Never underestimate the power of a threat. It can be a great motivator as a young man finds out in this :30 promoting the G4 gaming TV network’s Midnight Spank, a block of shows that starts at midnight on weekdays.
We open on a darkened bedroom in the still of the night. A man and a woman are fast asleep. That is until a voice wakes up the guy.
The voice says, “Hello Tom. You have to watch Midnight Spank.”
The source of the voice adds an eerie edge to the scenario–it’s that of a small guinea pig who’s perched on the bed, atop the sheet covering Tom.
A drowsy Tom protests, explaining that he cannot watch TV now because he’s too tired.
The guinea pig replies in a matter of fact manner, “Tom, do you want me to eat your other kidney.”
The camera then reveals a large blood stained splotch on the sheet, positioned where Tom’s kidney had been.
Tom understandably gives in, responding to his adversary’s query about wanting to have the other kidney devoured, “No, calico colored guinea pig.”
An offbeat message then appears on screen: “Watch Midnight Spank Or A Calico-Colored Guinea Pig Will Eat Your Kidney.”
An end tag carries a Midnight Spank logo, along with the G4 Web site address.
“Bedroom/Kidney” is part of a four-spot promo campaign directed by Daniel Kleinman via his former Kleinman Productions, London, for BBDO New York. (Kleinman has since opened U.K. house Rattling Stick in tandem with director Ringan Ledwidge.)
The BBDO team consisted of creative director Eric Silver, art director Richard Ardito, copywriter Grant Smith and producer Ed Zazzera.
Johnnie Frankel executive produced for Kleinman with James Hatcher serving as producer. The DP was Dave Ungaro.
Editor was Gary Knight of Final Cut, New York. Stephanie Apt and Sonali de Silva were executive producer and producer, respectively, for Final Cut. Assistant editor was Ashley Kreamer. Colorist was Tom Poole at The Mill, London. Flame artist was Mindy Dubin at Framestore, London.
Audio post mixer on “Bedroom/Kidney” was Rob DiFondi of Sound Lounge, New York. Sound designer was Terressa Tate of Final Cut.
Breakout Films and Major Takeaways From This Year’s Sundance Fest
Film wasn't the only thing on people's minds at this year's Sundance Film Festival, which comes to a close Sunday in Park City, Utah ( and online ).
The effects of the wildfires in Southern California loomed large, as did the bittersweet knowledge that this year will be the second to last Sundance based in Park City. Some films offered an escape from reality; others were a pointed reminder of the domestic and international political landscape, from transgender rights to the war in Ukraine.
Here are some of the key takeaways from the 41st edition of the festival.
The effects of the Southern California fires were deeply felt
The wildfires were still burning in parts of Los Angeles when Sundance began last week and reminders of its devastation were everywhere, even on screen. Max Walker-Silverman's "Rebuilding," starring Josh O'Connor as a cowboy who loses his ranch in a wildfire and forms a community with fellow survivors in a FEMA camp, hit close to home for many.
Filmmakers Meena Menon and Paul Gleason lost their home in Altadena where they filmed some of their zombie apocalypse movie "Didn't Die." Sundance artist labs head Michelle Satter lost her Palisades home as well. Satter had an audience of Sundance Institute donors in tears early in the festival while accepting an honor at a fundraising gala.
"It's a deeply devastating time for us and so many others, a moment that calls for all of us coming together to support our bigger community," Satter said. "As a friend recently noted, and I have to listen to this, 'Take a deep breath ... We lost our village, but at the end of the day we are the village.'"
The festival's move to another city dominated conversations
It was a topic... Read More