Friday, September 29, 2006

BOSWELL QUITS BWM SYDNEY TO PURSUE NON AD PROJECTS


BWM Sydney co-creative director Mike Boswell has resigned to pursue other interests, including completing a mockumentary he has written and directed. Boswell, together with Adam Hunt, has been in the gig for three years, a great period for the rapidly growing agency.
CB hears BWM, part owned by the Photon Group, is aiming for a heavyweight replacement for Boswell, which should be announced soon.

FIRST CROP OF AWARD SCHOOL KUALA LUMPUR STUDENTS GRADUATE




AWARD School released its first graduates from Kuala Lumpur last night with a celebration for the students and the advertising and media industry, held at Telawi Street Bistro.
“AWARD School works!”, announced Ted Lim, Executive Creative Director of Naga DDB, informing the crowd he has already employed one of the students.
26 students participated in the first AWARD School held in Kuala Lumpur, the famous Australian creative thinking course that now also runs in Singapore and Bangkok.
The top student prize went to Danny Chin – awarded by Sree, Chief Operating Office AMP Radio Networks. Danny won a trip to Sydney for the grandest event in the advertising industry: the AWARD Awards on November 8. His portfolio will also go up against the top students from Australia, Singapore and Bangkok for an AWARD School regional Award. Runner-up student was Pebble Goh, awarded by Kingston Low, Media Sales Manager astro.
Speakers at the event also included Tay Guan Hin, Executive Creative Director JWT South East Asia and AWARD Committee Representative for south-east Asia and Philip Putnam, Co-Chairman of AWARD. Both applauded the local industry for getting behind the vital program, and congratulated the Gold sponsors AMP Radio Networks and astro for seeing the importance in encouraging great creative work in advertising.
AWARD School is taught by the top names in advertising, represented by local agencies Ogilvy & Mather, Naga DDB, McCann-Erickson, Dentsu, BBDO, Saatchi & Saatchi, DDB and Y&R. Teachers give Monday night lectures covering each medium of advertising and intensive Thursday night tutorial sessions where students work on 10 briefs throughout the 12 week part-time program.
AWARD School information can be found at www.awardschoolonline.com

Pictured, from top:
Ham from ADOI with sponsors
Philip Putnam, Co-Chairman of AWARD
Ted Lim, ECD Naga DDB and Tay Guan Hin, ECD JWT South East Asia

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

LOVE SYDNEY TRUMPS OGILVY KL?


Ogilvy & Mather, Kuala Lumpur seem to be on the same track for their recent effort for the Economist as Love, Sydney were more than a year back for the Australian Financial Review. Love's work for the AFR has been slammed in CB's Deja View section for immitating AMV/BBDO London's Economist work so perhaps the Sydney agency (headed by Siimon Reynolds) can at least claim a bit of payback.

TIM PASHEN CROWNED 2006 MADC MENTOR SCHEME'S STUDENT OF THE YEAR


The winner of the 2006 MADC Mentor Program is second year RMIT Advertising student, Tim Pashen, which was presented last Thursday, September 21 at CHE in Richmond.
Pashen successfully met all elements of the brief for gourmet burger chain, Grill’d including design for burger containers, an online web banner concept, press advertisement, super site, radio and TV commercials and an ambient campaign.
The MADC Mentor Programme, sponsored by Clemenger Harvie Edge, provides a vital connection between second and third year advertising and design students and the industry, helping the protégés to make new contacts and add to their folio.
To enter the programme, students are given a brief covering mainstream advertising and design. The 2006 Mentors then select a student through their work and pair with them for the next twelve weeks where they participate in workshops such as ideas generation, post production, interactive, outdoor and radio.
Armed with this information, students are then briefed on a real piece of business which they work through, together with their Mentor. In Pashen’s case, his mentors were FCB’s Mikey Tucker and Eric Blakeway.
Judges for this year’s program included; Jason Ross, Creative Director ~ CHE; Andrew English, Director ~ Igloo Design; Helen Watts, Director ~ Watts Design; Christy Peacock, Creative Director ~ Publicis Mojo; Mikey Tucker, Art Director ~ Foote Cone Belding; Eric Blakeway, Copywriter ~ Foote Cone Belding; and Quentin Brown, Creative Director ~ Cornwell Design.
Pashen’s work will be published on the MADC website and he will be awarded $1000 prize money. Runner up was also a RMIT student, Jenna Spence, who wins $250.

JOHN FOSTER SCORES CD GIG AT BBH NEW YORK


Aussie expat John Foster has scored a plum job as one of five creative directors at BBH New York, reporting to ECD Kevin Roddy. He will be primarily responsible for the Vaseline brand portfolio, being global CD on this business.
Prior to this, Foster's most recent job was one of Craig Davis's appointments as regional CD of JWT Middle East, based in Dubai. Before that he held senior creative roles at Saatchi & Saatchi, Singapore and Leo Burnett, Sydney.
Foster told CB: "It's a superb gig, being English I've long been an admirer of their work and their ethos. They seem like a great bunch of people as well, I can't wait to get going. I've always had a real desire to work in New York too, so this just feels right on so many levels."

Sunday, September 24, 2006

JAMES McGRATH TO DEPART PATTS FOR CLEMENGER MELBOURNE ECD GIG


James McGrath has resigned from George Patterson Y&R Melbourne to take up the ECD gig at Clemenger BBDO Melbourne. At this stage, no other creatives are moving with him, including their two star teams, Ant Keogh and Grant Rutherford (Carlton "Big Ad"), and Ben Coulson and Josh Stephens (VB "Boony"). But some industry pundits predict it will only be a matter of time before they do, having moved to Patts soon after McGrath joined from Y&R four years ago.
Clemenger Communications Chairman, Robert Morgan, confessed that he is “over the moon” about McGrath’s move to Clemenger BBDO/Melbourne: “The combination of James McGrath as Executive Creative Director and Peter Biggs as Managing Director will make Clemenger BBDO/Melbourne unstoppable,” he said.
Peter Biggs said: “This is an historic day for our agency in Melbourne. We have always sought to hire the best creative talent in the world and with the hiring of James we are continuing in that tradition. I have every confidence that Clemenger BBDO/Melbourne – which already has a renowned creative product – will, with James providing creative leadership, reach new heights of creative excellence. I can’t wait for James to start and for us to begin our partnership.”
McGrath, who was with George Patterson Partners and then with George Patterson Y&R for four years, said: “I am very excited about joining Clemenger BBDO. Clemenger BBDO is one of the great Melbourne and Australian advertising brands and I’ve always had huge respect for them. I admire the way that they have always put the creative product first and I look forward to keeping that focus. Collaboration, to me, is the key to building a great agency and, in turn, great work. It’s what has worked so perfectly with PattsY&R Managing Director, Anthony Heraghty, and in Peter Biggs I see the same possibility – which is an enduring partnership built on trust and openness, externally focused on our clients rather than internal issues.”
McGrath’s start date at Clemenger BBDO/Melbourne is yet to be confirmed.

Saturday, September 23, 2006

HEALTHY TRANS TASMAN RIVALRY AT CAXTON AWARDS IN QUEENSTOWN


























Four agencies headed an exclusive clutch of just 10 shops on both sides of the Tasman to score gongs at the 32nd Annual Caxton Awards and Seminar, the first time the awards were open to agencies from New Zealand - and the first time it was held there. The event was staged at the magnificent Millbrook Resort, Queenstown over the weekend.
Four agencies won four Caxtons apiece - DDB Auckland, Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney, Saatchi & Saatchi Auckland and Leo Burnett Melbourne.
However, the Quinlivan Black Chairman’s Award eluded them all, instead going to George Patterson Y&R, Melbourne’s ‘Nativity Scene’ ad for the Melbourne Cricket Club.
Five others won Caxtons: Perth shops Marketforce and The Brand Agency won two each, while one Caxton apiece went to another Perth shop, 303, CHE Melbourne and McCann-Erickson, Brisbane.
Says Chairman of Judges, Paul Catmur, ECD of DDB Auckland: "Out of all the Caxton winners the Boxing Day ad was much appreciated by the jury and also the one that I personally felt was the best, true ‘newspaper ad’. It therefore wins the Quinlivan Black Award.
"It’s impactful, topical, humorous and clearly understanding of the target market. It was the ad that members of the jury felt most like showing to other members of the jury and I suspect it would be the same for consumers.
"The WA water shortage ad showed great understanding of the attributes of newsprint, though curiously its strength let it down. The jury was so impressed by the thought of a printing technique that only revealed itself when wet, we were disappointed to learn it was only the colour from the reverse side showing through. Bloody juries, eh…
"Whilst there were some good ads I think the standard of newspaper ads is being held back by agencies not producing newspaper ads that were designed for newspapers. Too many are magazine ads stuck into a newspaper because that’s what the media schedule says. Juniors coming through seem unaware of the printing vagaries of newsprint and also the way that people interact with the medium.
"Intricate art direction dies a death when passed through the newsprint rollers, so work to the medium’s strengths of intimacy, immediacy and impact. (Coincidental alliteration but it works for me.)

"I also suspect that the criteria that juries lay down for handing out awards often do not take into account the particular nature of newspaper advertising. Judging newspaper and magazine ads on the same criteria is akin to judging radio against TV.
I would like to thank the organisers of the Caxton’s for letting us Kiwis play with their ball and I hope by the time you read this we will all have had a jolly time in Queenstown. It’s a great setting for a great tradition, I only hope my liver is up to the challenge."

Friday, September 22, 2006

AWARD MEMBERSHIP TOTAL NOW 508 AND COUNTING


AWARD's target of a record 500 strong membership before Christmas has just been reached, thanks to Blog Power! AWARD thanks all 508 members in Australia and New Zealand for getting behind the creative organisation. With more members-only benefits than ever and more planned (including the AWARD Presentation in early November), the creative community have realised membership has its privileges!
Of course, you can still become a member if you haven't already - just email michael@campaignbrief.com and the list will continue to grow.
This latest blitz follows the success of the mid-year membership drive conducted while the organisation was becoming independent of its management company. Nearly 200 members were added during this period, more than doubling the membership, which had dropped to a sad, record low of 160 members. A 500+ membership will give the non-profit organisation the solid base of support it needs to fight its good fight into the future - and the means to give back to members incredible value for their membership.
One change AWARD has made recently is to include Planners on the credits list of work that will appear in the 2007 AWARD Book, and extend Gold membership eligibilty to any Planners that do so. In addition, Planners who have been involved with any work that has been accepted in any AWARD Annual since 1979 (as long as AWARD can verify that!) are also eligible for Gold membership.
We are compiling a running list of new and renewed members right here on the CB Blog. So if you want to join the illustrious company below, email michael@campaignbrief.com and Lynchy will put your name on the list and pass your details on to AWARD.

NEW AND RENEWED MEMBERS' LIST (since August 24)
Brigid Alkema, Clemenger BBDO, Wellington
Philip Andrew, Clemenger BBDO, Wellington
Georgia Arnott, The Campaign Palace/Red Cell, Sydney
Patrick Baron, SEE Yourself Differently, Melbourne
Paul Bennell, Clemenger BBDO, Sydney
David Blackley, Retired, Melbourne
David Brady, FCB Auckland
Phil Brown, Curtis Jones + Brown, Sydney
Tim Brown, Saatchi & Saatchi, Sydney
Kate Burt, Leo Burnett, Sydney
Doug Byrnes, Spinach, Melbourne
Trent Christie, Leo Burnett, Sydney
Bettina Clark, Consultant, Sydney
Steve Coll, Leo Burnett, Sydney
Paul Cottrell, Clemenger BBDO, Sydney
Luke Crethar, The Glue Society, Sydney
Gary Dawson, Clemenger BBDO, Sydney
Geoff Denman, STW Village, Sydney
Oliver Devaris, M&C Saatchi, Sydney
Matt Devine, The Glue Society, Sydney
James Dive, The Glue Society, Sydney
Steve Dodds, Whybin\TBWA, Sydney
Justin Drape, Three Drunk Monkeys, Sydney
David Droga, Droga5, New York/Hollywood
Kim Ellison, DDB Auckland
Tom Eslinger, Saatchi & Saatchi, Auckland
Roy Faulkner, M&C Saatchi, Sydney
Robin Feiner, Leo Burnett, Sydney
Stephen Fisher, CHE, Melbourne
Karl Fleet, Publicis Mojo, Auckland
Hugh Fitzhardinge, Medicus, Sydney
Anthony Foy, McCann-Erickson, Sydney
Jim Francis, Freelance, Wellington
Anthony Freedman, Host, Sydney
Gary Freedman, The Glue Society, New York
James Gali, Leo Burnett, Sydney
Dave Govier, Colenso BBDO, Auckland
Sandi Gracin, Grey Worldwide, Melbourne
Derek Green, Saatchi & Saatchi, Geneva
Georgie Hanby, Leo Burnett, Melbourne
Scott Henderson, Clemenger BBDO, Wellington
Martin Hermans, Clemenger BBDO, Wellington
Jamie Hitchcock, Ogilvy, Auckland
Garry Horner, Whybin\TBWA, Sydney
Adam Hunt, BWM, Sydney
Lionel Hunt, Lowe Hunt, Sydney
Bob Isherwood, Saatchi & Saatchi Worldwide, New York
Romanca Jasinski, George Patterson Y&R, Melbourne
Graham Johnson, M&C Saatchi, Sydney
John Kane, I Am Kane, Sydney
Peter Kirwan, Whybin\TBWA, Melbourne
Jonathan Kneebone, The Glue Society, Sydney
Paul Knights, Ideaworks, Sydney
Tony Lambaart, The Leap Agency, Melbourne
Josh Lancaster, Ogilvy, Auckland
Neil Lawrence, STW Village, Sydney
Fiona Leeming, Nitro, Melbourne
Mark Lees, Consultant, Sydney
Richard Loseby, BK Advertising, Auckland
Craig Love, freelance, Auckland
Dave Loveder, Funnel Productions, Sydney
Oliver Maisey, M&C Saatchi, Auckland
Rodd Martin, The Guild, Melbourne
Rob Martin-Murphy, The Furnace, Sydney
Ron Mather, Clemenger BBDO, Melbourne
Richard McAuliffe, The Brand Shop, Sydney
Scott McBurnie, Saatchi & Saatchi, Sydney
Andy McKeon, JWT Australia New Zealand, Sydney
John Mescall, Smart, Melbourne
Steve Minon, Junior, Brisbane
Russ Mitchinson, The Campaign Palace/Red Cell, Sydney
James Mok, FCB Auckland
Seshan Moodley, Leo Burnett, Sydney
Josh Moore, Lowe Worldwide, Auckland
Arren Morden, M&C Saatchi, Sydney
Dan Moth, Clemenger BBDO, Wellington
Tom Moult, Havas Australia, Sydney
John Nankervis, Singleton Ogilvy & Mather, Sydney
Peter Nelson, The Brand Agency, Perth
Helene Nicol, The Guild, Melbourne
Monty Noble, TheBrandShop, Sydney
Scott Nowell, Three Drunk Monkeys, Sydney
Graham Nunn, Funnel Productions, Sydney
Dave O'Sullivan, Whybin\TBWA, Sydney
Kieran Ots, Leo Burnett, Sydney
Christy Peacock, Publicis Mojo, Melbourne
Yanni Pountartzis, The Campaign Palace/Red Cell, Sydney
Leo Premutico, Saatchi & Saatchi, New York
Ralph Ralphsmith, CHE, Melbourne
Richard Sellbourne, DDB Sydney
Ant Shannon, Grey Worldwide, Melbourne
Mark Sheridan, Oddfellows, Sydney
Ros Sinclair, Spinach, Melbourne
Levi Slavin, Colenso BBDO, Auckland
Craig Sloane, George Patterson Y&R, Sydney
Grahame Smith, Whybin\TBWA, Sydney
Matt Smith, Saatchi & Saatchi, Geneva
Darren Spiller, Publicis Mojo, Sydney/Melbourne
Michael Spirkovski, Leo Burnett, Sydney
Hamish Stewart, M&C Saatchi, Sydney
Dylan Taylor, BMF, Sydney
Mike Thomas, McCann-Erickson, Sydney
Andrew Town, M&C Saatchi, Sydney
Hugh Walsh, Clemenger BBDO, Wellington
Colin Watts, Jack Watts Currie, Sydney
Adam Whitehead, STW Village, Sydney
Rob Willett, One For All, Sydney
Paul Young, Clemenger BBDO, Wellington

VIEW THE FULL LIST OF
  • AWARD MEMBERS
  • Thursday, September 21, 2006

    HOWCROFT TAKES THE REINS AT GEORGE PATTERSON Y&R MELBOURNE


    Russel Howcroft has been named chairman and managing director of George Patterson Y&R Melbourne, succeeding Anthony Heraghty, who has taken a senior role at GPYR client Foster’s Australia.
    Howcroft has been CEO of The Furnace, the Havas-owed agency he co-founded as Leonardi Brandhouse in 1995. He has also worked for McCann Erickson and Lowe Howard-Spink in London and did a previous stint at George Patterson. He is the current chairman of the Advertising Federation of Australia.
    Y&R Brands CEO Matt McGrath said Howcroft was the standout candidate for the post.
    “Russel has the perfect blend of business acumen and creative appreciation needed to lead our team in Melbourne.
    “Leonardi Brandhouse was a creative hotshop in its day, ranking in the Top 10 in the country. Russel’s experience at Lowe, one of the UK’s premier agencies where he worked on icon brands like Stella Artois, Lloyds Bank, Reebok and Coca-Cola, reinforces his great business and creative credentials”, said McGrath.
    As Chairman of the AFA Howcroft has addressed a number of major industry issues, from self-regulation to agency remuneration; helped build a strong relationship with the AANA (Australian Association of National Advertisers), and launched the world’s first agency accreditation programme. He is a founding Member of Media Team, an organization that assists not-for-profits with their media and marketing endeavours, a Board Member of The Melbourne Arts Festival and a founder of the Carbon Trading business EMIT.
    Howcroft said he was looking forward to joining the GPY&R Melbourne team.
    “It’s clearly the best agency in the market. The work, the thinking and its track record speaks for itself.”

    Wednesday, September 20, 2006

    BACK TO LEAVE SAATCHI & SAATCHI AUCKLAND FOR DEPUTY CD POST AT DDB SYDNEY


    CB hears highly awarded Saatchi & Saatchi Auckland head of art, Steve Back, is heading back to Australia to join DDB Sydney as deputy CD and head of art. The move will bring Back full circle, once again reporting to his former Perth AWARD School mentor, Matt Eastwood (himself a former Perth AWARD School graduate), now ECD and deputy chairman of DDB Australia.
    As a result of Back's appointment, CB hears former DDB Sydney head of art Murray Bransgrove will be leaving the agency and current deputy CD, Richard Sellbourne is taken a senior writer title.
    Back was originally lured to NZ from London by Mike O'Sullivan, then ECD at Colenso BBDO Auckland, and followed him when he took up the ECD gig at Saatchi NZ. In London, Back had several high profile senior gigs 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.
    Awards include a Silver and Bronze Lion at Cannes; one Silver and two Bronze Pencils at The One Show; five Acceptances at D&AD; four Bronze at Clio; one Silver and 17 Bronze Pencils at AWARD; two ADMA Gold; plus one Silver and three Bronze Bullets at Young Guns.
    An announcement from DDB of Back's appointment is expected soon, while Saatchi NZ are expected to announce a whole raft of changes within the agency early next week.

    BRISBANE'S TOP CD REM BRUIJN DEFECTS TO ADVERTISING DEPOT


    In what must be one of the biggest, and most unexpected, coups in living memory for the Brisbane advertising industry, McCann Erickson's long-serving and highly-successful CD, Rem Bruijn, has defected to rival agency Advertising Depot.
    Bruijn has been with McCann's for over a decade and has recently overseen a host of account wins, along with numerous awards locally, nationally and internationally; making the agency one of Brisbane's most highly awarded. Most recently McCann's took out best of show at the CREAM awards last Friday night with their campaign for Brisbane Marketing entitled 'Sleepy Little Town'.
    "I've had a fantastic time at McCanns - brilliant people and a wonderful culture are why I've spent so long there. This was a difficult decision to make, but A|D has been moving in a direction that I've admired for a few years - they've also been responsible for some really break-through creative, all of which has been very strong strategically. I like the way they approach things. Ultimately I made the decision to go where I believe I will do the best work of my career," said Bruijn.
    A|D were the most internationally-awarded agency out of Queensland last year. Managing partner Murray Berghan commented on the move by saying that he was really happy to have Bruijn on board. “We're entering a new phase of growth for the agency, and this appointment is the first big step in our restructuring process. We intend to rebrand, move location and restructure ourselves to be a destination agency with a limit of only nine clients. By limiting our client base, we will be able to focus
    ourselves entirely and passionately on those clients who share our vision and enthusiasm".
    Bruijn starts with A|D on the 9th of October.

    PATTS INTRODUCES BARRY 'THE COUGAR' DAWSON




    George Patterson Y&R Melbourne has launched a series of spots for Foster's Australia's Cougar Bourbon brand. "Cougar dark rum suits my Man Style", says Barry.

    CD: James McGrath
    Writer: Ant Keogh
    Art Director: Grant Rutherford
    Producer: Romanca Jasinski
    Director: Steve Ayson
    Producer: Claire Kelly
    Production Company: The Sweet Shop
    DoP: Greig Fraser
    Casting: Kirsty McGregor/Adrian Dentice
    Editor: Jack Hutchins
    Sound: Level Two Music/Flagstaff Studio

    BWM SYDNEY BIG POND SPOTS OFFER PUNTERS STAR TREATMENT




    BWM Sydney has recently put to air a series of spots for Telstra Big Pond, with the common theme of treating punters like stars. They were directed by Barton Landsman via @radical.media

    ECD: Rob Belgiovane
    CDs: Mike Boswell and Adam Hunt
    Creative Team: Kevin Macnamara and Sean Lavery
    Director: Barton Landsman
    Production Company: @radical.media
    Post Production: Karl Marks and Frame Set + Match

    TOOHEYS CAPITALISE ON CHAMPION LAGER OF THE WORLD TITLE VIA SAATCHI'S SYDNEY


    Lion Nathan, via creative partner, Saatchi and Saatchi, have created a campaign for Tooheys New, capitalising on recently beating 292 lagers from 27 countries to be named Champion Lager at this year’s Australian International Beer Awards.
    Utilising a variety of touch points, the new ‘Beer Judges: Living the Dream’ campaign builds on the idea that beer judges have the dream job, adding all the elements of a guy’s dream life into the beer judges world to remind punters that when it comes to choosing a great brew, Tooheys New is one of the very best in the world.
    Commenting on the campaign, Executive Creative Director at Saatchi and Saatchi, David Nobay said: “Creatively, the obvious challenge was: how do you celebrate a prestigious award like this for Tooheys New without coming across as beating your chest? We found the answer through the happy eyes of the international beer judge set and have spread their story via a myriad of touch points. I for one would like to join their ranks!”
    The campaign hits Australia-wide this month with over one-and-a-half million coasters in pubs and clubs, venue posters, tap talkers, punters t-shirts and a variety of bottle shop point of sale materials.
    A website, thebeerjudges.com has also been created. Visitors to the site can view a short film created entirely with stock film from Getty Images and voiced by Australian national treasure John Michael “Hollywood” Howson.
    The team has also worked closely with ACP’s Ralph magazine to create an advertorial featuring The Beer Judges that gives readers the chance to ‘Win the Dream’ – a no-expense spared trip to the Gold Coast to experience a taste of the “dream life” first hand.

    Executive Creative Director: David ‘Nobby’ Nobay
    Copywriter: Tim Brown
    Art Director: Pete Buckley
    Editor: Craig Wilson @ Images Post
    Producer: Llew Griffiths
    Footage: Getty Images
    V/O: John-Michael Howson
    Group Business Director: Sasha Orr
    Senior Business Director: Paul Mendham
    Business Manager: Fleur Kennedy

    FAREWELL, STEVE...

    Tuesday, September 19, 2006

    BACK TO WHERE HE ONCE BELONGED?

    Who is coming back to Australia after a few great years in NZ?..... we'll get back to you once it's official....

    PREMUTICO USES KIWI DIRECTOR STEVE AYSON FOR FOLGERS COFFEE 'TOLERATE MORNINGS' SHOOT


    Saatchi & Saatchi New York recently put to air a new spot for Folgers, the largest coffee brand in the US, which was created by Aussie expat Leo Premutico and his South African born creative partner Jan Jacobs and directed by New Zealand's Steve Ayson from The Sweet Shop). The spot, with post also done in New Zealand, has become the buzz at P&G headquarters. This unchartered territory for the Cincinnati client is bound for awards glory and has been featured on CNN, CNBC, FOX news and VH1, whilst also generating hundreds of thousands of downloads online.

    Executive Creative Director: Tony Granger
    Creative Director: Jan Jacobs/Leo Premutico
    Copywriter:Jan Jacob
    Art Director: Leo Premutico
    Executive Producer: Sheldon J. Levy
    Production Company & City: The Sweet Shop
    Director: Steve Ayson
    Producer: Cindy Kavanagh
    DOP:Jac Fitzgerald
    Editor & Company: Jack Hutchings @ TVNZ, Auckland
    Colourist: Dave Gibson @ Digital Post, Auckland
    Post Production/Visucal Effects & City: Puck Murphy @ Perceptual
    Engineering, Auckland
    Music and Music Publisher (Composer or Original soundtrack): Michael Weiner
    and Allan Zachary based ex Los Angeles
    Audio Post Company: Sound Lounge: New York, NY
    Mix engineer: Phillip Loeb

    DDB SYDNEY LAUNCHPAD PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG CREATIVES EXTENDED TO MELBOURNE AND AUCKLAND



    The unique internship program operated by DDB Sydney and FBI Recruitment for students and young creatives is set to be expanded to DDB’s offices in both Melbourne and Auckland with a series of recruitment evenings scheduled to take place in the coming month.
    The expansion will see DDB Auckland and DDB Melbourne now also offering three-month placements to promising creative talent for the first time in the scheme’s five year history. In addition the search for Australia and New Zealand’s brightest talent will now be expanded beyond the traditional pool of AWARD School graduates to actively welcome promising applicants from advertising, design, creative and other relevant courses run by colleges and universities.
    The LaunchPad program, which is operated in conjunction with FBI Recruitment, offers those selected the chance to work for one of the top creative agencies in Australia and New Zealand. The lucky candidates will be tackling live client briefs over the 12 week period with a real opportunity to stock their portfolios with a broad range of real work. This may mean they find themselves working on a wide mix of internationally-recognised clients ranging from McDonalds to Volkswagen to Cadbury to Durex.
    As recently as August this year, DDB Sydney offered two full time positions to new creatives, Alexander Stainton and Iggy Rodriguez, who had both recently completed LaunchPad internships.
    Matt Eastwood, national creative director of DDB Australia is driving the expansion: “Around ninety per cent of the creatives who complete our LaunchPad program find full-time employment at an agency within weeks of graduating. Many of them have gone on to make real names for themselves both here and overseas. The huge advantage is that if you’ve got talent and you’re prepared to put the work in, you’ll end up with a really strong portfolio and some real agency experience.”
    Interested candidates are invited to attend a series of introductory briefing evenings at DDB Sydney, DDB Melbourne and DDB New Zealand, hosted by Matt Eastwood in Australia and DDB executive creative director Paul Catmur in New Zealand.
    The evenings will give hopeful LaunchPad interns the chance to drop-off their portfolios, meet some of the current DDB creatives and receive a live brief to be taken away for consideration. Decisions will then be made based on the strength of the original portfolio and the response to the brief.
    Recruitment evenings take place in Sydney on Friday, September 29th, Melbourne on Wednesday, October 4th and Auckland on Friday, October 6th.

    Interested candidates should register with FBI Recruitment on-line at www.fbirecruitment.com or contact Virginia Adler – FBI candidate manager on: +61 (0)2 9247 4755, email virginia@fbirecruitment.com

    Testimonials from former LaunchPad creatives now working in both Australia and New Zealand are available on request.

    ROHRBACK GOES HOLLYWOOD WITH LA LUNA STUDIOS


    La Luna, the new 3D Animation studio at Kelly Park Film Village in Silverdale, Auckland has lured Jeneal Rohrback, former creative director of Y&R, to act as their consultant and creative representative.
    One of the many projects and productions Rohrback will be involved in is the ‘The Magic Shoes,’ which has attracted Academy Award winner Robert Duvall, best known for his roles in The Godfather, Apocalypse Now and the Untouchables.
    Rohrback says, “This is a fantastic and hugely exciting opportunity for me. It not only gives me a chance to use my skills in different ways and travel extensively, but learn new things as well. It gives me freedom to expand on the other ventures I’m planning and keep a finger in the ad world too. It’s a dream job that will only get bigger”.
    Cris Casares is the director of La Luna and the brains behind The Magic Shoes, a comedy and adventure set in Buenos Aires in the colourful Latin district of La Boca. The story revolves around the hardships of the Toscanelli family and Carlitos, the son, who is inspired by the Tango and Elena, his wealthy and beautiful dance partner.
    Duvall will be executive producer advisor on the film as well as the voice for the main character Troesma.
    “It’s a huge honour to have Duvall involved. Not only did he love the story, but he’s an avid Tango dancer as well. It’s a perfect fit”, says Casares.
    “Jeneal is also a perfect fit for this project, and the whole business. She’s a people person with great management and creative skills and she knows the film production and advertising industry really well. That’s key to our success. She’s going to have a very busy time with us. ”
    The Magic Shoes will be the first major theatrical 3D feature film done in New Zealand and will premiere in New Zealand and worldwide cinemas in 2008.
    Rohrback will start her new role in October 2006 and you can contact her on
    +64 (0) 21 657821 or Jeneal@lalunastudios.com

    Sunday, September 17, 2006

    AUDIO VERSION OF YOUTUBE LAUNCHED FOR AUSSIE RADIO

    Commercial Radio Australia today launched an exciting new initiative – a website called SiVi, which will feature the best and most unusual audio that can be used for inspiration and ideas for radio advertisements.
    Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, said the idea was for visitors to submit their own material, with the page eventually becoming a creative portal of original, unusual and funny audio.
    “SiVi is all about inspiration,” Ms Warner said. “It’s about getting people to think outside the usual radio creative box, getting them excited by different, quirky and out-there examples of audio – the sort of stuff that is so compelling that people want to talk about it and share it with their friends.”
    Ms Warner said the establishment of SiVi was part of a range of initiatives designed to help improve the standard of radio ads and ensure Australia was world-class in this important area. The SiVi site (short for Siren Viral) can be found as part of the Siren Awards website at www.sirenawards.com.au.
    Creative director of Commercial Radio Australia and director of agency, Eardrum Australia, Ralph van Dijk, encouraged people to visit the site and send in their sounds – no matter how strange.
    “Imagine an audio version of YouTube, where you could find anything from an 80-year-old lady telling jokes to the clicking language of the Namibian Hottentots. Anything that makes a sound can be used in a radio ad. That funny attachment you were sent, the studio out-take you kept, or the concert bootleg you recorded - send it in to SiVi now,” Mr van Dijk said. “All types of audio, including the weird and obscure, help us broaden our sound reference points and encourage us to go boldly where other radio ads fear to tread.”
    The SiVi page is designed to be interactive so users can submit their own ideas, contribute blogs and download audio for emailing to friends.
    Downloads on the site include, from the Guinness Book of World Records, the shortest ad ever, the classic Yahoo substitute son ad, some of the early Bud Light ads from the now world famous campaign, and an ad that takes a few pot shots at its own with an ode to advertising school. There are also some audio bloopers from the late UK broadcasting great John Peel, who loses the plot in a recording session, Orson Wells sounding off about the English language, a suspect recording of the JFK assassination and a radio station making a random call as Jack Nicholson’s character in “A Few Good Men.
    To visit the SiVi site go to www.sirenawards.com.au and follow the links to SiVi.

    Saturday, September 16, 2006

    LEO PREMUTICO TO JOINT ECD OF SAATCHI & SAATCHI NEW YORK


    28 year old Aussie expat creative wunderkind, Leo Premutico (left), has been appointed to joint executive creative director of Saatchi & Saatchi, New York, together with his equally talented creative partner, Jan Jacobs (right). The pair are second only to Saatchi & Saatchi NY creative chief, Tony Granger.
    Granger hooked the duo up at Saatchi London (having lured Premutico from Colenso BBDO, Auckland, where he was their star creative, eventually ranked number two in the region in Campaign Brief Creative Rankings. Before that, Premutico was a young star at APL, Sydney). Their work in London included the NSPCC "Ventriloquist" spot, which was voted the best piece of work by the Saatchi network and became the 7th most awarded TV commercial worldwide in 2005. That year Campaign Magazine voted Premutico the UK's best young talent.
    Prior to London Jacobs' work helped get Bozell New York to 3rd in the world at Cannes in 2002, as well as AdAge's Agency of the Year‚ kudos for Ogilvy Johannesburg and TBWA Hunt Lascaris, Johannesburg. Premutico was part of the Colenso BBDO Auckland creative department, winning Young Guns Agency of the Year‚ and successive Campaign Brief and BRW Agency of the Year titles.
    Since arriving at Saatchi New York last May their work took the agency to 3rd in the world at Cannes 2006 - becoming the most awarded US agency at the festival. Two of the winning spots they directed themselves.
    Recently their work for Folgers, the largest coffee brand in the US (directed by New Zealand's Steve Ayson from The Sweet Shop) has become the buzz at P&G headquarters. This unchartered territory for the Cincinnati client has been featured on CNN, CNBC, FOX news and VH1, whilst also generating hundreds of thousands of downloads online. See the Folgers spot below.
    Together the pair has won 26 Cannes lions, silver nominations at D&AD and numerous One Show Pencils, as well as effectiveness awards in four different continents.

    SAATCHI HEALTHCARE LAUNCHES SYMPATHETIC CAMPAIGN FOR CLARATYNE


    Saatchi & Saatchi Healthcare, Sydney has launched a new campaign for Claratyne, the flagship hayfever and allergy brand for Schering-Plough. It is the market leader in the category. Says Saatchi Healthcare CD, Brad Downing: "Pretty much, the competition lampoons sufferers or highlights the causes of allergies and hayfever. If you suffer you know what causes it, and you certainly don't want advertisers to make fun of your suffering. Hence, our more sympathetic appproach."
    The campaign is launching with a 60 second and 2 x 30 second versions of the spot supported by magazine, Newspaper and point of sale executions.

    Client: Schering-Plough
    Agency: Saatchi & Saatchi Healthcare
    Planner: Renee Salaberry
    Creative team: Marc Law and Brad Downing
    Agency Producer: Bill Doig
    Production Company: The Sweet Shop
    Director: Noah Marshall
    Producer: Tony Whyman

    AUSSIE LION KING ABOUT TO BE KING OF NEW YORK?

    Which young Aussie creative is set to be appointed to the joint ECD gig at a top New York agency?.... He was always destined to be the next Droga... watch this space over the next few days.....

    Friday, September 15, 2006

    NATHAN CAVALERI JOINS SONG ZU

    Composer and producer, Nathan Cavaleri, has joined Song Zu in Sydney. At 24 he already has 15 years experience in the music industry and has worked with some of the industry's biggest names including B B King, Ry Cooder, Michael Jackson, Mark Knopfler, Jimmy Barnes and Vanessa Amorosi.

    Thursday, September 14, 2006

    CONSORTIUM USES RAW MEAT TO EXPLAIN INTERNET SHOPPING SITE


    Now people know how internet shopping site ferrit.co.nz works. Plus some other stuff they might not have wanted to know. Directed by Sydney-based Steve Saussey out of trans-Tasman TVC production company, Film Construction.

    Agency: Consortium, Auckland
    Creative Team: Douglas Howser and Vincent Del Pino
    Director: Steve Saussey
    Producer: Claire Richards
    Production Company: Film Construction

    If this doesn’t play it’s also here: http://www.filmconstruction.com/directors_details.asp?id=7&start=0

    CARLTON DRAUGHT'S FLASHBEER - WHAT A FEELING


    Today, Carlton Draught, via agency George Patterson Y&R Melbourne, released
  • FLASHBEER
  • , its new ad campaign and much anticipated follow up to last year’s 'Big Ad'. Created by the same creative team, Ant Keogh and Grant Rutherford, 'Flashbeer' continues Carlton Draught’s Made from Beer campaign, which is based on the idea that the brand doesn’t take itself, or its advertising, too seriously.
    'Flashbeer' is a departure from the epic, special-effects laden style of “Big Ad”. It is the fourth instalment in the brand’s Made from Beer campaign, which began with the 'No Explanation' TVC in 2003 and was followed by 'Canoe' in 2004. Made from Beer scaled new heights of public and critical attention following the success of the 'Big Ad' which had a phenomenal 12-month run, topping 3.5 million online viewings across 132 countries and scooping over 30 national and international advertising awards.
    After parodying advertising stereotypes in previous ads, Made from Beer has taken on new creative territory with 'Flashbeer' by sending up one of the most ubiquitous film clichés of the 1980s – the audition scene from the closing minutes of the 1983 movie, Flashdance.
    With all eyes on its passionate leotard-clad hero, 'Flashbeer' has fun with the notion prevalent in many 80’s films (hit films like Flashdance, Fame, Footloose and Dirty Dancing) where the ‘power of dance’ can make any dream come true.
    'Flashbeer' is the journey of ‘Kevin Kavendish’, a peanut inspector by day, who harbours a secret dream to work at Carlton Draught Brewery. The odds seem stacked against Kevin when he goes to a job interview at the brewery given his distinct lack of experience, but then through the ‘power of dance’ we see our hero realise his dream of brewing his favourite beer.
    The famous audition scene was (somewhat) faithfully re-created – about as faithful to the original as you would expect from Carlton Draught anyway. Considerable attention was given to emulating the film’s choreography, cinematography and lighting. Director Paul Middleditch and Dop Andrew Lesnie even consulted cinematography magazines from the mid-eighties, uncovering interviews with the creators of Flashdance to see how they designed the lighting for the film.
    The ‘re-creation’ just got a bit twisted when Jennifer Beales (the star of Flashdance) was replaced by an average Aussie bloke in a leotard trying to dance with equal conviction.
    But you couldn’t successfully parody the scene without the soundtrack. So the creative team set about securing rights to the classic 80s hit “What a Feeling” from the original performer and co-writer, Irene Cara. Happily for the ad, she agreed.
    "Carlton Draught makes a genuine connection with its consumer. It's a brand to believe in and delivers a real sense of effortless and unexpected joy. A product that Kevin (and a whole lot of loyal drinkers) will do anything for in return,” said James McGrath, Creative Director of George Patterson Y&R Melbourne.
    The new ad is part of a fully integrated, through-the-line campaign which will create more consumer touch points for Carlton Draught than ever before. It has been launched virally before going on air as was the case with “Big Ad”. What is more, 'Flashbeer' runs for 94 seconds which is about three times the length of most ads. As a result, it will be aired less often, but in high impact time slots. Because the campaign
    is fully integrated, Kevin’s sensational performance will take on a life of its own across a variety of mediums and at a number of high profile events.
    'Flashbeer' was launched online using Vividas full screen streaming technology, which
    allows people to view the ad in all its cinematic glory without special software. 'Big Ad' was the first beer ad to be launched in Australia using this technology.
    To view the ad, please go to: www.flashbeer.com.au. It will go on air across the country from Friday 22 September. The initial online and television launch will be supported by 'Flashbeer' cinema, outdoor, radio and online advertising; sponsorship leveraging across the AFL and NRL finals season; and a national publicity and point-of-sale program.

    'FLASHBEER' CREATIVE CREDITS
    Agency: George Patterson Y&R, Melbourne
    Creative Director: James McGrath
    Writer: Ant Keogh
    Art Director: Grant Rutherford
    Agency Producer: Romanca Jasinski
    Director: Paul Middleditch
    Producer: Peter Masterson
    Director of Photography: Andrew Lesnie
    Art Director: Rebecca Cohen
    Casting: Kirsty McGregor (McGregor Casting)
    Editor: Peter Whitmore (Winning Post)
    Sound: Barry Stewart (Sound Reservoir)
    Choreographer: Lisa Ffrench
    Music: “What a Feeling” Written and performed by Irene Cara

    CRIMESPOTTERS: ANY ONE OF US CAN BE A CRIME FIGHTER


    A new spot for Crimestoppers in Perth, via agency Marketforce.

    Creative team: Andrew Tinning, Tom Wilson and Maisen Hall
    Agency Producer: Nicole Beer
    Director: Corrie Jones
    Production Company: Blue Stone Films
    Producer: John McGuckin
    DoP: Alan Myles
    Sound: MDS

    Wednesday, September 13, 2006

    EX AWARD SCHOOL TEAM JOINS LOWE HUNT, SYDNEY


    Ben Smith and Neil McGuirk met at AWARD School last year. They teamed up in AWARD Super Group and got their book together, and after a few stints around town they have found a permanent home at Lowe Hunt.
    Says Dejan Rasic, Creative Director of Lowe Hunt: “Ben and Neil are ambitious and talented. I’m proud to have them on board."

    WHERE'S FURBY?


    Two Bloggers write: "We hear Jay is quitting advertising to write children's stories. Love Mish & Dave."

    NOBBY TO CHAIR PRESTIGIOUS D&AD RADIO JURY


    David Nobay, ECD of Saatchi & Saatchi Australia, has been selected to chair the Radio jury for next year's D&AD Awards, the first time an Australian has been given one of the key chairman's roles. The pommie award organisation believes Australia is one of the world's centres of excellence (Australia was ranked fourth at both Cannes and D&AD this year) and that may be the reason for the honour. Nobby is certainly a favourite with the D&AD gang as he was on the Print jury last year. As a result of the huge success this year, Australia and New Zealand will be getting even more juror spots at D&AD next year, a list being compiled right now.

    Tuesday, September 12, 2006

    2006 D&AD ANNUAL OUT SEPTEMBER 26, BUT CONTROVERSY LOOMS AS UK WORK STILL DOMINATES


    The world's most eagerly awaited annual showcase of design and advertising creativity launches on 27 September 2006.
    Over 740 pieces of work across 29 categories in design and advertising are included in The D&AD Annual and showreel. However, with more than half from the UK (427 entries), the awards are sure to continue to come in for criticism from creatives around the world. D&AD Global Awards jury members made the selection from over 24,500 pieces of work entered from 61 countries. Gaming, Direct, and Magazine & Newspaper Design will feature as independent categories for the first time in the D&AD Annual.
    The D&AD Annual is no longer available to non-members. The only way to receive a free copy of the 2006 book is to join D&AD before 31 December 2006. Contact nikki@dandad.co.uk for further information on the different ways to become a member.
    The D&AD Global Awards 2007 will launch its Call for Entries on 2 October. Visit www.dandad.org for further details.

    D&AD Annual 2006 Facts & Figures:

    745 pieces of work selected for the D&AD Annual
    603 In-book
    88 Nominations
    54 Yellow Pencils awarded
    2 Black Pencils awarded


    TOP 10 COUNTRIES
    1. UK (427 entries)
    2. USA (95)
    3. Germany (35)
    4. Australia (20)
    5. South Africa (19)
    6. Singapore (16)
    7. Malaysia (13)
    8. France (12)
    9. China (11)
    9. Netherlands (11)

    Number of Annual Entries by Region and Country:

    Africa
    South Africa (19)

    Asia
    China (11)
    Hong Kong (2)
    India (9)
    Japan (10)
    Malaysia (13)
    Philippines (1)
    Singapore (16)
    South Korea (5)
    Taiwan (1)
    Thailand (4)
    UAE (1)

    Australasia
    Australia (20)
    New Zealand (5)

    Europe
    Austria (6)
    Belgium (3)
    Croatia (3)
    Denmark (2)
    France (12)
    Germany (35)
    Ireland (2)
    Netherlands (11)
    Norway (2)
    Portugal (1)
    Slovenia (1)
    Spain (3)
    Sweden (10)
    Switzerland (1)
    UK (427)

    North America
    Canada (7)
    USA (95)

    South America
    Argentina (1)
    Brazil (5)
    Chile (1)

    WHYBIN'S RISQUE ALL WITH TEKKEN ADS FOR PLAYSTATION


    Whybin\TBWA, Sydney has launched a risque new campaign for the latest Ultimate Fighting game on Playstation - TEKKEN 5.
    The TVC is running on all commercial stations between 11pm and 3am amongst other late night 'Adult' ads. And the print is running in FHM, Ralph, Zoo and Alpha Magazines.

    Creative Director: Garry Horner
    Copywriter: Mish McDonald
    Art Director: Dave O'Sullivan
    Production Company: Sound Reservoir

    LONDON PRODUCER JACKIE ADLER JOINS THE GUILD


    Ex London producer Jackie Adler has joined Melbourne based The Guild of Commercial Filmmakers.
    Adler’s work history includes stints at JWT London, Publicis London, Great Guns, Cowboy Films, Stark Films, Rogue Films and 180 Agency Amsterdam.
    Her global experience enables The Guild to broaden the opportunities for both their Australian directors and international productions coming to Australia.
    She is currently producing for Jamie Doolan.
    Contact Leanne Tonkes – leanne@theguildfilm.com