Told entirely through fake commercials, this short film titled Adman tells an unconventional love story that takes viewers on a heartfelt, funny ride–one spot at a time.
Written and directed by Ben Callner (an alum of SHOOT’s 2012 New Directors Showcase) and produced by his brother Adam Callner, Adman introduces us to our aspiring "adman" (aka Logan), his parents, and then we see him embark on his career, meet the love of his life, and experience the trials and tribulations that go with that–each chapter conveyed through commercials for such essentials as ice cream, chewing gum, double stuffed cookies, dog food, Australian tourism, stain remover and beer.
In real life, the Callner brothers over the years have worked with varied major brands including Volkswagen, Lenovo, Hanes, Motorola, Verizon and GEICO.
Production company on Adman was Raucous Content. The DP was Doug Chamberlain.
Credits
Production Raucous Content Ben Callner, writer/director; Adam Callner, producer; Ben Callner, Adam Callner, Steve Wi, Phyllis Koenig, Doug Chamberlain, Melissa Mapes, Ben Suenaga, executive producers; Doug Chamberlain, DP; Christian Stone, production designer; Lily Garcia, 1st AD; Graham Geraghty, 2nd AD; Heather Allison, costume designer. Editorial Ben Callner, Joe Kell, Alex Pirrone, Ben Suenaga, editors. Casting Alyson Horn, Maya Adrabi, Lindsay Bronson. Sound Ben Holst, sound designer/mixer. Color MPC NYC James Tillett, colorist. Postproduction Friendshop. Audio Post Tunewelders. Cast Ted Cannon, Jocelin Donahue, Judy Kain, Dar Dixon, Jarrod Crawford, Tim Karasawa, Josh Covitt, Erick Chavarria, Bill O’Neill, Sam Carson, Niko Posey, David Aaron, Paul Vinson, Michele Lainevool, Adam Nemet, Harrison Polo
The Ad Council, partnering with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and AdoptUSKids, launched a public service campaign, created pro bono by Edelman, which aims to inspire prospective parents to consider adopting a teen from foster care.
This centerpiece PSA titled “The Rewards”--directed by The Hudson Dusters (Michael Kuhn and Niles Roth) via Greenpoint Pictures--spotlights real adoptive families who have personally experienced the mutual benefits of adoption. This longer form PSA (and cutdown versions) begins with a touching display of openness and vulnerability as adoptive parents reflect on their adoption journeys and their initial questions and hesitations about adopting a teen. Then, in a deeply emotional turn, the adoptive parents witness their children recounting the profound rewards of adoption in their lives. The teens speak of the love they share with their parents and how the decision to become a family is reciprocal. The campaign directs viewers to the AdoptUSKids website to learn more about adopting a teen from foster care.
