• by Larissa Faw , October 31, 2018

Happy Halloween. Not surprisingly, agencies are finding different ways to celebrate.

This year, MeringCarson (MC) encouraged employees and "friends of the agency" to create their own :06-second cinematic horror stories with the winning entry receiving $500. 

“The newest trend in media, the six-second commercial, is every creative’s worst nightmare," says Kerry Krasts, creative director/originator, MC. "So, this Halloween--a holiday dear to the agency--MeringCarson has decided to hold its first annual :06 Horror Film Festival."  

As to the prize money, Kasts added, “The economy is kinda scary these days, so cash seemed like the best way to go.”

This Horror Film Festival has its own logo and website. Judges include David Horton, Wolfgang LA creative director, Nick Spooner, a commercial and horror film director and Rocker Aguilar, “an average teenager from LA” who commented, "I was freaked out but, most of the films felt too long." There’s also a people's choice vote component.  

Another celebrant, Seed Factory, created a two-minute video that plays off the spooky environment of working late at the office all alone. The video captures the experience of a staffer at the Atlanta-based shop toiling until the wee hours amidst chairs moving and lights flickering. The big reveal at the end of the spot: “Not being able to work is scarier."

Chemistry’s Annual Halloween party pre-dates the existence of the agency itself, and has been a statement of Chemistry’s culture for almost 10 years. What initially started as a private Halloween party with a few friends, family and colleagues turned into a way to connect with existing clients and the advertising community, as a whole. 

The details are simple, wear a costume, drink, eat & enjoy the show. Each year, Chemistry awards the best costume, instilling a “do it better next year” mentality among its patrons.  "Each year, it’s a mish-mash of political, movie, horror and comedic costumes but the real jewel is the creativity that everyone brings to the table," says an agency representative.