No? Well that’s a shame. You missed a great ceremony and an even greater party.

Yes? That’s great, but do you remember any of it past the coat check? I don’t. Well, maybe like 10% of it to be honest. The rest of the time I was downing Dundee and stuffing my face with mashed potatoes and candy cigarettes. One thing I do remember is the awesome intro video / animation created and produced by Dumbwaiter Design. Dumbwaiter was asked by the RAF ADDY committee to come up with a video intro for the awards show that reflected the “Mad Men” theme, and what they came up with was truly exceptional. Here’s the intro in its entirety. Hats off to Dumbwaiter yet again.

—Scott Wolf

2 things I like
1. They have a point of view on our times
2. They’re using the web to spread it quickly

3 things I don’t
1. Cliché packed – “pace of change is accelerating”, “tipping point”, “brands are vehicles”; check, check, and check
2. Conventional wisdom packaged as trends, e.g. trust is critical to brands, organizations that go the extra mile will prosper, etc
3. Excessive animation distracts

Skeptics of account planning will find much to dislike (and have). But my own prediction is that it results in client inquiries, i.e. “can you come talk to my team on your ’09 predictions”. Then they can offer specific and actionable suggestions. If that’s the case, score 1 for LB.

What do you think?

Matt Jones

The RAF joined together with AIGA Upstate New York, ArtAwake, Rochester Artech, The Little Theatre, and Second Storie to put on a special free screening of the movie Thursday February 5, 2009 at the Little. You can still register for a free ticket at http://www.beautifullosersrochester.org/. Hope to see everyone there.