Transformers action hits closer to home

Base jumpers coming off the top of the Trump building.

Full-on pyrotechnics on Wacker just east of us.
Guns and firepowers ablazing.
Explosion debris strewn across the street.

 Video Courtesy of John Bock

Just another typical work day at Gagen as the 2nd week of filming continues. Even Access Hollywood can't beat our bird's eye view!

Transformers 3 are here!

No, the robots aren't here (they're purely computer-generated, as the building chose to remind everyone in their note) but the crowds, cameras and commotion are all over the place!
Check out the scene they are filming in front of the Chicago Tribune building today:

Being downtown has its privileges!

Anne @ Work

 

We've all met or at least spoken to Anne Pendergrast, the newest member of the Gagen family. Here's a little more about her:

Tell us about your family and where you're from:

I grew up in Beverly, on the south side of Chicago. I'm from a large Irish family, that for themost part, grew up on the Southside as well. I am the youngest of three. 

 What makes you happy?

My family, friends and Martha (MacMorris)! 

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

"OMG" "No way.." and most recently "Where is your time?"

Favorite Chicago spots:

Wrigley Field, Grand Lux Café, and Maggianos.

Peter rocks @ Sun City

Sure it’s not the biggest venue he’s ever rocked. No, of course it doesn’t compare to jamming with Mick and Keith and the boys in Paris in ’74, or to opening for Bowie on the Ziggy Stardust tour. And yes, it’s true: he doesn’t always drink beer, but when he does, he prefers Dos Equis.

But, on a recent Tuesday night, when Peter D showed up in El Paso to help advance Gagen’s marketing and thought leadership efforts, he gave the “Sun City”  (seriously, that’s their nickname. I’m not making this up…) a show that no one in the audience will soon forget.

During an impromptu three song set, the musical bad boy put jaws on the floor as he showed off his range of vocal, lead guitar, and percussion talents, before closing out with a gripping rendition of The Beatles’ “Hey Jude.” As it turns out, Peter revealed that he has a special attachment to the song, since he inspired Paul to write it (“I am Jude – you knew that! Didn’t I mention that!?!”)

Like all great entertainers, Peter left the crowd wanting more, turning the set over to up-and-coming PlayStation3 sensation Catherine Gailey just as the show was peaking.

“Sometimes you have to let go to lead,” the rock / communications legend opined.

While his representatives refused to confirm an upcoming tour, Peter remains open to the idea of getting back out on the road.

“I hope that by this time next year, I can at least hit Lawrence, New York, D.C., Atlanta and San Francisco,” he said. “It really just depends on my bandwidth.”

Article by: Chandler Goodman
Photos by: Rose Gailey.

World Cup fever hits 35 East Wacker

With the World Cup having started this week, many of us are glued to the ESPN HD screen during the (occasional) 30 second break between client work. Newly minted football (soccer to the US citizens) fan Chandler comments on Thursday's action.

Where in the world is Gagen? - Mary Wallenfang @ APCO NY

This blog to date has been focused on what's going on in Chicago. We're such a dispersed and diverse group and our entries should be just like that. Beginning with Peter's post on Mack in Atlanta, we're continuing to showcase Gagen at work. Take a picture of your home office, or your space at the client's if you are embedded and set up a post yourself, or send it to me and I'll put it up.


Here's Mary Wallenfang in her new digs at APCO (Editor's comment: Feels like there should be a big welcome banner in the cube so we gave her one :)

Wade & Laurel have a new addition!

Just in time for Father's Day Wade has become the proud "father" of Mack - acquired from the local Animal Shelter in Atlanta. Here's Mack on his way home this afternoon. What a cutie!! What a great name!! And is it now Son&Son&Sons?