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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
Award-winning post-production studio The Colonie has hired Zach Day as Producer/New Business. Day brings more than fifteen years of ad agency experience, most recently as a Senior Producer at Leo Burnett. In his new role, Day will focus on developing business and forging agency alliances beyond the studio’s base in Chicago. The Colonie Partner/Editor Bob … Continue reading “The Colonie welcomes Zach Day as Producer/New Business”
Before the official AICP winners were even announced, The Colonie won a major honor. For the first time in its history, the Chicago based post-production company was selected to create the Sponsor Reel for the National AICP awards show. The Colonie’s reel played across all three AICP shows during their virtual premieres; the AICP Show, … Continue reading “The Colonie ‘Sponsor Reel’ is a hit across all three AICP award shows”
In an industry dominated by men behind the camera, female colorist and editor Jennifer Gaida is a rarity. Gaida is currently a colorist at Chicago-based, The Colonie, a full-service post-production facility specializing in creative editorial, motion graphics, color grading, VFX and finishing. Founded in Chicago in October of 2008, the post-house was established to create … Continue reading “Coloring the world with The Colonie’s Jennifer Gaida”
Burrell Communications recently returned to The Colonie, tapping the talents of editor Graham Chapman and the Chicago-based company’s design team for the multi-platform launch of ‘Black Experience on Xfinity’ (BEOX). The package of broadcast and social media spots introduces a first-of-its-kind collection of movies, TV shows news, and more celebrating Black culture. The campaign departs … Continue reading “Burrell taps The Colonie for ‘Black Experience on Xfinity’”
Editor’s Note: In 2020, the world changed right before our very eyes. Ad agencies, production companies and post houses were forced to adapt and begin a “new normal” working, living, exercising and entertaining out of home. Now that we have just entered 2021, we asked around our industry friends to reflect back on the year and … Continue reading “2020 in Review: Mary Caddy of The Colonie”
The Colonie editor Nathan Rodgers recently cut famed Chicago rapper Vic Mensa’s hard-hitting short film, Machiavelli directed by Andre Muir. The project features three of the artist’s music videos, each with sharply contrasting styles and tempos while sharing an intrinsic theme. The editor wove together footage from the title music video, Machiavelli, SC Freestyle, and Rebirth, with … Continue reading “The Colonie editor Rodgers cuts rapper Vic Mensa’s film”
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. The … Continue reading “New Normal: multitasking at The Colonie”
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. Mary graduated from The School of The Art Institute … Continue reading “REEL WOMEN: Mary Caddy Partner at The Colonie”
Two Dum Micks — an offbeat comedic short film, written, directed, and produced by D.B. Sweeney and edited by Keith Kristinat at The Colonie – is sweeping the festival circuit with over two dozen first-place awards to date. The story follows Mikey and Mick, played by Sean Astin and Sweeney, a pair of down-and-out guys … Continue reading “The Colonie’s Keith Kristinat edits ‘Two Dum Micks’”
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”
The Chicago shop’s Social Media Division takes silvers for ‘Use of the Vertical Format’ and ‘Creative Editing’ The Colonie’s work on the Porsche vertical advertising campaign, Curves, was recognized by this year’s Telly Awards with silver wins in the Social Media category for ‘Use of the Vertical Format’ as well as ‘Editing.’ The Chicago-based editorial … Continue reading “The Colonie wins a pair of Tellys for Porsche campaign”
Former UNLTD. creative brings agency chops to expanding and “formidable” department offerings The Colonie has added Motion Designer and 3D Artist Ashley Lee to its full-service editorial and postproduction staff. Before becoming a part of The Colonie’s expanding Motion Design Department, Lee spent two years animating and crafting content for a variety of online platforms … Continue reading “The Colonie hires artist/designer Ashley Lee”
Chicago shop makes the cut with a Porsche spot and a Taylor Bennett music video The Colonie is on the AICP Post Awards’ Shortlist with two of the company’s projects receiving nominations for exceptional work. Editor and Social Media Director Jimmy Helm and Creative Director Jennifer Moody received a nomination in the New Media: Vertical … Continue reading “The Colonie scores a pair of nods on AICP Shortlist”
Priscilla Perez, Lexi Midkiff, and Lindsey Fisher help meet demand at the growing editorial and post company Postproduction boutique The Colonie has announced the addition of assistant editors Priscilla Perez, Lexi Midkiff and assistant editor / assistant motion graphic designer Lindsey Fisher to its full-service editorial staff. Along with the expansion of its editing staff, … Continue reading “The Colonie adds three assistant editors”
Editor Tom Pastorelle cut a trio of Advocate Aurora Health spots created by MERGE and set to the theme song from The Partridge Family The Colonie editor Tom Pastorelle recently partnered with MERGE on a broadcast and web campaign for Advocate Aurora Health, one of the largest not-for-profit integrated health systems in the country. The … Continue reading “The Colonie gets happy with Advocate campaign”
Talented “game-changer” has spent the past five years growing within the Chicago company’s ranks The Colonie has announced that Graham Chapman has been promoted to editor, continuing the Chicago-based postproduction company’s long tradition of nurturing extraordinary young talent and developing its next generation of editors from within. Chapman joined The Colonie in 2013 as an … Continue reading “Graham Chapman promoted to Editor at The Colonie”
The editor bringing his range of skillsets to every phase of the Chicago rapper’s music video The Colonie’s Nathan Rodgers recently helped set the pace for Chicago rapper Towkio’s music video, “Symphony,” a new single dropped from the artist’s debut album, WWW. The production gave the editor an opportunity to bring a broad … Continue reading “The Colonie’s Nathan Rodgers cuts Towkio’s “Symphony””
The Colonie has promoted and hired several employees to accommodate a surge in broadcast and social media work that began in 2017, according to a press release issued today. “There’s been an increase in commercial and social media projects, as well as integrated broadcast and online campaigns,” explains Mary Caddy, Executive Producer and Partner. “The … Continue reading “Yearlong spike in business fuels expansion at The Colonie”
For VSA Partners’ client, Blue Point Brewing Company of Patchogue, N.Y., The Colonie’s Bob Ackerman and his team edited a comedic 1:30 media spot — “Patchogue’s Got It All” — an offbeat approach to introduce the premium craft beer.
THE COLONIE won’t be exhibiting the work of new artists on its walls, as it usually does for its parties. The big attraction at its Thursday, April 24 event will be showing off 1,500-sq. ft. of expanded space, down the hall from its large editorial studio on Fairbanks Court.
Keith Kristinat joined The Colonie Monday as its sixth editor, after five-and-a-half months at the late Red Car Chicago, bringing strong agency relationships and a reel that includes Nintendo, Kellogg’s, Allstate and American Family Insurance.
The Colonie co-founder Bob Ackerman says that increasing business necessitated another editor and they were especially pleased to add Kristinat.
Boutique editorial and post studio The Colonie has been growing its graphics capabilities in response for increasing requests from agency clients for design work.
To that end, it hired senior motion graphic designer Jennifer Moody, who most recently was a senior designer at now-defunct Foundation Chicago.
THE COLONIE’S partner/editor Bob Ackerman edited a Draftfcb/San Francisco Levi’s clever Dockers’ spot, “Phone Booth” for release in cinemas throughout Europe and directed by Caviar Content’s Bram Coppens of Belgium.
THE COLONIE’S BOB ACKERMAN edited a Joe Pytka-directed 11 spot mixed media package of Hallmark spots, with a sound track backed by the Grammy winner John Mayer’s song, “Say,” for Leo Burnett.
In the package were 15-second value spots, two 30s, a long-format, 1:45 spot for the Hallmark Hall of Fame, and spots comprised of the 15s for the web.
“The nice thing about Hallmark is that, contrary to trends, they still concentrate on storytelling to elevate their brand,” says Ackerman, who has edited Hallmark commercials for the past seven years.
Although it isn’t officially open for business, commercial work has been pouring into The Colonie, the new editing house formed by three Avenue Edit veterans in mid-October.
The Grand Opening party will rock in January, when staffing and facility is completed, said editor Brian Sepanik, equal partner with executive producer Mary Caddy and editor Bob Ackerman.
The Colonie’s staff of 10 occupies 4,000-sq. ft. of newly modeled space “that we are 100% happy with,” noted Sepanik.
The Marketing Arm called on The Colonie’s remote-savvy team to provide editing, color grading, and creative services for a recent State Farm spot with a message of encouragement and support for those financially impacted by COVID-19. The two Chicago-based companies collaborated remotely on the :30 spot. Titled New Norm, the broadcast commercial features live-action footage … Continue reading “Colonie’s remote capabilities tapped for State Farm”
“Eerie explosive work” and “lovely animated sequences” reinforce the competition’s unique creative tradition AICP’s annual Camp Kuleshov trailer competition announced the 2018 winners for its Chicago component during an event at Rock Bottom Brewery on Tuesday night. Named in honor of legendary Russian editor Lev Vladimirovich Kuleshov, Camp Kuleshov celebrates “storytelling through movie trailers, … Continue reading “Whitehouse, Cutters, Colonie entrants win Kuleshov”
The exploits of the fun-loving fictional ‘Powell Family’ are featured in the engaging social media + broadcast campaign Burrell’s new multi-platform social media and broadcast campaign for Toyota centers around the fun-loving fictional Powell Family and ‘slice of life’ moments that inspire spontaneous family adventures enjoyed in the comfort of their 2018 Toyota Highlander. … Continue reading “Burrell, Colonie team up for new Toyota campaign”
BURRELL COMMUNICATIONS teamed with The Colonie and editor Bob Ackerman for its new 30-second commercial, “I Do,” that introduces the 2017 Toyota Corolla, produced by LA-based The Cavalry Productions in LA.
“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.
“In Bed With” is a new web performance-music series developed by two Leo Burnett creatives and edited by The Colonie, featuring singer/songwriters, artists and groups that plays on Vimeo and other internet sites (see below.)
The “Bed” in the provocative title isn’t what you might think. It refers to the open bed of an old 1973 Ford pickup truck that serves as the “stage” for the artists’ performances.
Competing against some of the best editorial/post talent in the US and Canada, Chicago companies made a stellar showing in the list of finalists for the AICE Awards May 12 at Navy Pier.
Optimus, Cutters, The Colonie, Beast and Particle/Comma have a combined total of 13 nominations out of 84 craft categories, and the Best of Chicago.
Two spots directed by Joe Pytka for ConAgra Foods, the massive Illinois food conglomerate, that aired on an NBC Special March 26 were edited and finished by The Colonie’s Bob Ackerman four days after receiving the dailies, dailies, for an important show that came up quickly.
The commercials were an integral part of the March 26 half-hour NBC Special with Al Roker on child hunger in America, co-sponsored by the Feeding America Foundation and Child Hunger and Fear.
Quriosity Productions expands its footprint in Los Angeles while simultaneously staffing up in its hometown of Chicago. Founder and EP, Qadree Holmes announced the new hires and promotions, by naming veteran producer Mark Conley as West Coast EP and Chicago agency vet Margie Ayala as Senior Producer. In addition to Conley and Ayala’s joining, Quriosity … Continue reading “Quriosity Productions expands with talent, staff and sales additions”
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”
The 2021 AICP Next and Post Awards debuted virtually this week in New York during AICP week, recognizing creative excellence in new and emerging media. Chicago post-houses and agencies did take home wins during the ceremonies. Utopic The post-house had a big win last night at the AICP Post Awards. Craig Lewandowski was honored with a win … Continue reading “AICP: Utopic, DDB, Cutters, Highdive rep Chicago in Next and Post Awards”
The Chicago Advertising Federation (CAF) announced the winners of the local 2021 American Advertising Awards (AAA). One of the industry’s largest creative competitions, AAA rewards the spirit of creative excellence in advertising, seeing tens of thousands of submissions from both professional organizations and students each year. CAF gold and silver winners were advanced to the District 6 … Continue reading “CAF’s 2021 American Advertising Award Winners”
Walgreens announces the “This Is Our Shot” campaign with John Legend to remind Americans that the vaccine is the nation’s opportunity to help bring an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. Legend shares Walgreens commitment to ensuring vaccine equity to help address hesitancy for individuals still uncertain about whether the vaccine is right for them. The … Continue reading “Walgreens teams with John Legend on vaccine promotion”
In early 2020, the independent creative agency, KSV asked Tandem, Inc. and commercial director Tyler Jay to produce, through finish three :30 live action spots. “This production was a long time coming,” said Tyler Jay. Two days before filming back in March, COVID shut it down, on the day of the pre-pro meeting. Then, mid-August … Continue reading “Tandem’s Tyler Jay films three spots for KSV”
We’ve all seen great composition, lighting and a story from a variety of directors, but there’s one in Chicago who stands out. Jeremy Pinckert, founding member of Explore Production Company, is an award-winning director of commercials and branded content. Time and time again, Jeremy has proven that he has the eye-catching vision for monumental shots … Continue reading “Emmy Award winning director Jeremy Pinckert”
There is now a total of 16,422 positive coronavirus COVID-19 cases in Illinois with 528 deaths. Even with the sobering numbers on the rise, that has not stopped Chicago-based production and post-houses from creating inspiring work for the community. Yesterday, we reported on a new video Utopic created for KOVAL Distillery. Today, we add Tandem … Continue reading “Tandem creates inspiring video for Chicagoans”
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. Emily joined Optimus in 2018 from Beast where she … Continue reading “REEL WOMEN: Emily Hayes, Editor at Optimus”
Over the past week it’s safe to say that the Illinois film community is doing their best to ensure that their employees are safe during this unfortunate time. In light of worldwide health concerns about the impact from the COVID-19 virus, many have postponed production until further notice. Starting Monday, Cinespace will close the secondary … Continue reading “At Cinespace and beyond. Who’s working today.”
Reel Chicago supports all efforts of those who are working, boots on the ground, to service their clients during these most difficult times. Below is a list of AICP Midwest members who are open for business, supplied by Lisa Massuer, AICP Midwest President. FROM AICP MIDWEST Collectively, the National AICP community has been working to … Continue reading “AICP Midwest lists all who are open for business”
Leading production and post house Optimus today announced that it has promoted both Emily Hayes and Ben Winter to Editor. The two have proven themselves with their unique creative voices and stellar work. Hayes has cut spots for brands including Bank of America, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Campbell’s, Securian and Whirlpool. Winter has worked with … Continue reading “Optimus promotes Emily Hayes, Ben Winter to editor”
Phil Lee, director and editor at Spin Artist, joins the 2020 edition of Reel Chicago Black List, an annual celebration of African-American creativity published during Black History Month. The Reel Chicago Black List includes ‘The Chi’ cast member LaDonna Tittle, house music pioneer Vince Lawrence, and filmmaker Rhyan LaMarr. To view the archives, click here. … Continue reading “Reel Black List: Phil Lee, editor, director, Spin Artist”
The City of Chicago reigned supreme in 2019. Advertising agencies blended social justice with clever branding. Content creators reinforced Chicago’s reputation for inclusivity. Film studios entertained the nation while helping the local neighborhoods. And a handful of friends said goodbye. Below is a list of Reel Chicago’s top articles for 2019, separated by category and … Continue reading “The biggest stories of 2019”
Optimus’ Kathryn Schade, Cutters’ Magdalena Hernandez, Another Country’s Logan Vines take first places in Graphics, Editorial, and Sound Design Camp Kuleshov, AICP’s annual trailer competition for assistants and junior-level employees at member companies, challenges entrants with re-imagining or reworking films by creating new trailers that cast the movie in a different genre than originally released. … Continue reading “2019 Camp Kuleshov Winners”
Chicago-based film director to pitch Plop Star, “the holy grail of toilet deodorizers” on Sunday, October 20 After sacrificing countless off-work hours transforming a product idea into a marketable reality, Tandem founder Tyler Jay will present the fruits of his labor to American television audiences. On the October 20 episode of ABC’s Shark Tank he … Continue reading “Tandem founder Tyler Jay to appear on ‘Shark Tank’”
AICP’s trailer contest for assistants releases list of source films for Editing, Graphic Design, and Sound Design, sets Labor Day deadline Camp Kuleshov, AICP’s annual trailer competition for assistants, has issued its 2019 Call for Entries. Named for the Russian film theorist Lev Kuleshov, Camp Kuleshov is open to assistants, junior creatives, admin and … Continue reading “Camp Kuleshov issues 2019 call for entries”
Final Cut Editor Jim Helton wins Best in Show Company 3 Colorist Tom Poole takes two, Bob Carr joins Hall of Fame Editor Jim Helton of Final Cut won the Best in Show at Thursday night’s AICP Post Awards gala held in the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier in Chicago. Helton took the honor for … Continue reading “Winners of the 2019 AICP Post Awards”
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”
A busy slate of events will culminate in the AICP Post Awards next month AICP’s Midwest Chapter is about to kick off a series of events for the local ad and production community that will provide opportunities for professional development, learning and networking. The slate is the product of planning and strategizing by the chapter’s … Continue reading “AICP Midwest Chapter sets active agenda for spring”
Female football scholarship winner Antoinette “Toni” Harris redefines what it means to be a hybrid in new RAV4 spot Toyota returns to the 2019 Super Bowl with a spotlight on two game-changers – the all-new 2019 RAV4 HV (RAV4 Hybrid) and powerhouse female football player Antoinette “Toni” Harris. The Super Bowl spot, which will appear … Continue reading “Toyota changes the game in Super Bowl LIII commercial”
The number of big stories from 2018 is far too great to fit into one article, thankfully. But we’ve tried. Using a combination of Google analytics, social media engagement, and our own thumbs-up button, Reel Chicago has compiled a list of the most widely read stories from the last twelve months. To get a taste … Continue reading “A look back at the stories that defined 2018”
Director Tyler Jay goes all out in a big way to help launch a new product that fights toilet odor Director Tyler Jay and his team at Tandem, Inc. wrote an exceptional script for a comedic testimonial video starring the founder of Plop Star, a new product that kills toilet odor. Plop Star works to … Continue reading “Tandem creates unforgettable spot for Plop Star debut”
The challenging trailer contest for assistants casts a wider net, with entries now accepted from production as well as post studios. (New York — 30 July 2018) Camp Kuleshov, the annual trailer competition named for the Russian film theorist Lev Kuleshov, has issued its 2018 Call for Entries. This year, the competition is open … Continue reading “2018 Camp Kuleshov Trailer Competition opens”
Billy Sheahan, one of the most cherished and talented members of the Chicago film and arts community, has passed away. A Chicago area native and Purdue graduate, Sheahan entered the city’s post-production industry as an editor at Swell in 1989. Almost immediately, he established a reputation for creativity and kindness that would grow throughout his … Continue reading “In memory of Billy Sheahan”
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”
Today, I was telling a friend that I really want to be a better parent to my daughters, Chloe and Max. Around this time of year, I feel that I somewhat abandoned them when I got divorced and moved to LA. I wonder, how I can help them reach their potential as strong, courageous women? … Continue reading “Kraft & Leo B want you to #FamilyGreatly”
Chicago-based production company Tessa Films offers something for everyone in a season greeting that premiered yesterday on YouTube. Titled, A Holiday Wish, the cozy and humorous minute-long film shows how social media can disrupt even the warmest of family gatherings. Flawless visuals and smart camera work establish a mood that is not only believable but … Continue reading “Tessa Films’ cozy and familiar “Holiday Wish””
Explore Media highlighted the boost that recreational vehicles give to tailgate parties in a new spot for GoRVing.com, an online resource for travel ideas, news and RV dealer information. The 30-second Home Field Advantage combines rapid-fire shots of food, friends and fun with smart footage of an extra large ride to showcase the great American … Continue reading “Explore Media produces latest Go RVing broadcast ad”
Mixing humor into a commercial while staying on message is a tricky proposition, but doing it while reminding viewers about oral hygiene sounds dang near impossible.
With smart direction, excellent casting and a brilliant script by Weber Shandwick, Chicago’s Tandem, Inc. pulled it off in a new spot for the American Academy of Periodontology.
On August 18, the Chicago Acting in Film Meetup will mark its 10th anniversary with a celebration and fundraiser in the restaurant and lounge connected to the historic Davis Theater, the Carbon Arc Bar & Board, from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Open to CAFM members as well as the production community and the general public, admission includes a drink ticket for the first hour followed by a cash bar for the remainder of the evening in the movie-themed Lincoln Square venue. The price is $25 now through August 11, $30 between August 12-17, and $35 at the door.
The new Netflix original series, Friends from College, from writer/director Nicholas Stoller (Neighbors, Forgetting Sarah Marshall) and spouse/co-writer Francesca Delbanco (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him to the Greek) finally debuted earlier this month.
Directed and executive produced by Stoller, the eight-episode show delves into interwoven and complicated relationships, including former romantic entanglements and comedic explorations of old bonds. As everyone tries to manage their lives as adults, they also experience nostalgia.
This is the final installment of a three-part series. To view part one, click here. For part two, here.
Leo Burnett executive producer Ron Nelken transformed advertsing concepts from Cook County Jail detainees into professional quality spec television commercials with the help of friends and associates in Chicago’s advertising and film industries.
This is the second installment of a three-part series. To view part one, click here.
Although “many moons” had passed since Leo Burnett executive producer Ron Nelken taught communication theory and broadcast production at the University of Illinois, his knack for mentorship was still strong when he volunteered to instruct an advertising class for detainees in the Cook County Jail last year.
First of a three-part series
In April, photographer Christopher Jacobs, producer Ron Nelken and editor Bob Ackerman helped to complete three commercials for the musical instrument manufacturer Latin Percussion. Although the ads are unlikely to appear on any network or website, they were celebrated by pretty much everyone who saw them.
That’s because they were created by men in the Cook County Jail.
BORDEN® CHEESE TARGETS BUSY MOMS in an integrated campaign — including Martha Stewart’s Facebook Live show, the first for a cheese brand — from VSA Partners for marketing collective Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), headquartered in Kansas City.
A wide swatch of Chicago post house assistant editors, graphic designers and audio mixers – 17 in all — were winners in the annual AICE international Camp Kuleshov trailer Competition among all AICE chapters.
Chicago chapter winners were announced Oct. 18 at the Fremont Chicago restaurant and nightclub in River North, attended by some 200 staffers of AICE Chicago’s 23 member companies. Aice. org
BLENDED AGENCY TRISECT a recently went through a rough patch that caused it to reduce staff by 25%, letting between 20 and 30 staffers go as a consequence of changes in the ConAgra account.
The agency explained in a statement that this was “a proactive step to ensure the agency is well aligned with rapidly shifting client needs and their demands for leaner, more nimble partners. Trisect is centered on its care growth drivers – digital marketing, social media and cross-channel content production.”
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.
Burrell Communications’ put the introduction of client Toyota’s 2016 RAV4 Hybrid car on a comedy track with a now airing
Cutters Studios’ up-and-coming assistants were the big winners in AICE Chicago’s 14th annual 2015 Camp Kuleshov Chicago trailer editing contest, going home with a total of five awards.
“Grace and Fortune,” a comedy short written by Lapiz SVP/ECD Fabio Seidl, is one of a dozen short films by some 30 filmmakers to screen at the Midwest Independent Film Festival’s annual Advertising Community Shorts program Tuesday, Oct. 6.
TYLER JAY’S TANDEM, INC. conceptualized and produced another in the series of Grub Hub spots, the latest a video called “Winner Picks Lunch,” now airing nationally on broadcast and playing on YouTube.
OGILVY IS THE NEW AGENCY for Chicago-headquartered Morton Salt, whose iconic logo and “Umbrella girl” mascot is in the process of being reintroduced to the world following a 2014 reworking of its logo and brand positioning.
CIFF’S INDUSTRY DAYS kick off Oct.
My Sister Fred, the virtual agency led by a pair of former conventional agency creatives, went global in creating the opening video and all the elements for the London Business School’s 2015 TEDx Conference
At Wednesday night’s 14th annual AICE Awards ceremonies in LA, Cutters and Optimus were voted the Best among US and Toronto editors and postproduction experts competing for the 32 winning slots.
In the course of making “Good Things” — a 60-second McDonald’s spot that celebrates African American culture and forms part of the restaurant’s social space 365Black.com — Burrell Communication
The five online spots that Tyler Jay’s Tandem, Inc. produced and directed for GrubHub and Seamless generated enough buzz to convince the meal ordering service to move one of them, “On Hold,” into broadcast rotation.
Producer Leigh Jones seamless transition from the world of indie films to the world of advertising is demonstrated in her BoomThrift company having completed projects for two major advertisers so far this year.
Breaking the week of March 3 is a digital / social media comedy campaign for Frito-Lay’s new Funyuns onion snacks that follows a Flintstones’ vitamin spot for Energy BBDO.
There’s a theatrical flair to Leo Burnett’s current YouTube and Vimeo campaign for client ComEd. Three videos were filmed on a theatre stage and the cast of 16 principals included a Shakespearean actor and Second City performers along with on-camera talent.
ONE AT OPTIMUS has boosted its directors’ roster to 11 with the addition of a trio of award-winning directors. They are LA-based Danny J. Boyle and Ben Chappell, both known to Chicago clients through past associations, and director/photographer Ben Fink of New York.
Optimus assistant editor Aaron Porzel won the Grand Prize for Editing at the 4th annual 2014 AICE Camp Kuleshov Chicago trailer editing contest. The presentation last Wednesday at The Attic @ American Junkie was attended by 150 guests.
The contest, exclusively for AICE members’ assistant editors, assistant audio engineers and assistant or junior designer employees, received 58 entries.
ADD “RESTAURATEUR” to the lengthy resume of Steve Platcow, CEO of RPM Advertising.
Havas Worldwide’s holiday spot for Reynolds Parchment Paper features a Sonixphere live orchestra and original score dramatizing the heroic stunts of “Pepper,” an animated parchment-constructed Spiderwoman, who acts quickly to avert a burned and
Whitehouse Post’s new editor, David Cea, will occupy a unique situation when he arrives here Oct. 1 to live and work in Chicago. He will stand alone as the first New York editor to put down roots here, from among the estimated 70 editors employed at Chicago AICE post companies.
More than 70 film teams participating in the upcoming Chicago 48 Hour Film Project, will meet and mingle with their competitors Tuesday, July 23 at the Rooftop on Joe’s Bar on Weed at 6 p.m. in advance of the sleepless, hectic Aug. 9-11 production weekend.
Chicago is one of 128 worldwide cities where some 60,000 people will collaborate on a short 4-7 minute film for the excitement of beating the clock, local bragging rights, prizes and a screening at Cannes.
ENTERTAINMENT FILMING has begun in earnest with action on features and TV series from now through October. Although teen sci-fi “Divergent” wraps July 17 after a large second unit shoot, The Wachowskis’ sci-fi epic “Jupiter Ascending” officially starts rolling July 13. It will film at Cinespace and on many locations around the city.
Out of the 59 entries from among some of the top post companies in the 12th annual International AICE Show, three editors from two post companies were selected as AICE finalists: Red Car’s Kevin O’Rourke, for Madison Museum of Contemporary Art spot and Utopic’s Ryan Gilbert and Joe Minich for NBC5’s “City,” both 60s.
DIRECTOR JOHN McNAUGHTON is back in the horror film business with The Harvest, “the first horror script I’ve been interested in in 25 years,” he says, adding, “it’s kind of cool to return to the genre.”
Jeremy Pinckert’s Explore Media of South Bend assembled a team with many Chicago players to produce the University of Notre Dame’s 30-second “institutional message” that airs during the college football game of the year.
The world will be watching ESPN Monday night when Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish face Alabama’s Crimson Tide in the BCS title game in Miami to decide the country’s number one college football team.
Lead agency Two by Four seven Platinum Sponsors and a small army of dedicated adfolk from 10 agencies who worked since last summer planning the 102nd annual holiday Off the Street Club luncheon, expect close to 750 guests Thursday, Dec. 6 at the Swissotel
Filmmaker Martin Rodahl of 71 Degrees North aced a double eagle with his first long-form project: an original mini-series for The Golf Channel, about three friends who drive the ashes of their late friend to the Arctic Circle for golf at midnight the summer solstice.
After nearly two years in the works, half-hour episodes of “The Longest Drive” air Tuesdays at 9:30 CT on The Golf Channel, through Nov. 20, with encores throughout the week.
IF THERE’S ONE THING directors Andy and Lana Wachowski are expert at it’s keeping a tight lid on news about their projects, never publicly speaking about them and thus allowing the rest of us to wallow in rumors and speculation.
Such is the situation with their upcoming Warner Bros. epic, “Jupiter Ascending,” the first time the siblings have written together and their first original sci-fi movie.
Filmmaker Martin Rodahl of 71 Degrees North productions and crew will shoot real people in four western states June 11-17. When completed, the 2-minute interviews that will run on client the Evangelical Lutheran Church’s Mission Investment Fund’s website.
FOR THE 5TH YEAR, the Illinois Film Office is sponsoring its annual Shortcuts Short Film Contest that is open to Illinoisans 18 years old and older. Basic requirements: All genres welcome (narrative, doc, live or animated) and no film longer than 15 minutes. Industry experts will serve as judges. Deadline is Aug. 31.
SHOWTIME WILL AIR John Davies and Reid Brody’s acclaimed feature-length doc “Phunny Business: A Black Comedy,” Feb. 23 at 8:30 p.m. in celebration of Black History Month. The airdate follows a number of festival appearances “where it got great reviews and played well with all audiences,” notes Brody, who heads Filmworkers Club.
Place your classifieds on the Reel: Job openings, jobs wanted, services offered, space for rent, equipment for sale, etc. $150 per month. Contact ruth@reelchicago.com. Phone, 312/274-9980.
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The affectionate trailer for “Shark Song,” a fictional feel-good story created by The Whitehouse’s assistant editor Caleb Hepler, was the grand prize winner at the 10th annual AICE trailer editing competition.
Nine winners were announced at a party and awards show at the Bottom Lounge’s Volcano Room Thursday, Nov. 10. Of these, five were assistant editors who won for Camp Kuleshov and four non-assistants, who work at AICE member companies and won for the Tent City division contest.
Of the nine winners, five were Optimus talents.
CRITICAL REVIEWS of the debut episode of the Chicago-set NBC series The Playboy Club were, to say the least, disappointing. It attracted a painfully low 1.6/4 rating in the 18-49 demographics, which translated to a 5 million viewers.
In Playboy Club’s defense, it was a tough night for series’ openers with heavy competition from other networks’ new series’ openers and popular established shows.
“SUPERMAN: MAN OF STEEL” lands in Chicago in early summer for a reported 12 weeks of prep and 12 weeks of filming. The Warner Bros. blockbuster-budgeted adventure/fantasy stars handsome, young Brit star Henry Cavill (“The Tudors”) as the Caped Crusader and feisty Amy Adams (“The Fighter”) as smart, tough, warm ambitious and adoring Lois Lane.
ANOTHER TV SERIES is set in Chicago but, like Shameless, The Good Wife and Mike and Molly, is not being filmed in Chicago. The location is Toronto, which all too often substitutes for our town.
The family/cop drama, a genre beloved by TV networks and cable, follows policewoman Abby Kowalski (Rachael Carpani) who causes a rift with her three cop brothers when she decides to join the department’s Internal Affairs. It also stars Treat Williams and Kathy Baker. Universal Cable Productions is producing.
PILOT UPDATES. Networks this week began screening and evaluating 68 pilots that were shot during the first quarter for possible prime-time fall series slots. Here’s the reaction to four of the six that were filmed in Chicago, according to Deadline/Hollywood:
“Ride-Along:” Shawn Ryan’s cop drama is a contender.
“Pleading Guilty:” Not getting a lot of buzz on this legal drama starring Jason Isaacs, but some say it’s heating up.
Global Video’s Liz Sweeney has traded her general manager’s position for president of the 12-year digital services and replicating company, having purchased it from founder and former owner George Marton.
The new company has opened in more spacious offices at 1700 W. Hubbard St., vacating the 230 E. Ohio space where Marton had started the original duplicating company in 1998.
Marton, who had left Global about a year ago to run a large local machinery company, had thought about closing the company. Instead, he offered it for sale to seven-year employee Sweeney.
Outsider Inc., which let its staff go and moved out of its big Streeterville loft space, moved last week into what executive producer Michael Rafayko said was going to be “new and smaller space off Michigan Avenue.”
That space, however, is an executive suite on Michigan Avenue — 980 N. Michigan — where director/editor Michael LaBellarte and staff of three have set up shop.
The company is no longer Outsider, however. The company at that address, according to its website, is Altar Films, LLC.
MALACHI LEOPOLD IS BOUND FOR THE SUDAN, thanks to a $10,000 grant he received in order to make the expenses of the trip. He departs April 5 for a full month of shooting a documentary centered on one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, who returns to his native village after a 22 year separation from his parents.
Leopold received the $10,000 check April 1 from the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees based in Geneva, Switzerland.
He will be accompanied by DP Ian Issitt and two New York producers.
IFP’S 2009 PRODUCERS SERIES April 4-6 and April 18-29 at Columbia College focuses on documentaries. Toplining the series is a Kartemquin trio of creative director Gordon Quinn, producer director Steve James (“Hoop Dreams”) and editor/director of post Leslie Simmer.
DRAFTFCB ADDED TWO TOP CREATIVES, industry veterans Doug Behm and Jon Flannery as SVP/CDs to work on the agency’s KFC account.
Since 2001, Behm was SVP/group creative director at Element79, on brands including Gatorade, Propel and Tropicana. Earlier he was a CD at FCB on Coors Light, Kraft BBQ sauce and Handi-Snacks, among others.
Flannery was most recently SVP/group CD at Leo Burnett and held the same position earlier at Element79, working on Gatorade, Propel Fitness Water, Quaker and others.
One-stop cross-media production company Sarofsky is adding Tom Pastorelle to its full-time staff as Senior Editor. The news was announced by company Principal and Executive Creative Director Erin Sarofsky, and Executive Producer Steven Anderson. “We are so thrilled to be adding Tom to our team,” Erin began. “He has edited a lot of amazing projects over the … Continue reading “Tom Pastorelle joins Sarofsky as Senior Editor”
Oprah Winfrey and Lionsgate Join Forces With Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and The New York Times to Adapt the Acclaimed 1619 Project Into a Portfolio of Films, Television Programming & Other Content Across All Studio Platforms Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and The New York Times have chosen global content leader Lionsgate to be the home for … Continue reading “Oprah Winfrey, Lionsgate, NY Times adapt 1619 Project”
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”
The Colonie’s partner Bob Ackerman is the storytelling editor behind Kay Jewelers spot for Stern Advertising that’s been mindful of the moments that make Mother’s Day special.
SARAH PALIN SHOWS GOOD TASTE in her choice of movie faves.
COLONIE, A NEW EDITING BOUTIQUE, has been formed by four former Avenue Edit veterans: Producer Mary Rieger and editors Brian Stepanic, Bob Ackerman and Joe Clear, all highly favorites for big national spots.
It’s located in what had been Outsider’s original space at 610 N. Fairbanks.
Other former long-time Avenue staffers opened their own companies this year.
