Fischer Edit/FX Blog

Washington Lottery’s “Birds” edited by Fischer Edit’s Lindy Wilson took a Cannes Silver Lion last week, cementing its moniker as the spot that keeps on giving. Over 3, 400 spots were entered in the 2009 Cannes Lions – Advertising Festival, among them only 18 spots were from US agencies. “Birds” which originated from Publicis of the West, also took the title of “Best Entertainment & Leisure” spot in the world. The spot’s director Jerry Brown of Sticks + Stones studios was one of thirteen US directors to be recognized.

The Cannes Silver Lion is a major coup for Editor Lindy Wilson whose awards credits also include a Golden Bear, Clio and Emmy among others. “On this spot, I used my vast resource of storytelling skills that go back to my days as an editor at the Sundance Institute Feature Film Lab. I couldn’t be happier that “Birds” has been recognized for this many awards, and those of such great value to editors, directors and the advertising industry.”

This win follows its awards for “Best in Show” from the ADDY awards and “Best of Minneapolis” at the AICE show this spring.

  I love to tell stories.  A good story becomes a great story by the way it is told. When I saw the boards for the Washington State Lottery spot “Birds” from Scott Rausmassen and Jeff Siegle at Publicis West, I thought it was good story.  The challenge was how to tell it and make it a great story. 

  Creativity and excitement feed each other.  I met with Fischer Edit Producer Bill Rogina and Fischer FX artist Jake Parker.  I also had a conference call with Director Jerry Brown from Sticks ‘n Stones in Los Angeles.  Jerry and Jake talked a lot about the effects work and green screen and how to make it seamless and totally believable.  We could all sense this spot would be very cool.

  Building emotional impact, and making people feel something.  When I started editing with Jerry, it just clicked.  I had seen his reel and could tell what a great storyteller he was.  My editing background at The Sundance Institute, Moonstone, and the short films I have done, made me a good match with Jerry.  I love the little nuances and shots that give detail and propel the story forward. 

                                         Hang-gliders in Washington Lottery’s ad 

  As an editor I pull from personal experiences: with the “Birds” spot, it was flying lessons.  When I was getting some solo flight time out of the Crystal Airport in the Piper Tomahawk 2423November, I flew out west of Minneapolis to practice some maneuvers.  I was flying over a farmer’s fields practicing turns and then leveling the wings when I’d cross a road.  It was such a lovely free feeling out there, I was so into it.

  I decided I had better get back to the Crystal Airport. It was then that I realized I was so into the maneuvers I was lost! I thought quickly and pulled out the map from my flight kit to start looking for lakes, railroad tracks, freeways, etc.  I pulled it out and, WHOA, it’s for the Dallas /Ft Worth area!  After the initial shock, almost stalling, I kept my composure. I found the Albertville Water Tower and made it back to the Crystal Airport – and made a perfect landing!

It’s just like editing.  

- by Lindy Wilson, editor

Fischer Edit, Minneapolis, Minn.

www.lindywilson.com

View “Birds” here:

Washington Lottery’s “Birds” edited by Fischer Edit from Fischer Edit on Vimeo.