Director David Kerr–whose gun control spot “Playthings” for McCann NY last week won an AICP Show honor in the Public Service category–has joined Hungry Man for global representation. Produced by Private School Entertainment for public advocacy organization Evolve, “Playthings” introduces us to two Moms chatting as their boys enjoy a playdate. But one Mom finds herself unexpectedly embarrassed when she and her counterpart find that their lads are “fighting” using the house mom’s intimate toys as weapons. The point is that if kids can get their hands on it, they’ll play with it–a humorous, risqué demonstration that guns need to be safely stored so children cannot gain access to them.
“Playthings” generated 1.5 million YouTube hits on its first day and adds to Kerr’s body of ad work which includes Meteor cellphone company’s “Brain Surgeon,” winner of a Silver Shark at Kinsale, and a recent Post Office Money U.K. assignment reuniting Kerr with comedy actor Robert Webb.
Kerr and Webb earlier collaborated on the lauded U.K. series That Mitchell and Webb Look which won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Comedy Program in 2007, and was again nominated for the same honor in 2009. Kerr’s TV endeavors also include Inside No. 9, an anthology of darkly comic films for BBC2, which won Best Comedy at the Banff International Festival and Best Comedy Performance at the 2015 Royal Television Society Awards. As lead director, Kerr cast and directed Fresh Meat, Channel 4’s multi-award-winning student comedy; the kitchen comedy Whites for BBC2/Hulu; and No Offence, Channel 4’s new comedy drama from Shameless writer Paul Abbott.
Prior to connecting with Hungry Man, Kerr was repped for commercials and branded content by U.K. house Hotspur & Argyle.
The Many Hires Jeremiah Wassom As Group Creative Director
Independent agency The Many has added Jeremiah Wassom as group creative director.
Wassom most recently worked a decade at Deutsch LA where, as SVP/creative director, he led the Taco Bell account and won new business for the agency. His agency past also includes AKQA and TBWAChiatDay. His creative work has touched the QSR, video games, automotive, fashion, and culture brand sectors. He also served eight years with the United States Marine Corps.
“Throughout his career, Jeremiah has helmed work that has not only made me personally jealous but has consistently pushed brands to show up in memorable and innovative ways,” said Josh Paialii, head of creative at The Many. “One look at his body of work and you will see his passion for storytelling and craft has raised the bar for entire categories, driving participation with many brands’ most loyal fans. Beyond being a world-class creative director and maker, Wassom is a proven team player and strategic thought leader. He’ll be a great addition to the leadership team at The Many working across all accounts. His role will be immediately felt as he guides and supports each of the creative leads in the department.”
A 20-year creative with agency, brand, and freelance experience, Wassom has forged a creative approach which focuses on crafting engaging connections rather than simply make ads. He sees the need for advertising to mean more, not simply do more.
The Many believes that true business growth is made possible by harnessing the power of participation and partners with brands to forge deeper connections with consumers, cultivate trust and loyalty, and maximize marketing spend and execution. The agency is built around a flexible model that offers a suite of capabilities, including... Read More