Executive Producer & Managing Partner
Rodeo Show
What trends, developments or issues would you point to thus far in 2022 as being most significant, perhaps carrying implications for the rest of this year and beyond?
The trend I have noticed so far in 2022 is the amount of work we are seeing come directly from clients. We still submit our work to agencies, and we have great relationships with agencies, but there is more work coming from clients and the creatives they have on staff. The big streaming companies have become their own agencies, and increasingly are having in-house creatives.
How have any societal issues–such as the pandemic, the Supreme court decision on abortion, calls for equity, inclusion, diversity, racial and social justice–impacted the way you do business, company policies and/or selection of projects/creative content?
I’m glad that every brief now asks for diversity! It’s about time that we are inclusive after having been pretty closed for so long. For myself, I have always been inclusive going back to my start in Chicago. My mentors and partners, Ellen and Jimmy Smyth, always tried to include talented people from all backgrounds.
What work (advertising, entertainment, documentary) — your own or others–struck a responsive chord with you this year and why?
I have been helping Laurence Thrush, a friend, and very talented director, on a collective documentary about prisoners on death row and their lives – before they are put to death. The hope is that the prisoners can interact with young people who are entering the system for the first time and that their life experiences can help to reduce violence in their communities. The artist Ai Weiwei has done a book about the work called “Buddhas on Death Row” that launched at LITLIT in LA in July.
Vellas Joins Anonymous Content Brazil To Develop Content and Advertising Slate
Brazilian director Vellas has joined Anonymous Content Brazil, Anonymous Content’s joint venture with an investment from Creative Artists Agency (CAA). In his new role, Vellas will work closely with the Anonymous Content Brazil team to develop advertising and content projects to bolster their growing content slate.
Vellas continues to be repped by various production companies in different territories, including PRETTYBIRD in the U.S. and U.K. markets.
Barbara Teixeira, CEO and executive producer at Anonymous Content Brazil, said, “Vellas’ arrival reinforces Anonymous’ proposition and the significant movement that the Brazilian operation is making. His creative vision and talent as a director are not limited to advertising, as he has also worked on various content projects. This move is a practical example of our business vision, where great ideas should be executed in their best format, whether it’s a 30-second commercial or a streaming series.”
Renata Dumont, Anonymous Content Brazil’s executive producer, added, “The value proposition of Anonymous Content Brazil is unique because it offers brands and agencies storytelling in any format, whether in advertising or entertainment. It is in the company’s DNA to operate in a structured and complementary way in both scenarios, and its work and awards reinforce this. We see in Vellas exactly the profile of a director with a portfolio and potential for work that shines in both advertising festivals and TV and film awards.”
Vellas said, “I have found at Anonymous not only a place where I will have the freedom to work on projects I truly believe in and identify with, whether in advertising or entertainment, but also the entire structure, international support, and some of... Read More