The ad industry let loose their pocketbooks again this year at the 15th Big Night Out in support of the Bereaved Families of Ontario held at the York Event theatre on Nov. 14. It was a sold-out event with more than 750 people in attendance. In one of its most successful years to date, the event helped raise more than $100,000 from live and silent auctions as well as a fashion show hosted by FashionTelevision celeb Jeanne Beker.

‘From what I could see and the response I and my committee have received, everyone had a fabulous time. This time around really solidified that this is not only a big night out for a really great cause, but also a really fun night,’ says event chair Rachel Fox of MacLaren McCann, Toronto. ‘Those are the kinds of responses that are helping us grow each year.’

Big-ticket auction items included a signed Bobby Orr jersey that went for $12,000 and several vintage bottles of wine, which sold for almost double their retail value. Clothes for the fashion show raised money and the profile of local Toronto designers who donated their wares for the cause. All proceeds go to BFO services and programs such as education sessions and parent support.

A fresh face and new directions for Edge

Edge Productions, the Toronto-based production and post-production division of MacLaren McCann, launched its new in-house facility on Nov. 7, and president Peter McKeen stands poised to increase the company’s non-agency business and expand further into long-form and series work.

‘There is a prejudice against in-house and we’re fighting constantly against that perception. We have to be the best of breed in creative and service within the agency and now we’re taking that outside,’ says McKeen.

Between 65% and 75% of the work done at Edge is agency services and commercial post-production, but it also does production for corporate clients and series post. McKeen says he is making a strong push for the company to start shooting its own series.

In the past year, Edge’s series work has included post on Direct Kicks for Chicks, a women’s soccer show which airs on WTSN. In commercial work, Edge is currently working on its second pool of spots for Rogers AT&T Wireless with untitled director Tim Godsall and another pool for General Motors with L.A.-based director Alain Gourriea.

The new 6,000-square-foot facility at 10 Bay Street is home to 12 full-time employees, which McKeen says will be up to 16 by this time next year. It is currently running five Avid suites and in the new year will add a high-end digital online room. The entire facility has been wired for HD, and McKeen says they have been careful to design the facility so it can easily incorporate new technologies as they emerge.

-www.edgeproductions.ca

Trio opens up Zoo Music

Former Padulo Integrated SVP, creative director Mark Dwyer has hooked up with audio producer Doug Pennock and composer Blair Packham to launch music production house Zoo Music.

The company will take an innovative approach to the business by looking to freelance the creation of music to outside artists in the hopes of creating ‘a fresher and more authentic sound.’

‘The concept is to source working musical artists and let them think like musicians,’ says Pennock. ‘The three of us will guide the process to ensure that we hit all of the client’s advertising objectives, while our composers work from pure musical instinct.’

Chase catches gold at Directions 2002

Director Steve Chase of the The Partners’ Film Company won a gold for his work on MacLaren McCann’s General Motors spot ‘What If’ at the 53rd Directions 2002 competition presented by the Advertising & Design Club of Canada.

Silvers went to Industry Films director Aubrey Singer for Canada Reconnect’s ‘Out,’ which also won best 30-second single, and Avion Films director Martin Granger for Bud Light’s ‘Ulterior Emotions,’ which also won for best 60-second single.

Bruce Copeman of AXYZ Edit received a gold for his editing work on ‘What If.’

Best TV campaign went to BC Lottery’s ‘Bejewelled/Gnomes/Kitchen Genie’ directed by untitled’s Tim Godsall.

Awards were presented in Toronto Nov. 7.