Spacedog: A Digital Ideation Agency

Leomax Entertainment approaches Spacedog Entertainment to create a compelling story to act as the prequel to their next feature film, Walled In (based on the French novel Les Emmures, by Sergio Brussolo).

The franchise was created to generate further interest in the story surrounding Walled In and provide multiple touch points for consumers to tap into. Spacedog’s market penetration in the comic book and graphic novel community provides direct access into some of the most desirable and sought after demographics in advertising. The story is being released as a single graphic novel in 2008.

The movie is currently being filmed in Canada, and is being directed by Gilles Paquet-Brenner (UV, Pretty Things) and starring Mischa Barton (The OC, The Sixth Sense, Notting Hill) alongside co-stars Deborah Kara Unger (Payback, Sunshine), and Cameron Bright (Thank You for Smoking, X-Men: The Last Stand).

Walled In, the movie, follows engineering graduate Sam Walczak, a demolitions expert following in her family’s footsteps. Sam is hired to supervise the demolition of a mysterious building, an estate constructed long ago by the infamous architect Malestrazza, a man inspired by Egyptian sorcery to entomb his residents within the building’s very walls. Sam’s time inside Malestrazza’s home unveils unknown details of the architect’s life, and the long-forgotten secrets of his astonishing house.

Illustrated by the extremely talented Dennis Calero (Legion of Super-Heroes, Peter David’s current run on X-Factor), the series explores the life of Malestrazza, prior to the motion picture. The book is scheduled for a summer 2008 release. The movie - which is in post-production - is expected in fall 2009.

Did you know that it takes about the same amount of time to fly from California to Italy as it does to Sydney, Australia? (We knew b/c our clients are Qantas and Tourism Australia).

So, you would think that people would consider a one week trip to a city in Australia. Well, our clients Qantas Airways and Tourism Australia had found that most people didn’t think of Australia when considering one week vacation destinations.

Voila - The genesis of the “AussieWeek” campaign. Qantas and TA are running a multi-media campaign to help change perception about Australia and at the heart of the campaign is the AussieWeek website that showcases videos and testimonials from actual travelers who have gone down to Australia for a 1 week trip. The website is used as storytelling device to change perception…with the limits of a 30 second TV spot or a 12 second banner ad, the website is the perfect platform for getting the “story” across and engaging our target audience of California travelers.

Spacedog was the lead online creative agency, but we have to give credit where credit is due. We worked closely with M&C Saatchi and our friends at We Are Mammoth (back-end flash developers) to create this website. This is the 1st phase of the website and more will be rolling out soon…

OK, now check out the site and get on a Qantas plane down to Australia…

Sony Music Japan and Spacedog Entertainment have partnered to create a video featuring the music of J-Pop sensation HALCALI and specially created animation for the Spacedog’s newest release, eV, a manga developed by Spacedog, is being published through TokyoPop, the largest publisher of manga in the U.S. The story follows a teenage girl that is swept up in a worldwide effort to save the Earth from impending aliens. eV is written by Xombie’s James Farr and features art by Alfa Robbi.

HALCALI is a Japanese hip-hop duo consisting of two female members, Haruka and Yukari. In what started out as a contest for best female rapper, the group has pop-icon status sold out headlining shows and have recorded with many high-profile Japanese artists. At the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards Japan, HALCALI won “Best New Artist” for their song Strawberry Chips and “Breakthrough Video” for Giri Giri Surf Rider. Recently HALCALI was nominated by Shojo Beat in the third annual Shojo Beat Music Awards for “Best New Artist or Group.”

With HALCALI’s upcoming Japanese CD release and pending U.S. CD release, eV provided a unique opportunity to collaborate on a fun and unique element for fans of both genres. Spacedog worked closely with James Farr to produce video animation to set to HALCALI’s song Sister Ship, creating a video encompassing the youthful appeal of both eV and HALCALI.

The video is scheduled to debut in mid-March.

In a dual celebration of the holidays and competition, Spacedog recently completed it’s 2nd Annual SD Olympics. In a tight battle, Team Grey (led by yours truly Dustin Callif) defeated Team Black (led by my partner and losing captain, Roger Mincheff). In true Spacedog style, the events consisted of such tests of will and athletiscm as: Rochambeau (AKA, Rock Paper, Scissors), Mechanical Bull Riding, Laser Tag, Air Hockey and Family Feud.

Mark Kauffman was the overall individual winner and walked away with the coveted Olympics Champion trophy.

We’re all champions, just some a bit more than others Here are some pics from the Olympics.