Broadcast design & animation studio motion504 recently envisioned a comical 2D-animated sponsor reel for the Provincetown International Film Festival, which runs from June 19th through 23rd in Provincetown, Massachusetts.n nThis year marks a rebrand for the festival, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary, with a new logo and visual identity created by Minneapolis-based branding agency Ultra Creative.n nThe sponsor reel places the 2D-illustrated wading bird logo front and center, as he appears in recognizable scenarios from both well known and more-obscure movies from such filmmakers as Quentin Tarantino, Darren Aronofsky, John Waters and Mary Harron. From donning the black suit from “Reservoir Dogs” to a pink tutu from “Black Swan,” the bird cheekily captures the attitude of each film. The piece concludes with the festival tagline, “Filmmaking on the Edge,” and thanks its generous sponsors and supporters.n n
nTo view work online click here.n n”We were impressed with motion504‘s previous sponsor reel work,” says Andrew Peterson, Director of Programming for Provincetown International Film Festival. “Festival sponsor reels are notoriously boring, and they turned it into an entertaining piece of art. We wanted a spot that would spark conversations on the street. motion504 came up with these quick vignettes and great transitions that reflect each filmmaker’s sensibilities. We all just fell in love with their idea. They were so easy and fun to work with; from our end, they created magic. You find something new every time you watch it.” n nFor motion504, there were a number of initial tactical discussions with Ultra Creative to ensure the animated bird maintained integrity with the 2D print bird. Because the 2D mascot had no facial expressions, motion504 Creative Director Scott Wenner had to find creative ways to express the bird’s personality and movements for each storyline.n n”With the unveiling of the festival rebrand this year, it will be the first time that people have seen the bird mascot,” says Wenner. “We needed a gag to introduce the irreverent personality of the bird to the audience. Using him as a dressed-up set piece and putting him into different situations of known movies was the best way to go. Each vignette not only had to be strong visually, but also had to work with the overall flow. We tried to find a balance between the filmmakers featured and the individuals who have been big supporters of the festival itself. The festival entrusted us with a lot of creative freedom, so we’re grateful for the opportunity to run with our ideas.”n nMusic for the trailer was composed by Los Angeles-based composer Barbara Cohen, whose jazzy score effectively mirrors the multiple vignettes. Minneapolis-based BWN Music provided a rich sound design, which works in tandem with the music to reflect each filmmaker’s personality.n n”I’m always amazed at how much great music and sound design can enhance and transform the work that we do,” concludes Eric Mueller, motion504 Executive Producer. “Barbara and BWN were able to create distinct flavors for each of the filmmakers’ vignettes, and yet the whole piece blends together into a delicious whole.”n nOften called a “mini-Cannes,” the Provincetown International Film Festival opens on June 19th with “Lovelace” starring Amanda Seyfried and Peter Sarsgaard. For mor
Michele Lu Kumar Priya PR 310.922.0464 Contact Michele via email
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