Of Lee and me

The timing was not ideal, but the tonic for my soul was perfect.

Following the disastrous Election Day last week, there was a special screening of the movie "Here's to the Crazy One." A celebration of Lee Clow, Chiat/Day, their collaboration with Apple and many of America's best brands and the making of advertising history. I don't know how it happened, but I was fortunate enough to play a very small role in it.

Come Wednesday morning and the incumbent hangover, I wasn't sure I wanted to go. But at the urging of Ms. Muse, who wisely said, "It'll be good for you to turn off the politics of the day, which you have no control of, and be with your people."

And it was. I reconnected with so many friends and colleagues of the past, people I hadn't seen in close to 25 years. And I had an opportunity to meet some new Chiat people from the era just before me. It was wonderful.

And the movie was great. 

I know I might be a little biased here, having put in a good 12- 20 years of my life into the place. Two stints on staff and many years as a freelancer/permalancer where I made enough money to ease some of the lasting pain and perceived slights I might have endured earlier. 

I say that in a loving -- and lucrative -- manner.

Assembled from historical Chiat footage, snippets of the legendary ads and the luncheons Lee conducted with many creative people who were in the trenches, like me, the movie takes us through a chronological and emotional 50 year journey. 

My favorite part was the new footage they shot of Lee visiting the old haunts. Though I wish there were more time at the Warehouse, the building where I got my start, my very excited and intimidated start, back in 1990. It's also where they filmed an episode of ThirtySomething (for you Boomers.)

Thankfully, our luncheon, discussing ABC and other assorted adventures, like trying to pee in a bucket while traveling cross country on a tiny Lear jet, ended up on the cutting floor. The last thing I wanted to see was a 50 lbs heavier version of myself who had clearly, and sloppily, indulged in too much day drinking.

But as I think back on the night I couldn't help but to be reminded that I had the opportunity to work with so many amazing, creative, intelligent people. Folks who know how to navigate intricate marketing challenges, summon the collective abilities of teams, and through determination and strategic maneuvering, produce results that stand the test of time. In other words, the industry's, and the nation's finest.

The auditorium was packed with them. All of them. 

As I embark on my own personal detoxification of Donald Trump, it was clear that any one of the people in that theater would be a better choice to lead our country. That includes the acne-scarred teenager who dished out the popcorn.