Unique insights and actionable ideas from The Darnell Works Agency’s daily quest for greatness.
by Roger Darnell ..Challenge.. In hindsight, it’s clear that few films in the history of motion pictures have been as successful as “Shrek 2” from DreamWorks Animation SKG. When development and production began on the film, closely following on the heels of its big green 2001 “Shrek” predecessor, a global marketing workforce was spurred into … Read moreMarketing Case Study: “Shrek 2”
They had hidden cameras, water and Mars bars. It was inspiring, scary, enlightening and stupid (at times). See how it turned out.
..Challenge.. From all reports, the feature film (and marketing) phenomenon that is known as “The Blair Witch Project” began with a group of dedicated, talented and resourceful filmmakers who were intent on using every asset at their disposal to make a successful film under their banner of Haxan Films.
by Roger Darnell ..Challenge.. Although modern studio films often have a marketing budget that exceeds $20 million, the marketers behind “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” had to make due with only $1 million. The executive team included IFC Films’ Bob Berney, producers Paul Brooks, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, plus Cynthia Rhea and her colleagues … Read moreMarketing Case Study: “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”
Last updated in 2006: Elite U.S. Commercial Production Company Elevates Position, Delivers Award-Winning Work for Top U.S. Agencies
“Strategic Two-Year Public Relations Campaign Designed and Executed by The Darnell Works Agency Helped Tool Maximize and Expand Its Success”
See also: TOOL MEDIA COVERAGE
Since 1995, Santa Monica-based Tool of North America has established itself among the leading U.S. commercial production companies, representing top commercial directors including Erich Joiner, Tom Routson, Oscar-winning cinematographer Bob Richardson and several other creative all stars. During the time the DWA campaign was in effect (April 2004 through May 2006), Tool also operated satellite company Paranoid Projects: Tool, which provided U.S. representation for directors Poiraud and Francois Vogel.
Executive Summary
Among many high-profile accomplishments during DWA’s two-year tenure as the PR agency of record for Tool of North America and Paranoid Projects (2004-2006), Francois Vogel’s HP “Picture Book” campaign was named Adweek’s Campaign of the Year for 2004… and also landed him in Creativity Magazine’s feature that year on the world’s hottest emerging directors. The public and media relations campaign diligently promoted commercial projects of the highest order, from top agencies, major brands, and Tool’s all-star roster of directors.
When I invented this blog five months ago, I sought to investigate the intersections of marketing, science, technology and entertainment with the objective of unearthing some practical, actionable data that would be readily useful. It’s my pleasure to dig deeper into the field of science today with a pointer to the website for Project Exploration.
Read moreClick along with a scientific expedition, right now…
Last year, San Francisco ad agency Goodby, Silverstein & Partners hatched an idea for its clients at Hewlett Packard’s Digital Photography division which has led to some truly phenomenal results. Collaborations with the talented French director Francois Vogel, which began in 2003 in the development of another award-winning television commercial entitled “You”, produced a new … Read moreCase study on TV’s most beloved ad campaign…
“Showcased Spectacular Achievements and Unique Market Position”
See also: MEDIA COVERAGE
Troika Design Group was a multidisciplinary, award-winning design company in Hollywood consisting of designers, producers, animators, editors and conceptual thinkers who specialized in network branding, promotional and advertising campaigns and show packaging. The DWA public relations campaign ran from February through August of 2004.
Executive Summary
At the beginning of 2004, DWA was retained by Troika Design Group as the PR agency of record to package news and pursue targeted editorial opportunities. Beyond earning online and print recognition throughout the international design, advertising and entertainment industries, Troika also earned three 2004 Gold BDA Awards and one Silver for their work for KCET, DIRECTV and Fine Living Network.
Lasted Updated on June 1, 2003: Grammy-Winning Composer Leverages Past Recognition and New Achievements to Successfully Relaunch Commercial Music and Sound Design Company
“Strategic Public Relations Campaign Designed and Executed by The Darnell Works Agency Helps Endless Noise Command Uncommon Success”
Endless Noise: a Hollywood-based commercial music and sound design company serving the global advertising industry’s most prestigious agencies.
Executive Summary
As the PR agency of record for Grammy-winning producer and composer Jeff Elmassian from 2001 to 2003, DWA was charged with successfully relaunching music and sound design company Endless Noise. In 2002, the company earned a Gold Clio Award, an International ANDY Award, an International Monitor Award, AICP Show recognition and the London International Advertising Award for Best Sound Design (to name but a few) for their phenomenal work on Nike “Freestyle,” then went on to earn the 2003 Cannes Lion for Excellence in Music, recapture its second-straight D&AD Silver Award for Use of Music in TV and Cinema Advertising Crafts, and also score an International Andy Award in the TV category and a One Show Awards Bronze — all for their work on Nike “Before.”