Synergy Believes in Atlanta Synergy Believes in Atlanta Synergy Films succeeded on a handful of recent projects because of the combined energies and talents of many in the production community. The first was a national campaign for Ban Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant. Drew Fagan, from DFI Creative in Los Angeles, hired Synergy Films for Director George Watkins' skill at eliciting strong, realistic performances from actors. Production took place over six days, four on location and two in the studio. Locations included an urban loft, a downtown conference room, and a neighborhood ballet studio. Watkins, with Executive Producer Lynne Toll and Line Producer Mary Alice NeSmith, made the spots into more than a series of moving snapshots; they tell a story. Synergy values the Ban spots and considers it unique in this market that an L. A. company came to Synergy to produce in Atlanta: all cast and crew were Atlantans. Toll believes that it is a reaffirmation that advertising dollars can and should be spent in Atlanta.

Another campaign Synergy produced with Atlanta talents was for the NAMB (North American Mission Board). The commercials center around the theme of "Jesus 2000," communicating Jesus' message against a modern, lifestyle backdropped against the new millennium. For Synergy, the experience was another great collaborative effort between themselves, the client, crew and talent. The result is a series of spots that, very naturally, strike an emotional chord.

This year also marks Synergy's first foray into animation. They recently partnered with Click 3X and DESIGNefx to produce the live action portions of two animated commercials. Athalie White of Click 3X hired Synergy to work with Jack Nicklaus for a spot introducing the new "Air Bear" golf club. At Click 3X, Creative Director Jeff Doud designed the animation and Brett Gardy, 3-D Animation Director, created it. The second commercial blending live action and animation launched BI-LO's new BonusPoints program. Jim Peebles at DESIGNefx created clever, animated red spheres to portray the BonusPoints that interact with a shopper. To shoot the actress' parts, Kathleen Fitch, Coordinating Producer at Crawford Communications, worked with Synergy to ensure that the live action would complement the animation.

While it was good to break new ground, Synergy was also pleased to produce a commercial with longtime associates, Dollywood Marketing. Watkins directed Dolly Parton as she invited guests back for another season at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN. In the commercial, Ms. Parton acted as on camera presenter while some of country music's newest performers rehearsed in the background.

So, what's in store for the future? Synergy is looking forward to continuing their tradition of producing a variety of work, from commercials to original programming. Also, their commitment to production in Atlanta remains strong. Watkins and Toll feel that just as their clients support them, they want to continue helping to build this community. And as for inspiration, well, like Dorothy, Synergy really doesn't have to look any further than their own backyard.