ART & COPY, a new documentary film, has the advertising and design world abuzz!  The new film, directed by Doug Pray, is about the creativity and inspiration behind the work and vision of some of the most influential advertising creatives of our time.  This is not a film about trashing the evil world of advertising.  It is instead a tribute to those relatively unknown few who actually helped shape our society and our culture with their work. These are the people who’ve created such slogans as “Just do it”, “Got Milk?”, and “Think Different.” They’ve created campaigns for the Energizer Bunny, Apple, MTV and so many other ads which became the signs of our times.  Despite advertising’s evil reputation, these brilliant campaigns and creative minds have helped us laugh, think, smile, and have moved us to act.

“I think creativity can solve anything… anything”

In a press statement, director Doug Pray explains, “When I began making ART & COPY back in 2005, it seemed like a significant departure from my previous documentaries. Instead of dark clubs, back alleys and truck stops, I was now filming in light-filled, architecturally breathtaking West Coast ad agencies and pristine New York City penthouses. Instead of underground artists and angry independents, I was interviewing people who were worth millions and were pioneers of an industry that literally defines mainstream culture. Now that the movie is finished, I see more similarities than differences. My subjects in ART & COPY, though dressed in finer clothes and a few decades older, have actually exhibited a rebellious voice not unlike the graffiti writers or screaming rock singers I’ve shot in the past, even though they’re working from deep within the system. They still regard themselves as underdogs. They think they are misunderstood by society. They’re all fiercely independent mavericks. But mostly, they too have a personal message—one that transcends the commercial messages they create—that seemingly has to get out. Like my other films, this ad film is about the innate human urge to express oneself creatively.”

He leaves us with following thought regarding his film, “Ultimately, I hope ART & COPY inspires artists and writers to strive to make more meaningful, more entertaining, or more socially uplifting ads.”  Indeed!

You can visit the Art & Copy website for a trailer of the flick as well as request screenings and film locations.

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