By MILLIE TAKAKI
Though a bit grizzled, an elderly vet of the beat generation can still relate to what its like to be young, full of piss and vinegar with a dash of rebellious, reckless abandon. Showing that hes in touch with the beat of the new generation, he recites beat-style poetry to describe the collection of youth that surrounds him in a bar/nightclub setting. As they dance passionately, laugh and act silly, our man on the beat observes that hes been there and done thatabut even today, the youthful desire for freedom continues to fascinate him. An elderly coupleaon the outside looking in through a windowais also silently witnessing the night-life scene and, like the poet, seems intrigued by whats on display.
Add director Dan Levinson, a principal in bicoastal Moxie Pictures, to those interested in the goings on. When he saw the one-frame conceptual storyboard that didnt get producedafrom a Wieden & Kennedy, Portland, Ore., creative team consisting of copywriter Janet Champ and art director Rick McQuistonaLevinson recalled being immediately captivated.
To do a beat-like look at todays youthafrom a guy who has lived the life, whos the voice of wisdomawas a very appealing concept, related Levinson. I loved the writing; it was really different and esoteric. And it was something different from what I had ever done before. I wanted to make this spot.
Entitled Youngaand currently being considered for point of purchase usage by Replay Jeansathe :60 is the first spec spot ever helmed by Levinson. I think it shakes up my reel a little bit, he observed, adding that hes been diversifying as of late into more visually challenging, conceptual-based work. This piece is very attitudinal, somewhat sexy. Its a different type of visual than what Ive done recently.
Levinson noted that he added the senior citizen couple after he saw the original board. I thought it provided another layerareinforcing the notion that no matter how old you get, you can still relate to youthful feelings of invulnerability and freedom.
Levinson was backed by a Moxie support team that included executive producer Lizzie Schwartz and producer Rich Zeifman. Young was lensed by DP Anghel Decca. Nancy Fisher served as stylist.
The spot was cut by Adam Schwartz from the New York office of bicoastal Lost Planet. Assistant editor was Lost Planets Cass Vanini. Online editor was Dean Chu of Bedlam, Santa Monica. And the colorist was Clark Muller of 525 Studios, Hollywood. Tom Jucarone of Sound Lounge, New York, served as audio mixer.
“Memoir of a Snail” Takes Top Prize At London Film Festival
The Official Competition jury said: “Our jury was incredibly moved by Adam Elliot’s Memoir of a Snail, which is a singular achievement in filmmaking. Emotionally resonant and constantly surprising, Memoir tackles pertinent issues such as bullying, loneliness and grief head-on, creating a crucial and universal dialogue in a way that only animation can. The jury is delighted to recognize an animated film alongside its live-action peers.”
Rounding out the winners of this year’s films screening In Competition are:
- Winner of the Sutherland Award in the First Feature Competition – On Falling (Dir. Laura Carreira)
- Winner of the Grierson Award in the Documentary Competition – Mother Vera (Dirs. Cécile Embleton, Alys Tomlinson)
- Winner of the Short Film Award in the Short Film Competition – Vibrations from Gaza (Dir. Rehab Nazzal)