Herb Miller, former sr. VP, director of broadcast production for FCB NY, died on January 26. He was 79.
During his career as a producer and head of production, Miller produced memorable work for Timex, Nabisco, Lifesavers, Jamaica Tourism and Chase. His most memorable spot was produced for the Ad Council called “Crashing Glasses” for its Drunk Driving Prevention campaign in 1983. The campaign, with its tagline, "Drinking & Driving Can Kill A Friendship," was originally designed to reach 16-24 year-olds, who accounted for 42% of all fatal alcohol-related car crashes, and inspire personal responsibility to prevent drinking and driving. The public service advertisement, which emphasized the grave consequences of drinking and driving with a depiction of two glasses crashing into each other, won the 1984 classic CLIO award for best overall ad campaign – commercial or public service. To date, it is one of only a handful of PSAs to have been so honored since 1947.
After attending Bowdoin College and the Yale School of Drama, Miller came to New York and worked as a page at NBC. His first agency position in 1961 was as a jr. producer at Ogilvy, Benson & Mather, where Miller had the opportunity to work alongside the agency’s founder, David Ogilvy. After Ogilvy, Miller worked as a producer at Ted Bates and BBDO. In 1969, he joined Warwick Welsh & Miller as VP/director of broadcast production, working alongside his brother, the late Bob Miller. In 1976, Miller went on to become director of broadcast production for Leber Katz Partners, which ultimately merged with the New York office of FCB Worldwide. He held that role for 24 years.
Miller was regarded by many in the industry for his warmth, kindness and honesty. Many of his co-workers from FCB NY commented at length. Producer Phyllis Landi shared, “Herb was one of the nicest men I have ever know. He will be missed.” Miguel Nogueras, creative director, MARS Advertising, said, “I was lucky to have known him, laughed with him, and mentored by him. He will always be remembered.” Scott Rosenblitt, creative director/editorial director at Spike TV, added, ”Sometimes Miguel and I would just go down to his office, plop down and start riffing on ridiculous subjects, because it was always safe, always fun and Herb could always hold his own in any conversation.” Billy Serow, VP of Voiceover Abrams Artists, New York, called Miller,” one of my favorite people in advertising – great taste and an even better sense of humor.”
Miller is survived by his wife Joan and son Chris.
