Backyard Productions LA

WE'VE MOVED!!

2010-05-24T11:07:00.000-07:00

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Scottrade Character Headlines FOX News

2010-05-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

Backyard produces VeriSign's first broadcast campaign "Things We Check"

2010-05-07T10:08:00.000-07:00

Credits:

Client: VeriSign

Title: “Things We Check” :30

Airdate: Currently airing

Where Shot: Los Angeles, CA

Production Company: Backyard Productions, Venice, CA

Director: Phil Brown

DP: James Frohna

Producer: Jason Wolk

Exec. Producer: Kris Mathur

Advertising Agency: McCann Worldwide, Salt Lake City, UT

Exec Creative Director: Ted Tsandes

Group Creative Director: Ryan Brown

Copywriter: Paul Jacobsen

Art Director: Bren Postma

Agency Producer: Maria Garelli

Editorial Company: The Cutting Room, NY, NY

Editor: Chris Hellman

Editorial Exec Producer: Susan Willis

Phil Brown brings it together for Verizon

2010-05-05T10:56:00.000-07:00

Oh, baby! Spring in Palm Desert Part II

2010-04-27T10:59:00.000-07:00

Baby kangaroo mouse

Big lizard

Feeding baby humming birds

Rolling planet

Mountain goats on the rocks

Adam DuBrowa shoots with a pair of Nikon D-3 full-frame SLRs. As a DP with a career emphasis on documentary production, he lenses assignments for National Geographic, Discovery Channel and Fortune 500 companies on expeditions in science, nature, weather and social endeavors. Shooting high speed sequences of the latest technologies aboard the F-22 Raptors, F-18 Hornets, stealth fighters, Blackhawks, Seahawks and a diverse fleet of FEMA disaster operations aircraft has also proven him an accomplished aerial cinematographer.

Hey, Nice Goggles!

2010-04-16T10:17:00.000-07:00

Jeffrey Karoff & Karen Chen pause for a snapshot in a Detroit GM factory.

Signs of Spring in the Desert by Adam DuBrowa

2010-04-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

While documenting theriparian corridors of California after severe winter weather caused flooding,landslides, and mudslides to the region, my work took me to places in sixcounties in advance of spring's bloom. I was to document the damages associatedwith flooding, and the response to those communities and public entities thatwere affected. In doing so, I grew a profound appreciation for the desert, andthe wildlife that live in the unforgiving dynamic environment.

I began to see things in mysteps in search of the water's source, high notes of nature, and witnessed thegentle birth of the spring season. I saw nature coming out of its slumber, transforminginto spring, and I witnessed the sun grow the flowers, which grew thepollinators, which grew the predators. I was inspired by the quiet, simple, andbeautiful world of the desert.

Adam is freelancing at Backyard Productions in Venice, CA andcompleted principal photography on the feature documentary “Tapped,” an insidelook into the bottled water industry. His photography for a special National Geographic Society documentary on Grizzly Bear attacks comes out nextmonth. Currently, Adam is deployed on assignment photographing the Calexico,California 7.2 magnitude earthquake for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Learn more about his documenting the damage, as well as the federal, state, and local response to thedisaster here.

Losing Gravity

2010-04-09T09:58:00.000-07:00

What happens when an everyday slacker gets his heliumdose wrong? HELIUM MAN. Also the first narrative short by Backyard directorNick Piper which recently debuted with rave reviews in the comedy genre at theBeverly Hills Short Film Festival (and moving on to the prestigious AtlantaFilm Festival later this month).

Transitioning to shorts has been a long time coming forthe director who specializes in special effect commercials. But, it wasn'tuntil he had a dream based around the concept of losing gravity that gave himan idea worth committing to.

"Stock markets were crashing, the world wasspiraling into a recession. What next?" he said, "No moregravity?" It turns out that making one person float is a bit lesscomplicated than making gravity disappear altogether, and so the adventures ofHelium Man began.

For Nick, the easiest part was writing the story. On thecontrary, "Producing the bloody thing," he says in his 'Home of ChipButties' North England accent, wasn't exactly a walk in the park. Not to mentionorganizing technocranes, multiple camera crews, a rigging crane (the same onethat made Tom Hanks weightless in Apollo 13), and nearly 100 extras.

"I'm getting a producer for the next one," saysNick of the short which would have cost nearly $2M if it weren't for lots ofhelpful folks in the industry who volunteered time and gear.

Keep your eyes peeled for a feature...

Meet Backyard's Justin Lee

2010-04-01T15:27:00.000-07:00

All you need to know about Backyard's "Vault Guy" can be garnered from these pictures and the viral videos on www.gloriousinternet.com.

Backyard, baby!

2010-03-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

Gianna Todaro, daughter of long time Backyard freelancer Joel Todaro and his wife Krystyne, chows down in style sporting her Backyard Wear! Get it Little G!

GET A ROOM

2010-03-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

Jeffrey Karoff is directing an HIV PSA awareness spot called, Get A Room.

"I wanted to capture that blush of first lust and the inappropriate public behavior that accompanies it," Karoff says of the PDA laden PSA.

With the technique, inspired by Hockney’s photo collages, every image is a paste-up of multiple, motion frames highlighting the ‘It’s only you and me, babe’ feeling of young lust.

Using the Canon 5D has proven to be the perfect tool.

"When I’m out there, I look like a still photographer. My location scouts consist of me setting up a tripod to see if anyone kicks me out. So far, I’ve been pretty lucky. It’s been a liberating job in that I am shooting this myself, often with one assistant,” says the director.

New York editor Brandon Beck will do the composites and editing. The project is shooting over a long time span – Karoff will shoot a scene or two a week, then send to Beck for assembly – and so the interaction is lively. What a luxury.

Who wants ice cream!?

2010-03-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

Meet Our Intrepid CFO/General Manager, Alison Ivy Seligson

2010-03-12T15:23:00.000-08:00

Alison is a Southland native, hailing from the mean streetsof the Valley. Althoughtechnically a Valley Girl, she rarely uses the word “like” in a sentence andprefers the easy beach access of Venice. A great lover of NASCAR, Alison says “Jew Billy” is a much better way todescribe her. She loves thepeople, the power and the strategy involved in NASCAR. Alison and her husband recently watcheda race from the Pit at California Speedway.

In addition to being a racecar fanatic, Alison is anaccomplished singer. Aftergraduating high school, Alison shipped off to Maui to sing in lounges forseveral successful years. Managingher band in Maui is where she first discovered her business acumen. She returned to LA to study businesswhile also working for Lucas Films Commercials and other ad-relatedcompanies. With an MBA in tow, shegraduated from assistant to management positions in several commercialproduction companies, ultimately landing at Backyard. Her six-year mark as the company’s CFO/General Manager iscoming up this April.

In what little spare time she has, she still manages to booka singing gig or two for her band, James and Al (James being her brother).Check out their myspace page: www.myspace.com/jamesandal.

Dog Day Fridays.. and a Cat!

2010-03-05T11:23:00.000-08:00

More of our favorite four-legged companions...

SCOUT

The biggest love muffin there is. I have a little saying - It's Scout's world... we just live in it.

-Jen Shami, Freelance Production Supervisor

BUTTERS

This is Butters enjoying a weekend away in Palm Springs (it's really good he's outside as his owner shared that bulldogs this age, around 2, have intense gas!)

-Carr Donald, Proud Papa / Producer

NIKKO

Here is my four legged friend, Nikko... He is quite the little monster which makes him all the more loveable. He loves to be outside, take long walks in the grass, his guilty pleasure is seafood, and he can't resist a good back rub!

-Genevieve Adams, Receptionist at Backyard

COCO CHANEL

This is Coco Chanel Keenan in all her natural glory. About 4 years old.

-Peter Keenan, Mesmerist / Producer

Cobra in the Backyard

2010-02-26T10:44:00.000-08:00

Fresh off the course, recent first-time PGA tour winner, Ian Poulter, teamed up with Director Kevin Smith of Backyard for Cobra Golf Clubs in Palm Springs.

Talking with the talent, Ian Poulter

Poulter (@Ianjamespoulter) tweeted "Just finished the Cobra commercial, been a long but great day in Palm Springs, the commercials will be awesome," on Monday night.

David Feherty and Kevin Smith

David Feherty, broadcaster and former European and PGA Tour pro, has become the spokesperson for Cobra in a series of recent advertisements and also resides on www.cobragolf.com in the video blog "Face-off with Feherty."

Shawn Meaux: Director of Ops, Interior Decorator?

2010-02-25T09:36:00.000-08:00

Backyard's very own Director of Operations, Shawn Meaux was announced as Architectural Digest's Viewers Vote Award for their favorite use of fabric among reader submissions!

The wingback chair was found in a local thrift store badly in need of reupholstering.

The creative use of fabric won over the voters!

Shawn's passion for great design and vintage furniture shines through in his day-to-day work at Backyard, as he also oversees the development of Backyard swag. Congratulations Shawn!!

Carr's Durian Adventure

2010-02-19T12:38:00.000-08:00

One of Backyard’s latest spots took the crew to Singaporeand China, where we shot Minute Maid for BBH with pop star Eason Chan, who has become one of HongKong’s most dominant male singers earning multiple ‘Album of the Year’ awards.

Talking to the talent, Eason Chan. Great guy!

But between the filming andsightseeing was a stop to try what is revered in Southeast Asia as the Kingof Fruits.

Carr makes friends with the Durian vendor

“Durian is the stinkiest fruit alive – smells something likerotten onions that have been overcooked. Most Westerners vomit when they eatit,” says Producer Carr Donald.

Turns out that Carr actually liked it.

Despite the humidity and the 95-degree weather, the MinuteMaid shoot went great!

Smiles all around!!

Suze Orman Chronicles Her Shoot With Backyard

2010-02-16T14:45:00.000-08:00

Financial advice guru Suze Orman stars in a new, yet-to-air TD Ameritrade spot directed by Backyard's Don Rase. In 'Suze's Scrapbook' on her website, she gives a shout-out to Backyard in her visual diary of the retirement-oriented :30 out of Porter Novelli.

To view the full photo set, click here: Suze's Scrapbook and view 'January'

For the Dog Days of President's Day

2010-02-12T17:04:00.000-08:00

What good is a Backyard without any dogs sniffing around?To usher in the dog days of the long President's Day weekend, we offer you the resident companions of our own backyards:

CHARLIE

My mellow yellow Labrador Charlie recently starred in a Bayerspot I shot in Toronto.

-Phil Brown (Director)

OLIVE

Olive was a rescue, so when asked what breed she is I say "part chihuaha, part cute." Our best guess is chihuahua - dachshund - beagle.

-Karen Chen (Freelance Producer)

MAVERICK

Maverick is his own dog. You know the type.

-Roy Skillicorn, Partner

LOTUS

He is 1 year old and a true lover boy. I rescued him andgot him fixed last week, but the hormones haven't quite leveled off yet.He is wonderful with people and kids but still tries to climb aboard prettymuch every dog he sees.

-Virginia (Public Relations)

SYDNEY

A purebred Labrador, this girl was the runt of the litter-believe it or not. She will be celebrating her ninth birthday this May.

-Jason Wolk (Freelance Producer)

Kevin Smith Reports Non-Violent News for Milwaukee PD

2010-02-03T12:47:00.000-08:00

Backyard director Kevin Smith delivers benign local newscasts forthe Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) in two new 30-second PSAs, “Non-Shooting”and “Non-Assault” out of Cramer-Krasselt,Milwaukee, WI. The PSAs featuretongue-in-cheek newscasts about violence that never occurred to promote thatthere were 2,945 fewer crimes in Milwaukee last year; no laughing matter. The “Be A Force” PSA campaign is also arecruiting tool aimed at future area police officers.

SaysMilwaukee Police Chief Edward A. Flynn, “We are sharing the message that insome jobs, success is measured by what doesn’t happen. At the MPD, we had nearly 3,000 fewervictims of crime last year than the year before. That’s success that we want to share on a grand scale.”

Credits:

Client:Milwaukee Police Department

Titles:“Non-Shooting,” “Non-Assault” 2 X :30

ProductionCompany: Backyard, Venice, CA

Director:Kevin Smith

DP: RandyArnold

ExecutiveProducers: Blair Stribley, Peter Steinzeig

LineProducer: Peter Keenan

Co-Producers:Tim Fermino, Kelsi McIntyre, Cathy Chen

Agency:Cramer Krasselt, Milwaukee, WI

Exec Creative Director: Chris Jacobs
CreativeDirectors: Todd Stone, Michael Fazende

Art Director: Jim Root

EditorialCompany: Backyard, Venice, CA

Editor:Justin Lee

VFX Company:Transistor Studios, New York

ExecutiveProducer: Damon Meena

Head ofProduction: Andrea Sertz Jew

AssociateCreative Director: Aaron Baumle

Associate ArtDirector: Aaron Baker

Senior ArtDirector: Jamie Rockaway

AssociateProducer: Corrine Liebe

Digital Assets Manager: Andrew Adair

A Trend Worth Watching

2010-01-28T15:10:00.000-08:00

Trend:

1. a general tendency, movement, or direction

2. a current fashion or mode

vi: to show a tendency or movement toward something or in a particular direction

In a recent conversation with Backyard partner Roy Skillicorn, we touched on some trends worth watching, and some that are more dubious. Each is a hot topic on Twitter and in the trades, but Roy predicts that some will be a flash in the pan while others will “stick.” Some trends like iPhone technology, change our lives forever.

We asked him about commercials and 3D. “Some people think that 3D is to HD as color TV was to black and white,” Roy says. “I hesitate because I don’t know how many people want to put [the 3D] glasses on in their own homes.” That’s seemingly a small matter, but one whose answer will ultimately determine the future of 3D. He did find a recent 3D display for the out-of-home market (at the Boards Summit) that required no glasses; provocative, but not ready for prime time.

“Precision Marketing” is a trend Roy feels fits into the iPhone category of relevance: the movement toward marketing to individual customers rather than to a mass audience. “The whole concept of precision targeting – not blanketing the same message to thousands, but addressing people one-on-one, is more respected,” Roy explains. “Precision targeting allows you to convey a richer, more personal touch.” Ironically, the current phenomenon of Facebook actually harkens back to an earlier era where personal relationships reigned supreme. Facebook has spawned a movement – both for baby boomers and for youth – to be “much more apt to experiment with brands that have contacted them individually.”

The last trend we considered is the current movement toward personal reinvention in the marketplace. “Many people have lost their jobs because of belt tightening and/or their age, and they are re-inventing themselves. Many, facing a dreary job search are even starting their own companies. I see these people rejuvenated and it is inspiring.”

“There is a trend to tighten up and reduce the amount of waste in the work environment.” Perhaps in business, as in life, anything that doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…

Star Power Amidst L.A. Showers

2010-01-22T14:31:00.000-08:00

Despite all theexcessive rain and cold that has been plaguing Southern California over thepast week, our Choice Hotels shoot pressed on.

Backyard director Rob Pritts teamed up with John Ratzenberger, the trademark voice for Pixar Studios for one of the spots. A hero among voice actors, Ratzenberger is the only person to voice a character in each of Pixar Animation’s feature films including: John in WALL-E, Hamm in the Toy Story series, and Underminer in The Incredibles, to name a few. We are also huge fans of the star from his iconic role on "Cheers" as the bar know-it-all Cliff Clavin, a beloved character who also guest-appeared on "Frasier" and "the Simpsons."

Mac’s the word amongst ouragency guests from Leo Burnett, Chicago

By the time the spotsair all this rain will be a distant memory... Stay dry!

DAY TRIP TO SWEDEN WITH DIRECTOR JESPER ERICSTAM

2010-01-19T11:50:00.000-08:00

At work and at play, Backyard's Jesper Ericstam shares his daily routine from his home outside Stockholm to his office in the city. The warm-blooded Swede may have a secret life as a professional ice swimmer, when he's not creating his brand of visual comedy for spots.

a dip starts the day right

inspiration from the streets of Stockholm

BBH Shanghai is Ad Age China's AGENCY OF THE YEAR

2010-01-13T12:41:00.000-08:00

Our friends and colleagues at BBH Shanghai are getting well-deserved recognition for this past year's work, named by Ad Age China 2009 Agency of the Year. The agency is bringing American pop culture flair and experience to advertising for major International brands in the Asian market. ECD Johnny Tan and his team have worked tirelessly with Backyard on several campaigns including Minute Maid/Coca-Cola featuring pop singer Eason Chan, and multiple LG work including the recent "Portal" featuring scenes from blockbuster "Avatar." Congratulations! http://adage.com/globalnews/article?article_id=141483

No rest for the wicked, bringing in 2010

2010-01-07T16:43:00.000-08:00

While revelers were prepping for bon vivant bashes to drop-kick 2009, Backyard was sampling craft service, busy filming on the mean streets of LA. New Year's Eve was celebrated in a film lab with dailies from our recent GM shoot for Leo Burnett, Detroit, with director Nick Piper.

"We thought it was a nice distinction to be the last commercial shoot of the decade in LA county," notes Backyard partner Blair Stribley. "We are taking this as a good omen for the decade to come."

Happy new year!

BABY, IT'S WARM OUTSIDE

2009-12-23T14:54:00.000-08:00

Backyard staff and directors met on our Venice rooftop last week to celebrate the holidays with a few friends, lots of delicious food and good cheer. With Blair manning the grill, revelers feasted on steaks, shrimp and portabello mushrooms. Shawn decorated for the occasion, creating an inviting space for relaxation and reflection. Everyone is grateful for a solid year, and looking forward to a better year ahead.

And if the person who brought the incredible apple pie can share the source, we'll be back for more...

BACKYARD’S PRITTS JOINS THE BATTLE FOR AVATAR AND LG

2009-12-16T10:05:00.000-08:00

Backyard director Rob Pritts brings one cell phone shopper knee-deep into the alien world of Avatar in a new :30 “Portal,” for LG out of BBH, Singapore. Promoting the new LG Chocolate phone and the upcoming James Cameron sci-fi epic, the spot features in-movie action as the shopper flees from a vicious creature on the planet of Pandora. Avatar opens nationwide this Friday, December 18^th.

“Portal” opens inside a suburban mall at an LG kiosk. A young man approaches the kiosk where a new LG Chocolate is on display, playing a scene from Avatar in beautiful HD. He picks up the phone, marveling at the HD LCD screen, and is suddenly thrust into an intergalactic wormhole. Transported almost instantaneously to the jungle planet of Pandora, the man stands stunned—and still holding the phone—amidst lush ferns and towering trees. From out of nowhere, a dinosaur-like creature of skyscraper proportions rises above him, ready to pounce. Two azure skin-toned characters from the film appear to scream, “Run! Definitely run!” The young man does, hurling himself off of a waterfall, back through the wormhole returning to the mall kiosk where he stands panting and soaking wet. Passersby stare, unaware of his split-second intergalactic journey. A voiceover concludes, “Feel like you’re there with the 4-inch, HD LCD Chocolate. See things differently.” The Avatar and LG logos appear, accompanied by LG’s tag, “Life’s Good,” closing out the spot.

Credits:

Client: LG

Products: LG Chocolate phone and “Avatar”

Title: “Portal” :30

Airdate: December 13, 2009

Where Shot: LA

Production company: Backyard Productions, Venice, CA

Director: Rob Pritts

DP: Christophe Lanzenberg

Producer: Carr Donald

Exec. Producer: Kris Mathur

Advertising Agency: BBH, Singapore

Executive Creative Director: Johnny Tan

Head of Production: Rebecca So

Creative Director: Kelly Pon

Producer: Krystie Koh

Editorial Company: N/A

Editor: Bob Mori, Santa Monica, CA

Visual Effects Company: Radium, Santa Monica, CA

Exec Prod: Jeff Blodgett

###

MURAKAMI and McG TEAM UP WITH BACKYARD TO TURN ART INTO POP

2009-12-15T11:28:00.000-08:00

Japanese artist/producer Takashi Murakami and Hollywood heavyweight director McG join forces in a new, Tokyo pop art-infused short film, “Akihabara Majokko Princess,” installed at the Tate Modern’s current exhibit, “Pop Life: Art in a Material World.” Produced by Murakami and Venice, CA-based Backyard, the short features an effervescent Kirsten Dunst “turning Japanese” in Tokyo’s assault-to-the-senses Akihabara shopping district. Daniel Rappaport of Management 360° and Backyard’s Eriks Krumins executive produced this unique, smile-inducing project.

Like an anime character brought to life, Dunst is the blue-haired embodiment of eye candy, dancing in the streets and singing “Turning Japanese” by 80’s new wave/pop band, The Vapors. Brimming with colorfully clad Japanese hipsters, “Majokko Princess” takes viewers on a whirlwind tour of Akihabara where karaoke, video games, plush toys and animé rule. ###

Backyard Talks China at the Boards Summit

2009-12-14T10:42:00.000-08:00

Owner Blair Stribley, Director Rob Pritts and Producer Carr Donald were joined by Exec. Creative Director Johnny Tan of BBH, Shanghai to present a workshop on "Four Things You Need to Know About Working in China" at the 2009 Boards Summit conference in NYC.

The panel gave the audience of prodcos and post attendees a snapshot of the necessary ingredients for a successful venture into this increasingly important market. Transcending cultural differences requires a well-connected local partner and an understanding of the determined work ethic the Chinese advertising industry exemplifies. The result is respected relationships with Chinese agencies -- plus campaigns with American flair for brands including Coca-Cola and LG.

PHIL BROWN’S AMBIEN WINS TOP PRIZES AT CLIO HEALTHCARE AWARDS

2009-12-08T11:14:00.000-08:00

Venice-CA based Backyard director Phil Brown and Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness took home the top honors for Ambien “Silence Your Rooster” at the first-ever Clio Healthcare Awards held last month in New York. Winning Gold and the Grand Clio, the visual spot features an insomniac attempting to ignore a needy rooster hounding her in the middle of the night. For a complete list of winners: http://www.cliohealthcare.com/winners/pdfs/2009_CLIO_Healthcare_Winners_Book.pdf