FIRST NEW AD BUSINESS of the year was announced by DDB Chicago, which has succeeded The Martin Agency on creative duties for the $30 million American Cancer Society account, following a recent review.
“This is a cause that’s very personal for many of us,” says CEO Paul Gunning, “which makes us all the more passionate about working with such a worthy organization.”
First work for ACS should bow in the first six months of 2015. DDB’s first campaign for Kohler, won last October, will break in February along with Skittles first and much-buzzed Super Bowl spot.
IF YOU WATCHED “CHICAGO PD” Wednesday night, you heard a rather overt mention of “Chicago Med,” the nearby hospital to which the show’s injured are whisked.
We hear the show is building up to a “Chicago Med” spinoff from Dick Wolf Productions, which has been rumored for some time. In fact(shhh) look for the 19th episode of this season’s “Fire” to be wholly devoted to “Chicago Med.”
ENERGY BBDO AND MOSAIC were tapped by Bud Light client for a 60-second spot, titled “Coin,” as part of its “Up for Whatever” campaign. “Coin” will air on the Feb. 1 Super Bowl at Glendale, Arizona, where, NBC reports, 95% of ad time has been sold at the record price of $4.50 for a 30-second spot.
Also airing will be two spots for Budweiser, one featuring the return of the Clydesdale horses.
IN MEMORIAM: Visitation will be held Sunday, Jan. 11 at Alvarez Funeral Home to toast the life of Jose Tapia, former FCB Chicago and FCB San Francisco CD/AD, who died suddenly from a heart attack earlier this week at his home in Virginia. At 2500 N. Cicero, 4-9 p.m. No church service has been scheduled.
NEW DIRECTOR for Chicago Bulls telecasts on Comcast Sports Net is Todd Benjaminson, replacing replaced 30-year TV veteran Jim Angio. Benjaminson also directs 60 Chicago Wolves American Hockey League telecasts and handles several Big Ten events for Chicago-based Big Ten Network.
Although Angio has cut back on his directing schedule, he will continue to direct most of CSNC’s White Sox games.
On Bulls telecasts, Benjaminson is joined by fellow CSN Chicago staffers producer John Walsh, associate producer Tamra Anderson, technical manager Mark Harper and stage manager Joe Grube.
TWO TERRIFIC EVENTS, one new, one well established for film, music and arts industries were unfortunately scheduled for the same April 16-19 weekend.
New is DCASE’S free inaugural Lake FX Summit + Expo that will be held at the Cultural Center and a “walkable campus” in the Loop, with evening showcases throughout city neighborhoods. Thursday, Jan. 16 is the DCASE submission deadline.
Back for its 7th year is CIMMfest , (Chicago International Music & Movies Festival, our version of SXSW, attracting 14,000 visitors, to take place at various venues in and around Wicker Park. CIMMfest’s deadline is Jan. 30.
TRIBUNE MOVIE CRITIC Michael Phillips will be a panelist Jan. 15 at the Gene Siskel Center’s “87th Academy Awards Nominations Panel,” along with some of Chicago’s most thoughtful film experts: J.R. Jones of the Chicago Reader, Steve Prokopy, Ain’t it Cool News, Tasha Robinson, The Dissolve and Ignatiy Vishnevetsky MUBI and the A.V. Club. Moderator is IFO director Betsy Steinberg.
This free event will be held at the GSFC 4:30-5:30 p.m., followed by a post event reception featuring wine by City Winery.
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