6+ Chicago performer Erv Dahl plays Rodney Dangerfield in the recently released Netflix movie, A Futile and Stupid Gesture, about the rise and fall of National Lampoon magazine. In addition to recreating the facial twitches and hand gestures that helped bring fame to the man who gets no respect, Dahl “nails Rodney Dangerfield’s voice,” according … Continue reading “Erv Dahl “nails” Rodney Dangerfield in new Lampoon film”
10+ We are not that far from when pitchers and catchers will report to Sloan Stadium in Mesa, Arizona to begin Spring Training. And with Spring Training comes a new marketing campaign to sell our beloved Cubbies to fans. That responsibility will now fall on the shoulders of Lauren Fritts, whom the organization named the … Continue reading “Cubs name Lauren Fritts VP of Marketing”
8+ Internationally renowned voice actor Laurence Harold Moran died on Thurs, Dec. 28, 2017. Known throughout the Chicago production community as “The Funny Voice Man,” Moran entertained, informed, and persuaded millions of fans and consumers over a career that spanned nearly five decades. Besides bringing life to characters like Quaker Oats’ Cap’n Crunch and McDonald’s … Continue reading “Tribute to Larry Moran”
9+ Leviathan dazzled up the Las Vegas MGM Grand Hotel & Casino with an interactive display in the lobby of the iconic landmark on the strip. Titled, “Mirror Mirage,” the installation rises roughly three feet from the ground underneath a golden, life-size statue of MGM’s iconic Leo the Lion mascot. “We created Mirror Mirage to … Continue reading “Leviathan helps MGM guests step into the digital world”
10+ Although Periscope editor Michael Thomas James got a year’s worth of sneak peeks at The Chi while finessing the show’s dailies during the wee hours of most mornings in 2017, he is still enthusiastic about the Showtime series’ premiere on Sunday night. “When I first saw the footage, it got me super excited to … Continue reading “Behind the dailies (and long nights) of “The Chi””
12+ Chicago-based production company Tessa Films offers something for everyone in a season greeting that premiered yesterday on YouTube. Titled, A Holiday Wish, the cozy and humorous minute-long film shows how social media can disrupt even the warmest of family gatherings. Flawless visuals and smart camera work establish a mood that is not only believable … Continue reading “Tessa Films’ cozy and familiar “Holiday Wish””
8+ There were many smiling faces at the 59th annual regional Emmy Awards Saturday night. Sponsored by the Chicago/Midwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the awards show was streamed live on WGN-TV.com from the Swissotel Hotel. Both Potenza Productions and Daily Planet Productions, Ltd came away with Emmys. Potenza — … Continue reading “Potenza and Daily Planet win Chicago Emmys”
5+ Rory Mcllroy and Phil Mickelson would be proud. Two of Chicago’s most renowned Post-Production facilities, Earhole Music & Sound and Optimus, joined forces last weekend to launch “The Creative Cup”, an all- day golf extravaganza that pits the Chicago Advertising Creative Community against one another in pursuit of glory. Taking place at Hawk’s View … Continue reading “Earhole and Optimus’ “Creative Cup” Golf Outing”
5+ MullenLowe L.A. wins Whole Foods According to Ad Age, Amazon finally finished shopping for a new creative agency for its newly acquired Whole Foods Market. The report says, the Austin, Texas-based grocery chain has chosen MullenLowe L.A., as its CAOR after a review. The review, which was run by SRI, began in late June. … Continue reading “MullenLowe, NFL, Johnson, Elizabeth in the news”
5+ Laughlin Constable’s “Best of Show” for Lambeau Field Supper Club Installation at the annual United Adworkers 2017 Milwaukee 99 Awards was one of several victories claimed by the agency during the Oct. 13 event. Described by LC as “a major focal point of Travel Wisconsin’s marketing efforts,” the Supper Club Installation offers the look … Continue reading “Laughlin Constable wins big at Milwaukee 99 Awards”
3+ There’s always something going on at Stage 18, and it’s usually pretty cool. Right now, the Public Relations director of Chicago’s Underground Film Festival is preparing to make a call for 2018 submissions, J Jack Productions is writing an inside scoop for the newsletter “Exposing the Crew,” and Digital Hydra is working on its … Continue reading “11:33 a.m. — Stage 18”
5+ Simon Casting founder Claire Simon is joking about how often she eats lunch at her desk. “In 21 years,” she says, “I think I’ve gone out twice.” Today will be no different. The hit show Empire called this morning and requested help in filling several roles for tomorrow. “Usually, when we have our concept … Continue reading “12:12 p.m. — Simon Casting”
7+ On Saturday, Dove Body Wash ran a Facebook ad which has angered the African American community and, in some cases, left African American women feeling betrayed. Dove has a reputation for celebrating the beauty of all colors, ethnicities, shapes and sizes, so how can it be that this brand, trusted by African American women, … Continue reading “Word to the Dove advertising team”
8+ Dang, it’s been a rough week. Shootings in Vegas. The orange one passing paper towels like basketballs to homeless Puerto Ricans and Twitter-fighting with the mayor of San Juan. And I’m still scratching my head wondering what the hell is going on with American Horror Story this year. I clearly needed something uplifting to … Continue reading “Laughlin Constable offers confidence to boys and girls”
4+ When I was thirteen, I developed a habit of stealing. Not money. Not jewelry. Not even toys. No, I fell into the habit of lifting “Playboys” from my neighborhood drug store. They were kept on the top shelf of the smallish-Reese Pharmacy, far out of reach for my 5’4” frame at the time. Thus, … Continue reading “Native Chicagoan Hugh Hefner dies at 91”
6+ Netflix cancels ‘Stranger Things’ bar Pop-up pop-culture bars are all the rage. In New York and LA, Tim Burton fans can do dinner and a show at “Beetlehouse.” Los Angeles is also home to the Star Wars-themed “Villainy and Scum” Cantina. And since August, Chicago has boasted the aptly named, “The Upside Down,” a … Continue reading ““Stranger Things,” Energy BBDO, Rowley Samuel”
If you’re a khaki-wearing, Detroit Redwings sporting, and tiki torch bearing white nationalist, the brands want you to know in no uncertain terms that they don’t want your support.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock the size of Chicago, you are probably aware of the horrific event in Charlottesville last weekend where hundreds of white nationalist, neo-Nazi and Ku Klux Klan idiots descended upon the University of Virginia’s campus performing classic hits including, “Jews will not replace us” and “Blood and soil.”
On Friday, McDonald’s AOR We Are Unlimited announced that former FCB Chicago SVP/ECD, Max Geraldo had been tapped to serve as Executive Creative Director. Joining him is Bruno Guimaraes, who left DigitasLBI Chicago to serve as Creative Director.
Both creatives will report to the agency’s Chief Creative Officer Toygar Bazarkaya. These are Bazarkaya’s first hires since joining the agency two months ago, and builds out the creative leadership team.
Geraldo has over 50 Cannes Lions to his credit including the Mobile Grand Prix.
The new Netflix original series, Friends from College, from writer/director Nicholas Stoller (Neighbors, Forgetting Sarah Marshall) and spouse/co-writer Francesca Delbanco (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him to the Greek) finally debuted earlier this month.
Directed and executive produced by Stoller, the eight-episode show delves into interwoven and complicated relationships, including former romantic entanglements and comedic explorations of old bonds. As everyone tries to manage their lives as adults, they also experience nostalgia.
This is the final installment of a three-part series. To view part one, click here. For part two, here.
Leo Burnett executive producer Ron Nelken transformed advertsing concepts from Cook County Jail detainees into professional quality spec television commercials with the help of friends and associates in Chicago’s advertising and film industries.
