Ad contests are one of my favorite things to do as a filmmaker – because prizes for the winners are awarded almost entirely upon merit. Back when PopTent was a thing, I won a few with them. Also, Tongal. Tongal is still going and keeping ad work fun and engaging for creatives.
Outside of contests, I also make ads for local market TV – I enjoy making these despite the budgets usually being the tiniest of tiny because the impact of an attention arresting ad upon a small business is enormous. It is the fuel for their own growth engine and helps them realize a more foundational dream.
The ads below are from my time at WWAY TV3 in Wilmington, NC. One-man band affairs all, these are the no-budget gems of local advertising.