• by Richard Whitman , Columnist, August 7, 2014

Looks like Wednesday night was the time to be an intern in the advertising and media business. Horizon Media hosted the industry's first intern reception at its New York headquarters. The Media and Advertising Intern Reception was created in partnership with MyersBizNet, a community of more than 200 corporate members. The event gathered more than 300 summer interns from across various media agencies, creative agencies, television networks, media sales and other ad industry workplaces. Of the event, Horizon Media Chief Talent Officer (didn't these people just used to be called HR Directors?) Eileen Benwitt said: "Every summer, carefully selected future rising stars join our industry's highly competitive internships. We want to roll out the red carpet for the leaders of tomorrow, and to give young talent the chance to network with peers and seasoned executives early in their careers." 

Speaking of interns, several at Bartle Bogle Hegerty created Tinder profiles for 10 "single" dogs from New York animal rescue league Social Tees to help hook them up with homes. The work was part of the agency's Barn Program, which encourages social good. So far, three of the dogs have hooked up but adoptions are not yet finalized. Of the project, BBH intern Alexis Mood said: “The dogs have love to give, and people on Tinder are looking for love anyway. It seemed like the perfect setup.” Hmm -- not sure this is the best use of Tinder. After all, dogs want permanent homes, not one-night booty calls.

LA-based David & Goliath has upped its game with three new hires. Joining the agency are former Leo Burnett and Saatchi LA Creative Director Dino Spadavecchia who will be Group Creative Director. Also joining are longtime creative partners Chris Hutchinson and Driscoll Reid who join the agency from TBWA\Chiat\Day where they were both associate creative directors. All three will focus their energies on the California Lottery, Kia and Vizio.

Who knew there'd be an opportunity for an agencyto focus on helping advertisers partner with YouTube sensations? Well, as the agency business crumbles, the smart ones are doing all they can to stay alive. Four digital media guys -- three from Saatchi & Saatchi and one from Maker Studios -- have launched Mozaic Branding. The company will act as a broker of sorts between marketers and YouTube creators to facilitate branded entertainment deals. The company's founders are Fran Solomita, who will be CEO; Peter Bray; Mike Bienstock; and Todd Grossman. Of the company's formation, Bray said, “These deals need shepherds…They need someone to make the deal important and someone who understands the pace. You’re not hiring actors to say words. You’re hiring influencers and their audiences.”

Update: An earlier Version of this column suggested interns were drinking at a major networking gathering in New York sponsored by Horizon Media and MyersBizNet. In fact, no alcohol was served at the event.