Brilliant writer/directors: André Stringer

Looking back, April 7, 2008, was a very lucky day for me: That’s when I received a call from Tracy Chandler, who was the current executive producer for Shilo in NYC. Soon thereafter, we began a five-year collaboration that introduced me to scores of world-class talents. Chief among them was writer-director André Stringer, right alongside executive creative director Jose Sebastian Gomez.

About 10 years later, André wrote (along with Matt D’elia) and directed the amazing short film “The Attaché,” which has understandably earned a great deal of critical acclaim since its debut. From the film’s production details, here is a bit more about this extremely talented gentleman.

Read moreBrilliant writer/directors: André Stringer

Marketing Innovation: Under Armour

On July 17, top executives from the world’s major sports marketing companies gathered in New York City to honor the best in sports advertising, design and communications at the first-ever Clio Sports Awards. That night, Steve Battista proudly accepted the Brand Innovation Award on behalf of Under Armour, where he serves as senior VP brand creative. Behind the scenes, I know that many of the companies and talents I have had the privilege to work with are also celebrating this monumental win. For example, global creative agency ATTIK provided key support for Under Armour’s launch of Armour39 (wearable tech that helps you track your workout intensity), as did creative production company Shilo… which also produced many of the epic brand films (including the one above) that have made Under Armour’s YouTube Channel must-see TV for serious athletes.

A story by Austin Siegemund-Broka for The Hollywood Reporter chronicles the brand’s growing success, and offers this insight

Read moreMarketing Innovation: Under Armour

Case Study: Shilo

Last updated on Apr. 15, 2014: Shilo’s Filmmakers Shine Ever Brighter as Partners for Brands and Agencies Seeking Provocative, Original Commercials and Films

“Inspired and United Client and Agency Contacts Keep Global Media, Professional and Industry Targets In Steady Contact with Shilo’s Projects, Vibe and Culture”
See also: SHILO MEDIA COVERAGE

Shilo is an Emmy Award-winning creative production company representing a group of filmmakers led by director Jose Gomez. Internationally known for creating provocative, design-infused original film and HD video content, Shilo’s artists in New York and La Jolla, California, produce spellbinding short films, music videos and commercials for leading advertising agencies and brands. Shilo also published its own book in 2007 (“We Make It Good”) and curates the popular website WeMakeItGood.com.

Read moreCase Study: Shilo

Fireflies: For Those Who Suffer

For the sixth year in a row, 50 “Fireflies” will soon take to the coast of California to ride their bikes a grueling 550 miles in benefit of cancer research. They will depart San Francisco on September 27, and arrive into Los Angeles on October 2.

Cancer affects us all. Please consider helping the fight by making a donation here. Alternatively, you can view the project on Vimeo and make a “Tip Jar” donation using PayPal, where all funds will be directly transferred to the City of Hope research hospital.

Project credits for “For Those Who Suffer,”

Read moreFireflies: For Those Who Suffer

Great to know: Libby DeLana

Libby DeLana is a founding partner and creative at the next-generation branding firm Mechanica. I had the very good fortune of meeting her when my clients at Shilo first collaborated with Libby, her partners and their clients at Saucony on the inspirational project featured above. Through our exchanges formulating a PR strategy to promote the Saucony “Find Your Strong” campaign, I was exposed to the deep strategic thinking Mechanica invests into its work, as well as many facets of Libby’s personal talents. At the time, her photographs from Shilo’s location shoot blew me away, and since that first introduction, everything I’ve seen and experienced has made me even more of a fan.

For a bit more background, check out this 2009 profile of Mechanica from northshore magazine.

Q: What one trait or habit got you to where you are today? A: “A sunny disposition, a fierce belief that just about anything is possible and a touch of discipline.”

Read moreGreat to know: Libby DeLana

Shilo: Stronger, smarter, better

In April, creative production company Shilo delivered its patent commercial production brilliance far and wide. Enjoy the newest additions to the video slideshow above, which include the following. Saucony “What is Strong?” :60, director Andre Stringer’s first-ever TV spot for leading global performance athletic footwear and apparel supplier Saucony(R), via brand development firm Mechanica. The … Read moreShilo: Stronger, smarter, better

Happy F5 everyone!

This Friday and Saturday, April 15 and 16, the F5 Festival (a Motionographer.com initiative) will take over New York City’s Roseland Ballroom, where the presenters and attendees will be among the world’s finest filmmakers, artists and creative industry executives. I regret that I won’t be able to attend, but here are just a few highlights of the affair I’d be front-and-center for if I could.

Read moreHappy F5 everyone!

Please help save our supplies!

The video featured above is an SOS. It was first sent by DOC2DOCK, a non-profit organization that saves usable medical supplies from being discarded in the U.S. and sends them to hospitals in the developing world. Now, you can send the SOS further, and join the cause. Spread this SOS. Save Our Supplies. www.facebook.com/DOC2DOCK The … Read morePlease help save our supplies!

Visual poetry 1-2-3 punch from Shilo

Every day, the official Vimeo account for creative production company Shilo averages over 450 plays from fans, respected artists and leading creative people worldwide. Some of the work you’ll find there is extremely well known, while I’m sure you’ll be surprised by other featured projects. Today it’s my pleasure to share three videos that have factored largely into Shilo’s success to-date. First, above, behold Guinness “Spoken Word,” the quintessential Shilo commercial achievement created in 2008 in conjunction with Saatchi & Saatchi in London and Mark Hanrahan. This film directed by Andre Stringer has inspired new legions of fans for Shilo worldwide. Can you believe it was passed over by virtually every major awards show in 2009?

Read moreVisual poetry 1-2-3 punch from Shilo