We're keen on promos at The Reel.
Really keen.
We would like to move in with them and have their kids.
The promo (unlike the rocky world of the music business itself) is still a healthy thoroughbred in the creative world.
They inspire Directors to really flex their creative muscle whilst stretching the boundaries of what can be achieved on a hugely limited budget. Music promos often reflect the political and economic climates from when they were made, and are a constant source of controversy. In addition they are a true goldmine of simple, brilliant and well executed ideas (especially for lazy ad creatives who aren’t afraid to shamelessly plagiarise).
In the UK, there is one event that celebrates the brilliance and toasts to the art of the promo: BUG.
Ran by David Knight, Phil Tidy, Chris Blakeston and Louise Stevens, BUG has now reached its seventh successive event, and doesn’t look like slowing down. We were lucky enough to attend the 7th ‘Directors Cut’ edition which had the added bonus of being presented by promo legend Dougal Wilson.
For a sold out event BUG is a rather laid back affair, with the directors often being invited to have their say and give a Parkinson style interview in front of the packed audience (a mixture of industry types, students and BFI regulars) who are not afraid to show their appreciation of the work on show. This forum style atmosphere was a refreshing change from the staid ‘awards ceremony’ event approach that creatives and ad-landers are used to. BUG seemed more of a community that was ready to cheer each other on to create, rather than analyse and criticize, and, most importantly, didn’t take itself too seriously, giving it an air of a true directors forum where everyone is, well, excited!
With some fabulous pieces old and new, BUG exhibited the uncanny ability to dig the crates for classics whilst juxtaposing them with great new works. Kicking off with Stephen R Johnson's (of Aardman fame) 80's classic ‘Sledgehammer’ for Peter Gabriel, the bar had been set high, and we're happy to report, was maintained throughout. With some brilliant down to earth interviews (and bizarrely enough, telephone interviews) conducted by the infectious Dougal Wilson littered around the programme, BUG really was a rare pleasure. Finishing with the awesome Brighton Port Authority video ‘Toe Jam’ from Director Keith Schofield (an exclusive showing at that) The Reel has permanently jammed BUG into our event calendar…
We think you should too!
Really keen.
We would like to move in with them and have their kids.
The promo (unlike the rocky world of the music business itself) is still a healthy thoroughbred in the creative world.
They inspire Directors to really flex their creative muscle whilst stretching the boundaries of what can be achieved on a hugely limited budget. Music promos often reflect the political and economic climates from when they were made, and are a constant source of controversy. In addition they are a true goldmine of simple, brilliant and well executed ideas (especially for lazy ad creatives who aren’t afraid to shamelessly plagiarise).
In the UK, there is one event that celebrates the brilliance and toasts to the art of the promo: BUG.
Ran by David Knight, Phil Tidy, Chris Blakeston and Louise Stevens, BUG has now reached its seventh successive event, and doesn’t look like slowing down. We were lucky enough to attend the 7th ‘Directors Cut’ edition which had the added bonus of being presented by promo legend Dougal Wilson.
For a sold out event BUG is a rather laid back affair, with the directors often being invited to have their say and give a Parkinson style interview in front of the packed audience (a mixture of industry types, students and BFI regulars) who are not afraid to show their appreciation of the work on show. This forum style atmosphere was a refreshing change from the staid ‘awards ceremony’ event approach that creatives and ad-landers are used to. BUG seemed more of a community that was ready to cheer each other on to create, rather than analyse and criticize, and, most importantly, didn’t take itself too seriously, giving it an air of a true directors forum where everyone is, well, excited!
With some fabulous pieces old and new, BUG exhibited the uncanny ability to dig the crates for classics whilst juxtaposing them with great new works. Kicking off with Stephen R Johnson's (of Aardman fame) 80's classic ‘Sledgehammer’ for Peter Gabriel, the bar had been set high, and we're happy to report, was maintained throughout. With some brilliant down to earth interviews (and bizarrely enough, telephone interviews) conducted by the infectious Dougal Wilson littered around the programme, BUG really was a rare pleasure. Finishing with the awesome Brighton Port Authority video ‘Toe Jam’ from Director Keith Schofield (an exclusive showing at that) The Reel has permanently jammed BUG into our event calendar…
We think you should too!
For more info check http://www.bugvideos.co.uk/
