Nationally-recognized comedy Director Matt Pittroff and his long-time Producer Steve Blair celebrate the reboot of Pittroff’s full-service production company Working Stiff, along with the release of their latest Bear Paws campaign for Dare. The new comical spot through Toronto’s Grip Limited observes a threatened husband and father, who happens to be a walking, talking goldfish, as he suspiciously watches the “New Neighbors” move in across the street.
To watch the spots, click HERE
With a focus on creating and telling engaging stories across all platforms, Working Stiff catapulted into 2018 with a 10-spot digital campaign for Hilton Honors, as well as a tapestry of campaign work for Round Table Pizza, SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Williamsburg and the Colorado Lottery, among others. Prior to, Pittroff spent eight years at Twist Film and most recently partnered with Station, Blair by his side all along and a key contributor to his success. Pittroff and BIair admit that it just made sense. The market is as opportunistic as ever, but those opportunities are atypical and can be fleeting. Working Stiff’s new model allows them to “yes” projects more often and faster. Being more nimble allows them to go after and accept a wide range of projects, and honor a loyal list of clients with the service they expect and deserve.
The company’s most recent Grip Limited collaboration for Dare Bear Paws with Pittroff at the helm and Blair behind the Producer wheel was all about trust. "I have worked with Grip quite a bit over the past few years and these spots are a culmination of that relationship,” shares Pittroff. “I am very proud of the campaign, and honored to be entrusted with such fresh creative.”
The spot introduces Dare Bear Paws Crackers, a bite-sized cheddar cracker made from natural ingredients. To Pittroff, it was imperative that the emotions of the characters came through clearly. Dad Fish’s paranoid realization that there is a New Bear In Town clearly posed a threat to the Goldfish family, as Mother and Daughter Fish are smitten by the strapping additions to their once quiet and boring street. Casting was one of the greatest challenges and unknowns of the job, as the entire cast was limited by the restrictions of their fabricated costumes. As such, the focus was on finding puppeteers and actors with movement training and costume experience, and guiding those actors’ improvisational efforts and mannerisms on set.
There were two main themes throughout the development and production process – over delivery and client love. As eager problem-solvers and ambitious modern-day renaissance men, Pittroff and Blair heightened production value, delivering several bits of bonus digital content, all while keeping within budget boundaries.
“We were incredibly happy and excited with the potential and with Working Stiff’s passion for the project,” says Grip Limited’s ACD Jeff Collins. “From sourcing the custom costume work, to driving through neighborhoods banging on doors looking for the perfect house, to rolling with the punches on the shoot days -- they worked brilliantly and they delivered.”
Credits
Client: Bear Paws
Spot Title: "New Neighbors" :30
Dare Foods Ltd.
VP Marketing: Tom Hare
Director of Marketing Brand Manager: Melissa McCauley
Brand Manager Cookies: Shelby Standring
Brand Manager Crackers & Fine Breads: Sandra Dallan
Advertising Agency: Grip Limited
Creative Partner: David Crichton
Associate Creative Director, Copywriter: Jeff Collins
Associate Creative Director, Art Director: Anton Ratinsky
DIR of Creative & Broadcast Services, Producer: Liz Crofton
Group Account Director: Stephanie Gordon
Account Director: Karlina Bear
Production Company: Working Stiff, Inc.
Director: Matt Pittroff
Producer: Steve Blair
Director Of Photography: Marc Laliberte Else
Editing: Grip Sound & Picture
Mark D’Amico, Editor
Post Production: Fort York VFX
About Working Stiff:
From traditional broadcast to active digital content, we have one focus: creating and telling engaging stories. In an ever-changing media landscape, that is the one constant that is never the second to technology, turnaround, or budget. Our approach to the work is founded on simple blue-collar principles. We take pride in delivering a specialized craft and we know that hard work pays off.
http://www.workingstiff-films.com/
# # #
Bios Director/Managing Partner Matt Pittroff:
Ever the eager problem-solver, Director Matt Pittroff’s innate positivity and flexibility turn challenges into exhilarating comedic adventures. Matt deftly balances the slightly absurd with reality to create an undeniably accessible brand of humor. Once described as having “just the right amount of OCD,” the smallest details tangibly elevate Matt’s work to another level. His prowess for comedic timing, and emphasis on crafting a clear and unified vision have led to successful campaigns for Hilton Honors, Bank of America, Firehouse Subs, McDonald’s, National Car Rental, and Ameristar Casinos to name a few. Matt has directed and produced work showcased in Creativity Online, AdWeek, SHOOT, and at Cannes, though his most noteworthy award to date is his coveted “World’s Greatest Director” mug, bestowed upon him by one of his favorite clients. Legend has it he has dropped this mug several times, and yet it will not break!
Executive Producer/Managing Partner Steve Blair:
Steve Blair brings over 20 years of experience to the table -- one typically loaded with tasty culinary concoctions. Producer, Writer, Chef and wearer of many rare, ill-fitting T-shirts, Steve is a modern-day renaissance man. His work ethic is paralleled only by his creativity, resourcefulness, and likeability. From potato chips to blue chips; each of Steve's producing credits has a story - a story that usually involves Steve saying the wrong thing at just the right time.