MonKeyArtAwards

Coincidence? We Don’t Think So!

Less than 48 hours after Los Angeles witnesses a rare annular solar eclipse, the CCO of Eclipse Advertising announces his resignation on Facebook.

Actual photo

Rumors! Get Your Piping-Hot, Half-Baked, 100% Fact-Free Rumors!

Chatter is rife with speculation that a certain Wilshire agency is boarding the bus to Splitsville. Not Kaputsville, as in “We’re going under!” but more like divorce a vinculo matrimonii, as in “I’m leaving and I'm taking the dog and the 52-inch flat-screen TV with me!” It sounds like we won’t be losing an agency, but rather gaining a new offshoot.

Meanwhile, Back At The Mill

Neville Burtis has left the Park.

As many of you know, Mr. Burtis and Pat Dillon were the founders of Art Machine, which was acquired by Trailer Park in a friendly takeover a couple of years ago.

According to our sources (which tend to be no more or no less mendacious than anyone else in this business) two Trailer Park execs who were former employees of Art Machine were most helpful in pointing out the location of the door and how to use it.

Meanwhile, Back At The Mill…

We heard a wild, unsubstantiated rumor that a certain studio is shaking up the bros and sistahs in their theatrical marketing department. (Okay, that’s just a straightforward rumor. The wild and unsubstantiated part is that they’re bringing in a truckload of illegal marketing execs from Guatemala to replace them.)

32 Years Is A Lifetime In This Business (Especially If You Are A 32- Year-Old Working In This Business)

We first heard of Intralink closing its doors on April Fools' Day, so naturally we doubted the veracity of the report. We have since had the story upgraded to Reliable Rumor status.

Please check our recently updated Edwina's Vendor Map for a respectful viewing of the recently installed tombstone.

In memorial, we are re-posting Intralink's mission statement, first seen here on MonKeyArtAwards on March 22, 2008:

Another Missionary Position Assumed

If you’re like us, you’ve always been a keen admirer of the sheer pomposity of this week’s Mystery Agency. So it hardly came as a surprise when we clicked on “ABOUT US” on their site and found they had gone like totally globular in their strategic thinking:

(Our) signature is a blend of established experience and cutting edge creative – (our signature blend is also available in decaf) offering a wide range of work in every film genre. (comedy: white background; drama: dark background) We provide our clients with strategic thinking and a unique knowledge of global needs that create a clear advantage for campaigns as they travel from their theatrical debut into subsequent windows of release.(right down to their final resting place in the $7.99 DVD bin on aisle three at Rite-Aid.)

Meanwhile, Back At The Rumor Mill…

If you're like us, you noticed a tantalizing string of comments that popped up under last week's Jerry Weintraub/HBO ad post:

Off topic: super secret meeting was held at "our place" on fiday afternoon. All bigwigs were there. Something is up.

Posted by: X | Saturday, April 09, 2011 at 10:36 PM

 

Super secret meeting? Something big is up? Whatever could it be?????

Studio collusion on pricing? Major layoffs? Agency mergers and closings?

That would truly be AWFUL! Had it not already happened. Trying to figure out what could happen that would be worse than what's come before.

Posted by: Anita Cocktail | Sunday, April 10, 2011 at 09:38 PM

 

Was "Smitty" there? Then you know it was important!

Posted by: Who's Who | Monday, April 11, 2011 at 09:26 AM

 

Is this wig too big for my tiny head?

Posted by: Jerry Weintraub | Monday, April 11, 2011 at 09:29 AM

 

Hey, what ever happened to http://www.aema.net/ (rhymes with enema)?

Posted by: Fee Fy Mo Mirley | Monday, April 11, 2011 at 11:07 AM

Mr. Ichan Laments

One of our readers sent us a link to Nikki Finke’s post regarding corporate rapist Carl Ichan’s blown fuse over the runaway spending at Lionsgate. Icahn is attempting a hostile takeover of the studio. His tender offer expires today, but a second offer commences Thursday and runs for two weeks. 

But, honestly, who cares about all that bidness stuff - if you’re like us, the most interesting thing in all this is the comment made by “Sarah” (see below).

Dear Members Of the Board:

In addition, the anecdotal evidence regarding the overspending in Lions Gate's corporate suite is the stuff of legend. A cursory review of recent press reports yields many references to   management's lavish new offices, their huge salaries and more than a few mentions of the Bentley driven by CEO, Jon Feltheimer. Sadly, however, one is hard pressed to find the stories detailing how manage- ment is committed to increasing earnings per share by attempting to boost revenues and cut costs. Reported "general and admin- istrative" expenses (which includes salary and overhead) increased from under $70 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 to over $180 in 2010. As a shareholder, I'm forced to ask how much longer this board of directors will allow the party in the management suite to continue. How long can management continue to claim "record performance" while cash flow remains anemic and the stock price remains in decline? Since the board is clearly unwilling to tell the Emperor he wears no clothes, it is left up to the shareholders to take action. We therefore intend to conduct a proxy solicitation to seek to replace the board with our nominees at the upcoming annual general meeting of shareholders. We are hopeful that a newly elected board will act expeditiously to replace management and hold the new team accountable for performance moving forward.

Sincerely yours,

CARL C. ICAHN

Comments:

It’s amazing that a co-head of marketing can get away with wedding expenses covered by a studio and vendors in this day and age. I’m not going to name names, but I bet Mr. Ichan knows. Oh wait, the freebie line shouldn’t end at a wedding, that’s just the most recent.

Comment by Sarah — Friday June 11, 2010 @ 9:55pm PDT

Meanwhile, Back At The Mill…

Apparently a certain ex-Crewster CD and AE have ankled their posts here and have gone over to here. We're not sure how many art directors they are taking with, but let’s hope no child is left behind.

Meanwhile, Back At The Rumor Mill…

Lots of chatter going on in our comments section regarding all those secret meetings in the Temple of Doom to set salary caps for freelancers.

We are not surprised, seeing as how the AEMA clearly states their mission:

"To collect and make available industry statistics, economic data and other similar information."

Even if all the rumors are true, we don’t see anything sinister afoot. This is about creative shops trying to stay afloat as the studios continue to cut budgets while still demanding the usual absurd volume of work. 

Ask yourself: if you were one of those REAL big shots who run the corporations that run the studios, how much would you think some bleary-eyed drone cranking out movie posters was worth?

An Inquiring Art Director Writes

Dear Edwina,

So... three quarters of the remaining print staff at Ant Farm (3 out of 4 people) just decamped to Eclipse, a breakdown house. Face saving lifeboat move, ahead of the axe? Or shrewd business decision? Discuss...

 

Don't Let The Door Hit You On The Ass On The Way Out Department

Today, Oren Aviv announced that he is resigning his post of president, Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production. 

Avis said, “As of today, I'm stepping down from my position as president of Production, Walt Disney Studios. I have loved every day that I have been at the studio and feel incredibly privileged to have been part of a team that enriched my life for 20 years.

I will miss all the amazing filmmakers, the many talented actors and most importantly the lifelong friends I've been so lucky to work with throughout my Disney career.

I'm proud of the hundreds of movies I've helped to make and market, especially the studio's upcoming films, from Alice in Wonderland and Prince of Persia to The Sorcerer's Apprentice and Tron. All have been extremely rewarding creative and personal endeavors for me, and have allowed me to work with the best group of executives and staff in the business.

I wish Disney, Bob Iger, Rich Ross and their new teams great success for many years to come.“

Rich Ross, chairman, The Walt Disney Studios stated, “Oren’s significant contributions to The Walt Disney Studios are well-documented and countless movie-goers have been entertained by his diverse portfolio of films,” said The Walt Disney Studios Chairman, Rich Ross. “We appreciate his work and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

A successor will be named at an appropriate time.

A Reader Writes

One of our readers wrote to tell us that a certain big name in entertainment advertising is "canning all their old AD's and replacing them with young, nubile, cheaper refugees" from a recently folded agency. (At first glance we misread this as they were caning all the old art directors and we were shocked, we tell you, shocked!)

Sadly, it is a common practice in businesses all across our once-great nation to replace experienced workers with newer, cheaper models. A twentysomething still living at home is willing and able to work an 80 hour week for a fraction of what a grown up with a mortgage and a family demands. And don’t get us started about the joys of running an unpaid intern into the ground.

That being said, we know nothing of a specific incident of canning - or caning - of old art directors taking place in our industry, however, we will leave it open for our readers to discuss this topic in their usual folksy, good-natured way.

Become A Better Surfer?!!

 From Nikki Finke's Deadline Hollywood:
 I've learned that Stephanie Allen, EVP of marketing at Fox Searchlight Pictures, is leaving after a decade there promoting Slumdog Millionaire, Sideways, Juno, Little Miss Sunshine, Napoleon Dynamite, and other pics. "Stephanie has decided to take a break from the movie business. She is already enrolled in graduate school, pursuing a Masters in Fine Arts, and also wants to become a better surfer. We will miss her mightily," an insider tells me. Fox Searchlight is in the process of finding her replacement.

High Noon At Crew

The chatter is off the charts today. Rumor has it that the bank pulled the plug on Crew Creative and they have until noon today to clear out of Dodge. 

Our deepest sympathies to all you rat bastard freelancers left unpaid.

For those wishing to review the gory details, we've attached a copy of the Chapter 11 Petition here.

 

This Just In...

Trailer Park Re-organizes Home Entertainment Division 

Matt Brubaker Takes on Additional Role and is Named President of Theatrical and Theatrical Home Entertainment and Mike Leathers to President of Television and Television Home Entertainment

Hollywood, Calif., Nov. 13, 2009

Trailer Park today announced a re-organization of its Home Entertainment Division.

“Our Client’s marketing organizations are evolving to drive greater efficiencies and results – its our responsibility as their agency partner to evolve our model as well,” said Trailer Park CEO, Rick Eiserman.

Effective immediately, Matt Brubaker, President of Theatrical, will take on the additional responsibilities of Theatrical Home Entertainment (feature films and direct to video films).

“Matt is an incredible talent and combining both the theatrical and home entertainment divisions under his leadership ensures we’re delivering our top creative product throughout the entire life of a film,” said Eiserman.

Additionally, Mike Leathers, President of Television will expand his role to include Television Home Entertainment (network and cable series on DVD).

“Mike has done a tremendous job since taking over as President of the television division less than a year ago. The addition of Television Home Entertainment is a natural evolution of his role,” Eiserman continues.

In conjunction with the promotions, Trailer Park announced the departures of Trailer Park execs Neal Spector and Joel Johnston.

"Neal and Joel have made countless contributions to Trailer Park and our clients businesses over the years. On behalf of Trailer Park’s management team and employees, I want to thank them and wish them well in their future endeavors.”

These changes follow the recent expansion of Trailer Park’s Advanced Content group which includes DVD and Blu Ray menus, content, games, apps and epk. Curt Doty, formerly of Universal Home Entertainment and Deluxe, leads the 65-person Advanced Content team.

Eiserman added, “Trailer Park is not only committed to home entertainment but continues to make significant investments in talent and resources to ensure we remain a valued partner for our clients as they navigate this ever-changing landscape.”

 
 Trailer Park, based in Hollywood, CA, is the entertainment industry’s leading entertainment marketing agency – a highly creative, collaborative agency spanning AV, Digital, Print/Design and Advanced Content. The agency's clients span theatrical, home entertainment, television, videogames, consumer products, and live events. For more information about Trailer Park go to http://www.trailerpark.com

Press Inquires: Dan Harary/Asbury PR 310/859-1831 asburypr@aol.com

Other Inquires: Rick Eiserman/Trailer Park rick.eiserman@trailerpark.com

So They Loaded Up The Truck And They Moved To Beverly. Boulevard, That Is

We have been woefully remiss in bringing our readers up to date regarding Crew Creative’s relocation. As far as we can determine (without actually having to get up off our asses and drive over there) Crew has indeed moved to new digs, signing a three year lease at 7966 Beverly Blvd, just west of Fairfax.

Details on the lease and the building can be found here.