Director Jonathan David has signed with Santa Monica-based TWC. He previously was repped by Go Film and prior to that MJZ. David, whose work has been recognized at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival, is probably best known for his spots for ESPN, Comcast and Dunkin' Donuts….New York-based commercial production company Zero 2 Sixty (0:2:60) and their design, effects and post partner Guerilla FX (GFX), have signed director Gregg Hale for exclusive U.S. spot representation, Hale, who comes to 0:2:60 and GFX from Chelsea Pictures, where he was represented as Haxan Films, has directed award-winning national and regional spots over the years for clients including the 2012 New York City Olympic Campaign, MSG/The Mets, General Mills and Bolt.com…..Editor Karama Horne has joined Fluid, New York…..Arnold recently promoted Chris Edwards from senior VP/creative director to exec VP/group creative director in the Boston office. Edwards is a 15-year Arnold veteran and has led the agency's McDonald's team for the past five years. Most recently, Edwards garnered press for creating McDonald's YouTube “I'm into Nuggets” spot…..Arnold also upped Chris Carl from VP/creative director to senior VP/creative director. Carl leads Arnold's Volvo account and has been at the agency for four years. During this time, he's also worked on Timberland's “Boot as Canvas” project (2007), which won an Andy award, as well as Volkswagen's 120 Feature Films website work (2006), that received a D&AD yellow pencil. Both Edwards and Carl report to Pete Favat, CCO, Arnold Boston….
A “Wicked” Welcome From The National Board of Review
Days after "Wicked" went home from the Golden Globes with a single award for box office achievement, the National Board of Review Awards held space for the smash hit musical, celebrating its cast and director in the New York group's annual gala Tuesday. The untelevised but starry NBR Awards were a chance for many of the nominees who didn't win Sunday to trot out their would-be acceptance speeches, including Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman. Accepting the award for best actress for her performance in the erotic thriller "Babygirl," Kidman celebrated by chugging a glass of milk, a nod to some of the film's kinky sex games. After finishing, Kidman triumphantly announced "Good girl!" and left the stage. It also was an opportunity for some jabs at the Globes. "Isn't this room just a little bit classier than the Beverly Hilton?" quipped presenter Christine Baranski, looking around the elegant marble-columned midtown venue, Cipriani's. Others were less impressed by the old-school New York vibe. "The bathroom attendant, that shouldn't exist anymore," Kieran Culkin said during a typically free-form acceptance speech for best supporting actor for his role in "A Real Pain." The night belonged to Jon M. Chu's "Wicked." The musical was the board's pick for best film, best director for Chu and a special award for the creative collaboration of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The two, in back-and-forth remarks, continued their mutual praise of each other. "Also you're welcome," added Grande. "I truly think you would have murdered anyone else." "Probably true," responded Erivo. Chu, who was introduced by Lin-Manuel Miranda, used the moment to reflect on his yearslong journey with "Wicked," which will be followed by an already-shot part two due out this... Read More