Hasta La Creative!

Well, this is news to us, and details are a bit vague at this point (apologies–we’re looking into it), but we’ve been told by sources in the know that New York-based creative/tech-focused agency, MRY (formerly Mr. Youth), has opened up shop in San Francisco. Why? Well, from what sources tell us, the agency has set up shop in SF after it won a review for digital duties for ticket broker, StubHub, which has also worked with fellow Bay Area operation, Duncan/Channon, on broadcast off, tree-centric efforts like this and this. From what we’ve been told, the new operation is dubbed MRY West and as a result of the opening, the agency’s global headcount now tops 500.

If you recall, MRY merged with LBi in the U.S. under parent company Publicis Groupe’s watch just over a year ago and has subsequently hired a new CMO and has joined the agency roster of Jagermeister in the process.

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Educational video games typically offer up half-hearted gaming experiences that grow staler by the click. It’s like the developers weren’t sure how to balance the knowledge with the fun, so they just half-assed both parts. Rarely do we get to enjoy the two like in an Oregon Trail. Who knew caulking a river could be so much fun?

Based on the screenshots and trailer for the Royal Canadian Mint’s new digital children’s game, Cossette has teased enough creativity to at least get kids interested in checking it out. The release marks the 100th anniversary of first Canadian Arctic expedition (although according to the trailer, the timeline should start in November 1913). I haven’t played the game myself – I’m a bit outside the 6-11 year-old age range – but in terms of advertising, I was surprised by the amount of storytelling and suspense in the trailer. The graphic aren’t exactly going to challenge the Grand Theft Auto franchise, but this actually looks like a game rather than a textbook pretending to be a game. Credits after the jump.

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Jantina Peperkamp est une artiste peintre, réalisant des portraits d’un réalisme incroyable. Le résultat final est établi par l’énergie qui se pose entre l’artiste et le modèle. Jantina Peperkamp se voit plutôt comme une observatrice qui essaie de se reconnaître dans ses modèles pour finalement créer un auto-portrait.

Chipotle did something radical last month. The company introduced its very own TV series, airing on Hulu. The first three 22-minute shows in the four-episode comedy series, titled “Farmed and Dangerous,” are now available for viewing.

It’s another example of the Mexican restaurant chain challenging industry convention. In 2012, it picked up the Cannes Grand Prix for its animated “Back to the Start” two-minute music video, which ran to a Willie Nelson cover of Cold Play’s “The Scientist.” That ad promoted the story of Chipotle’s locally farmed ingredients.

Continue reading at AdAge.com

Reliable sources familiar with the matter confirm that Arnold Worldwide’s Boston office, which has handled the creative business for drug store giant CVS for nearly four years (succeeding fellow Boston op, Hill Holliday, in 2010), is no longer in the review mix for the chain. From what we hear on the Spy line, the agency was set to engage and defend in final pitches next week but has suddenly withdrawn. Sources add that sister agency, Havas Worldwide, is still in the pitch. Other finalists also mentioned for the current creative review include Grey, BBDO NY and Lowe Campbell Ewald. No word yet on the matter from CVS itself, which touts 7,500 stores

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