Rich Mix Studios 14th March 2007

Ben Fender, Director of Drive Productions, was recently invited by Kikass to appear as a panel judge/mentor at their recent ‘stunt academy’ event. Ben accepted the invite and dutifully arrived at Rich Mix studios off Brick Lane, not entirely knowing what to expect.

The day started with an interesting talk from Andrew Bloch illuminating the importance of PR and the press to any marketing stunt, there was then an eye opening talk from Ian MacGregor, deputy editor of the Telegraph and finally Cat Botibol imparted information on how to deal with the production complications associated with this sort of activity.

“I found the whole event very inspiring” said Ben Fender, Kikass have managed to bring together 80 young people who have an interest in designing and producing street based Guerilla marketing stunts.

Ben was asked to help the ‘yoot’ to brainstorm an idea based around young people finding empowerment through financial freedom…to be a zeronaire, where they highlight information on how to shed debt and take control of your finances..to reach zero debt.

The day was wonderful because the participants were in no way held back by what is realistic or by budget. There was an amazing amount of undiluted creativity that came out.

Finally the teams had to present their concept/ strategy and budget to the panel of ‘Dragons’ The panel was made up of Ben Fender (Drive Productions), Andrew Bloch (Frank PR) and Kat Botibol (Pd3).

We were much nicer than the judges on X factor!

The big stunt is set to take place on 21st April ‘somewhere’ in London, and Drive Productions wish those participating in the activity the best of luck!

All participants and specialists are volunteers.

Abbey Road Studios 26th February 2007

For the last two years Drive has produced the Cancer Research UK Sound & Vision fundraising auction at the world famous Abbey Road Studios.

As last year, we suspended most of the framed artwork from a pair of 20m trusses using black steel cables and stage weights. This made the artwork appear to be floating, and not detracting from the original features of the studio walls. Add some clever lighting and the overall look was quite stunning.

The evening headed by a series of live performances by The All Saints, Skye (of Morcheeba) Mica Paris and Pete Tong, with DJ Spoony and Mica as hosts.

Skye

Spoony & Pete Tong

The All Saints rehearsing

We met Liam Gallagher lurking around the green room, “Day off then is it?” we asked, “Every day’s a f***ing day off!” he replied. He was suprised that a dinner jacket once owned and worn by John Lennon fetched less than £3500, especially when an enlarged Jason Joyce image of himself and his brother Noel fetched closer to £5000.

John Lennons actual dinner jacket – bargain!

Admittedly the Oasis portrait was one of the best pieces of the show, and rumoured to have been snapped up by a famous music promoter who is close to the band.

Top dollar went to a brilliant and rather huge photograph of Frank Sinatra by Terry O’Neill, taken on a boardwalk between shoots for one of the brat pack movies.

Other lots included handwritten lyrics by Nick Cave and Chris Martin, superb photographic images of – among many others – Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Queen, one of Madonnas baseball caps, and a slightly unflattering oil portrait of Natalie Appleton.

This years auction raised over £140,000, smashing last years record.

Old Billingsgate 17th January 2007

Following last year’s successful NMA event Drive again turned Old Billingsgate in to a daytime expo and conference, and on the same day transformed it in to a banqueting hall and after dinner bar for the evening event.

Situated on the banks of the Thames in the heart of the City, Old Billingsgate is a great venue oozing with character, but it is also highly adaptable. It was the perfect setting for this multi-functional event that took place over a whole day and evening.

Old Billingsgate riverside, with external uplighters and gobos

For New Model Adviser 2008 we will be creating a new look and feel for the event with some new features and a lot more exhibitors.

For more photos of this event see: http://www.citywire.co.uk/Blogs/MasteringYourBusiness/Entry.aspx?VersionID=88498

Merchant Taylor’s Hall

Citywire are a leading financial publishing organisation who host a large number of events around the UK and internationally.

As part of Drive’s growing roster for Citywire, we regularly visit the beautiful Merchant Taylor’s Hall in the heart of London’s financial district where we deliver their daytime ‘Cabinet’ events.

We use high end technology for a crisp live sound, on-screen camera feeds and Powerpoint presentations and media capture to digital stock.

Carling Academy Islington 1st September 2006

Drive Productions were proud to bring the first ever UK Air Guitar Championships to the masses at the Carling Academy Islington last year!

Press from The Guardian (click to enlarge)

With an old skool rock stage set and presented by the saucy Fancy Chance we really lifted the venue and the crowd. The air guitarists and (one air banjoist) were nothing short of awesome dude!

There is talk of a UK tour – so watch this space….