For those cyclists in the ad biz who have dreamed about riding in the French Alps with the FireFlies (www.thefirefliesride.com) for their annual charitable fundraising drive but could not manage to get away, there’s now a more local, logistically and geographically easier way to get involved. This year, a group is heading along the California coast. Planned by two veteran FireFlies–director Jake Scott and executive producer Bryan Farhy–the event will take place June 8-14, riding the 550 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles. As with its annual event in France, the 2008 FireFlies West ride is in aid of Leuka, providing continued support for the research and treatment unit for leukemia at the Hammersmith Hospital in London. Those interested in riding the whole way–or even joining them for a stage–can contact bryan@restlessfilms.tv. Those who cannot make the ride are encouraged to join the group for the welcoming party at the Kings Head Tavern in Santa Monica, as the FireFlies arrive on Saturday, June 14. This year’s ride from Evian to Cannes will take place June 10-18, culminating with the arrival of the FireFlies at the Cannes International Advertising Festival….Pogo Pictures in Atlanta has signed director Ryan Smith for representation for commercials in the Southeast. Smith, who initially gained prominence through his work in music videos for such artists as Good Charlotte, Simple Plan, Bo Bice and Eminem, has recently made a successful transition to commercials with credits including Bud Light and Goody’s, as well as promo spots for the TLC series L.A. Ink.
Director Cassandra Brooksbank Joins Monument Content For Spots and Branded Content
Monument Content has signed director Cassandra “Cassie” Brooksbank for U.S. representation spanning commercials and branded content. She brings to her directing and storytelling the experience and skills of a writer, conceptual artist, editor and visual effects artist.
Her body of work as a director includes Pepsi’s “Selfie” featuring Lionel Messi amid a flurry of fans, Barclays madcap women’s Soccer League spot where she collaborated closely with the agency to develop the creative, ultimately winning the Grand Jury Prize at the Sports Industry Awards, and a grass-roots campaign for Fellow Coffee. The latter just didn’t brew buzz; it helped raise $1.2 million on Kickstarter.
Prior to joining Monument Content, Brooksbank had been repped in the U.S. for commercials by production house Hey Wonderful.
On the long-form front, she is repped by CAA for film and television. And on the horizon is her debut feature, My Masterpiece, produced by Sylvester Stallone’s Balboa Productions and backed by Amazon.
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