BRW FILMLAND Los Angeles has signed newcomer director Marcus Ubungen for his first-ever U.S. commercial representation. A seasoned cinematographer and photographer, Ubungen has turned out directorial work ranging from character-driven comedy to sleek automotive spots and docu-style films. The young director has helmed campaigns for such top brands as Nike, Porsche, YouTube, Reebok, Chevrolet and Google….Y&R has elevated two key executives to new roles at the agency. Effective immediately, Jim Radosevic will serve as president of Y&R New York, and Sean Howard will assume the role of COO, Y&R North America. Previously, Radosevic was executive VP and global creative director at Y&R New York, overseeing creative development for two of the agency’s largest global client engagements, Dell and Xerox. Howard was general manager of the New York office. Both executives will remain in New York, and Radosevic will continue in his roles on Dell and Xerox….
Is “Glicked” The New “Barbenheimer”? “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” Hit Theater Screens
"Barbenheimer" was a phenomenon impossible to manufacture. But, more than a year later, that hasn't stopped people from trying to make "Glicked" — or even "Babyratu" — happen.
The counterprogramming of "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" in July 2023 hit a nerve culturally and had the receipts to back it up. Unlike so many things that begin as memes, it transcended its online beginnings. Instead of an either-or, the two movies ultimately complemented and boosted one another at the box office.
And ever since, moviegoers, marketers and meme makers have been trying to recreate that moment, searching the movie release schedule for odd mashups and sending candidates off into the social media void. Most attempts have fizzled (sorry, "Saw Patrol" ).
This weekend is perhaps the closest approximation yet as the Broadway musical adaptation "Wicked" opens Friday against the chest-thumping sword-and-sandals epic "Gladiator II." Two big studio releases (Universal and Paramount), with one-name titles, opposite tones and aesthetics and big blockbuster energy — it was already halfway there before the name game began: "Wickiator," "Wadiator," "Gladwick" and even the eyebrow raising "Gladicked" have all been suggested.
"'Glicked' rolls off the tongue a little bit more," actor Fred Hechinger said at the New York screening of "Gladiator II" this week. "I think we should all band around 'Glicked.' It gets too confusing if you have four or five different names for it."
As with "Barbenheimer," as reductive as it might seem, "Glicked" also has the male/female divide that make the fan art extra silly. One is pink and bright and awash in sparkles, tulle, Broadway bangers and brand tie-ins; The other is all sweat and sand, blood and bulging... Read More