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Reel Chicago is a daily digital magazine that covers the news in Chicago on all aspects of advertising, film, TV, media and production. The content is original, written by industry experts and contributing Op Eds
In an effort to underscore the danger of firearms and raise the standards of online gun content, Energy BBDO created a series of online gun reviews for Guns Down America, where real survivors review the guns that almost killed them. What appears to be a typical podcast for a gun review turns into a real … Continue reading “In Energy BBDO’s Guns Down America campaign, survivors review guns”
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot just announced the launch of the “Chicago Not in Chicago” campaign to show how Chicago has inspired so many other iconic cities around the world. Developed by EnergyBBDO, this will be the first local campaign from a major metropolitan world-class city. “Chicago is truly a trailblazing city of firsts. We were … Continue reading “EnergyBBDO campaign demonstrates Chicago’s influence around the world”
Chicago nonprofit, 826CHI, is holding their biggest fundraising event of the year today, October 14th! “Eat Your Words” aims to raise enough money to ensure 750 local students have equitable access to a tuition-free, high-quality arts and literacy education. Every $458 raised allows one student to write their future for the 2021-2022 school year. As part of … Continue reading “Energy BBDO volunteers with 826CHI to bring kids’ words to life”
Tequila Herradura launches its first-ever global campaign, “Extraordinary Awaits,” with a rebranded image and new :30 film. In a category that has become repetitive and expected, Tequila Herradura aims to carve out its unique position. In this new campaign, the 150-year-old tequila brand highlights the extraordinary possibilities that await when you try this world class … Continue reading “Tequila Herradura rebranded in Energy BBDO campaign”
Mophonics Music and Sound, in partnership with Energy BBDO, has created a lovable original song for Claritin’s “The Outsideologist Project”—a new online program designed to get kids outside 1 more hour per week. The original composition, “Unboring Starts with U,” written and performed by in-house Mophonics composer and ACD Casey Gibson, teaches kids weird facts … Continue reading “Mophonics, Energy BBDO & ATKPLN launch Claritin spot”
Home Instead, the leading provider of in-home care for older adults, has launched a new brand identity and campaign to promote the evolving organization. Created in partnership with our friends at creative agency Energy BBDO, the changes modernize the brand and share an uplifting approach to staying happy and well at home. Home Instead delivers personalized care … Continue reading “Energy BBDO’s new brand campaign for Home Instead”
Energy BBDO launched a ‘Go Vote!’ campaign across its social media channels. The campaign was born internally from a team with a strong desire to encourage all eligible voters to register and vote on 3rd November. According to the United States Elections Project, only 58.1% of the voting-eligible population cast a ballot in 2016’s presidential … Continue reading “Energy BBDO designs ‘Go Vote!’ gifs for election”
Jack Daniel’s is bringing artists straight to living rooms everywhere with “Crash the Couch,” a virtual music festival streaming August 14-15 at 8 p.m. ET in support of musicians impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Brittany Howard of the Alabama Shakes, Cold War Kids and Nathaniel Rateliff will headline. Jack Daniel’s first ever virtual music festival … Continue reading “Jack Daniel’s & BBDO launch ‘Crash the Couch’ music fest”
MiraLAX releases its new campaign, ‘Gutlightenment’, aimed at modernizing the brand and breaking through the category to reposition MiraLAX in a broader physical and emotional context. The brand defies conventions by leaning into the feelings of irritability and frustration that arise from occasional constipation, helping consumers see gut health in a whole new light. Through … Continue reading “MiraLAX unveils ‘Gutlightenment’ campaign by BBDO”
Ocean Spray Cranberries unveiled its newest marketing campaign with Energy BBDO “Ocean Spray X Nature,” highlights the brand’s commitment to sustainable Natureprocesses and regenerative agriculture. The creative supports Ocean Spray’s mission to continue connecting farms to families for a better life and spotlights the passion and care with which Ocean Spray farmers grow their fruit. … Continue reading “Energy BBDO launches ‘Ocean Spray X Nature’”
As states begin to think about slowly reopening and relaxing social distancing guidelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the advertising industry, which has been hit hard, is starting to think about their own plan. Omnicom CEO John Wren sent a memo to employees yesterday outlining how Omnicom of which DDB, Agency 720, Energy BBDO, Critical Mass, FleishmanHillard, … Continue reading “Omnicom’s plan to reopen DDB and Energy BBDO”
Nothing says, “May” more than the annual running of the Kentucky Derby. Originally slated to run May 2, the 146-year-old derby will now be postponed until September 5 due to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. It will be the first time the race won’t be held on the first Saturday in May since 1945. At the time … Continue reading “Energy BBDO uses drones to film Woodford Reserve”
As we’re all experiencing, finding ways to stay close and connected are more important now than ever, though it looks a lot different today. Uncle Ben’s has long stood for the importance of bringing people together through food – the meaningful moments that come from cooking and the lasting impact of enjoying mealtimes together. The brand along … Continue reading “Uncle Ben’s stays close in new work from Energy BBDO”
With social distancing the new normal, due to the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, many brands are now looking at their marketing and developing new strategies to reach their consumers. Our sister publication, REEL 360, has looked at McDonald’s and Coca-Cola. Now, a Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey film shares the new reality we are all facing … Continue reading “Jack Daniels, Energy BBDO respond to social distancing”
Editor’s Note: They are leaders. They are inspirational. They are mentors. They are visionaries. They are, quite frankly, badasses. They are our 2020 Reel Women During Women’s History Month, you will be able to meet these incredible personalities in Advertising, Entertainment, Media and Production. Get ready. As Director of Talent and Diversity, Kenzie Derma leads … Continue reading “Kenzie Derma, Dir of Talent & Diversity Energy BBDO”
BBDO New York’s Back-to-School Essentials, created behalf of Sandy Hook Promise, led the way at the eighth annual One Screen Short Film Festival last night, winning three awards including Best-of-Show honors. Short film work from nine countries picked up awards at the The One Club for Creativity event, that celebrates global filmmakers from both the … Continue reading “BBDO’s ‘Back-to-School’ wins One Screen Short Fest”
Led by recently elevated co-chief creative directors Josh Gross and Pedro Pérez, Omnicom’s Energy BBDO beat out FCB Chicago and former boss, Ordóñez, to win Brown-Forman’s global creative. The review was handled by AAR Partners. According to Ad Age, the review included the liquor giant’s flagship Jack Daniel’s brand, as well as Woodford Reserve and … Continue reading “Energy BBDO wins Brown-Forman”
November is National Adoption Month – and National Adoption Day is on Nov 23. In honor of this, Energy BBDO has teamed with not-for-profit, non-religiously affiliated adoption agency, The Cradle, to help eradicate an associated stigma. While children and families are celebrated globally when it comes to being adopted, there is still a great deal … Continue reading “Energy BBDO unveils new spot for The Cradle”
Musical creative director chairs continue in Chicago. With Andrés Ordóñez choosing to take the helm at FCB Chicago, Energy BBDO has announced the promotion of Josh Gross and Pedro Pérez from Executive Creative Directors to Co-Chief Creative Officers. The announcement was made by Tonise Paul, President and CEO, Energy BBDO. “For the past five years, … Continue reading “Gross, Pérez succeed Ordóñez at Energy BBDO”
The Chicago shop came out on top of an internal review for the Winston-Salem-based athletic sportswear’s global account Champion Sportswear must really like Chicago. Last year, the brand chose Wicker Park for the location of its third retail store and now, after an internal review, the Winston-Salem-based brand has chosen Energy BBDO to lead its … Continue reading “Energy BBDO wins Champion Sportswear Global”
The new line of 120-calorie sparkling cocktails from MillerCoors, began hitting shelves this week This week MillerCoors introduces a new sparkling cocktail beverage to market called “Cape Line”—a delicious full-flavored beverage that is low in calories and has zero artificial additives. The 120-calorie cocktails, which aim to appeal to consumers who seek bold flavors with … Continue reading “MillerCoors & Energy BBDO sparkle with new drink”
Chicago agency launches new “Act Tiny, Be Mighty” campaign that provides fresh POV on farming Ocean Spray has launched a new advertising campaign, via new AOR Energy BBDO, dubbed, “Ocean Spray. Act Tiny. Be Mighty.” To tap into its roots as a farmer-owned cooperative, the Middleborough, Massachusetts-based company has built a strong brand focused on … Continue reading “Energy BBDO helps Ocean Spray celebrate farmers”
Home Instead Senior Care debuts touching new campaign advocating for seniors to live at home The first work from Home Instead Senior Care and creative partner Energy BBDO is a tender new campaign targeted at Americans 65 and older who still want to live at home. It’s also the Reel Ad of the Week. As … Continue reading “Energy BBDO helps seniors with Home Instead campaign”
Reviews are beginning to pour in for Disney / Pixar’s all-new “Incredibles 2” and the film looks to be… an incredible hit! As covered in “Reel Chicago,” the American Egg Board relaunched The Incredible Egg by re-framing the answer to the age-old question, “How do you like your eggs?” to showcase the infinite number … Continue reading “Energy BBDO gets ‘Incredible’ with American Egg Board”
Despite an “increase in displays of prejudice,” Hispanics are actually spending more than ever. Chicago marketing and advertising powerhouse Energy BBDO partnered with Culturati Research & Consulting, Inc. to conduct a study on whether or not the Hispanic community has been buying and shopping less as a result of anti-immigration fervor and a tense … Continue reading “BBDO studies political impact on Hispanic consumers”
The moving stories of five elderly people come to life in a powerful new 5 Gum campaign that broke yesterday. A series of digital videos by Energy BBDO for 5 Gum intends to motivate teens to live life to the fullest. Documenting a group of seniors who reveal one specific regret that has shaped … Continue reading “Energy BBDO, 5 Gum teach teens to live with no regrets”
McCann New York and BBDO New York each won 11 One Show Pencils during opening night of The One Club for Creativity’s 45th annual One Show (New York — 9 May 2018) McCann New York picked up the most Gold Pencils during the One Show’s opening night with eight, including five for Fearless Girl on … Continue reading “McCann, BBDO, Dentsu among One Show winners”
Avocados from Mexico has selected Energy BBDO as its agency of record, according to a report published today in Adweek. The decision followed a competitive agency review that was launched in February and included 72andSunny, Doner Detroit, and Merkley + Partners as well as Energy BBDO. Two of the shops previously associated with the account … Continue reading “Energy BBDO becomes A.O.R. for Avocados from Mexico”
Chicago’s We Are Unlimited, FCB, Onion Labs and Energy BBDO are among the ad agency and post-production companies nominated for this year’s Webby Awards, the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences announced today. The Webbys were established in 1996, when most people thought of the web as something Spider-man shot from his wrists. The … Continue reading “We Are Unlimited, Energy BBDO among Webby noms”
I like a tasty donut with my coffee (and now, thanks to Charlotte, vegan donuts). A garlic bagel with lox, cream cheese and capers as well? You betcha. But gum? Hmm. According to a quirky new campaign for Alert Gum by Chicago’s Energy BBDO, caffeine gum’s a thing now. Alert Caffeine Gum is a first-of-its-kind … Continue reading “Energy BBDO & Alert Caffeine Gum got this thing now”
Last year, a mindboggling 22,000 people lost their lives to prescription Opioid overdose last year. With President Trump declaring that the Opioid Crisis is a US Public Health emergency, the National Safety Council is taking action to address the issue head on by launching a provocative nationwide public education campaign via EnergyBBDO that literally puts … Continue reading “Energy BBDO puts faces on the Opioid crisis”
On Friday, ZTE, the Chinese multinational telecommunications equipment and systems company headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong, released their most innovative, revolutionary device yet to market – the dual screen ZTE Axon M. To launch the product, which is exclusive to AT&T, the brand debuted an entertaining new marketing effort from Energy BBDO that features the simple … Continue reading “Energy BBDO calls up new smart phone for ZTE”
For me, nothing beats a fried egg sandwich with whisky-maple bacon on a croissant in the morning. Yeah, I just displayed my “bougie.” More than pancakes. More than waffles. More than peanut butter French Toast. I like my eggs in egg form. Why am I going on about how I like my eggs? Because Energy … Continue reading “Energy BBDO cracks some eggs, makes an omelet”
Netflix cancels ‘Stranger Things’ bar Pop-up pop-culture bars are all the rage. In New York and LA, Tim Burton fans can do dinner and a show at “Beetlehouse.” Los Angeles is also home to the Star Wars-themed “Villainy and Scum” Cantina. And since August, Chicago has boasted the aptly named, “The Upside Down,” a Stranger … Continue reading ““Stranger Things,” Energy BBDO, Rowley Samuel”
A 30-SECOND CUBS SPOT, “Fly the W,” created by Chicago Cubs’ agency Schafer Carter Condon (SCC) featuring the narration of injured Cubs catcher Kyle Schwarber, was designed to get fans excited about the Cubs’ National Division Series playoffs starting Oct. 7.
And it did it ever! — the spot was a hit waaaay out of the park, beyond anyone’s expectations, by garnering an amazing two million-plus views since it was posted on Facebook a scant two weeks ago.
The flag “is the fabric that brings an entire nation together,” Schwarber says. “It says to the world, we will never lose faith … and maybe this October, if we fly it high enough, and loud enough and proud enough, well, you get the idea.”
Was SCC’s CD Ron Sone, who created the spot with CD Michael Dorich, surprised at the overwhelming reaction? “No, just at the speed it caught on,” he says. And those two million hits were only from a Facebook posting, although the spot also appears on other social media outlets.
Soooo you happen to be going to the bank and there’s a robbery. Obviously, they’re going to tell you to lie down on the floor — it is one of the tropes of any good robbery after all.
So now what do you do while you wait and possibly pee your pants?
You reach confidently into your (dry) pants and pull out a pack of Wrigley’s Orbit Gum.
The 2017 North American Effies, touting the most effective marketers in the country, were announced Thursday, June 1, at a gala in New York.
While the Grand Effie was awarded to Burger King’s, “The McWhopper Proposal” campaign from Y&R New Zealand with contributing agencies DAVID The Agency, ABPR, Code & Theory and Turner Duckworth, several Chicago agencies did not go home empty handed.
EnergyBBDO brought home seven Effies for its Extra Gum brands, which was also deemed the second most effective marketer by the awards.
At the American Advertising Federation 2016 ADDY Awards last Wednesday night, Energy BBDO was the top winner with a record-setting 93 awards topped by earning the Best in Show for a Ziploc plastic bags poster campaign.
Energy BBDO’s 2016 Super Bowl spot, the 90-second “Bud Light Coin” for ABinBev that aired in the game’s fourth quarter, was one of the eight Best of Show winners in the 2015 Mobius Awards announced March 5, in the Integrated Campaign/Food & Beverages category.
ENERGY BBDO’S NEW SPOT in its wildly successful Wrigley gum’s “Give Extra, get Extra” campaign, is “The Story of Sarah and Juan,” a 2-minute video currently playing on You
ENERGY BBDO’S MARK TAYLOR’S abrupt departure as chief creative officer was announced by president/CEO Tonise Paul at an office meeting Friday, who cited his leaving for unexplained “personal reasons.”
ON THE HEELS of Energy BBDO losing the Bud Light business to BBDO’s flagship New York office, Lay’s potato chips has said goodbye.
BBDO senior producer Kevin James brought together dozens of musicians for the third annual tradition of turning his birthday into a collective binge of musical inspiration named after a beer he enjoys.
Energy BBDO has named Mark Taylor as its new chief creative officer. He comes from Crispin Porter + Bogusky, Boulder, Colo. and brings with him an awesome array of advertising awards, including 20 Cannes Lions, along with creative invigoration and greater attention to digital campaigns.
Taylor officially comes aboard April 7. He succeeds Dan Fietsam, who left the agency earlier this month after nearly six years.
DAN FIETSAM DEPARTS Energy BBDO as chief creative officer after 5 1/2 years at the end of February. His reason for leaving is to pursue other more creative interests in the advertising business.
The folks at Energy BBDO are lifting a bottle of Bud Light instead of traditional champagne to toast the winning of America’s biggest beer brand. The agency is the fourth Chicago agency to handle the account since the brand launched 32 years ago.
AFTER A SHORT STINT at McGarryBowen where he worked on the equally short-lived Bud Light account, executive creative director Mike Roe returned to Energy BBDO the start of the New Year. Roe had been with Energy BBDO for eight years, departing in February, 2012 for a top position on the Bud Light creative team. Then, last August, McGarryBowen lost the account to Translation Advertising without a review and Energy BBDO was delighted to welcome him back..
ENERGY BBDO ON FRIDAY moves out of three floors at the 410 N. Michigan Wrigley Building, after an 80 year tenancy begun by its predecessor agency, to updated new offices south across the river at 225 N. Michigan Ave.
Friday will be a work-at-home day for the agency’s 250 staffers while the physical move takes place. On Monday they will report to their home on the entire 15th floor and part of the 14th floor of the modern glass and steel high-rise.
One thing we can say with certainty about Energy BBDO/Chicago CEO Tonise Paul, she prefers to keep her agency’s internal business out of the public spotlight and away from prying eyes.
Which is no doubt why Energy BBDO’s new chief financial officer Bob Mallers joined the agency less than two weeks ago with no fanfare. Zip. Zero.
Two internationally known Chicago artists and a national TV and movie star from Chicago’s vibrant creative arts community are scheduled to speak the next few months at Energy BBDO’s regular Salon Series in its 410 Wrigley Building offices.
So far, Jani Westcott, the agency’s VP/planning who initiated and spearheads the Salon Series, estimates the agency has hosted about 20 Salon evenings since she introduced them in mid-2009.
Energy BBDO is the host of this year’s Chicago Portfolio Night, when aspiring advertising creatives get a golden opportunity to have their work reviewed by 45 of Chicago’s star creative leaders who always have an eye out for rising talent, May 23 at the 410 Club in the Wrigley Building.
For the first time in nearly a decade, Chicago not-for-profit public radio station WBEZ-FM (91.5) is getting ready to launch a major advertising campaign. The campaign will be designed to heighten awareness of — and expand the audience for — the station and its broad range of news, political and cultural coverage.
WBEZ has just tapped Energy BBDO/Chicago to work on the upcoming campaign. Andrew Kasprzycki and Katie Clow represented Energy BBDO on the pitch.
Tim Pontarelli has landed. After more than a year off that he spent reflecting on life and the world of advertising and freelancing, Pontarelli is signing on at Energy BBDO/Chicago as a group creative director.
He will work on the Lay’s business that was recently moved without a review to Energy BBDO from Juniper Park/Toronto.
It will be interesting to see what he can do with a packaged goods client such as Lay’s after he made an indelible mark on the Hallmark account during his many years at Leo Burnett.
AN INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR is spicing up our ad scene with Energy BBDO’s addition of SVP/creative directors Giovanni Settesoldi and Luissandro Del Gobbo, art director and copywriter, respectively, who landed here after four years at Grey Paris as CDs, following stints at JWT Paris and BBDO Milan. Their work has garnered an awe-inspiring 60-plus national and international awards.
As we prophetically noted could happen in mid-October when Michael Jones was named the new superintendent of the Illinois Lottery, Energy BBDO/Chicago is being dumped as the ad agency of record for the state-run organization.
“We have invited every agency in Chicago to pitch for the account, and we want this to be a totally open process,” said Jones, who hopes to have a new agency in place by Jan. 1, 2012.
Energy BBDO/Chicago is about to unveil a major ad campaign for the Illinois Lottery’s new “Cash Spectacular” game. The new game will award 7.6 million prizes — four times more prizes than all the cat videos on the Internet and 22 times more prizes than O’Hare Airport has flights each year, or so we’re told. Props to the person who came up with these bits of trivia.
The new Lottery game, by the time it has run its course, also will yield 25 new Illinois millionaires, unless, that is, a lucky Lottery winner already happens to be one.
We noticed it from a distance. Energy BBDO/Chicago CEO Tonise Paul had a little extra spring in her step as she approached her table Wednesday at the very clubby Shaw’s Crab House, where the maitre d is well aware of Paul’s preferred booth.
There is, of course, good reason for the ever-upbeat Paul to be even more peppy than usual these days. Her agency has been on something of a roll (as the saying goes) in recent months.
It’s over for DraftFCB. As many had suspected from the moment we announced last Christmas Eve that S.C. Johnson was launching an agency review, the Racine, Wis.-based home products company is ending its relationship with DraftFCB, a remarkable marketing marriage that spanned nearly 60 years.
Early Friday morning, S.C. Johnson said it will split its advertising account, believed to be worth upwards of $1 billion in billings, between BBDO and Ogilvy & Mather, long considered the frontrunner to get the account.
Applicants for the Energy BBDO postproduction assistant job now have until midnight Sunday night to submit their qualifications – but not by the cover-letter-resume old school way, however.
BBDO’s ad posted on Craigslist April 18 originally gave applicants three days – until April 21 – “to display a wide variety of their talents in a 30-60-second video detailing their own story about Chicago.”
Energy BBDO’s Mike Roe hit a double header writing and directing client White Sox’ new currently airing “All In” campaign. It’s the second year Energy’s group creative director was up to bat as director on the team’s commercials and “it was a blast,” Roe says.
“Directing uses a different set of muscles and it’s very rewarding, like the difference between coaching and playing. Taking it on was always a creative challenge, because you’re problem-solving all the time during the process,” he says.
Energy BBDO will have a lock on Illinois Lottery advertising and marketing for the next 10 years, with Gov. Pat Quinn having named Northstar Lottery Group as the private manger of the state’s $2 billion lottery.
Energy BBDO is part of the Northstar a collaboration of GTECH, a gaming technology and operations provider and Scientific Games Corporation, which will be paid $15 million a year to run the lottery.
The three companies, which already hold contracts for machines, tickets and marketing, promised to bring in $4.8 million in profits over the next five years.
Energy BBDO took home the prized Illinois Lottery’s $105 million worth of general market advertising business, winning over competitive agencies JWT and Marc USA for an initial term of two years.
“Each agency brought innovative ideas to the table, but we found Energy BBDO to be best-suited for the Lottery’s needs,” said Sarah Cummins, the Lottery’s marketing director.
Energy BBDO, an Omnicom agency, succeeds R. J. Dale, which had the account since 2006, and was the first African American agency to handle the Lottery’s advertising since the state agency was founded in 1974.
Call it the battle of the big agencies shooting it out for honors at the recent second annual Chicago Creative Club Awards show. Four big agencies won 29 of the 32 categories of awards, while Leo Burnett won half, with 16 prizes mostly for Altoids gum.
DDB brought home seven Bricks (the award trophy) for Anheuser-Busch/Budweiser and Young & Rubicam won six awards mainly Miller Brewing.
BBDO Chicago is gearing up for a new creative regime, it appears ? and most likely a new business blast ? with the arrival of the not inconsiderable talents of Marty Orzio as the agency’s new creative chief.
He replaces Phil Gant, the well-liked BBDO Chicago’s creative chief, who spent almost 20 years at the agency. Gant has moved to Detroit in the number two job as ECD on Daimler-Chrysler, BBDO-Detroit’s sole client, albeit a substantial one. Its estimated $850 million in billings is spent on Chrysler, Dodge, Eagle, Jeep and some Mercedes-Benz models.
A stellar year for Change the Ref’s The Lost Class earned Leo Burnett Chicago the distinction of the number one agency in the world, according to The One Show 2022 Global Creative Rankings. The Lost Class also propelled Hungry Man and Bryan Buckley to the number one ranking for production companies and directors, respectively. Overall, … Continue reading “Leo Burnett Chicago named Top Global Agency in Creative Rankings”
Battery, the highly esteemed Los Angeles, Toronto and Chicago-based creative agency, experiences a wave of growth across every department, welcoming twelve new full-time hires plus internal promotions to the team. Co-founder & Chief Creative Officer Philip Khosid speaks to the expansion, “Since the start of the new year, Battery has experienced great fortune via an … Continue reading “Creative agency, Battery hires a dozen new team members”
Starbucks has entered the energy category with the launch of Starbucks BAYA Energy, a ready-to-drink beverage crafted from caffeine naturally found in coffee fruit, as well as antioxidant vitamin C for immune support. To launch Starbucks BAYA Energy drink, the team collaborated with Energy BBDO to create the “Energy That’s Good” creative campaign. The campaign … Continue reading “Starbucks launches its first energy drink, Starbucks BAYA Energy”
Area 23 New York leads the way with the most finalists entries in The One Show 2022, followed closely by Leo Burnett Chicago. All finalists will win either Gold, Silver or Bronze Pencils or Merits, to be announced on May 19 during Creative Week 2022. Area 23 New York has 48 finalists entries, including 13 … Continue reading “Leo Burnett Chicago takes second place finalists tally for The One Show”
As the nation debates when America’s workforce should return to their physical offices, a surprising trend has emerged – people’s dread about pooping in their office bathrooms! In response, MiraLAX’s new ‘Workstipation Reform’ campaign wants to reduce the stress of transitioning back to the office bathroom, after we’ve gotten used to the comfort of our at-home lavatories. … Continue reading “MiraLAX’s Workstipation Reform fights stress in office bathrooms”
9Rooftops recently welcomed Derrick Rivers as VP + Creative Director. Rivers brings over 15 years of experience across several service accounts and categories, in both the general and multicultural segments. Rivers has already proven to be a valuable addition to the agency, working to bring creative solutions to life for several 9Rooftops clients. As a commercial artist … Continue reading “9Rooftops welcomes Derrick Rivers as VP + Creative Director”
Human beings are social animals. Personal contact and social interaction with others is simply essential. In opposition, Covid created lock downs, quarantines and generally created a need to rethink how we communicate with each other. Because communicate, we must. Although we all had hopes for 2021, it has pushed, provoked, squished and forced its way upon us … Continue reading “The Best of Reel Chicago interviews in 2021”
Here are the top 21 stories on Reel Chicago in 2021. There were over 2500 stories between Reel Chicago and our sister publication Reel 360. With a record breaking total of 1.4 million views this year. Whether our stories were about the resurgence of film & TV production, the Reel Ad of the Week, or … Continue reading “Reel Chicago top 21 stories for 2021”
So, here we are at the end of another year. In 2021, we experienced more freedom from the pandemic during the spring and summer as cases lowered, but here we are, back in a kind of partial quarantine as the omicron variant spreads. While many businesses asked their teams to return to the office, advertising … Continue reading “The Best of Chicago Advertising in 2021”
After a year hiatus, this holiday season is expected to be exceptionally unique for many as families and friends gather – with their rusty social skills and all – for potentially the first time in nearly two years. Mars Wrigley‘s EXTRA Gum launched a new campaign, titled Chew It Before You Do It, spotlighting how taking a … Continue reading “EXTRA’s ‘Chew It Before You Do It’ will get you through the holiday”
Champion Athleticwear announces Reverse Weave Week! The week, full of giveaways and collabs, will run through October 19 to acknowledge the anniversary of their most iconic patent – the Reverse Weave – which was finalized on October 14, 1952. Reverse Weave Week was created to recognize one of the most famous fashion items that has not gotten the … Continue reading “Champion celebrates iconic franchise with Reverse Weave Week”
Whitehouse Post announces the promotion of five key employees to partnership roles, and a new Executive Director of Post Production, as they continue to evolve and build for an exciting next chapter of the company. Editors Heidi Black, Charlie Harvey, and Adam Marshall join the partnership ranks along with Director of New Business Development Joni Williamson … Continue reading “Whitehouse Post marks a new chapter with promotions of five key staff”
Pearle Vision has launched their latest installment in the award-winning Small Moments campaign, a cinematic mini-movie titled “Maya,” in which a young Indian girl goes from feeling like an outsider to a more confident young woman with the help of a Pearle Vision eye care expert. “Maya” continues Pearle Vision’s strategy to showcase the … Continue reading “‘Maya’ continues Pearle Vision’s strategy to showcase Small Moments”
Following a successful first year, ONE School, the groundbreaking free portfolio school for Black creatives, has opened applications for its Fall 2021 programs run out of Atlanta and Chicago. The results-oriented online program has already made a substantial contribution to adding diversity to the industry: six cohorts run out of Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles and … Continue reading “ONE School opens applications for Fall in Chicago”
As the nation emerges from pandemic shutdowns and capacity limits, local restaurants around the country are getting an eggstra boost from a popular menu mainstay — the incredible egg — and a healthy dose of hometown competition. Igniting America’s pashttp://tiktok.comsion for eating out, the American Egg Board (AEB) has partnered with celebrity chef Connie Lovely … Continue reading “American Egg Board: Issues TikTok challenge”
For more than three decades, Burnetters have hedged their bets on Cannes Lions winners with 90% accuracy! After a supremely challenging 2020 and a year off for the Cannes Festival of Creativity, the industry’s most prestigious global awards show will have its virtual premire from June 21-25, 2021—complete with live-prgramming, on-demand content and more. To … Continue reading “Leo Burnett unveils 2021 Cannes Lions Predictions”
FCB Chicago received eight One Show Gold Pencils this year. They include four Golds with FCBX, Lord + Thomas and Current Global, all in Chicago, for the City of Chicago “Boards of Change” (three in Design, one in Digital Craft), three with FCB New York, Lord + Thomas, and Myles Beeson, both in Chicago, for Michelob ULTRA “Contract for Change” in Integrated, … Continue reading “One Show: FCB Chicago wins eight Gold Pencils”
Gentleman Jack Double-Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey has launched “Milestones,” the brand’s first spot in the global “Make it Count” campaign for the Jack Daniel’s brand family. The super-premium whiskey’s campaign encourages consumers to mark the special moments with the people who matter most. Although we often think of only honoring the big moments, like a graduation, they … Continue reading “Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey celebrates Milestones”
Creative production studio The Mill announced Patrick Coleman as their new Head of Design in Chicago. With over a decade of experience with a focus in 3D motion design, Coleman’s beginnings began at OPTIMUS in 2004. He then went on to become Creative Director at Sarofsky. Since 2017, Coleman has been working closely with The Mill’s … Continue reading “The Mill announces Patrick Coleman as Head of Design”
While no fan can ride a horse during the real Derby, Old Forester fans were given the chance to “ride” a turtle during the 2021 Old Forester Kentucky Turtle Derby. In partnership with creative agency Energy BBDO, Old Forester searched for real fans to turn into custom, digital jockeys who appeared atop the turtles as … Continue reading “Old Forester’s Kentucky Turtle Derby is back”
EXTRA Gum is all about shared moments of human connection—many of which have unfortunately, become distant memory due to the COVID-19 pandemic, until now: we can finally reconnect IRL! After a hard year of not seeing one another (and frankly, not being very mindful of how your breath smells) EXTRA is there to help give you … Continue reading “EXTRA Gum offer fresh start to post-pandemic life”
Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo has announced their newest campaign, “The Price of Extinction.” Launching yesterday on Earth Day (April 22) the campaign draws attention to Earth’s most endangered species at the zoo with limited-edition zoo “passes.” This initiative provides animal lovers with the unique opportunity to pay a small price to help the species survive. … Continue reading “Earth Day: Lincoln Park Zoo’s price of extinction”
The Gerety Awards 2021 deadline has been extended until April 30 and a new category for humour is announced. The humour category will celebrate the best in advertising humour. Funny advertising becomes a part of popular culture. Just like Whassup for Budweiser by DDB Worldwide Chicago or Betty White’s spot from the campaign “You are not you when you are … Continue reading “Gerety Awards announces new deadline and new category”
Today, Josh Mandel, the recently appointed Chief Executive Officer of The Mill has announced new senior leadership for the global production studio’s midwestern arm, appointing Tracey Khan as Managing Director for the Chicago-based studio. Tracey steps into the role with over a decade of experience at The Mill, having originally started in London before being … Continue reading “Mill announces Tracey Khan as Managing Director”
O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul has hired highly regarded production leader Elena Robinson as its Head of Production with the goal of redefining, expanding, and growing its production capabilities. Robinson takes over leadership of both the agency’s production work for clients and its independent production capability from long-time agency exec Scott Mitchell. Mitchell will refocus on … Continue reading “OKRP names Elena Robinson Head of Production”
Phillips’ not only believes that life is too short to be spent struggling with these problems, but that going should feel good. In a consumer study, nearly 40% of adults claimed to have suffered constipation at some point in their lives. Although a common problem, many don’t treat their symptoms because they feel shame around … Continue reading “Phillips’ believes you deserve a good poop”
Leo Burnett announces Emily Doskow as Chief Marketing Officer, leading new business and growth efforts for the agency’s U.S. operations. In this role, Emily will report to Leo Burnett North America CEO Andrew Swinand, and joins the leadership team alongside Liz Taylor, Global Chief Creative Officer, and Aki Spicer, U.S. Chief Strategy Officer, to guide the agency’s positioning and product. “Emily … Continue reading “Leo Burnett announces Emily Doskow as CMO”
Editor’s Note: “The Reel Black List” is our annual spotlight of brothers and sisters in the worlds of advertising, film, TV, music, radio and media who are making a difference through their contributions and creativity on a daily basis. During the month of February, you will be able to celebrate wonderful human beings, like Storm Smith with … Continue reading “RBL Spotlight: producer, Storm Smith”
In partnership with FCB and its experiential arm, FCBX premiered an interactive digital experience through five unexpected experiences and innovation cornerstones to celebrate how people can use Canon products and solutions to help redefine the limits they face. Attendees will be inspired to transcend limits by capturing the marvels of space, the splendor of wildlife, … Continue reading “Canon, FCBX present digital experience for CES”
If you want the chance to win over a half billion bucks, then be sure to carve out a moment in your day to pick up a Powerball ticket as the jackpot continues to roll with an estimated $550 million jackpot on deck for tonight’s drawing! We know that Illinois is full of winners and … Continue reading “$550 Million Powerball Jackpot for tonight’s drawing”
High-end editorial boutique Cutters announces the promotion of David Rubin to Editor. The announcement was made by Cutters Studios President/Managing Director Craig Duncan and Managing Editor Grant Gustafson. Rubin landed an internship with Cutters immediately upon graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, leading to a position as Assistant Editor, mainly working for Gustafson. … Continue reading “Cutters promotes David Rubin to editor”
Tim Mattimore has always been a creative leader. Now, Digitas, the connected marketing agency, has recognized that. The agency has announced that Mattimore joins the agency as executive creative director, Chicago, effective today. He will oversee Digitas Chicago’s creative portfolio, with clients including Whirlpool, Mondelez, Mizkan and Aldi, and help shape creative and strategic vision … Continue reading “Tim Mattimore to lead Digitas as ECD”
It’s hard to remember back in February 2020, when the Kansas City Chiefs bested the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV and Parasite was winning Best Picture, no one was talking about COVID, the election and Black Lives Matter. We had no idea we were only a few weeks and months away from all … Continue reading “2020 in Review: Top Chicago advertising campaigns”
What a year, huh? 2020, which felt like a decade, will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the worst years ever. And who will argue? Certainly not the staff at Reel Chicago. This year, COVID forced productions to shut down. Then start back up. Then shut back down. Then start back up. It … Continue reading “2020 in Review: Reel Chicago’s Biggest Stories”
The Sheba brand is launching a three-part documentary series that explores the power cats have over people and their deep connections to their human counterparts. The new series, The Cats That Rule The World by Academy Award-nominated director Geoffrey O’Connor, follows the true stories of a handful of humans who have fallen under the spell of their cats and the inseparable … Continue reading “SHEBA Brand Launches “The Cats That Rule The World””
The last two days of news are making the Reel Chicago team wonder if Energy BBDO has a secret farm somewhere. In the agency’s new Kerrygold butter spot the Irish dairy brand celebrates people coming together and enjoying small moments over a home-cooked meal. The campaign, which launched yesterday, is supported by a new film … Continue reading “Kerrygold embraces family moments in new Xmas spot”
Launching on November 10th, the American Egg Board’s new campaign, and our Reel Ad of the Week, is “The Gift of Eggs.” The LOL campaign from Energy BBDO pokes fun at holiday extravagances in order to celebrate what really matters during the season — family, friends, special memories together and FOOD! The campaign’s two short … Continue reading “Eggs are the holiday gift they are cracked up to be”
Pop music duo RubyGld Smoke have launched their #12ReasonsToVote campaign through their community-oriented organization Symphony of Change. “The issues that we fight today won’t get resolved if voters stay silent. We need to use our power to build a better future for us all.” -RubyGld Smoke The social campaign will run until Election Day and it … Continue reading “RubyGld Smoke launches #12ReasonsToVote”
Kaylin Goldstein has been promoted to Head of Planning for Leo Burnett Chicago. Goldstein will report to Chief Strategy Officer, Aki Spicer, who dubbed her his “strategic sword of creative bravery”—bringing the background and pedigree to help raise the bar on our brand foundations and briefs, scaling the agency’s approach to strategy and tightening its … Continue reading “Leo Burnett promotes Kaylin Goldstein, Head of Planning”
Energy BBDO teamed up with Orbit to help Americans navigate the 2020 dating scene. Dating in 2020 has become the wild wild West – people think anything goes. That’s why under Orbit Gum’s latest ‘Keep It Clean’ campaign, the brand is giving fans advice on how to clean up their dating game in its newest … Continue reading “Orbit keeps dating game clean with a Dad chat”
Guess Jack Daniel’s always wanted to do this. In a historic move, the whiskey brand is introducing its first truly global creative campaign, “Make it Count.” The campaign showcases a new way of thinking for the 154-year-old brand that celebrates the people who drink it. As a global brand that wanted to fuel its iconic … Continue reading “Jack Daniel’s makes first global campaign count”
Chicago get ready for Art, Beats and Lyrics (AB+L), the national urban art and music tour presented by Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey and Cult Creative, kicks off its 16th year with a call for artists contest. AB+L started as a local art show in Atlanta and has grown to support visionary artists and musicians who values of … Continue reading “Jack Daniel’s, Cult Creative issue call for Artists”
25-year ad vet Mike Roe, who has joined Gravity Labs, is a Carmichael Lynch, BBDO, FCB and razorfish alum. Gravity Labs (GL), a fully-integrated advertising agency built for the new economy, hires Mike Roe as its first Chief Creative Officer (CCO). In the newly created role, Roe will lead ideation and creative output strengthening GL’s model to remove … Continue reading “Mike Roe joins Gravity Labs Chicago as first CCO”
Created for the Kentucky Derby, of which Woodford is the presenting sponsor, the campaign highlights the 200+ different flavor notes in the bourbon. Woodford Reserve is more than a spirit. It’s a spectacle. This sentiment is the driving force behind Woodford Reserve’s new campaign “Spectacle for the Senses.” Developed as the first platform launch between … Continue reading “Woodford Reserve launches ‘Spectacle for the Senses’”
Inc. magazine today revealed that The Boathouse Agency x Studio is No. 1,223 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The Boathouse Agency x Studio started with CEO/Founder Aram Rappaport cold calling clients from his 150 square foot bedroom in Manhattan four years ago. “I was on a mission to change the … Continue reading “Boathouse Agency X Studio makes the Inc. 5000 List”
LÜM, a Madison-based tech startup that’s revolutionizing the way artists and fans stream and discover new music, has closed a Seed II round of funding. LÜM will continue its innovative launch of the first virtual gifting system implemented to help the development and profitability of independent artists in the music streaming industry. Over the past … Continue reading “LÜM adds virtual gifting system to music streaming”
It may not be easy to travel internationally to celebrate International Beer Day on Friday, so Miller Lite is celebrating stateside. On August 7th, consumers in 80+ cities named after countries can claim a free beer to make it Miller Time. “We know that summer travel looks a little different this year, and for many beer … Continue reading “Miller Lite is bringing International Beer Day stateside”
Jim Glover has worked for general market and black advertising agencies and his work has always been on the cutting edge, which many believe is why he has won so many accolades in the biz. Jim is now the founder, President, Creative Director/writer of MultiCultural Creative Consultants (MCC), author of the thriller novel, Mad Man and a … Continue reading “How did Blacks get into advertising anyway?”
Anti-gun violence campaigns scored big this year at The One Show 2020 as winners were revealed today. “Generation Lockdown” by McCann New York for March For Our Lives; “The Gun Violence History Book” by FCB Chicago, Lord + Thomas and The Mill for Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence; and “Back To School Essentials” by BBDO New York for Sandy Hook Promise all won multiple Gold Pencils at The One Show 2020 FCB was awarded … Continue reading “FCB takes home 7 Gold Pencils at 2020 One Show”
Much like Taco Tuesday, WEGGSDAY embraces the popularity of marrying a day of the week with a popular food. A two-minute original music video, titled “Wednesday Is Officially WEGGSDAY!,” has been created to hilariously introduce the concept. The animated video also highlights the versatility of eggs, reminding consumers that eggs are an incredible meal solution … Continue reading “Move over Taco Tuesday… here comes WEGGSDAY!”
FCB Chicago leads Chicago agencies with 31 The One Show 2020, finalists, including 28 on behalf of Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence. Working with FCBXLord+Thomas, both Chicago, the agency has 16 for the organization’s “Most Dangerous Street”, and 12 with Lord+Thomas and The Mill, both Chicago, for “The Gun Violence Handbook.” Ogilvy Chicago with 27 including work for … Continue reading “Chicago agencies nab 89 finalists in One Show”
The New York Times Magazine was the biggest winner on the second day of the week-long online ADC 99th Annual Awards, when 55 prestigious Cubes were awarded in Experiential Design, Photography and Spatial Design. Best of Discipline for Experiential went to FCB Chicago with FCBX and Lord + Thomas, both Chicago for “Most Dangerous Street“ on behalf of Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence. The New York … Continue reading “FCB’s ‘Most Dangerous Street’ best Experiential Design”
Congratulations to our friends at Leo Burnett and mcgarrybowen. Each agency took home three Gold statues from the American Advertising Awards which were announced April 28 virtually. Oh, and the agency at 35 West Wacker also took home “Agency of the Year.” Well done. Both agencies also took home awards in the “Best of” categories. … Continue reading “Burnett wins Agency of the Year from AAA”
Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a coalition of 24 state attorneys general to call for key changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to ensure that funds are distributed fairly and equitably. In a letter to Congressional leadership, Raoul and the coalition express concerns that the program, while helping some small businesses and their employees, suffers … Continue reading “Attorney General Raoul calls for changes to PPP funding”
Typically, it takes around 20 minutes or so to cook up Uncle Ben’s Rice. And even more so, it usually takes around a month to prep, produce and post a :30-second spot. That said Energy BBDO and director Connor Martin of LA-based production company Society, repped by Nikki Weiss and company, have metaphorically cooked this … Continue reading “Society Director Martin goes BTS of Uncle Ben’s spot”
Chicago creatives may be social distancing and shut in due to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, but their creativity is not shut down. If anything, the Reel Chicago team has seen over the last six weeks sparks of creativity whether it’s D-Nice throwing virtual dance parties on his Instagram or Energy BBDO creating a fabulous Uncle … Continue reading “Chicago creatives create filters for social distancing”
Design studios, ad agencies, production companies, brands and freelancers in 32 countries have made the cut as finalists for the prestigious ADC 99th Annual Awards, as announced today by The One Club for Creativity, the world’s foremost non-profit organization supporting and celebrating the global creative community. Entries in the global ADC 99th Annual Awards increased 6% from last … Continue reading “One Club announces finalists for ADC 99th Annual Awards”
Editor’s Note: They are leaders. They are inspirational. They are mentors. They are visionaries. They are, quite frankly, badasses. They are our 2020 Reel Women During Women’s History Month, you will be able to meet these incredible personalities in Advertising, Entertainment, Media and Production. Get ready. With over 20+ years of award-winning creative and video … Continue reading “REEL WOMEN: Snake Roth, Dir of Integrated Prod, MARC”
Jennifer Zimmerman, Global Chief Strategy officer at mcgarrybowen, today announced changes in the agency’s U.S. strategic leadership. Jamie Shuttleworth has been promoted from Chief Strategy Officer of the Chicago office to U.S. Chief Strategy Officer and will have responsibility for leading strategy across the agency’s U.S. presence, currently with offices in New York, Chicago, and … Continue reading “mcgarrybowen announces new US strategic leadership”
Matt Miller, President and CEO of AICP, announced today that Tiffany Rolfe, EVP and US Chief Creative Officer for R/GA, has been named as the 2020 AICP Next Awards Judging Chair. As such, Rolfe will serve as Master of Ceremonies at the AICP Next Awards presentation this June during AICP Week in New York. Tiffany … Continue reading “R/GA’s Tiffany Rolfe to serve as 2020 AICP Judging Chair”
The Colonie continues to grow its roster of talent and services with the addition of Colorist Jennifer Gaida. The hiring of the creative and technically savvy talent marks the launch of the Chicago-based company’s new color grading division, rounding out the one-stop editing, design, and postproduction boutique’s full-roster of high-end services and talent. Gaida exited … Continue reading “Colorist Jennifer Gaida makes The Colonie a one-stop shop”
Leading production and post house Optimus today announced that it has added Editor David Cea to their roster. With 15 years of experience in New York and Chicago, David Cea has worked with some of the most respected names in the industry and he brings to Optimus an impressive portfolio, featuring many award-winning spots. “I’ve … Continue reading “Optimus hires award-winning editor David Cea”
Shortlisted entries from 15 countries have been announced for the eighth annual One Screen Short Film Festival, the premiere short film festival that celebrates and awards global filmmakers from both commercial advertising and film industries. BBDO New York has the most shortlisted work with eight, including two each for Sandy Hook Promise – Back to … Continue reading “Shortlist for 8th annual One Screen Short Film Festival”
Matt Miller, President and CEO of AICP, announced that Chris Franklin, Owner/Editor at Big Sky Edit, will serve as the Chairperson of the 2020 AICP Post Awards. Franklin’s appointment marks the first time the association’s annual competition for excellence in the post production arts will adopt a chairperson structure for its judging panels and curatorial … Continue reading “Chris Franklin named AICP Post Awards Chair”
Hamann will oversee work for Kellogg’s, following the recent appointment of Jordan Doucette to CCO Leo Burnett Chicago welcomed Rick Hamann as executive creative director for the Kellogg’s account yesterday, helping evolve the company’s iconic brands and characters for today’s consumers. The greeting was contained in an item posted to the news section of the … Continue reading “Leo Burnett Chicago welcomes Rick Hamann as ECD”
Authors, CEO’s and former NFL players among speakers scheduled for annual event at Navy Pier The organization built on a commitment to women is looking for men. The 8th annual 3 Percent Conference — taking place this year on November 7-8 at Navy Pier — explains the gender bias on the front page of … Continue reading “3% Conference touts ‘amazing’ 2019 lineup”
International, portfolio-based, cross-disciplinary, competition celebrates creative professionals age 30 and under The One Club for Creativity, the world’s foremost non-profit organization recognizing creative excellence in advertising and design, has announced the 81 global finalists hailing from 22 countries for the prestigious Young Guns 17 competition, celebrating international creative professionals age 30 or younger. The complete … Continue reading “One Club Announces Young Guns global finalists”
Former BBDO leader brings big global brand ideas to life through innovation FCB today announced that Andrés Ordóñez has been brought on board as Chief Creative Officer of FCB Chicago, joining President Michael Fassnacht in leading the agency. Ordóñez will also work closely with Global Chief Creative Officer Susan Credle and join FCB’s Global Creative … Continue reading “Ordóñez joins FCB Chicago as Chief Creative Officer”
Vince Cook joins as Executive Creative Director, Austin Scott as Digital Creative Director Laughlin Constable has bolstered its creative department by adding two senior leaders. The moves come eight months after Lisa Bennett took over as CCO. The agency announced that talented Vince Cook (top left) joins as Executive Creative Director, working across multiple accounts, … Continue reading “Vince Cook joins Laughlin Constable as ECD”
Energy BBDO creates new music video and original song with singer Jilian Linklater In a time where America’s population is aging rapidly, generating awareness of in-home care services has become increasingly relevant. In-home senior care industry, Home Instead Senior Care, along with AOR Energy BBDO, has taken a fresh musical approach to connecting with seniors … Continue reading “Home Instead makes memories with new music video”
Chicago-based production studio celebrates five years of creativity Design-driven production studio Almost Gold is excited to unveil a major expansion of both environment and talent. In addition to production, animation, and motion graphics capabilities, Almost Gold now offers editorial, color, finish, VO recording, and audio mix in its newly completed East Wing. The expansion comes … Continue reading “Almost Gold shines with major expansion”
Social-networking giant hires Burnett, Wieden, BBDO, Ogilvy and Droga5 to save its tarnished image Face it, after all of its privacy missteps, election interference, hate group accounts and other controversies and just plain boredom, Facebook’s reputation has been going down quicker than a cheesy poof in Cartman’s hands. Now the social-networking giant is trying to … Continue reading “Facebook hires Leo B and other agencies to rebuild rep”
“To help our clients win, we need to make sure our leadership team is the best in the business.” – Norm Bilow, Escape Pod Big moves are happening at indie agency The Escape Pod. The agency announced its new leadership team. This news includes Derek Sherman who has been appointed Executive Creative Director, Tyler Moore … Continue reading “The Escape Pod unveils new leadership team”
Nike named Marketer of the Year as AICP Next Awards and AICP Show honor the most innovative marketing in the motion image Winners of the AICP Show: The Art & Technique of the American Commercial were presented tonight at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. Together with the AICP Next Awards, … Continue reading “AICP honors the best advertising of the year”
AbelsonTaylor, Daily Planet, Delack, KemperLesnik, Mimi, rEvolution, Richter Studios, Spirit Juice, Strange Loop among 2019 winners The Telly Awards announced this year’s winners on May 21. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2019, the awards represent the world’s largest honor for video and television content across all screens. Entries were judged by jury members from creative … Continue reading “Chicago shops score at the Telly Awards”
The American Egg Board has cooked up the biggest food discovery since the breakfast egg. Say good evening to… The Dinner Egg! A new mockumentary, created by AOR Energy BBDO, explains the discovery and origin of the new food. Supply and Demand’s Amy Nicholson, takes a Christopher Guest and Eugene Levy type of approach in … Continue reading “Egg Board introduces ‘dinner egg’ mockumentary”
More than ever, connections between human beings are so critical in order for us to move forward. Extra Gum and Energy BBDO, through a heartwarming story that truly touches the emotions, reminds us that we don’t have to be divisive and angry. No matter what color we are, how old we are, we can connect. … Continue reading “Extra Gum helps an unlikely friendship form”
More stories from the keyboard of founder Ruth L. Ratny as she reports on an IL Tourism spot from BBDO and Arturo Cubacub and more Chicago – May, 2003 – Illinois Tourism’s first commercial of 2003 from BBDO directed by Dennis Manarchy shows off seven tourist “must see” destinations, from the Magnificent Mile to … Continue reading “Throwback Thursday: First 2003 Tourism spot airs”
Wieden + Kennedy, Apple and MJZ lead Shortlist nominations. Matt Miller, President and CEO of AICP, today announced the first-ever “Community Award,” to be presented during AICP Week in June. The Community Award is an unfiltered way to give the entire industry the ability to voice its opinion on the favorite spot of the year. … Continue reading “AICP announces Community Award and Shortlists”
Artists to be honored at 2019 show in Chicago’s Navy Pier on May 16th AICP today released the Shortlist for the 2019 AICP Post Awards, which will be presented on May 16 at Navy Pier in Chicago — tickets are now available. The competition, formerly the AICE Awards, honors excellence in a range of post … Continue reading “AICP Post Awards announces 2019 shortlist”
“Since making our way to Chicago in 2014, we have really enjoyed being a part of the creative community.” —Tara Holmes NYC-based creative studio Nice Shoes has expanded its Midwest presence by opening a stand-alone space in Chicago’s vibrant River North district. The studio will be led by Senior Colorist Ron Sudul and Color Assistant … Continue reading “NY-based Nice Shoes expands into Chicago”
Winning selections for “the most important advertising showcase in the U.S.” will be preserved in The Museum of Modern Art Matt Miller, President and CEO of AICP, and Daniel Bergmann, Founder and President of global creative network Stink and the 2019 Chairperson of the AICP Show: The Art & Technique of the American Commercial, today … Continue reading “2019 AICP Show Curatorial Committee Announced”
The term “sucked” could have applied to the parade of mediocre, ho-hum spots that aired during Sunday’s big game. And so ends another Super Bowl season. The build up of anticipated commercials is finally (and mercifully) over until next January. If one were to say Sunday, “Well, that sucked the life out of me,” we … Continue reading “The Best and Worst of Super Bowl LIII commercials”
Chicago agency creatives are stuck inside from the below-0 temperatures, but that has not stopped them from releasing their spots for the Super Bowl which features the Patriots vs the Rams this Sunday, Feb. 3. Next up, is Energy BBDO’s fun Kristin Chenoweth spot for Avocados from Mexico. A few weeks ago, Reel Chicago debuted … Continue reading “Dogs turn the tables on people for Avocados from Mexico”
Accommodating a talented cast with a light touch, director Ron Lazzeretti sets a stage for the action to flow naturally STORY director Ron Lazzeretti uses real-life humor to show how GE Appliances is making life easier in a new series of spots out of FCB Chicago. The campaign represents the first work by FCB since … Continue reading “STORY captures magic in new GE spots by FCB”
The actor pulls off some of the best four-legged humor this side of “Best in Show” in new Super Bowl teaser from Energy BBDO Energy BBDO unleashed a Super Bowl teaser video that features Kristin Chenoweth coaching a trio of canines on the proper way to sing the Avocados from Mexico jingle. The 15-second Chorus … Continue reading “Kristin Chenoweth unleashes the dogs for Avocados spot”
Campaign pairs recipes with Spotify playlists to enhance the moods of preparation and dining What’s your cooking theme song? When I come home and catch a waft of Vegan goodness coming from the kitchen, it’s always my wife cooking and listening to probably, The Doors. For me, if I’m in the kitchen making my famed … Continue reading “Energy B and Kerrygold celebrate the sound of cooking”
The integrated house adds a pair of Senior Producers who have completed projects of all sizes for dozens of top tier brands (Chicago — 3 October 2018) Dictionary Films U.S. managing director Chris Rossiter today announced the promotion of Cody McGuire to senior producer and the addition of senior producer Joe Kirkendall to the company’s … Continue reading “Dictionary promotes Cody McGuire, adds Joe Kirkendall”
The film and commercial vet will relocate from Chicago, where he was a mainstay at Filmworkers Club (New York — 24 September 2018) Senior Colorist Fred Keller is heading home; the veteran post production artist, a mainstay of the color scene in Chicago for the past dozen years, is going back to New York as … Continue reading “Click 3X adds Senior Colorist Fred Keller”
Tricia Russo named Chief Strategy Officer at DDB Chicago Susie Lyons hired as Head of Strategy at DDB New York (Chicago — 20 September 2018) Omnicom Group’s DDB North America hired industry veterans Susie Lyons and Tricia Russo to top leadership roles. The move complements substantial growth, key new business wins, and creative accolades for … Continue reading “DDB adds Lyons and Russo for top US strategy roles”
Ian joins mb from Droga5 to lead creative at the New York flagship for clients including United Airlines, Subway, and Verizon (New York — 5 September 2018) Ned Crowley, U.S. Chief Creative Officer, mcgarrybowen (mb), announced today that Matt Ian has been named Chief Creative Officer for its New York flagship office. Ian will lead … Continue reading “mcgarrybowen NY names Matt Ian Chief Creative Officer”
CCO Toygar Bazarkaya credits the agency’s non-traditional, collaborative model for helping to fuel its continuing growth and success (Chicago — 31 July 2018) We Are Unlimited, part of Omnicom Group (NYSE: OMC), announced today that four new creatives have joined the agency’s growing team. Globally experienced Cristina “Tin” Sanchez joins as Group Creative Director, … Continue reading “We Are Unlimited expands creative team”
The latest in the “Small Moments” campaign from Energy BBDO breaks from promotional-driven spots in the vision category to capture genuine moments I got misty-eyed watching this new Pearle Vision spot from Energy BBDO. Brought on board through Energy’s continued partnership with Free the Bid, director Elle Ginter of Sanctuary has delivered an elegant, … Continue reading “Pearle Vision uses Billie Jean King to inspire”
Galati’s arrival marks the latest in a series of new moves at Chicago-based production, post, and design company, Optimus (Chicago — 31 July 2018) Optimus today announced that Paul Galati is joining the leading production and post house as colorist. With the move, Optimus will once again be offering in-house color correction. “We’ve seen the … Continue reading “Optimus welcomes colorist Paul Galati”
The “adrenaline junkie” with millions of YouTube views to his credit is “stoked” to be the latest addition to the company’s “high caliber roster.” Commercial production company Cap Gun Collective is excited to announce the addition of Jake Kovnat to its roster for US representation. “Jake is exactly the type of director we are looking … Continue reading “Cap Gun Collective lands Director Jake Kovnat”
Following its premiere at MoMA, the Show and Next Awards will tour museums and cultural institutions around the country and abroad (New York — 14 June 2018) The AICP Show premiered tonight at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, closing out AICP Week, a celebration of advertising in the motion … Continue reading “AICP launches another brilliant celebration of creativity”
With their Best in Show win for “Fearless Girl” for State Street Advisors, McCann will direct a $5,000 grant to an educational institution of their choosing (New York, 12 June 2018) The AICP Next Awards debuted tonight at The Tishman Auditorium. The AICP Next Awards is one of the tent pole events of AICP … Continue reading “AICP Next premieres at Tishman Auditorium”
“I deeply apologize to everyone that this situation has caused distress. I believe all women have the right to feel safe and be heard. I am focusing on healing with my family.” – Dan Fietsam It’s never easy to report bad news, especially in the era of #metoo. What we say and how we … Continue reading “Laughlin Constable fires CCO Fietsam after allegations”
Agencies and studios of all sizes receive honors at One Club awards Furlined’s “Barbers” for Apple takes ADC Black Cube for Best of Show Two Best of Discipline honors for Tess Co.’s COGY Wheelchair. (New York City — 7 May 2018) Agencies and studios large and small from 34 countries, ranging from the … Continue reading “Top winners at The One Club’s ADC 97th Annual Awards”
(New York — 2 May 2018) FCB global CCO Susan Credle has been named chairwoman of the Board of Directors for The One Club for Creativity, as voted by club members and the current Board. The One Club, the foremost non-profit organization celebrating creative excellence in advertising and design, also announced 12 new appointees to … Continue reading “One Club names FCB’s Susan Credle as chairwoman”
On Diehl Road in Naperville, IL, Rhea + Kaiser (R+K) and its 55 workers are taking a different approach to the marketing/ad agency with their emphasis on omnicommunications, longevity, and work/life balance. Diane Martin reflects, “I came to Rhea + Kaiser fresh out of college with the plan of coming to this little shop. I … Continue reading “Rhea + Kaiser: Naperville agency rebels with balance”
AICP winners will be announced during AICP Week (New York — 23 April 2018) Matt Miller, President and CEO of AICP, today announced the AICP Awards Shortlists, which are comprised of work entered into the AICP Show and AICP Next Awards. “Each year’s Shortlists come into being because of the hard work of the … Continue reading “The 2018 AICP Show and Next Awards shortlists released”
For your viewing pleasure, here’s a collection of spots and trailers that are currently holding Reel Chicago’s attention. Blue Bunny Agency: FCB Chicago “Bye Bye britches!” FCB’s latest for Blue Bunny ice cream (a recent account win that we reported on last year) features the tagline, “Give into the bunny” and boasts just the … Continue reading “Latest eye catching new work — 4.16.18”
Kiwi Portraits Completed earns highest number of finalists among campaignsBBDO New York leads field of agencies with 68 finalistsUS leads among nations with 669 (New York — 16 April 16 2018) BBDO New York leads the world in finalists entries from a single agency office in the 45th annual One Show. The news was … Continue reading “Ogilvy & Mather scores 34 finalists for The One Show”
(Naperville, IL — 10 April 2018) Rhea + Kaiser (R+K) announces the addition of three new Account Management + Planning staff, two Public Relations team members, one Creative designer, and promotes one. Grace Morgan comes to R+K as an Assistant Account Manager, Account Management + Planning. Grace provides daily client communications, timeline planning and coordinates … Continue reading “R+K welcomes six new staffers and promotes one”
Helmer Hinlein moves to Durable Goods Venice, CA-based production company Durable Goods has signed director Liz Hinlein for U.S. commercial representation. As an accomplished director and cinematographer with over two decades of experience pioneering as an award-winning female voice across advertising, feature film, music video and VR work, Hinlein continues to discover and embrace news … Continue reading “Durable Goods signs Liz Hinlein, other SoCal moves”
The awards ceremony for the 54th Annual Chicago International Television Festival packed AMC River East in Streeterville last Thursday night. The evening began with a reception in the Wine Room at the Lucky Strike bowling alley, restaurant, and lounge, which is located on the second floor of the building where the theater resides. Executive directors, … Continue reading “Chicago Int’l TV Fest celebrates “Art of the Commercial””
Ewan McGregor joins RSA as commercial director RSA Films president Jules Daly announced Monday that “The Force” is now with RSA as former Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ewan McGregor, has joined the Ridley Scott-owned company. The acclaimed film, theatre and TV actor, who won a Golden Globe this year for Best Actor in FX’s Fargo, joined for … Continue reading “Ewan McGregor, Backyard, Whitehouse industry moves”
The Chicago Advertising Federation announced the winners of this year’s American Advertising Awards in a video posted to YouTube yesterday. Chicago’s largest shops were represented equally in the results, but mcgarrybowen emerged with the highest honors, winning Agency of the Year as well as Best of Show for Oscar Mayer’s For The Love of Hotdogs. … Continue reading “Chicago Advertising Awards 2018 winners”
DDB Worldwide CEO Wendy Clark is among 180 other female advertising leaders who have launched Time’s Up / Advertising, the advertising and marketing industry answer to the entertainment industry’s Time’s Up movement, which was launched at the end of 2017. Other leaders include Alyson Warshaw, CCO of Laundry Service; Debby Reiner, CEO of Grey New … Continue reading “DDB’s CEO helps launch Times Up / Advertising”
Live action director and VFX supervisor Ergin Kuke joins The Mill+ Chicago Ergin Kuke will soon begin working his LA-honed, box office savvy as Creative Director for The Mill+ Chicago, according to a press release issued today. Kuke has notched an expansive variety of experience since relocating to the States from his native … Continue reading “The Mill, Burrell, Cow Lamp, Obamas, Wakanda news”
FCB “gets cooking” with GE Appliances Louisville, KY-based GE Appliances has chosen FCB Chicago as its creative AOR to handle advertising, digital, social and shopper marketing. The agency beat out incumbent BBDO, Ogilvy & Mather, McCann and MullenLowe in a competitive review that began last November, just 18 months after Chinese manufacturer Haier bought the … Continue reading “Busy week of account moves led by FCB & GE Appliances”
Stacie Boney is new president of Hanson Dodge Women’s History Month starts off with big news: former Energy BBDO executive Stacie Boney has been named by Milwaukee-based Hanson Dodge as its first female president. Boney succeeds Tim Dodge, who is said to be staying with the integrated marketing agency as CEO. She came to the … Continue reading “Women dominate latest wave of industry activity”
Barry Burdiak leaves DDB for Epsilon Barry Burdiak, a nearly 30-year veteran of DDB Chicago, has left the agency to lead data-driven Epsilon Chicago as Senior Vice President, Executive Creative Director. He’ll focus on new business efforts for new and existing clients. A mutiple Cannes Lion winner and Emmy nominee, he will report to a … Continue reading “Barry Burdiak leaves DDB for Epsilon, other recent moves”
One at Optimus, the production arm of the post house Optimus, announced earlier this month that Mary Ann Holecek has taken the reins as Executive Producer/Managing Director. For the past eight years, Holecek has freelanced at a variety of Chicago agencies including Energy BBDO, FCB, Rhea and Kaiser, SPM Marketing, The Escape Pod, Upshot and … Continue reading “The Reel Deal with Optimus’ Mary Ann Holecek”
SCC names new CEO in reorganization Cubs’ AOR Schafer Condon Carter shuffled their leadership team into new roles effective this month. According to an agency memo from co-founder, Tim Condon, the changes are attributed to the company’s growth. “SCC has come of age. And while we’re still a feisty, scrappy group — and always will be … Continue reading “Hires and exits in Chicago agencies and posthouses”
Doner LA beefs up McDonald’s team Doner LA announced four senior hires following the recent consolidation of McDonald’s retail and local marketing, where Doner was assigned nearly 1,000 local partners to help bring big-agency strategic and creative firepower down to the co-op and franchisee level. Andrew Lamar joins Doner as a Multicultural Strategist, working across … Continue reading “New faces at Doner LA and Wonderful”
Versatile agency leader Mark Mulhern will take over as Chief Executive Officer at We Are Unlimited, the full-service Michigan Ave. shop dedicated to McDonald’s U.S. advertising and marketing efforts, on January 8. He will replace current CEO Brian Nienhaus, who will move into a new role within OMC that will be announced later. Since launching … Continue reading “Mark Mulhern named CEO of We Are Unlimited”
Today, The Midwest Independent Film Festival announced their nominees for The Best of the Midwest Awards Celebration, which recognizes the premier films and filmmakers featured throughout the 2017 season at the Midwest Independent Film Festival. The BMA nominees Best Music Video: HOT SHIT, directed by Andre Muir for Towkio LSD, … Continue reading “Best of the Midwest Awards, VML, Huge Detroit news”
DDB Chicago announced today that the agency had lured away 14-year Burnett veteran Colin Selikow to serve as Executive Creative Director on the Miller Lite and Mars Wrigley Confectionery accounts. Selikow rose to creative lead on both Samsung Mobile and United Healthcare. His team’s award-winning film entitled “Ostrich” recently earned seven Cannes Lions. “When I … Continue reading “Selikow leaves Burnett for DDB”
POV is a regular column by individuals who work in Chicago’s film and advertising community. It can take the form of anything that the author wishes to share, be it inspiration, humor, rant or what have you. Here’s a touch of wisdom for fledgeling producers from VSA Partners Executive Director of Production, Ashley Geisheker. After … Continue reading “Order the Sancerre & Other Advice”
Monday, The Clio Awards, which were recently acquired by Evolution Media, announced their 2017 Gold, Silver and Bronze winners. The 58-year-old awards celebrate high achievement in advertising and recognize the work, the agencies that push boundaries across advertising, sports, fashion, music, entertainment, and health care. As it did in the recent 2017 Cannes Show, Ogilvy … Continue reading “Ogilvy Chicago wins 17 Clios”
No Limit Agency has found its new president in industry and current independent consultant, Bryan Van Dyke.
Prior, Van Dyke spent nearly two years as chief operating officer for AutonomyWorks. Before that, Van Dyke was with Razorfish for eleven and a half years where he led client engagement for a decade and served as managing director before his departure in June of 2013.
Founded in 2008 as a social media agency, No Limit Agency bills itself as a “biography agency,” telling brand stories through all communications channels.
If you don’t have a thing for sushi, then this probably won’t appeal to you. But since I do in a BIG way, let’s talk about the awesome new installation New York-based Intersection, a digital and experiential agency, has erected for Grubhub on State Street.
Intersection, which claims is reinventing the way brands connect with people in dense urban areas, engaging people where they are via relevant and impactful experiences has certainly accomplished their goal with this huge OOH for Grub Hug that features rolling sushi rolls. Rolling sushi. Mmmmmm.
Confirming a story that broke on Reel Chicago.com last month, The One Club for Creativity, producers of the prestigious One Show Awards, ADC Annual Awards and Creative Week, today announced that it will indeed induct Burrell along with Rebeca Mndez, Susan Hoffman and David Lubars to the Creative Hall of Fame. Diane Cook-Tench will be named to the Educators Hall of Fame.
At Ad Age’s July 19 Small Agency of the Year Awards in Nashville, Chicago-based The Escape Pod won Gold in “The Midwest Small Agency category.”
The independent agency recently added Chervon’s Skil and Skilsaw brands to its roster, which also includes South Eastern Grocers and a2 milk.
On Friday, McDonald’s AOR We Are Unlimited announced that former FCB Chicago SVP/ECD, Max Geraldo had been tapped to serve as Executive Creative Director. Joining him is Bruno Guimaraes, who left DigitasLBI Chicago to serve as Creative Director.
Both creatives will report to the agency’s Chief Creative Officer Toygar Bazarkaya. These are Bazarkaya’s first hires since joining the agency two months ago, and builds out the creative leadership team.
Geraldo has over 50 Cannes Lions to his credit including the Mobile Grand Prix.
