Press Release from New Deal Studios
LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - January 28, 2010) - Best known for dazzling effects work on blockbuster films, New Deal Studios has officially launched its full-service commercial division. First up is a director's cut of a Halo 3 spot quickly followed by two cutting edge commercials for Subway starring Michael Phelps that premiered during the NFL Playoffs.
Shannon Gans, Executive Producer and CEO, helmed the 15 year evolution of the company toward a full-service studio earning Cannes Lions, Clio and Andy awards. New Deal has developed a unique "under one roof" business model for directing, producing and posting commercials, offering creative, pre-viz, production, effects and post.
The first official spot out is from New Deal Co-Founder and Director, Matthew Gratzner, who was hired by AKQA for his web directorial debut to conceptualize and direct the visuals for the Halo 3 "Believe" Campaign website. Gratzner combined existing footage from the web campaign with new shots to create a narrative of one marine in battle.
Gratzner recently directed several projects including the commercial, a trailer for an upcoming feature, his short film "Huntin'" and supervised visual effects work on the highly anticipated Martin Scorsese film, "Shutter Island" starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Next, Gratzner will make his feature directorial debut on the big-screen adaptation of "UFO," based on the hit TV series by Gerry Anderson.
Ian Hunter, New Deal Co-Founder and Director, dove in to direct two spots for Subway's national campaign, teaming with Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Michael Phelps. Subway, a Broadcast Sponsor for the Olympics, tapped Hunter to conceive a commercial showing Phelps seamlessly swimming through concrete and wheat fields en route to Vancouver. The team of digital artists at New Deal Studios created the visual effects illusion that took Phelps out of the pool so he could "swim" through streets and landscapes.
As the industry has changed, New Deal has readied itself to partner with commercial agencies by offering high-level creative and cost-efficient production and post.
About New Deal Studios:
New Deal Studios was founded in 1995 by Matthew Gratzner, Ian Hunter and Shannon Gans. This artist-owned and operated, independent creative studio is in the heart of the Marina Media District in Los Angeles. Most recent projects include "2012," Martin Scorsese's "Shutter Island," "Alice in Wonderland" and Christopher Nolan's "Inception."