Editorial shop The Whitehouse has launched Cap Gun, a Chicago-based production division featuring a core of talent consisting of exec producer Matt Abramson, director Alex Fendrich and production manager Kaitlyn Parks. The collective will handle a wide range of productions, including directing traditional broadcast commercials and creating original content (from conception to delivery of a finished product).
The first work out of the new venture includes Craftsman’s “Music Experiment” out of Y&R, Chicago, and a soon-to-be-released interactive project for Norton out of Leo Burnett, Chicago. Both jobs were directed by Fendrich.
David Brixton, managing partner of The Whitehouse, explained, “We saw an opportunity to extend the range of the creative solutions we offer our clients, particularly in the Chicago market.” Brixton knew Abramson as an agency producer who in turn introduced him to director Fendrich.
Abramson’s agency pedigree includes producing at Chicago shops Element 79 and then DDB Chicago. Fendrich also worked on the agency side as a creative in Chicago. He also performed with noted Chicago comedy troupe Second City. He then moved into directing spots for such clients as Western Union and Cricket Wireless, the latter of which marked his first collaboration with Abramson.
The Whitehouse continues to maintain offices in London, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.
Disney Pledges $15 million In L.A. Fire Aid As More Celebs Learn They’ve Lost Their Homes
The Pacific Palisades wildfires torched the home of "This Is Us" star Milo Ventimiglia, perhaps most poignantly destroying the father-to-be's newly installed crib.
CBS cameras caught the actor walking through his charred house for the first time, standing in what was once his kitchen and looking at a neighborhood in ruin. "Your heart just breaks."
He and his pregnant wife, Jarah Mariano, evacuated Tuesday with their dog and they watched on security cameras as the flames ripped through the house, destroying everything, including a new crib.
"There's a kind of shock moment where you're going, 'Oh, this is real. This is happening.' What good is it to continue watching?' And then at a certain point we just turned it off, like 'What good is it to continue watching?'"
Firefighters sought to make gains Friday during a respite in the heavy winds that fanned the flames as numerous groups pledged aid to help victims and rebuild, including a $15 million donation pledge from the Walt Disney Co.
More stars learn their homes are gone
While seeing the remains of his home, Ventimiglia was struck by a connection to his "This Is Us" character, Jack Pearson, who died after inhaling smoke in a house fire. "It's not lost on me life imitating art."
Mandy Moore, who played Ventimiglia's wife on "This Is Us," nearly lost her home in the Eaton fire, which scorched large areas of the Altadena neighborhood. She said Thursday that part of her house is standing but is unlivable, and her husband lost his music studio and all his instruments.
Mel Gibson's home is "completely gone," his publicist Alan Nierob confirmed Friday. The Oscar winner revealed the loss of his home earlier Friday while appearing on Joe Rogan's... Read More