Filmmaker
Superlounge
1) Our industry’s push for diversity and inclusion continued in the first half of 2019. My hope is our initiatives to give underrepresented voices, not just filmmakers and creatives, a chance to be heard is more than lip service. I’ve seen programs that exist just to check a box but with no follow through. The net gain is still positive cuz people are still getting real exposure.
2) I like strategy of the new High-dive Jeremy Renner Jeep campaign: a fusion of movie star, lifestyle and Renner’s own music. FCA song choice has been suspect at times (I once did a Christmas spot with an ill-fitted Flo Rida track mandated for Fiat) but these spots blend Hollywood and car quite well.
Of course, Nike’s “Dream Crazy” with Colin Kaepernick Wieden + Kennedy is wonderfully polarizing and gets people buring shoes.
I like anything by director Tom Kuntz.
3) I produced the indie short from series “Disconnected” (writer/director Jeannette Godoy) and we made it to the ballet to be on the ballet for an Emmy this season. Which is kind of bullshit, just nominate already. We got shut out by AMC, Netflix, Comedy Central and some Jimmy Fallon bit. No sour grapes cuz it all of that is great content, but I learned there really is no “indie” in that game. Emmy-schemmy. Ok, maybe a lil sour.
4) More data robot overlords dictating creative.
5) Social consciousness is connecting with consumers and that work is winning awards. Most feels sincere, but the end result is good.
6) I do Commercial Directing Bootcamp three times a year. Each session, the Diversity Award gives one or two filmmakers from an underrepresented population a free ticket to the seminar. It’s a small way to help, one filmmaker at a time. I also continue to make myself available to them after the workshop.
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