MonKeyArtAwards

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 [email protected]

Other Inquires: Rick Eiserman/Trailer Park [email protected]

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.

Cruise In, Cruise Out

We hear that certain cable television print AE mentioned in our July 17th post has joined up with her CD and settled in at an agency on Cahuenga Blvd. West, along with as many as twenty other stafflings.

We could be wrong about the destination and the number of stafflings (unfortunately, our sources are as mendacious as we are) but we are certain about their departure from Wilshire Blvd. Did we say departure? We meant to say exodus.

 

Duck And Cover Your Ass

If you’re like us, you never know whose what is going to end up where these days. We hear that a certain cable television print AE has decamped for another agency.

We wonder which stafflings will follow in her wake?

Who Cut My Cheeses?

We go away for just one day and we come back to find our cozy little blog overrun with unpleasant comments. It is most vexing how one or two Philistines can stink up the whole room. 

Once again, we ask you ladies and gentlemen to please refrain from using MonKeyArtAwards as a venue for making nasty, personal remarks about your esteemed colleagues… that’s what your weekly staff meetings are for.

We Are All Brothers And Sisters In This Jungle

We offer up MonKeyArtAwards as a public forum, and while we encourage anonymity, gossip and unmuzzled biting of the hand that feeds us, we do not abide personal attacks on individuals. 

Cordially yours, 

Edwina Trout

Crew Statement

The following is an on-the-record statement from inside the walls of Crew Creative.  If you only read this blog, you would think that Crew has only a couple of employees left and has a tumbleweed blowing past the entrance.  But, in fact, we are fully staffed, we are busy with work, and we are looking to the future.

Dear Colleagues,

On May 26, Crew Creative filed for Chapter 11 Reorganization (not closing our doors). First and foremost, we want to assure all our clients, vendors, and associates that the company has been recapitalized by our Lender to continue operations at the highest level. Our loyal team remains intact and is committed to providing the best creative solutions and client service in the entertainment industry (we’ve downsized slightly, but still have over 100 of the most talented people in the business).

Crew is in the process of restructuring its debt and hopes to emerge from Chapter 11 by the Fall of this year. This reorganization resulted from a failed merger attempt in 2008 to quickly grow the company just prior to one of the worst economic times in decades (so much for timing).  We have developed a new plan centering around our core businesses within the industry that will allow us to remain one of the strongest shops in town (focus on creativity and service, not world domination). 

We understand and embrace the challenge before us. We believe the path we have chosen will best serve all parties, including our trusted clients, vendors, and our dedicated associates (we are working tooth and nail to protect the value of the company for the creditors, vendors and freelancers).  We thank you for your support as we continue to focus on what we do best, which is Entertainment Marketing.

Jack (Jennifer and Charles)

Where Wolf? There Wolf!

Word of Damon Wolf opening shop at Cimarron oozed into our mailbox over the weekend. If all rumors are true (and when are they not?) Mr. Wolf is making the move to Chairman Farina’s shop with some Crew creatives and clients in tow.

Re: The CREWcifixion

Hi Edwina, this is a message to all those anonymous posters RE: the Crew Creative situation...

Hello Haters,

My name is Jordan Rishel & I was an employee of Crew Creative from 2000-2007.

What bothers me is that 99% of you don't have the guts & or balls to post your real names with all that trash talk... and if you were face to face with any of the people your talking about, you'd tuck your tail between your legs & walk away without saying a word.

In regards to James the barking mad AE... why would you want clients to stop giving work to Crew?  If you are really concerned about the freelancers then you would know that having Crew succeed is the best way for them to get paid.  Also, what about the 100 employees who will lose their jobs if clients stop giving them work?  Step your game up buddy & quit crying.

If your a freelancer that didnt get paid... I feel for you since I had been freelancing for the past 1.5 years & have had problems recently being paid by some agencies...  but that is LIFE, so deal with it... you should have more clients than just Crew Creative anyway.  Be thankful your not on the side of the road with a bouquet of flowers in one hand & tube socks in the other trying to make ends meet.

In regards to Crew, I am not worried about them at all...they are going back to focusing on what they do best, creating posters.

I love Damon, I've known him for 10 years now... he's a great guy & will land on his feet wherever he goes... But a correction must be made to a post that I saw... the heart & soul of Crew isnt one individual but a TEAM of people who do what they have to do to get the best work out there no matter what it takes.  One person didnt make that company grow from 5 people to a 100+... a TEAM of people made that happen... and if you believe otherwise, your absolutely delusional & should probably be in an institution of some sort.

Folks want to lay blame on one person for what has happened but thats impossible to do & YOU ALL KNOW IT.

A word of advice to the haters, LOVE something for a change... your life & happiness will improve exponentially.

Step your game up & get back to work.

Love,
Jordan