The Command Post summer ritual came with a twist this year, with the venerable institution startling the industry with a brash identity shift. Given the state of the crowd at the annual shindig they may not have noticed it, but the shop has renamed itself The Toy Box, which is a catchy way to say ‘Hey we’re not just post-production anymore,’ and which explains the balls surely bouncing off heads in offices across the city.

With the expansion of its equipment base, staff and role in the production process, the facility opted for a name which would better represent the comprehensive nature of its services. Command Post has acquired an array of production-, post- and effects-oriented gear like the Quantel Domino, the Spirit Datacine and the Milo Precision Motion Control system, as well as print capabilities with the Quantel Graphic Paintbox 2.

The Command Post Corporation will retain that name and Command components will continue to be known as Manta Eastern Sound and Medallion pfa.

While the combination of sweltering temperatures, oysters and generous pours from bartenders was too much for some, the shop’s annual party was a smashing sucess, most seem to recall, with a high ratio of agency types (do that many people actually work at Padulo?) mixing with techies and prod house regulars. Party organizers scored musically with The Mahones, who delivered their power celtic sound inspiring the shaking of many a leg.

An informal survey revealed some fans of the new name of the shop, while detractors drew comparisons to the names of favorite s&m clubs.

-Metro revision

In this season of renewal, another company is taking the opportunity to refresh its image with a new handle. Revisions Partners has become Metro Partners’ Films.

Metro’s Josef Ruff says the change was precipitated due to an expansion in the shop’s business – on top of revisions work, more than half the company’s work has become full blown production.

Mike McConnell, formerly Magnetic North director of sales, has joined Metro as executive producer.

-Been Caught Stealing

Alex Eaton, former Third Floor editor, is underway with his new Richmond Street shop, Stealing Time. Eaton has been working in the new space for the past several weeks with assistant Greg Edgar, as well as a freelance assistant and, naturally, a bean counter. A silent investor, ‘from outside the industry,’ and Eaton are principals in the new shop, which is based on a new upgraded Avid 1000 and, says Eaton, a serious client service ethic.

Eaton says the departure from Third Floor, where he edited for five years was strictly amicable and the nascent edit shop is the result of it ‘just being time to run my own show.’

In addition enjoying their deck, the boys have been busy with spots for Midas, Oatmeal Crisp and Quaker. The very cool name was the brainchild of a bespectacled local director who offered up Stealing Time after Eaton had spent two months trying to invent the perfect moniker for his new enterprise (‘People in editing sessions are always saying ‘Can you steal some time from there to put on the product,’ ‘ or somesuch, he says). Plans are to add a second editor in the next four to six months.

-Mad films

The roster of newly formed commercial production shop Mad Films has taken shape with the addition of Peter Wellington, director of Alliance feature J’e’s So Mean to Josephine. Along with Wellington, Mad signed Michael Buckley and also represents Robert Gordon and Flying Tiger Films, home of director/cameraman Mikael Salomon and director/cameraman Ken Arlidge. Rounding out the roster is director/cameraman Robert Maya, Istan Rozumny and David Storey.

Wellington, brother of commercial director David Wellington, has a background in directing and writing shorts and features. The commercial newcomer is a Canadian Film Centre alum and has written scripts for director John Fawcett, including the Boys Club feature.

Moving into commercials was a way to shoot more, says Wellington. ‘I figure I’ve played hockey about 7,000 days and I’ve shot about 60; I’m trying to even that out.’

With a feel for working with talent, the director has a solid drama and dialogue base, but says he has become more interested in pictures and music as instruments in story telling.

-Damast with Avion

Boris Damast will now be represented here by Avion Films. Damast has been busy of late in the u.s., including work on a large Mr. Goodwrench pool.

-BDAs

The BDA Awards, held June 8 in Chicago during Promax once again yielded a significant Canadian contingent of winners. Cuppa Coffee Animation won gold in local promos/id over 10 seconds with ‘Magic Drawers,’ as well as silver in the psa category for ‘Arts Week’.

topix won gold for corporate promo/id over 10 seconds for Marshmallow Munchies ‘Runner.’ Canadian broadcasters also scored with Societe Radio-Canada winning silver in the in-house opens category; Citytv capturing gold in the local promo/id over 10 seconds for ‘Wired;’ and MuchMusic, with collaboration from topix winning gold in the corporate psa category with Canadian Concert Listings. Spin Productions won bronze in animation for Cantel Amigo’s ‘Dancing Phones’ as well as a gold in Print Advertising for their own edgy campaign.

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And finally, further to the question of what’s in a nameŠ

Contrary to Playback reports Rob Engman, head of The Edit Sweet has not collapsed under the weight of his own genius and jettisoned his own first name in favor of the solo handle ‘Engman.’ Engman was robbed of his first name by a copy error in the last issue of Playback and The Edit Sweet was incompletely represented with regard to its equipment set-up. The shop, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, handles editing on three Avid systems and is equipped with digital betacam as well as DVP Pro Betacam sp and one-inch capability.