Chief Creative Officer
The Martin Agency
1) Many significant things have happened in 2018, but it would be impossible to ignore the #MeToo movement and what it has done to open the eyes of companies and people everywhere to the pervasive culture of sexism, harassment and abuse, and the inequitable power structures that cultivated and perpetuated it. The reckoning that needed to happen for so very long, happened. And although many of us would say change is not happening fast enough, it is indeed happening and the ad industry along with many other industries, will be fundamentally altered. For the better.
2) I am struck by work that creates conversations, especially ones that we might not want to have, but need to. “The Talk” for P+G was one of those pieces of work for me. For a wide swath of people, ‘the talk’ is not something that existed in their consciousness and that is precisely the point. Empathy, even in :60 doses can be a powerful change agent. It is also a sobering reminder of how far we have not come, and reminds us all that there is still much work to be done.
3) I cannot overstate the importance of the mid-term elections in November. It may be good. It may be not so good. But I can’t imagine it will be neutral.
4) Good ideas still win. Brave clients still win. And more than ever, companies and corporations are using their scale and influence to create positive change in the world. I love that and hope it doesn’t reverse any time soon.
5) For me personally, I am divesting in technology. I’ve never been crazy into social media and all that, but I am making conscious and intentional effort to spend less time with technology. I do it for myself and my sanity but I do it for my kids too.
6) MWe are of course a member of Free the Bid. Beyond that, we make a big effort to always be researching interesting creative makers from all around the globe. We also tap into word of mouth and since we have a lot of international folks who work in our office, the influences come from all over.
All that being said, I would love more access to more resources to find more!
As far as mentoring new talent, giving a thorough answer to that would probably take more time and room than I have here, but I’d say that consistent, open and honest communication is one of the essential elements.
Sinners and Saints Adds Apple Pie To Its Branded Menu
Bicoastal Sinners and Saints--the multidisciplinary studio overseen by managing director/executive producer Heather Heller, and partners/EPs Yann Henric and Thomas Carroll--has added Apple Pie Tabletop to its roster for branded content. Known for its food and beverage content creation, Apple Pie comprises the husband-and-wife team of director/DP Gene Dubin and director/art director Alisa Volodina. In addition to representation, the move expands Apple Pie’s production capabilities through the combination of its centrally located full-service studio in New York and a newly established mobile studio in Los Angeles. Apple Pie recently teamed with Sinners and Saints on a Wienerschnitzel project created by Innocean.
“We believe that our dual studio strategy positions us uniquely in the competitive landscape of food and beverage storytelling,” said Heller. “By blending the artistry of the New York studio with the flexibility of our Los Angeles location, we can tailor our productions to meet the unique demands of each project, regardless of geography.”
“Working with Sinners and Saints in the demanding field of tabletop was an absolute pleasure,” shared Apple Pie Tabletop in a joint statement. “Warm welcome, unwavering support and dedication--everything a director can ask for. The entire experience was both enjoyable and rewarding. We will not miss an opportunity to collaborate with them again.”
“The first thing you notice is that Apple Pie has beautiful work,” Heller observed. “Having worked with them, I can say that Gene and Alisa are extremely meticulous and detail-oriented; their combination of talent and agility appeals to agencies and clients.” Also appealing to Heller is Apple Pie Tabletop’s brisk international... Read More