V: Art & Copy

The official synopsis goes as follows:-
ART & COPY is a powerful new film about advertising and inspiration. Directed by Doug Pray (SURFWISE, SCRATCH, HYPE!), it reveals the work and wisdom of some of the most influential advertising creatives of our time -- people who've profoundly impacted our culture, yet are virtually unknown outside their industry. Exploding forth from advertising's "creative revolution" of the 1960s, these artists and writers all brought a surprisingly rebellious spirit to their work in a business more often associated with mediocrity or manipulation: George Lois, Mary Wells, Dan Wieden, Lee Clow, Hal Riney and others featured in ART & COPY were responsible for "Just Do It," "I Love NY," "Where's the Beef?," "Got Milk," "Think Different," and brilliant campaigns for everything from cars to presidents. They managed to grab the attention of millions and truly move them. Visually interwoven with their stories, TV satellites are launched, billboards are erected, and the social and cultural impact of their ads are brought to light in this dynamic exploration of art, commerce, and human emotion.


Art & Copy is a slick and stylish documentary that focuses on the advertising history of America during the 20th century specifically when advertising became a massive part in american society, highlighting some of the most iconic moments in advertising with interviews from some of the big names in the industry.

Within the film we are subjected to commentary on multiple campaigns and how the creative minds
behind them gained the inspiration for the ideas as well as some input describing the cultural landscape of the time along with some talk on the background of these creative people, who have achieved legendary status within the advertising industry.

Inter cutting with these main sections are these highly interesting statistics that permeate throughout the film and adds important context into the advertising culture of today and how it affects society.
Such statistics include:
- The Global Advertising Business will exceed $544 Billion by 2010
- In the 70's the average city dweller received about 1000 advertising messages everyday; By 2009 it's closer to 5000
- Food Companies spent $32 Billion on advertising on 2008
- Car companies spent more than $15 Billion
- By 2008 Time Warner $8.8 Billion worth of advertising
- A 30 second Advertisement on American Idol costs $750,000
- Each year, the average child sees 20,000 TV commercial
- Americans see 61 minutes of ads each day
- 65% of Americans believe they are "constantly bombarded with too much" advertising

These statistics were to me the most eye opening moments of the film as it gives a more detailed picture of how large the advertising industry is and a more clearer idea of exposure in general. To me the most important statistics taken was the reaction of the general public (Americans in this case) to advertising exposure as more than half believe there is too much around. Since advertising relies on it's relationship to the public it is important to see why this is the case. By looking at the overall big picture, it is somewhat clear as to why the public thinks this way, the scope and saturation of advertising industry towards both people and businesses is just simply incredible as it is this constant thing playing it's part within today's society.

ART & COPY [FULL MOVIE]