Talent Spotlight: Courtney Saunders’ short film proves her talents don’t stop at copywriting

If you read my last post (and if you didn’t, simply scroll down), I think you’ll agree that the copywriters here at Plum refuse to be pigeon holed & continue to delight us with new creative endeavors. I’m happy to share writer and creative director, Courtney Saunders’ short film for designer Rachel Comey. The film, which was made in collaboration with renowned director Margaret Brown, was shot backstage at the Spring 2011 show. The film shows none of the usual frantic antics but rather, beautiful tranquil moments that showcase the clothes and communicate the essence of the brand perfectly.

RACHEL COMEY SPRING 2011 from Jennifer Lame on Vimeo.

Courtney’s copywriting client’s include Banana Republic, Kate Spade, Sigerson Morrisson, Harvey Faircloth, Tommy Hilfiger, Target and many more. For more information, or to see more of her work, please contact justine@plumrep.com

One reason you should make a mini-film…you’ll be in good company

We all know that last year was pretty bad for business (I know, an understatement, but let’s not dwell). Thankfully, customers are starting to dip their toes back in the water, but their devil-may-care spending ways have given way to something altogether more conservative. So, how do you ensure that you these newly chaste customers spend with you and not your competition?

The answer is to create compelling content that engages and connects with the customer on an emotional level. There are lots of ways to do this, but one of my favorites is the mini film. Chanel, Dior, Prada and Louis Vuitton have all created films that are gorgeous, engaging and communicate the brand’s values in a dynamic, fresh way.

One campaign that I really liked was Louis Vuitton’s “An Encounter with Greatness” featuring Football legends Pelé, Maradona and Zidane www.louisvuittonjourneys.com/legends/. Now I’m no soccer-fan (aside from the obvious benefits of watching cute boys kick a ball around), but here’s why I think it works - the campaign communicates the brand’s vision of self-discovery through travel by featuring icons that resonate across generations and continents.



Of course, not all brands have LV’s budget, but that’s the beauty of the image film – work with creative freelancers who can develop a brand piece that’ll work across all your communication platforms. After the initial investment, you’ll have an enormously versatile tool that you can use for advertising, PR, in-store, on-line, for corporate events.

One of Plum’s favorites is Director and Cinematographer, Liz Hinlein. She’s been creating brand films for the best part of 10 years. Check out this piece for the Bejing Olympics:
http://www.plumrep.com/talent/lhinlein_04.html

To see more of Liz’s work, you can check out www.goldenfilms.tv

Can you be arty AND funny? Pringle of Scotland proves that you can

I love nothing more than gorgeous imagery, funny little animations and cashmere, so imagine my delight at Pringle of Scotland's recent offerings.

The first is a short film by Ryan McGinley featuring Tilda Swinton that showcases the Spring/Summer 2010 collection. The film is a visual slice of heaven and, frankly makes one want to run around Scotland in an evening dress.

The second video is a hilarious ‘behind the scenes’ animation by David Shrigley that was presented during Pringle of Scotland's menswear show in Milan on 18th January. The animation depicts the making of jumpers (what the Brits call a sweater!) and cardigans over the past 195 year history of the Scottish brand and is pure, irreverent joy.

Leave it to the Scots to demonstrate that just because you like the luxurious feel of cashmere next to your skin, doesn't mean you checked your sense of humor at the store door.

Go on, treat yourself – check out the videos, then go out and buy a jumper!