The Art Directors Club (ADC), the premier organization for creatives in integrated media and the first global creative collective of its kind, announces the launch of a groundbreaking mission to make the industry 50/50 by calling for drastic and measurable changes to the roles and participation of women within the creative sector. To make the industry 50/50, the initiative calls for an equal level of participation for both genders across award show juries, boards of directors and events and speaker lineups.nn”We believe it is time for all industry organizations, from award shows to company boards, to take action toward equal levels of participation for both women and men,” said Ignacio Oreamuno, executive director of the Art Directors Club. “A foundation will be established for generations of female talent with more qualified women in senior, visible positions through this 50/50 program. It’s time to set a new standard and create a movement together.”nnOrganizations that achieve this 50 percent level of representation will receive a special Badge of Recognition for their websites to encourage other associations to become involved in the program. In addition to earning a badge, these organizations will be featured on the initiative’s website, alerting the public of their support for this honorable cause.nnA distinct group of women executives and business owners who understand the importance of having more women represented within the creative industry are helping jumpstart the initiative. Committee members include:nnSamantha DiGennaro, Founder & CEO, DiGennaro CommunicationsnnCindy Gallop, Founder, IfWeRanTheWorld and MakeLoveNotPornnnMandy Gilbert, Founder & CEO, Creative Niche IncnnJen Larkin Kuzler, Director of Awards Programs, ADCnnAlessandra Lariu, Co-founder, SheSaysnnIgnacio Oreamuno, Executive Director, ADCnnThis committee will work with the ADC to create awareness for the cause and encourage participation among industry organizations with the hope that all these elements will create a domino effect in the industry.nnWomen in the advertising, design and digital disciplines are invited to take part in a special photo shoot to commemorate the project on Thursday, May 30th at 12:30pm ET in the ADC Gallery (106 W 29th Street). Acclaimed photographer Monte Isom, who has photographed the Queen of Sweden and Tiger Woods, among others, will be behind the lens of this iconic photo. If you would like to participate in the shoot, please RSVP to jimena@adcglobal.org.nn
nWatch Oreamuno discuss the initiative here.nnAbout the Art Directors ClubnThe Art Directors Club is the premier organization for integrated media and is the first international creative collective of its kind. Founded in New York in 1920, the ADC is a self-funded, not-for-profit membership organization whose mission is to connect creative communications professionals around the globe, and to provoke and elevate world-changing ideas. It focuses on the highest standards of excellence in communications for the industry, and encourages students and young professionals entering the field. ADC provides a forum for creatives in Advertising, Design, Interactive Media and Communications to explore the direction of these rapidly converging industries. www.adcglobal.org
Christina Austin Contact Christina via email 212.966.9525
Who Needs Los Angeles? We Do.
One doesn't have to be a statistician to know that there are fewer commercials being shot in the U.S. today for the American market than ever before, and a dramatic decrease in L.A. in particular. In the last five years, as reported by FilmLA (the office tasked with issuing permits), L.A. commercial production has dipped 31 percent. But here’s the thing: This doesn’t mean that L.A. has lost its importance as the production center of the world. Production in L.A. is vital. It is the go-to. It’s where you can count on access to exemplary crews, a support infrastructure second to none, varied location and backlot options, a large population of on-screen talent and (fairly) predictable weather. The fact is, with overall decline and now the devastation of the fires, we’re on the brink of losing this mainstay resource. Without employment opportunities and now many without homes, talented and trained crew are bound to leave either the industry or the LA area for other opportunities, unless there are enough job opportunities to sustain a solid living. Now is the time when we ALL must support and bolster this community. Production is needed in L.A., now! Of course, advertising is a business, and marketers’ money should be spent as efficiently as possible, BUT we have to think beyond each production and know that if we lose the incredible resource of L.A. production as we know it, then marketers, agencies and the industry loses in the long run. Over the past several days, some agencies have issued directives to production companies that are unilaterally pushing upcoming production options out of L.A. The fact is L.A. is a large area, and many sections of the city and county are not directly impacted... Read More