| Reel Chicago – At the intersection of Chicago Advertising, Entertainment, Media and Production
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
Chicago is not a McDonald’s town anymore. It hasn’t been for a while since the golden arches moved their main account to Wieden + Kennedy, New York. But all of that has changed as there is a new King in town. Today, Restaurant Brands International named our friends at OKRP as its creative AOR for … Continue reading “OKRP becomes BKRP”
Ferrara has named OKRP as its advertising agency of record for its growing NERDS brand, following a review. The agency will handle advertising and activation initiatives for NERDS expanding portfolio. The brand has taken its nostalgic mini-candies and created new and popular varieties as Gummy Clusters, Ropes and its latest Candy Corn just in time for the Halloween season. “OKRP … Continue reading “NERDS flock to OKRP”
Vinyl, a Songtradr company that provides direct access to creative talent, commercial music licensing, pre-cleared music, sonic branding, and custom composition, announced today the commercial license of “Time for Me to Fly” by REO Speedwagon for the new Illinois Office of Tourism ad spot. The ad titled “Time for Me to Fly” encourages families to … Continue reading “Vinyl & OKRP launch Illinois Office of Tourism campaign”
Cars.com, a leading digital automotive marketplace and solutions provider, announced the launch of its new nationwide brand campaign from O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul, “It’s Matchical.” The new integrated initiative, “It’s Matchical” is an evolution of the successful themes of Cars.com’s 2018 “We Met on Cars.com” brand campaign. In a series of video ads, car buyers wonder at the out-worldly way … Continue reading “OKRP launches ‘It’s Matchical’ campaign for Cars.com”
OKRP is hosting a virtual Spring Forward Happy Hour on Friday March 12th beginning at 4pm EST on DJ Trauma’s Twitch channel. The idea is part of a formal initiative by the agency to change Daylight Savings time into a Friday celebration, giving everyone the opportunity to lose an hour of work instead of an … Continue reading “Join the Spring Forward Happy Hour hosted by OKRP”
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”
Despite the CBS All-Access crashing right at kick off. Despite a somewhat lame, yet spectacle-laden Half-Time Show thanks to “Should have been nominated for a Grammy” The Weeknd. Despite atrocious ref calling. Super Bowl LV was a historic telecast as we saw the oldest NFL coach Bruce Arians, 68, and the oldest QB Tom Brady, … Continue reading “OKRP Creatives weigh in on Super Bowl ads”
O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul is adding a level to its creative leadership with the promotion of Aubrey Walker to the new role of Executive Creative Director. He assumes leadership of the agency’s creative department from Laura Fegley who left the agency this summer. Walker has led the agency’s recent work for The Illinois Lottery, including … Continue reading “OKRP promotes Aubrey Walker to Exec Creative Director”
A new campaign for the Illinois Lottery from its agency O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul (OKRP) stars a charming – but somewhat flawed – hamster who playfully demonstrates the real joy in gifting the Lottery’s holiday instant tickets. When not in his cage, Claude the Hamster exercises his love of scratching, leaving his scratch marks on all surfaces … Continue reading “OKRP ‘Brings Back Joy’ in new Illinois Lottery campaign”
The Illinois Lottery is extending its highly successful ‘You Can’t Hide Winning’, integrated marketing campaign from agency O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul to add additional support for the introduction of new instant tickets for the summer of 2020. The advertising first started in July and helped to support Instant Ticket sales growth of 10% in the following … Continue reading “OKRP Lottery campaign shows “You Can’t Hide Winning””
Governor JB Pritzker and OKRP launched a new $5 million awareness campaign today to encourage Illinois residents to wear a face covering every time they’re in public — because it only works if you wear it. Following the data-driven approach that has guided Illinois’ coronavirus response, the campaign uses local information to advertise on broadcast … Continue reading “Gov Pritzker and OKRP launch $5 M awareness campaign”
A new spot from the Illinois Lottery pays tribute to the winning spirit of the people of the State of Illinois, through the story of a family and how they face the trials of everyday life when the mother in the family cannot go home. The spot was created by the Lottery’s creative agency, O’Keefe Reinhard & … Continue reading “OKRP’s Illinois Lottery spot goes beyond monetary prizes”
Governor JB Pritzker launched a new statewide effort today called ‘All in Illinois’ to reinforce the state’s core message, backed by scientists and public health experts: stay at home and stay safe. As Illinoisans continue to practice social distancing to stay healthy, the campaign is a way to unite residents across the state and remind … Continue reading “Jane Lynch, Jason Beghe “in” Illinois PSAs from OKRP”
Veteran agency copywriter and creative leader Aubrey Walker is joining O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul as a Group Creative Director. Walker has previously worked at such agencies as Leo Burnett, Carol H. Williams, Matlock, Burrell, The TRUE Agency, Globalhue, commonground, GMR, MKTG and FCBX before starting his own independent freelance consultancy. Walker’s initial focus includes leading … Continue reading “OKRP hires Aubrey Walker as Group Creative Director”
O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul celebrates the experience of dining at Chili’s in a new spot titled, Go Out to ‘Ita. Packed with family, friends, and food, it is the multi-sensory heart of a new campaign showcasing menu items ending in ‘ita,’ such as the margarita and fajita. The ITA! campaign includes the new spot as … Continue reading “OKRP creates new ‘ITA!’ campaign for Chili’s”
Chicago agency O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul has officially launched #312Soul, a four-week, four-part multimedia online showcase promoting Chicago’s Black Music History from 1955 through 1990. Featuring original video essays, interviews, playlists, artifacts and more, #312Soul will continue throughout February to celebrate Black History Month and also reinforce 2020 as the Year of Chicago Music. ALSO … Continue reading “OKRP launches #312Soul for Black History Month”
Chicago hot shop, O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul is adding a new level to its creative leadership with the hire of Laura Fegley in the role of Chief Creative Officer. The move comes following seven years of exponential growth at OKRP and the desire by agency founders to bring in a creative leader with big brand … Continue reading “OKRP appoints Laura Fegley CCO”
OKRP, O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul, has been named by Naperville-based, power tool and equipment company tech-driven Chervon as its creative agency of record for North America following a review. The account was most recently at Chicago-based Escape Pod. The independent, creatively-driven agency will initially focus on creating advertising for Chervon’s award-winning EGO brand, the #1 … Continue reading “Chervon names OKRP Agency of Record”
Director Brett Froomer highlights people, food, and simplicity in new campaign featuring at-home settings A new campaign for the meal kit brand Home Chef, created by Chicago agency O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul and directed by French Butter’s Brett Froomer, shows everyday people tackling the task of making delicious, great-looking meals at home in a way … Continue reading “French Butter shoots Home Chef for OKRP”
New campaign inspires memes while celebrating lively experience and promoting one-tap delivery convenience Chicago’s O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul (OKRP) joined a partnership of agencies to give deeper meaning to the popular catchphrase, “Hi, Welcome to Chili’s.” The result is a fully integrated campaign that demonstrates how every home can become a Chili’s restaurant. Highlighting a … Continue reading “OKRP helps Chili’s deliver the fun and the grub”
Fast-growing independent agency O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul also adds new finance head Fast-growing independent creative agency O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul has elevated four senior employees to new expanded roles as it deepens the ranks of its leadership. Rahul Roy will take on the new role of Chief Operating Officer at OKRP where he will have … Continue reading “OKRP promotes four staff in Chicago”
Chicago agency profiles three young female soccer-playing role models in exciting new social campaign Three High School female Chicago Soccer phenoms share their journeys of persevering and playing the game they love in a series of digital films created by O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul in support of Nike Chicago. The Chicago women were identified to … Continue reading “OKRP brings Nike’s ‘Dream Crazy’ to Chicago”
A new spot reinforces campaign to differentiate the store’s national footprint Just as Amazon’s Prime Day launches, Ace Hardware is amping up its support for its recently announced e-commerce delivery service in a new advertising campaign from O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul appearing on national television, online video, dynamic digital and paid social. A new :15 … Continue reading “OKRP helps Ace tout in-store pickup & delivery”
The state’s new agency of record tempts visitors with the allure of ‘fascinating possibilities’ Chicago-based O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul captured the wonder and awe of traveling in a new campaign for the Illinois Office of Tourism. Enhancing the state’s long-time Are you Up for Amazing? concept with a focus on ‘Amazing,’ the multi-channel campaign opens … Continue reading “OKRP puts Illinois ‘Up For Amazing’ in new campaign”
The growing, independent Chicago agency plans to “expand the Illinois brand around the world” One of the fastest growing agencies in Chicago just grew a little more. In an effort to increase Illinois’ $4 billion travel and tourism industry, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has named O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul AOR. This … Continue reading “OKRP lands Illinois Tourism account”
After completing thousands of TV, radio, and social projects, since launching three years ago, the operation moves into a home of its own Independent marketing agency O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul is expanding its Whiskey & Banana’s production company, moving the growing unit to its own floor, one flight below the agency’s headquarters’ office at 328 … Continue reading “OKRP expands Whiskey & Banana Studio”
The former We Are Unlimited duo that flipped McDonald’s arches upside down will handle Chili’s and other accounts Fast-growing agency O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul is adding to its creative ranks with the hire of two new Associate Creative Directors, Sarah Uchison and Emily Walton, who are joining the agency as partners from We Are Unlimited. … Continue reading “Creative team Sarah Uchison, Emily Walton join OKRP”
New seven-week, multi-platform campaign showcases the emotion of turning Lottery tickets into holiday gifts (Chicago — Nov. 14, 2018) Illinois Lottery advertising agency O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul partnered with Camelot Illinois, the Lottery’s private management company, to create a holiday marketing campaign that focuses on the joy of thoughtful giving. The seven-week campaign brings to … Continue reading “OKRP helps Illinois Lotto go for the heart”
Humorous and informative spots celebrate everyday people who become “Heroes of the Kitchen” with help from the meal kit company (Chicago — 15 October 2018) O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul cooked up a new Home Chef advertising campaign that distinguishes the meal kit company as the solution for chefs of all cooking abilities. Profiling everyday people … Continue reading “OKRP launches new Home Chef campaign”
A bold and extensive new campaign takes on the big boxers and Amazon with broadcast, digital, and calls-to-action (Chicago — 24 September 2018) Ace Hardware is amplifying its presence while distinguishing itself from Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Amazon in a new advertising campaign from O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul. According to OKRP CEO Tom O’Keefe, the … Continue reading “OKRP helps Ace become “The Home Convenience Store””
Leslie David Baker plays a grumpy genie who sternly informs lotto players, “You can’t wish for multiple wishes” Leslie David Baker — who made fans of The Office laugh with his trolling of Michael Scott for eight seasons as Stanley Hudson — now has a new target for his grumpy, eye-rolling expressions: The Illinois Lottery. … Continue reading “‘Office’ star trolls in OKRP’s latest for IL Lottery”
Agency adds nine creatives across several clients and disciplines (Chicago — 20 July 2018) – OKRP is expanding its creative department with the addition of nine new employees including two Creative Directors, four ACD’s, a senior AD, a digital visual designer and a designer with individuals coming from such agencies as … Continue reading “OKRP welcomes new creative team”
O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul (OKRP) capitalized on the timeless hilarity of a football-to-the-groin in Who Wouldn’t, a Groupon commercial set to air during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LII next Sunday. Featuring Girls Trip star Tiffany Haddish, the 30-second spot reinforces Groupon’s commitment to neighborhood businesses by dealing a forceful pigskin rebuke to a … Continue reading “OKRP unveils Tiffany Haddish / Groupon Super Bowl spot”
Well, I guess it is November, so we have to talk Christmas campaigns. I wish I could get through Thanksgiving first because I’m serving a fried turkey again. If you haven’t tried it, do. Mmmm. Where was I? Oh, yes: Christmas campaigns. Since O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul does good work, let’s talk about the new … Continue reading “OKRP drops a joyful new campaign for Big Lots”
OKRP Juices up Lots of OKRP-in-Cincinnati Chicago news these days (70’s babies will understand what I did there). In addition to their great new Chili’s work, O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul has acquired Chicago-based, award-winning Juice Interactive, a digital marketing agency with a roster that includes MillerCoors and SAP Hybris. The move follows the boutique agency’s … Continue reading “OKRP, Robin Stevens, WGA-E, Ron Smith in the news”
Last July, we reported that Chicago agency O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul had won an assignment from Dallas-based Chili’s. Well, the agency, and the baby back ribs, are back with a twist. OKRP has updated the classic Chili’s jingle — “I want my baby back, baby back, baby back…” — to include menu items that made … Continue reading “OKRP serves up first new work for Chili’s”
Live from the Museum of Broadcast Communications it’s The SNL Experience!
According to The Chicago Tribune, a major, 500-artifact exhibit, chronicling the four-plus decades of NBC’s late-night topical humor sketch series, is coming to the Museum of Broadcast Communications in October.
The Museum’s founder, Bruce DuMont says the exhibit will change the dynamics of the museum. “It’s a grab for the gold ring. I think it’s going to dramatically change the museum for the better. We’re very excited about it. There’s going to be more attention, more traffic, more buzz about the things we do here.”
Beginning Oct. 21, the show is slated to run for 14 months at the North State Street museum that is celebrating its 35th anniversary but has struggled to draw visitors and get on sound financial footing.
And I thought I had seen the last of “tighty-whities” when Breaking Bad ended its run. Apparently not. And it’s a good thing.
Last month, OKRP walked away from Blake Shelton and launched a new “advisory” campaign for Gildan Underwear called, “Don’t wear your dad’s underwear.”
After expounding on all the great things that dads have done for us, the campaign quickly encourages us to emulate them…
Except for wearing their underwear.
The month of March came in like a lion for agency O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul (OKRP) with the launch of its massive broadcast / digital campaign for client Ace Hardware.
Oakbrook-based retailer Ace Hardware moved its advertising business closer to home by naming Chicago’s O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul its lead creative
CALLING THEMSELVES “SCRAPPY UPSTARTS” the boutique agency O’Keefe, Reinhard & Paul (OKRP) okrp.com – celebrating its first anniversary in March — landed the Big Lots! account which bills a big $50 million, following a review.
The Columbus, Ohio-based company is a closeout retailer with 1,525 stories in 48 states. The agency’s first work for its new client will launch in early February.
This Father’s Day, Dads everywhere will slip their feet into their trusty grilling shoes, yet they are often old, dingy, and smelly. Ace Hardware is bringing a fresh twist to dad’s dependable accessory with their own grilling shoe, revealed today with the announcement of the #AceIsTheFathersDayPlace Social Media Sweepstakes. Beginning June 8, Ace Hardware is asking … Continue reading “Ace Hardware celebrates Father’s Day by creating Dad’s grilling shoes”
The first Orkin campaign from AOR DDB Chicago is hilarious. The theme — The Best in Pests. When you have pests, call in a pro… the right pro. DDB Chicago uses humor to show the difference between a ‘pro’ and an Orkin Pro by bringing in professional Tennis pro Rianna Valdes to swat mosquitoes, Fishing … Continue reading “DDB Chicago releases hilarious first spots for Orkin”
Jane Lynch accepted a new challenge by jumping into the directors chair and joining a growing list of talented actresses who appear in front of, and behind the camera. What better place to hone her skills than her hometown Chicago where she not only directed the spots for the new Illinois Tourism campaign for STORY … Continue reading “INTERVIEW: Chicago’s own Jane Lynch at home in the directors chair”
Actress, producer and writer, Jane Lynch, can add “Director” to her impressive list of titles. She recently directed a series of commercials for the Illinois Tourism Middle of Everything campaign and was the primary actor. Produced for the Illinois Department of Tourism via OKRP ad agency, the comedic vignettes are part of the Middle of … Continue reading “Jane Lynch directs Illinois Tourism campaign through STORY”
Chicago-based 1o8, the evolved performance marketing agency, attracts top creative talent Jen Bills in the new role of Executive Vice President / Executive Creative Director. Bills comes directly from O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul (OKRP) where she was Group Creative Director. 1o8 is a minority owned agency founded by Aalap Shah in 2018. Shah is mindfully building … Continue reading “1o8 adds top creative talent Jen Bills as EVP/ECD”
OKRP is expanding its strategy department with the addition of agency veteran Kevin Lilly who is joining the agency in the new role as Head of Strategy. He will report to Nate Swift, Chief Strategy Officer at the agency. Lilly was most recently EVP, Strategy Director at Leo Burnett, where he spent the past 10 … Continue reading “Kevin Lilly joins ORKP as Head of Strategy”
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”
Ace Hardware is lighting up its annual Thanksgrilling trend as the company’s recent survey this Fall season reveals over three-fourths of Americans are either hosting or attending a Thanksgiving gathering this year. As less people (17 percent) plan to quarantine this holiday versus last year (40 percent), Ace is helping customers to think outside the … Continue reading “Ace Hardware lights up for its annual Thanksgrilling trend”
In case you didn’t know, there’s a Pepperoni Pizza War heating up and Marco’s Pizza, the fifth largest delivery pizza company in the country, is leveraging 920 – national Pepperoni Pizza Day to ignite a 920 movement that celebrates pepperoni pizza every day. The movement is a subtle nod to the popular 420 cannabis magic … Continue reading “Marco’s Pizza declares National Pepperoni Pizza Day”
Governor Pritzker announced a new $10 million grants program aimed at revitalizing the hard-hit tourism industry by bringing back new and returning tourism attractions and festivals to our state. The Tourism Attractions and Festivals Grant program is made possible with support of federal dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and is part of … Continue reading “Pritzker announces $10M Tourism Attractions and Festivals Grant program”
Experiences marketplace Groupon announced that it has selected Interpublic Group’s FCB as its global creative partner to help evolve its consumer and merchant brand perceptions. The account leaves incumbent TBWA/Chiat/Day New York after awarding the account last year from OKRP. Following the company’s recent progress in expanding the types of inventory it offers from local … Continue reading “Groupon taps FCB as global creative partner”
Laughlin Constable announced that it has been awarded a Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Bronze Anvil Award, a prestigious national award for the PR industry that recognizes outstanding achievements in public relations. The agency, along with client Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), was awarded the recognition for its public awareness and education work with the world … Continue reading “Laughlin Constable wins prestigious PRSA award”
Fellowes, a leader in commercial-grade air purification, has launched a new advertising campaign from O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul that informs the public of its smart technology solution for achieving clean air in shared work and public spaces. The campaign is being introduced as companies and employees prepare for the shift from ‘work from home’ to … Continue reading “Fellowes celebrates the return to ‘Work from Work’”
Chan C. Smith, a Chicago native who’s taken her skill as a storyteller to such genres as publishing, media and documentary film, is set to make her mark on the advertising scene by signing with Tessa Films. This is the director’s first representation agreement for advertising and branded content. Her signing was announced by Tessa … Continue reading “Chan C. Smith brings her storytelling skills to Tessa Films”
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”
Bicoastal production company ArtClass has partnered with SG+Partners for Midwest representation. ArtClass joins a collective of production, post, and VFX talent represented by SG+Partners, led by Sarah Gitersonke, who launched the agency in 2017 after working in the Chicago production scene as a producer and executive producer for more than a decade. “ArtClass is unlike any other company in … Continue reading “ArtClass partners with SG+Partners as Midwest rep”
Havas Chicago announces the appointment of two key executives to round out a dynamic and diverse leadership team with proven abilities to drive the agency’s future growth and success. Lilia Arroyo Flores joins Havas Chicago as chief strategy officer and Maisha Pearson joins as chief client officer. “At Havas Chicago, we’re focused on operating as … Continue reading “Havas Chicago bolsters Executive Leadership team”
This year, goodies won’t just be found tucked under the tree. McDonald’s is tapping its elves to offer delicious daily in-app deals that feature the festive favorites of classic holiday characters—including the McFlurry that Frosty the Snowman just melts over and the syrupy Hotcakes for which Buddy the Elf goes gaga. Starting Dec. 14, each day, McDonald’s will feature a different … Continue reading “Holiday Cheer arrives with McDonald’s festive favorites”
Legacy: Horns to House is the story of a Chicago cultural evolution told through the eyes of a person who grew up during it. Fortunately for viewers, the eyes happen to belong to Vince Lawrence, the son of a Windy City record label owner who teamed up with his buddy Jesse Saunders to record “On … Continue reading “Lawrence talks legends in Legacy: From Horns to House”
The Chicago Urban League in partnership with the City of Chicago and Chicago agency O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul, joined together to announce the launch of Black Shop Friday, a new program encouraging Chicagoans to shop at Black-owned businesses on the day after Thanksgiving, November 27th – widely known as “Black Friday.” A new website BlackShopFriday.com … Continue reading “Chicago turns Black Friday into Black Shop Friday”
With a new wave of COVID-19 sweeping the nation and concerning trends here in Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker launched a new awareness campaign. ‘Healthy Holidays to You’ created by O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul encourages residents to take safety precautions throughout the upcoming holiday season to protect themselves and their families — and ultimately save lives. The Illinois … Continue reading “Gov. Pritzker Launches ‘Healthy Holidays to You’”
As the new dentsumcgarrybowen Brita spot Stepping Up relays, every day we have a choice, to keep our old habits or start new ones. The commercial was directed by Arts & Sciences Sean Meehan and edited by Cut+Run’s Steve Gandolfi for agency McGarryBowen. This is brilliantly illustrated by a young girl who forges a new … Continue reading “New Brita spot from dentsumcgarrybowen and cut+run”
O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul and Chili’s invented a ding-dong ditch with benefits and we love it. With the insight that everyone needs a little extra care right now, OKRP is working with Chili’s to inspire others to #MargBomb friends, family and neighbors. Not only is Chili’s urging others to secretly drop off some Chili’s to … Continue reading “Ding-dong ditch your neighbor with Chili’s Margs-to-go”
Editor’s Note: To remind people to check in on friends and family during social distancing and self-quarantining, Budweiser re-visited its iconic 20-year-old ‘Wassup’ campaign. Using the original cast with re-recorded audio, the spot successfully led viewers to believe that the original cast was hollering at each other during quarantine. Taking the concept two steps further, … Continue reading “Watch the original Wassup! audition video”
Since the organization first got its start, Girls in the Game has been helping girls find their voice, discover their strength and achieve the confidence needed to be the game-changers they were born to be. Dedicated to the whole girl, Girls in the Game programs encourage physical and emotional health to promote active minds, bodies and … Continue reading “‘POW!’ Girls in the Game take over Wintrust Building”
UN Women USA Chicago Chapter presents their latest campaign BEHIND THE MASK, which shows the horrible reality millions of women face during lockdown. The rising toll on violence against women and girls during the recent COVID-19 pandemic is alarming. Globally, 243 million women and girls aged 15-49 have been subjected to sexual and/or physical violence … Continue reading “Behind the Mask campaign, staying at home isn’t safe”
Editor’s Note: The world changed right before our very eyes. We now work, live, exercise and entertain ourselves in our homes. This is the new normal. In this new on-going series, we check in on ad agencies, production companies, post-houses, and anyone else who wants to talk about their personal experiences during this coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. STORY … Continue reading “New Normal: staying at home with STORY”
Chicago’s Mayor Lori Lightfoot is educating the City of Chicago on how she’s staying home and saving lives through baking, decorating, playing music and sipping tea. Through a series of PSAs the Mayor promotes home activities and social distancing as cities across the country move to bend the curve of the pandemic. To produce these … Continue reading “Mayor puts foot down in witty new PSAs from Havas”
As COVID-19 continues to spread through communities, health care workers struggle to provide resources from their patients and themselves. In addition to last week’s announcement of a 10,000-bed commitment to the state of New York, Serta Simmons Bedding in collaboration with ICF Leo Burnett, has launched, “Stay Home, Send Beds.” The Institute for Health Metrics … Continue reading “Serta, Leo Burnett and ICF want you to “stay home, send beds””
Editor’s Note: The world changed right before our very eyes. In a span of three weeks, movie theaters closed. Restaurants went to delivery or take-out only. Non-essential businesses shut down. States ordered individuals to stay home. Unemployment has skyrocketed. Wall Street is shook. Disneyland and Disneyworld closed indefinitely. We now work, live, exercise and entertain … Continue reading “The New Normal – Sarofsky Studios”
When you’re always the last stop on the AICP NEXT Awards Show tour year after year, you know you have to come hard. There’s a reason (actually multiple) why the chatter among producers, creatives and reps, around the country, is that Chicago is their favorite AICP city stop. The city’s advertising peeps from agencies to … Continue reading “Protokulture rocks 2019 AICP sponsorship video”
Northbrook-based, IRH Capital has been developing financing programs for Great Clips franchisees for nearly twenty years and has financed thousands of the Minneapolis-based company’s salons. Now IRH has been awarded the ‘2019 Vendor of the Year’ by Great Clips. Gretchen Blake, Vice President of Business Development, received the award on behalf of IRH Capital. Blake … Continue reading “IRH Capital awarded 2019 Great Clips “Vendor of Year””
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”
OKRP’s creative phenom talks about family, work, evolving attitudes towards women, and tropical drinks Emily Walton is an Associate Creative Director (Art Director) at O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul where she helps lead the Chili’s business. Having visited over 40 countries, Emily looks to her experiences abroad to inspire her work, which has also made its … Continue reading “Reel Women: Emily Walton, advertising pro”
The creative star from OKRP talks about life, career, and the “uniquely powerful feeling of woman-ness” Sarah Uchison is an Associate Creative Director at O’Keefe, Reinhard & Paul in Chicago. Since graduating from DePaul with a BA in Advertising, she’s made a name for herself at shops like Upshot, Leo Burnett and We Are Unlimited, … Continue reading “Reel Women: Sarah Uchison, advertising pro”
Chicago excels at beer, insurance, sea creatures, pickup trucks, romance, and sweet-smelling toilet bowls Outside the realm of direct advertising, the technique for measuring the success of a commercial can be somewhat fuzzy. Using a digital yardstick that combines Google analytics, social media engagement, and our thumbs-up button, we’ve determined the most widely acclaimed spots … Continue reading “The year’s biggest posts about commercials”
Three new spots feature real families, real couples, and real friends doing exactly what the card rewards: having fun and making memories I feel like Doc Brown just threw me into his DeLorean and took me back in time. My time. DDB Chicago, never afraid to go old school in their music choices, takes viewers … Continue reading “Capital One and DDB want you to go out and cash in”
A summertime collection of spots and trailers that recently caught staff writer Colin Costello’s eye. There is a thrilling amount of commercial and film production coming out of Chicago, even with summer Fridays. Here’s a look at some of the work that tickled our fancy this week. Watch, get inspired and go catch a … Continue reading “Work that caught our eye week of 7/9”
Explore Media has covered a lot of terrain over the past fifteen years. Besides completing hundreds of jobs in locations throughout the United States from its original office in South Bend, the production and post company expanded to Chicago last month. Along the way, it has added a sizable number of awards to its trophy … Continue reading “Explore Media’s new frontier”
(Chicago — 4 May 2018) Chili’s Grill & Bar, a leading casual dining restaurant brand owned by Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE:EAT), has named O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul its agency of record. The move follows the success of recent marketing initiatives launched by Chili’s and solidifies their relationship with OKRP, which started on a project basis … Continue reading “Chili’s names O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul Agency of Record”
Deahl brings 15 years of experience producing commercials to leadership role as company expands Chicago offices Explore Media, a full-service HD video production company focused on creating commercials and digital content, is thrilled to announce that Seth Deahl has been named Executive Producer. Deahl brings over 14 years of successful experience producing acclaimed commercial productions … Continue reading “Explore Media names Seth Deahl Executive Producer”
Burrell among Chicago shops on Ad Age’s annual A-list While some were out shopping for mattresses or watching Marvel’s Black Panther for a third time on President’s Day, Ad Age dropped its annual “A-List” issue of the best agencies, and some Chicago shops made the list. We’re not surprised. We’ve been covering them all year. … Continue reading ““A-List” Burrell, Russell Stover, Zapwater, box office”
Motion PR & AgencyMSI merge to form Motion Move over new agency Merge, there is another merger happening between two agencies. Yesterday, Chicago-based public relations and digital firm Motion PR announced its merger with AgencyMSI, the 57-year-old, integrated communications agency. Effective immediately, the two companies come together as Motion. According to the landing page on … Continue reading “Motion, MSI, SCC, Bennett Jr., Haddish, Incredibles 2”
In keeping with the attitude that made her a favorite among Super Bowl viewers, Girls Trip star Tiffany Haddish combines firm advice with genuine enthusiasm in a new Groupon Valentine’s Day spot by Chicago-based O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul (OKRP). Titled, Date Night, the commercial features the sassy spokesperson iterating a list of romantic gift ideas … Continue reading “Haddish to Groupon users: “Let’s get weird” for V-Day”
In 2017, we launched Reel Ad of the Week (RAW), a regular feature that showcases the commercials coming out of the Midwest and, perhaps more importantly, celebrates the people who get it done. When Reel Chicago expanded to cover agencies in LA, so did the content of RAW. In no particular order, here are a … Continue reading “Best of “Reel Ad of the Week””
Reel Chicago wishes all of our readers Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas, Joyful Kwanzaa, and an awesome belated Solstice. But we’re not the only ones. Windy City ad, film, music, and production companies have been spreading the warmth for weeks. Below is a selection of customized wishes. UPSHOT AGENCY TESSA FILMS … Continue reading “Seasons greetings from the industry”
Two new indecently hilarious spots hit the marketplace this week. The first is from O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul, an agency doing the kind of work that made me want to get into advertising when I was a young lad. Created for Groupon and called, “Oh S#&%, I didn’t get a present for everybody,” the campaign … Continue reading “New holiday spots that are funny as #&%!”
O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul (OKRP) will be firing up the grill for some “bar-bee-q” as they were just awarded a new assignment from Chili’s.
Owned by Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE:EAT), the restaurant made the announcement after conducting a review that was run by Dallas-based consultant Mzyme Marketing.
The agency shift coincides with the arrival of new Chili’s EVP/Chief Marketing & Innovation Officer Steve Provost.
The classic Neapolitan favorite, “Funiculi, Funicula” is not what you’d expect to hear on a holiday campaign, but it’s remarkably effective as the musical sound track for Chicago-based Groupon’s first holiday campaign via agency O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul (OKRP).
The idea for using the rollicking song came from agency CCO Matt Reinhard, the campaign’s creative leader. (The song was written in 1880 to commemorate the opening of the first funicular — cable railroad — on Mt. Vesuvius).
SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH and it kicked off with Schafer Condon Carter (SCC), The Ad Council and FEMA’s Ready Campaign of PSAs and online videos that help families to be prepared before emergencies like earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes occur.
This is the second year SCC has been involved with the Ready Campaign, advancing its 2015-produced 30-second “Don’t Wait Communicate” spot from traditional media to social media outlets.
“We did ourselves proud last night,” says Tom Duff, AICE Chicago chapter president, “not only in award-winning but in putting on a great show” – the 15th annual AICE Awards at Navy Pier with an audience of 500.
Chicago had had three top winners out of the Awards’ 33 categories.
Best of Chicago was awarded to Beast’s Angelo Valencia for DigitasLBi spot for Whirlpool.
The Colonie won twice: Brian Sepanik for GrubHub / Tandem, Inc., in the Dialog / Monolog / spoken Word category and Keith Kristinat for 71 Degrees North / Chevy Trucks in the Spec Spot category.
THE TOP 2016 REGGIE AWARD, the Super REGGIE, selected from among 70 agency and brand winners for the best in marketing, went to FCB Chicago for its Valspar Paint’s “Color for the Colorblind” campaign, at April 20 ceremonies at the Westin Hotel attended by more than 300 guests.
Local agencies scoring 10 top prizes among 23 categories were Starcom MediaVest, four: two Golds and a Silver for REI and a Silver for Delta Faucet.
Arc Worldwide, three: A Bronze for P&G’s Always Discreet campaign, a Silver for Alcon and a Bronze for 3M.
Legendary longtime Avenue Edit talent Terry Kaney will be inducted into the AICE Hall of Fame at the AICE Awards May 12, in the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier where 81 editors will be honored in 27 categories.
While the number of women directors of major studio films has dropped to all-time low of 4.6% in 2014, it’s encouraging that various studies show that larger numbers of female directors of indie cinema are holding their own.
New agency with the old school “Mad Men” name of O’Keefe, Reinhard & Paul, whose doors opened in January but only recently announced their presence within Chicago’s booming agency industry, will start revealing their clients in 10 days, according to founder/president Nick Paul.
