Campaign Brief Blog

WE HAVE MOVED: CAMPAIGN BRIEF BLOG NOW AT WWW.CAMPAIGNBRIEF.COM

2007-11-17T00:52:00.000+11:00

The new look Campaign Brief Blog, created by Lowe Rivet, Sydney, is now located at www.campaignbrief.com
Says Head of Interactive at Lowe Rivet, Mark Ashley-Wilson: "It's been great fun rebuilding this site. Reading all the comments in a single session wasn't such a great idea, but it was pretty insightful on the people in our business. The new site now clearly represents the Campaign Brief brand and the added functionality make it a much easier tool to use for all visitors. We are really happy with the result."

The team who made it all happen are:
Mark Ashley-Wilson - Head of Interactive AU & NZ
Dave Johnson - Executive Creative Director
Richard de Nys - Executive Producer
Masami Iida - Programmer
Han Lee - Designer

OMNILAB MEDIA, KMM CREATE NEW DIGITAL FILM COMPANY

2007-11-16T14:14:00.000+11:00

OmnilabMedia, Australia/NZ’s largest, privately owned, vertically integrated content development and media service business and Kennedy Miller Mitchell (KMM), the company behind the award winning Happy Feet, Babe and Mad Max movies - today announced their partnership in a significant new digital media company.
Says George Miller (above right): “The brave new age of digital film-making is little more than a decade old. It offers extraordinary possibilities for storytellers like us who strive to break new ground with each of our movies. KMM had been looking for a partner to start a new Australian owned and based digital film company for quite a while. I had found it heartbreaking to watch the home-grown talent pool that emerged in Australian cinema go overseas because there was no continuity of high-end work in this country.
KMM’s partnership with Omnilab Media and the Mapp family is our attempt to stop history repeating itself and reverse this Australian ‘brain drain’. We have the perfect union of Omnilab Media’s management, resources and infrastructure with KMM’s creative film making expertise. Omnilab Media have built a very successful business in an uncertain climate and this, together with KMM’s aspiration to achieve the highest level of storytelling, is a great match. We really see this as a strong marriage with a view to making many beautiful children over a long period of time!”
Omnilab Media Managing Director Christopher Mapp (above left) said, “When we first entered into discussions with KMM at the beginning of the year, we were all inspired at the thought of creating a hub of film making excellence here in Australia. With a consistent stream of exceptional creative projects coming into this new company, we have made firm investments and commitments to grow and expand the team. I’m pleased to say we have already attracted back some of the best Australian creative talent from around the world.”
The new company will be based at Omnilab’s facility in Yurong Street, East Sydney. Commenting on its future potential, KMM’s Doug Mitchell said, “Right from the beginning we made the decision to join forces with the Mapp family and personally invest in this new company to help build and grow the Australian digital film making industry. We have been inspired by the New Zealanders who are leading the way with their comprehensive film making on such works as Lord of the Rings and King Kong, and who are now attracting the world’s top filmmakers.”
The new company’s future strategy has been agreed by Omnilab Media, the Mapp family and KMM with Christopher Mapp adding, ““We are continuing to invest in the industry for the long term and this new venture with KMM is a true extension of our passion and drive to grow digital film making in Australia.”
With the new company in place and a growing team of top talent, George Miller concluded, “We now have a very real opportunity to build on past successes with a continuous flow of ambitious projects and together, contribute to the future of digital cinema.”

McLENNAN LURES GRANGER FROM SAATCHI & SAATCHI NEW YORK TO WORLDWIDE CD OF Y&R

2007-11-15T07:15:00.000+11:00

Y&R announced today that Tony Granger will join the agency as Worldwide Creative Director.
“Tony Granger has earned his reputation as an industry great — he’s an enormous talent and a passionate leader,” said Australian Hamish McLennan, Y&R Global CEO. “I am delighted that he will be my creative partner, and I know this announcement will be universally embraced by our clients and our staff as a key step forward,” he added.
Granger comes to Y&R from Saatchi & Saatchi New York, where he has spent the past two years as its Chief Creative Officer and led Saatchi to its ranking as the most awarded agency in the world at last year’s Cannes Advertising Festival. He also served as Executive Creative Director of its London agency. Prior to that, Granger was at Bozell in New York and at Grey and TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris in his native South Africa.
“Putting in a dynamic creative leader tops off everything we have been working towards,” stated McLennan. “We have been reinventing our agency model, aggressively extending our digital capabilities, updating our offering with branded content, design as well as other practices like shopper marketing. We need creative excellence on all fronts, and Tony is the ideal person to get us there,” he said.
Granger is the most recent addition to the senior management team at Y&R that McLennan continues to build. Earlier this year, McLennan hired Mitch Caplan as Chief Marketing Officer of North America and Tarik Sedky as Chief Digital Officer, and made strategic appointments in the global network, including a new head of China and a regional president for the entire Asia region.
Early last month, Jan Jacobs and Leo Premutico also left Saatchi and are now starting their own shop, Johannes Leonardo - see following story - backed by WPP (CB hears McLennan also played a lead role in that deal).

PREMUTICO AND JACOBS FORM JOHANNES LEONARDO, NEW YORK, BACKED BY WPP

2007-11-15T07:05:00.000+11:00

WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Former Saatchi & Saatchi Executive Creative Directors Jan Jacobs and Leo Premutico, who helped take the agency from creative obscurity to Cannes and Clio ‘Agency of The Year’ in just over two years, have launched their own shop Johannes Leonardo with the backing of WPP.
Jacobs, 37, and Aussie expat Premutico, 29, were recently recognized as the world’s fourth most-awarded creative directors by Creativity magazine. Between them, the duo has won over 30 “Lions” at the International Advertising Festival in Cannes, and many other industry accolades. Since arriving at Saatchi & Saatchi in May 2005, the agency has experienced something of a renaissance with significant new-business success, including JC Penney and Wendy’s International accounts.
In addition to their new-business contributions, Jacobs and Premutico were the major force behind the creative turn-around. Their ‘Stains don’t stand a chance’ work for Tide this year resulted in Procter & Gamble winning its first Cannes “Grand Prix” in many years. Their “Red Wig” campaign for Wendy’s has given that brand a strong voice in the fickle youth market, something that the company has struggled to regain since the passing of its founder and advertising icon Dave Thomas in 2002.
Jacobs and Premutico developed the “Talking Stain” campaign for Tide detergent, establishing a unique point of difference for the Tide to Go brand. Their work lead the Saatchi & Saatchi New York office to become the second most-awarded agency in the world (Creativity’s August 2007).
Premutico and Jacobs have worked as a team since meeting in the London office of Saatchi & Saatchi in 2005. Shortly after that, they collaborated on the moving “Ventriloquist” commercial for the UK’s National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, which in that year was the world’s seventh most-awarded commercial (Campaign magazine ’05).
Together and separately, Jacobs and Premutico have worked in agencies in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, continental Europe and the United States. They have also influenced other brands such as BMW, Land Rover, The New York Times, Bank of America, Avis and Olay. Their work has won effectiveness awards on four continents.
Johannes Leonardo will be based in New York.

AUSTRALIAN AD INDUSTRY TO BACK LEO'S EARTH HOUR IN 08

2007-11-15T05:12:00.000+11:00

Leo Burnett Sydney’s Earth Hour initiative for WWF, which won one of four Titanium awards handed out at Cannes last year, has been opened up to Australia’s entire advertising, media and marketing community. As well as the feel-good factor that comes with helping to save the planet, there are four trips to next year’s international advertising festival at Cannes to be won. Campaign Brief will give away two trips to the creative team who demonstrate the most effective and/or inspirational way to leverage Earth Hour 2008 with judging by an international panel of top creatives led by Leo Burnett’s global creative director Mark Tutssel. Fairfax’s The Sydney Morning Herald will award a trip each to the client and agency person behind the best work with the jury to be chaired by Noel Purcell, group general manager, Westpac.
Rolled out in Sydney for the first time this year, Earth Hour 2007 had 2.2 million Sydneysiders turn off their lights for an hour as a stand against global warming, cutting the city’s energy consumption by 10.2%, the equivalent of taking 48,000 cars off the road for one hour. Over 2,200 Sydney based companies took part, including McDonald’s, which switched off its golden arches; Coke, which screened Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth; Energy Australia, which co-sponsored advertisements on metrolites; and Guinness, which gave out free beers at bars.
This year WWF is hoping for universal support from corporate Australia for the event which will take place on March 29 at 8pm. Top agencies including Saatchi & Saatchi, George Patterson Y&R, Clemenger BBDO, JWT, DDB, SO&M, BMF, Host, The Glue Society, Publicis Mojo, BWM, M&C Saatchi, Whybin\TBWA, BWM, Lowe Hunt, Euro RSCG, McCann-Erickson, The Campaign Palace, The Furnace, Naked, CHE, Grey, Badjar Ogilvy, Cummins Nitro, Samuelson Talbot, Smart, Marmalde, Spinach and Draft FCB - essentially the entire Sydney and Melbourne ad industry - have pledged support and will work with their clients to create Earth Hour themed campaigns and events.
The success of last year’s event has galvanised interest from other cities and so far 20 cities have signed up to take part in 2008 including most of the Australian capital cities, Tel Aviv, Auckland, Copenhagen and 12 US cities.
Says Leo Burnett national creative director, Mark Collis: “Earth Hour was a unique moment in time which we hope to make a permanent date on the world calendar. Opening the brief up to all agencies in this way is equally unique and exciting.”
Tim Castree, CEO of Leo Burnett Sydney, says the agency has always considered Earth Hour the Linux of social marketing: “We are trying to create this global open source community that comes together around a common view which is about trying to make a difference in the fight against global warming. What more powerful way to make that take hold than get the full creative force of the whole advertising and marketing industry behind Earth Hour? If we could achieve what we achieved last year with the small team and small resources we had available, then imagine how much more we could achieve if we had the entire industry behind this initiative,” he says.
When Castree approached the CEOs of the top 25 agencies in Australia to get involved, they all said yes without hesitation: “I think they see the opportunity to do fantastic creative work, we have this vision that many creative agencies will win awards next year for work they do on Earth Hour. It’s a competitive industry but at the end of the day there is a lot of camaraderie and mutual respect,” says Castree.
Jay Benjamin, joint-ECD of JWT Sydney [with Andy DiLallo], endorsed the call-to-action, saying this is why he got into advertising.
“This is a really special and rare opportunity. I was an environmental science major early in my university days but never felt I could make a difference (or much money) without the ability to speak to millions of people. So I moved over to mass communication hoping that one day something like this would pop up. Now it has,” he says.
US born DiLallo added that last year at Cannes his fellow countryman Al Gore put out a challenge to the industry to help lead the charge on creating awareness of global climate change and with Earth Hour 2008 Leo Burnett has found a way to answer this challenge: “This is a great way to all come together in a truly selfless act, something far too rare in our business,” he says.
“It’s great that something as simple as turning our lights off can light up the creative community,” says Warren Brown, ECD of BMF. “Getting us all involved in making all Australians aware and conscious of our lifestyles and how they impact on the planet is a truly worthwhile cause.”
Similarly, Garry Horner, creative director of Whybin\TBWA Sydney, says it’s important for every agency to become involved. One of its clients is the SMH, but Horner says other clients they have approached are also keen: “Here is an amazingly exciting conceptual area to be working in because you can break all the boundaries. It’s creating a huge social movement and being able to touch people in that way is fantastic,” says Horner.
Castree doesn’t think the fact that Earth Hour won Titanium last year at Cannes will deter the judges from awarding it again: “Just like Nike can win awards every year for the work it does around the world I don’t see why Earth Hour can’t win creative awards every year. It’s no different to any other brand in that sense,” he says.
Ads should run between February 1, 2008 and March 29, 2008 and reflect Earth Hour’s ultimate goal of getting people to reduce their carbon emissions by five percent a year. They can support the Earth Hour event, combat global warming in general, or be more specific, such as provide tips to reduce people’s environmental footprint on the planet. The brief and guidelines are being emailed to 360 industry leaders for distribution to their agencies. All the members of the AANA and MFA will also receive the brief.

Agencies can download the ‘Earth Hour Advertising Partnership Kit’ via this FTP site:
ftp://203.28.166.111
Login: earthhouradvertising
Password: partnership

Pictured: The CEOs and CDs of some of Australia’s top agencies gathered this week for the Earth Hour 2008 briefing at Leo Burnett’s Sydney and Melbourne offices.

NOV 30 AWARD NIGHT TICKETS ALMOST SOLD OUT: BOOK NOW

2007-11-14T21:42:00.000+11:00

The RSVP deadline for the AWARD Awards presentation being held on the 30th November 2007, is this Friday the 16th of November.
Booking forms can be downloaded from the AWARD website www.awardonline.com. Guests are asked to fax back their booking forms to AWARD on +61 2 8297 3801.
Tickets selling fast so book now!

MORE GOLD FOR NAPCAN

2007-11-14T20:38:00.000+11:00

DDB Sydney has won Gold in the Public Service category at the London International Awards for NAPCAN

Children See, Children Do TVC

, a multiple award winner which is the #17 most awarded TV commercial in the world in 2007, according to the recently published Gunn Report.
Leo Burnett Sydney walked off with three silvers for Craft, one for the McDonalds “See Things” spot and two for the Johnnie Walker “Invisible Man” commercial.
The Furnace, Sydney also won silver for the Slazenger' Mushroom Cloud' print ad.
Filmgraphics won silver (for visual direction) for National Breast Cancer Council “Finding Changes” and Plaza Films won silver (for humour) for the Carlton Draught “Flashbeer” spot via George Patterson Y&R, Melbourne.
DDB National Creative Director Matt Eastwood says: “The campaign is incredibly powerful and, importantly, feels like it can make a real difference to the significant social problems it addresses. It’s most certainly a campaign we can be proud of. We’re absolutely stoked that it’s won so many awards and to add the London International Award is just incredible.”
Dove "Evolution", written, art directed and directed by Aussie expat Tim Piper, via Ogilvy & Mather Toronto, won both the Digital Best of Show and TV Best of Show, repeating its performance at Cannes in June.

SAMPSON AND TOMKINS DEPART CLEMS, HAPPY TO BE SOLDIERS

2007-11-14T20:29:00.000+11:00

Dave Tomkins and Ben Sampson have joined creative collective Happy Soldiers after just over 18 months with Clemenger BBDO Sydney.
They finished in the top three at the CLIO Future Gold competition in Miami earlier this year and also scored a trip to Cannes after winning a creative competition last year.
“Their work is very different and I think an environment like ours will be good for them,” said Happy Soldiers founder John Kane. “On top of that, they already have excellent craft skills.”
They have had work recognised by Clio, New York Festivals and Caxtons.

CRA AND AFA TO RUN FREE CREATIVE RADIO WORKSHOP

2007-11-14T16:15:00.000+11:00

Commercial Radio Australia and the AFA are conducting a FREE Radio Creative Workshop on November 29 in Sydney.
This is an exclusive opportunity to be part of an intimate, interactive fast paced creative workshop targeted to radio station creative writers and producers/directors in Sydney.
Hot on the heels of his recent Cannes Lions Jury stint, Ralph van Dijk will run the workshop and share many of his views on where creative is going and how you can make a difference today. This hands on workshop challenges the traditional way of approaching a radio brief.

Free Creative Workshop
Southern Cross
Level 1, 170 Pacific Highway, Greenwich
Thursday 29th November
9am - 6pm
Working lunch provided

RSVP now to sarah.powell@commercialradio.com.au

TOOGOOD WINS GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE AT ACS AWARDS

2007-11-13T12:26:00.000+11:00

Director Damien Toogood’s work as a cinematographer was awarded at the Australian Cinematographers Society recent Awards.
‘The Gold Award put Damien in the company of some of Australia’s heavyweight international cinematographers. Only three other DOP’s were given this honour, so it’s a real standout achievement’, Andrew Morris EP, Luscious International, said.
Toogood, who began lensing his own work only three years ago, received a Gold, Silver & Bronze in the Commercials category. Gold for Nescafe ‘Café Couple’ through Publicis Mojo, Silver for Beuno ‘What’s your Reason’ through Smart, and Bronze for CPA ‘Go Places’ through CHE.
CPA was also recognised at the recent Australian Director Guild Awards.

WISEMONKEY BUSINESS

2007-11-13T00:30:00.000+11:00

The music soundtrack in the latest Cascade Premium ads, featuring the adventures of characters with animal heads, has been composed, appropriately, by WiseMonkeyRecords.
WiseMonkeyRecords is a boutique music production and licensing company setup by ex-Campaign Palace copywriters in 2001.
"Ad music can become generic," says composer, Adam Friedman. "But we work to create a unique sound for brands, and our agency background gives us more insight. For Cascade Premium, we used a more filmscore-like approach which helps support the story."
Other WiseMonkey tracks currently on air include international campaigns for AXA, the new BMW M Series, and music for Big Brother 07 among others.
A series of in-house virals illustrating the value of choosing the right music has also received over half a million views on youtube (http://au.youtube.com/profile?user=wisemonkey).
To see more of their reel, go to www.wisemonkeyrecords.com

STEVE AYSON STILL SWEET

2007-11-12T23:59:00.000+11:00

World class TVC director Steve Ayson is still with The Sweet Shop, in case his latest representation deals suggest otherwise. "Even though we now share Steve Ayson with Academy in the UK and Smuggler in the US, Steve is still with The Sweet Shop in Australasia and still hungry to work with the best creatives in the region," says The Sweet Shop's Managing Director Paul Prince.
Please contact Paul Prince for his latest reel - prince@thesweetshop.tv

AGENCIES FUNNEL WORK TO NUNN AND LOVEDER IN KIRRIBILLI

2007-11-12T16:46:00.000+11:00

In the year and a half since selling FNL Sydney, Dave Loveder and Graham Nunn have done a lot of surfing and you would think regular trips to Byron Bay and Bali would be enough to take their minds off advertising.
“The funny thing is,” says Loveder, “we’re enjoying it more than we have for years. We just do creative, everything’s project based and all the people we work for are appreciative."
“We’ve just finished off a couple of really big agency jobs,” adds Nunn, “and we found the whole freelance thing more rewarding than we expected, so we’re up for more. In fact, we just put a web site together so that agencies can see what we offer. What we’ve discovered is that we can’t surf all the time and we still love solving a really tough brief”.
To see what the boys have been up to lately, go to

www.funnelproductions.com.au

5b/ 1 Bradly Avenue
Kirribilli NSW 2061
Tel: 02 9922 6472
Fax: 02 9922 6473
Mob: 0402 148 022

GUINNESS 'TIPPING POINT' SETS OFF A CHAIN REACTION

2007-11-09T10:57:00.000+11:00

A chain reaction from Guinness! The latest in the series of 'Good Things Come to Those Who Wait' ads, 'Tipping Point', via AMV BBDO London, was directed by Nicolai Fuglsig of Sony Bravia 'Balls' fame. 'Tipping Point', part of a £10million marketing campaign, is the most complex and expensive to produce Guinness advertisement ever. A celebration of community, the ad sees hundreds of villagers come together to create the ultimate domino effect, featuring 6,000 iconic black and white dominoes, alongside thousands of unexpected toppling objects.

SEE THE GUINNESS SPOT ON BESTADS

BACK TO JUDGE NY FESTIVALS

2007-11-09T08:23:00.000+11:00

Steve Back, the incoming ECD of Saatchi & Saatchi, is just one of the high profile judges New York Festivals has secured for the 2008 International Advertising competition. Other judges both in Australia and New Zealand are soon to be announced.
The call for entries for the competition is now open. This year the organizers have simplified the submission process and reorganized our competition into nine easily navigable categories:
TV/Cinema, Print, Design, Outdoor, Mixed Media, Radio, Collateral and two new categories: student, and art and craft. The new art and craft category includes photography, illustration, copy-writing, art direction as well as significantly more areas in production execution in radio and tv and cinema. In addition several new categories including Gay/Lesbian Advertising, Olympic Theme/Sponsorship and Political Advertisements have also been added. The discount deadline for entries is December 10, 2007 and final deadline is January 14 2008. Visit www.newyorkfestivals.com to enter and use Early Entry Discount # NYFA1235PC to receive a 10% discount for online submissions.
New York Festivals 2008 Innovative Advertising Awards (formerly the Interactive & New Media Awards) is also open for entries in all things innovative with categories ranging from guerrilla, viral, and ambient marketing, to advergame, pop-up and webisode advertising visit. Final deadline for entry to these awards is November 26,2007. Visit www.newyorkfestivals.com/main.taf?p=2,2 for competition details and to enter.

The 2007 New York Festivals Awards
Annual 15 is now available. The annual contains all design, outdoor and print advertising medal winners of the 2007 New York Festivals competition , plus winners of the Midas Awards, Global Awards, and AME Awards. It also lists all finalists in all competitions. It costs just $89 Australian, plus P&P.
For more information or to order your copy, email June Laffey at nyfestivals@optusnet.com.au or call 0410 246 519. A DVD of television, cinema and radio winners will also soon be released.

CATMUR RESIGNS FROM GPY&R, MELBOURNE - LIKELY TO GO FISHING BACK IN NZ

2007-11-08T09:44:00.000+11:00

CB hears George Patterson Y&R, Melbourne executive creative director Paul Catmur has resigned, after less than a year in the gig. Catmur took the job in December last year, filling the vacuum left by the departure of James McGrath (now ECD of Clemenger BBDO, Melbourne). CB understands he will be taking a break from the business (probably back in NZ) to go fishing - he doesn't need to work - before considering his next advertising adventure.
Before GPY&R, Catmur had a highly successful few years as ECD at DDB New Zealand. CB suspects Ben Coulson, currently CD of GPY&R, Melbourne will carry on in that role and, given the imminent loss of Fosters, it is unlikely Catmur will be replaced.
Calls to Catmur went unanswered.

FOSTERS TO CUT FINAL TIES WITH PATTS - VB HEADED TO CLEMS?

2007-11-08T08:07:00.000+11:00

CB hears that the VB account is finally set to leave George Patterson Y&R, Melbourne - ending a legendary 40+ year relationship. Source says the business will be put out to pitch, either between the roster agencies Clemenger BBDO and Badjar Ogilvy or they may open it up. Either way, Clems would be the red hot favourite to get the business.
The loss of the business is sure to lead to a few retrenchments at Patts in the coming weeks.

THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK: SAATCHI'S SNARES BACK TO REPLACE NOBBY, BOWMAN TO RETURN FROM DROGA5 NEW YORK

2007-11-08T07:30:00.000+11:00

It's finally official: Saatchi & Saatchi Australia has snared multi awarded DDB Sydney creative director Steve Back to replace David Nobay as Executive Creative Director. At the same time Saatchi's has managed to lure senior creative Dave Bowman from Droga5, New York as creative group head to team with Back.
They are both former Saatchi creatives, having worked together at Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand as Creative Group Heads. Both are highly awarded, with Back ranked number 6 and Bowman number 7 in Australasia in the 2007 Campaign Brief Creative Rankings.
Originally a star at Marketforce in Perth, Back (pictured right) first worked at George Patterson Sydney followed by a highly awarded stint at Leo Burnett Sydney. Back played a major role in Leo's winning CB Agency of the Year in 2000. Back then spent several years in London before being enticed to New Zealand to join Colenso BBDO. Mike O'Sullivan then lured Back as Head of Art when he was appointed ECD of Saatchi & Saatchi NZ. The agency went on the win CB NZ Agency of the year in 2006 and 2007.
At DDB Sydney, Back has dramatically re energized the agency, moving them to equal number one Australian agency in The Work 07 with Saatchi & Saatchi Australia. Under Back, DDB Sydney was the only Australian agency to get gongs at all four of the top international award shows (D&AD, The One Show, Clio and Cannes) this year. Currently DDB Sydney is ranked number 10 in the world in the 2007 BestAds Creative Rankings (www.bestadsontv.com).
Bowman (above left) made his rep at The Glue Society, Sydney where he co created the Virgin Mobile "Warren" campaign that won the Cannes Direct Grand Prix in 2004, as well as the Virgin Mobile "5 Cents", which won Australia's first Titanium Lion at Cannes in 2005. He then had a two year stint at Saatchi NZ where he continued to win awards at Cannes, D&AD and AWARD. More recently, amongst other Droga5 projects, Dave has recently completed work on the mammoth Honeyshed project for Droga5, New York (in association with Publicis).
Says Saatchi Australia CEO Simone Bartley (above centre): “Several months ago we began an international search for an ECD who would fit with Saatchi’s ideas-centric culture, whose creative approach was fresh and innovative and who had a global perspective. But it was also critical that our ECD was able to understand the Australian culture, what makes us laugh, cry and engage with our brands. On every count there was no better candidate than Steve and we are delighted that he will be leading our creative team through a very exciting period at Saatchi & Saatchi.
“Dave has spent the past 12 months gaining invaluable international experience in brand entertainment content with Droga5 in New York and is returning to Saatchi to help us expand our offering through our new division, Saatchi Substance," said Ms Bartley. “There is no question Dave has led the way in this market having won Australia’s first Titanium. Now he returns with even more experience to bring to Saatchi clients.”
The agency’s repositioning came earlier this year with the appointment of award-winning Brian Merrifield as Group Creative Head of Digital (ex Saatchi Auckland); and more recently, Bram Williams as the new Head of Strategy.
“It’s important we lead the way in creating idea-centric campaigns that build a high return on involvement for our client’s brands,” said Ms Bartley. “It is now time for us to take another leap forward and these appointments will absolutely give us the edge in this market.”
Australia's Bob Isherwood, Worldwide Creative Director of Saatchi & Saatchi, personally led the intensive global search: “Steve and Dave were both top talent Saatchi & Saatchi boys who moved on to do other things," said Isherwood. “We’re very excited about the additional experience they’re now bringing home."
Ms Bartley said one of the agency’s great strengths was its ability to identify talent and nurture it. “We see Steve as a man of the moment with the creative flair and personal qualities that fit perfectly with our culture at Saatchi and that of our clients."
Says Back: “Saatchi is primed to explore new fields of opportunity and that’s something that Simone and I are completely in tune on. Reuniting with David gives us a chance to get on with unfinished business. We had a great thing happening at Saatchi in Auckland but the best is yet to come.
“We’ve travelled different paths since then and that just means there’ll be even more magic in the mix. But we know each other well enough to hit the ground running. This is going to a very exciting period for everyone, including our clients. The whole media landscape continues to change, and we’ll be at the forefront.”
His many awards include a Silver and three Bronze Lions at Cannes; a Silver and two Bronze Pencils at The One Show; five Acceptances at D&AD; four Bronze at Clio; six Silvers and 17 Bronze Pencils at AWARD; two ADMA Gold; plus one Silver and three Bronze Bullets at Young Guns.
Back will take up his position at Saatchi shortly and Bowman at the beginning of 2008.

COLLIS JUDGES FIRST EVER INTERCONTINENTAL AD CUP

2007-11-08T03:07:00.000+11:00

Sixteen of the world’s top creatives - including Leo Burnett Australia ECD Mark Collis - met in Valencia, Spain yesterday to begin judging the first-ever Intercontinental Advertising Cup.
The panel includes some of the world’s most awarded creative directors including Marcello Serpa, CD and Co-CEO of Almap BBDO in Brazil; Toni Segarra, Founder and Chief Creative Director of S,C,P,F Barcelona in Spain; Sebastian Turner, Partners and CEO of Scholz & Friends in Germany; Ami Hasan, Founder & Chief Creative Officer and Chairman of Hasan & Partners in Finland; Piyush Pandey, Executive Chairman and CD of Ogilvy & Mather in India; Akira Kagami, Executive Officer and ECD of Dentsu in Japan; Marie-Catherine Dupuy, Vice Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of TBWA in France; Rafa Anton, ECD of Vitruvio Leo Burnett in Spain; Carlos Baccetti, Co-Founder of El Cielo y EI Infierno in Argentina; Tham Khai Meng, Co-Chairman & ECD of Ogilvy & Mather Asia Pacific in Singapore; Johannes Newrkla, President of Art Directors Club of Europe in Austria, Filip Nilsson, Chairman & CD of Forsman & Bodenfors in Sweden; Mark Collis (top row, far left), executive creative director of Leo Burnett in Australia; Agustin Elbaile, Vice President & CD of McCann Erickson in Spain, Igor Lutz, Co-Chairman & CD of BBDO in Russia, and Rishad Tobaccowala, CEO of DeNuo Group, Publcis Media, in USA.
Michael Conrad (bottom row, centre), President of Berlin School of Creative Leadership being the non-voting Honorary Chairman of the Jury is working with the 16 juries, spending three days examining the winners of four regional festivals: ADFEST (Asia Pacific), FIAP (Ibero-America), Golden Drum (Eastern Europe) and ADC*E (Europe). “I have always hated the idea, ‘Think Global Act Global,” says Michael Conrad, jury chairman of The CUP. “Any great idea has to start in a place. Many local ideas have a freshness and uniqueness that can shake up the world. Yet these ideas don’t always get the applause they deserve at global festivals. So why not have an award show based on this very thought?”
The CUP offers a radical alternative to global award shows like Cannes, D&AD and The One Show, which tend to favour Anglo Saxon ideas over campaigns based on local language, culture, landscape and humour.
Many creatives feel frustrated when their work is overlooked at global advertising festivals when judges do not understand the context in which their work is created. The CUP offers a point of difference to other advertising festivals by celebrating ‘Genius Loci’ – the guardian spirit of a place or location.
When the jury arrived for judging yesterday, they were surprised to find 16 colourful chairs waiting for them in a courtyard in Valencia. Each judge was asked to sit down in the chair they liked best. Some of the chairs were super-modern, others were classically designed, and others were striking and bold. It turns out the chairs were a gift from furniture design company Vitra, which donated the chairs as a symbol of creative excellence. Thrilled with their new chairs, the judges were ready to begin a long day of judging.
Besides, the Intercontinental Advertising Cup has an innovative judging system, which ignores traditional media boundaries in favour of great ideas.
Entries to The CUP will be judged in 19 categories such as food, beverages, fashion, cars, luxury, travel and retail. But instead of dividing the entries by media (TV, press, radio, outdoor, interactive etc), the campaigns will be judged on the strength of the idea alone. This means a poster will go head-to-head against a TV commercial, print, radio or interactive campaign in the same category.
It is a radically different way of celebrating creativity, which embraces great ideas regardless of which media they are created for.
The judges also choose Best of Show winners from the 19 category finalists including: Best of Film; Best of Radio; Best of Press; Best Media Innovation; Best of Design; plus three awards that celebrate local ideas such as Best Use of Local Culture.
The winners of The CUP will be announced in Valencia, Spain on 22-24 November 2007.

$30m REYNOLDS TAKES A BREAK

2007-11-07T17:02:00.000+11:00

Siimon Reynolds, one of the founders of the Photon Group, has resigned as a director of the holding company which now comprises ad agencies BWM, BMF and his own agency, Love Communications. Reynolds told CB he will take a well earned break and will continue as strategic creative advisor of Love but leave the day to day running of the agency to his management team.
Reynolds, who started a creative revolution in Australia when he formed Omon 20 years ago (on the day of the 87 crash!), which in turn launched the spectacular career of Dave Droga, now has over $30 million worth of Photon shares - which he says he is not selling at the present time.

VIC AFA YOUNGBLOODS TO GET INSPIRED BY SEVEN

2007-11-07T16:47:00.000+11:00

After the enormous success of the first event in 2007, the VIC AFA Youngbloods are getting together to do it all again. '7 Minutes of Inspiration' will be held on Wednesday, 14 November, at Next Level @ Hotel Barkly (Level 4, 109 Barkly Street, St. Kilda), from 6.30pm.
Hosted by comedian and Triple J host Dave Callan, '7 Minutes of Inspiration' features seven speakers, each speaking for seven minutes on what inspires them. Featuring Amy Smith (CEO, JWT), Barrie Barton (Director, Right Angle Publishing), Emma Hill (pictured above, Creative Director, Clemenger BDDO), Leigh Cato (Strategic Planner and Director of Consumer Insights), Mia Klitsas (Co-Founder and Director of Millie & More), Nerissa Mapes (Founder, Perspectives on Parkinsons) and Paul Moore (CEO, Pacific Brands), the inspirational seven promise to engage and enlighten all on what has and continues to inspire them.
“It’s going to be a great opportunity for our members to meet influential and inspiring people within not just our industry but the greater community who might not otherwise have the opportunity,” said Nat Ma, Chairperson of VIC AFA Youngbloods and Digital Account Director at TEQUILA\.
“After the success of our first event earlier this year, and the phenomenal growth in the VIC AFA Youngbloods membership base - which has seen our membership numbers double, we’re looking forward to ending such as successful year with a great event in 7 Minutes of Inspiration.”
Backed by the AFA, VIC AFA Youngbloods is a program that develops social, networking and educational events for young people in the marketing communications community. VIC AFA Youngbloods is dedicated to providing a voice for young people to have a say on industry issues and future directions. VIC AFA Youngbloods is a proud supporter of Open Family Australia’s 250 Club, which supports homeless youth in Melbourne.
7 Minutes of Inspiration is open to all, with tickets strictly limited. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non-members when pre-purchased online at www.afa.org.au , and $25 at the door (subject to availability).
7 Minutes of Inspiration will be held on Wednesday, 14 November, at Next Level @ Hotel Barkly (Level 4, 109 Barkly Street, St. Kilda), from 6.30pm. This event is proudly sponsored by The Associates. Lucky door prizes will be drawn on the night.
To become a VIC AFA Youngbloods member, email nat.ma@tequila.com.au.

CB/BESTADS MELBOURNE CUP LUNCH A WINNER

2007-11-07T07:55:00.000+11:00

The Campaign Brief/BestAds Melbourne Cup Lunch, held yesterday at the fabulous Mezzaluna Restaurant in Potts Point attracted a 120 strong field of top Sydney creatives. The event was kindly sponsored by Film Construction (thanks Steve Saussey and incoming GM, Roy De Giorgio) and Postmodern (thanks Andrew Robinson).
Here are a few pics from the lunch, more of course in the next issue of Campaign Brief.

MORE KIWIS AND AUSSIES PICKED FOR D&AD JURY DUTY

2007-11-07T07:48:00.000+11:00

D&AD has announced more Australian and New Zealand judges for next year's awards:
Richard Maddocks (pictured), ECD of Colenso BBDO Auckland (soon to be at Clems Sydney), will be judging TV & Cinema Advertising along with Andy Blood, ECD of TBWA\Whybin Auckland.
Paul Catmur, ECD of George Patterson Y&R, Melbourne will be a member of the Press Advertising jury.
Ralph Van Dijk from Eardrum, Sydney will be judging Radio Advertising.

SURF N’ TURF - A BENEFIT FOR WAYNE GOODWIN

2007-11-05T22:54:00.000+11:00

Sunday 11th November – The Mona Vale Hotel
5 – 9pm

Surf n’ Turf is a benefit performance for Wayne Goodwin, violinist/composer and multi-instrumentalist (piano, guitar, mandolin, viola, saxophone and drums). Wayne is a well loved stalwart of the Australian music scene - and has many friends in the ad industry (including Lynchy, he played for free at his 40th birthday). Featuring musical acts from Surf to Rock-a-Billy to Country music including; Ebb Tide & The Shorebreakers (members from Midnight Oil - Jim Moginie, Rob Hirst & Martin Rotsey in their alter ego surf band featuring Wayne Goodwin), members of The Atlantics (Peter Hood, Martin Cilia and Michael Smith), Cocky and Pompous (Paul McDermott and Paul Livingston a.k.a Flacco from ABC’s Sideshow), Becky Cole, Anne Kirkpatrick, Cam & Stuie, The Riptides (Mark Callaghan of GANGajang, Chris Bailey and Graham "Buzz" Bidstrup from the original Angels & GANGajang) and other guest musicians. … Plus an auction for some exciting items.
Wayne was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma in June of this year and after three months of chemotherapy is currently in remission from the blood cancer. With a little help from his friends, this fund raising event will help Wayne get back on his feet after time off work and provide him with some relief from mounting financial obligations. The Leukaemia Foundation is also a beneficiary of the benefit as this organisation has been extremely supportive through Goodwin’s challenging ordeal. A representative from the Foundation will be on hand at the event to highlight awareness of their work and to provide information about Non-Hodgkins lymphoma and other blood cancers.
Born of an Australian mother, Wayne first came to Australia on tour from Hollywood, California with Emmylou Harris twenty-three years ago and returned the following year to stay, performing with the newly reformed band Crossfire and to break into the film industry as a composer. His credits as a violinist list the who’s who of music including Midnight Oil, INXS, Jenny Morris, Sting, Bob Dylan, Linda Ronstadt, Tony Bennett, ELO, Renee Geyer, Ross Wilson, The Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra, The Bolshoi Ballet, Gene Pitney, Dolly Parton, Dragon, Emmylou Harris, Jimmy Little, Michelle Shocked, Anne Kirkpatrick, Bread, Crosby, Stills and Nash (Wayne was awarded a platinum album for his violin solo on their hit single Wasted in the Way) and more…

Mona Vale Hotel - Cnr. Barrenjoey Rd. and Park St.
Tickets $12 pre sale / $15 at door
Bookings - Moshtix www.moshtix.com.au

WAYNE GOODWIN (mob) 0401 186 206 w.goodwin@bigpond.com

BACK TIPPED FOR SAATCHI & SAATCHI ECD GIG

2007-11-05T15:29:00.000+11:00

DDB Sydney creative director Steve Back is tipped to join Saatchi & Saatchi as ECD, filling the vacuum left after the recent departure of David Nobay. Saatchi CEO Simone Bartley was interstate on business and was not available for comment. A spokewoman for Saatchi said this was total speculation and there was no announcement to be made. Back is still not returning calls and will be taking a holiday, starting tomorrow.
However, in an all staff memo on Friday, DDB executive CD Matt Eastwood confirmed Back was off to Saatchi's: "I say this with a big lump in my throat, but this morning Steve Back handed me his resignation. He's off to Saatchi & Saatchi to take up the role of Creative Director. Steve has made a big impact during his 12 months here at DDB, both professionally and personally.
He's a mate, and always will be, so we wish him well.
He's the first to admit that he's probably bitten off more than he can
chew.
But then that's what we love about him.
Of course, now that his joined the competition, we're totally going to
whip his ass.
He was planning to be on holidays next week anyway, so Monday will be
his last official day.
Although I'm sure we'll get a chance to have a drink with him before he
officially takes up the new post.
To infinity and beyond."

BACK RESIGNS FROM DDB SYDNEY, WHERE TO NEXT?

2007-11-05T09:49:00.000+11:00

DDB Sydney creative director Steve Back has resigned after 14 months at the agency, confirmed by DDB national ECD Matt Eastwood this morning. Back is not returning calls as to his future plans and apparently will be taking a holiday starting tomorrow.
Back, who is currently ranked #6 Creative in Australasia on the CB Creative Rankings, was lured to DDB Sydney from Saatchi & Saatchi NZ, where he was head of art, and before that he held a similar gig at Colenso BBDO, Auckland. Prior to his NZ stint, Back had several senior gigs in London, including deputy CD of Grey, head of art and CD of Walsh Trott Chick Smith and group CD at Partners BDDH. Before London, he was head of art at Leo Burnett Sydney (part of the 2000 CB Agency of the Year team, teamed with Mark Collis, now national ECD of Burnetts).
Back started his career in 1991 at Mojo in Perth, followed by three years at Marketforce. In 1996 he headed east, securing a senior art director gig at George Patterson Bates in Sydney, where he first teamed up with Collis.

MORE AUSSIES ON D&AD JURIES

2007-11-03T09:02:00.000+11:00

More D&AD juries have been announced, which include a few Aussies:
UK import Simon Smith, who has just left BWM Sydney, is on the exclusive 6 member BROADCAST INNOVATIONS Jury, which includes Matthew Bull, Ty Montague and Scott Goodson, chaired by Steve Henry (TBWA\London).
Dave King, CD of AIM Proximity, Auckland (ex M&C Saatchi, Sydney) is on the DIRECT JURY, alongside Aussie expat Matty Burton (ex Saatchi NZ, now Droga 5 New York), chaired by Steve Harrison (freelance, UK).
Aussie expat Nick Law (ECD of R/GA, New York) is on the INTEGRATED JURY, chaired by David Lubars (BBDO, New York).
More D&AD juries will be announced soon.

CASCADE UNLEASHES A TIGER

2007-11-02T14:33:00.000+11:00

The Tasmanian Tiger will make a come back this Sunday night as the suave hero of a new “film noir” style television commercial entitled

THE NATURAL ORDER

The fast paced action moves from a poker room to a bordello via dark alley ways and our hero must outsmart and out run other members of the urban jungle. A team of 100 worked tirelessly to bring the new look Urban Tiger to life and a collection of shady characters (each represented by an animal head and a human body) that includes a stupid chimp, a greedy pig, an overzealous Rottweiler and a foxy lady.
The TVC, created by the team at BADJAR Ogilvy, Melbourne took 5 months to produce and utilised a range of specialist talents from Director of Photography, Academy Award winner John Seal, to a poker expert, to mask makers to “cutting-edge” computer special effects.
“From an execution point of view, The Natural Order was fantastically challenging. We wanted to give Cascade’s icon, the Tasmanian Tiger, a personality. Bring him to life in a gritty urban setting,” said Michael Knox, Creative Director, BADJAR Ogilvy.
A team of six sculptors worked around the clock to create the 18 masks that were used for the background characters in the jazz club scene. While the Digital Post team remained glued to their computer screens as they used computer generated imagery (CGI) to bring the Tasmanian Tiger and the leading members of the Urban Jungle to life.
“There was careful attention to every detail, from the very beginning at the casting stages the actors were selected on their likeness to the different animals, right though to post-production where human bodies were melded with animal heads through CGI to develop the convincing life-like cast. The final result speaks for itself and it’s a credit to all involved,” says Knox.
The “Natural Order” campaign includes national TV advertising (on air from Sunday 4 November), outdoor (NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA & TAS – which includes rock posters), national cinema advertising, airport activity (Qantas Sydney terminal only) and an online campaign. Also supported in store through an extensive point of sale program.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE SPOT ON BESTADS

DDB NABS JONAS PETERSON TO REPLACE BEN O'BRIEN

2007-11-02T14:19:00.000+11:00

Matt Eastwood, National Creative Director and Vice Chairman DDB Group, today announced the appointment of Jonas Peterson as senior writer for DDB Sydney. He will to be teamed with art director Adam Rose, replacing Ben O'Brien, who has left the agency.
Peterson co created the 2007 Cannes Radio Grand Prix winning Snickers ‘Hoedown’ spot whie at Clemenger BDO, Melbourne. The same commercial won Australian Commercial of the Year at the 2007 Siren Awards which saw him win both Gold Siren and Silver Single Siren Category Winners.
Originally from Sweden, Peterson started his career ten years ago and worked for Swedish hot shop Forsman & Bodenfors, one of Europe's best independent agencies and previously ranked 11th best agency in the world by the Gunn Report.
In 2004 he decided to move to Australia. After a stint at BMF, Petersen went to Clemenger BBDO Melbourne in 2005, and most recently at Draft FCB Melbourne.
During his career, he has won metal at Cannes, Clio, Epica, LIAA and New York Festivals as well as gold and silvers at both the Swedish national awards and Effies. Peterson has also been on several award juries, both nationally and internationally.
Says Eastwood: “We’re extremely lucky to have snared Jonas. He’s always been an incredibly hot talent, but the recent Cannes Grand Prix has thrown him onto the world stage. So I’m thrilled that he’s chosen DDB as his new home. Jonas is not just a highly awarded creative, he’s a genuinely talented person in every sense of the word. We foresee a great future for him here at the DDB Group.”
Says Peterson: “I'm extremely excited to be joining DDB Sydney. I get the chance to join what I consider one of the most interesting agencies in the region right now. I couldn't be happier and I'm looking forward to producing intelligent, different and effective work for DDB's clients.”
Petersen and Rose will be working on accounts like McDonald’s, Gatorade and Wrigley.

LION WINNER FELICITY MORGAN-RHIND TO PRODIGY

2007-11-02T10:28:00.000+11:00

Prodigy has signed top local Commercial director and 2007 Cannes Lions winner Felicity Morgan-Rhind. She won a Bronze Lion for the Frank campaign whilst with Film Construction.
To view a sample of her award winning work for Frank beverages, they can be viewed at: www.prodigyfilms.com

AUSTRALIA'S VINCE FROST TO CHAIR D&AD TYPOGRAPHY JURY

2007-11-01T22:00:00.000+11:00

Members of seven design juries for the D&AD Awards 2008 have been announced. Australia's Vince Frost from Frost Design will chair the Typography jury and Kevin Finn will be judging Graphic Design. Further judges from New Zealand and Australia will be announced shortly.
Due to its size, Graphic Design will once again be split into three juries headed by Tony Brook of Spin, Aziz Kami of Kantar Group, and Adrian Shaughnessy of ShaughnessyWorks.
Other juries announced include:
Book Design: Foreman Irma Boom
Branding: Foreman Michael Johnson, johnson banks
Magazine & Newspaper Design: Foreman Terry Jones, i-D Magazine
Packaging Design: Foreman Phil Carter, Carter Tomlin Wong
Typography: Foreman Vince Frost, Frost Design
Writing for Design: Foreman Howard Fletcher
“Having been asked by D&AD to be a Foreman in the Graphic Design section of this year’s Annual, my excitement is mingled with a sense of responsibility," said Tony Brook, Creative Director at Spin. “Sitting in judgment of so many hopes is heavy stuff. Like a cub scout, I promise to do my best.”
Other juries will be announced in the coming days. The entry deadline is 16 January 2008. Entries before 14 November will receive a 10% discount.

THE LAB SYDNEY RESTRUCTURES

2007-11-01T20:40:00.000+11:00

The Lab Sydney, market leader in post production for film, television & commercial projects, today announced details of their future growth and expansion plans with the establishment of a new creative studio and the implementation of an exciting new business strategy. The changes at the Lab are being spearheaded by Omnilab Media’s Executive Director Lewis Pullen (above) who, in conjunction with the Lab’s senior management team, devised the new strategy.
Says Pullen: “At the Lab we have re-invented ourselves as an innovative creative studio to meet the changing needs of our advertising, entertainment and corporate clients.”
According to Lab Client Account Director Michael Eder, the announcement is the result of many months development and planning. Eder commented, “We recently announced the first phase of our new strategy with the addition of Alan Hansen to head our multi-million dollar digital grading facilities and Eric Schaechter joining our compositing team from Europe. We have also had Peter Richie grading at the facility, after he joined Omnilab Media in September.”
Eder’s sales role at the Lab has expanded. He said, “l am now looking after agency sales for Sydney and Brisbane, where we have set up our new facility ‘the Lab@360’ and we have appointed Tony Cole (formerly Animal Logic, Sydney) there as our head of 2D.”
As part of the strategy there are several personnel taking up key new positions at the Lab Sydney. The first is Prue Fletcher (Thunderstruck, Seven Swords, Flying Daggers, Love My Way, The UpSide Down Show) in her role as Senior Longform Producer. Fletcher, a major film and TV industry heavyweight with 21 years experience, will work with both international and Australian producers, directors and post supervisors. Commenting on the new strategy, she said, “This is the most exciting time I have ever been part of at the Lab. There are so many positive changes being implemented and our clients are very much welcoming them.”
Post production manager Phil Watts will focus on managing the post production operation and implementing all aspects of the strategy, including the Lab’s new digital grading infrastructure. During his eighteen years in the industry, Watts has seen the post landscape change dramatically. “The Lab is moving with the times and staying ahead of the game.” He said, “We have a clear goal to build the best talent team in the business in colour grading, 2D, 3D, design and interactive/digital media. Our team of colourists and compositors have four telecine chains and seven of the latest Smoke, Inferno and Flame suites to work with. With digital grading, our facilities are second to none.”
The senior team also includes creative director, Garry Jacques who will lead the new creative studio at the Lab. Jacques said “We offer our clients a boutique service with all the benefits of major company backing. The team in the studio work to produce the very best creative support and solutions for advertising agencies and production companies. The creative studio also supports design work in longform such as title design and branding. This is something that clients have been asking for and we are delighted to be able to offer it.”
Adds Pullen: “The new creative studio was inspired by the successful Oktobor model in New Zealand and lessons learnt from servicing our clients at iloura and Digital Pictures in Melbourne. Together with the improved structure, this forms the heart of our new strategy. There will be other announcements and more investments to come as our goal is to constantly refresh and keep growing.”

WHICH AGENCIES HAVE GOT THEIR SHIT TOGETHER?

2007-11-01T20:06:00.000+11:00

Agencies love nothing more than a bandwagon to jump on. Right now, they don't come bigger than "the environment". Peter Maniaty, Creative Director, Direct, at Euro RSCG Sydney took a camera, and a deep breath, and entered the sinister underworld of agency toilets to put all the green talk to the ultimate test.

DE GIORGIO TO FILM CONSTRUCTION

2007-10-31T17:23:00.000+11:00

Confirming a poorly kept secret, Roy De Giorgio is to join Film Construction in December as Executive Producer, Australia. Says FC executive producer, Peter Hewitt: "Roy's advertising and television experience and passion for the business, most recently as a Senior Producer at Clemenger BBDO Sydney will be a great asset to Film Construction, and to agencies who will now have a more day to day link to the roster of directors at Film Construction."
Says De Giorgio: "Film Construction has a wealth of talent doing some great work - two Lions at Cannes last year alone. This is an exciting opportunity for me and I feel this production focus will really put Film Construction on the radar of agencies. We'll be delivering some fantastic work in 2008. Watch this space!"

MONKEYS RELEASE A BOOK

2007-10-30T18:01:00.000+11:00

Sydney shop Three Drunk Monkeys has launched a book at a sold out breakfast in Sydney’s Botanic Gardens. The book titled ‘I can do anything’ was written for Kids For Life - a charity devoted to raising awareness and funds for the plight of sick and underprivileged children. The event was hosted by respected sports commentator Greg Clark and comedian Libby Gorr (aka Elle McFeast). I can do anything tells the story of a young boy who wakes one morning and realises he can achieve whatever he sets his mind to. The writing is set to photos of heroic figures from the last century: people who have overcome difficult odds and inspired generations of young people the world over - Muhammad Ali, Jacques Cousteau, Sir Donald Bradman, Picasso, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Neil Armstrong and Kelly Slater amongst others. “Our thinking was, if we could offer something substantial to people in return for a donation to Kids For Life it would be a win-win situation. People who buy the book receive an inspiring tale, a gift for friends or family, and at the same time they’re making a donation to Kids For Life.” Justin Drape, Creative Director. The book was published by Messenger Publishing and will be distributed by Gary Allen, Australia’s largest independent book distributor. It will be available in leading book stores (including Dymocks, Angus & Robertson and Collins) from December, and online now at kidsforlife.com.au, RRP. $14.95

Book Credits:
Writer: Justin Drape
Art Director: Justin Drape
Client: Kids For Life
Client Executives: Kate Dixon
Agency: Three Drunk Monkeys
Publisher: Messenger Publishing
Design: Andy Cooley
Images: Getty & Corbis

VB AND SYMPHONY

2007-10-30T17:11:00.000+11:00

George Patterson Y&R Melbourne and Foster’s Australia have refreshed the long standing VB theme music in a most peculiar way for their most recent

film for VB

.
In a departure from the current campaign, the blue singlets and stubbie shorts traditionally associated with VB were replaced by black ties and tuxedos as 95 musicians from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra Victoria took to the stage at the Melbourne Concert Hall.
Performed solely on 451 VB bottles and 6 timpani drums, the VB Symphony recreated the 40-year-old VB theme music, note for note. To achieve this, the musicians collaborated with renowned conductor Cezary Skubiszewski who designed and invented an array of new instruments to allow the performance to come together.
Three months of development and rehearsal were required before the VB Symphony was ready to be performed on stage at the Melbourne Concert Hall.

Title: VB Symphony
Creative Director: Paul Catmur
Writer: Jim Ingram
Art Director: Ben Couzens
Agency Producer: Romanca Jasinski
Production Company: Directors Group
Director: Ben Saunders
DOP: Germain McMicking
Producer: Craig Griffin

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE SPOT ON BESTADS

JEFF GOODBY CHARMS TOUGH CAXTON AUDIENCE IN BYRON BAY

2007-10-30T16:38:00.000+11:00

Here's Jeff Goodby's speech at the Caxtons at Byron Bay on the weekend, filmed for the Caxtons by Charles Clapshaw of The Furnace, Sydney.

AWARDS PILE UP FOR KRIV STENDERS' BOXING DAY FILM

2007-10-30T13:30:00.000+11:00

Pod Film’s director, Kriv Stenders (left) continues to break new ground with his Hi-Def feature film, Boxing Day.
Boxing Day is a dramatically intense film about a father’s desperate struggle to reunite his shattered family over the course of a single afternoon. Told in real time and shot as a single take the film was co written and directed by Kriv Stenders.
Since its national premiere at Adelaide Film Festival, Boxing Day has won numerous awards around the world including, The Directors Finder Award from the Australian Directors Guild (where he also received a Nomination for Best Director) and the Best Actor Award for Richard Green and a Special Jury Mention at the Montreal Festival Du Nouveau Cinema . Boxing Day has also received dual nominations at the 2007 IF awards for Best Direction and Best Actor.
The Hollywood Reporter writes, “Stenders certainly establishes himself as one of Australia’s most prominent digital filmmakers"
Boxing Day (left is a still from the film) launches on November 22nd at The Nova in Melbourne. Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane premiere dates are yet to be announced. A special launch screening, followed by a panel discussion will be held at the Nova on Tuesday the 20th of November at 6.30pm.
Backing up his success with the film, Stenders continues to direct TV commercials via Pod. His latest award achievements include Silver for Best TVC at the Indonesian Advertising Awards for his Hutchison ‘Hide and Seek’ spot and nomination as a finalist for Best Direction at Asia Image APOLLO awards in Singapore for his Hutchison Brand spot.

RMIT STUDENTS GRADUATE

2007-10-29T09:42:00.000+11:00

Hopeful RMIT Creative-Advertising graduates hang their work this week to be judged by peers and industry.
This year's promotional campaign involved past students Ant Keogh, Josh Stephens, Ben Couzens, Jim Imgram, Mel Peters, Tom Martin, Amy Hollier and Gus Johnston.
Shot by Alex Aslangul of Sugar Studios and retouched by Ross Goddard, the invitations and posters have been circulating Melbourne agencies over the past week.
View student work and make your own decision as to who will be the next addition to the RMIT Advertising Hall of Esteemed Alumni.

OPENING NIGHT INVITATION - Wednesday, October 31 from 6.30PM
CHAPEL OFF CHAPEL, 12 Little Chapel St, Prahran.

Exhibition Dates
31 October - 5 November
10AM - 5PM DAILY

Visit:
www.thenextacquisition.com

GOODBY WOOS THE CAXTON CROWD IN BYRON BAY

2007-10-29T06:56:00.000+11:00

Campaign Brief's Heather Jacobs reviews a top weekend.

Co-creation, trust and collaboration were the catchcries of the Caxtons on the weekend, something Ant Hatton of George Patterson Y&R Melbourne put into practise when he got his mate from Clemenger Sydney to wax his balls live on stage in an excruciating act which saw him win the talent quest with a score of 1000 and something. Apart from the painful display of bodily parts and a stolen golf cart by two allegedly drunk creatives at 5am Eastern Standard Time, there was very little indecent behaviour at the Caxtons, which was held at the gorgeous Byron on Byron Resort this weekend.
In between ‘fucks’ - this expletive was used a record number of times during the speeches - clients, media directors and even researchers said they want to work more closely with creatives to create better work.
And unlike the last time The Commonwealth Bank sent a marketing director to the Caxtons with Graham Ford slagging off creatives by saying they were out of step with the times, Mark Buckman was the picture of decorum and came through the weekend unscathed and even with a few new friends.
International guest of honour Jeff Goodby (left) of Goodby Silverstein & Partners, San Francisco, which this year snagged the bank’s advertising account, opened his speech with a tongue in cheek peace offering by revealing the phone number for the marketing director of Elizabeth Arden inviting Australian agencies to try to win the account, preferably before the launch of the next Britney Spears perfume. The laid-back Californian with his trademark ponytail even apologised for the behaviour of George W Bush before wooing the crowd with his amazing work for clients including Sprint, Hyundai, Comcast, Rolling Rock and the Got Milk campaign. As part of a complete restructure of the agency to allow it to create work for the digital world, creatives at the agency were told they needed to learn to do everything from TVCS to designing web sites and if they didn’t like it they could get their books together and start interviewing. While some did leave, the agency has been in expansion mode rapidly hiring people outside the traditional sphere including stand up comics, lawyers, rappers and videographers as part of the restructure instigated by co-managing director Derek Robson who analysed the business, only to find the staff didn’t reflect the skill base required for a digitally led agency.
It doesn’t mean they didn’t stuff up some traditional jobs, admitted Goodby, but clearly they are doing something right, considering the agency won $US2 billion worth of new business over a four week period. Two billion dollars! (See next issue of Campaign Brief for full story).
The funniest speech of the weekend was that of Richard Maddocks (right), the incoming creative chief for Clemenger BDDO Sydney, who gave a rollicking account of his top ten advertising agencies. Sorry Jeff, it’s not GS&P but places like McMahon and Tate, the agency in Bewitched, to Warren in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and D&D Advertising in Melrose Place. Maddocks has a starring role in each of these agencies, he has an affair from Samantha of Bewitched and gets her to use her magical powers to make all the planners disappear and find all the people who write nasty things about him on the Campaign Brief blog site. He is best mates with Warren’s Matthew McConaughey and calls him to profess his love, he cracks a brief for the VP of D&D Amanda Woodward (played by Heather Lochlear) and unsuccessfully propositions her, teaching him one of advertising’s most valuable lessons - rejection. While advertising is about 80% rejection, he said his first boss said for him it would be 95%.
Speaking of constant rejection, researcher George Stent of Stent Research & Planning used his time at the podium to tell creatives that although he loves and respects creatives, they don’t seem to return the sentiment. He gave the top 10 tips on how to get work through research including flattering the researchers, bribing them with hints about a huge project in the pipeline if only the research turns up favourably, 9am debriefs, using intimidation tactics like hinting how much easier it is to sack the researchers than change the agency and re-frame the responses so the one person in the room who liked it is an opinion leader.
Belinda Rowe, CEO of Zenith Optimedia and the new head of the AFA, also called for increased co-operation, this time between media and creative agencies, saying the two would never come back together in the same agency so it was best to accept this and get on with making it work as best you can. Research with creative directors on what they think of media directors came up with some enlightened insights as “they interbreed and create acne-free children”, or “it’s all about free tickets and goodie bags”.
Instead, Rowe says, ‘co-creation’ is at the centre of a new business model for the advertising industry with the turf war between the two proving detrimental. As a starting point she suggests breaking down the silos and getting creative people involved in the MFA and media people invited to the Caxtons. This was the first time she’s been invited and she loved it.
Matt Eastwood (left), national CD of DDB Sydney, encouraged creatives to look beyond the obvious and have fun with storytelling, taking the audience through several great examples of branded content he worked on while he was in the States, including a series of short films called Meet the Lucky Ones for the car brand Mercury (which helped sell 378 cars in its first four weeks) and the Conde Nast TV channel for Jetblue. His most recent brainchild is to create a TV network to be shown on the plasma screens in McDonald’s stores. However, what will most be remembered about his talk was that he loves cheese flavoured Goldfish biscuits and that somewhere in LA is a proposal for a pilot TV show called Crackers based around a cheddar flavoured animated fish called Fin, a pizza flavoured fish called Linda and a timid pretzel flavoured fish called Gilbert interlaced with moral messages for children about good behaviour which should be mandatory viewing for all future Caxton delegates.
In other speeches Dennis Koutoulogenis of BMF revealed a Facebook page he’d created for William Caxton and pleaded for people to understand the power of words, calling on the might of the Greek empire.
Rebecca Carrasco (right), creative partner of Colman Rasic Carrasco, talked about The Matrix-esque theory she has about reality, something she calls ‘the program’ which regulates our behaviour and something the best advertising executives step outside of to create great work; Annabel Crabb, political journalist for the Sydney Morning Herald dished the dirt on the politicians she’s covering for the election (sorry can’t share, it’s libellous), but the final word goes to David Thomason, general manager marketing, Meat and Livestock Australia, who said that sometimes there’s going to be an ad that bombs and he accepts that – because if you don’t get the occasional lame duck it means you are not trying hard enough or taking enough risks.
If only everyone could be so understanding, but that hippie-like sanguine view of the world where everyone works together and loves each other may make perfect sense in Byron Bay but will probably disappear as quickly as lamb chops on a BBQ on Australia Day, with January now the top selling month for lamb thanks to a fast talking Mr Sam Kekovich.

CAMPAIGN BRIEF MELBOURNE LEGENDARY LUNCH BACK ON

2007-10-28T17:44:00.000+11:00

Campaign Brief's Melbourne Legendary Xmas Lunch, slated for One Fitzroy Street, St Kilda in mid December, will go ahead after all, thanks to The Guild and Digital Pictures Melbourne coming on board as sponsors.

SAATCHI'S NEW ZEALAND, PUBLICIS MOJO AUSTRALIA STAR AT CAXTONS IN BYRON BAY

2007-10-27T23:35:00.000+10:00

Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand headed an exclusive clutch of just eight shops to score gongs at the 33rd Annual Caxton Awards, held tonight at the Byron at Byron Resort, Byron Bay, NSW.
Saatchi’s won an impressive four Caxtons from their five finalists, the only NZ shop to win. Host Sydney, Happy Soldiers Sydney and Publicis Mojo Australia each scored two Caxtons.
Publicis Mojo also won the Quinlivan Black Chairman’s Award for their Tourism Victoria ‘Maze’ advertisement.
Four agencies won one Caxton apiece: DDB Sydney, Ad Impact Perth, KWP! Adelaide and M&C Saatchi, Melbourne.
Outgoing Caxton chairman Tom Moult was praised for his tremendous efforts over the last three years to reinvigorate the Caxtons. Incoming Caxton chairman Rob Belgiovane promised to broaden the Caxton Awards next year to include digital creativity.
A highlight of the night was the presentation of the Denis Everingham Award to the legendary John Bevins (right, in a 1986 pic), one of Australia’s greatest ever copywriters.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD CB'S 16 PAGE CAXTON AWARD REPORT

HENDERSON GETS CURIOUS

2007-10-26T11:07:00.000+10:00

One of the industry’s most sought-after photographers Derek Henderson has joined Curious Film in Sydney as a director.
Henderson is known for his ability to transform everyday scenes into works of beauty, and his exhibitions and books have enchanted audiences in New York, London, Australia and New Zealand. He is considered one of the region’s top fashion photographers, and his work is celebrated for its striking simplicity, quiet beauty and brazen honesty.
“I think good photographers have a natural sense of light and composition, and also a sensitivity and an attention to detail, which can translate beautifully to film. I like to turn the mundane into the sublime, and I’d love to extend this curiosity into film,” says Derek, who lists Terrence Malick (director of The Thin Red Line) as a source of filmic inspiration.
Born in New Zealand, Derek relocated to Sydney from London two years ago. In addition to his international client base, he has worked with agencies such as Publicis Mojo and DDB in New Zealand; as well as The Campaign Palace, Moon and JWT in Australia. He’s shooting a campaign for Mother London in New Zealand this month, while his editorial photography has appeared in international titles such as Vogue, i-D and Arena.
“I’ve always been a huge fan of Derek. He’s shown me the beauty of many people, places & things. Therefore, I’m delighted that he has chosen to direct with us,” says Pete Grasse, GM of Curious Film.
Since joining Curious Film in July 2007, Henderson continues to be represented by M.A.P. in London, New York and Australia, which represents some of the world’s most famous photographers including Philip Lorca Dicorcia and Alasdair McLennan.
His passion for fine arts also distinguishes him from other directors – his first book and exhibition, The Terrible Boredom of Paradise, received glowing reviews in London, Sydney and Auckland. It’s the result of a 13,000 kilometre journey through remote areas of New Zealand, where Derek photographed drab suburban streets, desolate caravan parks and sagging old houses. He’s currently working on his second documentary art project, titled ‘Waikato River’.
To view Derek’s reel, contact Pete Grasse at Curious Australia:
peterg@curiousfilm.com / +61 430 596 071

THE BOB ISHERWOOD ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD - DEADLINE MONDAY

2007-10-26T06:54:00.000+10:00

The deadline to enter the Bob Isherwood Encouragement Award is this coming Monday 29th October.
AWARD’s long-standing tribute to unparalleled junior creative stars, the Encouragement Award, is being sponsored for the second year running by Saatchi & Saatchi Worldwide.
Isherwood is the inspirational Australian who has been Worldwide Creative Director of
Saatchi & Saatchi for 10 years. Sponsoring this Award is highly appropriate given his reputation for spotting and engaging new talent. Isherwood will judge the entries and Mike O’Sullivan, ECD of Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand, will hand out the Award out on November 30th in front of 800 industry leaders at the AWARD Awards Presentation Evening in Sydney.
The Encouragement Award has honoured young creatives since 1992, recognising those who have demonstrated an outstanding ability to answer briefs with a freshness of thought and creativity.
Previous winners include Ted Royer, Dejan Rasic, Leo Premutico and Guy Rooke.

Eligibility Criteria – Deadline Monday 29th October
Maximum three years in an agency creative department
Nominations taken by Creative Directors or Agency Management only
Australian and New Zealand Applicants only
Submissions – as jpeg, mpeg and word.doc/pdfs - max 4MB per file, on CD only – no email submissions accepted
Four examples of the entrant’s work; aired/published within the last 18 months
One written reference from CD or Agency Management - .doc or pdf
Entrant’s biography - .doc or pdf

Send CDs to:
Postal Address; Hannah Morden, The Bob Isherwood Encouragement Award, c/o AWARD, QVB 1055 Sydney NSW 1230.
OR Via Courier; Hannah Morden, The Bob Isherwood Encouragement Award, AWARD, Level 11, 89 York St, Sydney NSW 2000.

Deadline Monday 29th October 2007 – No Extensions

Contact hannah@awardonline.com or telephone 02 8297 3877 for more information on the Call for Entry process.

Credits for Ad:
Agency: Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney
Art Directors : Eron Broughton & Vince Lagana
Copywriter : Steve May
ECD : David Nobay
Retoucher : Kerry McElroy

SUDEEP GOHIL TO JOIN DROGA 5, BRAM WILLIAMS PROMOTED AT SAATCHI & SAATCHI

2007-10-25T13:48:00.000+10:00

Bram Williams, currently Saatchi & Saatchi’s Head of Strategy on Toyota for the past 18 months, will replace Sudeep Gohil (left) as Head of Strategy, following the latter's decision to join former Saatchi ECD David Nobay at Droga 5 at the end of the year.
It is believed that Gohil and Nobay will work on international projects for Droga 5 as well as set up a Droga 5 operation in Sydney.
“We didn’t have to look far for the obvious successor to Sudeep,” said Saatchi CEO, Simone Bartley. “Bram has an impressive background, and was The Strategic Planning Director for Euro RSCG before joining us at Saatchi & Saatchi. He already has responsibility for a substantial portion of our business in his current role.
“We have a very deep pool of talent at Saatchi and it is this which has made us the No.1 creative agency in the Asia Pacific.”
Said Williams (below): “This is an incredible opportunity. I’m really looking forward to heading up a great team and turning out some excellent work.”
Other key appointments to the Saatchi creative line-up, including Nobay's replacement, will be announced shortly.

CHECK MATE: LUKE CHESS RESIGNS FROM BWM SYDNEY

2007-10-24T13:23:00.000+10:00

BWM Sydney creative director, Luke Chess and director of digital communications Simon Smith have both resigned from the agency amid a major internal restructure to implement its Hub model across the entire agency.
The multi-awarded Chess had only been at the agency since the beginning of the year (he will leave end of November), lured from Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney. While Smith, brought in from the UK, had only been there for six weeks.
(Late addition: In an email to CB, BWM ECD Rob Belgiovane said: "Group heads will be reporting into me direct. Dean Hamilton...ex 180 Amsterdam, Dave Shirlaw ex M&C and Paul Bennell ex Clems Sydney. Given these guys should be good I reckon.")
In a statement issued today, only one paragraph late in the release mentioned their departures, with the addition of the following: BWM thanks Smith and Chess for their excellent work at the agency, and wishes them well in their next challenge.
Calls to Chess were unanswered.
Paul Williams, BWM CEO, said the rolling out of the Hub model follows huge success of the structure on the BigPond account over the past two years. BWM has developed the model in collaboration with some of the world’s leading contemporary agencies via its affiliation with thenetworkone, which hosts seminars between the world’s leading independent agencies at the Cannes Advertising Festival.
“We want to challenge the traditional ad agency structures and ensure our most senior talent are adding value where it most counts – on our clients’ businesses and brands. We have broken down the traditional Creative, Account Management, Planning and Digital departments, and teamed our most senior people from each skill set into complementary client Hubs. Each Hub will have specific creative, strategic and management autonomy, and report to the core management team of the founding partners and Management Board.
“This aligns the core skill sets to focus on the only thing that clients ultimately care about, big ideas that deliver results.”
Each Hub reports to the core management team of founding partners Executive Creative Director Rob Belgiovane, Williams, and Partner Jamie Mackay, supported by Planning Director Hristos Varouhas and Business Directors Nicole Taylor and Richard O’Rourke.
BWM has recently been named among 11 of the world’s leading independent agencies in a special edition of Campaign Magazine UK, for the second year running. The publication has quickly become a controversial but influential barometer of the rising level of talent in independent advertising and marketing communications agencies.
This year, BWM has added $32m in new business, including the online business of Virgin Money, NIB, PBL’s MyHome.com.au and Slate bourbon from Diageo.

D’ALESSIO CHOOSES REPUBLIC

2007-10-23T15:13:00.000+10:00

Sydney based Republic Films has signed top TVC director, Richard D’Alessio.
Originally from Canada, D’Alessio’s awards include three Lions at Cannes, a USA Today #1 Super Bowl spot for Bud Light, and inclusion in four separate television specials highlighting the world's best commercials and most recently the Top Super Bowl Commercials Of All Time.
Highly sought after, his work spans across the comedy, narrative and VFX genres with recent clients including campaigns from Levis, Renault and Nintendo.
Republic Films’ Principal and Executive Producer, Adam Wells said: “Richard’s work speaks for itself. We’ve been in discussions for months, and we’re thrilled that we can now offer Richard up as part of the Republic roster”.
As well as directing TVC’s, D’Alessio is founding partner in the advertising content portal, UNPLUGGED TV (www.unpluggedtv.com), responsible for cross-platform media content, including the ground breaking live action/animation webisodes featuring Jerry Seinfeld and Superman for American Express.
Says Wells: “Our joint venture into UNPLUGGED TV allows Republic to also offer engaging and entertaining content to advertising agencies.”
Contact Adam Wells at Republic: www.republic.tv

LONDON INTERNATIONAL AWARDS INTRODUCES FIRST-EVER SILVER STATUE TO 2007 CEREMONY

2007-10-23T10:28:00.000+10:00

This year, the London International Awards (LIA) will debut the Silver Statue at its 12th November Celebration and Party at the Hippodrome, London. The Silver Statue has been established to recognise the superior calibre of the submissions received for the Awards Show. For the past 21 years, Gold was the highest honour and only statue presented to winners until now.
The 2007 winners have been selected from an entry pool of 17,660 submissions. This vast number reflects the prestige and explosive growth of the London International Awards since its inception in 1986 when 2,600 submissions were considered.
“The Silver Statue was established to acknowledge the work that didn’t warrant a Gold but deserved more than a Finalist recognition. So Silver is a good bridge between the two,” said Barbara Levy, President of London International Awards.
This year’s ceremony will honour entrants with 286 Silver and 100 Gold Statues.
Despite the addition of the Silver Statue, winning an award is more competitive than ever. Of the total entries, only two percent (2%) have received awards. One and a half percent (1.5%) have earned Silver and less than one percent (1%) Gold.
“Our jury, which was comprised of some of the world’s top creative directors, debated intently before deciding on the 1,090 Finalists. It became clear that our decision to include Silver enabled the judges to honour submissions still deserving high acknowledgement,“ said Levy.
Silver and Gold Winners will be announced at the Awards Celebration/Party on 12th November, 2007, 6:30pm at the Hippodrome, London. All Finalist entries can now be viewed at the London International Awards’ website, www.liaawards.com. Following the ceremony, a complete list of winners will be posted online.

MATT PALMER - SLIPPING IN TIME MULTI-MEDIA EXHIBITION

2007-10-23T09:50:00.000+10:00

Film Construction Sydney director Matt Palmer is hosting a multi media exhibition in Surry Hills this month, at the China Heights Gallery in Foster Street.
Palmer is a veteran of the Australian and New Zealand advertising and film industry. In the early nineties, his background in painting and music video production gained him the attention of the film industry. Since then his mix of strong visuals combined with a simple, storytelling style, has earned him a range of awards and a steady stream of projects in Australia and overseas. In recent times Palmer has turned towards photography to bridge the gap between his painting and his film work. This is his third exhibition in Sydney. For more on Matt’s work visit - www.mattpalmer.com.au.

About the Exhibition
Palmer has created a series of suggestive characters and landscapes that create an imaginary past. Their ghost-like appearance and painterly image intrigues and invites us to reminisce about the places and people we may have met in fairytales or our dreams.
This new series by Matt Palmer is centred on his short film titled “Slipping in time”. The exhibition combines moving and still images to create a series of visual metaphors that set out to be both haunting and evocative. Says Palmer: “Stories and images exist to define the abstract parts of our lives that defy description. They set out to externalise, to paint a picture of the hidden. By playing with the line between dreams and reality I’m creating aspirations and desires that try to express what I imagine when I close my eyes. A series of feigned, affected experiences that are based on how life feels, much more than how it appears”.
Matt Palmer is exhibiting his collection of images at China Heights Gallery, Level 3, 18 – 28 Foster Street in Surry Hills, from 9 - 16 November 2007. For more details call Matt Palmer on 0411 875 294 or go to www.mattpalmer.com.au

BOX: AN EXHIBITION OF PAINTINGS BY MARK COLLIS

2007-10-22T16:38:00.000+10:00

An exhibition of paintings by Mark Collis, national creative director of Leo Burnett, opens this coming Wednesday at Shapiro Art & Design, 162 Queen Street, Woollahra.

Opening: 6-8pm, Wednesday 24th October
Continues until Monday 29th October

Private viewing by appointment
6-8pm Tuesday 23rd October
Call 0433 171 066

162 Queen Street, Woollahra
(02) 9326 1588
info@shapiroauctioneers.com.au

SHAPIRO
ART AND DESIGN

Sponsored by
HEINEKEN

THE CB BLOG TO GET REVAMP

2007-10-20T04:38:00.000+10:00

Just in time for Campaign Brief to celebrate its one-millionth visitor in less than 12 months (the counter was started on December 5 last year), its website and blog will be overhauled by Sydney sister agencies Lowe Hunt and Rivet.
The agencies have been entrusted with redesign and rebuild of what’s fast become an industry icon, due for publishing in three weeks.
Once that’s done, Rivet and Lowe Hunt will take on an even more ambitious project – a total revamp of www.bestadsontv.com - CB's hugely popular worldwide ad showcase site.
Says CB co-publisher and editor, Michael Lynch: “The Campaign Brief Blog has grown from a part time bit of fun in mid 2005 – we were the first advertising trade press to start a blog – into quite a fixture of the industry, with just about everyone who’s anyone checking in once a day. It was about time it had a more professional and slick look, rather than my adaptation of an off-the-shelf Blogger design!
“I have complete faith that Lowe Hunt and sister agency Rivet will come up with something slick, yet classic, and easy to navigate – and I can’t wait to see what they can do with bestadsontv.com,” Lynchy says.
Mark Ashley-Wilson, Rivet’s head of interactive Australasia (pictured second from right with his team), says it was flattering to be asked to upgrade the industry icon: “The number of visitors and content had outgrown the existing set-up, so we’re migrating the platform off Blogger to the latest professional Moveable Type 4 with much greater publishing flexibility. We’re designing a totally branded site as well, updating the sponsors section and adding search and categories as well so it’ll be easier to use.”

SAATCHI & SAATCHI SYDNEY WINS AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER COULD BE A CAXTON COMPETITION

2007-10-19T16:07:00.000+10:00

A press ad for Toyota promoting its Landcruiser 70 Series has been announced as the August/September winner of the Could Be a Caxton competition, established by the Caxton Committee and supported by The Newspaper Works to recognise and showcase great creativity in newspaper advertising on a bi-monthly basis.

CLIENT: TOYOTA
AGENCY: SAATCHI & SAATCHI SYDNEY
EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR: DAVID NOBAY
SENIOR COPYWRITER: TIM BROWN
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR: PETER BUCKLEY

Dejan Rasic, Executive Creative Director of Colman Rasic Carrasco, and the judge of the August/September competition, said: “Perfect talent for the headline. Rock solid strategy. Stood out in the lot of ads I looked at”
Buckley and Brown (pictured below) have won an all expenses-paid trip to the Caxton Weekend in Byron Bay at the end of October.
The October/November competition is now open for entries. It’s free to enter and anyone can submit nominations. For more information on the winning Toyota ad, how to enter the Could Be a Caxton competition and the Caxtons in general, visit www.thecaxtonawards.com.au.

SAATCHI & SAATCHI NZ LEADS AWARD FINALIST PACK

2007-10-19T15:14:00.000+10:00

Following two weeks of intense judging with a total of 83 judges participating, AWARD celebrates a total of 360 finalists, up by 52 on last year. Saatchi & Saatchi lead the finalist tally with an impressive 24 acceptances, followed by BMF Sydney and Saatchi Singapore with 17 apiece.
See the

FULL LIST OF FINALISTS

Australia has 157 finalists, compared to a 160 in 2006. New Zealand has 102, up by 15 from last year. Asia recorded an outstanding surge with 101 this year, up by 50 on 2006. This is a reflection of the large increase of entries from Asia this year in particular from China, Malaysia, The Philippines and Singapore.
Toby Talbot, Chairman of Judges, says: “I want to thank everyone involved in chairing the juries and the tireless work of the organisers, led by Lucy Mckee and her team. When you consider that over 50 judges flew in from interstate and overseas this year, the AWARD management have done a great job ‘herding cats’.
"The judges were evenly split between Asia, Australia and New Zealand. This has resulted in a more balanced, more outward looking Award show. The feedback from each jury has been really positive. The judging, though rigorous, was refreshingly free of politics.
"Not only did we have more entries this year, we also had 52 more finalists than last year. It appears our industry is in pretty good shape. If you’re one of the finalists, congratulations because you’ve done something bloody good. If you go on to win more on the night of November 30th, then you’ll be fully entitled to broach that pay rise with your CD. This year, we have an exciting new venue for the AWARD Awards Presentation Evening, the stunning CarriageWorks. We will have some great and worthy winners on the night. I hope the industry turns out in force to applaud them all.”

FINALIST LEAGUE TABLE:
Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand - 24
BMF Sydney – 17
Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore - 17
Exit Films Melbourne - 12
DDB New Zealand - 11
@radical.media Sydney - 10
McCann Erickson Kuala Lumpur - 10
Ogilvy & Mather Beijing - 10
Publicis Mojo Auckland - 10
Saatchi & Saatchi Australia – 10
The Sweet Shop Sydney - 10
Leo Burnett Bangkok - 9

The AWARD Awards Presentation Evening is being held on Friday 30th November 2007 at CarriageWorks at Eveleigh Rail Yards, Eveleigh. Tickets will go on sale next week. For bookings please visit www.awardonline.com. All AWARD Members and Non Members welcome.

THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM

2007-10-19T14:47:00.000+10:00

Honda’s ‘Impossible Dream’ has been digitally remastered with English flags throughout. Running in the UK right now. (And the track becomes strangely appropriate!)
One for the Aussies and Kiwis to hate anyway....

HELP ROB MARTIN-MURPHY RIDE 500km IN CAMBODIA FOR MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

2007-10-19T14:29:00.000+10:00

ROB SAYS THANKS BLOGGERS! A big thanks to all the bloggers who have donated to Challenge MD charity bike ride.
So far the extra donations have totalled over $2000.
Of course, more donations would be greatly appreciated.
The deadline for donations is 5pm today.
So please, if you want to donate, make sure you do it before the end of the day...

Rob Martin Murphy, creative director of The Furnace, Sydney is cycling over 500km in Cambodia to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy.
All money raised goes to the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Australia to help them find a cure for the disease and help them continue to support sufferers of it. He leaves this Sunday (Oct 21st) and is looking for final donations before the deadline this Friday (19 Oct).
If you are interested in making a donation before Friday, here are the details:

First, click on the link below.

CHALLENGE MD

Then click on the Rider Profile section.
There you will find Rob's Rider Profile.
Then click on the Sponsor Rider button and complete the details.
Credit Cards (Diners/Visa/Mastercard except Amex) are accepted.
The payment system is secure and of course, all donations are tax deductible.

Please give generously to this very worthy cause if you can.
No pressure of course, but Buddha is watching...

MTV DOES ANOTHER 180

2007-10-19T06:26:00.000+10:00

MTV Networks Australia in association with Optus and Samsung have launched the 2007 One80 Project with two humorous spots directed by David Jagoda that appeals to anybody who has a good idea for a drama to submit their 180 second pilot and script to ONE80PROJECT.COM.AU
The winner will commissioned to produce a one hour pilot drama for MTV to be screened cross-platform on Broadcast Television, Mobile Phones and the Internet
This year MTV are broadening their message by appealing to the general public and not just industry professionals via a campaign that demonstrates that a good idea can happen to anybody, at anytime.
With a mixture of understated humour and a little schedenfreud, we illustrate this egalitarian notion by showing what happens to a young hair stylist and a security guard when they experience a ‘lightbulb’ moment or an epiphany, at an inappropriate time.

CREDITS:
MTV Director, Creative Brand Development: Vanessa Zuppicich
MTV Promo Producer: Kate Davitt
MTV Creative Supervisor: Jen Olver
Production Company: DCN, Sydney
Director and Writer: David Jagoda
Producer: Vashti Rosenberg
DoP: Peter Borosh
Sound Production: Song Zu

LOST: A GOOD IDEA

2007-10-19T06:12:00.001+10:00

Whilst the very same print ad run in this month's issue of Campaign Brief for Cranbrook Films director Roger Tompkins has been very well received in New Zealand, with the talented mega director already receiving a couple of red hot scripts, the same ad has brought a very different view from the Australian industry, says Tompkins: “look, I was just trying to have some fun wot with the work coming out of oz being so iffy over the pass few years, either you get the same old totti or a good idea mangled by the suits, client or research. That or you find some old lag of a CD trying to get a handle on cross media platforms, sending the creative department down the crapper. So the last thing I expected was death threats just for asking for a good TV idea, bloody hell TV is still the best medium. One stonkingly good TVC and mum’s got dad's wallet in her little hot hand…”

RT'S New print ad:
Agency: Whybin\TBWA, Sydney
Creative: Matt Kemsley & Garry Horner
Photographer: Chris Beghin
Finished Art: Danni Sweeting

NB: RT will in the stocks at the Rose Five Ways from 5pm Friday. Two bucks for a bucket of rotten tomatoes or forty five for a descent shiraz…

THE SWEET SHOP SIGNS NEW DIRECTORS FOR WORLDWIDE REP

2007-10-18T06:46:00.000+10:00

The Sweet Shop have signed two new directors for worldwide representation.
New Zealand-based, Taika Waititi, has joined the roster after gaining the company’s attention with his debut feature film ‘Eagle vs. Shark’, (official selection Sundance Film Festival) and his direction of HBO comedy-hit series, ‘Flight of the Conchords’ episodes. Not to mention his Oscar-nominated short film ‘Two Cars, One Night’.
Also added to the roster is The Sweet Shop’s youngest director, Sam Holst - who has spent the past year as in-house director’s assistant to Steve Ayson.
Prior to joining The Sweet Shop, Holst’s award-winning short film, ‘Swing’ won the ‘Make a Film. Make a Difference’ competition hosted by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) in Australia. It went on to appear at numerous showcases and festivals around the world - including the shots / CFP-e Young Director Award Showcase in Cannes.
It also picked up a Silver Clio, saw Holst profiled in shots - New Directors and nominated a Finalist for Best Film Direction at the Melbourne Art Directors Club (MADC) Awards in Australia up against a handful of the nations top directors.
Paul Prince, Managing Director of The Sweet Shop explains: “It’s not often The Sweet Shop adds new talent to its roster, but I have so much respect for Sam and Taika. I’m honoured to have them join our team. I’ve been working with Sam in-house over the last year, while he’s been working with Steve Ayson and his contributions were obvious. So when we decided to add new directors to our roster, Sam was the first person we asked. I really looking forward to seeing him express his craft in The Sweet Shop environment”.
Prince continues: “We’ve been watching Taika’s work for a while, absolutely loved
‘Two Cars, One Night’ and we knew he had a strong comedy bent. When his feature came out he was too hard to ignore - and I was over the moon when we sat down and discussed the possibility of him working in the commercial film environment. Taika is a true creative in his own right and I have a lot of respect for his imagination and versatility. I’m sure he’ll be presented with some great opportunities and will contribute powerfully to strong ideas”.

AWARD ANNUAL OUT AT LAST!

2007-10-17T15:23:00.000+10:00

The 2006 AWARD Annual is finally out. Yes, it is late, for which AWARD apologises.
A lot of time and effort has gone into it, and AWARD was determined to save members’ money by having the Annual printed offshore. This has resulted in a significant saving, which is being put to other uses including an increased number of events to involve more of their membership.
By now, Members will have received their copy, and all overseas members should have them next week.
Non Members can purchase their copy online at www.awardonline.com – AWARD Annual. Price: AUD 170 + GST and postage.
The other good news is that this year’s annual is already in production and will be available early in 2008.

CANNES RADIO LIONS CD FREE WITH CB THIS ISSUE

2007-10-17T14:34:00.000+10:00

The September/ October edition of Campaign Brief magazine features a special wrap and CD showcasing all the Cannes Radio Lions 2007 and Siren 2007 Winners.
This is a huge edition which no creative can afford to miss. The special edition of Campaign Brief celebrates the success of Australian radio, taking you inside the jury room and back stage at Cannes. There are also feature interviews with winner of the Radio Lions Grand Prix, Paul Reardon and Cannes judge Ralph van Dijk. Everything to help you develop your next winning campaign! To subscribe to Campaign Brief, email your details to: perth@campaignbrief.com

DROGA FOR D&AD

2007-10-17T04:29:00.000+10:00

D&AD has produced an

ANIMATED FILM

for the Awards Call for Entries. It’s a tongue-in-cheek Q&A with Dave Droga and the first in a series of three short films designed to encourage entries to the D&AD Awards 2008.
This year’s campaign for D&AD is themed, “But is it a Pencil?” inspired by debates that happen every day in agencies and studios as creatives evaluate the merits of a new idea. The entry site launched on 10 October at www.dandad.org/awards08.
The films feature interviews with Yellow Pencil winners who reveal how they came up with that elusive great idea; how by repeatedly asking the question, “But is it a Pencil?” they produced work that colleagues, clients and juries wished they’d come up with. The films were animated by D&AD Student Award 2007 winners.
Saatchi & Saatchi, London created this year’s campaign which includes print ads and three films. The agency has worked with D&AD since 2006 and this is the first time an agency has been retained by D&AD for more than one annual cycle.

Credits:
Created by Brian Connolly at Saatchi & Saatchi, London
Animated by Johnny Sanders from Ravensbourne College of Design & Communication

BEN BRIAND'S HAMMER BAY DEBUTS TONIGHT ON MTV

2007-10-16T17:28:00.000+10:00

Cherub Pictures' director, Ben Briand won the MTV Project 180 competition earlier this year and was commissioned to produce a one hour pilot drama for MTV to be screened cross-platform on Broadcast Television, Mobile Phones and the Internet. Entitled Hammer Bay, the pilot is the first drama to be commissioned by MTV and premieres tonight (Tuesday 16 October) at 7pm. Hammer Bay was created in conjunction with Optus, Sony Ericsson and MTV. (View the trailer above).
Hammer Bay is about the beachside murder of teen beauty and drama pet, Amanda Blakely (Jessica McNamee) who is found dead on the beach rocks of Hammer Bay. When a documentary crew arrive asking questions, a captivating study into the minds and psyche of the sleepy town unfolds. The lines between the observant film crew, interview participants and police begin to blur, as family members, friends and strangers all start to demonstrate one common thread - everyone is hiding something.
Hammer Bay features an extraordinary cast, including Australian acting identity Jacki Weaver (“Cosi”, “Picnic At Hanging Rock” as well as countless Sydney Theatre Company and MTC productions), Guy Edmonds (Griffin Theatre’s “Holding The Man” and “All Saints”), Amy Mizzi (“Home and Away”) and real-life sisters Penny McNamee (“See No Evil” and “Salem’s Lot”) and Jessica McNamee (“Home and Away”), who play sisters in Hammer Bay.
Director Ben Briand is the creator of music videos, short films, video installations and commercials. Ben has been recognised as a director who has a firm grasp on multiple visual language styles and techniques. Ben’s work in commercials includes Ballantine’s ‘Soccer Can’, the Contiki travel cinema commercials which were shot across 11 countries, Saxby’s Ginger Beer ‘Ginger Smile’ and most recently for ‘VSC’ for Toyota and ‘Night Tennis’ for Sony Ericsson.
Born in Melbourne and growing up in Sydney Ben spent most of his teenage weekends watching Rage music videos and cutting VHS to VHS short art films together with his school friends. By the age of 21 he was teaching the new complexities of digital video production and post-production language in the highly regarded Bachelor of Digital Media at the University of NSW. His strong technical ability combined with an unorthodox visual approach resulted in Ben taking out the first place and $10 000 prize for the Government initiative, Play Now Act Now, with his short film ‘Leaving’.
Ben is the youngest and most recent director to join Cherub Pictures. Amongst the ranks of fellow members Andrew Dominik (Chopper, Assassination of Jesse James), Cate Shortland (Somersault), John Curran (The Painted Veil, We Don’t Live Here Anymore) and Justin Kurzel (Blue Tongue).
Hammer Bay will premiere on MTV tonight, Tuesday 16th October @ 7pm with repeats on Thursday 18th October @ 1pm & 10.30pm; and Saturday 20th October @ 6pm. Hammer Bay will be seen on Broadcast Television, Mobile Phones and the Internet.

NEW APPOINTMENTS AT FSM

2007-10-16T11:45:00.000+10:00

As a fresh approach to the needs of the advertising, television and film industries, Sydney based FSM has appointed Dean Sutherland to new role as FSM Head of Production and Nathan Wellington as Executive Producer.
Sutherland recently finished with Cutting Edge where he spent 12 years, with the last 2½ years as executive producer and manager of their Sydney commercial operation.
Wellington has been working for FSM as Post Production Supervisor within the Longform department for the last 2 years. He has been active within the post production industry lobbying the State and Federal Governments for support in the sector. His role will be to build on existing contacts and foster new relationships within the film and commercial market both locally and overseas. He will be investigating new media opportunities and future directions for FSM as the company moves forward.
“Dean was selected after some exhaustive searching. He brings a level of experience and enthusiasm for the job that is not easily found and it’s his role to lead the team of producers and FSM artists as we move forward,” says FSM co-founder Steve Dunn.
“We no longer consider FSM a facility where we simply have equipment and supply people to operate the gear” says FSM Managing Director Rick Schweikert. “So we’re removing the term facility from our vocabulary and introducing a single production department to unify our processes of post production. FSM is a creative community of colour grading artists, effects compositors, editors, designers and 3D animators and we simply use technology to support these roles. Our clients have a wide range of experience, from those highly trained and knowledgeable to more junior producers who are thirsty to learn. We want to guide them through the post process and to a large degree our facilities staff already act as producers.”
“Nathan and Dean’s positions within FSM are valuable new additions and strengthen our production department,” says Schweikert. “Steve and I will remain very hands on and visible but the company is a size where this level of additional seniority and experience is welcomed by our staff and clients and allows us to grow FSM into the future.”
More staff appointments in key operational areas can be expected soon.

SEAN MEEHAN WINS BEST PERFORMANCE DIRECTION

2007-10-16T09:56:00.001+10:00

DDB Sydney's NAPCAN

Children See, Children Do TVC

continued its award winning run on Saturday night at the Australian Directors Guild awards where it won best performance direction for Sean Meehan @ Soma Films. There is only one award given in the category so something to crow about.

BARKER WINS AT ADG AWARDS

2007-10-16T02:55:00.000+10:00

David Barker from Taxi Film Production was awarded ‘Best Direction in a Music Video’ at the inaugural Australian Director’s Guild Awards for his stellar work on Butterfinger’s music video "Get up Outta The Dirt". The ADG awards are the only awards in Australia where the work is judged solely by peers.
“Music Videos are a labour of love, so being recognized for your craft is probably the best reward that you can receive – outside the actual artist’s liking it. With the ADG awards, it’s inspiring to have that honor bestowed upon you by your fellow directors,” says Barker.
Barker has enjoyed over 10 years of TVC directing experience, forging a reputation as a director that combines memorable performances within a rich visual aesthetic. “I enjoy coming up with a fresh new idea for a clip as much as I enjoy directing them,” adds Barker.
See the winning work -

HERE

MARKETFORCE CLEAN UP AT GLITTERING PADC AWARDS

2007-10-16T02:46:00.000+10:00

One could have been forgiven for thinking one was at the famous Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles on Friday night, as Western Australia’s finest in creative talent descended upon His Majesty’s Theatre.
The iconic landmark hosted the Perth Advertising & Design Club’s (PADC) 2007 Annual Awards night. The event recognises creative excellence across numerous categories including Print, Radio, Television/Cinema and Social Marketing. The Awards have been running for over 20 years and are open to agencies, contractors and students.
Marketforce swept up on the night, collecting a total of 8 gongs, including one of the few Gold awards given and the coveted West Australian Fellowship. This award recognises the best newspaper advertisement appearing in The West Australian newspaper and was awarded to the marketing communication company for its “Tourism Wave” advertisement for Tourism WA. Winners of this award receive $5,000 and a trip to the Cannes Advertising Awards, widely considered the world’s most important advertising award show.
Two other special awards were also given on the night. Brainestorm received The Upson Medal for Sound for their “Save it for the Game – Rock Out” production for Rugby WA. However, RARECreativethinking won the highest honours for “Train” for the Public Transport Authority. The company received the PADC Medallion for Excellence, which acknowledges the single piece of work that stands above all others for creative excellence.
Other winners of note included The 303 Group in the categories of Print, Television/Cinema, Social Marketing and Charity and The Brand Agency took home Silver and Bronze awards in the categories of Design, Ambient/Innovative, Art Direction and Photography. Jerome Baldsing took home the Student Advertising Award for Creative Service.
In true theatrical style, the night opened with a magician’s act, after which Acting President of PADC, Mark Braddock, welcomed guests and acknowledged the Judging Jury. The prestigious judging line-up this year included Kevin Finn (best known for his tenure at Saatchi Design in Sydney), independent creative consultant Len Cheeseman, Juggi Ramakrishnan, ECD of BBDO Singapore, Cameron Hoelter, a CD at Clemenger BBDO, Melbourne and Chairman of Judges, Ben Nott, Creative Director and Partner at Droga5.
Sponsors Nova 93.7 added their touch to the Awards with radio breakfast show hosts, Nathan and Nat, announcing the finalists and winners in their own inimitable style.
“We’re absolutely delighted with the continued success of the Awards and congratulations to all who entered and were awarded,” commented Liz Bindon-Bonney, General Manager, PADC. “This year we received a record number of entries (460), with the standard continuing to be exceptionally high. It’s an excellent opportunity for those in the industry and those wanting to join the industry to network and view the talent pool of work originating from WA.”
“We’re also extremely grateful to the ongoing support we receive from our industry partners, without whom these Awards would not be possible,” she added. “It’s so encouraging to see companies such as Meerkats offering Internships for up and coming talent in the industry.”
The PADC’s online directory, CreativeHUB, showcases the work of industry participants and will include a gallery of the night’s winning entries this week.
For more information about the Awards, visit the PADC website at www.padc.com.au

PREMUTICO AND JACOBS LEAVE SAATCHI'S NEW YORK

2007-10-13T18:28:00.000+10:00

Star Aussie expat creative Leo Premutico (left) and his partner Jan Jacobs (right) have departed Saatchi & Saatchi, New York, where they were joint executive CDs under chief creative officer Tony Granger. The pair helped Saatchi NYC win the Cannes Agency of the Year title this year, and the No 3 spot last year.
Where they are off to next is a mystery, although one presumes it's to start their own shop. When contacted by CB, Premutico could not reveal their future plans as they were still contracted to Saatchi's until the end of October.
Interestingly, Jan Jacobs formerly partnered David Nobay, when the two were Creative Directors at Bozell NY under Tony Granger. Nobay, who has just left the ECD gig at Saatchi & Saatchi Australia, has not revealed his next move, although many suspect he will announce a partnership with David Droga's DROGA5 later in the week.
If Jacobs and Premutico are connected to the ever expanding Droga family, it would certainly make for the beginnings of a very powerful creative network.

ANOTHER BEST DIRECTION NOM FOR GRAEME BURFOOT

2007-10-13T12:49:00.001+10:00

Filmgraphics Graeme Burfoot's has just been nominated for another Best Direction awards for his work on 'Find Changes' for NBCC, tis time at the London International Awards. This new nomination follows other from NY FESTIVALS, ADFEST 2007 and a Bronze Clio for the spot. Burfoot's year has been a good one with awards and nominations coming for Caltex FLIES and more recently Burfoot has been nominated for Direction at the first awards staged by Australian Directors Guild for his work on the series 'TWO TWISTED'.
Currently Burfoot is working with BWM, BMF and is about to head to Europe shooting with McCanns New York.

A FEW GOOD CREATIVE MEN

2007-10-12T12:26:00.000+10:00

CUMMINS SELLS TO NITRO

2007-10-11T16:21:00.000+10:00

Cummins & Partners has finally been sold to Nitro, Chris Clarke's mini agency group with offices in Shanghai, New York, London and Melbourne. Under the deal, Nitro takes a 50% stake in Cummins, which will be increased to full ownership by 2009. Nitro's Melbourne operation will be merged into Cummins’ Melbourne premises.
It will be interesting to see if there are any further developments relating to the departures of Sydney co-creative directors Bettina Clark and Carolyn Diamond, and the bitter ousting of former Cummins Melbourne general manager, Amber Philips. A close associate of Philips says she is taking legal action against Cummins for unfair dismissal.

CRC MAKES ITS FIRST HIRE

2007-10-11T12:07:00.001+10:00

Sydney startup colman rasic carrasco has made its first hire, appointing Alex Romans as Junior Creative, coming a few days after the agency's win of the Barclays Global Investors account. Romans joins CRC after a recent win at D&AD. ECD’s Rebecca Carrasco and Dejan Rasic say “The kid’s got a big future".

CLARK AND DIAMOND DEPART CUMMINS' SYDNEY STARTUP

2007-10-08T19:19:00.000+10:00

Amongst all the talk of a sale of Cummins & Partners to Nitro, Bettina Clark (left) and Carolyn Diamond (below left), who were only appointed joint creative directors of the fledgling Cummins & Partners Sydney office (an apartment in Woolloomooloo) four months ago, have left. The pair told CB they have quite a few options to pursue.
Bettina Clark: 0402 917 711. Carolyn Diamond: 0414 496 781.

UPDATE: Meanwhile, Cummins Melbourne general manager Amber Philips, who has been at the agency for several years, has been dismissed. Ms Philips was not available for comment but a close associate told CB that she is in the process of taking legal action against Cummins & Partners for unfair dismissal.
UPDATE 11.10.07.... Cummins has sold to Nitro, Chris Clarke's mini agency group with offices in Shanghai, New York, London and Melbourne. Nitro takes a 50% stake in Cummins, which will be increased to full ownership by 2009. Nitro's Melbourne operation will be merged into Cummins’ Melbourne premises.

RENEGADE DIRECTORS NOMINATED AT INAUGURAL DIRECTOR'S GUILD AWARDS

2007-10-04T15:25:00.000+10:00

Renegade Films TV commercial directors Tony Rogers, Sean Byrne and Julius Avery have all received nominations in the inaugural Australian Director's Guild Awards.
Avery and Byrne have been nominated for their commercial work for Ford 'Barry Hall' and Peter McCallum Hospital 'Ticket' and TAC' Double Bus', whilst Rogers has been nominated for his Comedy/Drama Wilfred, the eight part cult tv series featuring the bong smoking dog! Julius Avery, who was voted Australia's Emerging Film Maker of the year at last year's Melbourne International Film Festival, is also nominated for his short film
End of Town.
Coincidentally, Renegade's reputation for great comedy and performance spots was enhanced by the inclusion of three spots by Renegade directors featuring on Channel Nine's new prime time show featuring the funniest tvc's from around the World.

KLEMAN TO EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR, LEVINE TO CD OF EURO RSCG NEW YORK

2007-10-03T19:33:00.000+10:00

Euro RSCG Worldwide New York has hired celebrated creatives Robert Kleman (right) as an Executive Creative Director and Jason Levine (left) as a Creative Director. The pair will oversee various agency accounts and will play key roles on Heineken USA's Dos Equis brand, the international Kraft account as well as new business.
Kleman comes from TBWA\Chiat\Day in New York where he was an Associate Creative Director for the past two years. He was recently part of the major award-winning Snickers Halloween print campaign and the re-launch of the ABSOLUT Vodka brand campaign. Previously he was a Creative Partner at TBWA\Singapore for six years where he helped the agency win Agency of the Year two years running. In 2005, Kleman was named the Most Awarded Person in Asia by Campaign Brief Asia Magazine.
Levine comes to Euro RSCG from Publicis, where, as Senior Vice President and Creative Director, he launched Vault energy drink, and developed campaigns for the Manhattan Short Film Festival and Amstel Light. He launched his career at D'Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles as an art director and copywriter.
The pair have each accumulated a superb reputation and an enviable list of awards over the last ten years, including D&AD Pencils, Gold Cannes Lions, Gold One Show Pencils, Best of Shows and Clios.
“Not ready to leave New York just yet, I can’t wait to create some highly talked about work at the flagship Euro RSCG office here in the States,” said Kleman. “I’m thrilled at being giving this mandate and opportunity to work with the agency that won Global Agency of the Year by Advertising Age and Advertising Network of the Year by Campaign in 2006.”
"I have admired the work of Euro RSCG for some time now, both in the States and abroad," added Levine. "As a fan of the 'Most Interesting Man' campaign myself, I am especially looking forward to taking the Dos Equis creative to the next level."

JOSH BAKER NAMED KODAK NEW DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

2007-10-03T10:43:00.000+10:00

TVC director Josh Baker from the Sydney Film Company is the inaugural KODAK AWARD New Director Of The Year.
Greg McKibbin, Regional Business General Manager & Vice President, Entertainment Imaging, Eastman Kodak Company announced Baker’s win at a special cocktail party designed specifically for the occasion. Held on at The Water Bar at BLUE Sydney, the sell-out event screened the work of all five finalists in the presence of guests including VIP's, the AWARD Award Judges.
Chosen from a list of finalists whose work represented an exceptional standard and an amazing variety of ideas, Baker’s submission included three TVC’s: Telstra “Spread The Good Stuff” created by George Patterson Y&R, Sydney, McDonald’s “See Things” and Heineken “Past Experience”, which were both created by Leo Burnett, Sydney.
“It was extremely encouraging to witness the respect and interest shown by this prestigious audience as the finalists' work was screened,” noted McKibbin. “Josh is a remarkably talented and most deserving winner and it is our honour to announce him as the inaugural KODAK AWARD New Director Of The Year.”
As the KODAK AWARD New Director Of The Year, Baker will receive a prize of 10 x 400’ loads of 35mm Kodak Motion Picture Film valued at approximately AUD 4,000.00 and will be introduced and recognised at the AWARD Presentation Evening to be held on November 30th, 2007 at CarriageWorks, Eveleigh Rail Yards, Sydney.
Finalists were selected from an impressive collection of entries from thirteen cities from eight separate countries from around the Asia Pacific Region and the
following finalists are also to be congratulated:

Maia Horniak, Pod Film, Sydney
Kris Moyes, Revolver, Sydney
Mark Molloy – EXIT, Melbourne
Surapong Ploensang – Phenomena, Bangkok

For further details visit www.awardnewdirector.com
To view images from the night visit http://www.gekkoimages.com.au/Award/kodakawardindex.php
For more information on Josh Baker visit www.sydneyfilm.com.au

WHERE ARE ALL THE GREAT ADS?

2007-10-02T17:56:00.000+10:00

If you're wondering why all the latest ads are no longer on the Blog, the very best of them are on www.bestadsontv.com, along with other great work from around the world. Check out the best TV, Press, Print, Outdoor, Ambient, Viral, Interactive and Integrated. Now updated daily, make sure you check in daily.

www.bestadsontv.com

LEFTY BECOMES LOVE'S RIGHT HAND MAN

2007-10-02T17:50:00.000+10:00

Love Communications, Sydney has appointed Andrew Leftley, also known as ‘Lefty’, as senior art director.
Leftley (pictured) has recently returned to Sydney after a stint at Saatchi & Saatchi Dubai and has previously worked at M&C Saatchi, McCann Erickson and Publicis Mojo.
At Love, he’ll work across the board on the majority of Love’s accounts, and will cross-pollinate with a number of writers, including CD, Scot Waterhouse, and Executive CD Siimon Reynolds.
“Lefty, brings with him great skills; he’s a great art director, a great concept creator and he’s a top bloke,” said Waterhouse.
Love has also hired Ben Alden as a graphic designer to bolster Love’s in house design team.
“We’ve been pitching like mad, and it’s paid off. We’ve won some great new pieces of business and we can now tool-up creatively, so within the next few weeks, we’ll put on another couple of creatives,” added Waterhouse.
In the past nine months, Love has won Ego Pharmaceuticals, Davenport, The Climate Institute and Breville to name but a few.

INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR TINA BULL JOINS LUSCIOUS

2007-10-02T10:46:00.000+10:00

After completing her latest campaign for Grey Worldwide New York, director Tina Bull has moved to Luscious International for worldwide representation.
With numerous international awards, she brings a strong design background mixed with a highly art directed performance based, directorial style. For more information or to view her showreel contact Andrew Morris or Tracy Proposch at Luscious International on talk2us@luscious.com.au or 02 9326 3400.

SONG ZU SYDNEY IMPORTS TOP MELBOURNE SOUND DESIGNER

2007-10-01T19:00:00.000+10:00

Song Zu has brought multi award-winning Melbourne sound-designer, Dee Gjedsted up to Sydney to re-place Abby Sie who has moved to Song Zu Singapore. Gjedsted (pictured) has been an integral part of the Melbourne industry since 1995 where, whilst working at Duffield Kenihan, he went by the name of Dee@DK and quickly gained a loyal client base including Mazda, Ford, Honda, Nintendo and TDK. After Duffield Kenihan parted ways in 2003 Dee formed Prolific Music where he continued to immerse himself in large scale music and sound design.
Says Ian Lew, Managing Director of Song Zu: "Dee is somebody whose work we have admired for a long time and who we're delighted to have finally persuaded to make the move up to Sydney by promising him a mixture of surf, sand and ludicrous licencing laws."
For a copy of Dee's reel contact ian@songzu.com.

YOUNG GUNS' AWARD SHOW VIRGINS: THE FINAL ACT

2007-10-01T11:09:00.000+10:00

At last, the end is nigh! Feast your eyes upon our three Award Show Virgins as their sordid tale culminates in an immense and blistering finale. Top creative director Glenn stars as the young creative hit maker, who is finally allowing his anxious young virgins the fleeting chance to grip fame. Be enchanted by cameo appearances from some of advertising's most influential apostles. Be jostled from your ergonomically enhanced office chair by an unexpected surprise twist ending that has the potential to make sense of the universe we live in. And best of all, revel in the glorious completion of what could have been the greatest amount of cheap sexual innuendo ever woven into what could very well be the most ridiculous (and expensive) way to promote an award show ever! These sentences may run on, but the show will not. Find the link for the Finale in the theatre programme at

letusbeyourfirst.com

Experience the crushing drama that is the final act of 'Award Show Virgins - Let us Be your First.' Online now.

THE 2007 YOUNG GUNS AWARD:
GET ENTERED BY 12 OCTOBER
GO TO:

LETUSBEYOURFIRST.COM

DOUGLAS TO JOIN DIGI POST

2007-10-01T10:22:00.000+10:00

Film Construction GM Stephen Douglas will make a return to post production as the new GM at leading Tran-Tasman and international post facility Digi Post.
Douglas began his career in NZ in 2002, when he was brought over from running Condor Digital Media London to help establish Auckland’s Oktobor post production. In 2005 he moved to production to take up the role of GM at Film Construction. After three years at FC, Douglas leaves the production company as ‘Production Company of the Year (Axis 2007) and Cannes 2007 Silver and Bronze winners.
Says FC’s Peter Hewitt and Perry Bradley: “He’s been an instrumental catalyst as part of our team in us having huge success in NZ, Australia and around the world. Not only has he been a tremendous advocate for Film Construction, but for the New Zealand industry around the world, and I’d expect that to continue in his new role’.
Douglas takes up his new position at the end of October.

ALAN HANSEN JOINS THE LAB SYDNEY TO HEAD-UP DI GRADING

2007-09-28T08:42:00.000+10:00

The Lab Sydney today announced details of their further expansion plans with the addition of post-production specialist Alan Hansen as Senior DI Colourist and the purchase of an extensive multi-million dollar Digital Intermediate (DI) infrastructure complete with colour grading theatrette.
Hansen, who will be pivotal in the creation and set-up of the Lab’s new DI theatrette, brings over 28 years of experience with him to the Lab including his extensive knowledge of the film industry, from colour timing, film Laboratory supervision and sales, telecine department management to more recently, the set-up of digital intermediate suites through to the colour grading and mastering of features. His recent DI credits include Catch a Fire, Kokoda, Little Fish, Clubland and The Water Diary.
Says Hansen said: “The move to the Lab is the most exciting of my career. I was looking for a new challenge with a company that could help me fulfil it. The opportunity to set up the DI suite and theatrette at the Lab and to drive this business forward was exactly what I was looking for. I spoke to Michael Eder and Phil Watts and they explained the Lab’s expansion plans and how DI was to play a major part in these and I was hooked.”
Lab Client Services Director Michael Eder commented: “Alan is widely recognised as one of the top DI graders in Australia. He has a very well established track record, excellent relationships with key directors and his portfolio is of the highest calibre. His experience with the Baselight kit was a perfect fit for the DI grading facilities we will be offering.”
As part of a major expansion plan, the Lab is in the process of building a custom made DI suite which will house the latest in DI grading equipment including a Northlight 2 film scanner, Baselight 4 Colour Grading System and a purpose-built theatrette utilising a Barco 2K projector.
Says Hansen: “The equipment and facilities that are going to be installed at the Lab are second-to-none. The kit and set-up is by far the best amalgamation of systems in this region and beyond. Having used many alternatives, the Baselight product is still my first choice by far, particularly the Northlight scanner which has proven itself to be the absolute best in its class. After two and a half years on the market it continues to outperform all other scanners and now with the release of the Northlight 2, the Lab will be delivering the best quality scans available The new theatrette gives the Lab’s clients all the benefits and support that come from being part of a big locally owned group with very much a boutique feeling. Our goal is to fill the suite with local and international feature film and television projects. The reaction we have had from the market so far is very exciting with several slated productions keen to discuss our exciting new offering.”
The new Lab reel which includes work showcasing Alan Hansen is out in October.

ASHTON GIVEN THUMBS UP BY AUSTRALIAN DIRECTORS GUILD

2007-09-28T08:31:00.000+10:00

Republic Films director Darren Ashton has received the Australian Directors’ Guild (ADG) nomination for Outstanding Acievement in Directing in a Feature Film, for his mockumentrary comedy, Razzle Dazzle – A Journey Into Dance.
The feature film which opened in cinemas this year, starred Kerry Armstrong and Ben Miller, and has screened at The L.A. Films Festival, Berlin Film Festival and the Edinburgh Film Festival.
THE ADG awards are unique as they are peer voted.
The Awards came about as the ADG recognised there were no Australian awards for Directors that were voted solely by Directors. Only productions screened for the first time between July 1 2006 and June 30 2007 have been eligible for entry.
“The Guild has been overwhelmed with the number of entries received – Australian Directors have really embraced these awards,” New Executive Director of the Australian Directors Guild Drew Macrae said. “The ADG through its Inaugural ADG Awards at the 2007 Atlab ADG Conference, are for the first time providing the opportunity for the work of
Directors to be judged solely by their peers.
“As a TVC director, to be nominted by my peers in the ADG’s inaugural year is a privilege,” said Ashton.

CURIOUS FILM’S ALAN WHITE DEBUTS IN US WITH ‘BROKEN’

2007-09-28T05:57:00.000+10:00

A dark and confronting indie flick called ‘Broken’, starring the ever-so-sexy Heather Graham, marks Curious Film director Alan White’s arrival as a director to watch in Hollywood.
Broken is Alan’s first American film – a brazenly intense tale of disillusionment exploring the destructive nature of addiction to drugs and love. The film opens to US audiences next month and reflects Alan White’s evolution as one of Australia’s most outstanding directors.
The story unfolds at an all-American diner, where Graham (Boogie Nights, Austin Powers) works as a pissed-off waitress named Hope. As she reflects on her past mistakes with ex-boyfriend Will, a heroin addict played by Jeremy Sisto (Waitress, Law & Order), she is confronted with a series of temptations symbolic of the seven deadly sins, when Will turns up unexpectedly with a gun.
“Broken is about finding a peace within yourself, with all your flaws, and not putting so much hope on being successful in societal terms. The temptation of the dark side is something that is personal to me and I think there are powerful lessons to be learned from the violence of addictions,” says Alan.
Shot over 19 days, Broken is an intense psychological journey that reflects Alan’s ability to take ordinary events and make them extraordinary – a technique he applies to both his commercials and films, which are always based on innate human truths.
Critics have described Sisto’s performance as “believably needy” with a “manipulative intensity”, and have hailed the feature as “a fine film about a functional addiction that allows you to lead a semblance of a life, albeit one of not-so-quiet desperation”.
Written by Jeff Lester and Drew Pillsbury, Broken launched at the AFI Film Festival in Los Angeles last November. Since then, the film picked up Best of Show at The Accolade Film Awards and was selected to screen on the opening night of this year’s VisionFest film festival in New York.
Broken is Alan’s third film, following two Australian features Erskinville Kings, which stars Hugh Jackman, and Risk, starring Claudia Karvan and Bryan Brown.
Alan has two other film projects up his sleeve and continues to work as an award-winning, Emmy-winning commercials director. He is currently available in Australia and New Zealand, where he is represented by Curious Film.

JWT MELBOURNE HIRES AWARD WINNER

2007-09-26T18:09:00.000+10:00

JWT Melbourne’s new executive creative director Richard Muntz proved he has an eye for spotting talent with the recent appointment of creative team James Orr and Carly Williams.
Last month, Orr was named Top Student for News Limited AWARD School in Victoria. This week, he was named ‘Best In Australia for 2007’, outdoing the winners from Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Hobart.
“James Orr is the best student in the history of AWARD school,” said Muntz, who as well as being ECD of JWT Melbourne is also the New Limited AWARD School co-leader.
“That opinion has nothing to do with the fact that I recently hired James and partner Carly Williams at JWT,” he added.
Orr and Williams paired up as a team during the course. Muntz says he hired the pair primarily for their talent but also for their flexibility.
“James and Carly distinguished themselves by appearing as a footstool and a coffee table in the posters promoting AWARD School. I thought that showed the type of willingness to adapt to any situation that busy agencies are looking for,” said Muntz.
One of the first things Orr will be asking for is some time off – his prize includes a trip to the Caxton Awards in Byron Bay next month.
Muntz has also added to the agency’s digital line up, hiring web specialist Gideon Cheok. Having studied at Monash University, Cheok is highly skilled in web framework and aesthetical design. He joins JWT from Studio Equator, where he was working on graphic design, environmental design and front-end work for multi-media websites.

CB DROPS INTO THE FURNACE

2007-09-25T20:51:00.000+10:00

As part of an occasional series on creative agencies - sponsored by Filmgraphics - CB drops into The Furnace, Sydney, which is creating great work on a wide range of clients, including Skins, Solo, Electrolux, Westinghouse, Rabo Bank and TAC. CB caught up with creative director Rob Martin-Murphy and head of art Paul Fenton at the agency's yet to be refurbished future premises in King Street, Sydney.

MADDOCKS TO MOVE TO CLEMS SYDNEY, WORTHINGTON TO JOIN COLENSO AUCKLAND

2007-09-25T12:28:00.000+10:00

In a move that will create waves on both sides of the Tasman, Colenso BBDO Auckland ECD Richard Maddocks (top left) will take up the executive creative director role at Clemenger BBDO, Sydney, replaced by Auckland based Nick Worthington (bottom left), who has been lured from the regional creative director role at Publicis Mojo Auckland. Both appointments are effective early next year.
After eight years at Colenso BBDO, Maddocks leaves the agency in the number one position in New Zealand for the third consecutive year in the Campaign Brief creative rankings.
Maddocks began his career in Australia before moving to Mojo NZ in the mid 90’s. At the end of 1999 he joined Colenso BBDO, firstly as a writer and eventually advancing to Creative Director in 2004.
One of the most awarded creatives in Australasia, Maddocks’ creative leadership has resulted in numerous awards at Cannes, One Show, Clio, and Award. Colenso BBDO is currently ranked the number one creative agency in New Zealand and number two in Australasia. Maddocks himself sits at number 3 on the Campaign Brief Australasian Creative Director rankings. Within the past twelve months Maddocks has led both the successful regional Fonterra and Vodafone NZ pitches.
“This is the single most important appointment to be made at Clemenger BBDO Sydney for the future,” said Jim Moser, Managing Director of Clemenger BBDO Sydney. “In the end our global search brought us to our own network where we found Richard to fit the brief perfectly: An Australian. A proven creative leader. Highly awarded. Embracing of new media/all channels and a great cultural fit."
Maddocks says his first priority is getting to know the clients: “It’s all about doing great work. That’s our number one focus. And the only way to do that is to understand your clients' business problems. If we don’t know that, then what are we trying to solve with an idea?
“I’m really looking forward to getting over there and working as Jim’s partner to lead an agency that’s consistently producing great ideas for our clients. Clemenger BBDO has an outstanding history as one of Australia’s defining advertising agencies. I’d love to be able to play a role in adding to that history, especially in the context of integration and new media. The integration between BBDO, Proximity and the rest of the Clemenger group is one of the most exciting opportunities we have,” he added.
Maddocks' replacement Nick Worthington is a real coup for BBDO in this region. "We are extremely fortunate to be able to attract someone of Nick's calibre to our group,” said Colenso BBDO Chairman Roger MacDonnell. "He is currently rated one of the top three creatives in the world, with ten gold lions, eleven D&AD pencils and ten gold British TV awards to his credit. He is re-joining BBDO as he spent a number of years at AMV BBDO in London."
"Richard has been a fabulous partner for me," said Brent Smart, Colenso BBDO Managing Director. "We have done some great work together and had some spectacular wins in the last two years and I know he will go well in Sydney. I'm now looking forward to a great partnership with Nick".
UK born Worthington's reel features ads for Levis, Polaroid, Dulux, Wrangler, Bonningtons and The Economist. He has been Executive Creative Director at Publicis Mojo for the last three years where he has been responsible for local campaigns for Steinlager and Speights and international campaigns for Diet Coke and Schweppes.
Adds Clemenger Group Executive Chairman Robert Morgan: "These moves reflect our passion for creative leadership in this part of the world. With Nick Worthington in Auckland, Duster in Wellington, James McGrath in Melbourne and Richard Maddocks in Sydney - we now have the best creative leadership across Australia and New Zealand."

TRANS TASMAN SHAKEUP: MADDOCKS SET FOR CLEMS SYDNEY, WORTHINGTON FOR COLENSO AUCKLAND

2007-09-25T10:27:00.000+10:00

CB hears a major trans Tasman creative shakeup is about to be announced, with Colenso BBDO Auckland's highly awarded ECD, Aussie expat Richard Maddocks (top left), set to transfer to Clemenger BBDO Sydney to take the vacant ECD position, while Maddocks' role will be taken by the even more awarded Nick Worthington (below left), currently regional ECD at Publicis Mojo, who is based in Auckland. For Worthington it will be a return to the BBDO fold, having been lured to Auckland from AMV/BBDO London nearly fours years ago by then Publicis worldwide CD, David Droga.
For other networks, the combination of Maddocks in Sydney, Worthington in Auckland and James McGrath in Melbourne will be creatively hard to beat.

BURNETT'S BUNDY SPOT WINS NATIONAL GRAND PRIX FOR AUSTRALIA AT KINSALE

2007-09-24T18:27:00.000+10:00

Results have finally been posted for the renowned Irish booze-athon that is the Shark Awards at Kinsale. Leo Burnett, Sydney finished the top-ranked Aussie agency at the Gunn Report ranked festival. Creative team Steve Coll and Mark Collis won the National Grand Prix for Australia with the new Bundy TVC, plus a Silver in International TV. The WWF 'Prank' spot (click on the video below), from Kate Burt and Nils Eberhardt, also picked up a rare Gold in International Radio.

CLEMENGER SYDNEY ECD GIG DECISION IMMINENT

2007-09-24T16:11:00.000+10:00

CB hears Clemenger BBDO, Sydney is very close to announcing its new executive creative director, who will be filling the vacuum left by the transfer of Danny Searle to BBDO Singapore back in June. CB hears rumours around town that he is a highly awarded Aussie expat who has been away for a decade.

AFA SNARES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FROM CAANZ

2007-09-24T16:10:00.000+10:00

The Advertising Federation of Australia has snared Mark Champion, currently CEO of the Communications Agencies Association of New Zealand (CAANZ) and Chairman of the New Zealand Advertising Standards Authority, as its new Executive Director.
AFA Chair Belinda Rowe announced today that Mr Champion would take over the role from retiring AFA Executive Director, Lesley Brydon, on 3 December.
Commenting on the appointment AFA Chair Belinda Rowe said: “We are delighted that Mark has accepted the role. He has been a leader in the advertising industry in New Zealand. He knows the advertising business and has experience in running a similar industry association, which is exactly the background we were looking for.”
“As CEO of CAANZ, which represents creative, media, direct marketing and digital agencies, Mark has extensive knowledge of the broader communications industry.
“Importantly, his experience as Chairman of the NZ Advertising Standards Authority, regarded internationally as a best-practice self-regulation system, will be particularly relevant as regulations on advertising continue to tighten.”
Champion came to CAANZ four years ago from Air New Zealand where he held the position of Corporate Communications Manager. Before that he held a similar role with Vodafone New Zealand with responsibility for media and government relations as well as internal communications.
His earlier career was as a radio and television journalist where he advanced to become an Executive Producer of television current affairs programs.
Commenting on his appointment Champion said: “The role of Executive Director of the AFA is a huge challenge and a very exciting one. I look forward to the opportunity to deliver industry leadership and value for the membership and to contribute wherever possible to the prosperity of the wider communications sector.”
Initially, it is anticipated that Lesley Brydon will stay on to assist the new Executive Director and AFA Board during the transition.

NOBBY FOR DROGA 5

2007-09-19T17:22:00.000+10:00

While sources claim that David Nobay will become a partner in Droga 5, which currently has offices in New York and Los Angeles, Nobby himself continues to deny it (joking he's available to direct commercials via Goodoil from November 1, the day he leaves Saatchi), as does Droga via an email to CB overnight.
The plan, according to the same sources, is for Nobby (pictured above left with Droga at a CB Lunch last year) to work on international business with Droga, and to set up a Droga 5 operation in Australia early next year.
Meanwhile, the red herrings abound, with a new one being that he's joining Goodby Silverstein, tasked with opening up an office for them in Sydney, a rumour no doubt fuelled by the visit of Jeff Goodby (for the Caxtons in Byron Bay) next month.

LANGLEY TAKES THE CREATIVE DIRECTOR GIG AT BMF SYDNEY

2007-09-19T17:13:00.000+10:00

After only six months as associate CD, Simon Langley has been promoted to creative director of BMF Sydney, the agency fresh from celebrating its sale to the Photon Group.
“In the short time Simon has been here, he has demonstrated all the makings of being a great CD," says executive creative director, Warren Brown.
For Langley, this breaks a successful decade long partnership with Richard Morgan, together they have won numerous awards at top shows like Cannes, D&AD, One Show, Clio and AWARD.
Says Langley: “What attracted me to BMF when I came back from London, was the culture and their desire to do world class work. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being part of that and look forward to this exciting opportunity. One of my first challenges will be finding a fantastic art director to work with Richo.”
Adds Brown: “Simon is a top bloke, he knows how to inspire others and when to listen, which are the most important qualities a Creative Director can have. He also understands the importance of teamwork and the culture of BMF, which makes him a natural choice”.
With addition of Langley, BMF now has four creative directors: Dylan Taylor for Direct, Chris James for Interactive and Helen Cowley for Retail.
Says Brown: “Promoting Simon to a CD will strengthen BMF’s creative offering and I have absolute confidence in him to help raise the creative bar across all of our clients in the years to come."

FAIRFAX DROPS CANNES REPRESENTATION

2007-09-19T13:44:00.000+10:00

Fairfax Media has decided not to renew its representation role for Cannes and have formally advised Australia's Terry Savage (pictured), chairman of the Cannes Advertising Festival.
Says Elizabeth Ross, Fairfax Trade Marketing and Insights Director: "After four years of an excellent association with Cannes, we believe it is time to refocus Fairfax Media's activities more on the Australian creative community. We see a significant strategic opportunity to promote more creative impact in print, and we want to put more of our energy into that and other related initiatives to focus on the creative industry here. Our thinking is quite advanced and we are excited about what we can do in the months ahead."
Savage told CB he was already talking to three large Australian media organisations keen to take up the glamorous role and might be able to announce an appointment within weeks.

SONG ZU NEW WEBSITE NOW LIVE

2007-09-18T12:51:00.001+10:00

Song Zu's new

website

has gone live this week. Check out the latest work by Sydney's new composer team, Eden, Nathan and Haydn, including

Coca-Cola 'Happy Mouth'

Australian Electoral Commission and Tip Top as well as a selection of their non-advertising work; take a peek at the newly renovated studios as featured in Inside Australian Design Review; meet Presley the studio Shar Pei / Staffy cross and newly appointed CEO / Top Dog.
Song Zu thanks Emma Maxwell Design and Red Box / Digital for a truly excellent job.

BWM SNARES UK DIGITAL GURU

2007-09-17T17:14:00.002+10:00

BWM Sydney has enticed leading European digital specialist Simon Smith to move to Australia and join as its Director of Digital Communications.
Smith (pictured second from right with BWM partners Jamie Mackay, Rob Belgiovane and Paul Williams) is a multi award-winning European digital titan, who has been at the forefront of the digital industry for the past 12 years across entertainment categories including gaming and music as well as media and advertising. He is widely acknowledged as leading the creative and strategic development of Digital Interactive Television (DiTV).
The newly created position continues to be evidence of BWM’s dedication to challenge the industry norm.
Smith describes the role as the ‘digital gene’ integrating digital capabilities into the heart of the agency and is quick to point out this should not be confused with normal digital silo of banners and web sites.
Paul Williams, CEO of BWM said: “The UK digital market is more mature than Australia’s, not just in terms of availability and take-up of technology but more importantly in the way digital technology is transforming the way that brands behave and communicate. Simon will add his first-hand experience of that market into BWM’s planning and creative departments.
“We are thrilled to announce the arrival of Simon, who will bring his futuristic thinking and experience to our business and to our clients’ business. Simon will infuse digital thinking through our whole business.”
Smith was most recently the Founder and Creative Partner of Weapon 7, a digital agency purpose-built to develop DiTV. Since its inception in 2001, Weapon 7 set the benchmark for creative and engaging use of digital communication, for clients including adidas, Coca-Cola, Nokia, Daimler Chrysler, Nissan, Xbox, EA and UIP, EMI stars Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue.
Weapon 7 has the honour of introducing the DiTV category into the D&AD awards, and has been instrumental in developing an evaluation model for Digital Communication in conjunction with Hall & Partners. Weapon 7 was sold to Omnicom at the end of 2006.
Williams said: “Simon’s entrepreneurial approach and years of experience not only in digital but also across content, entertainment and advertising will emphasise the digi-centric thinking in our business and in our clients’ business.”
Smith said: “BWM currently has a perfect mix of three elements that make a world-class agency. Great clients, an independent pioneering culture and an inbuilt quality for delivering loved, beautiful and award winning campaigns. These conditions don’t come together very often. This really is going to be fun.”

BMF SELLS FOR $25m +

2007-09-17T12:30:00.000+10:00

The Photon Group has bought 100 percent of BMF Sydney in a deal worth over $25m, with further payments to BMF partners Warren Brown (pictured) and Matthew Melhuish based on the agency's performance over the next three years, the end of their contracted period.
BMF joins BWM Sydney as the main ad agencies in the group. Photon acquired 51% of BWM mid last year.

NOBBY TO LEAVE SAATCHI'S

2007-09-13T11:40:00.000+10:00

Saatchi & Saatchi Australia's Executive Creative Director, David ‘Nobby’ Nobay is leaving the agency in November to pursue a new challenge, details of which should be known in the coming months.
“Saatchi & Saatchi feels very privileged to have had more than four extraordinary years with Nobby to firmly position the agency as the No. 1 creative agency in Australasia, including three successive years as Campaign Brief’s Agency of The Year,” said Saatchi & Saatchi Chief Executive Simone Bartley.
Nobay is currently ranked number one CD in Australasia on the CB Creative Rankings.
Says Nobay: "To say I've enjoyed my time at Saatchi & Saatchi in Australia would be a gross understatement. It's no secret that I love the culture and people here enormously. Saatchi & Saatchi is a unique place to work and offers an environment that has helped me create the best work of my career. Moving on is a painful decision: I'm leaving behind mates, more than colleagues and clients, but, ultimately I knew it was time for me to face a new challenge. The good news is that I won't be traveling too far from the Mercantile Hotel!"
“Nobby is committed to remaining at the agency until November, to give plenty of time to overlap with the new incoming Executive Creative Director and complete major ongoing projects,” Bartley said.
Simone Bartley said that she expected the new ECD would be announced shortly: “We are well into an international search and are in discussions with a number of local and offshore candidates.”

KODAK AWARD NEW DIRECTOR FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

2007-09-13T06:38:00.000+10:00

The KODAK AWARD New Director of The Year finalists have been announced, four of whom are from Australia:

Maia Horniak, Pod Film, Sydney
Kris Moyes, Revolver, Sydney
Josh Baker, Sydney Film Company
Mark Molloy – EXIT, Melbourne
Surapong Ploensang – Phenomena, Bangkok

Finalists were selected from an impressive collection of entries from eight separate countries from around the Asia Pacific Region.
The overall winner will be announced at the upcoming KODAK AWARD New Director of The Year Cocktail Party on September 26th at 6.30pm, The Water Bar at BLUE Sydney in the presence of VIP guests, the AWARD Award Judges.
AWARD Members are also invited free of charge but must RSVP to secure a ticket. Limited tickets are available for purchase, visit www.awardonline.com for further details or email kodaknewdirector@awardonline.com
The winning KODAK AWARD New Director Of The Year will receive a prize of 10 x 400’ loads of 35mm Kodak Motion Picture Film valued at approximately AUD 4,000.00. This prize will allow the filmmaker to express him/herself with high quality film images and subsequently build upon and enhance their show reel.
The winner will also be introduced and recognised at the AWARD Presentation Evening to be held on November 30th 2007 at CarriageWorks, Eveleigh Railyards, Sydney.

POD FILMS' NEWEST DIRECTOR CONTINUES TO IMPRESS

2007-09-12T17:42:00.000+10:00

Pod Films' newest young director, Maia Horniak continues to receive accolades for her film and TV work. Latest in a run of industry nods is her selection as Finalist at KODAK AWARD New Young Director of the Year. The winner of this award will be announced at a cocktail function at The Water Bar on September 26.
This nomination follows an impressive round of international film festival appearances for Maia with her short film, Loveproof. As well as being picked for the Official Selection at the 60th Cannes Film Festival, Cinema des Antipodes, Loveproof was included in the Official Selection at the 10th Bermuda International Film Festival, qualifying her for the Short Film Oscar® by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
For more information or to view her showreel contact Anna Richmond at Pod Film 02 8204 1500.