Doug Scott became executive director of branded content and entertainment at Ogilvy & Mather this summer after serving as a consultant to the agency since January. In what is relatively speaking still an embryonic marketplace, he has a notable track record, dating back to his tenure at Hypnotic where as executive VP of marketing he co-executive produced the Chrysler Million Dollar Film Festival, which opened up opportunities for young aspiring filmmakers The first feature to come out of that initiative–the Jeff Wadlow-directed Cry Wolf–was released last year.
Also at Hypnotic, Scott had a hand in Reebok’s “Terry Tate: Office Linebacker” phenomenon. Hypnotic acquired the original Terry Tate short from then fledgling director Rawson Thurber, connected with Reebok agency The Arnell Group and the rest is history. A Thurber-directed Terry Tate spot debuted on the 2003 Super Bowl and generated a record number of hits on the Reebok Web site with the public clamoring to see more of the linebacker wreaking comedic havoc at the workplace.
After Hypnotic, Scott launched Matter, through which he co-executive produced the 90-minute MTV special Diddy in the City, chronicling Sean Combs’ bid to run the New York Marathon and raise $1 million for New York City’s public schools. Scott oversaw corporate and fundraising relationships, helping the project exceed expectations and generate $2.5 million for the Big Apple public school system. Among those he brought into the fold were Nike, Footlocker, McDonald’s and Pepsi.
Next Scott was senior VP for public relations/entertainment marketing agency Bragman Nyman Cafarelli. However he found that a PR firm wasn’t the most advantageous roost from which to bring about the kind of progressive branded entertainment fare he envisioned. He left Bragman and began consulting for Ogilvy.
Breakout Films and Major Takeaways From This Year’s Sundance Fest
Film wasn't the only thing on people's minds at this year's Sundance Film Festival, which comes to a close Sunday in Park City, Utah ( and online ).
The effects of the wildfires in Southern California loomed large, as did the bittersweet knowledge that this year will be the second to last Sundance based in Park City. Some films offered an escape from reality; others were a pointed reminder of the domestic and international political landscape, from transgender rights to the war in Ukraine.
Here are some of the key takeaways from the 41st edition of the festival.
The effects of the Southern California fires were deeply felt
The wildfires were still burning in parts of Los Angeles when Sundance began last week and reminders of its devastation were everywhere, even on screen. Max Walker-Silverman's "Rebuilding," starring Josh O'Connor as a cowboy who loses his ranch in a wildfire and forms a community with fellow survivors in a FEMA camp, hit close to home for many.
Filmmakers Meena Menon and Paul Gleason lost their home in Altadena where they filmed some of their zombie apocalypse movie "Didn't Die." Sundance artist labs head Michelle Satter lost her Palisades home as well. Satter had an audience of Sundance Institute donors in tears early in the festival while accepting an honor at a fundraising gala.
"It's a deeply devastating time for us and so many others, a moment that calls for all of us coming together to support our bigger community," Satter said. "As a friend recently noted, and I have to listen to this, 'Take a deep breath ... We lost our village, but at the end of the day we are the village.'"
The festival's move to another city dominated conversations
It was a topic... Read More