Deutsch has elevated Brett Craig to partner, chief creative officer of its Los Angeles office. He joins president Kim Getty and chief digital officer Pam Scheideler in leading the L.A. operation. In his new role, Craig will oversee all creative output from the office and will report to Pete Favat, North American CCO.
“Brett and I share the belief that collaboration is the future of creativity and ideas,” said Favat. “He’s led with that principle time and time again and has consistently created some of the best work in our industry. He’s a creative leader who has inspired so many makers, and as we usher in this new year, I couldn’t’ ask for a better person to join me on this journey.”
Since joining Deutsch in 2012, Craig–who was EVP/ECD before becoming L.A. CCO–has been awarded Cannes Lions, Effie, Clio, D&AD, AICE, ANDY and One Show accolades. He also authored the book “Collaborate or Die: How Being a Jerk Kills Ideas and Careers,” which explores the relationship between collaboration and creativity.
“I’m incredibly honored to have this opportunity at Deutsch,” said Craig. “I believe that ideas are made smarter by the people around you. As CCO, my vision is to bring a spirit of collaboration to everything we do. It’s how we must interact with our clients and within the agency walls. No matter the level, department or discipline – collaboration is the only way to include everyone in the success of the agency and navigate the increasing complexity of our business.”
Craig has been instrumental in winning new business for the agency and has led the latest H&R Block creative to kick off the 2019 tax season. He’s spearheaded some of Taco Bell’s biggest product launches to date including the Nacho Fries “Web of Fries” campaign, the Quesalupa “Bigger Than” Super Bowl effort which was a social groundswell that included e-commerce innovation, and was the brains behind the “Ronald McDonald” and “Breakfast Defector” campaigns. Other notable work includes Dr Pepper’s new “Fansville” campaign and the creation of iconic characters like Diet Dr Pepper’s Lil Sweet, efforts that have led the brand to outperform the category in sales.
Prior to Deutsch, Craig served 11 years at TBWA/Chiat/Day, where he rose through the ranks working on brands such as Pepsi, Call of Duty, Tostitos and PlayStation.
Craig’s appointment to the CCO position comes on the heels of Diego de la Maza’s hire as head of production for Deutsch’s LA office.
“Heretic” and “Maria” Set As Red Carpet Premieres At AFI Fest
The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced that Heretic, the psychological thriller starring Hugh Grant, and Maria, based on the life of opera singer Maria Callas starring Angelina Jolie, will round out the Red Carpet Premieres section at this yearโs AFI Fest. The Heretic Gala Screening will take place on Thursday, October 24, and the Maria Gala Screening will be held on Saturday, October 26. The complete Red Carpet Premieres section includes the world premieres of Music By John Williams, Robert Zemeckisโ Here, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Clint Eastwoodโs Juror #2. All Red Carpet Premieres will take place at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. The full lineup for AFI Fest 2024 will be unveiled on October 1.
โAt the heart of AFI Fest is an unwavering dedication to celebrating the best in global cinema--together,โ said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. โWe look forward to uniting artists and audiences once again to be inspired by the art form in a powerful sense of community.โ
Heretic follows two young missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) who are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (portrayed by Grant), becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse. The film is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods and produced by Stacey Sher, Beck, Woods, Julia Glausi and Jeanette Volturno. The film will be released nationwide by A24 on November 8.
Directed by Pablo Larraรญn, Maria presents a tumultuous and beautiful depiction of one of the worldโs most renowned artists and reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days in Paris, as Callas (Jolie)... Read More