Movers and shakers in production/agency land

Geoff McGann joins Public Interest
Geoff McGann has signed on as Creative Director with Public Interest, a nonprofit advertising agency dedicated to producing high impact public service advertising and messaging for social change. The addition of McGann – an award-winning creative, director, and photographer – reflects a growth and independence experienced by the agency over the past several months. "Geoff's arrival marks the beginning of a new era for Public Interest," said President and Executive Creative Director Michael Franzini. "He is one of the great creative thinkers in advertising, and I see his enthusiasm for our work as a sure sign that we're doing something right. I'm excited about the great things we will do together." McGann comes to Public Interest with a versatile creative portfolio that spans the ad agency, photography, and commercial production arenas. As a Creative Director, he worked for industry leaders Wieden + Kennedy, Portland and Ogilvy & Mather, Los Angeles, among others. His work for clients including Nike, Miller Beer, and MTV won awards in every major advertising show. "After doing this for over fifteen years, the notion of working with a non-profit organization that does marketing and creative for worthy causes is exciting," McGann said. "I see the business model, the culture and the work from this place growing into something epic and hugely influential."

The Snudge Bros join Millennium Pictures
The Snudge Bros. – a directing team comprised of a Toronto-based Scot and a Canadian just returned from Scotland – has joined the roster of Millennium Pictures for exclusive North American representation. While they wear the Snudge name as proudly as their Kilt-pattern beach towels, Liam Greenlaw (pictured, r.) and Paul Alexander (pictured, l.) have well-established careers under their given names – Greenlaw as a designer/director, Alexander as a still photographer. "As the advertising and entertainment marketplace shifts, we are looking to collaborate with directors who have talents in a variety of the arts," said Millennium President/Managing Director Caroline von Weyher. "These two think outside the box and lets face it, just being able to direct a :30 doesn't cut it anymore. Liam and Paul do it all, they are totally original and so in sync they finish each others sentences, the excitement around them is contagious." Greenlaw added that von Weyher "is the last piece of our puzzle. We have someone who understands us and wants what we want."
Greenlaw and Alexander first met in Toronto ten years ago, the former a native of Scotland, the latter a transplant returning home. "We were like two pair of eyes with one outlook," Greenlaw recalled. "And we became known as the Snudge Bros. among close friends and cruel enemies. The continuity in Paul's work is amazing, and his shots always convey the sense of a narrative. I'm excited to be directing with him." Of Greenlaw, Alexander said, "He's excelled at everything, from creative direction to music and so on… everything that's fun now is integrated – podcasts, virals, spots – we love playing with a variety of platforms and we share the knowledge that once people roll the dice on us, we'll pull it off – the rest is conversation." The duo kicks off their new show reel with a campaign for The Snudge Bros. Shot in the style of Guy Ritchie's dark urban comedies, the spots showcase the team as rough-hewn artists seeking ambitious, daring work – and no excuses. "The client loved it," Greenlaw grinned, "so we're off to a mighty good start."

Waks and Gajan Join Jigsaw Editoral
Editors Stuart Waks and Olivier Gajan have joined the roster of Jigsaw Editorial. Waks, known throughout the advertising and film industries for his work with some of the world's most celebrated directors, comes aboard following an award-winning run with his own shop, Stuart Waks and Company. His first project since joining the Jigsaw roster is Rolex "Water," directed by Michael Mann. The spot was shot on location in Shanghai and Bimini, for JWT/Paris. Gajan, whose varied work includes high-profile projects in spots, features, and music videos, recently returned to LA from France, where he cut L'ENNEMI INTIME (THE INTIMATE ENEMY), his third feature with director Florent Siri."Stuart and Olivier add an exciting breadth to our roster," said Jigsaw Executive Producer Sybil McCarthy-Hadfield. "Stuart is the consummate action and storytelling editor. His diverse feature and commercial work has earned him recognition as one of the most talented artists out there. Olivier is a gifted cinematic editor who can smoothly integrate visual effects with cars, music, stories, fashion—he's done it all. We are delighted to have them both with us." "I knew Sybil and her reputation and when I spoke at length with (Jigsaw owner/editor) Jon Hopp, I knew there was a foundation for the kind of relationship I was looking for." Waks brought a Ford project to the company to test the waters. "Every stage of the process with Jigsaw felt right," he said, "and we decided to work together full time." Waks, has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including two Clios for Best Edited Spot, two Monitor Awards for Best Edited Spot, and inclusion in the Advertising Hall of Fame with Isuzu "Liar." Early in his career, Waks formed longstanding relationship with directors Ridley and Tony Scott (he has edited the Cannes Gold Lion winner Chanel "Gardens," among others, for Ridley, and Marlboro "Editing allows me to take everything I am – my interests, skills, gifts, manias, passions, desires, drive, energy, and individualism - and use it to connect with people," he said. "Jigsaw has a committed group of people who are savvy, professional, and motivated. Jon and Sybil foster a creative environment that is human, honest and respectful, it's a friendly place to work."

"As an editor, I think the job is 20% technique and 80% listening," said Oliver Gajan, who must be a very good listener. In the course of his twelve-
year career, he has worked with notable directors and on notable commercials such as such as Lexus "Robot," Opel "GPS," Kodak "Thief of Colors," and Infiniti "Directions" He really enjoys the collaboration of the commercial form: "In a collaborative experience with a talented director," Gajan explains, "we can work together to realize their vision—and engage the agency in that vision—this is when advertising is fun." Gajan began his career as a VFX artist in France, working extensively with Michel Gondry among others. "The key in the digital world was adaptability," said Gajan."I was fortunate in that I transitioned directly from VFX into editing." Gajan was well-prepared for the move, having studied all aspects of filmmaking at ESRA, in France. He relocated to the US in 2004, working on HOSTAGE, and cutting commercials at Spotwelders, before finding a home at Jigsaw. "The people from TBWA/Chiat/Day recommended Jigsaw and introduced me to Sybil," Gajan recalled, "and I really enjoyed meeting with her and with Jon. They're really smart & creative people. What's more, Jon and I shared a similar perspective on editing." What's next on the agenda? "Well, I landed yesterday coming off the film, working nights and weekends" mused Gajan, "and I'm ready to begin cutting again, it's what I love and do best."

Alturas hires Jeff Rohrer in Executive Producer Role
Commercial production company Alturas Redfish Films has hired Jeff Rohrer as its new Executive Producer. A Yale grad, Rohrer spent several years in the NFL as a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, before working his way up through the ranks at top US commercial production houses such as Mars Media, Propaganda Films, Go Film, and Smuggler. He has since become one of the most valued and respected producers in the business. Most recently, Rohrer produced the award- winning campaign for Carphone Warehouse in Buenos Aires, Argentina (CHI Advertising/London), Fiat in Capetown, SA (Leo Burnett/Paris), Nike in Vancouver, BC (Wieden+Kennedy/Portland), and Red Stripe in Los Angeles (BBDO/New York).
"Jeff has vast experience and a production savvy that few can match," said Alturas owner Marshall Rawlings. "His genuine affection for creatives and producers is a hallmark of his work in the ad industry, and we're fortunate to have him."
"Coming to Alturas is a logical leap for me," said Rohrer. "As Executive Producer, I can use my experiences as a line producer to add value to every campaign we come in contact with. I am excited to help Marshall grow Alturas, while turning out some amazing work for our friends in the advertising business." Rohrer's career in spot production began with a single day spent on set beside legendary director Joe Pytka. "I worked one day for Joe and that was it…I was hooked," he recalled. Since that time, Rohrer has garnered a reputation as a go-to guy for large-scale international projects – and as a creative producer that adds value to smaller campaigns. Among his most notable work is Nike "Hackysack" (Wieden+Kennedy/Portland), Energizer "Base Jumper" (DDB Chicago), and Adidas "Plastic Ball" (TBWA/Chiat/Day/SF).

Anonymous adds PES
Anonymous Content recently added PES to its growing list of diversified directorial talent. PES adds an exciting dimension to the Anonymous roster—his ultra-unique stop motion and animation techniques showcased in celebrated spots for Barcardi, Diesel, and Coinstar have garnered critical acclaim and top industry awards. Anonymous Content is an ideal fit for PES, says Partner/Head Of Commercials Dave Morrison, "We are thrilled to sign such a gifted filmmaker as PES…his tremendous skillset in storytelling via animation as well as live-action really broadens our ability to deliver top talent across all media." PES just completed a spot for Orange Telecom (W + K, London) through his UK production company, Independent. His latest short film, Game Over, is headlining the 2006-2007 RESFEST worldwide tour, and he is currently in production on a Playstation PSP package (TBWA, London), also out of Independent. "We've watched PES' career skyrocket since RoofSex…having his talent really adds a new creative and visual dimension to our roster," said PES' managing Exec Producer Cassie Hulen. The legend of PES and his stop motion, design, animation, and visual effects have grown since he was globally launched with RoofSex in 2002. His website, www.eatPES.com, attracts about a million hits per month and is routinely showcased in all the major blogs. PES' talents go far beyond stop motion and he has gained significant acclaim for not only his commercial work, but for his short films, emerging media and story telling talent, as well.

Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam Hires Interactive Hotshot and wins global business for Pernod Ricard's Wyborowa vodka brand
Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam has hired celebrated interactive hotshot Joakim Borgström to the new position of Interactive Creative Director. Joakim Borgström leaves his role of Partner at Barcelona's interactive agency Double You, where he began as the first employee ten years ago. During this time the Swedish-Argentinian creative has developed award-winning interactive campaigns for global clients, including Diesel, Audi, Heineken, Mitsubishi, Nike, SEAT, Diageo, Electrolux and Coca-Cola. Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam's executive creative director, Al Moseley, says: "Joakim's stellar reputation in interactive creativity preceeds him. This is a significant hire and a bit of a coup for us – everyone wants a piece of him, he's a superstar. You don't get the opportunity to hire specialists of this calibre often." Co-executive creative director, John Norman, continues: "We're stoked that he's joining the team. Joakim's outstanding expertise will have substantial influence on our integrated work for clients across the board." Borgström says of his move to Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam: "Double You produces outstanding work but after ten great years it's time to move on. I'm excited about combining interactive alongside all forms of communication and working with creative concepts from the beginning. The challenge is to integrate this thinking through a client's whole business. At Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam I'm going to be helping clients think truly 360 and that's something I want to be part of."

In additional W+K news, Wyborowa S.A. has appointed W+K Amsterdam as the agency of choice to develop a global brand platform for its Polish vodka brand, Wyborowa. W+K Amsterdam will work with the central marketing team at Wyborowa with a view to growing Wyborowa in the global vodka drinks category. Key markets include Europe, Central and Latin America and Asia. The business was won in a three-way pitch against Y&R France and Ogilvy London. Yves Schladenhaufen, International Sales & Marketing Director at Wyborowa says: "We have worked very closely with Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam in the past weeks to develop a new communication platform for Wyborowa. The agency presented a winning creative idea with great potential across different market cultures. With vodka being the hottest category among premium spirits and Wyborowa having an encouraging record track to date, we think that W+K, one of the most creative agencies in the world today, is the best choice for our brand." Ryan Lietaer, Group Account Director at Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam says: "This is a key win for us as it signals the start of a collaborative relationship with both the Wyborowa team and Pernod Ricard. There was real chemistry during the pitch process - Wyborowa is ambitious; they are expecting a lot from us. We're happy about that – we love a challenge and we're ready to go."