(KANSAS CITY) – Barkley, one of the largest independent full-service advertising agencies in the U.S., has launched The Red Blue Project to combat sociopolitical stereotypes and encourage more thoughtful discussion of the issues that currently divide our nation. The idea was originated by Senior Copywriter Phil Gable and then set in motion by CEO and Chief Creative Officer Brian Brooker. Gable and Brooker then teamed up with DiMassimo in New York to launch www.redblueproject.org. The two agencies will continue collaborating across state and cultural lines to expand the project into other areas, including cable TV programming.
“I'm always encouraging teams to think beyond the assignment. In this case, Phil created the assignment," said Brian Brooker, CEO and Chief Creative Officer, Barkley. "The Red Blue Project is bigger than some TV ads. It's a movement. I look forward to seeing what it will become."
The Red Blue Project premieres this week with a series of television spots airing as public service announcements. The spots, which were created and written by Barkley, examine the very black and white (or, red and blue) way in which citizens view groups they oppose politically. The PSAs were directed by Jeremy Medoff of New York-based Foreign Media, Inc.
In addition to the spots, the web site www.redblueproject.org has been unveiled. The web site will host discussions that focus on finding the common ground on key issues and also allow visitors to view the television spots on demand. Barkley and Gable approached New York advertising agency DiMassimo to join forces for the development of the web site. "One of the ideals that we share with Barkley is that advertising agencies have a duty to use their powers for good. We love what we do for our clients every day. But we also want to bring those skills to bear on some issues that are bigger than advertising," said Mark DiMassimo, creative director, DiMassimo.
“Increasing the quality of debate will hopefully lead to the two sides finding some common ground. The Red Blue Project is policy-neutral in the sense that we're not hoping to push the country to the left, right, or even toward the center, just forward—out of the deadlock," said Phil Gable, senior copywriter, Barkley.
About Barkley:
Barkley is the largest employee-owned agency of its kind, with 2004 billings of $424 million. Founded in 1964, the company has 325 partners offering a full range of marketing communications services including advertising, public relations, events and sponsorships, relationship marketing, design, motion graphics, research and interactive marketing. Barkley is located in Kansas City with field offices across the nation. More info: www.barkleyUS.com
Headquartered on the internet with a field office in New York City, DiMassimo is a full-service marketing communications agency founded on the belief that the best way to build a client's business is to change the rules. For a change, visit us at dimassimo.com
