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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
Sarofsky’s dazzling 3D glass house main titles for the HBO Max limited series The Staircase are so captivating that it will make you hit rewind to take another look. Inspired by a true story, the eight-episode Max Original limited series The Staircase, debuted Thursday, May 5 on HBO Max. The Staircase explores the life of … Continue reading “Sarofsky creates dazzling 3D glass-house main titles for The Staircase”
The founders of coworking space WeWork, Adam Neumann and Miguel McKelvey, believed they were on the brink of making history. The company was valued at $47 billion dollars, ready for a huge IPO, and charismatic (some would say “over the top”) CEO (cult leader?) Neumann believed he was going to change the world. So, what happened … Continue reading “Erin Sarofsky takes us behind the scenes of WeCrashed’s opening titles”
Continuing its growth, one-stop cross-media production company Sarofsky has added Managing Director duties for longstanding Executive Producer Steven Anderson. As announced by company Principal and Executive Creative Director Erin Sarofsky, the company is also adding Designer/ Animators Tyler Scheitlin and Mollie Davis, Junior Designer/ Animator Lirio Ramirez, and Production Coordinator Annie Lynch to its full-time staff. According … Continue reading “Sarofsky promotes Anderson, adds design, animation and production staff”
In the opening titles of James Gunn’s new The Suicide Squad spinoff Peacemaker which debuted on HBO Max last month, John Cena’s character performs a show-stopping dance number with his co-stars, colorfully setting the stage for the epic and the unexpected. The title sequence, another creation by the creatives and producers from one-stop cross-media production … Continue reading “Sarofsky’s main titles for Peacemaker go viral on Facebook”
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”
The Suicide Squad, consider to be the best DC Universe film of all time, is the third James Gunn superhero action adventure for the creatives and producers from one-stop cross-media production company Sarofsky, following Guardians of the Galaxy and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Once again, the assignment presented atypical challenges for Sarofsky’s expertise in typography, … Continue reading “Behind the Scenes of The Suicide Squad with Erin Sarofsky”
Design visionaries Erin Sarofsky and Austin Shaw are launching Between the Keyframes vidcast covering the craft and culture of motion design, and it will be hosted by these two formidable experts in the motion design industry. Austin literally wrote the book on motion design (“Design for Motion: Fundamentals and Techniques of Motion Design,” Routledge, 2nd … Continue reading “Between the Keyframes with Erin Sarofsky & Austin Shaw”
The partners behind A Mystery to Me, an original documentary series created to raise awareness of the rare neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis (MG), are extremely proud to have earned this year’s Brand Film Award for their project, in the sixth annual program’s Unbranded Healthcare category. Presented to global immunology company argenx along with Sarofsky Pictures, Kartemquin Films, Museum + … Continue reading “Sarofsky & partners win Brand Film Award on doc series”
A new festive campaign featuring the refreshed visual identity of Bud Light Chelada from global, award-winning and integrated marketing communications company Foote, Cone & Belding (FCB) has recently debuted across all media. The campaign’s vibrant, masterfully executed “Cheliamos” (:30) and “Ingredient Explosion” (:15) spots were produced in Chicago by one-stop cross-media production company Sarofsky. To … Continue reading “FCB invites Sarofsky to get creative for Bud Light Chelada”
As creators of premium storytelling content for brands and for the entertainment industry, Owner and Executive Creative Director Erin Sarofsky and her fellow makers at one-stop cross-media production company Sarofsky are extremely proud to announce the company’s rebrand, as brought to life in its redesigned and reimagined website: sarofsky.com. The rebrand was led by Erin, along … Continue reading “Sarofsky dives deep to celebrate its craft”
The filmmakers behind A Mystery to Me, a new documentary series that aims to raise awareness of the rare neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis (MG), give details on their innovative production approach behind the heartfelt project. Following last month’s debut as part of the Chicago International Film Festival, on Nov. 17, the series will premiere on MG-United.com, … Continue reading “Sarofsky talks details on doc series, ‘A Mystery to Me’”
Chicago’s Sarofsky Pictures new documentary series, A Mystery to Me, aims to raise awareness of the rare neuromuscular disease Myasthenia Gravis (MG). The first episode is scheduled to premiere at the 2020 Chicago International Film Festival. Produced by Chicago’s Sarofsky Pictures and Director Ben Strang (“BEAST”), in association with Kartemquin Films (“Minding the Gap”) and Museum + … Continue reading “Sarofsky debuts ‘A Mystery to Me’ original doc series”
Continuing its growth and its investments into excellence, design-driven production company Sarofsky is proud to announce the return of Cory Davis to its full-time staff. According to company Principal and Executive Creative Director Erin Sarofsky and Executive Producer Steven Anderson, Cory’s new title is VFX and Finishing Supervisor. Most recently 2D Lead Artist at The … Continue reading “Davis returns to Sarofsky as VFX/Finishing Supervisor”
Sarofsky, with a reputation for breakthrough design, adds Creative Director Stefan Draht to its full-time staff. Continuing its growth and its investments into excellence, design-driven production company Sarofsky is adding Creative Director Stefan Draht to its full-time staff. The news was announced by company Principal and Executive Creative Director Erin Sarofsky, and Executive Producer Steven Anderson. “Adding another creative … Continue reading “Sarofsky adds Creative Director Stefan Draht”
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”
Please tell me this isn’t just for kids. Zevia, a leading zero sugar, zero calorie beverage company, recently kicked off the integrated spot-market campaign heralding the release of its new product line, Zevia Kidz. The ‘It’s Everything You Wished For’ campaign was conceived and brought to life by full-service marketing agency Haberman, through digital video, digital banners and … Continue reading “Zevia Partners with Haberman & Sarofsky for Zevia Kidz”
Gator-who? Power-what? I did not know this. Apparently for the last 50 years, Pedialyte, from Abbott Park, IL-based Abbott, has served as the go-to rehydration solution for athletes. A huge Pedialyte fan, Cleveland Browns wide receiver, Odell Beckham Jr. has teamed up with the over-the-counter brand to tell the story of its unprecedented rehydration results. … Continue reading “Burnett, Sarofsky kick off new Pedialyte campaign”
Chicago-based, design-driven production shop expands with California based, award-winning creator of “Beast” Continuing its growth and its investments into excellence, design-driven production company Sarofsky is adding Ben Strang to its directorial roster. The news was announced by company Principal and Executive Creative Director Erin Sarofsky, and Executive Producer Steven Anderson. Based in Santa Monica, Ben … Continue reading “Sarofsky adds SXSW winner Ben Strang to roster”
Senior 3D Designer/Animator brings huge creative and technical expertise to Chicago-based design-driven shop Continuing its growth and its investments into excellence, design-driven production company Sarofsky is adding Senior 3D Designer/Animator Jake Allen to its full-time staff. The news was announced by company Principal and Executive Creative Director Erin Sarofsky, and Creative Lead Duarte Elvas. Jake … Continue reading “Jake Allen expands design horizon at Sarofsky”
Design driven production company adds a versatile duo that wields cutting-edge platform and major brand experience Continuing its growth and its investments into excellence, design-driven production company Sarofsky is adding the dynamic directing team The Barkers to its roster. The news was announced by company Principal and Executive Creative Director Erin Sarofsky, and Executive Producer … Continue reading “Sarofsky expands roster by adding The Barkers”
“The goals are to immerse students … teach invaluable working knowledge … and help produce a portfolio-worthy project.” Erin Sarofsky (Chicago — 14 November 2018) Erin Sarofsky and her colleagues at the Chicago-based design-driven production company Sarofsky have just announced the launch of Sarofsky Labs: A Weekend Workshop Series. The series’ first monthly installment … Continue reading “Announcing Sarofsky Labs: A Weekend Workshop Series”
A monumental surprise will greet “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” fans when the show’s new main title sequence begins to roll. (Chicago / New York 13 — September 2018) Chicago creative entrepreneur Erin Sarofsky and the team at her eponymous production company designed and directed the new 20-second introduction for Full Frontal with Samantha Bee. … Continue reading “Sarofsky creates titles for ‘Full Frontal w/Samantha Bee’”
Erin Sarofsky established her company, Sarofsky Corp., in January of 2009 in Chicago’s booming West Loop neighborhood. Sarofsky Corp. specializes in design-driven production, working with a broad range of clients in the advertising, broadcast, network, film and entertainment industries. Erin and her team of talented artists and producers are best known for creating gorgeous, innovative … Continue reading “Reel Women: Erin Sarofsky, ECD / entrepreneur”
Apple made the wise move of enlisting Chicago’s Erin Sarofsky and her team at Sarofsky, Inc. to showcase the capabilities of the new iMac Pro’s hardware and compatible software. “It was a thrill to get a call out of the blue from Apple to essentially be a spokesperson for the iMac Pro, and the brand,” … Continue reading “Sarofsky makes iPopping film for iMac Pro”
Design-driven creative production company Sarofsky (Guardians of the Galaxy 2, Captain America: Civil War, The After Party) was commissioned by Ogilvy Chicago and investment management company, CFA Institute to create an ambitious series of :15-second animated digital videos that broke on the brand’s YouTube Channel and in various other broadcast and online placements worldwide. On … Continue reading “CFA campaign by Ogilvy and Sarofsky goes global”
When Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television* creator Rawson Marshall Thurber (director of Central Intelligence, We’re The Millers, and Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story) and his team set out to find the perfect company to create their new YouTube Red show’s main titles, design-driven production company Sarofsky made their short list. Well known for its … Continue reading “YouTube Red enlists Sarofsky for series intro”
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.
Since early May, the Marvel Studios’ blockbuster Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 has taken movie theaters by storm.
With the return of Peter Quill, Rocket, Baby Groot, Gamora, Drax the Destroyer and friends to the big screen thanks to screenwriter, director and producer James Gunn, fans of great design worldwide have seized the opportunities to see the talents of Sarofsky — the Chicago-based, design driven production company — shine.
TWO FREELANCE VFX DESIGNERS were hired by design-driven company Sarofsky: Visual effects and finishing artist Cory Davis and designer Dan Tiffany, Erin Sarofsky and EP Steven Anderson announced.
For the past two years, Davis has been an integral contributor to Sarofsky’s title sequences for a number of Marvel Studios, from “Ant-Man” to its latest work for the $130 million, just-released “Doctor Strange,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch.
Chicago-based Sarofsky created, designed and produced the opening title sequence for Marvel Studio’s latest hit movie, “Doctor Strange,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch in the eponymous superhero role and released Saturday in the US in 3D and IMAX 3D.
The latest film title work of design-driven production company Sarofsky Corp. can be seen in the staccato 60-second main titles of the new family crime TV series, “Animal Kingdom,” that premiered on TNT June 14.
An animated 60-second video for Mike’s Hard Lemonade, a flavored malt beverage, was created by Sarofsky Corp. for Tris3ct’s client Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co. and launched on YouTube and Vimeo as a precursor to its summer campaign.
Erin Sarofsky’s five-year old design, concept and production company — the only one in Chicago that Hollywood calls on to create titles for blockbuster movies — is aiming for more business closer to home, namely commercials.
Last Friday, studio owner/executive creative director Erin Sarofsky of eponymous Sarofsky held a party to celebrate the theatrical release of Disney/Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” for which her company, the underdog from Chicago, won the job of creating the titles. She and her 70 guests then went to see the movie in 3D at the ICON Theatre.
The 1o8 I Got Love inaugural statewide advertising campaign for Illinois Cares for Kids is an artistic collaboration. The spot showcases vibrant Illinois talent in a charming animated video which introduces a fresh, modern rendition of the Nat King Cole classic song, I Got Love. 1o8, the Chicago commerce-driven creative agency, tapped the talents of Illinois … Continue reading “I Got Love campaign for Illinois Cares for Kids does everything right”
Netflix releases an epic five-part series narrated by President Barack Obama that invites viewers to celebrate and discover the power of our planet’s greatest national parks and wild spaces. From the executive producer of Blue Planet II comes OUR GREAT NATIONAL PARKS, a breathtaking five-part series executive produced and narrated by President Barack Obama – who protected … Continue reading “Netflix releases Our Great National Parks limited series with Barack Obama”
Banner expands roster and capabilities with additions to production and post production teams. The crew at Chicago-based digital content studio, Banner is growing with the additions of Luke Pollard a Senior Artist, Mo’Tastem Awad an award winning Filmmaker and Director of Photography, Chris Scudder an Editor, and Justine Burchall a Cinematographer and Editor. Luke Pollard … Continue reading “Banner expands their roster and capabilities with new hires”
Independent, full-service agency Two by Four is continuing to assemble a powerhouse leadership team in their Chicago office. The agency announced today that Korie Brown has been named to the new position of Group Media Director, reporting to Jessica Romaniuk who was named President of the Chicago office in October. The new position is indicative of Two … Continue reading “Two by Four names Korie Brown to position of Group Media Director “
Longtime Director/Producer team Vance Malone and John Marx have made it official, partnering to launch their own boutique production company, Blue Label Productions. Malone, an award-winning director of commercials, content and short films, is renowned for a body of work with evocative performances and stylish visuals, while Marx enjoys a reputation as one of the industry’s … Continue reading “Vance Malone and John Marx launch Blue Label Productions”
Creative agency Roger has signed with SG+Partners for Midwest commercial representation. Roger joins a collective of premier production, post, and VFX talent represented by SG+Partners, led by Sarah Gitersonke. “Combining top-tier talent, animation, live-action, and editorial, Roger is a fully integrated powerhouse that’s been on fire lately with their latest for Disney+, HBO, and General Mills,” says Gitersonke, who … Continue reading “Roger joins forces with SG+Partners for midwest representation”
Anyone with a cell phone, WiFi, and the desire to communicate can achieve the astronomical. Drawing on his success as a freelance communications consultant, author Roger Darnell has written a new book for professionals and students who want to improve their prospects in business. Published by Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group, The Communications Consultant’s Foundation prepares … Continue reading “New book by PR guru, Roger Darnell helps build your dream career”
As the world reemerges, people can begin to connect again, but for those who are immunocompromised, social distancing and separation extend past the pandemic. As a technology company — and a human company — Cox Communications aims to be a part of the solution to safely help families that are unable to reunite in person. … Continue reading “Cox & FCB bring families together with The Hug Project”
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”
In CHICAGO, Abelson Taylor, one of the world’s premier health and wellness advertising agencies, has promoted Erica Rivera from senior director to vice president of engagement strategy. She will oversee multichannel marketing strategy for all agency clients, supporting their success by helping create the most relevant and quantifiable experiences for their target audiences. She will … Continue reading “Abelson Taylor promotes Erica Rivera to VP”
Barbizon Lighting has compiled a resource list of discounted or free educational opportunities and tools for our industry. If you are aware of one not listed below send an email to Tobin Neis tneis@barbizon.com with the item and a link and we can get it added! The lights will come up again; in theatres, on film sets, museums, … Continue reading “Barbizon shares list of support resources for the industry”
The Canopy at Chicago’s iconic upscale retail destination 900 North Michigan Shops was unveiled in late 2017 as a key part of a major reimagining of the 465,000 square foot shopping center. The unique media-architecture installation, consisting of ten LED digital skylights spanning 190 linear feet, delivers unexpected, compelling artistic video to shoppers on all … Continue reading “Leviathan creates dynamic artistry for Canopy at 900 N”
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. Anne … Continue reading “When Dressed for Success means pajamas”
‘Just Mercy,’ ‘And Then We Danced,’ ‘Ready for War’ take top honors at 55th Chicago International Film Festival The Chicago International Film Festival today announced the winners of the Festival Audience Awards, presented by Xfinity. Voted by Festival-goers, the Audience Award for Best Feature goes to Just Mercy by director Destin Daniel Cretton. The … Continue reading “ChiFilmFest announces 2019 audience winners”
Aemilia Scott, Holli McGinley film follows a single mother living on the edge of Chicago’s Humboldt Park The 55th Chicago International Film Festival has announced the winner of The Pitch at the 5th edition of Industry Days: Three Hours, directed by Aemilia Scott and produced by Holli McGinley. The film follows a single mother living … Continue reading “‘Three Hours’ wins ChiFilmFest’s $20K Pitch”
Five film projects to compete for $20,000 awards package of in-kind goods and services The 55th Chicago International Film Festival announced a slate of five narrative feature film projects in active development that will be pitched in front of a live audience and a panel of distinguished industry judges during the Festival’s Industry Days … Continue reading “ChiFilmFest announces slate for “The Pitch””
Key hires and promotions reinforce new Chicago studio and seamless continental workflow Visual effects and design studio Carbon is proud to announce the promotion of Phil Linturn to Managing Director of Carbon North America and Gretchen Praeger to Executive Producer of the Chicago office. Additionally, the company is excited to announce new hires including Jeff … Continue reading “Carbon strengthens roster across the USA”
Master Classes with Oscar and Sundance winners are just a few of the events scheduled for October 17-20 program The 55th Chicago International Film Festival announced today the program for Industry Days (October 17-20, 2019) with an impressive list of guest speakers to inspire and illuminate the film and entertainment community. A … Continue reading “ChiFilmFest unveils Industry Days agenda”
“Knives Out” starring Daniel Craig among first round of films announced for 55th run, October 16-27 Mimi Plauché, Artistic Director of the Chicago International Film Festival, today announced titles selected for the Galas and Special Presentations programs for the 55th edition of the Festival. Offering movie lovers a first look at the year’s most highly … Continue reading “ChiFilmFest unveils Gala & Special Presentations programs”
The NFL season is upon us and so are campaigns featuring NFL stars. Leo Burnett has teamed with Optimus to create Campbell’s Chunky soup’s gridiron effort, called “Champions of Chunky.” The official soup sponsor of the NFL’s spot, directed by Caviar’s Jonathan Krisel, features Dallas Cowboy QB Dak Prescott and New York Giants RB Saquon … Continue reading “NFL’s Prescott, Barkley are “Champions of Chunky””
Football is back, thank god. As a Bears’ fan, I’m not thrilled that the Cheeseheads beat the them 10 – 3 last night during the NFL opener. But at least one Chicago team won last night and that would be DDB Chicago with their goofy new State Farm work that features rival QB’s Aaron Rodgers … Continue reading “Rodgers, Mahomes talk agents in new State Farm work”
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”
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”
The Chicago-based, specialized creative agency adds staff in creative, account, production and development disciplines (Chicago — 5 November 2018) The principals of specialized creative agency Leviathan are very proud to announce several key new hires and promotions expanding their creative, account management, production and digital development strengths. The full-time staff additions include ACD Branded … Continue reading “Leviathan announces massive staff expansion”
Mobile technology’s impact on humanity comes to life in IBM Mobile’s thrilling interactive film, Outage created in partnership with Los Angeles-based Merman and directed by Brad Turner for Ogilvy New York. The director of Homeland, 24, and Designated Survivor, Turner applied his talent for high intensity narratives and passion for innovation in this one of … Continue reading “Merman’s Brad Turner helms IBM film ‘Outage’”
United Airlines’ new advertising campaign for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic team is a fantastic combination of marketing, production, and support. Superheroes, created by mcgarrybowen’s New York office, celebrates the efforts of six employees and six athletes who will help the U.S. travel to and compete in the 2018 Winter Games, beginning on February 9 … Continue reading “United debuts Olympic / Paralympic campaign”
Cutters Detroit promotes Grosjean Executive Producer Mary Connolly and Managing Director Kurt Kulas announced last week that Cutters Studios Detroit office has promoted Justin Grosjean to editor. Grosjean first joined the company four years ago as an intern. However, he was already in the global spotlight for creative production. In 2012, Justin and his twin … Continue reading “Cutters, The Mill, The After Party in the news”
CHRIS BOOTHE, CEO OF MEDIAVEST|SPARK is the 2016 recipient of the Chicago Advertising Federation’s (CAF) Silver Medal Award, which recognizes a distinguished member of the Chicago advertising community for their career contributions and accomplishments.
He will be feted at the Jan. 17 CAF dinner in his honor at the Radisson Blu hotel.
NORTHWESTERN MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE hired a new marketing officer: veteran Chicago adman Mark Modesto, who joined from his role as CEO of Ryan Partnership. He will oversee marketing relations for the hospital’s network of seven affiliated Chicago area hospitals.
“With Mark’s considerable experience,” said President / CEO Dean Harrison, “he will be able to elevate the Northwestern medical brand experience for the patients and communities we are privileged to serve.”
TOP ECHELON CHANGES in the leadership team at Leo Burnett’s Arc have put Chris Cancilla into the US CCO seat. Karuna Rawal was promoted to Arc US president and Chief Strategy Officer of Arc Worldwide, while Bob Raidt was upped from global president to global CEO.
Cancilla will oversee 150 employees in Arc’s US office and has the responsibility for driving the agency’s creative culture. He reports to Britt Nolan, Leo Burnett new US CCO.
IT’S A WELCOME HOMECOMING for the massive Clorox portfolio of brands, globally, which has moved back to FCB after a 20 year run with DDB, following an account review that began last December.
The account spent $269 million on measured media on its main brand in 2015.
The household product giant ended its 71-year relationship with FCB’s San Francisco office in 1996 when it consolidated its business at DDB. It was billing $71 million at that time.
A MCGARRYBOWEN CONTINGENT and Comma Music’s Managing Director Bonny Dolan are heading for SXSW for a Thursday, March 17 panel called “Inside Out: How Did This Song Get into That commercial.” Dolan shares the stage with the agency’s ECD Michael Straznickas, CD/writer Dave Reger, music producer Brandy Ricker and Steve Ross, director of content production.
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.
“Uncle John,” the debut indie feature from producer Erik Crary and director Steven Piet is on its way to select theatrical distribution by Film Buff, barely six months after it took SXSW by storm in March.
ACTOR DAVID DASTMALCHIAN, an e
STIR POST AUDIO crafted the signature sound for Energy BBDO’s new global 5 Gum campaign, “Life Happens in 5,” that targets Millennials and features them in each of five 15 and 20-second TV and web spots.
NEWS AT THE TOP. Creative veteran Nancy Hannon has returned to Leo Burnett as EVP/ECD to oversee creative for Kraft and Kellogg’s brands, making it a full circle back to the first agency where she worked for a decade.
Producer Erik Crary and director Steven Piet’s first feature will be among the 145 indie films from famous international directors, actors and first time filmmakers screening at ever-growing SXSW 2015 next month in Austin, Texas.
CHICAGO CAN BOAST PRODUCTION HERE of two top-rated TV shows for Fox networks. Ratings for the Jan. 26 season opening of Towers Productions reality show “Strange Inheritance” was Fox Business Network’s highest-rated program launch ever for the network.
With 2014 having been an overall very good business year for the visual media indusry, what’s the forecast for the New Year? Overall, the seven suppliers the Reel interviewed said they are looking forward to an even bigger year, with confidence, new opportunities and, in one case, with relief.
BUSY WEEKEND, BUSY WEEK of events starts Thursday fright night as 2,500 guests (and counting) in costume congregate at the Bottom Lounge to attend Cutters’ “Bloodbath in Wonderland” annual Halloween party. And it’s no surprise that the event has been closed to RSVPs.
Chicago native Shira Piven, now of LA, is one of four prominent leaders in film and advertising who will be honored at Women in Film Chicago’s annual Focus Awards at a luncheon Wednesday, Nov. 5 at the Museum of Broadcast Communications.
The three outstanding local leaders receiving the honor are Susan Credle, Leo Burnett’s chief creative officer; Erin Sarofsky, film company owner and creative director, and Cristina Varotsis, feature producer and unit production manager on features and TV shows.
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.
THE INAUGURAL FIFTH STAR AWARDS to honor “exemplary artists and arts institutions,” as proclaimed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Dept. of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, (DCASE), will be presented Sept. 17 at a free program in Millennial Park.
It’s a basic axiom. If advertising campaigns don’t get refreshed, they usually get stale. And when ad campaigns become stale, that usually means consumers become less interested in them. The work doesn’t get noticed.
And worst of all, product sales can be negatively impacted.
For the past three years, Sponge/Chicago has been playing with a cute concept for client Sears Optical, an eye wear unit at Sears that, per a licensing agreement, is part of Luxottica, the world’s largest eyewear company.
