Press Release from Manic

Working with Uber Content Director Jeffrey Fleisig via Arnold, Manic VFX recently wrapped up work on a four-spot campaign for Progressive. The series of :30s is a continuation of Progressive's acclaimed "store" branding, which features the company's bubbly spokeswoman, Flo selling insurance in cardboard boxes from a stark white superstore.

In Money Suit, a couple entering the Progressive store finds the spokeswoman and a dancing man in a dollar-sign costume selling them on the benefits of the company's great rate comparison program. Better highlights the company's loyalty program. When an older couple announces they are switching to Progressive to save money, the spokeswoman reels off the myriad benefits of their decision, from accident forgiveness to ever-increasing discounts. "You mean it only gets better with age?" asks the debonair gentleman, throwing a sultry eye toward his swooning wife, an action which causes the Progressive girl to say: "Tell me we're still talking about insurance?"

In all four spots, Manic manipulated the white cyclorama world that is the campaign's trademark backdrop. Working in Smoke, VFX Artist Eddie Reina extended the seamless whiteness beyond the set's edges, removing the considerable amounts of lighting, set pieces, boom microphones, and rigs dotting the background. Manic also composited certain CGI elements, including the vibrant price-ticker board.
Credits:

Client: Progressive
Spot Title(s): Money Suit (featured), Better (featured), Tag Team, Specialist
Air Date: August 2010

Agency: Arnold
CD: David Register
AD: Josh Tetrault
Copy: Caroline Hettinger Foss
EP: Karen Kenney
Producer: Benjamin Ouellette

Prod Co: Uber Content
Director: Jeffrey Fleisig
EP(s): Phyllis Koenig, Preston Lee, Steve Wi
Producer: Rob Stark

Editorial Co: jumP
Editor: Ben Longland
MD: Dee Tagert
EP: Jason Way

Post/Effects: Manic
Lead VFX Artist: Eddie Reina
MD: Bob Cagliero
Producer: Topper Anton

Shoot Location: SouthBay Studios, Long Beach, CA

About Manic:
Manic is a comprehensive creative solution for conception through completion of all media. Based in NoHo NYC, Manic delivers live-action production, cutting-edge motion graphics, 2D and 3D VFX, design, animation, and high-end finishing services for clients working in commercials, feature films, television, music videos and broadcast. The company's artists and principals have led campaigns for notable brands such as Nike, Virgin Mobile, Acura, Reebok, Verizon, Maybelline, and Apple from major agencies TBWA/Chiat/Day, Merkley+Partners, McCann Erickson, and JWT to name a few.