A 30-SECOND CUBS SPOT, “Fly the W,” created by Chicago Cubs’ agency Schafer Carter Condon (SCC) featuring the narration of injured Cubs catcher Kyle Schwarber, was designed to get fans excited about the Cubs’ National Division Series playoffs starting Oct. 7.
And it did it ever! — the spot was a hit waaaay out of the park, beyond anyone’s expectations, by garnering an amazing two million-plus views since it was posted on Facebook a scant two weeks ago.
The flag “is the fabric that brings an entire nation together,” Schwarber says. “It says to the world, we will never lose faith … and maybe this October, if we fly it high enough, and loud enough and proud enough, well, you get the idea.”
Was SCC’s CD Ron Sone, who created the spot with CD Michael Dorich, surprised at the overwhelming reaction? “No, just at the speed it caught on,” he says. And those two million hits were only from a Facebook posting, although the spot also appears on other social media outlets.
Led by SCC’s executive producer Leroy Koetz, who directed, the agency filmed at Wrigley Field and throughout the city.
Editorial was handled by Conspiracy, with The Mill providing special effects and color correction. View the spot here.
TWO FORMER SECOND CITY mainstage and iO Theatre performers sold their sitcoms to NBC Universal, that will produced by “Late Night’s” host Seth Meyers producing both shows for the network.
The untitled comedy from writer / actress Amber Ruffin, A “Late Night with Seth Meyers” staffer, is about a has-been sibling singing group from the ‘80s who make ends meet by writing jingles and performing their old hits at parties.
Former “SNL” writer / performer Michael Patrick O’Brien’s Comedy “AP Bio” centers on a former philosophy teacher who takes a job teaching AP biology and uses the people in his life who have wronged him.
Ruffin will co-produce with Meyers and O’Brien will be an EP with Meyers, giving the host his first EP credit on a major broadcast series, Variety reports.
Northwestern alum Meyers is also a former iO Theatre performer and worked with the traveling troupe Boom Chicago. He was an “SNL” head writer 2001 to 2014 and hosted news parody segment, “Weekend Update.”
LEVIATHAN’S INTEGRATED CAMPAIGN for the Art Institute aimed at boosting attendance at one of the world’s top-ranked museums by TripAdvisor, includes videos, digital and social media and print.
One of the videos shows how a new digital installation in the Art Institute’s Ryan Learning Center can be used by families to help make visits to the museum more fun and educational for both kids and adults.
FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHER VICTOR SKREBNESKI will be interviewed Oct. 13 at a luncheon program by Chicago Tribune columnist Rick Kogan at the Union League Club. The Chicago native will talk about two of his books, “Ageing,” in which he explores memories from his lengthy and distinguished career, and “Seduced,” a sampling of many of his images of beautiful models.
Presented by the Union League Club’s Authors Group, the event starts with an 11:30 a.m. reception, lunch and program at noon. Books will be available for purchase and autographing. Tickets are $42 and may be purchased here.
REEL INDIANAPOLIS. Actor Brian Dennehy will receive the Pioneering Spirit: Lifetime Achievement Award from the Heartland Film Festival, Oct, 20-30, celebrating its 25th year, at the AMC Castleton Square theatre.
Also scheduled to appear are actors Jessica Biel, John Rhys-Davies and Alan Thicke.
The festival will showcase 138 films, chosen from a record 2,535 film submissions from 92 countries, over 11 days of red carpet premieres, events and parties at venues across Indianapolis.
Having thrived for 25 consecutive years, says Craig Prater, Heartland Film president, “The festival is a testament to the on-going passion and support of our sponsors, moviegoers, board members, volunteers and staff.”
WHAT’S YOUR NEWS? Share your latest work, staff changes, awards, et al with our coast-to-coast readers with an email to ruth@reelchicago.com or call 312/274-9980.
