beach-boy, Hawaiian-shirted businessman, peering though a spyglass and discovering some "Competition" in the adjacent treehouse. What to do? Good thing Craig's videoconferencing with CDW about customized computer solutions for his business.
Our laid-back businessman encounters the competition's "Footprints" in the sand leading to his office shack. Luckily, CDW's experienced network and security specialists are just one video chat away.
In the third spot, a monkey demands a princely "Ransom" of eight bunches of bananas or the server gets it. CDW's new modular HP servers will make a monkey's uncle out of that security threat.
"Growth" finds our intrepid Crusoe on the cellphone with CDW while hitting golf balls with cities names handwritten on them to determine the next office site of his global expansion.
Finally, in "Gallery", it's time to let the big dog eat, as our hero crushes a golf ball down the beach. You can relax knowing CDW has your back and is an official technology sponsor of the PGA tour.
Click hereto view the original round of CDW spots, also directed by Mike Bigelow.
Client: CDW Spots Title(s): "Competition", "Footprints", "Ransom", "Growth", "Gallery" First Air Date: 3/17/08 Agency: JWT Exec. Creative Director: Roy Trimble Art Director: Deb Dewitt Copywriter: Kevin Rhodes Agency Producer: Mark Wagner
Production Company: GARTNER Director: Mike Bigelow DP: Tami Reiker EP(s): Rich Carter, Don Block Producer: Helen Hollien
Editorial: Final Cut Editor: Ashley Kreamer Exec. Prod (Editorial): Jennifer Hargreaves
Telecine: Rushes/601 Colorist: Chaz Tucker Shoot Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
This week in the world of commercials production, CD/Executive Music Producer Nicole Dionne and PrimalScream Music set the mood for Firestone's tale of the "Magic Rings", a mythical account of the tire maker's history.
Client: Firestone Tires Spots Title(s): "Magic Rings" :60 First Air Date: 3/29/08
Agency: The Richards Group Creative Director: Glenn Dady Agency Producer: JR Dixon Art Director: Craig Anderson Copywriter: Mike Bales
Production: existing footage
Music: PrimalScream Music Executive Music Producer: Nicole Dionne Producer: Scott Burton
Editorial: Charlie Uniform Tango Editor: Deedle LeCour Post/Effects: Charlie Uniform Tango VFX/Inferno Artist: Joey Waldrip EP: Kathy Fawcett-Martin
"Well done GM good commercial!" "best commercial out there" "what GM is doing right here is not making a boring commerical." "Wow. I am completely amazed at this video. :P If only more car commercials were like this." "This wins!"
These are just a few of the Youtube comments about Pontiac"Spy Hunter", a new spot created via Leo Burnett, Detroit, and inspired by the classic racing combat action game from the early 80s. Edited by Peter Tarter of Cutters LA, and produced by SWAY Studio, the ad offers fast and furious action with full-out pedal to the metal speed.
This re-imagination of the Spy Hunter arcade game, with the Pontiac G8 GT as the muscle car hero, has struck a nerve with audiences, racking up views in the tens of thousands within 24 hours of its debut. According to the spotmakers, the fully CG animated hot rod, chewing up asphalt under the smooth groove of Mancini's Peter Gunn theme, is getting raves from viewers and game creators as well. At press time, online auto mags had voted "Spy Hunter" the number one car spot in America.
Tarter joined the project in the previsualization stage. "As we progressed further into the process, bits and pieces were falling in place and the blanks were being filled in," he recalls. "We posted cuts to SWAY and then (SWAY owner/direcotr) Mark Glaser came over and we had some late nights at Cutters working together. It was incredibly cool."
Client: Pontiac
Spot Title" Spy Hunter"
Airdate: March 15, 2008
Agency: Leo Burnett, Detroit Executive Creative Director: Jeff Cruz Senior Art Director: Jesse Rea Senior Copywriter: Regina Cesarz Agency Producer: Jennie Hochthanner
Director: Mark Glazer VFX: SWAY Studio VFX Producer: Erin Hicke
Editorial Company: Cutters LA Editor: Peter Tarter EP: Nicole Visram Assistant: Ryan McGuire
Cutters, SOLdesignfx and Another Country Support Team Montoya for Wrigleys
Cutters, SOLdesignfx, and Another Country all contributed their talents to Big Red "Taste", an ad for the Wrigley brand, via DDB Chicago, which race car driver Juan Pablo Montoya delivers a tongue-in-cheek performance, stressing his refusal to become a "corporate puppet". A second spot, for Juicy Fruit, proves that Montoya is serious about staying in the driver's seat, regardless of whose logo is on the car...and whose zebra is in his living room.
Product: Big Red & Juicy Fruit Spots Title(s): Big Red "Taste", Juicy Fruit "Taste"
Agency: DDB Chicago EVP, Managing Director of Creative: Paul Tilley Creative Director: Brian Billow Creative Director: John Carstens Associate Creative Director/Art Director: Chris Carraway Associate Creative Director/Copywriter: Pat Burke Senior Producer: Kate Hildebrant
Prod Co: Hungry Man Inc. Director: Brian Billow Exec. Producer: Kevin Byrne and Dan Duffy Producer: Matthew O'Shea DP: Adam Beckman Editorial Company: Cutters Editor: John Dingfield Editor Assistant: Charles Moore Producer: Joy Holbrook
Audio Post Company: Another Country Audio Engineer: Robert Marshall and John Binder Producer: Tim Konn
Post/VFX Company: SOLdesignfx Creative Director: Chris Markos 3D Animation: Brian Bullock, Seiji Tanaka, Emily Berveiler Title Treatment: Todd Whatley Flame Artist: Chris Ryan Online Editor: Danielle Woods Producer: Bruce Rindler
Telecine: Filmworkers Club Colorist: Michael Mazur
For Ford, OUTSIDER's Jorn Threlfall Shows That Cars are People Too
OUTSIDER's Jorn Threlfall lends his deft and delicate hand to this spot, in which contortionists form a "Human Car" to convey the forward-thinking vision of Ford and the sentiment that a car is just a car without the dreams and desires of the driver.
Client: Ford Spot Title: "Human Car" Air Date: February 21, 2008
Agency: Young And Rubicam VP/Associate CD/CW: Joe Hash Associate CD/AD: Bruce Mckay Director Of Broadcast Production: Diane Kirk
Production Company: OUTSIDER Director: Jorn Threlfall DP: Ian Foster Producer: Benji Howell Executive Producer: Judy Hill
Production Service Company: Blink Pictures Inc. Executive Producer(Blink): Derek Sewell
Director Jim Weedon Soars Over Paris, Abu Dhabi, for Etihad Airways
A new day is dawning for sophisticated luxury air travel with Etihad Airways, in a pair of spots directed by director Jim Weedon. The spots were produced by Bare Films UK. Weedon is repped in the US by GARTNER.
The stylish "Change" spot opens with beautiful imagery as daybreak pours through darkened clouds. Shafts of sunlight cascade upon Paris' Eifel Tower, while, overhead, a glistening Etihad plane soars through the air, its sleeping passengers stir from a peaceful slumber in Diamond First class. As our Etihad airliner touches down on the runway, a new era of luxury and comfort in air travel is ushered forth, with Etihad airline personnel greeting passengers - and an impromptu fashion shoot taking place on the tarmac. Air travel will never be the same.
The second spot, "Etihad Inspirations," features the breathtaking, post-modern architectural landscape of Abu Dhabi, the unique heart of Modern Arabia as the gateway to the world and a source of the inspirations which Etihad takes into the air.
A young and visionary airline with big ambitions, Etihad Airlines has, in 4 short years, built up a travel network of over 45 destinations.
Client: Etihad Airways, Global Brand TVC (Peter Baumgartner, EVP Marketing and Product) Title: Etihad "Inspirations" Campaign "Change" and Etihad Inspirations"
Airdate: February 24, 2008
Agency: E-GROUP ECD/CW: Martin Lever Art Director: Sachin Chitale Agency Producer: Denise Robinson
Production Company: Bare Films UK Director: Jim Weedon (Represented by GARTNER in the US) DP: Ben Butler Producer: Helen Hadfield
Editorial: Final Cut Editor: Jim Weedon
Telecine: Prime Focus
VFX/Flame Artist: Matt Wilmhurst VFX Producer: Jordan Andreopoulos
Mike Bigelow of GARTNER Gets it "Done" with Verizon FiOS
On the heels of his recent "10-Day Challenge" with John McEnroe for Kellogg's, GARTNER's Mike Bigelow mounts another competition: the pairing of identical twins with identical computers to see if the new Verizon FiOS can get it "Done" faster than standard cable. A little sibling rivalry never hurt anyone, right? Right?
Client: Verizon FiOS Spots Title(s): "Done" First Air Date: February 18, 2008
Agency: McCann Erickson Group Creative Director(s): Brian McDermott SVP Creative Director(s): Megan Skelly Creative Director(s): Jeff Taylor, Mike Gambino Art Director(s): Mike Gambino Copywriter(s): Jeff Taylor Agency Executive Producer: Michelle Ferone Agency Producer: Annie Faxon
Production Company: GARTNER Director: Mike Bigelow DP: Guillermo Navarro EP(s): Rich Carter, Don Block Producer: Kim Monaco
Editorial: Crew Cuts Editor: Clayton Hemmert Telecine: Company 3 Colorist: Sean Beach Post/Effects: Charlx (Graphics) Sound Design: Verizon Music
Audio Post: HSR Mixer: Steve Rosen Shoot Location: Los Angeles, CA
OUTSIDER's Henry Littlechild Takes Us on a Thrillride for Walkers' Sunbites
Whole grain has long suffered as the world's least exciting edible. No more. With this spot for Walkers, director Henry Littlechild of OUTSIDER chronicles the unlikely adventures of a few wild oats and leads the audience on a "Thrillride" sure to help this healthy snack shed its bad rap.
Client: Pepsico/Walkers Spot Title:"Thrill Ride" Air Date: February 18, 2008
Agency: AMV BBDO Creative: Barney Ashton, Ray Wahl Agency Producer: Nick Godden
Production Company: OUTSIDER Director Henry Littlechild DP: Tat Radcliffe Producer: Ben Robert Executive Producer: Judy Hill
GARTNER's Mike Bigelow and Smart Start Get "One Mile Stronger" for Kellogg's
The latest ad from GARTNER's Mike Bigelow offers empowering images of middle-aged women running, swimming, yogaing, biking and power-walking. What do these forty plus, active ladies have in common? Eating Kellogg's Smart Start to make their hearts one bowl stronger. Titled "One Mile Stronger," the spot was edited by Steve Stein of Cutters.
Client: Kellogg's Smart Start Spots Title(s): "One Mile Stronger" First Air Date: 1/1/08
Agency: Leo Burnett USA Executive Creative Director(s): Dave Linne Creative Director(s): Mark Oosthuizen Art Director(s): Vince Cook Agency Producer: Dennis Bannon
Production Company: GARTNER Director: Mike Bigelow DP: Tami Reiker EP(s): Rich Carter, Don Block Producer: Kim Monaco
IT'S STILL PRESIDENTS DAY: Henry Littlechild of OUTSIDER USA Connects with KIA to Celebrate Unheard-Of Presidents
Director Henry Littlechild of OUTSIDER USA has helmed what might well be the first spot to feature a world leader as soap on a rope. In honor of Presidents Day, Kia Motors is offering unheard-of deals - and celebrating unheard-of US Presidents, such as "Millard Fillmore".
Client: Kia Motors Spots Title(s): "Millard Fillmore" First Air Date: 2/5/08
Agency: David&Goliath Exec. Creative Director(s): Colin Jeffery Creative Director(s): Ben Purcell Art Director(s): David Cuccunello, Todd Rone Parker Copywriter: Ben Purcell Executive Producer: Carol Lombard Senior Producer: Jamie Shuster Assistant Producer: Alex Granieri
Production Company: Outsider USA Director: Henry Littlechild DP: Ottar Gudnason EP: Don Block & Rich Carter Producer: Keeley Gould
Editorial: Cosmo Street Editor: Asako Ushio Exec. Prod (Editorial): Jerry Sukys
OUTSIDER's Henry Littlechild Clears The Desktop for IBM
Keeping your computer desktop clean is sometimes harder than it should be. Luckily, OUTSIDER USA director Henry Littlechild's spots for IBM's Lotus 8 application software manage to serve up some truly unique, albeit extreme ways of resolving desktop clutter.
In the first spot, "Jet," a messy computer desktop undergoes the ultimate wind test as the fury of a jet engine scatters the desk's clutter.
In "Body Builder," a refugee from Venice's Muscle Beach strikes a vein-popping pose atop an untidy desktop, exploding in the process but managing to clear the desk.
Finally, a daredevil motorcycle rider slams his "Bike" into an office desk situated on the tarmac, propelling his body across the cluttered desktop. Needless to say, this "human squeegee" wipes away the mess.
Fortunately, for the rest of us who are not driven to such extremes, IBM's Lotus 8 offers the fast, simple, easy solution for keeping your desktop clean.
Client: IBM Lotus Notes 8 Spots Title(s): "Jet Engine", "Bodybuilder", "Motorcycle" First Air Date: Website
Agency: Ogilvy Creative Director(s): Adam Lau Art Director(s): Zack Holiday Copywriter(s): Niels West Agency Producer: Lee Weiss
Production Company: OUTSIDER USA Director: Henry Littlechild DP: Richard Henkels EP: Don Block Producer: Keeley Gould
Editorial: Go Robot Editor: Tim Wilson
Post/Effects: Guava VFX Artist(s): Aron Baxter Exec. Prod: Steve Holiner
Valentine's Day 2008: Cupid Surrenders to the Pink
Poor Cupid, he's got competition issues thanks to the popularity of Pinky Vodka, and the poor guy seems about ready to hang up his bow and arrow for good in this clever spot from director Carolyn Chen of Savant.
Many know Cupid as the erotic god of love and sex, but in Chen's amusing piece Cupid is just a harried, poor working stiff (no pun intended) who - despite his best efforts to modernize his love arrow delivery system - is continually thwarted by the lady's love of Pinky Vodka! The poor bloke is at his wit's end. Perhaps it's time for Cupid to surrender to the pink?
GARTNER's Mike Bigelow and Tennis Great John McEnroe are at Home with Kelloggs All Bran 10 Day Challenge
Guess Who's Coming to Breakfast?
The "Intro" to this new campaign from director Mike Bigelow of GARTNER sets the rules of play for Kelloggs' All Bran 10 Day Challenge. Tennis legend John McEnroe is on hand to coach a couple through the challenge - one bowl a day for ten days - and he will be living in their home for the duration of the event. Is this the latest cruel reality show? Apparently not. The hotheaded McEnroe has undergone the 10 day challenge himself, and been transformed into a kinder, gentler, Mac. For the most part.
It's Day 5 of the All Bran 10 Day Challenge. A stubborn clog in the kitchen sink during breakfast is no match for a pipe wrench-wielding John McEnroe. However, the issue of the "Milk" being left out of the refrigerator that bubbles up the classic McEnroe rant "It was out!" "It was in!" protests his host. Let's go to the replay...
Day 10. McEnroe bids the Joneses farewell after they have successfully completed the Challenge. He offers these words of wisdom on the happy couple, "I told you you'd feel better if you let it all out. I'm an expert at it." But even a fond farewell is not without its sputters when Mac is on the court...
Client: Kellogg's All Bran Spots Title(s): "Intro", "Milk", "Success" First Air Date: Intro: 1/14/08, Milk: 1/28/08, Success: 2/11/08
Agency: Leo Burnett USA Executive Creative Director: Dave Linne Creative Director: Mark Oosthuizen Art Director: Vince Cook Agency Producer: Dennis Bannon
Production Company: GARTNER Director: Mike Bigelow DP: Tami Reiker EP(s): Rich Carter, Don Block Producer: Kim Monaco
GARTNER's Melfi Makes a Star of Chairman Bob for Roundy's
SANTA MONICA, CA, February 13, 2008 - Roundy's Chairman Bob Mariano and his intrepid executive crew take quality control to new heights in three secret agent-inspired spots directed by Theodore Melfi of GARTNER for the Midwest supermarket chain's private label brands.
Created via agency Kerker/MN, the TV and Web campaign touts the fact that every Roundy's brand has been approved personally by the Chairman, while offering us an amusing glimpse into the super secret selection process.
While it's no secret that Chairman Bob is a tough man to please, it's still a hearty chuckle as we witness the Roundy's "Potato Chip" plant scramble for his approval.
Put your parka on as Chairman Bob and company brave the Arctic cold, descending to the deep freezer level housing an "Ice Cream" operation.
Out in the grove with his staff, the Chairman rides a scissor lift to personally select the individual fruit used in the private label "Orange Juice" brand.
Client: Roundy's Supermarkets Spots Title(s): "Potato Chip", "Ice Cream", "Orange Juice" First Air Date: 1/27/08, TV & Web
Agency: Kerker Creative Director: Chris Preston Art Director: Anne Taylor Copywriter: Jason Siciliano Senior Broadcast Producer: Anne Swarts
Production Company: GARTNER Director: Theodore Melfi DP: Buzz Fieschans EP(s): Rich Carter, Don Block Producer: Roger Petrusson
Editorial: Schnitt Editor: Charley Schwartz
Telecine: Modern Video
Post/Effects: Pixel Farm Shoot Location: Los Angeles, CA
James Gartner Gets Musical with Reba on Hallmark's "Beauty Shop Boyfriend"
James Gartner directs this music video-style makeover ad in which country icon Reba McEntire - teaming up with Hallmark and Leo Burnett on a Valentine's Day CD - tells the tale of a "Beauty Shop Boyfriend" who cleans up nice for the love of his life.
Client: Hallmark Spots Title(s): "Beauty Shop Boyfriend" First Air Date: 2/1/08
Agency: Leo Burnett Executive Creative Director: Tim Pontarelli Art Director: Jim Genell Copywriter: John Nosalik VP, Content Architect: Tom Keramidas
Production Company: GARTNER Director: James Gartner DP: Tom Olgeirsson EP(s): Rich Carter, Don Block Producer: Roger Petrusson
As the latest work from SOLdesignfxillustrates, we sometimes overlook our heroes...until game day. Like the "Kicker" scoring the winning field goal, Allstate is right there when you need them.
Reverence for a "Statue" has its drawbacks, especially when it results in an auto collision. SOLdesignfx mixes a little magic into this spot, which features a pair of overzealous sports fans who hold their breath when passing a statue of legendary FSU head coach Bobby Bowden - only to be held up at a red light and breeze into a fender bender. Good thing there's Allstate's Collision Forgiveness program.
A lucky breakfast at the "Diner" on game day goes awry, when one fan's brand new ride is totaled by an 18-wheeler. Hopefully, he signed up for Allstate's New Car Replacement program.
Project Credits:
Client: Allstate Spot Title(s): "Kicker" "Statue" "Diner" Air Date: January 1, 2008
Agency: Leo Burnett USA
Agency Producer: Ray Swift
Executive Creative Director: Charley Wickman
Creative Director: Stephanie Simpson
Copywriter: Dave Derrick
Production Company: Harvest Films
Director: Baker Smith
Editorial: Whitehouse
Editor: Carlos Lowenstein (Statue, Diner) Matt Woods (Kicker)
Post/VFX: SOLdesignfx
3D Animation Director: Brian Bullock
FX Supervisor/Creative Director: Christopher Markos
Lead Compositor: Chris Kreynus (Statue), Christopher Markos (Diner), Brian Higgins (Kicker)
Finish Editor: Steve Wood
SOL Producer: Bruce Rindler
Audio Post: Another Country Mixer: John Binder Asst. Mixer: Elliott Traeger
PrimalScream's Nicole Dionne Teams with Composer Klaus Badelt for a Musical "Miracle"
PrimalScream Music Creative Director/Executive Producer Nicole Dionne teamed up with noted film composer Composer Klaus Badelt to create the score for Florida Citrus "Miracle" via The Richards Group and directed by London-based David Wynn-Jones.
"David delivered a spot that is simply beautiful to look at," said Dionne, who produced the score in her studio at the famed Village Recorder in West Los Angeles. The Village has played host to a virtual who's who of music legends from Bob Dylan, The Rollng Stones, Pink Floyd, and Neil Young to Melissa Etheridge, John Mayer, Ben Harper, and Usher.
Dionne brought pianist Randy Kerber into the studio to record the piano-driven score for "Miracle," a languid, luxuriant celebration of orange juice so expertly shot and stylized that it becomes an art piece. Like the tagline and the ad itself, Badelt's score is pure and simple, an elegant complement to the spot. Kerber has performed on countless high-profile feature projects, including a piano solo on the soundtrack for Titanic.
You can view the In-Studio Video on our YouTube channel here.
Badelt, whose composing credits include Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, 16 Blocks, and last year's Rescue Dawn, started his musical career writing and producing music for dozens of highly successful movies and commercials in his native Germany. In 1998, Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer invited him to move his musical home to Media Ventures in Santa Monica, CA. Since then, Badelt has composed scores on his own film and television projects as well as collaborating with Zimmer and other composers. Working with Zimmer, he contributed music to the Oscar-nominated scores for Ridley Scott's Gladiator, Terrence Malick's The Thin Red Line, and Dreamworks' The Prince of Egypt. Badelt collaborated with Zimmer on the music for Mission: Impossible II, Hannibal, and co-wrote the score to Sean Penn's The Pledge with Zimmer.
Client: Florida Citrus Spots Title(s): "Miracle" First Air Date: January 18, 2008
Agency: The Richards Group Creative Director: Mike Malone and Brian Nadurak Agency Producer: Gabriel Silva Account Manager: Courtney DeLapp Marketing Director: Leigh Killeen
Production Company: HanRaHan Director: David Wynn-Jones Executive Producer: Mark Hanrahan Production Manager: Rory Fry
Original Music: PrimalScream Music Executive Music Producer: Nicole Dionne Composer: Klaus Badelt Piano: Randy Kerber Producer: Scott Burton Mixer: Russell Smith
Postproduction: Digital Kitchen Executive Producer: Mathew Mulder Creative Lead/VFX: Ryan Gagnier Producer: Jill Johns Editor: Dave Molloy
Director Raymond Bark of GARTNER reteams with Martin Williams Advertising for two beautiful and charming new spots that convey the collaborative spirit of Cargill:
"Roxanne" proves to be an elusive partner in the quest for fine flavor as a man travels to the remote village of Grasse, France, in search of savory solutions.
"Illinois meets Japan" in a second spot, with Cargill bringing the two together in a culinary - and cultural - exchange.
The spots are a follow up to last year's "Ice Cream Feed", also helmed by Bark.
Client: Cargill Spots Title(s): "Roxanne" & "Illinois meets Japan" First Air Date: 1/21/08 Agency: Martin Williams Advertising Creative Director(s): Jim Henderson, Lyle Wedemeyer Copywriter: Lyle Wedemeyer Vice President and Director of Production: Stan Prinsen
Production Company: GARTNER Director: Raymond Bark DP: Pieter Vermeer EP(s): Rich Carter, Don Block Producer: Gregory Ferguson
Editorial: Lost Planet Editor: Paul Martinez Telecine: Filmworkers Club
Post/Effects: Ravenswork
Shoot Location: Kingston & Malta, IL and Grasse, France
Cutters' Chris Claeys Edits the "Bleep" Out of New Spot for Allstate
"Bleep", the latest collaboration among Cutters, Burrell/Chicago, and Allstate, allows editor Chris Claeys to carve out a tale in which the wrong auto insurance is a four-letter word...
Client: Allstate Spot Title: "Bleep" Air Date: January 7, 2008
Agency: Burrell/Chicago Chief Creative Officer: Lewis Williams AD: Winston Chueng Assoc. CD/CW: Terrence Burrell Executive Producer: Debbie Amsden
Production Company: GIRALDI Director: Bob Giraldi EP: Debbie Merlin Producer: JP Greaney
Editoral: Cutters Editor: Chris Claeys Asst. Editor: BJ Moore Producer: Patrick Casey
'Hell's Bells' Ring For Harley-Davidson, with Help from Union and Resolution
How does Santa roll? Judging from a new Marcus Nispel-directed ad for Harley Davidson- edited by Einar of Union with post/vfx by resolution - the answer would be: on a Harley.
In the spot, via Carmichael Lynch/Minneapolis, old Kris Kringle rips through town, leading a caravan of choppers that replace the snowflake-light chime of the reindeer squad with the down and dirty growl of "Hell's Bells".
You can view the commercial on our YouTube channel here.
"We all treated this project more like a movie trailer, or a short film, than a commercial," Einar noted. "The client was atypical as well - they were more about the idea of this badass Santa dropping by with his crew of Harley reindeer than just selling motorcycles. For an editor, it was fantastic to focus on storytelling and let the story sell the product."
"This spot is so raw compared to all the other stuff that's out there for the holiday season," added resolution VFX supervisor/Senior VFX artist Todd Iorio, whose work on the project served to enhance both the traditional wintry feel of the spot and underscore the mayhem of Santa's badass squad. "I don't know how they got their client to buy off on it but I think we have some great spots as a result."
Client: Harley Davidson
Spot Title: "Hell's Bells"
Air Date: December 7, 2007
Agency: Carmichael Lynch/Minneapolis Chief Creative Officer: Mike Lescarbeau Executive Creative Director: Jim Nelson Assoc. Creative Director/Art Director: Bob Berken Senior Writer: Heath Pochucha Director of Broadcast Production: Joe Grundhoefer Associate Broadcast Producer: Tara Mulholland
Production Company: MJZ/LA Director: Marcus Nispel EP(s): Lisa Margulis, David Zander Producer: Vincent Oster Production Manager: Stacie Zekanis
Editorial Company: Union Editorial Editor: Einar Producer(s): Joe Ross, Megan Dahlman Executive Producer: Michael Raimondi
James Gartner Takes Us Behind the Cards for Hallmark
Where do Hallmarks come from?
In director James Gartner's latest campaign for Hallmark, writers share the inspiration behind some of the company's most popular cards, spanning the emotional spectrum from celebration and laughter to reflection, and tears.
Hallmark writer Lee Franklin was inspired by her own pregnancy and sought to put the intoxicating experience into words. During his twenty years at Hallmark, Bill Gray has often found humor in dieting.
Other writers drew on deeply personal experiences as well, crafting cards about everything from battling illness, to exercise, and expressing love for a grandparent. Suzanne Berry found inspiration in the love expressed by the beauty of her Grandmother's "Hands", creating the heartfelt card about their times together; upon her Grandmother's passing the aging card was found by her bedside table.
Client: Hallmark Cards Spots Title(s): "Lee Bill Lisa" & "Linda Eric Suzanne" First Air Date: 12/2/07
Agency: Leo Burnett Executive Creative Director: Tim Pontarelli Art Director: Pippa White Agency Producer: Bob Harley
Production Company: GARTNER Director: James Gartner DP: Jack Donnelly EP(s): Rich Carter, Don Block Head of Production: Elaine Behnken Producer: Roger Petrusson
Editorial: Jump/NY Editor: Michael Saia Exec. Prod: Dee Tagert
GARTNER's Theodore Melfi Crafts Keepsakes for Hallmark
It's not whether you win or lose - or even whether or not you can ride your bike the length of your driveway...for kids and parents alike, it's the memorable moments that are held dear. Theodore Melfi of GARTNER captures some of those moments in "Take Your Shot" and "Li'l Cruiser", two soft-centered and heartwarming spots for the Hallmark holiday season.
Client: Hallmark Spots Title(s): "Li'l Cruiser", "Take Your Shot" First Air Date: November 26, 2007
Agency: Leo Burnett Worldwide/ Chicago Exec. Creative Director: Tim Pontarelli Creative Director: Mylene Pollock Agency Producer: Tom Keramidas
Production Company: GARTNER Director: Theodore Melfi DP: Sean Murray EP(s): Rich Carter, Don Block Producer: Roger Petrusson
Union & Resolution Break the Mold in New Jockey Ad
Nearly naked is not the ideal way to make a run for it...but in this new ad for Jockey, directed by Marcus Nispel and edited by Jay Friedkin of Union, with VFX by resolution, a guy and girl have no other choice.
The highly stylized spot imagines a futuristic way-station where people are moved assembly-line style through a chamber that eliminates their individuality and turns them into mindless clones. One man stands alone, stepping "Out of Line" with his girlfriend, and fighting for his right to express himself - and to don the underwear of his choice.
For Friedkin, the project is a continuation of his longtime association with Nispel and comes on the heels of a 4-spot Lifetime Fitness campaign with agency Periscope. "There was that degree of comfort and trust that always makes things go better in the edit," he notes. "Everybody feels free to explore ideas beyond the original boards to see how we can kick this thing up as many notches as possible in the transition from paper to film to final spot."
Friedkin added that, as the spot is a branding piece, the team was able to display a bit of attitude without being limited to showcasing the product. "How often can you make breasts grow without a medical degree, get a chuckle, and make a bit of social commentary at the same time?"
You can view the spot on our YouTube channel here.
"The spot lets color say a lot about how these characters are perceived," says VFX Supervisor/Senior VFX artist Todd Iorio. "To that end, Marcus shot with very strong colors and gels. The resulting footage was very stylized and in telecine we took it even further, accenting the ‘Ken and Barbie' look by giving them separate color passes. This can be a slippery slope, but in this case it led to a look that was very effective in the context of the spot." resolution also accentuated steam and smoke with CG and plates, and added light cues to drive home the factory feel of the spots.
Eight VFX & BBDO Unveil a New Branch in the Wilderness for B of A
Following up on multiple Guinness projects, Eight VFX reunites with BBDO/NY for Bank of America "Hiker".
Directed by Klaus Obermeyer of Aero Film, this spot promotes Bank of America's mobile banking services. A young man is hiking in the wilderness, when a B of A branch appears out of thin air, tending to his banking needs before vanishing.
The bank was created entirely in CG, and stands as a metaphor for the quality and convenience provided by B of A to customers on the go.
Client: Bank of America Spots Title(s): Hiker First Air Date: December 1, 2007
Agency: BBDO NY Creative Director: Peter Smith Agency Producer: David Logan
Production Company: Aero Film Director: Klaus Obermeyer DP: Bill Ahrens EP(s): Lance O'Connor Producer: Rob Helphand
Editorial: Aero Post Editor: Barnett Keil Editorial EP: Marc Flennert
VXF Company: Eight VFX VFX Supervisor: Jean-Marc Demmer VFX EP: Baptiste Andrieux VFX Producer: Marsi Frey Senior Compositor: Stefan Gaillot Compositors: Nicolas Cadorette-Vigneau, Amalia-Luyet McMahan, Joe Chiao 3D supervisor: Fred Hopp 3D artists: Olek Lyzwanski
GO Film's Christopher Guest Unleashes the Actor Within Lance Armstrong for Nike Livestrong Collection
With a pair of spots touting the Nike Livestrong Collection, Christopher Guest of GO Film draws a powerhouse performance from cycling legend Lance Armstrong.
Establishing Armstrong as a Dick's Sporting Goods store manager (in fact, the retailer is carrying the collection), the first spot has him on a treadmill, dispensing training advice to a customer... though the young man is only interested in light cardio, Armstrong implores him to "Feed the Warrior" inside and "kill the coward" within.
A second spot has Manager Armstrong coaching a Dick's employee on the art of folding "T-Shirts". Apparently, Armstrong gives every task his best...and demands nothing less from his staff.
You can view the spots on our YouTube channel here.
Client: Nike, Inc., Dick's Title(s): "Feed the Warrior" and "T-Shirts"
First Airdate: December 1, 2007
Advertising Agency: Wieden Kennedy/Portland, OR Art Director: Shannon McGlothin Copywriter: Marco Kaye Producer: Shannon Worley
Lance Armstrong Management Co: Capitol Sports & Entertainment
Production Company: GO Film/NY Director: Christopher Guest Director of Photography: Jeff Cutter Executive Producers: Gary Rose, Jonathan Weinstein, Robert Wherry Producer: Leah Fleischmann
Edit Company: Whitehouse Post/Santa Monica Editor: David Brixton ("Feed the Warrior") Kevin Zimmerman ("T-Shirts") Executive Producer: Justin Kumpada
Nick Lofting of Union Editorial brings his touch to the latest offering in Hyundai's "Duh" campaign, cutting this holiday-themed round of spots. Helmed by Happy, the spots showcase choral renditions of "O' Tannenbaum," "Winter Wonderland," and "Shchedryk" that drive home the obvious benefits of driving home in a Hyundai.
Agency: Goodby Silverstein & Partners/San Francisco Account Director: Chris Bruyere Account Manager: Julie Triolo Co-Chairman/Partner: Jeff Goodby CD: Mark Wenneker AD: Diko Daghlian CW: Brian Ahern Producer: David Fisher
Production Company: Smuggler/bicoastal Director: Happy Executive Producer(s): Patrick Milling Smith, Brian Carmody, Lisa Rich Head of Production(s): Allison Kunzman, Laura Thoel Producer: Suzanne Margrove
Editorial Company: Union Editorial/Los Angeles Editor: Nick Lofting Producer: Joe Ross Executive Producer: Michael Raimondi
Telecine: Spy Post/San Francisco Colortist: Chris Martin
Music: MUSIKVERGNUEGEN/Hollywood Composer: Walter Worzowa Producer: Michael Lozano
Audio Post: One Union/San Francisco Mixer: Joaby Deal Producer: Sara Wagner
Post/VFX: NTROPIC/Santa Monica Flame Artist: Nate Robinson Executive Producer: Dana Townsend Producer: Kara Holmstrom
Please contact alyson@ragingartists.com to request quicktimes
Teach Your Wife to Win: Ric Cantor's Guide to Gala Bingo
While a woman engages in an endless array of recreational pursuits - only to be disappointed each time out - her husband may have found the perfect diversion at Gala Bingo.
In the first of three spots helmed by OUTSIDER's Ric Cantor, our man chronicles the history of myriad defective or abandoned gadgets currently cluttering his garage. Instead of accumulating junk, his wife could be at Gala Bingo, playing "All Day Free". Sure, the lady of the house loves the "Outdoors" and has given any number of activities a good go; for one reason or another, it never seems to work out. At GalaBingo.com, she'd have fewer scrapes - and possibly learn to play well with others.
And when it comes to league sports, the missus and her pals pour blood, sweat, and tears into their pursuit of the championship cup, to no avail. At GalaBingo.com, "Winability" is within reach, as someone wins every 10 seconds.
Client: Gala Coral Group Ltd (Gala Bingo) Spot Titles: "All Day Free," "Outdoors," "Winability"
Air Date: November 16, 2007
Agency: The Red Brick Road/London Creative Directors: Justin Tindall, Mark Harrison, Paul Mason Agency Producer: James Faupel
Production Company: OUTSIDER Director: Ric Cantor DP: Ian Foster Producer: Paul McPadden
OUTSIDER USA's James Rouse is a 'Maniac' on the Sales Floor for Kia
Many have tried to make a sales event exciting, but few have succeeded. Fewer still have reached the heights attained by director James Rouse of OUTSIDER USA in the latest ad for Kia, via davidandgoliath.
Mirroring the classic "Maniac" sequence from Flashdance, the spot features a dude that will not only give car salesmen a good name, he might also earn himself a spot in the Bolshoi. Our protagonist dances with a balletic grace and faithfulness to the original that is matched only by Rouse's expert touch and comic timing.
Client: Kia Spots Title(s): "Maniac" First Air Date: November 23, 2007
Agency: davidandgoliath Creative Director(s): Colin Jeffery, Ben Purcell Art Director(s): David Cuccinello, Zach Menna Copywriter: Brett Landry Agency Producer: Nancy Skendarian
Production Company: OUTSIDER USA Director: James Rouse DP: Max Goldman EP(s): Jonathan Ker, Don Block Producer: Adam Cramer
Editorial: Spinach Editorial Editor: Adam Bright
Telecine: Company 3
Music: The Lodge Producer: Jessica Etner Sound Design: Clatter & Din Sound Designer: Vince Werner
Ric Cantor of OUTSIDER Helms a Tear-Jerker for Digital UK
Ric Cantor of OUTSIDER continues the campaign announcing the UK digital switchover featuring the lovable Digital UK mascot, Digital Al, with a new spot set in a British Bed and Breakfast.
When our two protagonists spend the night at a "B&B", Al's mate is unhappy to find out that the football match he had hoped to be watching that evening has not been recorded. He is forced to watch an old black and white tear-jerker - to comic effect.
Cantor's previous effort for Digital UK, "Traveling Al", kicked off the campaign.
Client: Digital UK Title: "B&B" Air Date: November 13, 2007
Agency: AMV BBDO Creatives: Simon Welch, Matt Welch Agency Producer: Rebecca Hunter
Production Company: OUTSIDER Director: Ric Cantor Producer: Paul McPadden Director of Photography: Stuart Graham
SOLdesignfx Crafts Memorable "Quotes" for State Farm
CHICAGO, IL, November 15, 2007 - “Chasing down quotes for insurance is one thing we can all relate to, but bringing quotation marks to life for a State Farm commercial is another matter completely,” recalls Chris Markos, SOLdesignfxVFX Creative Director and Supervisor of his latest spot project.“It was a challenge, but we wanted to make the quotes memorable for the ad.”
State Farm’s “Chasing Quotes”,via DRAFTFCB/Chicago, weaves together a series of dramatic action and chase scenes (think French Connection meets Reservoir Dogs) punctuated with dramatic freeze frames and stylized graphics.In the the four sequences that make up the spot, regular people chase human-size quotation marks.The theme is "Stop Chasing Quotes" for insurance.
SOLdesignfx job was two-fold on the project.“First, we were involved in the special visual effects of creating quotation marks that run around and drive a car," says Markos.From preproduction and on-set supervision through post-production, SOL was intimately involved in this effect.“We used a variety of practical and virtual techniques to create this illusion.I feel we were very successful in maintaining the realism of the footage.”
The agency also turned to SOLdesignfx to design the freeze frame graphics.“Our clients were looking for something cool that fit the style of the film and drew from similar influences,” explains Markos.“We worked through a few ideas until the look was great and communicated State Farm's message, 'Stop Chasing Quotes'.The color, texture, type and composition of the graphics have a cool, graphic novel type of vibe that we feel works great with this spot.”
SOLdesignfx worked with director Jaume and with editor Nadav Kurtz of Cuttersto help realize the agency's creative vision.“Starting with a good concept always helps and working with Chris was a great experience,” says Kurtz.“Having a VFX Supervisor on set, and good communication throughout, definitely contributed to a unified creative process.”
Client: State Farm Spots Title(s): "Chasing Quotes" First Air Date:
Agency: DRAFTFCB/Chicago
CD/CW: Stephanie Franke GCD: Joe Gallo AD(s): Sylvia Nieves, Jeff Perlstein Agency Producer: Greg Lederer
Production Company: Believe Media/ Hollywood Director: Jaume EP(s): Luke Thornton, Gerard Cantor Producer: Gary Romano
Editorial: Cutters Editor: Nadav Kurtz Producer: Patrick Casey
Post/Effects: SOLdesignfx/Chicago VFX Supervisor: Chris Markos Flame: Brian Higgins Graphics: Chris Anderson, Sarah Cortese Online Editor: Danielle Woods Producer: Megan Maples
tight's Josh & Xander and Honda - Making Beautiful Music Together
What do a Honda Prestige and a "Grand Piano" have in common? Quality, durability and a reputation for precision. tight's Josh & Xander demonstrate this with the Prestige smoothly negotiating the twists and turns of a lush mountaintop road...accompanied by the piano's rich, distinctive sounds.
Produced by Eight VFX and directed by Jean-Marc Demmer and Fred Hopp, the new, all-CG "Solstice 5" for Wrigley's conveys the "warm and cool winter" flavor with a playful show of extremes. The collaboration between Eight VFX and BBDO Toronto turns the science of flavor-making into an event that is both is explosive...and chilling.
