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In-depth PR case study materials follow. Last Updated 19 November 2024
Unique insights and actionable ideas from The Darnell Works Agency’s daily quest for greatness.
I freely admit to being a pretty big fan of Malcolm Gladwell. Still, like many people, his recent comments on The Diary Of A CEO podcast left me wondering exactly why he was trashing the idea of working from home. In the episode’s headline, he blames this phenomenon for “destroying” us. Within the in-depth conversation with host Steven Bartlett, the New York Times best-selling author overtly doubts our abilities to contribute to society, to fashion meaningful lives, and to engage professionally, from outside corporate offices.
That is the scene writer-director Josh Swade and his collaborators plunge us straight into, turning deep admiration and their all-seeing camera toward the world famous Ricky Powell, who lived that feverish dream until leaving us a year ago today at the age of 59. On film,
Read moreJosh Swade and Friends, Thanks for the Inspiring Ricky Powell Documentary
For American high school students of the mid-80s, “cable” and MTV radically impacted our perceptions of the world – and of the realm of possibilities. Driven, determined, ambitious, and male, my own dreams of success (focused in aerospace – and/or show business) took high-contrast form under the spells of John Hughes, Randal Kleiser, George Lucas, and Steven Spielberg. “Risky Business” was another phenomenon of time-space that refracted my aspirations. When the bold “Real Genius” and the ridiculous and ballsy “Top Secret!” appeared on HBO, I was star-struck. Next came “Top Gun,” and the alchemy of Cruise, Kilmer and their like cinematically orchestrated by master storytellers subconsciously seized control of my outlook.
Thus inspired, I brought my A-game to the film and television industry. Along the way, through digitalization, cameras became more accessible. Despite not being in position to direct my own “National Lampoon,” I could shoot stuff for fun, experiment, and document my life.
It winds up, while he was living the life millions dreamt about, heartthrob and “Einstein of the 80s” (according to the “Real Genius” poster) Val Kilmer was also shooting stuff for fun, and documenting his life.
Read moreTing Poo and Leo Scott, Thanks for the Val Kilmer Documentary
Filmmaker and photographer Ben Strang joined the directorial roster of one-stop cross-media production company Sarofsky in 2019. As a director of both scripted and documentary works, Ben’s stories are born from the unique locations and individuals he has encountered as an independent photojournalist for over a decade. His scripted pilot “Beast” won the SXSW Grand Jury Award for Best Independent Episodic, and his latest documentary series “A Mystery To Me” won a 2021 Cannes Lion, and was selected as a Vimeo Staff Pick, as you can see here.
DWA principal Roger Darnell had the great honor of serving as a judge for the 2021 World Wildlife Day Film Showcase: Forests. “It is a wonderful feeling,” he said, “knowing that so many gifted storytellers and supporting organizations are dedicated to informing and educating the world on the importance of forests and conservation.”
Read moreExperience the 2021 World Wildlife Day Film Showcase on 3 March
To be perfectly honest, I didn’t know how much I needed this film in my life. Expertly directed and produced by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker (“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “Seabiscuit”) Frank Marshall, “The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” is currently streaming on HBO Max. Chronicling the triumphs and hurdles of the phenomenal brothers Gibb, otherwise known as the Bee Gees, esteemed producers also include Nigel Sinclair, Jeanne Elfant Festa, and Mark Monroe.
I was only about five when Barry, Maurice and Robin had their first number one hit in the USA: “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart.”
Read moreFrank Marshall: Thank you for the much-needed Bee Gees documentary
Street Level Photography was born as a community of photography enthusiasts, with particular interest in street photography. On its popular YouTube channel, you will find various contents: Top Selection photo galleries; reviews of books and photographic products; video tutorials to improve photographic techniques; chronicles of photographic travel experiences, and much more. All these themes are fully explored through the common lens and language of photography.
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.