Paul Harrod of Bent Image Lab directed this spot deploying felt animation in which a newlywed man receives from his bride a gift he doesn't want–a mounted singing fish. The gent fumbles with his words as he tries to fake that he's thrilled over the present. In the foreground, Boston Pizza spokesperson Phil explains that giving Boston Pizza gift cards is a great way to avoid "Festive Fakery."
Client: Boston Pizza Agency: Taxi | TorontoSarah Moen, producer. Production Company: Bent Image Lab Paul Harrod, director; Ray DiCarlo, Tsui Ling Toomer, exec producers; Nathanael Horton, producer; Evan Stewart, art department coordinator; Jen Prokopowicz, lead animator; Kimi Kaplowitz, fabricator; Josh Dixon, storyboards; Kye Krauter, editorial supervisor/editor; Adam C. Sager, composite artist (After Effects).
Comcast’s Xfinity, GS&P Take A “Wicked” Turn With Short Featuring Cynthia Erivo, Ariane Grande and The Magic Of Oz
Comcast and Xfinity have released this short, “Stay Connected to Your Dreams,” to celebrate the November 22 release of Universal Pictures’ feature film Wicked.
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, based on the generation-defining blockbuster stage musical, stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. This short follows their journeys from childhood to present day, where they take on the iconic roles of Elphaba and Glinda, respectively. Along the way, Wicked fans will be delighted by Easter eggs, including props from the film and Broadway show, and will experience emotional, real-life moments featuring the two stars. The short film was unveiled today (11/12) on Erivo and Grande’s social channels and can be viewed across television, social media and on an Xfinity site.
“Stay Connected to Your Dreams,” which is directed by Wicked DP Alice Brooks, ASC (via production house Superprime) in collaboration with Wicked director Jon M. Chu, taps into the power of connection, friendship and achieving your dreams. It begins with Grande and Erivo’s childhoods, and how Wicked fueled their love for music and film. It then moves through their teen years and into adulthood where Grande shared the fateful tweet in 2011 that playing Glinda in Wicked would be her dream role. The short film concludes with the actual footage from the videoconferencing call back in 2021, where both women learned they’ve been cast in the coveted roles of Elphaba and Glinda.
In addition, the short film will be the first-ever 4DX spot shown across the country. Theater-goers will feel the magic of Oz, complete with an immersive cinema experience combining on-screen visuals with synchronized motion seats... Read More