New Post Model Creates Cracks In Traditional Mold
In many ways, the advertising post production world is changing rapidly: Agencies are increasingly using in-house editorial facilities; VFX houses are starting to direct; editorial houses are creating finishing rooms and post shops are downsizing and relying more on freelancers. In an effort to adapt to the times, two like-minded, award-winning editorial vets, Adam Jenkins (formerly of Union Editorial) and Jeff Stevens (formerly of Final Cut) have teamed up to launch FEEDTHEWALRUS (www.feedthewalrus.com), a subtle twist on the existing post production model. Together, the duo have 20+ years experience cutting commercials, web content, music videos and feature films.
FEEDTHEWALRUS, a talent-driven company, is a unique collective of top-notch editors, producers, 2D/3D VFX artists, assistant editors and digital specialists that will evolve alongside the industry; working collectively or individually to solve a client's creative or technical challenges. By vetting a large group of top talent, Jenkins and Stevens have hand selected the very best talent pool available. This key team understands and enthusiastically endorses the company's philosophy of providing alternate solutions for every type of project.
"It takes a crisis to get us to ask tough questions and only then do we examine the factors and come up with new ideas," notes Jenkins. "We know that we cannot keep doing what we're doing and hope that things will return to normal. We understand the challenges facing brands, creative teams and producers in this economic climate. Our goal is to be able to provide our clients with everything they can possibly need to help them acclimatize to this new advertising landscape. If we can make a difference, people will gravitate to our model."
FEEDTHEWALRUS will focus on providing talent to both advertising agencies that are keeping their post in-house and existing post studios that hire freelancers on a regular basis. By housing the most sought-after talent under one virtual roof, FEEDTHEWALRUS's extensive talent pool will help them bridge the talent gap that currently exists for many clients in both the traditional post world and the new digital outlets.
Several factors will set FEEDTHEWALRUS apart from traditional post production or edit companies, primarily their willingness to go in-house to any ad agency, all while retaining an ability to bid and work on jobs at top edit facilities. The collective's diverse talent base will be capable of handling a project at any phase of technical or creative development, and will offer the option of working as a team or as an individual to fill a specialized gap. This expert crew will be able to collaborate on creative, production, edit or post to create a spot from concept to completion if required. This flexibility will allow FEEDTHEWALRUS to tailor any project to a client's particular needs. And in an era in which brands are slashing ad budgets dramatically, the company will be cost conscious, while still maintaining the highest quality standards.
"With the advertising landscape changing in leaps and bounds, it's time to rethink the post production workflow." states Stevens. "Everyone is searching for the answer to two fundamental questions: `How can I get more bang for my buck?' and `What comes next?' We knew we had to come up with a company that could anticipate and adjust to the current trends in order to survive and thrive in today's new economy. FEEDTHEWALRUS is the vanguard in a new wave of creative solutions companies. Big and bulky is the old business model; leaner, smarter and more flexible is the new."
Since the collective's soft launch in October, they have worked on a campaign for American Express; established a direct-to-client relationship with NX Energy Drink which included branding, merchandising and web design; and supervised post production for the upcoming U2 concert movie. Currently, all the FEEDTHEWALRUS rostered talent is booked on high profile projects that will be announced soon.
FEEDTHEWALRUS continues to bid on a multitude of projects, and is seeing a remarkable spike in the volume of requests for talent availability. Long-time freelance post producer Amanda Slamin is currently assisting the duo as Executive Producer.
About Adam Jenkins:
New Zealand-native Adam Jenkins is the editing pro behind countless notable spots, including American Express Faces, Samsung Office Party and Blackberry Loves U2, shot by Alex Courtes in collaboration with Leo Burnett, Chicago. He has contributed to feature films, including Mr. & Mrs. Smith. His formal recognitions include Boards' Best New Editor, Lions, and a nomination for Best Editing at British D&AD.
Prior to founding FEEDTHEWALRUS with Jeff Stevens, Jenkins worked at various premier shops, including Union, Cut & Run, Bug and Final Cut in London.
About Jeff Stevens:
Jeff Stevens is a veteran comedy and dialogue editor who has cut all over the world. Spots for Powerade, Wendy's, Panasonic, Ikea, and Volvo highlight his extensive portfolio. He has worked with major agencies - including BBDO, Ogilvy & Mather, BBH, Euro RSCG and Ammirati among many others. Outside of the advertising world, Stevens co-edited Sam Bayer's Green Day concert DVD Bullet in a Bible.
Prior to founding FEEDTHEWALRUS in 2009 with editor-in-arms Adam Jenkins, Stevens worked at Final Cut NY. He has also spent time at Infinite Frameworks Singapore; and Bang Productions in Hong Kong. He launched his career in the mid 90s editing news, fashion and documentary videos in Hong Kong.
About FEEDTHEWALRUS :
As brands, creative teams and producers face new and unique challenges, FEEDTHEWALRUS offers a totally new business paradigm that helps sort through the challenges and complexities of the post production space. FEEDTHEWALRUS - founded by like-minded, award-winning Editors Adam Jenkins and Jeff Stevens - houses a unique collective of top-notch editors, producers, 2D/3D and VFX artists, assistant editors and digital specialists that will evolve alongside the industry; working collectively or individually to solve client's creative or technical challenges. Members work together or separately, in their house or yours, creating high-quality content for traditional and new media workflows. The collective is streamlined, flexible and strives to make it easier for clients to work across multiple platforms, providing creative and technical solutions spanning the spectrum of commercials, web content, music videos, features and broadcast TV.
FEEDTHEWALRUS. Funny name. Great people. For more information, visit: www.feedthewalrus.com
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