There’s something funny about dynamics at the workplace. Back in 2008, the Bud Light web spot “Swear Jar” won the primetime commercial Emmy Award (conceived by DDB Chicago and directed by David Shane, then of Hungry Man, now with O Positive). The storyline had the office setting up a “swear jar” into which money was put each time someone at work swore. The currency and coins collected would be used to buy Bud Light for the office, causing expletives from employees and management to fly all over place.
Fast forward to 2010 and DDB Chicago returns us to the office setting in a viral video sequel to “Swear Jar” titled “Clothing Drive,” directed by Erich Joiner from Tool of North America.
“Clothing Drive” reunites many “Swear Jar” alums, including the agency creative team and cast, only this time an office employee is collecting clothes for a homeless shelter. For each article of clothing donated, a person receives a cold Bud Light.
With that libation incentive top of mind, many staffers are quick to shed their office attire as well as their inhibitions. This leads to assorted awkward yet humorous moments, including a man who’s down to his briefs yet by force of habit tries to tuck away a pen in his front shirt pocket. Realizing he isn’t wearing a shirt, he stows the pen in his briefs. A fully dressed female employee points out that the pen is hers. He offers to retrieve it for her but she resoundingly says never mind.
The DP was Mark Plummer. Editor was Matthew Wood of The Whitehouse, Chicago.
Visual Effects Society Elects 2025 Board of Directors’ Executive Committee
The lineup of officers is set for the Visual Effects Society’s (VES) 2025 Board of Directors. The officers, who comprise the VES Board Executive Committee, were elected at the January 2025 Board meeting. The Officers include Kim Davidson, who was re-elected Board chair, and is the first Board member from outside the United States to hold this role since the Society’s inception.
“It is my privilege to serve as chair of our worldwide community of visual effects artists and innovators,” said Davidson. “Since I joined the Society 18 years ago, I have seen the VES grow from a California-based organization to a global society with 16 regional Sections and members in more than 50 countries. As the first chair elected from outside the U.S., I am representative of our thriving globalization, and I look forward to further championing our expansion worldwide. The leadership on our Board brings enormous commitment, expertise and enthusiasm to their volunteer service and I’m excited about what we can achieve, together.”
“Our Society is fortunate to have strong leadership represented on our Executive Committee,” said Nancy Ward, VES executive director. “I am honored to work alongside these exceptional, dedicated professionals, especially amidst this time of dynamic change. We appreciate their commitment to further advance the Society’s global initiatives and impact.”
The 2025 officers of the VES Board of Directors are:
--Chair: Kim Davidson
--1st Vice Chair: Susan O’Neal
--2nd Vice Chair: David Tanaka, VES
--Secretary: Rita Cahill
--Treasurer: Jeffrey A. Okun, VES
Kim Davidson, Chair
Davidson is the president and CEO of SideFX®, a company he co-founded in 1987. SideFX is... Read More