It’s like Groundhog Day all over again. But different. In an effort to galvanize Americans and encourage them to stay home, when possible, while also celebrating first responders, Fiat Chrysler has revived its “Groundhog Day” Super Bowl ad featuring actor Bill Murray as part of a series of social media videos for its brands and the coronavirus … Continue reading “Jeep repurposes ‘Groundhog Day’ for stay home message”
Let us get this straight. We have a Jeep, which is a vehicle we love. We have Bill Murray as Phil Connors from one of our all-time favorite comedies, Groundhog Day?!!!!!! And there’s a flippin’ groundhog?! Call this our number one spot now. For Super Bowl, Jeep debuted a 60-second spot this morning starring Murray reprising his … Continue reading “It’s ‘Groundhog Day’ for Jeep, Bill Murray and Super Bowl”
With more than 4,200 submissions, the 12th annual NBCUniversal Short Film Festival announced the winners from a group of nine finalists during the grand finale gala at the Director’s Guild in Los Angeles. The competition, which occurred Wednesday night, was stiff as the nine short films and web series presented were amazingly crafted and thoughtful … Continue reading “‘Groundhog Day for a Black Man’ wows fest crowd”
Barbara Roche officially became publisher of ReelChicago on April 1. Wielding decades of production and pre-production experience, Roche is the former cofounder and partner in Holzer Roche Casting, which supplied talent for such legendary Chicago films as Home Alone, Backdraft and Groundhog Day.
She has also been a close friend and confidante of ReelChicago founder Ruth Ratny for nearly four decades.
I love advertising. No, really. Even in this day and age of advertising-free streaming, I do love seeing the genius and hard work of an agency, a creative team, and a production company come together. My origin story began in advertising. And I know firsthand it’s hard AF to get a good ad out of … Continue reading “2022 in Review: The best campaigns of the year”
Chicago’s best in TV was present on Saturday for a festive night at The 64th Chicago/Midwest Emmy Awards Gala. Honorees and guests settled in at the Marriott Magnificent Mile for an evening of celebration, indulging in cocktails and dinner before the awards presentation. The event was hosted by comedian Sultan A. Saladuddin II, a South … Continue reading “The 64th Chicago/Midwest Emmy Awards. And the envelope goes to…”
This morning, the 74th Emmy nominations were announced during a live virtual ceremony was hosted by JB Smoove (Curb Your Enthusiasm) and Melissa Fumero (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) along with Television Academy Chairman and CEO Frank Scherma. Succession holds this year’s top spot with 25 Emmy nominations followed by Ted Lasso and The White Lotus (20), Hacks … Continue reading “Succession, Ted Lasso, Euphoria lead 74th Emmy noms”
We’ve survived another day and night of Hard Seltzers (Does anyone drink beer anymore?) wings, and stuffing our faces with more chips than can be found in any chip or snack aisle. We’re also a little deaf from all the cheering in our hotel suite for our home city, the Super Bowl champion Rams. Congrats … Continue reading “Reel 360’s 5 Super Bowl ads that hit and 3 that missed”
Willie Garson, an actor best known for playing Stanford Blatch on Sex and the City and Mozzie on White Collar, has passed away at age 57. News of his passing was confirmed by his son Nathen Garson on Instagram: “I love you so much papa. Rest In Peace and I’m so glad you got to … Continue reading “Sex and the City’s Willie Garson passes at 57”
On Sunday night, the 93rd Academy Awards honored the harrowing journey of young Black man caught in a terrifying Groundhog Day as he is callously murdered by a white policeman over and over again. On a night that addressed racism, hate crimes and police brutality, the Oscar-winning short film Two Distant Strangers, from comedian/actor/writer Travon … Continue reading “Free, Roe on the impact of Two Distant Strangers”
For the 25 years or so I was actively in advertising, I want to say I threw maybe 10 to 15 Super Bowl parties in that span. It was always a joyous tribal experience sitting, laughing, eating my badass chili and drinking with other creative directors, copywriters, art directors and producers. We talked and joked … Continue reading “Our Top 5 Super Bowl spots and the Bottom 5”
The rumors were true. Bruce Springsteen and Jeep have joined together to launch the two-minute film “The Middle.” The film can now be viewed across the Jeep brand’s social media channels, and it will make a one-time television appearance during tonight’s Big Game. This debuts nearly 10 years to the day from the launch of the … Continue reading “Bruce Springsteen in Jeep Super Bowl film, ‘The Middle’”
Keeping their effort under wraps, Jeep announced it will debut one commercial during this Sunday’s Big Game telecast. The spot will air in the second half of the game. And the big question about the secretive spot is if it will feature Grammy-winning artist Bruce Springsteen in his first Super Bowl spot. Last year, the brand along … Continue reading “Is Springsteen appearing in Jeep Super Bowl LV spot?”
It’s hard to remember back in February 2020, when the Kansas City Chiefs bested the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV and Parasite was winning Best Picture, no one was talking about COVID, the election and Black Lives Matter. We had no idea we were only a few weeks and months away from all … Continue reading “2020 in Review: Our favorite advertising campaigns”
“Filmmakers are like roaches – we’ll always find a way to survive.” There is something about Gingers. We either love ’em or hate ’em for those fiery locks. Sometimes, we even make fun of ’em or just run in the other direction. Is it because they stand out in a crowd? Or does it ignite … Continue reading “What’s not to love about ginger Ashton Swinford?”
Just over 15 years ago, on September 13, 2005, we were introduced to the Winchester brothers, the two protagonists of a new dark fantasy TV series, created by Eric Kripke called Supernatural, which premiered on the WB channel, now known as the CW. When the network ceased being the WB and became the CW, Supernatural … Continue reading “Our top ten episodes of ‘Supernatural’”
Nominations for the 72nd Emmy® Awards wereannounced yesterday recognizing a host of groundbreaking new programs and up-and coming talent and breakthrough commercials, along with beloved performers and hit shows that have been integral in helping television viewers navigate a changing world. The live ceremony, reimagined as a virtual event due to production restrictions resulting from … Continue reading “Jeep and Highdive nominated for an Emmy”
Winners of the AICP Show: The Art & Technique of the Commercial were presented awards tonight at a special virtual premiere held in lieu of the annual gala premiere at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), due to the coronavirus pandemic. Together with the AICP Next Awards, which were presented online on June 16th, and … Continue reading “Gustafson most awarded editor at AICP Awards”
The 2020 AICP Post Awards winners, honoring excellence in a range of post production arts, were revealed tonight during a special virtual premiere held online, in keeping with social distancing initiatives driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tonight’s presentation is the second of three virtual celebrations that comprise AICP Week – which led off with the … Continue reading “Cutters’ Gustafson wins 4 AICP Post Awards for Jeep”
Ram Truck, through its #WorkFORHome social media campaign, shows that who we work for is as important as what we work for, and while we may have different roles, we all have the same goal. The campaign’s social content honors all the courageous workers essential in keeping our country safe and healthy during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, … Continue reading “Ram Trucks #WorkFORhome in new social campaign”
