Echolab Promo Resonates with Good Branding
SpotLab Grad Michael Moretti Sees Blue Skies Ahead with Chevy Silverado Spec
Director Michael Moretti, who recently completed the SpotLab program, helmed this spot in which a man washes his hybrid truck…and cleans up the sky while he’s at it. The ad touts a new hybrid Silverado truck from Chevy (the first full size hybrid of its kind) due to hit the market in December. "The truck we used in the spot was made into a Hybrid using decals and badging to make it look authentic," says Moretti.
Title: "Wash"
Art Director: Jim Ward
Director: Michael Moretti
VFX: Riot, LA
Lead Compositor: Satoshi Ozeki
Compositor: Pierre LeQuerre
Desktop Compositors: Cecile Tecson, David Hernandez
EP: Robert Owens
VFX Coordinator: Mike Wigart
Directors Subir Chatterjee and Namita Roy Gosh Give Life to Bisleri Water
Directors Subir Chatterjee and Namita Roy Gosh use the purity of nature as inpriation for this visually arresting spec commercial. Harmony, balance and rejuvination are illustrated with a kaleidoscope of floral imagery and human motion within a drop of mountain spring water.
Client: Bliseri
Title: "Water of Life"
Director(s): Subir Chatterjee and Namita Roy Gosh
Production Company: WhiteLight Films
VFX/ Creative Director: Jayant Hadke
Post Production House: Prime Focus
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Xandy Smith and Vanilla Coke “Belong Together”
In this spec, a childhood couple learns – serendipitously – that some things in life are just meant to go together, like the two of them and the taste of vanilla and Coca-Cola.
VANILLA COKE "Belong Together"
Director: Xandy Smith
DP: Johnny Derango
Editor, producer, writer, FX, etc: Xandy Smith
Art Director: Kristy Thomley
Music: Xandy Smith
Cast: Michael Vaysman, Taylor Scherer
Misc Crew: Tevis Smith, Kara Smith, Kristy Thomley
Nissan Spec Spot: A “Wake Up” Call for Drivers
In this spec commercial for Nissan, director Xandy Smith asks, "Why can’t driving be fun?" While other cars on the road are a snooze, the Nissan Altima has enough energy to suit your lifestlye. Wearing countless hats on this amped up shoot, Smith certainly was not asleep at the wheel…
Nissan "Wake Up"
Director/DP: Xandy Smith
Editor/Producer/Writer/FX, etc: Xandy Smith
Music: Eels "Hey Man"
Cast: Jamie Dooner, Tevis Smith, James Barry, Erin Barry, Kara Smith, Fernando Ortiz, Lina Tsu-Ortiz, Isabel Clarke, Scott Flor, Matt Alejos, Cindy Miltenberger, Manny Diaz, Raegan Payne, and Matt Strange Misc Crew: Kara Smith, James Barry, Jamie Dooner
Scott Betty Smokes Out ‘Gunfighters’
"Gunfighters," from director Scott Betty, suggests that a gunfight may not come down to the fastest draw – but the cleanest lungs. The spot is a top five finalist in the California Department of Health’s "Beareelhero" contest, and is expected to air soon.
"Gunfighters"
Executive Producer/CopyWriter/Director: Scott Betty
Producer: Nancy Wong
DP: Peter Thomas
Production Designer: Chris Forsberg
Post Production: Zen Film
Editor: Ross Wells
Colorist: Chris Martin, Spy Post
Talent: Michael Ray Wisely, Malcolm Brownson
Voice Over: Ross Wells
Toyota Prius: A Lesson in How to ‘Unlitter’
Producer Steve Reiss from Sea Level sent us this new spec, which shows how Toyota’s Prius hybrid turns the table on pollution. The ad was directed by Michael Moretti via Spotlab.
As an aside, we think it’s great that so many people are experimenting with green brands and products. Now, where’s the spec spot for The Hempest?
Client: Toyota Prius
Spot Title: "Unlitter"
Agency: Saatchi & Saatchi, Los Angeles
Copywriter: Mark Tripp
Art Director: Jeni Stewart
Director: Michael Moretti
DP: Graham Futerfas
Vfx & finishing: Sea Level VFX
Lead Flame Artist: Christopher Noellert
Executive Producer: Steve Reiss
Toyota Prius “Hello George” is an Experiment in Advertising…and an Introduction to Ab5trax
Ab5trax blew us away with this inventive, entertaining spec spot, which chronicles the extraterrestrial origins of the Toyota Prius.
"Hello George" uses awesome effects to take you on an outer space journey that will leave you exhilarated – and impressed by what can be accomplished when a limited budget meets unlimited imagination.
Production Company: Ab5trax
Director/Writer: Ryan Apuy
Executive Producer: Hunter Woo
Graphics: Ab5trax
Advil Spec Aims to “Reverse Undo”
"With this spot I wanted to create something where meaning and story could be conveyed purely through lens choices, framing, lighting, and performance," says Director/Writer Dominic Lahiff of his Advil spec spot. "I also thought it would be interesting to depict a pained mind state. After some research I settled on devising a spot for Advil Migraine."
According to WebMD, the defining features of a migraine are:
1. Dull, thudding pain
2. Stiff and aching neck
3. Nausea
4. Photophobia (extreme sensitivity to light)
By visually representing each of these respective migraine symptoms, the spot takes the viewer on a journey mirroring that of the migraine sufferer: Diopters, bendable mirrors, an old-school flashbulb gun and Arri’s Timing Shift Box were used to create these increasingly nightmarish effects. The confined location, tight framing and long-lenses were intended to convey the subject’s psychological claustrophobia. Kino-Flos and flickering increasingly painful strobe- lighting add to the air of physical discomfort and mental pain.
"As always, I was aided in the process by the abundant talents of Cinematographer Chris J. Lytwyn and editor Lucas Howe," Lahiff nores. "Particular praise must go to Lucas in this instance as it was his staccato edits which created the spot’s rhythm and his sound-design which really crystallized the subject’s pain. Hats off also to actor Trae Hicks who withstood cameras, lenses and flashing paparazzi strobes at close range and still delivered an emotionally-affecting performance."
For a higher-res version please visit: http://www.dominiclahiff.com
Advil "Reverse Undo"
Director/Writer: Dominic Lahiff
Production Company: www.dominiclahiff.com
Cinematography: Chris J Lytwyn
Editing: Lucas Howe
Graphics: G M D THREE
Mock PSA Asks ‘Why Should You Care?’
Director Troy LaFaye sent in this advertising experiment, which offers that rare glimpse into the life of the lonely ninja.
While it parodies the popular "Save The Children Foundation" PSA, this spec has its merits: Winner of the Best Film of Minneapolis Film Race 2008, "Why Should You Care?" was produced by students and faculty of the Minnesota School of Business Digital Video & Media Production program. So, in the end, our youth has the last laugh.
Credits:
Director: Troy LaFaye
Producer: Jon Otto
Videographer: Skylar O’Flaherty
Editor: Jon Otto, Mike Cunniff, Troy LaFaye
Graphics: David Combs
Written by: David Combs, Mike Cunniff, Troy LaFaye, Geoff Lenort, Sky O’Flaherty, Jon Otto, Spencer Peter
Starring: Spencer Peter, Stephanie Chan, Luke Moran, Jon Otto, Mike Cunniff, David Combs, Manda Sisco, Troy LaFaye
Narrated by: Adam Windemir
