Spec Ads - Where can I find Old/Unused Idea and Boards

[jacob.schwarz]

I'm trying to build up my directing reel and have gotten a lot of feed back that my current reel don't have good copy or messaging. I don't write the copy or design the messaging for my ads or spec and usually work with what is given to me, but i'm quickly realizing that the creatives I work with aren't as talented as the ones that are working at some of the bigger agencies.

Anyways, I've committed to shooting four high-end spots and looking for some awesome ideas and copy. Do any of you guys in the red community know of a site or forum where creative post work that never got the green light but is top notch? I know i might be asking the wrong crowd, but the feel like you guys are my family and just wanted to ask.

Anyways thanks for any suggestions,

[paulherrin]

sorry, there's no preset for creativity that i know about. if you want awesome ideas, look inside (or outside). if you're going to spend your time shooting high-end spots... i recommend you make them about something that's genuinely important to you. doing stuff for other people gets you stuck doing stuff for other people. good luck :)

[Gavin Greenwalt]

Usually down into the depths of said copywriters' closets.

[Bob Gundu]

There's probably bucket loads of Prometheus re-writes somewhere.

[Mark Toia]

I'm trying to build up my directing reel and have gotten a lot of feed back that my current reel don't have good copy or messaging. I don't write the copy or design the messaging for my ads or spec and usually work with what is given to me, but i'm quickly realizing that the creatives I work with aren't as talented as the ones that are working at some of the bigger agencies.

Anyways, I've committed to shooting four high-end spots and looking for some awesome ideas and copy. Do any of you guys in the red community know of a site or forum where creative post work that never got the green light but is top notch? I know i might be asking the wrong crowd, but the feel like you guys are my family and just wanted to ask.

Anyways thanks for any suggestions,

I heard the same shit from people when I was climbing the ladder... Just do what you do best. Simple message. simple execution, but tell it well, think commercial and not arty crap... and make it look awesome...
Simple ideas you can think up yourself.

I did this as a SPEC ad in my spare time when I had a day off between shoots. Budget $500... (For lunch and the model) using a $1500 dollar camera and one lens. Editied it up and graded it over the next day I had free in my laptop in some hotel room....
http://www.zoomfilmtv.com.au/tvcs/leica_6hours.html

And it has now contributed to over 20 million dollars worth of work coming in over the last 12 months... Simple stuff. no brain buster, nicely executed pictures, simple story..
Just do it really well and have fun.

It's easier than you think..

[Scott Miller]

Mark.... I want to buy a Leica now....

In other words... WOW!!

[Ramesh Jai]

Regarding agencies and their copywriters - I believe when you write a treatment you can suggest changes that can enhance a production. That way they can take all the credit and you can have a better showreel :)

[jacob.schwarz]

Great ad mark. Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

[Steve Das]

Usually down into the depths of said copywriters' closets.

Yeah...people at agencies have tons of concepts that were never shot...and that they would like
to see realized for their own agency reels.

So you can approach agencies and ask them what they have and explain your situation.
Since you are the one shooting and doing the budget you are in the drivers seat.
If there's one they really want to see shot you might even be able to get them to chip
in on the budget.

[William Robinette]

I did this as a SPEC ad in my spare time when I had a day off between shoots. Budget $500... (For lunch and the model) using a $1500 dollar camera and one lens. Editied it up and graded it over the next day I had free in my laptop in some hotel room....
http://www.zoomfilmtv.com.au/tvcs/leica_6hours.html

Mark, thanks for sharing that. Really inspiring stuff.