Thomas Thomas films latest production for Burger giants BK appears to have has rubbed Mexico up the wrong way. The imagery in the ‘Texican’ spot featuring a diminutive luchadore wrestler dressed in a cape resembling a Mexican flag and a lanky yank has caused Mexico's ambassador to Spain to write a firey letter to Burger King's head offices, asking for the ad to be removed from air.
Press officials at Burger King Corp. offices in Miami, Florida, and Madrid, Spain, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Well… At BK… They DO have it their way…
James Pilkington and Simon Levene develop a taste for Mustard
Mustard Films have signed James Pilkington and Simon Levene to their roster. Pilkington was formerly of Partizan and The Sweet Shop and Levene arrives from Coy and was previously with Therapy.
John Doris, managing director, says they both “have a great pedigree of award winning performance based comedy work” and is delighted to add them to the Mustard ranks.
Karni & Saul fly on a Rokkit
Rokkit continues to make clear its desire to be seen as the most creative and artistically expressive environment for directors and clients, with high-profile signings and expansion.
The subject of considerable attention in London, directing duo Karni & Saul have opted to join Rokkit for commercials and music videos.
In another move, Rokkit will now represent music video directors previously housed at Stink. Directors including Ne-O and Stylewar will join Karni & Saul and the existing Rokkit directors to create a formidable music video roster.
EP Nick Hussey, who has just come on-board to run Rokkit with Jacobs, explained the move. "We see Rokkit as a hub for the best creative ideas, and to that end music videos are key for us. It’s one of the most dynamic creative outlets for directors, and still a great business to be involved with.”
In addition independent Rep for Music Videos and Commercials, Siobhan Murphy, previously MD of Cops and Robbers, has taken up the post as Music Video Rep.
http://www.rokkit.tv/
TBWA\ Manchester Appoints New Executive Creative Director
TBWA\ Manchester today announced the appointment of Pete Lewtas as the agency’s new Executive Creative Director.
Lewtas will head up the creative department at TBWA\Manchester, whose clients include EA, Nissan, BP, COI, PZ Cussons and The Co-operative. Lewtas was previously ECD for IPG Team Nokia New York and prior to that was Creative Director of Fuel Amsterdam.
With experience on global brands such as Volvo, Mazda, Nokia and Absolut Vodka, Lewtas is recognised for his award wins at the One Show, D&AD, Andys, and Cannes. The appointment sees his return to the TBWA\ network from being Creative Director at TBWA\Chiat\Day New York earlier on in his career.
Lewtas added: “TBWA\Manchester has a lot of talent, a fantastic list of clients and a great deal of untapped potential; it’s in an ideal position for us to deliver more for clients by building on this creative strength.”
Soup picks up Moonpig.com business
Moonpig.com, the online personalised greeting cards company, has chosen Soup to handle its brand strategy and digital advertising business without a pitch.
It is the first time that the company has hired an agency to work on brand strategy and Soup will now be briefed with redeveloping the brand's identity in line with its increased customer base, as well as creating advertising to drive traffic to the website.
Iain Martin, the managing director of Moonpig, said: "We chose Soup because they have a reputation for working with innovative challenger brands."
Nick Thompson, the managing director of Soup, added: "Being a digital agency, it's always great to work with really successful dotcom brands. Moonpig.com is a brilliant example of this, with real innovation and entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of the company."
We’re just hoping that Soup don’t change the jingle…
Less than 2 weeks left for submissions to 11th Rushes Soho Shorts Festival
Submission deadlines for Rushes Soho Shorts are galloping up.
The deadline (if you don’t know) is Thursday 23rd April.
So far this year the festival has received attention from 1,177 cities in 107 countries across 5 continents. With submissions coming from such a broad cross section of filmmakers it’s making the selection process ferociously competitive and promises a strong programme for the festivals 11th year. The entry form for this year’s Rushes Soho Shorts Festival can be downloaded at http://www.sohoshorts.com/
Submissions by hand will be accepted up to the deadline date and by post as long as they are post marked with the deadline date, 23rd April.
The festival celebrates the previous year’s best director in the competition categories: Short Film, Animation, Documentary, Music Video, Newcomer and Broadcast Design.
2009 includes additional programmes highlighting work from abroad along with numerous guest programmes showcasing amazing work produced in the UK and overseas.
The 10 day event will also see a short film market day, a large range of seminars, lectures, networking events, receptions, Bar-B-Q’s, parties and live music performances with yet more events being planned for the Autumn in London, Denmark, Australia, USA, Asia, South America and Jersey (to name a few).
