Wildlife's Walking Dead Activation is a Hit!

As part of their larger efforts spearheading the creative marketing campaign for The Walking Dead: Road to Survival mobile game, Wildlife concepted and animated a broadcast spot to help launch the game and entice viewers to download and play. The 3D character animated spot is an intense, CG glimpse into the violent and life-or-death world of the game. To generate a visceral reaction they created a graphic-novel inspired visual style honoring the roots of the series as a comic book creation. Robert Frost's "Two Roads" poem - an iconic piece of American literature was a perfect tie-in to the game's title and its themes of every decision having an irreversible impact on yourself the characters around you. Wildlife enlisted video-game icon Nolan North, voice of Drake from the Uncharted series, and veteran of many games, cartoons and commercials to record the voice-over and lend the power and intensity the narration needed to land with an impact. Wildlife took the project from concept through design, direction and animation to produce a no-holds barred animated launch spot that is sure to get fans of The Walking Dead series fired up to play the mobile game. The game debuted at #1 in the App Store. 

"First Moon Party" Named Best of #Femvertising in Humor Category

Client: HelloFlo // Directed by: Pete & Jamie // Production Company: World War Seven

Continuing their successful awards season, directing duo Pete & Jamie are being recognized for their female empowering "First Moon Party", part of a multi-spot campaign for HelloFlo. SheKnows Media coined the term 'Femvertising' and will be recognizing the creators and giving awards at the company's 'BlogHer' conference this weekend. 

Life Changes After the Draft

Yes you're the same person after the draft, but there is a certain swagger that happens after the draft as we see in these spots for Foot Locker starring Emmanuel Mudiay, directed by David Shafei. 

Incoming NBA rookie Emmanuel Mudiay discovers that everything changes after the draft. Even gift giving.

Incoming NBA rookie Emmanuel Mudiay discovers that everything changes after the draft. Even relationships with family members.

Incoming NBA rookie Emmanuel Mudiay discovers that everything changes after the draft. Even listening to music.

Can't a Guy Wear Coral?

The answer is...yes. Yes Frank, you can wear coral. The NBA changes you as we see in this new campaign featuring Frank Kaminsky for JCP Men's Store out of Victors & Spoils and EVB

He's the same old Frank, doing the same old Frank things. But now, there's just something different about him. Did Frank change, or did Frank just change? #FrankChanged

"The Wolfpack" director Crystal Moselle interviewed by VICE

Crystal Moselle, director of "The Wolfpack", the Sundance Grand Jury Winner in the U.S. Documentary category is interviewed by Vice for their 'Vice Talks Film" segment. Full interview video [below] 

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Bill Chessman Cuts AdWeek Ad of the Day

Father's Day. What does it mean? This long-form piece for Toyota sheds light on the relationships we have with our fathers without being heavy handed. Cosmo Street's Bill Chessman helps craft a story of a man gearing up to meet his father for the first time in a very long time showing us that no matter what the circumstances, everyone has a father and that it's never to late to re-kindle relationships or simply just call and tell them what's on our mind.

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What do most dads want for Father's Day? To spend time with their kids. Which is why Toyota sent one L.A. native on a thousand-mile journey to spend Father's Day with his dad for the first time in 13 years. #OneBoldChoice 

When it comes to Father's Day, dads usually get the short end of the stick. We learned that people spend about $7 billion more for Mother's Day than for Father's Day. In fact, many dads are lucky to even get a card or call. This year, Toyota wanted to help make Father's Day mean something more.

Is it Still Punk if Everyone Else Thinks it is?

click image above for website

Debatable, BUT we're not ones to complain either. What is indisputably 'punk' is having raw talent whether it's used to melt faces in a blistering guitar solo or to explode minds with interactive experiences that push the limits of what once was thought impossible and not giving a shit who's watching...like this guy

Los Angeles based interactive & design studio Wildlife is taking the latter path, challenging preconceived perceptions of what can & can't be done with the right alchemy of technical and creative abilities. Little Black Book recently published a piece entitled "The Punks of Post" highlighting companies that are doing KILLER work and [currently] flying under the radar. If you value being in the loop then we would highly encourage peeping some of this work.

Pet Gorilla joins the ranks at Obsidian; featured in Fast Company

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Obsidian is proud to welcome production & interactive studio Pet Gorilla to our roster for representation. Pet Gorilla was founded by Minivegas founder Luc Schurgers as well as Minivegas EP Dominic Bernacchi. 

On top of this great news, the "Now We're Newtons" web series concepted by agency Weber Shandwick/Chicago and directed by Luc Schurgers has gained some press in Fast Company / Co.Create. The series was created in order to move the brand's iconic cookie away from "Fig Newtons" because they are offering more flavors and the "Fig" just felt old. Hilarity ensues in this Office-esque spoof when the 'Newtons' join the ranks at the office [much like Millenials joining the workforce...a favorite topic of ours here at Obsidian. Below you can view the trailer for the series as well as the first episode. Click below for the full article in Fast Company as well as the Newtons' YouTube channel.

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From the creators of your favorite fruit chewy cookies comes the unfiggetable office comedy NOW WE'RE NEWTONS. This season, the figs are hitting their breaking point, the fruits are hitting their stride, and an unlikely pair is hitting it off. WATCH the first 3 episodes NOW!

As James starts a new project, he's forced to face the fact that things at Newtons are changing for good. From the creators of your favorite fruit chewy cookies comes the unfiggetable office comedy NOW WE'RE NEWTONS. WATCH the first 3 episodes NOW!

Wildlife nab an FWA Site of the Day

Los Angeles, CA -- Wildlife, a Los Angeles based interactive & design shop nabs yet another FWA Site of the Day nod for their most recent live action, interactive trailer for EA's new game title, Battlefield: Hardline [an Obsidian favorite]. 

This activation has received a lot of press over the past few weeks and justifiably so. It is the first of it's kind live action, interactive experience created in 360 degrees specifically for a seamless experience on your Oculus or GearVR. Even if a user has neither headset they can still get a fantastic 360 experience because this was also developed to take advantage of mobile devices' accelerometer.

Currant Films Opens its Doors

Claire Thomas, principal and director at Currant Films

Meet Claire Thomas, director AND owner at Currant Films which 'officially' opened it's doors yesterday. Prior to Currant, Claire was at Green Dot which spring boarded her into the advertising world. Ursula Gabel Baird, Claire's EP from Green Dot followed her to Currant:

“Claire not only has a prolific body of work, but she has a laser like knowledge of social media in so many areas - food, fashion, lifestyle... We’ll be shooting spots for broadcast, and she’s recommending to clients additional shots they’ll want for other media platforms. Because she has a consistent, successful presence as an online influencer herself, she knows what works.”

— Ursula Gabel Baird; Executive Producer, Currant Films

When she's not shooting commercials, you can find her updating her blog, The Kitchy Kitchen or sharing new recipes and 'life hacks' on her YouTube channel.

Cosmo Street's Aaron Langley cuts Ad of the Day

To celebrate International Women's Day [yesterday] as well as Women's History Month [March], Microsoft urges and challenges young girls to get interested and in a lot of cases stay interested in Math & Science. Cosmo Street's Aaron Langley edited this spot. For more information on programs you can visit DigiGirlz which is Microsoft's diversity recruiting initiative as well as the ever-popular Girls Who Code, which Microsoft also sponsors.

Client: Microsoft // Agency: m:United // Edited by: Aaron Langley // Editorial Company: Cosmo Street

Crystal Moselle named 'Director to Watch in 2015'

A scene from 'The Wolfpack' premiering at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival

Director Crystal Moselle was recently named by DAZED as one of the top filmmakers to watch in 2015. Her feature documentary 'The Wolfpack' about the Angulo brothers who have been locked away from society in a small apartment within the projects of Manhattan. The brothers' only real understanding of the outside world comes through movies that they watch [and re-create]

Our Quarterly Newsletter, The Razor Report Hits [Digital] Shelves Today

We're stepping into our 'wayback' machine and taking a look at all the great work and news that took place in the 4th Quarter of 2014. Click, Read, Learn.

Jason Winer to Gifted Youth

via IMDB

Los Angeles, CA - (Director, Producer, Writer) received the 2010 Directors Guild of America (DGA) Award for “Outstanding Direction of a Comedy Series” for the pilot of ABC's comedy hit “Modern Family” and was named one of  Daily Variety’s 2011 “10 Directors to Watch.” The Baltimore native made his feature directorial debut in 2011 with “Arthur,” starring Russell Brand and Helen Mirren. 

Winer served as the producing director on “Modern Family’s” first season and during his collaboration with the show, has received an Emmy Award (2010), Peabody Award (Excellence in Television: 2009, 2010, 2011), PGA Award (2011, 2012), and an AFI Award. He has now directed 19 episodes of the hit comedy since the show began and was a 2012 Emmy nominee for his episode, “Virgin Territory.”
 

View fullsize

Jason and cast members from Modern Family

A graduate of Northwestern University, double majoring in Performance Studies and Photography, Winer honed his improv skills in the acclaimed comedy group, “The Mee-Ow Show,” a launch pad to past alumni such as Julia Louis Dreyfus and Seth Meyers. Winer is also an alumnus of the Improv Olympic Theatre in Chicago. Winer began his career as an actor, improviser, and photographer before making the transition to directing.

Jason has directed work for brands such as Oscar Mayer, Walmart, Staples, Danon and SunRun.

Mark Kudsi joins Whitelabel & Sibling Rivalry Studios

Los Angeles, CA - - Director Mark Kudsi creates visually striking projects with compelling and emotionally resonant narratives. A natural storyteller with a background in design, Mark’s filmmaking career was born out of passions for music, photography and art direction.  

In the commercial realm, Mark has lent his talents to the launches of several notable brands and products. He revealed the Apple iMac with Retina display. He helped reintroduce North America to Fiat, after a 30-year absence. He also launched Nintendo’s Wii U gaming console, Tide Pods as well as projects and campaigns for Glad, HP, Microsoft, Google, Sears and more.

Mark’s breakout work on The Black Eyed Peas’ technology-infused “Boom Boom Pow” music video earned him a Grammy Award and solidified his reputation as a director on the rise. For Katy Perry’s smash-hit single “Roar,” Mark orchestrated a playful jungle-inspired music video. “Roar” and  “Boom Boom Pow” have racked up over a billion views.

Over the past decade, he has amassed an array of industry accolades for his work. Publications such as Creativity, Shoot, CommArts, VideoStatic, FXGuide and StudioDaily have recognized Mark’s diverse efforts, which have also garnered kudos from the Art Directors Club, D&AD, AICP and the Clios, among others. 

Drawing upon many years of experience as a creative director, Mark approaches each new venture with a fresh perspective, while leveraging a distinct ability to enhance live action through design.

In rebellious fashion, Mark, a Southern California native, dedicates his limited free time to playing ice hockey.

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Like what you see? Click 'View Reel' for Mark's general reel.

iMac with Retina 5K display - The Evolution of Retina

Katy Perry - Roar (Official)

Fiat "Get Ready" Anthem

Cosmo Street back in Adweek's Top 5!

Watch as we bring a military dad closer to home using the power of scent. For 11 months, Kearen's been away from his wife and kids in North Carolina. So we partnered with his family to create a special gift to make him feel at home even while he's away.

Client: AirWick // Agency: Droga5 // Edited by: Mark Potter // Editorial Company: Cosmo Street

AICE Takes 'In-House' to the Woodshed

Well, it's been a long time coming. Advertising agencies are getting called out for their in-house post production - primarily editorial services - by the governing body of all things post, the AICE...

“Our primary goal in issuing this statement is to raise awareness on the part of the advertiser community and urge them to seek a greater level of transparency from their agencies when it comes to how their post production work is handled,” says AICE Executive Director Rachelle Madden. “While we certainly don’t expect agencies to eliminate their in-house facilities, we simply want to bring more transparency to the process and help level the playing field in terms of competing fairly and honestly for their clients’ work.”

— Rachelle Madden, AICE Executive Director

“Our main goal is to call for greater transparency in the process of awarding post production work and to raise clients’ awareness of what’s involved when they let their agencies handle post assignments in-house. We want a fair playing field, where our bids and our creative work can be evaluated fairly and accurately, without being manipulated or gamed in any way.”

— Craig Duncan, AICE Board President

The argument, in a nutshell is that the deck is stacked unfairly against post production vendors due in part to the incentivizing of agency staff to use internal services as much as possible. These incentives can come in many forms, the most obvious of these being bonuses followed by recognition of said agency ‘saving their client money’ by taking certain parts of a project in-house.

Obsidian represents a wide range of talent underneath the post production umbrella and while we do [and always will] think that competition in any form is a good thing, the AICE’s call for advertising agencies to show increased levels of transparency in their practices should be laid out as clearly and concisely as possible not only for the benefit of their vendor relationships, but also to their own clients who trust agencies to use their best judgement on all things creative. This transparency will aid in the good kind of competition, i.e. the best idea wins, and who doesn't love that [hint: probably the ones with shitty ideas]?

Obsidian would like to thank Screen Magazine for this article

Cosmo Street's Mirrione scores Adweek's Ad of the Day

Client: Honey Maid // Agency: Droga5 // Edited by: Stephen Mirrione // Editorial Company: Cosmo Street

The blended family is celebrated in this long form piece for Honey Maid also touting the #NotBroken and #ThisIsWholesome hashtags [:30 TV spot breaks tonight]. The spot was edited by Cosmo Street's Stephen Mirrione [IMDB] who has also worked on the Chevy business for the World Cup this year. 

Fatal Farm nabs Creativity 'Editors Choice' for Campbell's

Client: Campbell's Chunky // Agency: Y&R // Directed by: Fatal Farm // Production Company: Gifted Youth

Directing collective Fatal Farm just launched their latest spot for Campbell’s Chunky Soup featuring Seattle’s Richard Sherman and of course…his mom. The spot, care of Y&R which is part of a longer format web-only version was featured in Creativity, AdAge and all our favorites, AgencySpy. Click here for the Creativity write up.

Obsidian welcomes Gifted Youth to the dark side

In keeping with Obsidian’s M.O. of only representing/sharing things that are [a] new and/or [b] awesome, we are pleased to announce the addition of LA based production company Gifted Youth to our roster. Gifted Youth is the commercial production arm of the wildly successful website Funny or Die [.com]. The directing roster consists mostly of comedy directors including the most recent addition, former Caviar director Jake Szymanski. Like many production companies Gifted Youth boasts an in-house design & VFX department dubbed Visual Creatures. You can learn more at giftedyouth.com or just take my word for it.

As always, you’re welcome.