PAY IT BACKWARDS Whereas the “pay it forward” mantra is to pass good deeds along, the antithesis of that is exhibited in Comcast’s “Cranky” in which an office employee, upset by his woefully slow Internet connection, snaps at an elderly co-worker, mimicking her jolly greeting, “How’s it going, Frank?” As an upbeat tune plays in the background, the now angered woman moves into the hallway, knocking a cup of scalding hot coffee from the hands of a man. The coffee splashes on the face of another guy, who tackles the original coffee drinker.
The chaos escalates as an office intern smashes a lady’s porcelain cat figurine and then a woman jumps on a flailing man’s back, scribbling permanent marker doodles on his bald head. Another male throws a computer hard drive housing through an office window. By sharp contrast, a young, fresh-faced man sits in a peaceful, colorful office–just one floor below the havoc. He enjoys Comcast’s speedy, hassle-free Internet connection supported by McAfee security. The spot, titled “Cranky,” is one of three directed by Tom Routson of bicoastal Tool of North America for The Richards Group, Dallas. Jennifer Siegel and Brian Latt executive produced for Tool, with Caroline Pham serving as producer. The DP was Larry Fong. The creative ensemble at The Richards Group consisted of creative director/copywriter Lennon Courtney, copywriter Tom McDonough, art director Bo McCord and producer Byron Fitts. Editor was Keith James of Red Car, Dallas. Visual effects were done at Red Car’s Dallas and Santa Monica facilities. Colorist was Matt McClain of Filmworkers Club, Dallas. Composer was Brian Flores of The Listening Chair, Dallas…..
MEDIA DISTRICT The Los Angeles City Council has designated Venice, Calif., as an official “Media District.” The brainchild of mixer Robert Feist, owner of audio post house Ravenswork Studios, the Venice Media District has been created “in response to the changing business landscape” in the beachside community. According to Feist, the Venice Media District has specific goals, including: to create networking opportunities and business-to-business awareness; to raise awareness of the Media District through city designation and promotion; to attract business & entrepreneurs to the area; and to create a vehicle for nonprofits to access the assets of the Media District. Member companies for the Venice Media District encompass such services as production, editorial, music, sound design, animation, voice acting, special effects, graphic design and photography…..
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS Saville Productions, Beverly Hills, Calif., has signed noted director/cinematographer Miles Goodall of Suburban Films, Cape Town, South Africa, for exclusive U.S. spot representation. Goodall-directed spots have garnered recognition from the Cannes Lions, the Shark Awards, the Clios and the New York Festivals, among other assorted competitions. He has helmed commercials for such clients as BMW, Samsung, Volkswagen, Lexus and American Express…..Jen Sienkwicz is set to join editorial/visual effects boutique Outside/NY as senior producer. During a previous six-year tenure at Crew Cuts, New York, she held the same title while working on assorted projects, including spots for such clients as G.E., Frito-Lay Brands, Visa, Pepsi and Gillette. Sienkwicz is also an alumnus of Jump, New York, where she produced campaigns for AT&T, Xerox, Merrill Lynch and 7-Up, among others…..
