While this column has been my soapbox for a number of years, this marks the first time it’s been used to promote a soapbox derby race. But we’re proud to do so in that the event–dubbed the first annual Downhill Derby, the brainchild of Josh Canova, owner/executive producer of Detour Films, Venice, Calif.–has been created to raise funds for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Los Angeles.
People from all sectors of the industry–production companies, ad agencies, post houses and other vendors–will turn out on Jan. 7 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena for a day of live music, food, drink and soapbox racing thrills down Heartbreak Hill at the Rose Bowl.
The proceeds are largely being raised through sponsorships. Sponsoring a car and participating in the race costs $1,500. Sponsorship of a car, having it built and delivered race-ready runs $2,500. And there are other forms of sponsorship opportunities such as drink cups ($1,000), a banner ($850) and a booth ($850). The suggested donation per event attendee is five dollars.
The Derby is hosted by Detour Films with the help and collective support of the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) and The Boys and Girls Clubs of Los Angeles. Canova said they hope to raise $100,000 to be spread among the 28 Boys and Girls Clubs in Greater Los Angeles. The clubs provide a safe haven for kids primarily after school, enabling them to channel their energies into art and music programs and leadership initiatives, helping the youngsters to make better sense of where their skills and talents lie.
Canova related that he loved soapbox derby racing as a kid and that the fund-raising event “taps into the child in everybody. There’s an element of competition that everyone loves–and a lot of fun to be had.”
Most importantly, he continued, “We are helping a worthy cause. We researched organizations that help under-served and underprivileged kids, and found the Boys and Girls Clubs to be efficiently run with funds and resources going directly to programs that support and nurture youngsters. It’s a chance for the industry to simply give back to the community we live and work in.”
Industry folk have worked hard to get the Downhilll Derby off the ground, gaining necessary approvals from the City of Pasadena, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Works and the Pasadena Police Department. The goal is to get 25 to 30 cars sponsored for the race; at press time, event organizers were about halfway there, according to Canova.
The event steering committee consists of Canova, Linda Rahn of the Boys and Girls Clubs/L.A. Alliance, Robert Yniguez, race director of the All American Soapbox Derby, AICP’s Steve Caplan, GARTNER’s Rich Carter (who is AICP/West president), Anne Kurtzman of David & Goliath, Jennifer Smieja of Wieden+Kennedy, Ali Hileman of Mirror Films, Sue Crain of Argyle Brothers, Mel Mathis of The Camera House and Christie Cash of Cut+Run.
For further info, go to www.detourfilms.com/downhillderby or call (310) 883-8818.
Where The Buffalo Roam Signs Director Geordie Stephens For Spots and Branded Content
Production company Where The Buffalo Roam (WTBR) has signed director Geordie Stephens for U.S. representation spanning commercials and branded content. Stephens is known for his subtle performance-driven comedic style, emphasizing art direction, production design, and cinematography. Previously represented by Tool of North America, Bullitt and FANCY, Stephens has a commercial portfolio which includes such global brands as Mini Cooper, HP, Toyota, Bud Light, and Burger King. A former agency creative, Stephens transitioned to the director’s chair following a lengthy career on the agency side as a creative at Butler, Shine & Stern and CP+B Miami, among other shops.
PJ Koll, WTBR co-founder and executive producer, said of Stephens, “His expertise and talent perfectly complement our creative strengths, enhancing our ability to deliver at the highest level. We feel incredibly fortunate to have him join the herd.”
“When I met Tim [WTBR exec producer Pries] and PJ, we immediately hit it off,” added Stephens. “They’re super sharp, funny, and good people who have assembled a very interesting mix of talent with different skills. As a director, I’m always looking for simple human truths that everyone can relate to in a humorous and smart way. The Buffalo team specializes in the small wink, so they get my sense of humor and will give me the platform to keep pushing great work forward.”
During his advertising career, Stephens spearheaded campaigns for IKEA, Truth, Virgin Atlantic, Burger King, Sprite, and Volkswagen. His work also won top prizes at the Cannes Lions and Clios and has been honored by numerous One Show and AICP awards.
Raised in an artistic community in California’s Marin County by his writer-mother and... Read More