SYNOPSIS: ART & COPY is a powerful film about advertising and inspiration. Directed by Doug Pray (SURFWISE, SCRATCH, HYPE!), it reveals the work and wisdom of some of the most influential advertising creatives of our time — people who’ve profoundly impacted our culture, yet are virtually unknown outside their industry. Exploding forth from advertising’s “creative revolution” of the 1960s, these artists and writers all brought a surprisingly rebellious spirit to their work in a business more often associated with mediocrity or manipulation: George Lois, Mary Wells, Dan Wieden, Lee Clow, Hal Riney and others featured in ART & COPY were responsible for “Just Do It,” “I Love NY,” “Where’s the Beef?,” “Got Milk,” “Think Different,” and brilliant campaigns for everything from cars to presidents. They managed to grab the attention of millions and truly move them. Visually interwoven with their stories, TV satellites are launched, billboards are erected, and the social and cultural impact of their ads are brought to light in this dynamic exploration of art, commerce, and human emotion.
This is an interesting film on three levels:
>>It provides a solid foundation for understanding the history and role of marketing in building successful products. Successful products are not born, they are created. You need more than just a “If we build it, they will come” philosophy.
>> Reinforces the notion that great marketing is essential and everything else is probably just a waste of time and money. Real marketing is not about how big the logo is, it is about you change the emotional experience of the audience.
>> Inspirational on a number of different levels. If you’re a parent of a artist child trying to find their roots, have them watch this documentary with you (caution – they occasionally use some rough language). If you’re the creative type, you will walk away feeling empowered. If you are a filmmaker, you should say, “I want my films to look this this.”
Art & Copy is a movie you will want to buy, add to the library, and watch over and over. So, shell out the $10, the small price of sandwich, fries, and coke. It is available through Apple iTunes, as well as other sources (Netflix).
Make sure to check out Live The Dream Films for other documentaries and Social Filmmaking actvities.
