Extra, extra! SHOOTonline broke our big news today that we have signed husband and wife comedy directing duo Bick/Antzis to our roster for commercial representation! We are thrilled to be working with these amazing people who have some of the funniest ideas around. Head over to SHOOT’s website to get the whole scoop.
You know from reading our Social posts that we are so proud of the directors on our roster. They continue to tirelessly create amazing work that never fails to impress us. Today we add another amazing thing to this list of accomplishments, straight from the creative minds of our director duo Salazar. Nathan and Jeff have successfully raised the funds required to turn their short doc Wizard Mode (a Vimeo staff pick), a story about one of the best pinball players in the world who happens to have autism, into a feature film.
Robert Emilio Gagno, the short doc and feature film’s main subject, was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. Over time, Robert has become one of the best pinball players in the world, unlocking a hidden level in the game that only reveals itself to players who complete a series of lighting-speed challenges. Salazar writes that this story is unique and important because “though he [Robert] has many victories and the support of the pinball community, he seeks to find his independence as he comes of age. Robert tries to balance all of his real world responsibilities and still be a pinball champion, searching to unlock his own wizard mode.”
Their project has caught the attention of leading video-sharing platform Vimeo and Canadian film distributor Blue Ice Docs. Both have generously matched funding for the film, with Blue Ice Docs also sponsoring a theatrical release in Canada upon its completion.
Though Salazar’s fundraising campaign is complete, stay in the loop to learn more about the film’s theatrical release and how you can get involved. This is a film we’ll definitely be making our way to Canada to see. It exemplifies one of the things we love most about Salazar: their dedication to authentic storytelling and bringing out the humanity of each person they meet.
If you haven’t already, take some time to view the short doc above. Cheers to Salazar and this incredible project that’s truly deserving of all the support it has received so far: may we all unlock our inner wizard!
Pictured above-left: Pinball wizard Robert with Nathan and Jeff
Keith directed this incredible spot for Intel which was shot on location in various parts of Washington State, featuring the Bullit Center in Seattle, the windmills of the Columbia Basin and cornfields of Anacortes. The spot demonstrates Intel’s innovation in internet of things and surveillance technology. Many people made this spot possible and we are very proud to share it with you.
Keith recently headed down to Portland, Oregon to team up with our friends at Leo Burnett. The final product? A fun, fast-paced spot for Esurance that required some sweet wheels to shoot. Take a look!
Erik Waldman of Plank & Grain is a one-of-a-kind Seattle-based craftsman that we have been incredibly lucky to work with. Plank & Grain uses reclaimed wood from the Pacific Northwest to create unique pieces of furniture that are finished by hand. Three original tables now call our new office home!
We are committed to supporting local businesses and are excited to share this piece that showcases Erik, Plank & Grain’s craft and the beautiful pieces made just for our space.
Though we’re still finalizing some finishing touches, we’re excited to share that last week we finally moved into our brand new 8,200 square foot office. While we hash out the punch list, we’re happy to share a first look at the incredible space that we now call Workhouse HQ!
Some of our favorite features include the work of two local Seattle-based artists. First is an incredible mural by PSMOOV of Ten Hundred Art, which is the background to our basketball court (a great spot for a midday break). We’re lucky to be able to gather around one-of-a-kind tables by Plank & Grain for work, staff lunches and everything in-between.
The entire Workhouse family is invigorated by this transition and is ready to continue to create, produce and imagine in an inspiring, remarkable space. Stay tuned for more!
Last month Workhouse Creative made its very first appearance at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Our Executive Producer Eli Martin volunteered to spend five days attending seminars, events, and yacht parties while surviving on a diet consisting only of rosé and crostinis.
Well… that’s maybe a slight exaggeration… While in-between a packed schedule of events, Eli spent his time meeting with clients and directors, as well as making many new connections with the likes of the hundreds of agencies and companies represented at the festival.
Over the past few years, attending Cannes has become more about the events, parties and networking than the actual awards ceremony. Most of the people Eli met didn’t even have a pass and were focused on the countless other opportunities for professional development, networking, and of course, partying, all while under the warm Riviera sun (which in most cases included lounging on a beach). It seems that the best festival experience can be achieved without a pass, which hints at a new wave of festival-going in the future.
Pictured clockwise from above:
Eli met with our recently signed director Pascal Heiduk from Dussledorf. They were joined by Nathalie Winkler Executive Producer from no-o-agency.
Heard remarks from Andrew Freston, Vice’s Strategic Partnerships Director at the Carat/Vice panel.
Making new friends at the AdAge x TheTradeDesk party with Shayne Thomas Shayne Thomas (Principal, Founder at Le Bon Vivant Media), Anne Halllock (VP Marketing at TheTradeDesk) and Tina Greenberg (Freelance, Ad Sales).
Next is the Yahoo! Battle of the DJs Party. Who knew a sand dance floor would be so tricky to handle? Never thought we’d have to ditch our sensible shoes and go barefoot!
Some shots from the Opening Night Gala. We had the distinct honor of seeing Mary J Blige and Busta Rhymes. Next is Eli and new friends Hayley Ard (Head of Consumer Lifestyle, Stylus), Sandra Rivera (Lead Strategist, LatinWorks), and Rylan Holey (Partner Manager, Hootsuite) starting the Festival off right.
Finally, the spectacular view from a rooftop party.
Keith Rivers’ short doc Impact, A Boxer’s Story has received lots of love, lately — it premiered yesterday to a packed house at Uptown Cinema at Seattle International Film Festival! Prior to the doc’s screening in the festival’s annual ShortsFest, Keith spoke on a panel about marketing short films alongside director Greg Ivan Smith, producer Jimmy Loweree, and Jason Shondi, Vimeo’s Senior Manager of Curation and founder of Short of the Week. We’re thrilled Impact is being seen by so many audiences, and are grateful to SIFF for giving Keith an opportunity to share his experience.
Next up: Impact will screen at Woods Hole Film Festival in Cape Cod this July.
Learn more about Impact here.
Allen Stone is known for his soulful music — he’s a self-proclaimed “hippie with soul.” We had an awesome time working with him to film the official music video for his new song “Freedom.” Workhouse Creative owner Keith Rivers directed this piece, and our in-house cinematographer Max Magerkurth guided the camera seamlessly.
Allen performed five shows over the course of six days, gracing the stages at The Triple Door, Nectar Lounge, The Crocodile, Neumos, and The Paramount Theatre. We got to follow this mini-tour of Seattle, capturing him in the studio leading up to the performances, and get up close and personal in behind-the-scenes moments backstage right before his sets. We’re so grateful to Allen and Capitol Records for letting us be a part of this amazing artist’s evolution, and really look forward to seeing what tunes he whips up next.
“Freedom” is off Allen’s new album Radius, which is available everywhere on May 26.
Pictured above: Keith and Max on-location at The Paramount Theatre
This week we’re getting a little heartfelt in order to celebrate some of our favorite people — our moms! Just in time for Mother’s Day, we helped ULTA Beauty honor all moms in a branded story campaign, “My Beautiful Mom.” Keith Rivers directed this piece which asks “When was the last time you told your mom she’s beautiful?” According to ULTA, only 79% of people remember the last time they did. We had a great time helping ULTA help others spread some sweetness to all the incredible moms of the world.
“It was a privilege to tell this story and work with Mullen Agency,” Keith said. “I have a strong relationship with my mother and I think it’s a unique gift to be able to contribute and express my feelings through the way others have spoken about their moms.”
Here’s what people are saying about the piece:
