Meribel Cristal Winners

The European Film Winners were announced last night and provided some interesting choices from Meribel's Jury.

Taking the grand big daddy Cristal for 08 (strangely) was Sony's Campaign 'Music Pieces'.

Following on behind was the Sony campaign 'Foam City' co-winning the er... Tourism Leisure Category (go Sony!).

Other winners were as follows:

Food Drink Category: 'Open Source' Pepsi
Automobile Category: 'Maggia' Volkswagen
Insurance / Banking Category: 'Waterslide' Barclays
Charity Category: 'Dreams of tomorrow' Greenpeace
Public Interest Category: 'Binge boy/girl' Home Office
Public Interest Category: 'Whodunnit' Home Office
Retail: 'Shadows' John Lewis
Media 'Mafia' Canal +
Clothing: 'Core values' Louis Vuitton


The awards underline a stalwart but perhaps slightly unpolished year for Ads in Europe and close 08 with a little French class that the Cannes showy-bunfight can no longer provide.

Roll on Meribel 09!

The Reel At Meribel

The Reel has landed in the wonderful and decidedly chilly Meribel once again..

Currently the festival has awarded Grand Cristal's in the categories of Marketing, Cyber and the Media category. Winning the Grand Media Cristal's for France and Europe was the brilliant Ad Auction for Ebay (featured in the February issue of The Reel).

Tonight sees the unveiling of the European Grand Cristal awards cermemony for Outdoor, Press, Integrated, Radio and of course Film. Tuesday sees the Meribel Young Directors Forum come to life, as 8 fresh Directors (who have yet to break into the commercial realm) get to mix with the advertising elite and French Directing legend Gerard Pires.

Obviously, we are there to let you know what happens and what is the good stuff... ... so keep your eyes peeled!

NewsReel 12/12/08

GABER BECOMES TRANSPARENT

Yariv Gaber commits to London production company Transparent for UK representation and more.
Having established Gaber in the UK Transparent now intends to pursue more work in the Global arena.
Gaber's much anticipated Global campaign for Herbal Essences 'Great Escapes' series launches in the UK early next month.

To view Yariv's work go to: http://www.transparentuk.com/directors/gaber/gaber_01.html

To see the other fanstastic directors represented by Transparent go to: http://www.transparentuk.com/p_directors.html



THE BULLY BROTHERS ARE IN TOWN…

Bully Bros. Post (www.bullybrospost.com), a new full-service post and visual effects facility in Santa Monica, CA has been opened by Creative Director/Lead Effects Artist Kiki Chansamone and Executive Producer Jason Forest. The all-new facility, located at Christopher Sliney’s Playground Media Group, will specialize in full-service HD finishing for spots, expert compositing, RED and P2 conversions, 3D previz/storyboarding and on-set vfx supervision.

They have special emphasis on end-to-end workflow creation and full visual effects design and supervision for commercials. Chansamone comes to Bully Bros. after nine years as lead Inferno Artist at R!OT in Santa Monica, and Forest is the founder/Executive Producer of TV spot production house Bully Pictures in Marina Del Rey, CA.The new facility has been hot right out of the gate, finishing campaigns for IW Group (Wal-Mart and Met-Life), DraftFCB (Taco Bell), Bozell/Jacobs (Alegent Health), Ogilvy & Mather (Nature Made), and Chiat/Day (Visa).

Chansamone and Forest have been good friends since meeting on a Bacardi campaign several years ago, and that friendship has fueled their special vision for Bully Bros. Post. “We started Bully Bros. Post with the goal of creating a ‘family’ atmosphere, not just for ourselves, but for our clients as well,” Chansamone states. “Artistically and technologically, we want to build a company that is based on working with well-known brands for well-known agencies.”

For more info go over to http://www.bullybrospost.com/

Nike says farewell to Ajax Top-scorer... and appoint S-W-H

11 December 2008, Amsterdam – Following news of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar’s transfer from Ajax to Real Madrid, Nike says what’s really on fans’ minds. The campaign is the first piece of work to come out of newly appointed Amsterdam-based agency S-W-H (Dutch Advertising Agency of the Year) who join Nike’s roster.

The ad, a parody of the Amsterdam flag, is placed on the back-page of the Metro newspaper – a favourite amongst Amsterdammers. The campaign will also be seeded online via Facebook, Hyves and Myspace and banners on Ajax fan sites.

Though currently sidelined with an ankle injury, Huntelaar (25) famously scored an impressive 33 goals for Ajax in last season’s league games, becoming the Dutch Eredivisie’s top-scorer, and will be sorely missed by fans of the Amsterdam-based club.

Lode Schaeffer, Creative Director and Partner of S-W-H says:

“When Nike brought this to our attention, we really wanted to send out a message to Ajax fans that they could really identify with. The ad really does say it all – it’s exactly what Ajax fans are now thinking. The message pays tribute to how much Huntelaar will be missed and reflects how much of an impact he has had at Ajax.”

About working for Nike, S-W-H’s Managing Partner, Mark Aink, says:

“Nike is world-renowned for their creative approach to advertising and we look forward to adding our idiom to that legacy. Our task, together with Nike, is to create work that reverberates amongst the audience. We should be right on the pulse and engage people with the brand again. Currently we’re working on six campaigns which should see the light of day starting early next year”

For more info go to http://www.s-w-h.com/

Reel Opinion - Cris Mudge

As this is the last newsletter proper to be sent out in '09, we thought we'd warm up your winter hearts with a spot of Mustard. Taking the well jostled reigns of the Reel Opinion this month is Mustard director Cris Mudge, giving his views on five choice spots from the freshly shipped November Editions.

Cris Mudge
Director
Mustard, London

John Lewis - 'Clue'

Agency: Lowe, London

Production: Therapy Films, London

Director: Malcolm Venville

John Lewis … the David Seaman of department stores; safe, reliable and trustworthy though definitely not as exciting as some of it’s more fashionable counterparts. And my mother in law’s favourite to boot! I think she’d like rather than love this ad and I’d have to agree with her. The track’s great and I like it’s simplicity and restraint which sets it apart from the other jingly jangly, snowdrops a falling, Christmas ads that are thrust down our necks like overcooked slices of turkey. Tastefully nice and nicely tasteful. A breath of fresh Christmas air.

Toshiba - Time Sculpture

Agency - Grey, London

Production - Hungry Man, London

Director - Mitch Stratten

‘When what we watch constantly redefines itself…’? Think I definitely need to go and change my telly to a Toshiba ‘coz mine stills picks up 20 year old episodes of ‘Allo ‘Allo and Only Fools and Horses! Interesting technique (though one that strangely feels a little bit dated already) but can’t really see anything past that.

Toyota - Ninja Kittens

Agency - Publicis Moho, Melbourne

Production - Exit Films, Melbourne

Director - Garth Davis

Well I never! A bunch of acrobatic cat people having a bit of a dust up with pool cues whilst other cat people play pinball and breakdance, then nicking anchovies and mesmerising the cat waitresses by swinging a light bulb before nicking the car and driving off. All very interesting, but I suggest laying off the egg nog.

Barclaycard - Glide

Agency - BBH, London

Production - Gorgeous, London

Director - Peter Thwaites

Now this is my mother in law’s favourite. She can recite the ad to me scene for scene and shot for shot (which annoyingly she frequently does) whilst chuckling to herself in all the right places. And rightly so. Good casting, good performance, good idea, good, good, good. Just sorry that I can’t claim it as my own!

Alberta's Libraries - Scrapbook

Agency - Rethink, Vancouver

Production - Holiday Films, Toronto

Director - Adam&Dave

This one’s totally flummoxed me. I’ve watched it a few times and can’t quite work out what the hell it's all about. Scrap booking can seriously damage your health it appears. Watching that makes me want to go and get all of mine out of the loft in the hope that I too can start clicking a stapler in a very comic way!

NewsReel 05/12/08

Passion Pictures sign new French Directors

Passion Pictures announces the signing of four new directors Sebastien Cannone, Arnaud & Jerome, Dimitri Stankowicz and Jean Lecointre, all of whom are based at the company’s Paris office, Passion Paris. Collectively, these directors’ work spans a range of styles including mixed media, motion graphics, and character animation. Passion Pictures will represent the directors for commercials, music videos and online content in France, the UK and in the USA.

Passion Pictures’ CEO and executive producer Andrew Ruhemann says, “There is an exceptional pool of animation talent in France at the moment, which Passion Paris is perfectly placed to discover. We are very proud to welcome these exciting new directors to our roster.”

Sebastien Cannone

Sebastien Cannone combines live action with realistic CG animation to create beautifully crafted films which both mimic and distort reality. His award winning campaign for Virgin 17 Radio (Best On-Air Ident, Promax BDA Gold 2008) features an array of bizarre but convincingly life-like characters in simple live action settings. They include a giant octopus–like creature moving through a city, a woman whose hair moves as though it were living tentacles and an art gallery containing an enormous metallic sculpture, with a life of its own.
http://www.passion-pictures.com/flash.html#page=d124

Arnaud and Jerome

Film makers Arnaud Delord and Jerome Combe work together as a directing partnership called Arnaud & Jerome, combining their skills in design, live action, and computer animation. Their first project for Passion Paris is a commercial for French ready meal brand Marie which uses a blend of live action settings and animated characters. The distinctive style of their work is achieved using motion capture and CG animation.
http://www.passion-pictures.com/flash.html#page=d123

Dimitri Stankowicz

Dimitri Stankowicz designs and directs animation in a simple, graphic style. Some of his work is 2D animation and some is created in camera frequently using natural textures such as paper, leaves and paint.
http://www.passion-pictures.com/flash.html#page=d114

Jean Lecointre

Jean Lecointre’s surreal narratives are acted out by strange composite characters made out of unlikely objects such as fruit, flowers and biscuits. His quirky, collage animation style uses still photographs, live action and animation which is composited using After FX.
http://www.passion-pictures.com/flash.html#page=d118

For further information please contact Sian at Passion Pictures
Tel: +44 207 323 9933 email: sian@passion-pictures.com


All Stand Up and Welcome Harold

Founded by Director/Producer Lee Scharfstein, creative development, creation and execution company harold group has officially launched in NYC. The boutique entity, comprised of four creative directors/directors, including Scharfstein, will act as both a creative services agency and production company, working in tandem with advertising agencies as well as direct to client.

"I surveyed the advertising landscape and saw a real need for a dynamic specialty firm," noted Scharfstein. "Traditional as well as new media agencies often find a gap between their great ideas and the ability to creatively execute them. Harold's passion for melding technologies to create multiplatform content will aid in making that vital connection with the target audience."

Want more!?? Look here!!

DownloadsVisit harold group


McKenna joins A52

Recently a52's executive producer Ron Cosentino proudly announced the addition of award-winning VFX supervisor and artist Andy McKenna to his full-time staff in the position of Lead Flame Artist. At a52, which is well known for its artful contributions to major commercial, music video and television projects.

Since beginning his career in 1994, he has established himself as one of the world's premier VFX artists working in commercials, music videos and feature films. "For as long as I can remember," he says, "a52 has been one of the most prestigious VFX companies in the United States.

There is a certain sense of style and sophistication to the finish of all work that a52 produces. It's pretty obvious why the top directors all do work here...."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n71875hvN8 .

Z Animation Receives Annie Award Nomination

TV Commercial Animation company Z Animation has been nominated for an Annie Award in the category of Best Animated Television Commercial for its work on “Sarah,” a traditionally-animated 2D public service spot for agency Martin Williams Advertising in Minneapolis and client Citizens for a Safer Minnesota.

French director/designer Caroline Attia made her American commercial debut with this simple yet emotionally charged anti-gun violence :60 spot. Presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the Annie Awards will be presented January 30, 2009 at UCLA’s Royce Hall.
When Martin/Williams copywriter Jake Lancaster, VP/Director of Production Stan Prinsen and VP/Group Creative Director Randy Tatum decided to adapt for television what was originally a radio spot, they were drawn to Attia’s playful fashionista style.

“We didn’t want to lead anyone on, but at the same time, we wanted to present this girl’s journey as a happy story, and Caroline’s style lent itself to that,” Prinsen explains. “She is so talented and collaborative, and just hit it coming out of the gate.”Z Animation founder and Executive Producer Peter Barg stated, “I am thrilled for both Caroline and the creative team at Martin/Williams who worked together so closely to make 'Sarah' a reality. It just shows that sometimes, the simplest medium can convey the most powerful ideas.”

Check it out at:

http://www.zanimation.tv/recent.cfm?RecentWorkID=29

http://www.zanimation.tv/

National Zero-G(eographic)

Gravity – overrated isn’t it? I mean, who really needs it. Unfortunately, since Newton ate an apple under a heavy tree and invented the bloody thing we’ve been stuck with it. Or something like that. We don’t know – The Reel deals with ads, not sciences.

Joshing aside, if there’s one thing that pretty much unites all ads it’s the fact that the people, products and places involved are all subject to the laws of physics. Well not any more, as brothers and sisters London have created a set of idents for the National Geographic channel that reduce the G’s to zero!

Made to correspond with the channel’s upcoming Space Week event, the campaign is the first time a TV channel and European agency have filmed in total weightlessness. To achieve the effects, the creative team took National Geographic’s iconic yellow border, 20 cubes of jelly, a rack of pool balls, four balloons, two apples, several torches, four packs of M&M’s shoved them in a G-Force One airplane.

Travelling to the Nevada Desert, the team, headed up by creative directors Steve Shannon of brothers and sisters and Lee Parker of National Geographic Channel UK, experienced weightlessness in a specially-adapted Boeing 727 aircraft - the G-Force One. The same type of plane used by NASA to train their astronauts, the aircraft performed a series of high-altitude flight movements, during which the plane climbed at a 45 degree angle to approximately 10,000 metres before freefalling rapidly in what is known as a parabolic curve. The top of each curve allows 30 seconds of true weightlessness – achieving zero gravity.

The crew experienced 17 parabolic dives in the vomit comet, giving them just eight and a half minutes to record the idents. Strategically positioned camera crews captured each angle, ensuring that every second of zero gravity was recorded on film. Each time zero gravity was achieved, every member of the crew on board was sent floating – lights, cameras and props in hand – as the action commenced. Amazingly, the majority of the shots worked!

The resulting idents are ‘experiments’ in zero gravity with various objects, including a handful of pool balls being hit by the cue ball, the bursting of a balloon filled with water; and crew members sliding up the walls of the plane, throwing each other to play catch. Smartly retaining the shambolic spontaneity of the shoot (for evidence just check out the terrific Making Of) by leaving in the accidental socks and crew floating in to view, the idents contain a truth that wouldn’t be achieved through a CG interpretation of the experience. Coupled with the fact that Nat Geo views got to recommend the items they wanted to go all Jim-Bexley Speed, the resulting work combines the channel identity, explorative nature and sense of fun with aplomb.

http://www.brothersandsisters.co.uk/

News Reel 28/11/08

Dig for Fire Launch cutting edge website.

Digital platforms are changing the landscape and modern production companies are shedding their skins to match the scene. One such chameleon is NY based Dig For Fire.

Since its formation in 2007, the production company Dig For Fire has been marrying the work of established talents and fresh voices, all of whom share the goal of creating best of breed music films lead by the finest independent artists. DFF is now dabbling in branded content as well as new methods of communication.

Recently the collective will launched its own platform http://www.digforfire.tv/ to showcase its broad palate of creative projects and music series. Dig For Fire has already built an impressive archive of inspired music films and has been embraced by the online music community. With the launch of its own devoted site, the company debuts a significant destination intended for both industry types and fans alike.

Setting themselves apart from the rest DFF have a downloadable news widget pulls headline feeds from the other independent music and art blog sites that form the community of which it is a part. Dig For Fire has also opted to turn the site not only into a high def video platform, but also by inviting young visual artists to use the website.

Not only that but DFF (embracing the D.I.Y. spirit of the audience it caters too) invites a new creative voice each month to custom design original site backgrounds and thus develop a kind of virtual gallery and exhibition space existing over the site's established framework. It offers a unique opportunity for artists, designers and photographers to reach new audiences, linking to these creators’ own websites and portfolios.

For more info go to http://www.digforfire.tv/


RUSHES moves in with ITCH Films.

Rushes in partnership with Itch recently announced the reopening of a fully equipped, newly refurbished and re-branded Studio. The new venture combines a state of the art studio space with Rushes’ long-standing knowledge of pack shots and motion control studio shoots. Boutique production company Itch Film, whose founding partner Charlie Paul is a highly experienced food shoot specialist, is perfectly suited for this new collaboration.

The studio has undergone a complete transformation; the stage area has increased in size and there is a stylish, contemporary client area, WIFI internet access and a roof terrace. The studio is equipped with the only permanent Motion Control Camera in central London, making it the most convenient studio for shooting film or video in town. In addition to the Mitchell 35mm camera and Mark Robert’s Flair software, it offers a large range of lenses, filters and lighting, making it hugely versatile - suitable for all sorts of production needs, including VFX, stop-frame animation, blue or green screen shoots, effects element shoots and pack shots.

The highly experienced team are on hand to ensure that shoots run smoothly and production skills are of the highest levels. They will offer advice on comprehensive best quality techniques, performing high or low speed, time lapse and shooting of VFX shots. Packages for shooting, neg developing and post production are available.

Since it’s opening in September, the collaboration has already carried out a number of jobs including brands such as Galaxy, Gillette, Sony and Persil.

Rushes’ Director of Production Carl Grinter commented on the opening: “This is a huge opportunity for us to apply our VFX and post production knowledge to front end shoots for VFX elements, stop frame animation and pack shot versioning, combined with the creative and Directorial support from Charlie, in terms of his huge skills and knowledge in animation, demonstration sequences, food and beauty.”

Itch Film Managing Director Lucy Paul added: “We are very excited about our studio re-development and the installation of the Rushes motion control rig which will tremendously increase shooting capabilities for us. This new partnership will allow our roster of Directors to expand their horizons, which, coupled with our current high end production values, and the benefit of Rushes’ outstanding post expertise, will enable us to offer our clients a smooth running full production service.”

http://www.rushes.co.uk/

http://www.itchfilm.com/


Pirata’s set sail in 08.

Former senior Dare Digital creative duo, ­Eduardo de Felipe and David Boleas, are going solo by establishing a new independent digital production agency called PIRATA. The new outfit opens its doors on 1st December 2008 with initial backing from Work Club.

Launched to provide a hi-end digital production partnership for both advertising and digital agencies, Pirata will specialise in design, production and technical solutions. Pirata’s first commissions are from two leading digital agencies and a major project from an undisclosed top 10 advertising agency. Work will go live in early 2009.

Whereas most production agencies rely solely on digital expertise, each member of the Pirata team has impressive advertising credentials. Eduardo de Felipe was previously Dare’s associate creative director and is a 2009 D&AD judge. David Boleas was formerly creative lead at Dare. Cathy Olmedillas will be providing production and project management experience gained by working for Work Club, Poke and Unit 9. And a top level technical hire will be announced in December 2008.

Between them, Eduardo, David and Cathy have nearly three decades of advertising experience; share many industry accolades, including D&AD, Campaign Digital, Cannes Cyber Lion, IMAA, One Show and Webby awards; have crafted notable campaigns for Sony Bravia ‘Colour Like No Other’, Vodafone, Sony Ericsson Cybershot, Google, eBay, Barclays and PlayStation; whilst also securing pitches for the likes of Sony Europe, Beck’s and BMW.

Pirata’s Eduardo de Felipe said: “UK ad agencies are commissioning much of their high-end digital production overseas. We’re here to offer a face-to-face alternative here in London.”

Work Club’s creative partner, Andy Sandoz, said: "Sail ho! Britain needs more high-end digital craft shops like this. Shame they're all Spanish."

UNIQLO / CANNES Competition.

After winning the Cannes Lions Titanium Grand Prix in 2008, UNIQLO is to produce an official Cannes Lions T-shirt for 2009. The festival and uber-brand have decided to invite people from all over the world to design a memorable T-shirt based on the Cannes Lion logo suitable for distribution at the 2009 Cannes Lions event.

In the Cannes Lions T-shirt Grand Prix competition, previously unpublished designs can be only submitted from November 21, 2008 to the exclusive website:

http://ut.uniqlo.com/utcannes/en/

A Grand Prix-winning design will be commercialized as a T-shirt for distribution at Cannes Lions 2009. All 10 selected entries will be adopted for T-shirts to be sold next summer in UNIQLO.

(We expect ours in the post by June the 1st guys…)

For more info go to www.canneslionsjapan.com/index.html or here if you cant speak Japanese (shame on you) http://www.canneslions.com/


Mustard Sign Animation Director Michael Wright

Mustard Films have signed live action / animation director Michael Wright to their roster for commercials representation. Michael previously directed through Aardman Animation where he began making films using a mixture of 2D animation, Stop Frame, CG and other effects, combined seamlessly with live action.

http://www.mustardlondon.com/

Barnardo's Break The Cycle

Children’s charities have a tendency to tug on the heartstrings in order to raise awareness and contributions – but the past couple of weeks have seen a devastating new campaign for Barnardo’s launched that is more likely to rattle your ticker around its cage than tug on its strings.

Monday 24th saw the TV launch of ‘Break the Cycle’ – a shocking document of an ever-quickening cycle of crime, domestic violence, drugs and despair from which a young girl cannot break free. Through smart editing, painfully emotional scenes flash across the screen, accompanied by a relentless drumbeat of slaps, cries, mocking laughter and demands for money which escalate until the viewer is exhausted and desperate for release. Emotionally draining, the ad forces punters to see the plight of some children and the good work of Barnardo’s.

However, the startling TV spot is just the tip of the campaign’s shocking iceberg. On the charity’s website - www.barnardos.org.uk – is housed the online film ‘Hunting’. Raising the debate around the UK’s demonisation of children, the piece’s grainy, hand-held footage portrays a group of men preparing to tackle their local pest problem. It’s not until they shoot at a group of kids that the viewer learns that every line of their dialogue was written by members of the public about children on newspaper websites (including the shocking line, ‘shoot a few and if that doesn’t work, shoot a few more’).



A direct element to the campaign can be found in the accompanying digital work – viewable here and here - in which the user is invited to interact with the characters from Barnardo’s point of view. An abusive teenage girl shouting at the camera just wants to be told she is worth something. When the viewer clicks on the scream during her rant a voice over translates what she is actually trying to say if only someone would listen. A violent boy destroying his cell is literally crying out for a human touch. The clear call to action at the end of each execution invites viewers to learn more about Barnardo’s work and about what they themselves can do to help.

Speaking of the project Nick Gill, ECD at BHH says, ‘Our new Barnardo’s campaign uses TV and ground-breaking digital banners to drive home the message that even the most troubled children need rescuing’. Barnardo’s UK Director of Communications Diana Tickell adds, “The campaign seeks to remind the public that the children we chastise, fear, expel, despise and lock up, are still children. There is a story behind the behaviour of many of our youth and as a nation we seem to have lost our empathy’.

Shocking and emotive, the new campaign certainly gets its point across. Regardless as to whether it will inspire a heap of folk to dig deep and send over their pennies, the spots and accompanying digital work will certainly make most think twice before judging an unfamiliar youth.

Meribel 08

Meribel 08…

It’s almost upon us.

Cannes smaller, cooler, more discerning boutique cousin is suiting up once more for another round of awards, workshops, seminars and an obligatory bash at the slopes in the 3 valleys.

Launched in 2001 the Meribel Ad Festival has grown steadily over its lifespan. The inaugural festival had just over 300 in attendance and this number has grown to over 1000 for the up and coming 08 meet. In just under 6 years the festival has generated the reputation of the ‘not to be missed’ end of year meet in the European advertising calendar. Considering that Meribel only opened its doors to the rest of Europe in 2004 – that is no mean feat!

The Festival attracts a heady mix of agencies, clients, media buyers, producers, directors and press (pretty much all, sundry and the kitchen sink) and provides a truly unique atmosphere for discussion and networking. Unlike the loud, showy kegger-party that is Cannes, Meribel offers up a quieter, classier, more focussed take on the years advertising. And whilst it may not be as big as its summertime cousin, it certainly doesn’t lack the punch, drawing in industry heavyweights from all over Europe, eager to contribute and indeed, learn.

Founder Christian Cappe recently announced the ambition of the festival, dubbing Meribel as the place to ‘promote European advertising creativity’

Always moving forward, Meribel has enlisted the talents of many industry luminaries to head up debates and give inspirational talks about the industry as a whole. Sister-mag Contagious are at the meet again this year pinpointing the importance of ‘people era’ focussed brands in their groundbreaking ‘wildfire’ forum. Meribel attendees can see who won which quality awards in 08 in Patrick Collister’s ‘Won Report’ as well as taking part in a multitude of other enthralling debates and talks.

We at the Reel are still most excited about The Meribel Young directors Forum, where 8 new directors are invited to the meet to take part in the festivities and have their say. This years Jury consisted of people involved in the all aspects of filmmaking, giving a broad and rich pool of opinion in the selection process.

The jury this year included:

Gérard Pirès Director
Jeremie Noël 2C Associés/Meribel Ad Festival
Olivier Dujol Bellefaye
David Green BETC EURO RSCG
Justine Valletoux CB News
Charlotte Bricard CB News
France Monnet CLM BBDO
Marc Eychenne Dailymotion
Florence Potiee-Sperry DDB PARIS
Christophe Caubel H
Fabien Fournillon Kodak
Valérie Lacoste Kodak
Fabrice Damolini Mikros Images
Gilles Gaillard (DGA) Mikros Images
Pierre Marcus Production WAM
Hani Tamba Director
Hugo Rubini Rubini & Associés
Mickaël Pradignac Shorts TV France
Renaud Chan Studio 37
Pascale Petit Les Temps Modernes


And more importantly - Winning this year was:

Abimbowé by Alex Montoya (Spain)
Bulletproof I wish I where by Brice de la Corte (France)
Interférences by David Bertram (France)
Jésus et les drogués by Antoine Della Maria (France)
Les Williams by Alban Mench (France)
Rémy by Romain Basset et Christophe Berthemin (France)
Retour Simple by Philippe Dufaux (France)
Seeking you by Jean-Julien Pous (Canada/France)


The overall competition in December close the creative year and in past years have acted as a yardstick of the coming international prizes in 09. We look forward to the fresh air and great company that Meribel always offers, and as always, can’t wait to see the new work from the agencies and directors involved!!

P.s...

The Reel will be in Meribel from the 14th - so if you want to meet up... You know where to go!

NewsReel 21/11/08

Hey you!! News us up by emailing editor@thereel.net. In the words of Arnie - 'DO IT!'

Short and Sweet / Getty Images FILM CHALLENGE
Over the past few months, Short & Sweet has been working with Getty Images on a film challenge – asking upcoming helmers to illustrate the many ways in which the Getty archive can be used.

Short & Sweet put forward a selection of talented, undiscovered film makers from which ten directors were chosen and given a brief. From those ten, four very different directors - Laurie Hill, directing team Big Red Button, Jasmin Jodry and Ian Mackinnon with directing partner Dominic Parker - got to make their films come to life. The films will be judged by Eliza Williams (Creative Review), Bill Bungay (CD BMB), Al Maccuish (CD Mother Vision), James Spence (CD BBC) Graham Fink (CD MC Saatchi) and Matthew Butson (Getty Images)

The superfly prize giving for the film challenge plus a special Short & Sweet end of year screening will take place on TUESDAY, 25 November at the AKA Bar, 18 West Central Street - Doors @ 18h30, Films @ 19h30 and entrance (as always) FREE!!!

Get your bums down for what guarantees to be a night of top notch filmic talent.

Partizan gets Eskil-ed

Partizan have signed Daniel Eskils to their roster of directors – whose filmic past includes videos for Those Dancing Days, Alphabeat and Dungen, as well as virals, including one for Boys Noize. Find more info on Daniel and his work here -
http://www.partizan.com/partizan/musicvideos/?daniel_eskils – or wait for you November Reel where you’ll see him in our coveted Ones To Watch section

HRA get Bowl(er)ed over
Hibbert Ralph Animation’s extremely busy autumn period just been crowned with the signing of hot animation newcomer, George Bowler. Since joining in early November, George has already secured a Nokia-sponsored short film commission.

Bristol-based Bowler comes from a graphic design and animation background. His skills include stop-frame animation, graphics and 3D; with his reel demonstrating talent in a wide range of fields: short films, design commissions, stage visuals, titles and idents.

…and finally

We don’t often get to feature spec music promos on our DVD as record labels threaten to punch us in the face with an angry lawyer. That being said, it doesn’t hurt to link to a superb one from our NewsReel, does it? Check out what uber-talented Partizan director Eric Lerner did for opne of his fave Sigur Ros tracks.


[][][][] / "Sigur ros - Gong" / Eric Lerner from Eric Lerner on Vimeo.

What a clever chap

NewsReel 14/11/08

Wave Studios launches in Amsterdam.

Award-winning audio post-production and sound design hot-shop expands operations, opening new studios in Continental Europe

Wave Studios one of London's most respected audio post-production and sound design facility, opens its doors in city-centre Amsterdam, at the heart of the city’s creative hub, on the Herengracht. This month, founders Johnnie Burn and Warren Hamilton, who opened Wave’s UK doors in Soho in 1999, see the culmination of two years work in bringing Wave’s audio expertise and creative talent to the Netherlands.

The UK’s multi-award winning sound design hot-shop capitalises on its reputation at the top of its game with the new facilities in Continental Europe. Wave Amsterdam is designed to service both the local Dutch market as well as the international creative industry and will be working on a local rate card.

Founder Johnnie Burn explains: “Amsterdam is a magnet for creative bureaus. The Dutch are known for their design talent and creative eye, we’re excited about tapping into that. We also considered New York and LA, but expansion into mainland Europe is a better first step. Eventually we’d like to attract business from throughout the Continent, but the Netherlands is certainly our main focus.”

Co-owners Burn and Hamilton assume the role of Creative Directors to oversee projects by their audio-design team, who work from three state of the art studios. These cater for all radio and dubbing needs including Dolby Cinema in 5.1. The studios also have digital picture facilities and access to a vast collection of 200,000 sound effects.

Warren Hamilton points out: “Wave has developed a worldwide reputation for sound excellence because we've built the business on a core ethos of creative distinction, passion for audio and unswerving dedication. Our Engineers are like artists; their creative talents make them an obvious choice for the industry's leading writers and directors."

Established 10 years ago, Wave's very first TV spot was the iconic Guinness 'Surfer' ad which sees horses stampeding through the ocean. Since then, Wave has been responsible for countless ad classics including Sony Bravia 'Paint', Sony 'Balls', Honda 'Grrr', Stella Artois 'Skating Priest', BBC ‘Rush Hour’ and Levis 'Planet'.

http://www.wavestudios.com/
http://www.wavestudios.nl/


Awards Mania.
The Reel was recently invited to attend the 22nd London International Advertising Awards, the winners of which were announced at an epic ceremony in London’s glitzy, velvet draped, Hippodrome. This year saw a grand total of 17,969 entries in total, with categories ranging from packaging design to digital and integrated media. In keeping with the awards’ spirit of rewarding only the ‘right kind of advertising’, only six of the nine categories saw grand prizes awarded at all, with integrated, packaging design and outdoor missing out on the top spot.

BBDO New York made history by scooping a grand total of three grand prizes; for BBC World in the NTM and design categories and for their HBO Voyeur campaign in the digital media category. The office scooped a staggering 39 statues including the three grand prizes.

A fourth was scooped by Colenso BBDO in Auckland for their radio ad ‘Offensive’, to promote the New Zealand Comedy Festival in what amounted to a bumper year for the network. This coincides with the launch of the 2008 Gunn Report, which saw BBDO claim the most awarded network spot.

Big TV winners that were on the night included the eponymous Fallon ‘Gorilla’ bashing his way to the big prize as well as a slew of other Reel faves winning one of the many, many gold and silvers. Some of the highlights included Shweppes ‘Burst’ Skittles ‘Touch’ and ‘Enemy Weapon’ for Halo 3.

Awards for best haircut and lamest dance were not given out at the event, but we at the Reel are hoping that they will be included next year. Well done to all the winners (and there were quite a few) and thanks to the LIAA for a top night.
For more info the winners this year and details on next years event / submitting work check the LIAA site http://www.liaawards.com/


Mauricio Alarcón joins SCPF.
Mauricio Alarcón joins SCPF to share the Executive Creative Management of the agency with David Caballero. Both will have responsibility over all of the accounts and all of the agency teams, reporting directly to Toni Segarra. With this addition to the team, the restructuring of SCPF’s creative leadership is complete.

Born in 1973, Mauricio Alarcón has spent the past two and a half years working at Crispin Porter + Bogusky on accounts for such names as Burger King or Nike
Mauricio will share the management of the Spanish agency’s creative department with David Caballero, while Toni Segarra will be in charge of overall supervision and strategy coherence.

Toni Segarra comments:
“We continue to work with mature talents who possess a wide range of experience and solid strategic thinking, capable of both dialogue and maximum levels of collaboration with every single one of our clients. We hope that Mauricio’s incorporation will allow him to share his international experience; his first-hand knowledge of the transformation being brought about by digital technology in all areas of day-to-day life; and his fascinating experience in a projects that is one of the most successful in achieving an overall management model with the idea as the fundamental principle, as the seed and process, not as a momentary solution to problems as they arise. We do not understand communication that lacks structure. For this reason, we believe our job is more akin to architecture than to the creation of trends or fashions.”

Cyber Jury Announced.
The Meribel Ad Festivel has unveiled the Cyber Cristal Jury for the 2008 meet.

The award will be under the presidence of :

Stéphane BERINGER, (collège International)
President Tribal DDB Europe, Global Chief Strategic Officer, Tribal DDB Worldwide

Jean-Et ienne BOUEDEC,
E-market ing Manager , La Française des jeux

Florian LANG, (collège France)
Président Di recteur Général , KASSIUS

Its on like donkey kong!

Reel Opinion: Barry Hughes

For this month's Reel Opinion we handed the baton of judgement to Therapy's Barry Hughes. After checking out five pieces that caught our eye from the October editions, here's what he had to say:

Barry Hughes

MD
Therapy Films, London

Thankfully, up to now, I have managed to steer clear of having to publicly voice my opinions on aired work. Most of which will obviously have had all sorts of barriers put in its way, prior to delivery of the finished spots we see. I am very aware of how frustrating this process can be, only for someone to then start slagging it off and highlighting it’s shortfalls. Nearly all of which will have been the result of endless research and testing, prior to airing. Hence the reason that there is still an abundance of director / agency cuts that get put on show reels.

Here however, we do have a couple of fantastic examples of exactly what can be achieved with creative thinking and a degree of trust.

Diesel - 'SFX XXX'

Agency: The Viral Factory, London

Production: The Viral Factory, London

Director: The Viral Factory

For so long, virals relied entirely on sexual content, and lacked strong ideas. We are all becoming more aware of how far reaching good virals are, and the need for something original and either eye catching or very funny, in order for anyone to feel the urge to pass it on. This one has it all. Fantastic idea, brilliantly executed, better with repeat viewing, and definitely one I would pass on. Even to my Mother, who may even find it amusing – not that she buys Diesel products… I even like the cameo appearance of Graham Fink chewing the corn cob.

Guinness - 'Fridge Magnet'

Agency - IIBBDO, Dublin

Production - Sonny, London

Director - Fredrik Bond

I am a big fan of Fredrik Bond. I don’t know how he finds the time to do every job he does, but each one is handled with the same flair and artistry as the next. And this is no exception. Looks fantastic, and each of the cast members look like they are genuinely having a good time. This adds a great depth to the spot, and coupled with a cracking track, makes for the best Guinness ad I have seen for a long time.

From here it all starts to go downhill a bit.

Amnesty International - 'Electrocuting Man'

Agency - n/a

Production - Stink, London

Director - Darkfibre

It is getting increasingly difficult to deliver a hard hitting charity ad with a message that the viewer can not only understand, but also feel enough to donate money for. This one for me does not manage either. I was completely at a loss to understand what was going on, and felt absolutely no emotion toward the people on screen, or their plight. At first I felt guilty about this, and started to think that maybe that was the message: So many charity ads challenging for money that the best way to get it is to baffle the viewer and make them think that only they don’t understand it, and surely its better to donate money than admit stupidity…. I still didn’t put my hand in my pocket.

Cadbury Roses - 'Showers'

Agency - Publicis Mojo, Melbourne

Production - Independent Films, Sydney

Director - Scott Otto Anderson

This is probably a personal one to me. I am not a sweet person, but every Christmas, it has become tradition to fill the house with every conceivable chocolate and sweet available. Within our family it has become a big challenge as to the diversity of sweet on offer. Roses and Quality Street are a staple part of the mix. So when confronted by pictures of Roses in a nice sunny location, it does absolutely nothing for me. Surely the last thing you would be thinking about in the midst of summer, is a chocolate sweet. I do realise that Christmas down under does occur in the middle of summer, and that the feelings I have here may be shared by countless Antipodeans, that would think it odd to partake of chocolate any time other than the middle of summer. Oh the joys of global advertising. I shall still be buying my one family size tin of Roses in around three weeks time.

BBC Radio 2 - Jonathan

Agency - RCKR/Y&R

Production - Outsider, London / Red Bee Media, London

Director - James Rouse

I stopped listening to Radio 2 when Mark Lamar ceased doing his show on Saturday mornings. When Jonathan Ross took over, it was enough to make me take it off the auto tuner in the car. Not being a fan of Jonathan’s, it is hard for me to watch anything he does. But this spot does sum up what Radio 2 has become. Men of my age trying to revisit their youth, on air, to millions of people in the same boat. I much prefer accepting middle age, and moving straight to Radio 5 for a good old rant and rave on a phone in.


I am sure there really is a need when writing reviews to think more laterally. But what the hell. These are my thoughts and opinions. They will surely not matter to anyone, but apologies to anyone that feels I may have done them any sort of disservice.

Newsreel 07/11/08

onedotzero

Office faves onedotzero are back with another festival to knock your little socks off.
Running from the 14th till the 16th of November the ODZ peeps are giving us another tasty dose of visionary new work and pioneering talent in the world of moving image, digital and interactive art in the form of “Adventures In Motion”.

The festival in partnership with (and at) BFI Southbank will be a mixture of innovative short films, animation, motion graphics, music videos, groundbreaking feature film
previews with director question and answer sessions, alongside interactive installations, explosive live audiovisual and music performances, artist discussions, hands-on toy-hacking workshops and parties.

This years highlights include include two one-night-only live audiovisual events at the BFI IMAX: an exclusive collaboration between mercury prize nominee Nitin Sawhney and Es Devlin, renowned stage designer who has worked with Carmen to Kanye West, and an AV triple-bill, featuring VJ crem de la crème: The Light Surgeons, D-Fuse and Hexstatic. Boasting the largest screen in the UK, and unique 6.0 surround sound system it really is all that and a flapjack.

For more info and tickets head to www.onedotzero.com/event.php?id=31182

Just don’t miss it!!

Cohen gets exclusive

Daniel Cohen the animator and live action director has decided to put all his work including his animation projects through HLA from where he will now be represented exclusively.
Best known for his Amnesty International ‘The Audition’ film he has been working on several new commercials projects recently and a new reel is now available through HLA Tel.

(0044) 207 299 1000 or http://www.hla.net/

Meribel Viral Winner

It’s rather chilly, packed full of fun and really tasty. No it’s not an ice cream, it’s the Meribel ad festival again!
The Meribel cats have been busy already and have announced the winner of their inaugural Meribel Ad Festival Viral Film contest. Entrants had a chance of winning a free stay at the 8th snazzy snow-fest and had to include the themes of creativity, liberty and humour.

The winner ‘bigger every year’ created by Pierre Duquesnoy and David Tamayo from Euro RSCG BETC 4D can be seen here, along with the other finalists:

www.meribel-adfestival.com/EN/filmviral.html

It's got FIVE on it

In this month’s UK Reel DVD we decided to look at the attention-grabbing brand identity created for Five in early October. Catching a brief moment with Nol Davis, Five’s Head Of Creative Services and Dominic Sykes, the channel’s On-Air Brand Director, we posed them a couple of questions about the reason for the rebrand, and the process of the idents’ creation.

What was the impetus behind the the recent Five rebranding?

The launch of our 2 new digital channels, Fiver and FiveUS, and our on-line family Five.tv, Demand Five & Five FWD created the perfect opportunity to refresh and reinvigorate the on-air brand and create a cohesive network feel to our brands. Equally the new demands on air time and new programme priorities required a developed creative strategy. The look, feel, tone of voice across all our platforms and touch points needed to be cohesive and focussed. We wanted to create a more stimulating viewing experience.

Why were a series of different production companies chosen to realise the idea?

Brand Bursts are continuity driven slices of entertainment that sit squarely at the heart of the Five spirit. Fun, eclectic, entertaining and stimulating they are a reflection of our Brand tonally rather than logo devices. Simple and engaging they are a series of vignettes that build a framework to expand creatively as we move the Brand forward. Each is a different take on a facet of Five and the project will become a rolling process with ongoing commissions. To capture the different facets/moments we developed a brief that allowed creative freedom but was cantered on the new Five strategic direction. We approached some of the best creative teams and production companies in the UK and beyond to allow us to express the brand in many ways. The response was immensely positive with an initial round of over 100 submissions. These were narrowed to a set of twenty ideas that went into production. Teams as varied as Partizan, Aardman Animations, Buck, Flynn and Rokkit were selected to create bursts that set the template for the project moving forward.

Another 48hrs

Making a short film can be quite difficult. Problems can occur almost anywhere. Actors, equipment, lighting, weather, film the list is potentially endless. Making a short film in 48 hours, and doing it well, could be described as nothing short of a miracle. But there are, it seems, a queue of people crazy enough to attempt such a feat and a magical few who can skilfully pull off such a fast turnaround off in fine style.
Smoke and Mirrors London recently held their 3rd annual 48hr film festival, and we were there to see the winners unveiled…

A poke in the eye to short film makers who have spent months of toil on theirs, this years 48hr film submissions were of the highest possible calibre. Each year Smoke and Mirrors provide a theme which filmmakers must use as the thread for the film. Entrants have 48 hours to write, shoot and edit the film which must amount to no longer than 5 minutes. The winners are provided with all they could possibly need to create a short, including lights, camera, stock, processing and post.

Make a film, get one free. It’s that simple.

This years judges were also film makers and industry shakers of high calibre and included:

Andy Jex – Mother
Bil Bungay – BMB
Brad Woodus – VCCP
Claire Cook – BBC
Miles Wilkes – Park Village
Danny Brooke Taylor – MCBD
Kai Hsiung – RSA
Johnnie Frankel – Rattling Stick

But anyway… WHO WON!? WHERE CAN WE SEE IT!?!

This years well deserved winner was 'i stood up' by Lucy Tcherniak and James Willis form Partizan. Runners up included Jamie Chung form Home Corp with ‘Happy go Lucky’ and Wayne Yip from Addiction with ‘Be Lucky’.

We will be hosting 6 of the best in the next issue of The Reel (obviously), but if you can’t wait until then you can see the three victors here:

http://www.smoke-mirrors.com/smweb/48hours/

With such high quality and variety created in such a short period of time, we can't wait until next years competition!!

The Reel would like to extend some praise to all involved!
Well done!

Newsreel 31/10/08

Got news? We want it!!! Send all your tittle-tattle to editor@thereel.net and we'll do our darndest to feature it here.

Whitey is a Hungry Man

D.C. native Whitey (of Jackass fame) is the latest helmer to be added to Hungry Man’s exceptional roster. After seeing his latest YouTube stunt, the production company knew they had to get a hold of the guy behind Kobe Bryant's mammoth leap of faith. The video in which Kobe jumps over a moving Astin Martin, received over 1 million views and flooded inboxes of coworkers in virtually every global work place. Although the stunt was nothing like Kobe had ever attempted before, it was just a day on the job for the former MTV Jackass writer & director.

Whitey’s drive to become a director stemmed from his frustration at the lack of cool skate & snowboard videos, leading him to establish his own company Kingpin Productions & producing around 17 films to date with them. Immersed in the Boarding/Skating culture, Whitey became the photo editor at Blunt Magazine (later picked up by Big Brother), which helped him gain recognition by the Jackass crew. With the success of Jackass came the opportunities to concept and write campaigns for Nike, Nike Plus, Zune and EA with teams from Wieden + Kennedy, 72andSunny & Cutwater.

Check out his showreel on the Hungry Man website

Tonge reaches a Crossroads

Comedy director Ben Tonge has just been added to Crossroad’s roster. Working extensively in Manchester for the last 5 years through Chief (who still represent him in the city), Ben has entered Crossroads for representation in London and eventually through the Crossroads network in the States. His worked has just secured his first London based job with AMV. With an in-camera style coupled with his flair for humour makes his work both accessible and captivating. That and the fact that he is a very funny and inspiring Guy will no doubt aid him greatly. Ben also has worked on shorts and comedy pilots and is currently working on a pilot for E4. Check it - http://www.crossroadsfilms.co.uk/bentonge

23rd London International Awards

November 10th – put it in your diary!! The 23rd London International Awards is taking place at the freshly done-up Hippodrome in Leicester Square. With a promise ‘to recognise and honour exceptional creative work in Advertising, Design, and Digital Media and those who have created them’ who could ask for more! Grab a ticket from the official site - http://www.liaawards.com/

Halloween Fun

Yep, as a special treat on All Hallows’ Eve, here’s a clip of a world-record beating 881 people dancing to Thriller in Austin Texas – enjoy.

...and another of a man performing an acapella rendition of the same song. 64 tracks - one voicebox - 2.5 months work. Amazing.

Reel Opinion Special: Sam Bonwick

A special extra Reel Opinion for you good folk this week, as soon to be departing Reel Deputy Editor (and collator of the regular feature) Sam Bonwick talks through the top five ads of his time with us. After seeing the thousands of ads, shorts and promos that flow through Reel Towers on a regular basis, the man Bonners has let his polite demeanour falter and his opinions rise to the fore in this intriguing insight into just what makes a Dept Ed tick. [JM]

Sam Bonwick
[Former] Deputy Editor
The Reel, London

When I took the job at The Reel, having left the topsy-turvy world of TV production, my dear old dad said, 'I can't stand watching adverts on the telly, why the hell do you want to do that for a living?!' I remember being slightly stumped with that rather simple question, eventually mumbling something like, 'Because I can appreciate them as short creative films'. Dad scoffed and I think he still tells people that I work in TV.

Nevertheless, I have undoubtedly been given plenty of enjoyment from some fantastic adverts, shorts and promos from the minds of some fantastically creative people. I have eschewed 'the most famous drumming simian since Mickey Dolenz' [Jamie Madge describing Cadbury's 'Gorilla', The Reel, 2007], and other obvious choices that even my ad-hating old man tolerates, and tried to look a little deeper for some of the best ads of the past year or so. Enjoy.

Chupa Chups - 'Girlfriend'

Agency: BBH, Singapore

Production: Soft Citizen, Toronto

Director: The Perlorian Brothers

Creative team turned directing duo Ian Letts and Michael Gelfand aka The Perlorian Brothers do funny well. Here they have a new star on their hands and they direct him with aplomb. Chuck had better be big. He better be bigger than Burt Bacharach...or at least Flat Eric. When I first watched this ad I almost choked on my Kellogg's Special K Oats & Honey...and the next day I had a lollipop for breakfast.

13 Eme Rue - 'Gali the Alligator'

Agency: BETC Euro RSCG, Paris

Production: Big Productions, Paris

Director: Terri Timely

Before Chuck sucked his way into my life, there was another cuddly character that found his way onto The Reel and into all our hearts. To use the words of the expertly parodied song-for-kids that Barney wouldn't touch with a barge pole, 'Here comes Gali the Alligator, he's a puppet decimator'. The simple concept of this ad is the Carlsberg-esque idea that 13Eme Rue (a French crime channel) don't do kids TV but if they did it would be bloody good. Who wouldn't laugh with glee when a marauding man in an alligator suit rips off the head and pulls out the intestines of some cutesy woodland creature puppets?! A sane and compassionate person, you say? Oh, right. OK.

Diesel - 'SFW XXX'

Agency: The Viral Factory, London

Production: The Viral Factory, London

Director: The Viral Factory

So, they were the puppets; now comes the porn. I'm not really sure if I'm giving the best impression of myself here.

This one is fresh. So fresh, it's on the front cover of our October international issue [it's not even out yet so there's a sneak preview for you]. An acquantance of one of the Reel team forwarded this onto us without any branding, before we even knew what it was; we just knew it was funny and forwarded it onto all our friends - proof, if proof be needed, that The Viral Factory know what they're doing. When we realised it was for Diesel we were all a bit incredulous but applauded the cahoonas of all involved...especially the man with the Skittles.

The Natural Confectionery Company - 'Bring on the Trumpets'

Agency: Fallon, London

Production: MJZ, London

Director: Tom Kuntz

This ad isn't that funny; after a while it's a bit annoying, but I loved the simplicity of the idea and its excution. If you google 'Bring on the Trumpets' the first thing that comes up is a sponsored link to the Natural Confectionery Co's website. It comes from Fallon. They've thought about it. They've even got Matt 'Dr Sanchez' Berry to do the voice so you know they've thought about it. What kid could resist replying to a sensible question from an adult with 'Bring on the Trumpets' over and over again. The only way to shut them up is to stuff a guilt-free natural sweet into their gob...or hit them. I hope you're proud of yourselves Fallon.

Monster - 'Stork'

Agency: BBDO, New York

Production: Rattling Stick

Director: Daniel Kleinman

If only to prove that I'm not a complete child, I've included this epic and genuinely touching spot for the unlikely client of Monster.com. Rattling Stick rarely produce anything bad and Danny Kleinman has been on fire recently so the omens were good. Part of an inspired campaign for Monster earlier this year, which wheeled out work from uber director after uber director, it still pulls at the heart strings now. It's probably even, deep down, partly responsible for me heading to Australia! [Chris and Jamie have asked me to point out that The Reel office bears no resemblence to the office environment depicted in this ad].