"Creation Begins"

Birth Films’s Adam Witten makes the server room sexy for this viral commercial. Originally done with Cisco in mind but they were not pleased and the logo has been removed from this version and is simply known as "Creation Begins"
New York, NY, August 31, 2008: New York based Re:Birth Films director Adam Witten launches the Cisco “Creation Begins” spec campaign, with a stylized new :60 "Creation" creative by The Cricket Club of New York. The spot, bolstering Cisco's claim that their hardware is the backbone of new creations, features Adam and Eve in the context of a server room finding a new view on an old story. The :60 is a 1-spot campaign, which also highlights Cisco's commitment to the human connection.

"Creation" opens on a seemingly sterile server room working silently. The scene cuts to a naked Adam just created on the floor. The parable continues with the servers coming to life, and Eve is born. As the computers work, even the snake is brought into being. With the scene set, within the wires and silicon, the players rush headlong to what appears to be a well known end; the expulsion of Adam and Eve. With Adam given the chance to make the same mistake twice, he decides that it is the human connection that makes creation great, not the technology that make it possible.
Credits:
Client: Viral re:birth films
Titles: :60 “Creation”
Production Company: Re:Birth Films Films, New York
Director: Adam Witten
DP: Derek McKane
Producer: Justin Havlik
Advertising Agency: The Cricket Club of New York
Creative Director: Roald R. van Wyk
Art Director: Your browser may not support display of this image. Robert Pascale
Editorial Company: Cosmo St., New York, Ny
Editors: Your browser may not support display of this image. Justin Quagliata
Music: Born Ruffians - I Need A Life (Four Tet Remix)

UPDATE: September 2, 2009

For Immediate Release
For More Information:
Tom Squires
(323) 761-0310


Cisco nixes Adam Witten’s sexy server room spec.

New York, NY, September 2, 2008: New York based Re:Birth Films newest work “Creation Begins” spec campaign, having made the jump from hugely popular to viral, has garnered the attention of Cisco Systems and has brought intense controversy. Cisco contacted Re:Birth Films on Tuesday and requested that its logo be removed. “I am as surprised as anyone,” said Adam Witten, the director of the spot, “It was never our intent to upstage Cisco - we had a great idea and felt they were a great brand to do a "test" for, if anything we should have been more clear its only a "test" - the response has actually been very positive.” The quality of the spot caused viewers to believe it was an actual commercial, and that it had been created at Cisco’s request.

Working under an unspoken agreement that brands look the other way about test work, new directors and agencies looking for a new direction regularly create edgy and unique spec work. It is used as a calling card and an exploration of new creative ideas. “Experimentation is vital to good creative,” said Roald R. van Wyk VP Creative Director at Publicis Modem. “Brands have so much to gain from test work, like Creation, it can go viral creating an exciting consumer dialog with the brand at the center. It’s worth more then almost any CPM.” When asked about the place for spec work in the industry, Jill Rothman, former Director of Production at JWT, said spec work “gives you the freedom to experiment with creative ideas.”

"Creation" the new and controversial work opens on a seemingly sterile server room working silently. The scene cuts to a naked Adam just created on the floor. The parable continues with the servers coming to life, and Eve is born. As the computers work, even the snake is brought into being. With the scene set, within the wires and silicon, the players rush headlong to what appears to be a well known end; the expulsion of Adam and Eve. With Adam given the chance to make the same mistake twice, he decides that it is the human connection that makes creation great, not the technology that make it possible.

ABOUT RE:BIRTH FILMS
Founded in 2002, New York based Re:Birth Films brings award-winning film making to all media platforms. Led by Adam Witten, the company’s imagery graces advertising for the likes of Scion, Geico, and Converse. Known for its holistic and nimble approach to production, the company’s off center visuals and creative have made a place for itself in the arena of new media.