Nike gets some INSA Protein

Uber-cool agency / shop / content specialists and mega curators Protein recently collaborated with London graff legend and heel specialist INSA on the new NIKE project IAM1. Culminating with an art show at the Nike 1948 space in Batemans Row Shoreditch.

In 7 days INSA ran the city of east London, painting 35 pieces on route of Charlie Dark's map for The IAM1 Journey Nike Sportswear project.

“It started with Charlie Dark and the Run Dem Crew and got me thinking of how I see Londonand running. And I'm not really much of a runner, but I thought maybe my artwork would travel around the city. My art would do the running for me,” smiles INSA.

Documented in its entirety by INSA’s long time collaborator and mega photographer Ethel, each of the 35 hand painted pieces were used to create an exclusive high definition stop frame animation (which we blogged at the beginning of the week) and one of the centre pieces of INSA’s major London solo show for 2009.

This IAM1 Journey animation will be deconstructed within the show, showcasing behind-the-scenes processes alongside the painted found objects that make up the individual frames.

The second half of the exhibition features an all encompassing installation which can only be described as a representation of INSA’s Holy Golden Cow of worship. The epic showpiece addresses the themes of success, aspiration, reality, self-reflection, love and commodity
usually apparent in INSA’s art…

We caught up with the camera-shy legend to get an inside scoop on the animation that is generating all the hype.


This is your second animation project… Is this the beginning of INSA the director?

“ha ha… No not INSA the director. I definitely want to do more in animation. Whenever you do a project halfway through it you thinking of the next one, or halfway through it you realize – oh I could have done this better, I could have done that better – so, I don’t know about directing or making any bigger films because I quite prefer still images to moving images personally, but I’m definitely going to do some more animation. I’ve got a couple more ideas, that when I get the time, I’m going to have a play around!

What was the reception like to your last piece of animation?

“Yeah it seemed good! I got mad youtube hits… and I guess that’s the only way I can rate it. I got a load of e-mails saying ‘I loved it!’ so people seemed to like it! So I guess it was good?”

The new one got seeded only a couple of days ago… What was the reception like to this one?

“Yeah… I checked this morning… not that I should care about these things… ha ha… and its had over twelve thousand views in around three days. Its crazy! So yeah, its exciting – it’s the magic of the internet!”

Artists like yourself, illustrators and painters are a massive influence on ad agencies, production companies and brands. Do you think that brands, agencies etc working directly with you is better than simply pinching an idea?

“Yeah… Definitely… Definitely…You have sort of answered the question for me there. There has been too many times where an artist has a good idea, or an illustrator does something and then an ad will just rip it off - just use the same idea.
So in any case where they can work directly it’s always best. It will get the best results and it will be more true to the original idea. So always working direct with the artist is best.

Are there any other directors out there that you would be keen to work with given the chance?

“Ohhh – that’s a difficult one… I’m not that up on all the new directors… but Chris Cunningham has always been a favourite of mine, I think his stuff is amazing. I can imagine doing something pretty sick with him!! It would be good!


Last question – the IAM 1 project is ultimately focussed on running… Are you big on running?

“errrrrrrr……..no…”

We were also lucky enough to persuade Protein head honcho, CEO, big kahuna and all round top bloke William Rowe to shed some light on the campaign, and give us a teaser about what to expect from IAM1 in the near future…

How did the IAM1 project come about?

Are you hoping that people will see the viral and follow the trail? Whats the story behind it?

We haven’t seen the whole project yet – what’s next in the IAM1 journey?

What is the meaning of IAM1?

You guys are really artists and idea focused, creating a situation where brands and artists feel comfortable. Do you think that this is something that you do well?



If you are interested in checking out the show (and you would be stupid not to) it will be running at 1948, Arches 477 - 478, Batemans Row, Shoreditch, London, EC2 3HH until the 26th of July.

For more info on Protein check http://proteinos.com/

For more info on INSA check http://www.insaland.com/ and www.insaland.com/blog

Thanks to both INSA and Will for the last minute interviews!

NewsReel 17/07/09

Hey you! Yeah, you! Got news for our NewsReel? Well send it to us! We don’t make this stuff up, we just vandalise your neat press releases with idiocy. If you can handle it, chuck any moves/views/goss to editor@thereel.net.

Straight8 goes West End

With the Rushes Soho Shorts festival inching closer and closer, we thought it would be good to throw the spotlight on one of the highlights of the fest – the Straight8 screenings. In the words of the Straight8ers themselves:

the best three-minute in-camera edited straight 8 films selected from over 150 entries from around the world

20 never seen before films each night

join the filmmakers for the fastest and the slowest 3 minutes of their lives as they see their work for the first time since they looked through the viewfinder and pulled the trigger

plus the eight films that premiered at the straight 8 cannes film festival screening- showing for the first time in the uk

The screenings, held over three nights, are as follows:

9.15pm, monday 27 july – Curzon Mayfair (screen 1)

9.15pm, tuesday 28 july – The Renoir

9.15pm, wednesday 29 july – Curzon Mayfair (screen 1)

Grab your tickets from www.curzoncinemas.com, and for full screening details and more visit www.straight8.net

Send in your Smalls

We love small things at The Reel (except Wee Jimmy Krankie) so we’re pleased to shout that the call for entries is now open for The Smalls Showcase and Awards 2009 in association with Creative Review and devilfish.

The competition and event celebrates small films for small screens and the creative opportunities brought about by the internet, portable media player and the latest generation mobile phones. The Smalls wants to showcase the diversity and talent in short film, and highlight that a short duration is not a limitation but a test of true filmmaking skills.

Films entered in the competition will compete with the very best short films from around the world and be judged by a panel of leading industry figures. Entries can be up to 10 minutes long.

A selection of the entries will be screened during a two-day public showcase at The London Design Festival on September 23 - 24, and the best entries will win The Smalls Awards 2009.

Venue TBC.

The deadline for submissions is September 10 2008. More entry information can be found on www.TheSmalls.com.

Feel feels content

Obviously not ‘content with their lot (ho ho ho, lame pun), Feel Films has announced the formation of a new digital division intended to bring together broadcasters, talent organisations and advertising agencies in the creation of innovative content for new and emerging platforms.

The new division, which will operate under the name Feel Content will be divided into four specific areas; web advertising, viral clips, online programming and longform.

Nick Hirschkorn, managing director Feel Films – and now Feel Content – said: “It is our intention to bring our extensive experience in film, TV and advertising production to the digital marketplace under a dedicated banner, but without moving away from our core principles of high production values and a collaborative approach.

“Having already created an extremely successful series of Video Podcasts for UKTV Channel ‘Dave’ we are looking forward to introducing this model of online programming to new and existing clients,” he continued “We already have experience with web advertising and have made some biting virals over the years, but online programming and advertiser funded longform content are two burgeoning areas that we are now starting to focus on. We very much believe longform is the natural next step on from online programming”.

Feel Content is already developing a number of factually based television series for international broadcast in conjunction with some leading brands and their respective advertising agencies.

Dan Cleland, new head of content at Feel Content added; “Whilst Feel Films will continue to produce top notch commercials and features, here at Feel Content we’re excited about producing innovative material that connects directly with consumers through new media and beyond.”

HLA bids on a Lott

Former Reel lady Gabrielle Lott is joining the team at HLA as their new Director’s Rep. Gabrielle will represent all of HLA’s directors; Simon Ratigan, John Hardwick, Danny Cohen, Simon Taylor and Kjetil Njoten within the UK and Europe, she will also be responsible for all PR for the company and it’s roster.

Regarding her new role, Gabrielle said, “During my time at The Reel, I came across of lot of great directors, some very gifted people (as well as some top editorial teammates – ed) ... HLA’s roster is incredible. The directors here are some of the most talented in the world, to represent them is exciting and hugely inspiring and HLA is renowned for the work that they create, I couldn’t turn this opportunity down”

Gabrielle has recently returned from 18 months in New York where she worked as PR Manager at JWT and head of PR at StrawberryFrog. Prior to her jump across the pond, Gabrielle acted as Marketing Manager for the animation house The Ebeling Group and helped to open their European office. Mainly known within the UK market as The Editor of The Reel, Gabrielle relaunched the magazine in 2005 and oversaw editorship for the next two years. In 2004, Gabrielle helped to launch Contagious Magazine with Editor Paul Kemp Robertson.

HLA’s Managing Director and Executive Producer Mike Wells said “Its great to have Gabrielle on the team… She brings an enormous amount of experience and an understanding of the agency world, whic will be invaluable to us. Her enthusiasm and energy make her an immediate fit,”

Anyone wanting to talk to Gabs about HLA’s sterling roster (and why wouldn’t you) can do so on +44 (0) 20 7299 1000 / gabrielle@hla.net.

Transparent news for Nicolas

Hot on the heels of their Gold Lions success for their Stella Artois films for Mother London, production company Transparent looks to strengthen their roster with the signing of top Spanish director Nicolas Caicoya.

Characterized by stunning visuals and great sensitivity to people, Caicoya has just had his first job confirmed in the UK for BBH London. To view his showreel go to: http://www.transparentuk.com/downloads/caicoya_showreel.mov

Nathaniel gets to Work

Work Club’s is to gain a new strategist from mid July 2009. Nathaniel Hill joins from Dare where he created award-winning work as the lead planner on Vodafone’s marcoms and brand marketing accounts.

Nathaniel previously worked at Ogilvy Interactive on BP, BT and Yahoo! for two years before moving to Dare where he spent nearly four years as lead planner on some of the agency’s flagship accounts: Vodafone and ITV’s consumer programming marketing and trade accounts.

Nathaniel’s Vodafone remit for marcoms and brand marketing covered mobile internet, sponsorship (including the current Taxi Grand Prix F1 activation and Nightwatchman cricket activation) as well as building the brand’s presence on social networks. He developed strategy for the mobile operator’s broadband Netbook with the ‘LiveGuy’ campaign which won an NMA effectiveness award in June 2009. During his time at Dare, Nathaniel was also responsible for winning the Google account without a pitch. This experience will be transferred over to Work Club when Nathaniel helms strategy for Nokia and Oakley.

Work Club’s head of strategy, Lisa De Bonis, said: “We had to nab Nat because it’s very rare you find a strategist who’s got so much experience but is still motivated by creative, rather than prestige.”

Nathaniel Hill said: “I’m celebrating a decade in digital next year so I wanted to be in an agency best placed to do great work in the digital age.".

www.work-club.com

Spanking awards

Spank’s Steve Bendelack has won his third award in a row for his comedy spot starring Johnny Vegas for BBC3.

Along with Vegas, the “Fearless” spot also features Matt Berry, Ralph Little & Natalie Casey. It shows them in their pursuit of perfection, but never fearing to fail on their way. The spot concludes with Johnny hilariously attempting to jump a line of cars on a motorbike!

Creatives: Joe de Souza & Sam Walker

Agency: Fallon

Awards: BTAA, Creative Circle, Midsummer

Steve Bendelack is famed for his work on Spitting Image, The Royle Family, Garth Merenghi’s Dark Place, The League of Gentlemen, The Mighty Boosh, Little Britain and most recently Cowards, as well as numerous TV and Cinema commercials.

Steve is repped by Spank, view his work at www.spankfilms.co.uk

A Finch who tweets!

Know anyone who’s got work through a Twitter referral? We do! Top notch Amsterdam-based queen of PR Kerrie Finch won herself a client though her uncanny knack at being brilliant in under 140 characters. In her own words: ‘Burt, sister company to Daddy (now CP+B Europe) tweeted they were looking for PR, someone I didn't know responded they should contact FinchFactor - they did. And now I'm working with them. All that tweeting has paid off!’

If you don’t already follow the lady herself on the tweetdeck, get involved - @FinchFactor. Not only are you guaranteed nuggets of ‘Dam based info, but you’ll also be privy to chucksome minecdotes. Plus she says we’re good at karaoke – so we love her!

http://finchfactor.com/

…and finally

As we can’t post Spotify playlist in our ‘and finally’ sections any more (damn you IT Dept!!), how’s about a little music the old fashioned way. Er…through YouTube.

Yep, it's a tepid song we know, but the marvelous thing is that it was shot on an iPhone. Who'd have thunk it! PSFK has the deets on how it was done (including a snazzy iPhone steadycam) here.