Orbitz names Havas AOR
Havas Chicago announced Tuesday that its culture-based approach was among the factors helping the Chicago shop earn agency of record status for Orbitz.
Havas Chicago has created award-winning, culturally relevant campaigns for its deep roster of iconic American brands including Coca-Cola, Craftsman, Hefty, Reynolds, Ragu, and Sears.
The decision follows a competitive agency selection process, with more than ten agencies reviewed, as Orbitz, owned by Expedia, looks for new ways to set itself apart in a very crowded marketplace. Havas Chicago will take on digital, social and creative content responsibilities.
In its comprehensive search for a new partner, the Chicago-based company sought to partner with an agency to help drive awareness of its brand promise and value proposition, challenge the status quo and bring a new perspective to the online travel space to drive growth and build brand preference with U.S. travelers.
“Beyond the extensive capabilities, Havas Chicago brings to the table, they demonstrated a clear understanding of our needs and positioning in a cluttered industry,” said Carey Malloy, the brand’s newly appointed Brand Marketing Director. “It was like a first date, where both sides just clicked. Havas Chicago delivered on values, transparency and energy that are all similar in our brand philosophy.”
Ramses Meijer, General Manager of Orbitz echoed Malloy’s enthusiasm. “The team at Havas Chicago delivered solid concepts, and its social media strength is exactly what we are looking for.” Their mission to invigorate great American brands is what we need to energize Orbitz in an innovative way.”
In addition, a top priority is to drive consumer awareness of Orbitz’s loyalty program, Orbitz Rewards. The company selected Havas Chicago because of the agency’s clear read on today’s cultural insights and the synergy between the brand and agency teams. Havas Chicago will work in lockstep with Carey Malloy, the brand’s newly appointed Brand Marketing Director, to create market impact.
“Cultural relevance isn’t something you can fake,” says Tatia Torrey, president and chief client officer of Havas Chicago. “Our approach is deeply rooted in contemporary culture which allows us to be the best partner to brands like Orbitz — a brand that is looking to re-energize its connection with travel consumers. We consistently remain at the forefront of trends, making culture rather than borrowing from it, and we look forward to bringing this value to Orbitz.”
Havas Chicago plans to launch the first campaign in partnership with Orbitz in 2018.
Mode Project Enlists SG+Partners for Representation
Chicago-based shop, Mode Project, known for its design, motion and storytelling chops, announced earlier this month that it’s signing with Sarah Gitersonke, owner of SG+Partners, for exclusive representation.
Mode’s body of work includes commercial and content for Nestle, CDW, Johnson & Johnson, Coors Light and were the key creative partner to the presidential campaign of Barack Obama, directing the design of the iconic Obama logo and producing over 200 broadcast spots + digital content.
“I’m beyond thrilled to have the deeply-experienced talent at Mode join the SG+P collection”, says Sarah Gitersonke. “Agencies and brands are increasingly looking for all-in-one solutions for the evolving media landscape,” adding, “Mode has the capacity to solve a lot of these challenges across both Animation / Design and live action, without compromising the work.”
Mode Project’s 3,700 square foot state-of-the-art studio is located in downtown Chicago’s River North neighborhood and houses a staff of editors, 2D / 3D Designers, Animators, two private client presentation suites and a space to shoot table-top setups for both stills and motion.
By partnering with SG+P, Mode Project joins the firm’s growing roster of soup to nuts creative solutions including Strange Loop Studios, Noise Floor, Willow House Films / Providence VR and Picturelab.
Tracy Heropkie, Mode’s Project’s Executive Producer said this to The Reel, “We’re excited about working with Sarah because of her experience as a problem solver, and her history of providing solutions that represent a true value to clients who are seeking nimble and streamlined approaches to creative work.”
Luci Creative announces three key additions
Chicago-based design firm Luci Creative recently announced the addition of three new additions. This includes art director Jaime Hotz, senior graphic designer Sarah Anderson and exhibit developer Chaucey Slagel.
Hotz will leads the graphics department, ensuring each project has a clear and engaging visual style and identity. Previously she spent the last eight years as Senior communication designer for Shedd Aquarium. Hotz earned her Master’s degree in Design and Visual Communications at Pratt Institute, with undergraduate studies in Theater Design at the University of Wisconsin.
Anderson, who holds a BFA in photography, joins Luci from the Indiana Historical Society, where she began in 2004 as a digital imaging technician. For the past nine years, she has worked collaboratively with historians, exhibit designers, fabricators, multimedia generators and curators to develop interpretive experiences and environmental graphics.
Slagel who is currently studying The History, Philosophy, and Social Science of Science and Medicine at the University of Chicago, will take on a new role as exhibit developer for Luci, where her approach to research, development and writing supports the growing firm’s projects by illuminating the key stories that propel exhibit experiences to new heights.
Luci Creative’s executive director AJ Goehle told Reel Chicago, “The recent success of our projects is a reflection of our growing and talented team,” Goehle began. “The newest associates to join our team not only add strength and depth to our roster, they also bring experience and perspective from some of the country’s most prestigious cultural institutions.”
Video of the day
This promo for Stephen Colbert’s new Showtime animated President Trump series, Our Cartoon President, actually debuted a couple of weeks ago. But we never get tired of looking at it.
Contact Colin Costello at colin@reelchicago.com or follow him on Twitter @colincostello10.
