Fancy Chickens
Party Hard for Caterer
New York NY: Rather than take
the traditional route followed by most catering
ads, which showcase food or events, Heller Communications
injects fun into the category by telling the
story of Creative Edge Parties from a chicken’ and
egg’s perspectives. Print advertising
features three “fancy chickens” symbolizing,
respectively, high society (shown above), a
bride/wedding, and a blue frizzle that screams
good times. Says agency principal Cheryl Heller, “We
wanted our chickens to symbolize what we see
as the beauty our client creates. Only ‘fancy
chickens’ would do.” After a roll
out in catering trade and upscale consumer
magazines, oversized chickens also began to
appear on vans and trucks rolling around Manhattan.
The newest addition to the advertising and
branding campaign is a website, which turns
its attention to the egg. The site takes a humorous
look at the fundamental role of eggs in food,
while the audio track mimics the sound of hens
pecking and scratching. Karina Hadid served
as art director for the print portion of the
launch, Todd Vanderlin is the site designer,
and Stephen Green-Armitage photographed the
Fancy Chickens. Agency principal is Cheryl Heller.
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plus et plus
choreographs parco
spot
New York NY: Creative services firm Plus et
Plus has created a compelling graphic tv spot
for Parco, a large Japanese department store,
showcasing its grand annual sale. The commercial
features Kazu Kumagai, a well-known tap dancer
in Japan, filmed from below as he performs
on an elevated polycarbonate platform. The finished
spot gives the illusion that he is dancing
on the viewer’s screen, as graphic footprints/exclamation
points hit the floor. Judy Wellfare’s
Plus et Plus collaborated with SIZE, Japan’s
second largest ad agency, on the project.
Version2 Promos
Lollipop-Licking
Kojak
New York NY: Version2 created a graphics tool
kit to promote the release of “Kojak,” starring
Ving Rhames, on the USA Network. Rhames takes
the title role of the streetwise, bald, lollipop-licking
New York lieutenant, Theo Kojak, in the revamped
version of the classic police drama. The Version2
team worked with USA creative director Lorenzo
de Guttadauro to develop a look for the logo
that works in a stark black environment. “The
goal was to create a clean-looking logo that
was simple and impactful,” says Kieran
Walsh, Version2 VFX/Design creative director
and Inferno artist. “We shot live-action
passes of the camera dollying through smoke
and built a glass logo in CG.” Adds Frank
Devlin, Version2 VFX/Design executive producer, “In
the end, we created a very dramatically lit
logo contained within an environment that is
reminiscent of a quintessential interrogation
room.” The promo package also includes
lower thirds, tune-in animations, top tags
and transitions that combine 3D and 2D animation.
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campaign quietly
puts charlotte
on map
Charlotte, NC: The Boone/Oakley advertising
agency, in its first work for new client Charlotte
(NC) Regional Visitors Authority, has created
a series of print ads promoting the southern “Queen
City.” Using the tagline of “Shhhhhharlotte,” the
agency presents Charlotte as quietly making
a name for itself in upscale activities and
amenities, while remaining under the radar,
and so a “cool” choice for conventions.
John Boone is creative director and art director,
while David Oakley is creative director and
copywriter. Ken Nahoum is the photographer,
except for football player Muhsin Muhammed’s
shot by Kent Smith.
Planit Choreographs
Kennedy Center
Site
Baltimore MD: Advertising agency Planit developed
a website for ARTSEDGE, the online education
program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the
Performing Arts, to support its recent presentation
of the Martha Graham Dance Company. The Flash-based
site chronicles the experience of Jordy, a
fictional dance protégé who is new to the
company. Visitors can follow Jordy to her dance
locker, and then open virtual “books” that
provide information about several of Martha
Graham’s most famous dances — Lamentation,
Appalachian Spring, Diversion of Angels and
Errand — through interactive journal entries,
video clips, music, photos and animation. Matt
Doud, president and co-founder of Planit, says, “We
helped ARTSEDGE develop a vibrant, encompassing
site that not only involves users, but utilizes
the medium to make them active participants
in Graham’s contemporary dance movement.” Darrell
Ayers, vice president for education at the Kennedy
Center, lauds the site for its “feelings
of discovery, surprise and playfulness.”
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circular package
design breaks norm
Boston MA: Hitting shelves in June, “One” condoms
break the industry norm of square wrappers and
rectangular boxes with round wrappers and clear
circular cases. The design seeks to communicate
a hip image and, in that spirit, each wrapper
image is paired with a “One Liner” catch
phrase. For example, a view of the Earth from
outer space has the caption “Believe In
One.” Davin Wedel of the manufacturer,
Global Protection Corp. served as art director;
freelance designer Joe LaRoche of Bionic Studio
contributed to the logo and identity.
events
los angeles ca
“Skate & Surf” is the theme of
the 2005 Patrons’ Night party and tradeshow
sponsored by the LA chapter of the AIGA. This “thank
you” to sponsors and supporters features
an assortment of industry vendors, plus a demonstration
of skateboard tricks and an auction of designer
surfboards. The date: May 4. The place: Art Center
College of Design (South Campus).
Contact: www.aigalosangeles.org
chicago il
Handelan-Pedersen commemorates its 54th anniversary
with a new identity. The firm, now headed by
Tim Fanning, provides corporate and promotional
design services to corporations only. It was
founded by Dan Handelan and Ken Pedersen as
an “advertising art studio” in
March 1951.
seattle wa
Seattle plays host to the annual meeting of
the Picture Archive Council of America. The
rejuvenated non-profit association of stock
archives has lots of informational and educational
events planned, including a presentation
by Adobe and a special panel discussion sponsored
and coordinated by Getty Images. Cathy Aron
is PACA’s executive director, and Chris
Ferrone is president.
Contact: www.pacaoffice.org
