NewsReel 22/05/09

Adventures in ondotzero-land

We’re all about the best in moving image here at The Reel, so naturally we love the work of the mighty onedotzero. If you do too, and are full to the brim with creativity and talent, then the following may be of interest.

onedotzero are making a final call to visionary creators to submit new work to the globetrotting festival of innovative contemporary moving image and digital creativity.

onedotzero_adventures in motion is at the forefront of a new type of boutique festival
experience which combines collaborative music, film and live performance, playful interactivity, digital arts and culture.




A truly unique international showcase of leading edge arts and entertainment, it’s not only brilliant but entirely free for creators to submit their work!! The show will premiere at the BFI Southbank; the UK’s flagship centre for moving image located in London’s most visited cultural quarter, before an extensive UK and world tour.

If you’re interested in getting involved, this is onedotzero final call for proposals for short film, animation, music videos, installations, interactive works and live audio-visual performances. Point your browser at www.onedotzero.com/submissions for details.

Two men set to Rokkit

Rokkit have signed two new directors. Normally we’d write our own little spin on their biogs, but we rather like what we were sent:

Michael Moloney


After venturing down from Bolton to study Graphic Design, Mike dabbled in film trailers and a career in new media before dancing to the beat of his own drum. Thumpa thumpa.
Mike has been mixing live action, characters, and all manner of animation for the likes of the BBC, Fallon and Channel 4 for a while now, with no previous representation. They always come back. He's a very nice chap.
Mike is still trying to convince his family that he has a proper job....Has he?

Check out his reel - http://www.rokkit.tv/?section=directors&director=director_15

Rafael Lopez-Sorbidet


After a couple of years studying Image & Sound Design at the University of Buenos Aires, Rafael spent some time studying filmmaking in New York, where he shot several short films.
When he came back to Buenos Aires he took the Acting for Directors Seminar with Augusto Fernández.

He kicked off directing in 2007 and has already shot for several countries and markets.

Rafael won 2 Golden Lions in Cannes, aged 24 years. His main skill is directing actors. Which is handy.

Check out his reel - http://www.rokkit.tv/?section=directors&director=director_10

TAXI to the Dutch side


News time - TAXI has purchased a majority of Dutch digital agency Ottonico. The acquisition represents a crucial step in TAXI’s growth by establishing a presence in Europe. TAXI, begun in 1992, now operates five offices in Canada, as well as New York and Amsterdam. That’s a lot of cabs.

The deal has been several months in the making. TAXI executives considered several European cities and partnerships before deciding upon Amsterdam and Ottonico. “This was a decision to invest in Europe to deliver local and global reach to both European and North American clients,” said Lavoie. “We chose Amsterdam because it is a creative and multi-cultural hub, and we chose Ottonico because they embody the future of integrated communications.”

Ottonico’s Verhage and van Huijstee take the titles of General Manager and Executive Creative Director, respectively. “Our creative visions are a natural fit,” said van Huijstee. “We share the belief that there is no 'new' and no 'old' media; every channel can deliver results when the choice is rooted in consumer insight.”

Verhage and van Huijstee will work closely with TAXI co-founders Paul Lavoie and Jane Hope in the coming months on integrating Ottonico into the TAXI network. “Our first responsibility is to existing clients, the integration of diverse capabilities across our network is aimed at delivering on their needs now and into the future,” concluded TAXI CEO, Rob Guenette.

And finally


It's Friday. It's a Bank Holiday weekend. It's time you let the bo selectas at The Reel fill your ears with joy. Here's a ten track Spotify playlist for your delectation - http://open.spotify.com/user/jamiemadge/playlist/5bZwutwmo60hjtt9AN16dv. This you can do better? Email us your compilations at editor@thereel.net or post them in the comments box below. We dares ya!