There won’t be a lot of youngsters in big pants, and the primary source of ecstasy will likely be the thrill of a job well done as Toronto’s Dalton Films is reborn as Rave Films. In addition to the new moniker, the emergence of Rave will signify a change of identity as well as a smart new address.

‘It all comes down to fun,’ is the aphorism Chris Dalton applies to the newly forged partnership with executive producer Ken Eggett that gave rise to Rave.

With new digs at 533 College Street at Euclid, in the heart of arguably the choicest neighborhood in the city, one floor up from Corner Pocket Billiards and a spitting distance from a horn of refreshment plenty with summer on the way, the fun angle seems to be covered.

The retooled shop’s starting lineup will be comprised of directors David Straiton, Paul Goldman and Jack Churchill.

Eggett describes the new configuration as a healthy mix of veteran directors and up-and-comers. ‘The fact that the two are in the same environment is a win-win situation. The veterans can serve as mentors while being exposed to some of the alternative younger ideas of up-and-coming directors,’ says Eggett.

The idea for the new partnership between the longtime pals initially came from Straiton. Though it would seem an invitation to misbehavin’ clients and creatives, Dalton says the original choice for a new handle was Rant and Rave, but alas it was already spoken for.

Dalton says Rave will be spreading itself out a little, working with new agencies as well as increasing its forays into music video production. Eggett has had his hands in a good deal of the production pie, with a background as camera and director assistant as well as producer at Dalton Fenske and Friends, Revolver, SPY Films and as a freelancer.

With his own diverse background in commercial and feature production as well as music videos with the likes of Leonard Cohen, The Tea Party and Lenny Kravitz, Eggett says a broad range of experience serves agencies and directors well. Continuing that branching-out philosophy, it was Eggett who suggested breaking away from production central to a hip new hood, and like many College St. denizens, prefers the old Bar Italia.

Dalton Films is finishing up jobs for McDonald’s and Cheerios, and Dalton and Eggett are currently engaged in the unrelenting fun of sprucing up their new 7,000-square-foot space.

Eamer comes clean

At considerable peril to his mental health and career, SPY Films’ Jeff Eamer wantonly ignored that ‘Never work with kids or any creature that may make you look foolish at any moment’ maxim in a recent spot for Japan Camera 1 Hour Photo.

The spot, from art director Chris Stavenjord at Communique and written by Stavenjord and Eamer, is all about unexpected moments. This time it’s an impromptu synchronized swimming routine executed by a set of twin toddlers during bath time.

‘I felt like I was a bombs expert going in to dismantle an active bomb,’ says Eamer. ‘Do I clip the red wire or do I clip the blue wire?’

Given the limited motor skills of three-year-olds, special-effects rigging, including wires and spinning hydraulic seats were used to endow the kids with the necessary moves, all lending an additional air of anticipatory thrill to the 14-hour shoot.

‘Certainly kids are a challenge, special-effects rigging is a challenge; if I threw in a puppy I would have hit for a cycle,’ Eamer says.

Twelve years of agency experience and four previous directing gigs meant little while facing down that particular brand of realpolitik employed by children, as one of the twins refused to take the plunge on shooting day. Luckily, another set of twins was on hand to replace the recalcitrant youth, as was a set of girls for the dancing feet shots.

Eamer says he brings his agency creative guy sensibilities and appreciation of the pure creative concept to his work as a director, which allows his positioning as writer/ director within spy. Art director for the spot is Brian Dolinski, agency producer is Debby Lewis, editor is Barry Farrell at Smash and music is by Brad MacDonald.

Robertson goes solo

Producer Marie Robertson will be going out into the world of freelance when she leaves BBDO Toronto this summer. Robertson spent five years at the agency and will likely make her move in July.

Disney indoctrination

After six years with Partners’, editor Dan Lee will don the ears of glory on June 3 as he becomes one of the early employees of Walt Disney Animation Canada in Toronto kicking off his two-year contract. Lee will undergo training in l.a. to learn the ‘Disney Way.’ Lee will be an Avid editor on the next Beauty and the Beast undertaking, a video which will be released in time for Christmas 1997.

Sparks signs Weasels

Sparks Productions has assumed exclusive Canadian representation of director Jim Edwards and Bob of Barking Weasel Productions in l.a. In addition to being an ex-Beach Boys drummer and actor, Edwards’ spot directing credits include Mercedes-Benz, at&t and Miller. Bob is a former agency guy and up-and-coming Edwards’ protege.