More than 200,000 visitors are expected in Cleveland, Ohio, to get a look-see at today’s (4/8) total solar eclipse.
Local businesses have come up with exclusive events, special offers and limited-edition merchandise to capitalize on this celestial rarity. But one Cleveland-based advertising agency couldn’t help but observe the irony that people were flocking to its fair city to witness four minutes of darkness.
That observation led Marcus Thomas to create “Greetings from Sunny Cleveland,” a humorous spin on the classic tourism video that reminds viewers that there’s a lot to see–when you can actually see. The video features some of Cleveland’s top attractions, neighborhoods, and even potential celebrities, all shrouded in darkness.
“At Marcus Thomas, we believe in making work play,” said Jamie Venorsky, president and chief creative officer of Marcus Thomas. “With all the excitement around Cleveland being in the path of totality, we wanted to have a little fun ourselves while sharing our hometown pride. We know the area has a lot to offer beyond its four minutes of fame on April 8th.”
Beyond having some fun with its own tourism video, Marcus Thomas is giving its employees the afternoon off to witness astronomical history and enjoy the many celebrations around the city.
Agency Marcus Thomas, Cleveland, Ohio Jamie Venorsky, partner, chief creative officer; Stephanie Burris, executive creative director; Brian Gillen, art director/creative director; Kevin Delsanter, copywriter/creative director; Hunter Carr, art director; Lyla Evans, editor; Jena Lesar, producer.
Top Spot of the Week: EHRAC, Animation Studio NOMINT Depict Life “In Limbo” As Families Search For Loved Ones
This animated film titled In Limbo depicts the journey of a heroic woman protagonist representing the countless families in the North Caucasus of Eastern Europe (where Chechnya is situated) searching for their forcibly disappeared loved ones. Utilizing theatrical elements, the film highlights the unnatural disruption caused by enforced disappearances and delves into the profound trauma these families endure. It emphasizes their long battles with the domestic authorities as they seek answers. The film also underscores the vital role of community support in helping these families cope and continue their fight for answers, serving as a compelling call to action for justice and human rights.
Through intimate storytelling, In Limbo raises awareness of the ongoing uncertainty that leaves families in a perpetual state of limbo, unable to find closure.
Directed by Afterman--the animation duo consisting of Tsvetelina Zdraveva and Jerred North--and created and produced by London-based animation studio NOMINT, In Limbo was commissioned by the European Human Rights Advocacy Centre (EHRAC).
In a joint statement, Zdraveva and North shared, “Our film takes place on a theater stage, highlighting how such tragedies are far removed from ordinary life,” they continued. “The stage is circular, resembling an artificial, perpetually spinning obstacle course, with a target—the red tail lights—just within sight yet never within reach, symbolizing the family’s never-ending quest for justice.”
“We used a limited primary color palette to contrast the two worlds all families are pulled between. Minimalist compositions of starkly silhouetted characters and environments create the ominous atmosphere of a deeply painful and... Read More