The Brief:
Via The Martin Agency, Cam DiNunzio of Black Iris composes the feeling of hope for Discover Card and Anonymous Content’s Christian Loubek. With a quaint acoustic guitar riff leading into the spot, the VO on Anthem admits it’s ok to want to buy things; however, we are urged to remember this material world of ours can stop being wonderful. In a world of consumerism, Discover does the opposite of what other creditors do – help us spend smarter.
From Black Iris:
“Long form spots are always a welcome challenge for us,” said composer Cam DiNunzio. Martin started out with a :60 spot which gave the Black Iris team some room to stretch their legs a bit more than usual. “It gave us the space to explore larger themes within the time frame, and the direction from the agency called for multiple levels and breaks with a final surge, which mirrors closely our songwriting endeavors outside spot work.” The reference track was much more minimal than what the client ended up going with, but the increased layers were no issue for the team. “You know, a lot of us grew up worshipping bands like Fugazi, and we’ve always been fans of Godspeed and Mogwai, so the concepts of tension and release through added textures are totally familiar. We definitely relish any chance to get back to banging on the guitars.”

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The Creds:
Client: Discover Card
Spots Title: Anthem :60
Air Date: August 2008

Agency: The Martin Agency
Partner/EVP/CD: Hal Tench
Sr. CW: David Muhlenfeld
VP/Associate CD: Kevin Ragland
Partner/Senior VP/Group Planning Director: Matt Williams
SVP/Management Supervisor: Chris Mumford
Project Manager: Danielle Cin
Broadcast Producer: Jenny Hollowell
Assistant Producer: Rebecca Gricus

Prod Company: Anonymous Content
Director: Christian Loubek
DP: Stephen McGeehee
EP: Jeff Baron
EP/Head of Commercials: Dave Morrison
Head of Production: Sue Ellen Clair
Producer: Jennifer Barrons

Editorial: MacKenzie Cutler, NY
Editor: Gavin Cutler
Assistant Editor: Erik Laroi

Telecine: Company 3
Colorist: Tim Masick

Visual Effects Company: King & Country, Santa Monica, CA

Music: Black Iris, NY, LA, VA
Composer: Cam DiNunzio

Audio Post/Sound Design: POP Sound, Santa Monica, CA
Sound Designer/Engineer/Mixer: Peter Rincon
About Black Iris:
With studios in NY, LA, and VA, Black Iris is a talented collective of true musicians rooted in the independent music scene, providing original compositions and scores for entertainment, advertising, and media. Because of their deep attachment and connection with the musical underground, the Black Iris label continues to offer fresh and unique sounds that stay ahead of current music trends.
Stemming from the music stages of Virginia, the group’s talent now has national reach, working across genres and actively touring the globe. Recently, Black Iris. musicians, songwriters, and composers have lent their musical dexterity, range, and perspective to agencies such as CP+B, Modernista!, The Martin Agency, Element 79, Publicis, Draft FCB, Saatchi & Saatchi, Lowe Worldwide, Hill Holliday, and brands such as Hummer, Gatorade, GMC, CVS, Miller, Quaker, Lowe’s, and Macy’s.

For more info, ping TRUST: 646.452.3388 (NY) | 310.451.5153 (LA) | trustcollective.com