American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) recognizes Gotham Studios for exceptional work during its annual conference
Washington, DC – In its very first year in the political advertising space, Gotham Studios is thrilled to win a coveted Pollie Award, the industry’s highest honor bestowed upon political consultants at the national and international level. Gotham Studios received Bronze in the category of “Best Use of Humor” in a digital piece made for any Candidate Campaign, for its spot "Virginia Equals Florida." The award was bestowed at the annual meeting of the AAPC at the Capitol Hilton in Washington DC on April 18.
The Emmy-winning production company, based in Washington DC and San Francisco, specializes in comedy, documentaries, corporate video, reality TV, celebrities and live production. It was founded in 2001, but did not enter the political ad-making business until just last year.
“Humor is essential in political advertising,” said Gotham Studios Executive Producer Peter Nissen, who started his career at “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” and was on the founding production team of Comedy Central. “It lowers your guard, reframes reality so you see new truths and hypocrisies, and inspires shares.”
Studies confirm the beneficial effects of humor in political ads, by promoting political self-efficacy and boosting political participation. In particular, liberals have been shown to appreciate irony, while conservatives are seen to react more to exaggeration-based humor or hyperbole.
“We all know negative ads can work better than positive ones," said Nissen, "but well-executed humor can give you the best of both: promising a kiss, then delivering a punch.”
“Virginia Equals Florida” was produced for Virginia House of Delegates candidate Stephen MillerPitts in the crucial 75th District. It begins with the candidate: “Hey, Virginia: here’s some math!” A chalkboard appears and bursts into animated figures and drawings, starting with the formula “V=Y+R+D.” Professor MillerPitts (yes, he’s a professor) takes us through the scary implications of not voting for Democrats, swapping out variables until we’re left with “Virginia=Florida.” “That’s right,” he concludes: “math hurts. But voting doesn’t.”
About AAPC (American Association of Political Consultants)
Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. The AAPC Pollie Awards are the most recognized and prestigious awards program for political and public affairs communications professionals, honoring excellence in advertising for candidate campaigns, ballot initiatives, PACs, corporations, and PSAs. www.theaapc.org
About Gotham Studios
Founded in 2001 and based in Washington DC and San Francisco, Gotham Studios provides media production services to clients of every size. With their expertise in comedy and connections within the entertainment world, Gotham Studios has created a niche in the political world this cycle, providing a resource for any campaign that sees humor as a way to win elections. www.gothamstudios.com
Their slogan: Watch. Laugh. Vote.