Graf says he and Kallman have stayed in touch since they left
Chiat/Day, and when Kallman was in New York recently judging an
award show, Graf proposed that he join his new shop as ECD.
"When he offered me the opportunity to not only work for him
again, but also to be a part of starting something new that I
believe has the potential to be great, I was honored," says
Kallman. "It was a very hard decision to leave Wieden and I like
Portland very much. I've had the opportunity to work with so many
talented people on so many fun and challenging projects. Wieden has
treated me very, very well and I'll always be thankful for the
opportunities that [the agency] gave me. I'm not leaving because
there are any negatives at all about Wieden + Kennedy Portland; I'm
leaving because the opportunity to help Gerry Graf start and build
an agency is the most exciting opportunity I could ever imagine
being a part of. I'm more excited than when I was hired out of
school by Gerry the first time. I can't wait to get to work."
But one of the most difficult parts of the move will be his
split with partner Allen. "There is absolutely nothing that I will
miss more than working with Craig," Kallman says. "He's not only
one of the most talented people I've ever met in my life, he's one
of the best people as well as one of my closest friends."
As for what's in store for client Old Spice, Kallman says he and
Allen have a few more projects going into production soon. "I'm
sure that Old Spice will only continue to do great work for years
to come," he says.
Kallman will join BFG9000 on May 1. The agency now has a
full-time staff of eight and works for clients including Kayak,
Babyganics, a maker of green and baby-friendly household products,
and Diageo, on a project
basis.
Graf hung a banner from the roof of BFG9000's downtown Manhattan
HQ to commemorate the occasion.
See some of Kallman's work below.
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