| 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
Three Chicago Med crew members make a daring real-life rescue. If you are lucky enough to know a fireman or first responder, then no doubt you have witnessed a rare breed, and the abundance of compassion that calls them to duty. The call to save lives does not end when they clock out and leave … Continue reading “Life imitates art with a daring real-life rescue on the set of Chicago Med”
FCB Chicago received eight One Show Gold Pencils this year. They include four Golds with FCBX, Lord + Thomas and Current Global, all in Chicago, for the City of Chicago “Boards of Change” (three in Design, one in Digital Craft), three with FCB New York, Lord + Thomas, and Myles Beeson, both in Chicago, for Michelob ULTRA “Contract for Change” in Integrated, … Continue reading “One Show: FCB Chicago wins eight Gold Pencils”
While his bid for the White House is nowhere near as polarizing as when Hilary Clinton ran against President Donald J. Trump in 2016, there are those (looking at you Bernie and Warren supporters) who are still lukewarm on former Vice-President Joe Biden. With just about three weeks to go until election, many (and rightfully) … Continue reading “Chicago teen has winning campaign for “settling””
Champion Athleticwear announces Reverse Weave Week! The week, full of giveaways and collabs, will run through October 19 to acknowledge the anniversary of their most iconic patent – the Reverse Weave – which was finalized on October 14, 1952. Reverse Weave Week was created to recognize one of the most famous fashion items that has not gotten the … Continue reading “Champion celebrates iconic franchise with Reverse Weave Week”
Pearle Vision has launched their latest installment in the award-winning Small Moments campaign, a cinematic mini-movie titled “Maya,” in which a young Indian girl goes from feeling like an outsider to a more confident young woman with the help of a Pearle Vision eye care expert. “Maya” continues Pearle Vision’s strategy to showcase the … Continue reading “‘Maya’ continues Pearle Vision’s strategy to showcase Small Moments”
While no fan can ride a horse during the real Derby, Old Forester fans were given the chance to “ride” a turtle during the 2021 Old Forester Kentucky Turtle Derby. In partnership with creative agency Energy BBDO, Old Forester searched for real fans to turn into custom, digital jockeys who appeared atop the turtles as … Continue reading “Old Forester’s Kentucky Turtle Derby is back”
EXTRA Gum is all about shared moments of human connection—many of which have unfortunately, become distant memory due to the COVID-19 pandemic, until now: we can finally reconnect IRL! After a hard year of not seeing one another (and frankly, not being very mindful of how your breath smells) EXTRA is there to help give you … Continue reading “EXTRA Gum offer fresh start to post-pandemic life”
Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo has announced their newest campaign, “The Price of Extinction.” Launching yesterday on Earth Day (April 22) the campaign draws attention to Earth’s most endangered species at the zoo with limited-edition zoo “passes.” This initiative provides animal lovers with the unique opportunity to pay a small price to help the species survive. … Continue reading “Earth Day: Lincoln Park Zoo’s price of extinction”
Home Instead, the leading provider of in-home care for older adults, has launched a new brand identity and campaign to promote the evolving organization. Created in partnership with our friends at creative agency Energy BBDO, the changes modernize the brand and share an uplifting approach to staying happy and well at home. Home Instead delivers personalized care … Continue reading “Energy BBDO’s new brand campaign for Home Instead”
The last two days of news are making the Reel Chicago team wonder if Energy BBDO has a secret farm somewhere. In the agency’s new Kerrygold butter spot the Irish dairy brand celebrates people coming together and enjoying small moments over a home-cooked meal. The campaign, which launched yesterday, is supported by a new film … Continue reading “Kerrygold embraces family moments in new Xmas spot”
Guess Jack Daniel’s always wanted to do this. In a historic move, the whiskey brand is introducing its first truly global creative campaign, “Make it Count.” The campaign showcases a new way of thinking for the 154-year-old brand that celebrates the people who drink it. As a global brand that wanted to fuel its iconic … Continue reading “Jack Daniel’s makes first global campaign count”
Jack Daniel’s is bringing artists straight to living rooms everywhere with “Crash the Couch,” a virtual music festival streaming August 14-15 at 8 p.m. ET in support of musicians impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Brittany Howard of the Alabama Shakes, Cold War Kids and Nathaniel Rateliff will headline. Jack Daniel’s first ever virtual music festival … Continue reading “Jack Daniel’s & BBDO launch ‘Crash the Couch’ music fest”
Much like Taco Tuesday, WEGGSDAY embraces the popularity of marrying a day of the week with a popular food. A two-minute original music video, titled “Wednesday Is Officially WEGGSDAY!,” has been created to hilariously introduce the concept. The animated video also highlights the versatility of eggs, reminding consumers that eggs are an incredible meal solution … Continue reading “Move over Taco Tuesday… here comes WEGGSDAY!”
Nothing says, “May” more than the annual running of the Kentucky Derby. Originally slated to run May 2, the 146-year-old derby will now be postponed until September 5 due to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. It will be the first time the race won’t be held on the first Saturday in May since 1945. At the time … Continue reading “Energy BBDO uses drones to film Woodford Reserve”
As we’re all experiencing, finding ways to stay close and connected are more important now than ever, though it looks a lot different today. Uncle Ben’s has long stood for the importance of bringing people together through food – the meaningful moments that come from cooking and the lasting impact of enjoying mealtimes together. The brand along … Continue reading “Uncle Ben’s stays close in new work from Energy BBDO”
With social distancing the new normal, due to the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, many brands are now looking at their marketing and developing new strategies to reach their consumers. Our sister publication, REEL 360, has looked at McDonald’s and Coca-Cola. Now, a Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey film shares the new reality we are all facing … Continue reading “Jack Daniels, Energy BBDO respond to social distancing”
The American Egg Board has cooked up the biggest food discovery since the breakfast egg. Say good evening to… The Dinner Egg! A new mockumentary, created by AOR Energy BBDO, explains the discovery and origin of the new food. Supply and Demand’s Amy Nicholson, takes a Christopher Guest and Eugene Levy type of approach in … Continue reading “Egg Board introduces ‘dinner egg’ mockumentary”
The latest in the “Small Moments” campaign from Energy BBDO breaks from promotional-driven spots in the vision category to capture genuine moments I got misty-eyed watching this new Pearle Vision spot from Energy BBDO. Brought on board through Energy’s continued partnership with Free the Bid, director Elle Ginter of Sanctuary has delivered an elegant, … Continue reading “Pearle Vision uses Billie Jean King to inspire”
On Sept. 20, 2016, This Is Us premiered on NBC, introducing viewers to the cross-generational story of the Pearson family. Over the course of six seasons and a storyline that spans as many decades, Jack and Rebecca Pearson (Milo Ventimiglia and Mandy Moore) and their children Kate, Kevin and Randall (Chrissy Metz, Justin Hartley and Sterling K. … Continue reading “Yasu Tanida reflects on six seasons behind the camera for This Is Us”
Kramer Morgenthau, ASC takes Panavision behind the scenes of the period features Respect and The Many Saints of Newark. On the surface, a biopic about “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin and a heavy-hitting mob drama about a young Tony Soprano’s coming of age might not seem to have much in common. In fact, though, there’s more … Continue reading “Behind the Scenes of ‘Respect’ and ‘The Many Saints of Newark’”
Following his work on Season 1 of Godfather of Harlem, cinematographer Jack Donnelly returned for Season 2 to focus on preserving “a consistent visual style” for the series. When Godfather of Harlem Season 2 begins, it’s February 1964, and the series’ eponymous gangster, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson (Forest Whitaker), has been in hiding for three months while notorious mafioso Vincent “Chin” Gigante … Continue reading “Cinematographer Jack Donnelly discusses Godfather of Harlem”
Cinematographer Alice Brooks discusses using DXL2 and G Series anamorphics to craft a big look for director Jon M. Chu’s musical In the Heights. In 2002, when cinematographer Alice Brooks and director Jon M. Chu were still film students at the University of Southern California, they partnered for the short When the Kids Are Away, a musical … Continue reading “‘In the Heights’ DP Alice Brooks talks crafting a big look”
Gentleman Jack Double-Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey has launched “Milestones,” the brand’s first spot in the global “Make it Count” campaign for the Jack Daniel’s brand family. The super-premium whiskey’s campaign encourages consumers to mark the special moments with the people who matter most. Although we often think of only honoring the big moments, like a graduation, they … Continue reading “Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey celebrates Milestones”
The Sheba brand is launching a three-part documentary series that explores the power cats have over people and their deep connections to their human counterparts. The new series, The Cats That Rule The World by Academy Award-nominated director Geoffrey O’Connor, follows the true stories of a handful of humans who have fallen under the spell of their cats and the inseparable … Continue reading “SHEBA Brand Launches “The Cats That Rule The World””
Created for the Kentucky Derby, of which Woodford is the presenting sponsor, the campaign highlights the 200+ different flavor notes in the bourbon. Woodford Reserve is more than a spirit. It’s a spectacle. This sentiment is the driving force behind Woodford Reserve’s new campaign “Spectacle for the Senses.” Developed as the first platform launch between … Continue reading “Woodford Reserve launches ‘Spectacle for the Senses’”
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Clean Air Act, a public health success which continues to save hundreds of thousands of lives each year. Despite this progress, climate change poses new challenges to protecting the nation’s air quality, placing the health of all Americans at risk. To drive collective action on climate change and … Continue reading “American Lung Assoc asks all to Stand Up For Clean Air”
Written by Shia LaBeouf and directed by Alma Har’el, Honey Boy presents a semi-autobiographical portrait of LaBeouf’s experiences as a 12-year-old child actor (played by Noah Jupe) and a 22-year-old action star (Lucas Hedges)—with LaBeouf stepping into the role of his own ex-rodeo-clown father. Behind the scenes, cinematographer Natasha Braier, ASC, ADF partnered with Har’el … Continue reading “Panavision lends a texture of memory to Honey Boy”
Director Jonathan Becker pulled out all the stops to create Do The Parking Spot a music video for the Chicago-based travel convenience company of the same name. A customized dance move, an ensemble cast, a crowd-sourced video library, a torrential downpour, an Atlanta parking garaged, and a fleet of bright yellow busses with black spots … Continue reading “Jonathan Becker helps America ‘Do The Parking Spot’”
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”
November is National Adoption Month – and National Adoption Day is on Nov 23. In honor of this, Energy BBDO has teamed with not-for-profit, non-religiously affiliated adoption agency, The Cradle, to help eradicate an associated stigma. While children and families are celebrated globally when it comes to being adopted, there is still a great deal … Continue reading “Energy BBDO unveils new spot for The Cradle”
Cinematographer uses Panavision’s Millennium DXL2 and Light Iron post for American Horror Story Season 9 FX’s American Horror Story series goes retro for Season 9, back to the heyday of low-budget horror classics of the late 1970s and early 1980s in AHS: 1984. Viewers are introduced to a killer who terrorizes camp counselors, but with … Continue reading “Gavin Kelly adds retro horror look to ‘AHS: 1984’”
The new line of 120-calorie sparkling cocktails from MillerCoors, began hitting shelves this week This week MillerCoors introduces a new sparkling cocktail beverage to market called “Cape Line”—a delicious full-flavored beverage that is low in calories and has zero artificial additives. The 120-calorie cocktails, which aim to appeal to consumers who seek bold flavors with … Continue reading “MillerCoors & Energy BBDO sparkle with new drink”
Chicago agency launches new “Act Tiny, Be Mighty” campaign that provides fresh POV on farming Ocean Spray has launched a new advertising campaign, via new AOR Energy BBDO, dubbed, “Ocean Spray. Act Tiny. Be Mighty.” To tap into its roots as a farmer-owned cooperative, the Middleborough, Massachusetts-based company has built a strong brand focused on … Continue reading “Energy BBDO helps Ocean Spray celebrate farmers”
Campaign pairs recipes with Spotify playlists to enhance the moods of preparation and dining What’s your cooking theme song? When I come home and catch a waft of Vegan goodness coming from the kitchen, it’s always my wife cooking and listening to probably, The Doors. For me, if I’m in the kitchen making my famed … Continue reading “Energy B and Kerrygold celebrate the sound of cooking”
Home Instead Senior Care debuts touching new campaign advocating for seniors to live at home The first work from Home Instead Senior Care and creative partner Energy BBDO is a tender new campaign targeted at Americans 65 and older who still want to live at home. It’s also the Reel Ad of the Week. As … Continue reading “Energy BBDO helps seniors with Home Instead campaign”
The moving stories of five elderly people come to life in a powerful new 5 Gum campaign that broke yesterday. A series of digital videos by Energy BBDO for 5 Gum intends to motivate teens to live life to the fullest. Documenting a group of seniors who reveal one specific regret that has shaped … Continue reading “Energy BBDO, 5 Gum teach teens to live with no regrets”
I like a tasty donut with my coffee (and now, thanks to Charlotte, vegan donuts). A garlic bagel with lox, cream cheese and capers as well? You betcha. But gum? Hmm. According to a quirky new campaign for Alert Gum by Chicago’s Energy BBDO, caffeine gum’s a thing now. Alert Caffeine Gum is a first-of-its-kind … Continue reading “Energy BBDO & Alert Caffeine Gum got this thing now”
Last year, a mindboggling 22,000 people lost their lives to prescription Opioid overdose last year. With President Trump declaring that the Opioid Crisis is a US Public Health emergency, the National Safety Council is taking action to address the issue head on by launching a provocative nationwide public education campaign via EnergyBBDO that literally puts … Continue reading “Energy BBDO puts faces on the Opioid crisis”
For me, nothing beats a fried egg sandwich with whisky-maple bacon on a croissant in the morning. Yeah, I just displayed my “bougie.” More than pancakes. More than waffles. More than peanut butter French Toast. I like my eggs in egg form. Why am I going on about how I like my eggs? Because Energy … Continue reading “Energy BBDO cracks some eggs, makes an omelet”
Netflix cancels ‘Stranger Things’ bar Pop-up pop-culture bars are all the rage. In New York and LA, Tim Burton fans can do dinner and a show at “Beetlehouse.” Los Angeles is also home to the Star Wars-themed “Villainy and Scum” Cantina. And since August, Chicago has boasted the aptly named, “The Upside Down,” a Stranger … Continue reading ““Stranger Things,” Energy BBDO, Rowley Samuel”
Word on the street is that Leo Burnett, Chicago and ComEd are on a mission to get more young girls involved in science, technology, engineering and math with the help of some unlikely learning tools — racing a set of old refrigerators.
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.
A MUSIC VIDEO for Nashville country singer-songwriter Margo Price, “Hands of Time,” was directed by Ben Chappell of One at Optimus in LA and cut here by Optimus editor Mark Czajkowski.
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.
Former major agency creative director, Brigg Bloomquist did not forget his Chicago associates when choosing a post house to finish an eloquent portrait of an athlete’s life in a new piece for Nike.
By Jonathan Abarbanel
A spate of medical emergencies has affected at least three Off-Loop shows. I don’t know what a spate is, either, but it never seems to be good.
The Side Project, a small North Side troupe, pushed back “Maggie: A Girl of the Streets,” from March to May, following emergency surgery on Adam Webster, the troupe’s artisitc director.
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Elvir Hrastinski, owner/technician of Motion Picture Services |
