CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Optimus Editor Ruben Vela II recently cut three PSAs that were the focal point of the “Feed the Pig” financial literacy campaign created pro bono by KBS+ for the Ad Council and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPAs), the world's largest member association representing the accounting profession. KBS+ recently earned the Ad Council’s top creative award, the Gold Bell for Creative Excellence, for the campaign. Airing nationally now, the spots encourage millennials to take control of their finances and add saving to their lifestyles by humorously portraying young adults in various settings talking with their friends about saving – and not saving – money.
The PSAs feature outrageous spenders juxtaposed with responsible savers. In “The Game,” three guys are hanging out in front of a TV watching sports. One of them – the saver – reaches down to check his tablet, as another – the spender – comments, “Checking your fantasy?” The saver responds, “No, just my 401k statement.” The dialogue continues as the spender, who says that his money is “gone before I get my hands on it,” is decked out in more and more lavish items, starting with a gold watch, necklace and sunglasses and ending up astride a new motorcycle in a medieval knight’s costume and virtual reality goggles. The spot ends with a pizza guy showing up at the door and the spender saying, “Hey, can somebody spot me?”
“The most unique thing about working on these spots – and a big factor in their success – was that I four-walled in New York at KBS+ so the agency and I could work hand-in-hand throughout the process,” said Vela. “KBS+ Creative Directors Grant Simpson and Will Bright were very open from the beginning, with the goal of making the spots as funny as possible. The Ad Council offered us a lot of creative freedom, as well, which really helped bring these spots to their full potential. Also, being able to work on spots that combined both dialogue and comedy was a huge opportunity that provided us with so many possibilities for humorous exchanges.”
Dave Laden directed the spots, which promote a path to financial stability. At the end of each, viewers are reminded, “When it comes to financial stability, don’t get left behind,” and are directed to feedthepig.org for tools and tips for saving.
“Ruben was the first person we thought of when we sold this campaign,” said KBS+ Creative Director Will Bright. “He has great taste and is a fantastic editor. And, having worked with him and Optimus for years, we knew how professional they would be with finishing the job.”
Added KBS+ Creative Director Grant Simpson, “We've had really great experiences with Optimus and love being able to keep the work under one roof. There was never any doubt that they would do a great job.”
View the spots at http://bit.ly/IKWa9v.
| Credits follow: |
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Client: Ad Council/AICPA |
| Advertiser’s Supervisors Council: Amy Gibson-Grant, VP, Campaign Director, Ad Council |
| Ricki Kaplan, Campaign Manager, Ad Council |
| Dana Vielmetti, Assistant Campaign Manager, Ad Council |
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Agency: KBS+ |
| Co-Chief Creative Officer: Edward Brojerdi |
| Co-Chief Creative Officer: Izzy DeBellis |
| Creative Director: Will Bright |
| Creative Director: Grant Simpson |
| Art Director: Nic Wehmeyer |
| Copywriter: Josh Kessler |
| Head of Content Production: Mara Milicevic |
| Producer: Dennis McKinley |
| Executive Content Business Affairs Manager: Cindy Hoffman |
| Agency Account Supervisor: Gabriela Benitez |
| Agency Account Supervisor: Shari Benowich |
| Agency Account Executive: Zach Fryman |
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Production Company: Hungry Man |
| Director: Dave Laden |
| Executive Producer: Kevin Byrne |
| Line Producer: Caleb Dewart |
| Cinematographer: Christian Sprenger |
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Post-Production Company: Optimus |
| Editor: Ruben Vela II |
| Assistant Editor: Erik Law |
| Colorist: Oscar Oboza |
| VFX Director: Glen Noren |
| Online Editor: Scott Yurks |
| Producer: Tracy Spera |
| Sr. Associate Producer: Lauren Connolly |
About Optimus
Optimus is a leading production and post-production house with offices in Chicago and Santa Monica. A true one-stop shop, Optimus offers a full suite of creative services, including production, editing, color correction, visual effects and design, audio mixing and finishing. With ONE, the company’s live-action production arm, Optimus offers all production services, from shoot through post, under one roof – a singular, streamlined creative-driven machine. For more information, please visit www.optimus.com and http://optimus.com/one. Connect with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Optimus161 and www.facebook.com/OneAtOptimus.