FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2006

Contact: Derek Lerner, GH avisualagency
718-388-5519 / info@ghava.com

GH avisualagency directs for Nokia Flagships

As Nokia pioneers new multimedia retail experiences in cutting-edge flagship stores worldwide, the art of shopping is illuminated. Carefully chosen amongst only a few leaders from the international vanguard of creative agencies, GH avisualagency was commissioned by Nokia to direct a series of unique shorts to play across an impressive array of high definition displays. With the conception and direction of a diverse range of content, GH shows its versatility by calling upon images that range from the minimalism of simple paper planes and frolicking kittens to the sublimity of fantastical landscapes and haute gastronomy.

PAPERPLANES:

PaperPlanes is an abstract metaphor for modern wireless communications through the use of paper airplanes. Flying gracefully across multiple screens, the planes symbolize digital signals floating in the air without hindrance, encompassing an atmosphere of fluidity, mobility, innocence and freedom. The sound track, composed by renowned sound designer Brian Emrich (Requiem for a Dream, Pi, Phone Booth, One Hour Photo) is simultaneously ethereal yet playful, enhancing the overall experience of dreamy weightlessness. PaperPlanes is evocative of the joys of childhood and how simple the world seemed when one was young. GH avisualagency conceived the piece as environmental therapy, providing a way to transcend the constant chaotic rigors of the outside world.

SUPERCUUUTE:

Initially inspired by South Park’s “Quest for Ratings” episode, Supercuuute is a study in the pure joy and delight that baby animals, specifically puppies and kittens, elicit from the viewer. Graphically shot against a black backdrop, the individual portraits of each little baby mesmerize and transfix one with the innocence and preciousness of new life. One cannot help but feel happy in the presence of such adorable creatures. GHava then juxtaposed each animal with a specific Nokia phone, alluding to each phone being like one’s new pet. Brian Emrich accentuates it all with his slightly nostalgic, exuberant soundtrack. Supercuuute is geared toward environmental therapy, based upon the idea that smiling releases endorphins in the viewer’s body, providing a natural high.

NOKIA IN WONDERLAND:

Nokia in Wonderland is a hallmark of GH avisualagency’s foray into the concept of environmental therapy. A breathtaking panorama of lush landscapes and organic textures, the piece provides the viewer with an escape from urban stress and density. Brian Emrich’s ambient soundtrack further heightens the experience of being transported to another world, a place filled with intoxicating greenery, spectacular vistas, and exotic wildlife. Nokia in Wonderland was created to offer a direct contrast to the sleek modern designed technology of Nokia products and store environment and provide an enjoyable calming experience for visitors.

DELICATESSEN:

Cinematic in its approach, Delicatessen associates the basic need for food to the indispensable necessity for constant communication. In an elaborate serving ritual that takes place between three characters, phones are mysteriously transformed into delectable epicurean treats. Essentially, it’s technology good enough to eat. As a sumptuous display of desire that draws on modern-day cravings for sophisticated technologies, Delicatessen is an elegantly stylized piece enticing the senses, which leaves the viewer wanting to savor more.

About GH avisualagency:
GH avisualagency, aka GHava, is a creative agency whose visual style is assembled from their lives and experiences - everything from fine art, music, contemporary design and social theory to the everyday object and situation. Starting out as Graphic Havoc, the collective of five has consistently explored the collaborative process and brought an artistic slant to their projects for such clients as Nokia, Apple, Adidas, Tylenol, Frito Lay, Cartoon Network, Warp Records, Triple Five Soul, Coca-Cola, CNN, MTV, VH1, USA Networks, Crispin Porter + Bogusky, Cover Girl, L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani, and Volkswagon. Their cover art for Prefuse 73's Surrounded By Silence, was included in The Greatest Album Covers of All Time (Scott, Grant, Barry Miles, and Johnny Morgan. New York, NY: Collins & Brown, 2005). GHava was also cited as one of 23 groundbreaking studios and individuals in Infiltrate: The Front Lines of The New York Design Scene (Gelman, Alexander, Nic Musolino, Helen Walters. New York, NY: Ginko Press, 2004).

GH avisualagency was formed in Atlanta in 1994 by Derek Lerner and Randall J. Lane. Over the next few years, David Merten, Peter Rentz, and Sadek Bazaraa came on board to complete the collective. The agency relocated to Brooklyn in 2000 and opened a Los Angeles studio in 2002.

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