By Robert Goldrich
The initial P.O.V. in this spec spot–looking up through toilet bowl water–is a bit of an eye opener. And our sight for moist eyes is a pair of kids–a little boy and his “big” sister.
The spot then shifts to a more conventional perspective of capturing the two children in the bathroom, standing in front of and gazing into the toilet.
“I’m sorry you have to go to heaven Sammy,” says the lad, holding a goldfish in his hand.
“I’ll miss you,” affirms the girl.
“We’ll miss you forever,” nods the boy.
As Sammy is dropped into the toilet, the girl adds, “Don’t forget to give us a call tonight”–at which point she plops a cellular phone into the bowl and flushes.
A voiceover relates, “Misplace your phone? Skip the grieving process with a great deal on the coolest new phone at Cingular.”
Jazzy product shot motion graphics of Cingular cell phones appear on screen. The spot then takes us to the kitchen were the two kids are with their mother.
“Mom, did Sammy call yet?” asks the girl.
“What?” responds the mom in a voice tinged with both bewilderment and disbelief.
An end tag contains the Cingular logo, accompanied by the slogan, “Raising the bar.”
Bill Kelman of Apache Films, Venice, Calif., directed the spec piece, which was conceived by creative directors Jonathan Emmerling and Steve Giraldi. Art director was Rebecca Bloom.
Robbie Howard produced, with Kelly Koskella serving as co-producer. The DP was Damien Collier. Production designer was Irwin Mehlman, with Rebecca Bloom the art director.
Editor was Ryan Wick. Colorist was Nadeem Chawdhry of Filmworks/FX, Santa Monica. Motion graphics/effects artist was Alan Chamberlain. Audio post mixer/sound designer/composer was Ben Davis of Ben Audio, Venice.
Principal actors were Carissa Bodner, Nolan Gould and Kristin Pfeifer. There was no actual goldfish; it was a rubber fish that Kelman bought at a magic store.
Searching for spec concepts, Kelman linked up with creative directors Emmerling and Giraldi via wheresspot. Emmerling and Giraldi are creatives at Gotham, New York, but they did this project independent of the agency.
“Dune: Part Two” and “House of the Dragon” Win 2 HPA Awards Apiece
Dune: Part Two and House of the Dragon each scored two HPA Awards during a gala ceremony at the Television Academy’s Wolf Theatre in North Hollywood, Calif. on Thursday night (11/7). The HPA Awards honor trailblazing talent in the postproduction industry, celebrating standout achievements in color grading, sound, editing, restoration, and visual effects across theatrical features, commercials, and episodics.
Dune: Part Two topped the Outstanding Color Grading--Live Action Theatrical Feature and the Outstanding Sound--Theatrical Feature categories.
House of the Dragon’s two wins were for “The Red Dragon and the Gold” episode which scored for Outstanding Visual Effects--Live Action Episode or Series Season, and Outstanding Editing--Episode or Non-Theatrical Feature (Over 30 Minutes). In the latter HPA Creative Category, House of the Dragon tied with the “Part Six: Far,l Far Away” episode of Ahsoka.
The HPA’s Judges Award for Creativity and Innovation honored Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour. This recognition celebrates the profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment that defined The Eras Tour, underscoring its exceptional impact on audiences and the industry. The jury issued a statement outlining their choice: “Celebrated as the cultural phenomenon of 2023, Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour set new records in box office sales, tour revenues, and attendance. The tour showcased exceptional artistry and innovation, making a profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment.”
This year, FotoKem was awarded the Charles S. Swartz Award for its role in supporting filmmakers, studios, cinematographers, and artists across diverse film and media landscapes. Also celebrated... Read More