Art & Copy (2010) is a film directed by Doug Pray (Hype!, Surfwise, Scratch) that delves deeply into the work, wit and wisdom of some of the greatest advertising creatives of our time. People like George Lois, Mary Wells, Dan Weiden, Lee Clow (of TBWA\Chiat\Day) and Hal Riney. It's fair to say that these are not just creative advertising people, but some of the sharpest minds in the industry. Ever.
What’s notable about the film is how it paints a picture of just how difficult it is to actually do great, groundbreaking creative work when faced with so many challenges. Creatives who see it will feel a sense of relief that they’re not the only ones fighting uphill battles. Clients may look at it and find a new perspective, realizing that those “crazy ideas the creative departments have are really, truly trying to sell more product.
Some of the campaigns featured in the movie include Nike's "Just Do It," "Where's The Beef?" for Wendy's, "Got Milk" and Apple's "Think Different." Filled with stories from people who have lived and breathed advertising for many decades, it's a film that will make you laugh and cry (sometimes at the same time) and realize the impact that great advertising has on modern culture. An amazing movie, and probably the best one ever made about advertising and design. See it, and see it again. And again. And, well, just watch it at least once a year.
