Doug Pray | Art & Copy

Dramatic photocopier shot. From DDB Project. (Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

Doug Pray is an incredible filmmaker. I almost wrote "documentarian" but that would be a limiting descriptor. Not all documentaries are as beautifully crafted as Doug's. For some reason, many documentarians feel the subject matter alone is reason enough to carry a film. But ever since seeing the act transition scene showing grainy, handheld camcorder footage of the first time Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" was played live in his debut HYPE! I knew this was more than just your average, run-of-the-mill documentary—it was "film." Goosebumps-hold-your-breath-exhale-while-saying-wow-out-loud "film."

Well now Doug has done it again. This time with something many love to hate—advertising. Full disclosure: I used to work in advertising and I have also worked alongside Doug. (See here.) But I have to admit upon learning about his new film, Art & Copy, I gave out an audible "duh." It's a no-brainer. Of course he'd be intrigued by the personalities in advertising. Of course he'd dig deeper into the slogans and taglines that make up our culture's landscape. Doug digs deep. And this new doc looks no different.

And I look forward to seeing it.

DDB Seattle Agency Video

All images © William Anthony

During my years in Seattle, I worked on many jobs with the ad agency DDB. One such project that just came back on my radar was this agency video. Not only does it contain my black and white stills but also a few ads I shot for clients such as The North Face.

It's a great short that was directed by friend and fave documentary director, Doug Pray. (See also: HYPE!, Scratch, Infamy and Big Rig.) If you have not seen any of his films—do.

See the video in its entirety here:

Quicktime
Windows Media