“Production Without Borders” spotlights global film

Cloud 21 International and Kultura PR International presented the second annual “Production Without Borders” special event on November 11, 2019 at Laemmle Film Center in Santa Monica, California. And it was event not to be missed. The private event featured the top talents in the global film industry, including founder filmcapital.io and filmmaker.ai Ali M. … Continue reading ““Production Without Borders” spotlights global film”

Mother NY drops Target holiday campaign

For their new holiday campaign created by Mother New York, Target is celebrating the nearly 100 traditions and memories in the making for the holiday season with its ‘Thinking of You.” Family and friends gathered around the table—or gathering digitally. Menus starring turkey or tamales. Gingerbread architects creating elaborate masterpieces or kiddos leaving simple cookies … Continue reading “Mother NY drops Target holiday campaign”

Review: Chicago shines as deadly Gotham in ‘Batwoman’

Chicago with its mixture of art deco, metal and glass buildings is one of the most profoundly beautiful skylines not only in the country, but the world as well. Whether it’s the backdrop to TV series such as Chicago Fire or period film pieces as The Untouchables, the city is a character all unto itself. … Continue reading “Review: Chicago shines as deadly Gotham in ‘Batwoman’”

2019 CDDP fellows debut spec spots at gala

CDDP Program Director Tamika Lamison should be proud. Last night, marked the debut of the five fellows who just finished The Commercial Directors Diversity Program at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Theater in Hollywood. CDDP is a joint effort between the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) and the Directors Guild of … Continue reading “2019 CDDP fellows debut spec spots at gala”

Reel Women: Brianna Oppenheimer, Actor

(Editor’s Note: To celebrate women making an impact in the advertising, film and TV industries, Reel 360 focuses on their personal stories.) Meet Brianna Oppenheimer. She was born in Pasadena, CA and moved all over the United States. At an early age she began performing with the Jacksonville City Ballet in addition to attending New … Continue reading “Reel Women: Brianna Oppenheimer, Actor”

LA-based Optimist lands Unlimited’s Bazarkaya

Güle güle, Chicago. Ad Age is reporting that Omnicom-owned We Are Unlimited is no longer the creative spawning ground for CCO Toygar Bazarkaya. After spending two years and change at DDB’s bespoke agency for McDonald’s, the Swabia-born creative will be heading west to 10-year-old brand experience agency Optimist, where he will lead a team of … Continue reading “LA-based Optimist lands Unlimited’s Bazarkaya”

AICP announces Community Award and Shortlists

Wieden + Kennedy, Apple and MJZ lead Shortlist nominations. Matt Miller, President and CEO of AICP, today announced the first-ever “Community Award,” to be presented during AICP Week in June. The Community Award is an unfiltered way to give the entire industry the ability to voice its opinion on the favorite spot of the year. … Continue reading “AICP announces Community Award and Shortlists”

Mill+ adds Daniel Ryan to its directorial roster

Chicago-based pro recently completed two fully immersive films for a large-format, ten-screen video installation at 900 N. Michigan Mill+ is thrilled to welcome Daniel Ryan to its global directorial roster. Having been in the industry for over a decade, Daniel Ryan is a well-established director in the Chicago market. In the last couple of years, … Continue reading “Mill+ adds Daniel Ryan to its directorial roster”

Heinz introduces Bacon Ketchup, mmmmmmmm

Pittsburgh-based Heinz is launching its caramelized onion and bacon ketchup in Brazil The REEL 360 team is jealous, Brazil. Very, very jealous. Pittsburgh-based Heinz is launching its caramelized onion and bacon ketchup (mmmmmm) and to speak directly to those crazy for this delicacy, Agency Africa and Heinz decided to use the medium that bacon lovers … Continue reading “Heinz introduces Bacon Ketchup, mmmmmmmm”

Hecho Studios expands North American operations

Hecho Studios launches under the leadership of Tom Dunlap and Gui Borchert. Hecho En 72 has expanded its North American operations to allow for continued growth in both Los Angeles and New York and will now be known as Hecho Studios under the MDC Partners network of companies. Hecho Studios is a next generation content … Continue reading “Hecho Studios expands North American operations”

Leo Burnett redefines the workplace

Leo Burnett recently transformed the 21st floor of its Wacker Dr. building into one of coolest spaces in Chicago. Following a thoughtful restoration that features two cafes, lush greenery, and partner rooms for Facebook, Google, and Adobe, the former reception area is now a cozy multifunctional setting that accommodates collaboration as well as privacy. The … Continue reading “Leo Burnett redefines the workplace”

CMA Digital Studios to fund five webseries with $50k each

CMA Digital Studios (CMADS) has created a potentially life-changing opportunity for filmmakers and content creators in Illinois. The company’s 2018 Content Initiative will invest $250,000 in five Illinois-made webseries to be selected by a committee of key players from the Chicago film community over the next two weeks.   The opportunity is open to all … Continue reading “CMA Digital Studios to fund five webseries with $50k each”

The Reel Deal with Optimus’ Mary Ann Holecek

One at Optimus, the production arm of the post house Optimus, announced earlier this month that Mary Ann Holecek has taken the reins as Executive Producer/Managing Director. For the past eight years, Holecek has freelanced at a variety of Chicago agencies including Energy BBDO, FCB, Rhea and Kaiser, SPM Marketing, The Escape Pod, Upshot and … Continue reading “The Reel Deal with Optimus’ Mary Ann Holecek”

Mill CEO Robin Shenfield to chair 2018 AICP Show

Matt Miller, President and CEO of AICP, announced yesterday that Robin Shenfield, Co-Founder and CEO of The Mill, will serve as Chairperson of the 2018 AICP Show: The Art & Technique of the American Commercial. As Show Chair, Shenfield will oversee the AICP Show Committee, which is responsible for promoting and marketing the AICP Show, … Continue reading “Mill CEO Robin Shenfield to chair 2018 AICP Show”

73 FCB offices play Slotomania around the world

There are 1,440 minutes in the day. And if you’re Slotomania, a mobile Las Vegas-style slot game, there is a valid reason to play at any moment in the day. Now how do you pull a campaign as ambitious as this off? If you’re FCB Happiness, located in London and Brussels you call on every … Continue reading “73 FCB offices play Slotomania around the world”

Grandma gets a life in new McD’s spots

We are Unlimited has released a batch of fun new work that, according to a spokeswoman, contains 30 pieces of original content from the agency. And they are perfect for those who have been calling for McDonalds to use buttermilk in their Crispy Chicken Tenders. Or just happen to have a Grandma fetish. Let’s go … Continue reading “Grandma gets a life in new McD’s spots”

Order the Sancerre & Other Advice

ADitudes is a new regular column by individuals who work in Chicago’s advertising community. It can take the form of anything that the author wishes to share, be it inspiration, humor, rant or what have you. For our inaugural installment, a touch of wisdom for fledgeling producers from VSA Partners Executive Director of Production, Ashley … Continue reading “Order the Sancerre & Other Advice”