Genuine Appoints Atmosphere Proximity Vet Michael Moroney as Managing Director

Boston-based full-service agency Genuine hired Michael Moroney as managing director in its New York office.

Moroney joins the agency from SuperString Theory, an ambiguous entity promising to provide “unique solutions, sharable at their core, that deliver on our clients’ brand promise and product potential” which Moroney co-founded last August.

Before that he spent a little over three years at Atmosphere Proximity, the New York-based digital arm of BBDO. There he led the creative technology and integrated production teams and worked with clients including Visa, Citi, Emirates, HP, Marriott and Cognizant. Prior to that he spent over a year and a half at 1st Ave. Machine, as executive producer and chief creative technologist and then managing director. That followed over two years at TBA Global, serving as senior vice president, engagement media and working with clients such as Samsung, Walmart, Western Union, NBC, Monster.com, Ford, Microsoft and Amnesty International. Before that he served for two years as managing director at Polychrome, working with clients including Starbucks, EMI, Virgin, Concord Music Group, Warner Bros. Apple, HP, Adidas and Banana Republic.

“Michael’s hire continues to grow our NYC presence, which is part of a deliberate expansion plan that is driven by both new client acquisition and organic growth of existing client relationships,” Genuine president John Grayson said in a statement.  “Michael is a proven leader in the digital space who expertly helps clients navigate the constantly shifting digital landscape.”

“I am a firm believer that brands need to provide real value through service and utility. Creating this value means embracing the evolving nature of today’s digital landscape,” added Moroney. “Genuine, with its heritage as a digital-first agency, and its blend of creative, technology and innovative experiential capabilities is uniquely well-placed to help clients achieve exactly this.”

Visa Makes Your NFL Dreams Come True, Like Teaching Julio Jones a New Touchdown Dance

It may go without saying that NFL fans have an insatiable desire to get close to their gridiron heroes, whether that means having them coach a local peewee team or teaching them a customized victory dance. Some of those fantasies work out better than others, according to new spots from BBDO and Atmosphere Proximity for longtime NFL sponsor Visa.

As part of a season-stretching promotion to give fans an ultimate NFL experience, Visa is gathering fans' dreams on Twitter and Instagram under the hashtag #MyFootballFantasy. Not all of those will revolve around goofy end-zone movements, if luck is on the players' sides. The dreams could be anything, really, but they're capped at a cash value of $100,000. Plenty of leeway there?

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones stars in a BBDO spot that broke this week for the ongoing campaign, where the origins of his victory shuffle are revealed. Hint: chubby superfan with a white-guy overbite. (In a bit of bad timing for Visa, Jones's season could actually be over already due to injury.) Still to come: New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees fulfilling another sample fantasy. The real winners will emerge before the Super Bowl.

Check out the Jones spot below and the kickoff for the promo, a commercial with San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh going medieval on some pint-sized football players. Dad didn't think that one through very well.

CREDITS
Client: Visa
Spot: "Dance Fever"
Agencies: BBDO, New York; Atmosphere Proximity, New York
Chief Creative Officer: David Lubars
Executive Creative Directors: Toygar Bazarkaya, Tom Markham
Associate Creative Directors: Kim Baskinger, Rey Martinez
Art Director: Jamie McGaw
Copywriter: Mike Folino
Group Executive Producer: Brian Mitchell
Executive Music, Radio Producer: Loren Parkins
Associate Producer: Georgie Turner

Senior Account Director: Olivia Farr
Group Account Director: Mark Pileggi
Account Director: Joe Prota
Account Manager: Jessica Sinto

Agency: MRY
Associate Creative Director: Ben Waldman
Account Supervisor: Ariel Feigenbaum
Production Assistant: Samantha McGrane

Production Company: Traktor
Director: Traktor
Executive Producer: Richard Ulfvengren
Head of Production: Rani Melendez

Editing Company: Rock Paper Scissors
Editor: Carlos Arias
Producer: Lauren Cancelosi

Visual Effects: MPC

Audio Mix: Sonic Union
Mixer: Michael Marinelli
Mixer: Paul Weiss

Velocity Sports & Entertainment
Senior Manager: Kevin Solomon