Getty Images announced winners of the 2007 Group101Spots Director Showcase, in which emerging TV spot directors conceptualize and create a new reel in six months. Six winners were selected from 80 participants.
During the competition, the directors had access to Getty's stock library. The contest was juried by executives from industry institutions such as Adweek, Saatchi & Saatchi and Arnold Worldwide. Each of the winners received a $2,000 cash prize, and Getty is also showcasing the winning reels at its Web site.
Launched by production executive Dina Made-Gould of Subliminal and creative director Jeff Nicosia of Campbell-Ewald, Group101Spots is a career development program than mentors young commercial directors. The program challenges emerging filmmakers to "reinvent the reel" and has overseen the production of more than 300 new commercials since its inception in 2003.
According to Danielle Leeper, footage marketing manager for Getty Images, the program provides a forum to promote emerging talent. "An astounding 59% of Group101Spots directors have been signed to reputable production companies," she adds.
Getty Images does not just support this program financially, it also uses the opportunity to bring on board new directorial talent for its own roster of contributors. Of this year's featured directors, Jeremy Russell, Adam Witten, Joseph Lee, David Weinstock and Leo Zanis have signed on as contributors for Getty Images, Leeper said.