Some of us at both deep and Marlin got pretty giddy when we saw previews for the movie Art & Copy, and not just because some of us make art, and a few others of us make copy. Instead, it was because we knew that it would bring lots and lots of inspiration to any person in the advertising world. We were particularly pleased to find that not only did our favorite independent theater, The Moxie, bring it to Springfield, but the entire Marlin Network would be treated to a matinee showing of the movie—something which brought us great joy in the middle of a rainy Tuesday afternoon.
Art & Copy gave us insights and wisdom from some of the legends of advertising—including the brains behind the “Got Milk?” campaign, iPod and Apple 1984 spots, Nike “Just Do It” slogan, and even the “I Want My MTV” push.
Art Director Mara Dockery loved hearing the interviews and stories about creative. “Especially some of the stuff Lee Clow said. Something like if creatives didn’t do work, the suits wouldn’t have anything to sell.” (P.S. We LOVE our account services teams. They are wonderful people.) Meanwhile, Designer Desirae Struthers said: “It was interesting to realize how influential advertising is and can be. Some ads people never forget and love which is nice to realize when they’re mostly seen as an annoyance.”
Our company president, Dennis Marlin, got to the heart of it: “It is getting to the simple truth that emotionally connects to the audience. It cannot always be thought out, it sometimes just happens. What that means to me is search for the truth, the real emotional truth and then don’t be afraid to let it happen.”
But perhaps deep’s Creative Director, Patrick McWhirt, said it best: “Reserved and articulate, loud and blunt—the personalities of Art & Copy were just as entertaining as the work each created. From Kennedy’s quiet sage to Lois’ profane street hustler, though, the thread of passion, integrity and honesty towards the work could be felt in every one. Added bonus: I may have picked up a couple of new swear words (Thanks, George).”
