Issue 3: Gamers
The Shot Chart: The Best of Universal Positive
26
years in business
60
clients
Billions
of positive
media impressions
Randy Pausch: “Never, ever underestimate the importance of having fun.”
In this edition of The Shot Chart, I am proudly showcasing a dazzling array of client-driven projects from the realms of sports, video games, or both. Our favorite athletes leverage their often-phenomenal talents to overcome competition, and sometimes, to go well above and beyond. And in virtual worlds, we can do so much more than simply walk in their shoes.
On the cover: Image from Shilo and Draftfcb San Francisco’s 2008 ‘Ca$h’ spot for Pandemic Studios’ ‘Mercenaries 2: World in Flames.’: [link]
Heroes of Heroes
As creative business people focused on greatness, our appreciation for visionary leaders runs high. DWA highly recommends:
Dec. 11, 2023: NHL: Sick skills or AI magic?
Seriously, are these guys for real? Cutters Studios claims this among their favorite works for the NHL from the real-life creatives at Highdive Advertising. Talents involved? Editor Billy Montross at Cutters, Sound Designer & Mixer Peter Erazmus at Another Country, Colorist/Flame Artist Chris Elliott at Flavor, Flame Artist Michael Anderson at Flavor, Motion Designers Adam Kohr, JC Tecklenburg, and Marly Koven at Flavor, and Flavor’s Associate Creative Director Colby Capes.
Nov. 14, 2011: xBox 360’s Sensational The Kinect Effect
The artists and producers from visual effects studio Brewster Parsons detailed their contributions to the sensational Kinect for Xbox 360 spots from advertising agency twofifteenmccann and Anonymous Content director Malcolm Venville. ‘The Kinect Effect’ debuted on October 31 in :74 and shorter lengths across the U.S. and Europe. After screening widely in theaters and during high-profile broadcast and cable events throughout the 2011 holidays, it was selected as a TED Ad Worth Spreading in 2012.
Feb. 8, 2010: Nathan Love’s In-Game Narrative Cinematics for “Dante’s Inferno”
Inspired by the first part of ‘The Divine Comedy’ written by 13th Century Italian poet Dante Alighieri, EA’s Dante’s Inferno delivers a unique visual representation of the nine circles of Hell, once only experienced in the pages of the timeless classic. Commissioned by Perspective Studios, Nathan Love produced these 2D flashback game cinematics for the epic release.
Aug. 27, 2007: Serena Williams Plays Into HP’s “Hands”
Bicoastal creative production company Stardust Studios contributed design, animation and visual-effects artistry to ad agency Goodby, Silverstein & Partners’ HP “Serena” broadcast spot, taking its award-winning “Hands” / “The Computer is Personal Again” campaign to new heights. Starring the colorful world-ranked tennis star Serena Williams, the ad was directed by HSI’s Joseph Kahn. :90, :60 and :30 versions aired online at SI.com, ESPN.com and Yahoo, during US Open coverage on USA Network, ESPN and CBS, then continued airing far and wide.
June 18, 2006: Budweiser honors NASCAR’s celebrated Earnhardt family
Stacy Peralta, Director of Sundance films DOGTOWN AND Z-BOYS following the birth of skate culture and RIDING GIANTS about big wave surfing, directed this spot for Budweiser via DDB Chicago. Together, some of the best in the storytelling business honored three generations of NASCAR’s celebrated Earnhardt family. Production and post were handled through Nonfiction Unlimited, with Paul Crowder editing. My old friends (and former neighbors in Santa Monica) at Spank Music provided the custom track, and my still-awesome clients at Another Country gave the audio mix their TLC.
May 4, 2005: May the Fourth Be With You
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith is an action video game based on the 2005 film of the same name. It was released on May 5, 2005. Its ambitious launch campaign was created by Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners in San Francisco, who chose Harry Cocciolo of Tool to direct their broadcast elements. Jimmy Whitaker was the DP, and the crew shot three spots “Paper Boy, “Pigeons” and “Dodgeball” on locations in Long Beach and San Marino, California. Tim Fender of Filmcore edited, with the dream team of ILM and Skywalker Sound onboard. They also got to feature John Williams’ score.
June 15, 2001: Nike Unleashes Freestyle
Serving at this time as the PR agency of record for Grammy-winning producer and composer Jeff Elmassian (2001 to 2003) – and for LA-based editorial powerhouse Rock Paper Scissors and sister visual effects boutique a52 (2000 to 2010) – when this mind-bending project came along involving their combined superpowers, my hands and my heart were very full. As another cultural phenomenon from Wieden+Kennedy, in 2002, Nike “Freestyle” brought home a Gold Clio Award, an International ANDY Award, an International Monitor Award, AICP Show recognition, and the London International Advertising Award for Best Sound Design, among its many honors.
If he sees a potential in what you give him, he will go out his way to make sure your work gets noted and published. He knows the industry and its people, understands the current trends and in general is a super pleasant person to work with. I’d highly recommend Roger Darnell and his agency for all your strategic public relations needs.
Roger has always been a tremendous advocate for our brand. His integrity in messaging cannot be matched. I have often had difficult situations where his advice has proven integral to the ultimate positive result. Roger is a trusted advisor.
It’s pretty difficult to rise to the status of the Best in the Industry, but Roger Darnell has done just that.